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20 pages, 8273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Porosity–Water/Binder Index for Prediction of Strength and Stiffness of Cemented Sands: A Comparative Study

by Jesús Alberto Alcalá Vergara, Luis Carlos Suárez López, Yamid E. Nuñez de la Rosa, Oriana Palma Calabokis and Jair de Jesús Arrieta Baldovino

Materials 2025, 18(2), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020268 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Artificial sand cementation improves stability, stiffness, and mechanical strength, making it a critical process in geotechnical applications. This study analyzes the capability of the porosity–water/binding agent index

(η C_{w} / B_{i v})

to predict cemented sands’ unconfined compressive strength [...] Read more.

Artificial sand cementation improves stability, stiffness, and mechanical strength, making it a critical process in geotechnical applications. This study analyzes the capability of the porosity–water/binding agent index

(η C_{w} / B_{i v})

to predict cemented sands’ unconfined compressive strength

(q_{u})

and stiffness

(G_{o})

. Four Colombian sands, i.e., Luruaco, Medellín, Lorica, and Bogotá (stabilized with Portland cement), and were compared with three Brazilian sands: i.e., Osorio, Porto Alegre, and Rio Pardo were evaluated, stabilized with combinations of carbide lime and glass powder, using varying binder contents and a curing period of seven days subjected to ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The results indicate that incorporating water content into the index significantly enhances predictive accuracy, achieving R² values above 0.94 for Colombian sands and considerably better fits for Brazilian sands than the traditional porosity/binder index. This new alternative provides an appropriate parameter for representing the small-strain stiffness and unconfined compressive strength of artificially cemented sands stabilized with various types of binders. Furthermore, the new index proved to be more effective in predicting the behavior of uniform and loose-graded sands, such as those from Bogotá and Lorica, which rely more heavily on binder volume and water content to achieve greater strength and stiffness. Lastly, the predictive model, validated against experimental results, achieved reliability indices (R²) of 0.9791 for stiffness and 0.9799 for strength prediction. Full article

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12 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Nuclear Chart via Precision Mass Spectrometry with the TITAN MR-TOF MS

by Annabelle Czihaly, Soenke Beck, Julian Bergmann, Callum L. Brown, Thomas Brunner, Timo Dickel, Jens Dilling, Eleanor Dunling, Jake Flowerdew, Danny Fusco, Leigh Graham, Zach Hockenbery, Chris Izzo, Andrew Jacobs, Brian Kootte, Yang Lan, Stephan Malbrunot-Ettenauer, Fernando Maldonado Millán, Ali Mollaebrahimi, Erich Leistenschneider, Eleni Marina Lykiardopoulou, Ish Mukul, Stefan F. Paul, Wolfgang R. Plaß, Moritz Pascal Reiter, Christoph Scheidenberger, James L. Tracy, Jr. and A. A. Kwiatkowski Show full author list Hide full author list

Atoms 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/atoms13010006 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Isotopes at the limits of nuclear existence are of great interest for their critical role in nuclear astrophysical reactions and their exotic structure. Experimentally, exotic nuclides are challenging to address due to their low production cross-sections, overwhelming amounts of contamination, and lifetimes of [...] Read more.

Isotopes at the limits of nuclear existence are of great interest for their critical role in nuclear astrophysical reactions and their exotic structure. Experimentally, exotic nuclides are challenging to address due to their low production cross-sections, overwhelming amounts of contamination, and lifetimes of typically less than a second. To this end, a Multiple-Reflection Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer at the TITAN-TRIUMF facility was built to determine atomic masses. This device is the preferred tool to work with exotic nuclides due to its ability to resolve the species of interest from contamination and short measurement cycle times, enabling mass measurements of isotopes with millisecond half-lives. With a relative precision of the order 10⁻⁷, we demonstrate why the TITAN MR-TOF MS is the tool of choice for precision mass surveys for nuclear structure and astrophysics. The capabilities of the device are showcased in this work, including new mass measurements of short-lived tin isotopes (^104–107Sn) approaching the proton dripline as well as ⁸⁹Zr, ⁹⁰Y, and ⁹¹Y. The last three illustrate how the broadband surveys of MR-TOF MS reach beyond the species of immediate interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ion Trapping of Radioactive Ions)

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16 pages, 3751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Reproductive Strategies and Immunological Interactions in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis-Resistant Japanese Tree Frogs

by Ji-Eun Lee, Jun-Kyu Park and Yuno Do

Animals 2025, 15(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020154 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated as an agent of acute declines in amphibian populations worldwide. East Asian amphibians have been coexisting with Bd for long periods and thus are considered resistant; among the many is the [...] Read more.

The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated as an agent of acute declines in amphibian populations worldwide. East Asian amphibians have been coexisting with Bd for long periods and thus are considered resistant; among the many is the Japanese tree frog, Dryophytes japonicus. Our study focused Bd infection effects on reproductive behaviors and physiological parameters in D. japonicus as a function of better understanding the chronic effect of the disease on long-term population viability. During the peak breeding season, we captured 70 males and quantified the chorus size, calling behaviors, physiological states, innate immunity, and sperm quality of individuals. In a simple comparison, all parameters were not significantly different. However, in the NMDS analysis, we were able to confirm subtle trends in some items according to infection and correlations between several items. Importantly, sperm density and sperm vitality tend to increase with Bd infection load, suggesting increased reproductive effort following infection. Additionally, this analysis indicated that innate immunity was positively related to Bd infection intensities, indicating the activation of immunity upon infection. These findings indicate that Bd-resistant D. japonicus maintains reproductive capabilities and physio-logical stability despite Bd infection, likely due to a co-evolved immune system. The present work offers insight into how amphibian populations may have some endurance in the presence of Bd and points out the importance of studying resistant species as a means to understand long-term ecological effects. Our results suggest that resistance to Bd may not simply prevent cata-strophic declines but actively contribute to the dynamics of Bd prevalence in amphibian communities, and confer implications for conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Herpetology)

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23 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ASDNet: An Efficient Self-Supervised Convolutional Network for Anomalous Sound Detection

by Dewei Kong, Guoshun Yuan, Hongjiang Yu, Shuai Wang and Bo Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020584 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Anomalous Sound Detection (ASD) is crucial for ensuring industrial equipment safety and enhancing production efficiency. However, existing methods, while pursuing high detection accuracy, are often associated with high computational complexity, making them unsuitable for resource-constrained environments. This study proposes an efficient self-supervised ASD [...] Read more.

