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This study examined the responses of four legumes—chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Taishokintoki), adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)—to storage and roasting under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions (HTC beans). Roasting enhanced antioxidant activity in HTC chickpeas and peanuts, with chickpeas also showing increased resistant starch. In contrast, kidney beans showed reduced resistant starch after storage, with minimal recovery upon roasting, while refrigeration better preserved resistant starch. For adzuki beans, roasting reduced resistant starch in control samples but not in HTC samples. Reducing sugars decreased in all beans after roasting. These findings highlight roasting as a promising method for repurposing HTC chickpeas and peanuts for functional food applications. Limitations include variability among legumes and the need for further mechanistic and sensory studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Processing Technologies and Functional Properties of Cereals and Legumes)

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15 pages, 4052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Viscoelastic, Shape Memory, and Fracture Characteristics of 3D-Printed Photosensitive Epoxy-Based Resin Under the Effect of Hydrothermal Ageing

by Mohamad Alsaadi, Tamer A Sebaey, Eoin P. Hinchy, Conor T. McCarthy, Tielidy A. de M. de Lima, Alexandre Portela and Declan M. Devine

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9020046 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Abstract

Using 3D-printed (3DPd) polymers and their composites as shape memory materials in various smart engineering applications has raised the demand for such functionally graded sustainable materials. This study aims to investigate the viscoelastic, shape memory, and fracture toughness properties of the epoxy-based ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin. A UV-based DLP (Digital Light Processing) printer was employed for the 3D printing (3DPg) epoxy-based structures. The effect of the hydrothermal accelerated ageing on the various properties of the 3DPd components was examined. The viscoelastic performance in terms of glass transition temperature (T_g), storage modulus, and loss modulus was evaluated. The shape memory polymer (SMP) performance with respect to shape recovery and shape fixity (programming the shape) were calculated through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). DMTA is used to reveal the molecular mobility performance through three different regions, i.e., glass region, glass transition region, and rubbery region. The shape-changing region (within the glass transition region) between the T_g value from the loss modulus and the T_g value from the tan(δ) was analysed. The temperature memory behaviour was investigated for flat and circular 3DPd structures to achieve sequential deployment. The critical stress intensity factor values of the single-edge notch bending (SENB) specimens have been explored for different crack inclination angles to investigate mode I (opening) and mixed-mode I/III (opening and tearing) fracture toughness. This study can contribute to the development of highly complex shape memory 3DPd structures that can be reshaped several times with large deformation. Full article

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16 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Procurement, Processing, and Storage of Human Amniotic Membranes for Implantation Purposes in Non-Healing Pressure Ulcers

by Lina A. Gómez, Carlos Domínguez-Paz, Juan F. Ospina and Elga J. Vargas

Methods Protoc. 2025, 8(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps8010012 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Abstract

The human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been used as an implant to enhance the regenerative process and control inflammation in different diseases, given their structure, biocompatibility, presence of stem cells and multiple growth factors. The objective of this study was to generate a standardized protocol for obtaining, processing, and storing hAMs that guarantee the conservation of their structural and cellular characteristics as well as their mechanical properties, ensuring their ease of handling, sterility, and quality that allows their implementation for therapeutic purposes in the field of regenerative medicine. The hAMs were obtained from mothers with healthy, full-term, controlled pregnancies and by cesarean section. The hAMs were processed under sterile conditions, manually separated from the placenta and, subsequently, they were frozen in a solution of culture medium plus 50% v/v glycerol. The protocol allows obtaining sterile hAMs composed of both epithelium and stroma with adequate preservation of the amniotic cells. The glycerol’s impact on the mechanical properties may enhance the membrane’s adaptability and conformability to diverse wound surfaces, potentially improving the healing process. It is necessary to repeat microbiological, cell viability and mechanical studies at 6 and 12 months to ensure that long-term frozen conditions do not affect the quality of the hAMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tissue Engineering and Organoids)

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25 pages, 804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maximizing Wind Turbine Power Generation Through Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Control for Optimal Efficiency and Performance

by Ali Aranizadeh, Mirpouya Mirmozaffari and Behnam Khalatabadi Farahani

Wind 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/wind5010004 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Abstract

Wind power output fluctuations, driven by variable wind speeds, create significant challenges for grid stability and the efficient use of wind turbines, particularly in high-wind-penetration areas. This study proposes a combined approach utilizing an ultra-capacitor energy storage system and fuzzy-control-based pitch angle adjustment to address these challenges. The fuzzy control system dynamically responds to wind speed variations, optimizing energy capture while minimizing mechanical stress on turbine components, and the ultra-capacitor provides instantaneous buffering of power surpluses and deficits. Simulations conducted on a 50 kW DFIG wind turbine powering a 23 kW load demonstrated a substantial reduction in power fluctuations by a factor of 3.747, decreasing the power fluctuation reduction scale from 13.04% to 3.48%. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed system in improving the stability, reliability, and quality of wind energy, thereby advancing the broader adoption of renewable energy and contributing to sustainable energy solutions. Full article