Anomalous Sound Detection (ASD) is crucial for ensuring industrial equipment safety and enhancing production efficiency. However, existing methods, while pursuing high detection accuracy, are often associated with high computational complexity, making them unsuitable for resource-constrained environments. This study proposes an efficient self-supervised ASD framework that integrates spectral features, lightweight neural networks, and various anomaly scoring methods. Unlike traditional Log-Mel features, spectral features retain richer frequency domain details, providing high-quality inputs that enhance detection accuracy. The framework includes two network architectures: the lightweight ASDNet, optimized for resource-limited scenarios, and SpecMFN, which combines SpecNet and MobileFaceNet for advanced feature extraction and classification. These architectures employ various anomaly scoring methods, enabling complex decision boundaries to effectively detect diverse anomalous patterns. Experimental results demonstrate that ASDNet achieves an average AUC of 94.42% and a pAUC of 87.18%, outperforming existing methods by 6.75% and 9.34%, respectively, while significantly reducing FLOPs (85.4 M, a 93.81% reduction) and parameters (0.51 M, a 41.38% reduction). SpecMFN achieves AUC and pAUC values of 94.36% and 88.60%, respectively, with FLOPs reduced by 86.6%. These results highlight the framework’s ability to balance performance and computational efficiency, making it a robust and practical solution for ASD tasks in industrial and resource-constrained environments. Full article

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20 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Performance and Health in Elite Hungarian Athletes: The Relationship Among Disordered Eating Risk, Body Composition, and Nutrition Knowledge

by Réka Erika Kovács, Merve Alpay, István Karsai, Gusztáv József Tornóczky, Andrea Petróczi and Szilvia Boros

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020231 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED) can negatively impact athletes’ health, wellbeing, and athletic performance. Objective: this cross-sectional study aims to assess DE risk, body composition, and nutrition knowledge among elite Hungarian athletes. Methods: DE risk was assessed using DESA-6H and [...] Read more.

Background: disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED) can negatively impact athletes’ health, wellbeing, and athletic performance. Objective: this cross-sectional study aims to assess DE risk, body composition, and nutrition knowledge among elite Hungarian athletes. Methods: DE risk was assessed using DESA-6H and EAT-26 scales, nutrition knowledge through the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ), and body composition with the OMRON BF511 device. The data were analyzed using Kendall’s tau correlations, Mann–Whitney U tests, and ROC analysis. Results: a total of 71 athletes participated (39.4% males, mean age = 24.8 years, SD = 4.8 years and 60.6% females, mean age = 24.3 years, SD = 4.3 years). At-risk scores on the DESA-6H scale were recorded for nine athletes (12.7%), while 32.4% scored in the risk zone on the EAT-26, with female athletes in aesthetic, endurance and weight-dependent sports being most affected. Low BF was observed in four males and four females. Nutrition knowledge (49.1%) was below the acceptable threshold. DESA-6H significantly correlated with EAT-26 scores, BMI, sports nutrition knowledge, and A-NSKQ total scores. A statistically significant difference by gender was found in the EAT-26 total score (p = 0.019, d = 0.65). Risk groups significantly differed in A-NSKQ scores (p = 0.026, d = 0.511) and sport nutrition knowledge, specifically (p = 0.016, d = 0.491). Using EAT-26 to identify at-risk athletes and the DESA-6H recommended cut-off, the ROC analysis showed a sensitivity of 29.1% and a specificity of 95.7%. Conclusions: insufficient nutrition knowledge plays a role in being at-risk for DE and ED. These results underscore the need for early detection, early sport nutrition education across all elite athletes, with particular attention to female athletes in aesthetic, endurance and weight-dependent sports, and for monitoring these athletes to prevent DE. Further work is warranted to optimize screening tools such as EAT-26 and DESA-6H for elite athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport Nutrition Knowledge: Diet, Energy, Recovery and New Perspectives Related to Health and Performance)

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17 pages, 5012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of the NHX Gene Family and Its Regulation Under Salt and Drought Stress in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

by Yalla Santhoshi, Asha Bindhu Anjana, Harshvardhan Zala, Tejas Bosamia, Kapil Tiwari, Ketan Prajapati, Pranay Patel, Nishit Soni, Nitin Patel, Satyanarayan Solanki and Ulhas Sopanrao Kadam

Genes 2025, 16(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16010070 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought significantly constrain crop cultivation and affect productivity. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a facultative halophyte, exhibits remarkable tolerance to drought and salinity stresses, making it a valued model for understanding stress adaptation mechanisms. The [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought significantly constrain crop cultivation and affect productivity. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a facultative halophyte, exhibits remarkable tolerance to drought and salinity stresses, making it a valued model for understanding stress adaptation mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize Sodium/Hydrogen antiporter (NHX) genes from the quinoa genome and study their role in stress tolerance. Methods: We identified and characterized 10 NHX genes from the quinoa genome, which belong to the monovalent cation/proton antiporter 1 (CPA1) superfamily. Comprehensive analysis, including phylogenetic relationships, motif patterns, and structural characteristics, was performed to classify these genes into three subfamilies. Physicochemical properties such as isoelectric point (pI), GRAVY, and transmembrane domains were examined. Promoter analysis was conducted to identify cis-elements linked to abiotic stress responses, phytohormone signalling, and light regulation. qPCR analysis was used to assess the differential expression patterns of CqNHX genes under salt and drought stress. Results: The analysis revealed that the NHX genes were divided into three subfamilies localized to vacuolar, plasma, and endosomal membranes. These genes exhibited structural and functional diversity. Promoter analysis indicated the presence of cis-elements associated with abiotic stress responses, phytohormone signalling, and light regulation, suggesting diverse regulatory roles. qPCR analysis revealed differential expression patterns of CqNHX genes under salt and drought stress, with vacuolar NHXs showing higher induction in leaf tissues under salinity. This underscores their critical role in sodium sequestration and ion homeostasis. Evolutionary analysis indicated a high degree of conservation within subfamilies, alongside evidence of purifying selection. Conclusions: The findings enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of stress tolerance in quinoa and provide valuable targets for genetic engineering to improve crop resilience to environmental challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

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18 pages, 3905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methyl Canthin-6-one-2-carboxylate Inhibits the Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Synovial Macrophages by Upregulating Nrf2 Expression

by Yuanyuan Chen, Zongying Zhang, Yuan Yao, Xiaorong Zhou, Yong Ling, Liming Mao and Zhifeng Gu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010038 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that leads to severe cartilage deterioration and synovial impairment in the joints. Previous studies have indicated that the aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in synovial macrophages plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of RA [...] Read more.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that leads to severe cartilage deterioration and synovial impairment in the joints. Previous studies have indicated that the aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in synovial macrophages plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of RA and has been regarded as a therapeutic target for the disease. In this study, we synthesized a novel canthin-6-one alkaloid, namely methyl canthin-6-one-2-carboxylate (Cant), and assessed its effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Our data reveal that exposure to Cant significantly suppressed the transcription and secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, NO, and COX2, in a dose-dependent manner. These alterations were associated with changes in the activation of various signaling pathways, including NF-kB, MAPK, and PI3K-AKT pathways. Notably, pretreatment with Cant significantly reduced LPS/ATP-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, as evidenced by the decline in the cleaved forms of IL-1β and caspase-1 in cell culture supernatants of BMDMs. Regarding the mechanisms, our data show that Cant could enhance the expression of Nrf2 in macrophages, which play an inhibitory role in ROS production. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Cant might suppress the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by upregulating the production of Nrf2, suggesting that Cant could serve as a candidate for the further development of anti-RA drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactives in Inflammation)

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12 pages, 2281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CD40 Ligand Potentiates Immunogenecity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Subunit Vaccine Candidate in a Murine Model

by Jinqi Shu, Gaojian Li, Jianhong Shu, Huapeng Feng and Yulong He

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010037 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) infection severely affects the daily weight gain and feed-to-meat ratio of pigs, while secondary infections with other pathogens can further lead to increased mortality, causing significant economic losses to the pig industry. CD40L is a molecular adjuvant that enhances the [...] Read more.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) infection severely affects the daily weight gain and feed-to-meat ratio of pigs, while secondary infections with other pathogens can further lead to increased mortality, causing significant economic losses to the pig industry. CD40L is a molecular adjuvant that enhances the cellular and humoral immune responses to vaccines. In this study, the CD40L peptide was fused to the C-terminus of the chimeric P97R1P46P42 protein by genetic engineering using the pFastBac Dual vector. The recombinant chimeric protein P97R1P46P42 and its fusion P97R1P46P42-CD40L were expressed in Sf9 cells and purified. Mice were immunized with P97R1P46P42 or its fusion protein. Seppic ISA 201 emulsified protein, conventional Mhp vaccine and PBS control groups were included. Immunogenecity was assessed by specific IgG antibody response, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine IL-4 and IFN-γ levels. We found that CD40L fusion significantly enhanced specific antibody response, lymphocyte proliferation and IL-4 level in the immunized mouse sera as compared to the P97R1P46P42 or conventional vaccine group. This study provides clear evidence that CD40L potentiates the humoral and cellular immune responses to the Mhp chimeric protein P97R1P46P42 in the mouse model. This CD40L-fused chimeric protein could be a MPS subunit vaccine candidate to be tested for its efficacy in pigs in response to challenges with pathogenic Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain(s). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recombinant Proteins for Molecular Biology Research: Technologies and Applications)

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13 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generic Equations for Long Gravity Waves in Incompressible Fluid with Finite Amplitude

by Vladimir I. Kruglov

AppliedMath 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedmath5010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

We present the derivation of generic equations describing the long gravity waves in incompressible fluid with a decaying effect. We show that in this theory, the only restriction to the surface deviation is connected to the stability condition for the waves. Derivation of [...] Read more.

We present the derivation of generic equations describing the long gravity waves in incompressible fluid with a decaying effect. We show that in this theory, the only restriction to the surface deviation is connected to the stability condition for the waves. Derivation of these generic equations is based on Euler equations for inviscid incompressible fluid and the definition of dynamic pressure which leads to a correct dispersion equation for gravity waves. These derived generic equations for the velocity of fluid and the surface deviation describe the propagation of long gravity waves in incompressible fluid with finite amplitude. We also find the necessary and sufficient conditions for generic equations with dissipation of energy or a decaying effect. The developed approach can significantly improve the accuracy of theory for long gravity waves in incompressible fluid. We also find the quasi-periodic and solitary wave solutions for generic equations with a decaying effect. Full article

18 pages, 2252 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Strong Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase by Selected Indonesian Medicinal Plants as Anti-Obesity Agents

by Min Rahminiwati, Dyah Iswantini, Trivadila, Rut Novalia Rahmawati Sianipar, Rani Melati Sukma, Susi Indariani and Anggia Murni

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010039 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat, potentially leading to degenerative diseases. Pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for converting 50–70% of dietary fat into monoglycerides, free fatty acids, and various other smaller molecules, plays a crucial role in fat metabolism. Therefore, [...] Read more.

Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat, potentially leading to degenerative diseases. Pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for converting 50–70% of dietary fat into monoglycerides, free fatty acids, and various other smaller molecules, plays a crucial role in fat metabolism. Therefore, this study aimed to review selected Indonesian medicinal plants with the potential to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic lipase enzyme. The results showed that kunci pepet (Kaempferiae angustifolia Rosc.), asam gelugur (Garcinia atroviridis), temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), jombang (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg), pegagan (Centella asiatica), and pala (Myristica fragrans) had strong inhibitory effects, exceeding 50% for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the potential of these medicinal plants as anti-obesity treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight: Enzymes as Targets for Drug Development, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2309 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Micellization and Physicochemical Properties of CTAB in Aqueous Solution: Interfacial Properties, Energetics, and Aggregation Number at 290 to 323 K

by Bappaditya Naskar

Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9010004 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

This work reports a detailed investigation of the micellization of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) over the temperature range of 290–313 K. Conductometry, tensiometry, fluorimetry, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) were used to study the overall solution behavior of amphiphilic self-aggregation. The [...] Read more.

This work reports a detailed investigation of the micellization of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) over the temperature range of 290–313 K. Conductometry, tensiometry, fluorimetry, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) were used to study the overall solution behavior of amphiphilic self-aggregation. The CMC values showed a trend of first declining and then rising with a minimum temperature of 298 K. The adsorption at the air–water interface and micellization processes of CTAB are both spontaneous. The enthalpy of CTAB micellization is negative at 290 K and increases negatively as the temperature rises. The interfacial parameters—maximum surface excess concentration (Γ_max), minimum area per molecule (A_min), standard free energy of adsorption (A_min), and surface pressure at CMC (Π_CMC)—were calculated using surface tension data. The aggregation numbers (N) of CTAB micelles and others (SDS and CHAPS) determined at different [surfactant]>CMC by the static fluorescence quenching method were used to find out the N values at CMC (or N^CMC). The results revealed that the N^CMC values were 48, 54, and 4 for CTAB, SDS, and CHAPS micelles, respectively. Temperature-dependent N^CMC by the ITC method was also examined for the studied surfactants. Additionally, the ITC-determined specific heat of micellization was used to find out the extent of water penetration into the micelle interior of up to 8, 7, and 3 hydrocarbons for CTAB, SDS, and CHAPS, respectively. Full article

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15 pages, 2245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of an Upgraded Virtual Reality Platform Designed for Real-Time Dialogical Psychotherapies

by Taylor Simoes-Gomes, Stéphane Potvin, Sabrina Giguère, Mélissa Beaudoin, Kingsada Phraxayavong and Alexandre Dumais

BioMedInformatics 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedinformatics5010004 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: The advent of virtual reality in psychiatry presents a wealth of opportunities for a variety of psychopathologies. Avatar Interventions are dialogic and experiential treatments integrating personalized medicine with virtual reality (VR), which have shown promising results by enhancing the emotional regulation of [...] Read more.

Background: The advent of virtual reality in psychiatry presents a wealth of opportunities for a variety of psychopathologies. Avatar Interventions are dialogic and experiential treatments integrating personalized medicine with virtual reality (VR), which have shown promising results by enhancing the emotional regulation of their participants. Notably, Avatar Therapy for the treatment of auditory hallucinations (i.e., voices) allows patients to engage in dialogue with an avatar representing their most persecutory voice. In addition, Avatar Intervention for cannabis use disorder involves an avatar representing a significant person in the patient’s consumption. In both cases, the main goal is to modify the problematic relationship and allow patients to regain control over their symptoms. While results are promising, its potential to be applied to other psychopathologies, such as major depression, is an exciting area for further exploration. In an era where VR interventions are gaining popularity, the present study aims to investigate whether technological advancements could overcome current limitations, such as avatar realism, and foster a deeper immersion into virtual environments, thereby enhancing participants’ sense of presence within the virtual world. A newly developed virtual reality platform was compared to the current platform used by our research team in past and ongoing studies. Methods: This study involved 43 subjects: 20 healthy subjects and 23 subjects diagnosed with severe mental disorders. Each participant interacted with an avatar using both platforms. After each immersive session, questionnaires were administered by a graduate student in a double-blind manner to evaluate technological advancements and user experiences. Results: The findings indicate that the new technological improvements allow the new platform to significantly surpass the current platform as per multiple subjective parameters. Notably, the new platform was associated with superior realism of the avatar (d = 0.574; p < 0.001) and the voice (d = 1.035; p < 0.001), as well as enhanced lip synchronization (d = 0.693; p < 0.001). Participants reported a significantly heightened sense of presence (d = 0.520; p = 0.002) and an overall better immersive experience (d = 0.756; p < 0.001) with the new VR platform. These observations were true in both healthy subjects and participants with severe mental disorders. Conclusions: The technological improvements generated a heightened sense of presence among participants, thus improving their immersive experience. These two parameters could be associated with the effectiveness of VR interventions and future studies should be undertaken to evaluate their impact on outcomes. Full article

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16 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Architectural Styles on Acoustic Characteristics in Selected European Churches

by Samantha Di Loreto, Mariano Pierantozzi, Valter Lori and Fabio Serpilli

Architecture 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study explores the acoustic properties of European Churches, influenced by architectural design, historical context, and spatial configurations. A comparative analysis of 83 Churches from different regions and periods combines literature reviews and empirical data to understand the interplay between architecture and acoustics. [...] Read more.

This study explores the acoustic properties of European Churches, influenced by architectural design, historical context, and spatial configurations. A comparative analysis of 83 Churches from different regions and periods combines literature reviews and empirical data to understand the interplay between architecture and acoustics. Key geometric parameters—volume, surface area, length, height, and aisle count—were compared with acoustic metrics to provide a comprehensive view of these sacred spaces. The study identified the key factors influencing acoustic characteristics, uncovering significant variability within the same architectural style. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) further highlighted distinct patterns and outliers, showing that Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern architectural styles possess unique acoustic signatures. These findings challenge the assumption of uniform acoustics within similar styles, revealing that even minor architectural differences can substantially impact sound behavior. Outliers were particularly informative, representing Churches with unique acoustic properties, which shed light on how specific design elements affect sound propagation. The study underscores the complexity of the relationship between architecture and acoustics in Churches and suggests that further research should consider both quantitative measures and subjective experiences to fully capture the acoustic environment of these historic spaces. Full article

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11 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Trends in Biologic Prescriptions for Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Sunimal Fernando, Reeham Abu-Rgeef, Shankar Menon, Kenji So, Kannan Venugopal and Sherman Picardo

Gastroenterol. Insights 2025, 16(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent16010004 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Biologic therapies, such antitumour necrosis factor-alpha agents (infliximab and adalimumab), as well as newer agents (ustekinumab and vedolizumab), all have well-demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The choice of an optimal first-line biologic remains unclear [...] Read more.

Background: Biologic therapies, such antitumour necrosis factor-alpha agents (infliximab and adalimumab), as well as newer agents (ustekinumab and vedolizumab), all have well-demonstrated safety and efficacy profiles in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The choice of an optimal first-line biologic remains unclear due to a lack of comparative randomised trials and real-world studies; however, certain patient and disease characteristics may influence this choice. The aims of this study were to explore temporal trends in the choice of a first-line biologic therapy and the factors that influence this choice. Methodology: This study is a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients with IBD who commenced induction and completed at least one maintenance dose of a biologic therapy between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. Relevant patient and disease-specific factors were collected, including history of malignancy and opportunistic infections at time of diagnosis, for each eligible patient. Factors affecting the choice of biologic therapy were compared using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: 280 patients were included in the study. Ustekinumab has overtaken infliximab and adalimumab as the first-line choice for Crohn’s disease since its introduction in 2018. Infliximab has remained the preferred first-line therapy for ulcerative colitis over adalimumab and vedolizumab. Ustekinumab has become he preferred biologic agent for older patients and those with a history of malignancy. Conclusions: Whilst an older agent such as infliximab is still preferred for the management of UC, novel agents such as ustekinumab are now more readily considered as a first-line agent for the management of CD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastrointestinal Disease)

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19 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimizing Nutrient Availability in Decoupled Recirculating Aquaponic Systems for Enhanced Plant Productivity: A Mini Review

by Abdel Razzaq Al Tawaha, Puteri Edaroyati Megat Wahab and Hawa ZE Jaafar

Nitrogen 2025, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6010003 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Nutrient management in coupled aquaponic systems presents significant challenges due to competing requirements between fish and plant production within a single-loop framework. These challenges often result in suboptimal nutrient concentrations, compromised system efficiency, and reduced yields. This critical review examines the Decoupled recirculating [...] Read more.

Nutrient management in coupled aquaponic systems presents significant challenges due to competing requirements between fish and plant production within a single-loop framework. These challenges often result in suboptimal nutrient concentrations, compromised system efficiency, and reduced yields. This critical review examines the Decoupled recirculating aquaponics system (DRAPS) as an innovative solution that separates fish and plant nutrient cycles while maintaining water recirculation benefits. This study provides a comprehensive review of DRAPS, emphasizing how its decoupled structure enhances nutrient management and promotes sustainable production. It specifically evaluates the ability of DRAPS to optimize macronutrient and micronutrient levels, control agronomic factors independently, and improve both nutrient and water use efficiency. Additionally, this review highlights the advantages of using urea as a nitrogen source, which can enhance plant productivity without compromising fish health. The findings indicate that the loops of DRAPS facilitate customized nutrient concentrations, fostering optimal growth conditions for both plants and fish. By safely incorporating urea as a nitrogen source, DRAPS increases plant productivity while reducing the risk of ammonia toxicity for fish. Furthermore, independent control over agronomic factors enhances nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and water use efficiency. This approach minimizes the risks of cross-toxicity and enables higher levels of essential micronutrients, such as iron and nickel, which are beneficial for plant health but can be toxic in coupled systems. DRAPS signifies a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions with limited water and land resources. By optimizing nutrient management and supporting the high-density production of plants and fish, DRAPS presents a scalable, resource-efficient model that aligns with sustainable development goals. Its capacity for precise nutrient control with minimal environmental impact positions it as a valuable solution for sustainable, high-yield food production in resource-constrained settings. Full article

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17 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Scarcity, Toxicity, and Circularity Risks in the European Thermoelectric Market: A Focus on Tellurium, Antimony, Bismuth, and Lead

by Unza Jamil and Nicholas M. Holden

Clean Technol. 2025, 7(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study assesses supply risks for critical raw materials (CRMs) essential to Europe’s thermoelectric (TE) technology, which transforms heat into electricity. Given the EU’s heavy reliance on imports for key materials like tellurium, antimony, bismuth, and lead, the analysis incorporates market forecasting, scarcity [...] Read more.

This study assesses supply risks for critical raw materials (CRMs) essential to Europe’s thermoelectric (TE) technology, which transforms heat into electricity. Given the EU’s heavy reliance on imports for key materials like tellurium, antimony, bismuth, and lead, the analysis incorporates market forecasting, scarcity quantification, and Monte Carlo simulations to model demand and supply risks. This study reveals that tellurium poses high risks due to scarcity and potential geopolitical impacts, with antimony and bismuth at moderate risk, and lead presenting notable health hazards. The findings suggest the necessity of circular supply chains and material alternatives to mitigate resource, environmental, and geopolitical challenges for sustainable TE development in Europe. Moreover, there is a pressing need to update and expand data availability for materials like tellurium to enable more robust risk assessments in the immediate future. Full article

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12 pages, 2155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human–Robot Interactions: A Pilot Study of Psychoaffective and Cognitive Factors to Boost the Acceptance and Usability of Assistive Wearable Devices

by Margherita Bertuccelli, Stefano Tortora, Edoardo Trombin, Liliana Negri, Patrizia Bisiacchi, Emanuele Menegatti and Alessandra Del Felice

Multimodal Technol. Interact. 2025, 9(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/mti9010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Robotic technology to assist rehabilitation provides practical advantages compared with traditional rehabilitation treatments, but its efficacy is still disputed. This controversial effectiveness is due to different factors, including a lack of guidelines to adapt devices to users’ individual needs. These needs include the [...] Read more.

Robotic technology to assist rehabilitation provides practical advantages compared with traditional rehabilitation treatments, but its efficacy is still disputed. This controversial effectiveness is due to different factors, including a lack of guidelines to adapt devices to users’ individual needs. These needs include the specific clinical conditions of people with disabilities, as well as their psychological and cognitive profiles. This pilot study aims to investigate the relationships between psychological, cognitive, and robot-related factors playing a role in human–robot interaction to promote a human-centric approach in robotic rehabilitation. Ten able-bodied volunteers were assessed for their anxiety, experienced workload, cognitive reserve, and perceived exoskeleton usability before and after a task with a lower-limb exoskeleton (i.e., 10 m path walking for 10 trials). Pre-trial anxiety levels were higher than post-trial ones (p < 0.01). While trait anxiety levels were predictive of the experienced effort (Adjusted-r² = 0.43, p = 0.02), the state anxiety score was predictive of the perceived overall workload (Adjusted-r² = 0.45, p = 0.02). High–average cognitive reserve scores were predictive of the perception of exoskeleton usability (Adjusted-r² = 0.45, p = 0.02). A negative correlation emerged between the workload and the perception of personal identification with the exoskeleton (r = −0.67, p-value = 0.03). This study provides preliminary evidence of the impact of cognitive and psychoaffective factors on the perception of workload and overall device appreciation in exoskeleton training. It also suggests pragmatic measures such as familiarization time to reduce anxiety and end-user selection based on cognitive profiles. These assessments may provide guidance on the personalization of training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multimodal User Interfaces and Experiences: Challenges, Applications, and Perspectives—2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of MonoHER (7-Mono-O-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutoside): Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells

by Chujie Li, Yue Wang, Jian Liang, Guido R. M. M. Haenen, Yonger Chen, Zhengwen Li, Ming Zhang and Ludwig J. Dubois

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010036 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background/Aim: Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols, abundantly present in our diet. Although, based on their chemoprotective effects, intake of flavonoids is associated with a high anticancer potential as evidenced in in vitro and in vivo models, the molecular mechanism is still elusive. [...] Read more.

Background/Aim: Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols, abundantly present in our diet. Although, based on their chemoprotective effects, intake of flavonoids is associated with a high anticancer potential as evidenced in in vitro and in vivo models, the molecular mechanism is still elusive. This study explores the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of the semi-synthetic flavonoid MonoHER (7-mono-O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside) in vitro on cancer cells. Materials and Methods: HepG2 liver, MCF7 breast, and H1299 lung cancer cells were grown under ambient conditions with or without MonoHER exposure. CCK8 assay was used to assess cell viability. Apoptosis, JC-1, and mitochondrial mass were determined using flow cytometry and confocal analysis. The effects of monoHER on apoptosis proteins were detected by confocal microscopy analysis and Western blot. Results: It was found that MonoHER can reduce HepG2 cells’ and MCF7 cells’ viability, but not H1299 cells’, and induced apoptosis only in HepG2 cells. MonoHER has the potential to enhance the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3, to damage mitochondria, and to provoke the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria. Conclusion: MonoHER can inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis especially in HepG2 human liver cancer cells by triggering the mitochondrial signal transduction pathway, leading to the release of cytochrome C in the cytoplasm and the subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Future research should further explore MonoHER’s mechanism of action, efficacy, and potential for clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy)

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11 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Series of 40 Congenital Lung Malformation Cases and the Informative Value of CPAM Lesion Ratios

by Melanie Le, Phillip Harms, Kersten Peldschus, Carl-Martin Junge, Christian Tomuschat and Konrad Reinshagen

Pediatr. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Introduction: In this single-center retrospective analysis, we present case data and insights gathered over the past eight years. Additionally, we computed postnatal, pre-therapy lesion-to-lung ratios of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAMs) to retrospectively assess potential outcome prediction using lesion-to-lung ratios. Methods: Data were [...] Read more.

Introduction: In this single-center retrospective analysis, we present case data and insights gathered over the past eight years. Additionally, we computed postnatal, pre-therapy lesion-to-lung ratios of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations (CPAMs) to retrospectively assess potential outcome prediction using lesion-to-lung ratios. Methods: Data were collected between 2015 and 2022. Information such as chosen therapy, surgical duration, postoperative hospital stay, and follow-up was obtained from electronic case records. Pre-therapy pulmonary lesion volumes [mm³], lesion-to-ipsilateral-lung ratio, and lesion-to-both-lungs ratio of CPAMs were retrospectively calculated from computed tomography images using specialized software. Results: Of the 40 identified cases, 27 had CPAM, 7 had pulmonary sequestration, 4 had bronchogenic cysts, and 2 had congenital lobar emphysema. Histological examinations of resected specimens revealed no malignancy. For CPAMs, the median surgery age was 7 months (interquartile range (IQR): 0.45–11), averaging 9.54 ± 15.01 months. The CPAM surgery lasted on average 126 ± 53 min (median 124 min (IQR 108–172)). The mean length of hospital stay was 6 ± 1.41 days for thoracoscopic surgery and 17 ± 18.23 days for open surgery. No clear link was found between the lesion ratio and management choice or surgical length. Notably, larger lesions tended to result in longer postoperative stays. CPAMs with a lesion-to-ipsilateral-lung ratio of ≤0.11 were asymptomatic. Discussion and Conclusions: If patients present no symptoms, mild symptoms, or smaller CPAM lesions, “wait and watch” and a CT scan of the thorax up to approximately six months of age remain a reasonable approach. The true risk of malignancy remains ambiguous, especially since there was no evidence of malignancy in our biopsies. On the other hand, prophylactic surgery before symptoms arose led to earlier discharge and overall low intraoperative complications compared to symptomatic counterparts. Ultimately, the adopted therapy pathway remains a parental choice. For CPAMs, an increased lesion-to-lung ratio correlated with extended hospital stay and symptomatic presentation. However, there was no cut-off value for conservative or surgical treatment. Full article

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8 pages, 437 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Unraveling the Invisible: Topological Data Analysis as the New Frontier in Radiology’s Diagnostic Arsenal

by Yashbir Singh and Emilio Quaia

Tomography 2025, 11(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography11010006 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

This commentary examines Topological Data Analysis (TDA) in radiology imaging, highlighting its revolutionary potential in medical image interpretation. TDA, which is grounded in mathematical topology, provides novel insights into complex, high-dimensional radiological data through persistent homology and topological features. We explore TDA’s applications [...] Read more.

This commentary examines Topological Data Analysis (TDA) in radiology imaging, highlighting its revolutionary potential in medical image interpretation. TDA, which is grounded in mathematical topology, provides novel insights into complex, high-dimensional radiological data through persistent homology and topological features. We explore TDA’s applications across medical imaging domains, including tumor characterization, cardiovascular imaging, and COVID-19 detection, where it demonstrates 15–20% improvements over traditional methods. The synergy between TDA and artificial intelligence presents promising opportunities for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. While implementation challenges exist, TDA’s ability to uncover hidden patterns positions it as a transformative tool in modern radiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology)

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14 pages, 4082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Production Techniques on Pore Size Distribution in High-Strength Foam Concrete

by Slava Markin, Genadijs Sahmenko, Aleksandrs Korjakins and Viktor Mechtcherine

Infrastructures 2025, 10(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10010014 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study examined the impact of various foam concrete production techniques on pore size distribution and its water absorption properties. Techniques such as the use of a cavitation disintegrator and a turbulent mixer were employed to produce foam concrete. Six foam concrete compositions, [...] Read more.

This study examined the impact of various foam concrete production techniques on pore size distribution and its water absorption properties. Techniques such as the use of a cavitation disintegrator and a turbulent mixer were employed to produce foam concrete. Six foam concrete compositions, with dry densities ranging from 820 to 1480 kg/m³ and compressive strength up to 47 MPa, were prepared. A novel method for digital image correlation was applied to analyse the pore size distribution within the foam concrete specimens. The manufactured foam concrete specimens’ porosity and water absorption indices were determined. The experimental results, including compression strength and water absorption, indicated that the production technique significantly affects the pore size distribution in foam concrete, impacting its mechanical and durability properties. Compressive strength was assessed at curing intervals of 7, 28, and 180 days. Cavitation technology was found to promote the formation of a finer porous structure in foam concrete, resulting in enhanced strength properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Solutions for Concrete Applications)

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16 pages, 7829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fusion of Remotely Sensed Data with Monitoring Well Measurements for Groundwater Level Management

by César de Oliveira Ferreira Silva, Rodrigo Lilla Manzione, Epitácio Pedro da Silva Neto, Ulisses Alencar Bezerra and John Elton Cunha

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7010014 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

In the realm of hydrological engineering, integrating extensive geospatial raster data from remote sensing (Big Data) with sparse field measurements offers a promising approach to improve prediction accuracy in groundwater studies. In this study, we integrated multisource data by applying the LMC to [...] Read more.

In the realm of hydrological engineering, integrating extensive geospatial raster data from remote sensing (Big Data) with sparse field measurements offers a promising approach to improve prediction accuracy in groundwater studies. In this study, we integrated multisource data by applying the LMC to model the spatial relationships of variables and then utilized block support regularization with collocated block cokriging (CBCK) to enhance our predictions. A critical engineering challenge addressed in this study is support homogenization, where we adjusted punctual variances to block variances and ensure consistency in spatial predictions. Our case study focused on mapping groundwater table depth to improve water management and planning in a mixed land use area in Southeast Brazil that is occupied by sugarcane crops, silviculture (Eucalyptus), regenerating fields, and natural vegetation. We utilized the 90 m resolution TanDEM-X digital surface model and STEEP (Seasonal Tropical Ecosystem Energy Partitioning) data with a 500 m resolution to support the spatial interpolation of groundwater table depth measurements collected from 56 locations during the hydrological year 2015–16. Ordinary block kriging (OBK) and CBCK methods were employed. The CBCK method provided more reliable and accurate spatial predictions of groundwater depth levels (RMSE = 0.49 m), outperforming the OBK method (RMSE = 2.89 m). An OBK-based map concentrated deeper measurements near their wells and gave shallow depths for most of the points during estimation. The CBCK-based map shows more deeper predicted points due to its relationship with the covariates. Using covariates improved the groundwater table depth mapping by detecting the interconnection of varied land uses, supporting the water management for agronomic planning connected with ecosystem sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress and Challenges of Agricultural Information Technology)

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Graphical abstract

34 pages, 1057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terminological Resources for Biologically Inspired Design and Biomimetics: Evaluation of the Potential for Ontology Reuse

by Dilek Yargan and Ludger Jansen

Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010039 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Biomimetics aims to learn from living systems to develop innovative technical artefacts. As it transcends disciplinary boundaries and needs to integrate both biological and technological knowledge, a domain ontology for biomimetics would be highly desirable. So far, several terminological resources have been designed [...] Read more.

Biomimetics aims to learn from living systems to develop innovative technical artefacts. As it transcends disciplinary boundaries and needs to integrate both biological and technological knowledge, a domain ontology for biomimetics would be highly desirable. So far, several terminological resources have been designed to support the biomimetic development process. This paper examines nine resources for Biologically Inspired Design and biomimetics, including taxonomies, thesauri, and ontologies. Their benefits and limitations for structuring or organising biomimetic knowledge are evaluated against nine criteria, including availability, clarity, and machine readability. Our analysis shows that existing terminological resources have little to no potential for reuse due to inconsistent structure, ambiguous class labels, lack of standardisation, and lack of availability. Furthermore, no resource adequately represents biomimetic knowledge, as all resources suffer from limitations in content representation, reusability, or infrastructure. In particular, an adequate domain ontology for supporting biomimetic development is lacking; we discuss the desiderata for such an ontology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Process and Pedagogy: Second Edition)

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19 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Party-System Dynamics Shape Political Parties’ Use of Facebook Between Elections

by Peter Aagaard, Sander Andreas Schwartz, Line Nygaard and Malene Teresa Larsen

Journal. Media 2025, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010006 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

We investigate the use of Facebook in the Danish system over a two-month period in 2021, with an increased political polarization, during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the analysis of 5093 posts, we find indications of how party-system dynamics shape niche parties and [...] Read more.

We investigate the use of Facebook in the Danish system over a two-month period in 2021, with an increased political polarization, during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the analysis of 5093 posts, we find indications of how party-system dynamics shape niche parties and catch-all parties’ use of Facebook. While catch-all party members share political information with relatively low reach, niche parties are much more inclined to criticize opponents, a strategy that often produces higher interactivity. Finally, we discuss the impact of party-system dynamics on the strategic use of Facebook among different parties. Our findings indicate that the social media use of niche parties with irrelevant features is often shaped by a centrifugal logic (competition towards the poles), while the social media use of catch-all parties is often shaped by a centripetal dynamic (competition towards the center). Full article

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13 pages, 4192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effect of Pipecolic Acid on Specialized Metabolites Involved in Tomato Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Ralstonia solanacearum Wilt Pathogens

by Usha Sabharwal, Piyush Kant Rai, Kamlesh Choure, R. B. Subramanian, Jeong Chan Joo and Ashutosh Pandey

Analytica 2025, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica6010002 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

The role of pipecolic acid (Pip) in plant immune responses, particularly against bacterial wilt pathogens, is significant. This research aimed to understand the interaction between plant defense-responsive enzymes and Pip by analyzing methanolic extracts from different treatments of tolerant (GAT5) and susceptible (GT2) [...] Read more.

The role of pipecolic acid (Pip) in plant immune responses, particularly against bacterial wilt pathogens, is significant. This research aimed to understand the interaction between plant defense-responsive enzymes and Pip by analyzing methanolic extracts from different treatments of tolerant (GAT5) and susceptible (GT2) tomato cultivars. LC-MS analysis demonstrated that the foliar application of Pip significantly influenced tomato metabolites, especially in bacterial wilt-infected plants, with a more pronounced effect in tolerant varieties. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Pip-treated plants of tolerant varieties exhibited better coordinated metabolome profiles than those of susceptible varieties. Notable variations were observed in the levels of specialized metabolites, such as salicylic acid (SA), N-hydroxy pipecolic acid (NHP), and Pip, which are essential for producing defense compounds. Molecular docking studies further explored Pip’s interactions with key plant enzymes involved in defense mechanisms and showed that Pip acts as an effective organic inducer of systemic acquired resistance (SAR). These findings highlight Pip’s potential as a natural agent for enhancing plant tolerance to pathogens, offering promising implications for agricultural practices and improving crop resilience against diseases. This study enhances our understanding of Pip’s role in plant defense and provides a foundation for developing Pip-based strategies for sustainable agriculture. Full article

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16 pages, 8830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Porcelain Stoneware Slabs: An Investigation into Pyroplastic Deformation in New Body Formulations Containing Waste Glasses

by Caterina Sgarlata, Lincy Varghese, Francesco Ferrari, Davide Venturelli and Cristina Siligardi

Ceramics 2025, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8010005 (registering DOI) - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

The ceramics industry has consistently applied circular economy principles by efficiently reusing and recovering raw materials in the production process. Incorporating secondary raw materials, such as production scraps and recycled materials, reduces costs and improves sustainability. In the ceramics sector, raw materials like [...] Read more.

The ceramics industry has consistently applied circular economy principles by efficiently reusing and recovering raw materials in the production process. Incorporating secondary raw materials, such as production scraps and recycled materials, reduces costs and improves sustainability. In the ceramics sector, raw materials like feldspars can be substituted with secondary raw materials from other production processes, particularly glass-based ones. This study selected waste glass, such as bottle glass or glass fiber processing scraps, to investigate its performance in a porcelain stoneware slab mixture. The behavior of this mixture was compared to a traditional porcelain stoneware mixture and a mixture containing a glass-ceramic frit, which exhibits significantly different behavior from waste glass. The study involved a comprehensive characterization of the fired samples, with a specific focus on addressing pyroplastic deformation—an issue that occurs in large slabs during the firing process. Although pyroplastic deformation has been extensively studied in the past using various waste glasses, this research work uniquely employed waste glass fiber and glass-ceramic material to mitigate pyroplastic deformation compared to the more commonly studied waste soda–lime glass. The pyroplastic deformation tests were conducted using an instrument from Expert Lab Service-MDF. Full article

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