22 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains as Components of a Biopreparation for Chickens for Slaughter

by Daria Zamojska, Justyna Rosicka-Kaczmarek, Ewa Macierzyńska-Piotrowska and Adriana Nowak

Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020317 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Abstract

Since 2022, the European Union has banned the use of antibiotics in animal production. We conducted studies to characterize Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (47, AN8, and OK-B) and Ligilactobacillus salivarius (AN9) and evaluate their potential to create a biopreparation based on fermented whey for chickens. The following methods were used: lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture and storage, crystal violet staining, Koch’s plate method, Caco-2 cell culture, hydrophobicity test, and spectrophotometric measurements. All bacteria showed weak adhesion to polystyrene and collagen, and the L. plantarum species demonstrated weak adhesion to mucus. All bacteria showed strong adhesion to the intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. LAB showed strong autoaggregation and coaggregation with E. coli ATCC10536. The highest affinity for xylene was exhibited by L. salivarius AN9 (above 30%) while, for chloroform, the highest affinity was exhibited by L. plantarum OK-B (approx. 95%); the affinity for n-hexadecane for all strains was below 20%. The highest survival in the presence of bile salts (0.3%) was demonstrated by L. plantarum 47 (above 54%). The effect of low pH resulted in decreased viability for all strains. Significant differences were demonstrated in the concentration of lactic acid between MRS and whey medium after culturing LAB. These results will aid in qualifying these strains for further research to create a functional feed for chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Functional Foods)

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17 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Artificial Neural Networks and Elastic Net Regression in Surface Runoff Modeling

by Jacek Dawidowicz and Rafał Buczyński

Water 2025, 17(3), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030405 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 114

Abstract

This study compares Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Elastic Net regression for predicting surface runoff in urban stormwater catchments. Both models were trained on a data set derived from the Stormwater Management Model that included parameters such as imperviousness, flow path width, slope, Manning coefficients, and depression storage. ANN exhibited greater predictive accuracy and stability, especially when modeling nonlinear hydrologic interactions, while Elastic Net offered faster inference and clearer interpretability, but showed reduced accuracy in low-flow conditions. Validation on real-world data revealed the sensitivity of the models to scenarios not fully represented during training. Despite higher computational demands, the ANN proved more adaptable, while the more resource-efficient Elastic Net remains suitable for time-critical or large-scale applications. These findings provide practical insights for urban water resource management, indicating when each approach can be most effectively used in flood risk assessment and stormwater infrastructure planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section New Sensors, New Technologies and Machine Learning in Water Sciences)

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19 pages, 1210 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding Heritable Variation Among Hosts in Infectious Diseases Through the Lens of Twin Studies

by Maria K. Smatti, Hadi M. Yassine, Hamdi Mbarek and Dorret I. Boomsma

Genes 2025, 16(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16020177 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 154

Abstract

Genetic factors have been hypothesized to contribute to the heterogeneity in the response to infectious diseases (IDs). The classical twin design provides a powerful tool to estimate the role of genetic contributions to variation in infection outcomes. With this design, the impact of heritability on the proneness as well as infection- and vaccine-induced immune responses have been documented for multiple infections, including tuberculosis, malaria, leprosy, otitis media, polio, mumps, measles, rubella, influenza, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus infections, and recently, SARS-CoV-2. The current data show the heritable aspect in nearly all infections considered. In this contribution, we review and discuss human twin studies on the heritability of host characteristics in liability and response to IDs. This review emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as sex, disease stages, and disease presentation when assessing heritability and argues that the classical twin design provides a unique circumstance for exploring the genetic contribution as twins share levels of maternal antibodies, ancestral background, often the dates and number of vaccine doses, differences in vaccines’ manufacturing and storage, age, family environment, and other exposures. Additionally, we highlight the value of twin studies and the usefulness of combining the twin model with contemporary genomics technologies and advanced statistical tools to grasp a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of heritability in IDs. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

mRNA Degradation as a Therapeutic Solution for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIC: Use of Antisense Oligonucleotides to Promote Downregulation of Heparan Sulfate Synthesis

by Juliana Inês Santos, Mariana Gonçalves, Matilde Barbosa Almeida, Hugo Rocha, Ana Joana Duarte, Liliana Matos, Luciana Vaz Moreira, Marisa Encarnação, Paulo Gaspar, Maria João Prata, Maria Francisca Coutinho and Sandra Alves

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031273 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 162

Abstract

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIC is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) characterized by the accumulation of undegraded heparan sulfate (HS) due to the lack of an enzyme responsible for its degradation: acetyl-CoA:α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT). Classical treatments are ineffective. Here, we attempt a new approach in genetic medicine, genetic substrate reduction therapy (gSRT), to counteract this neurological disorder. Briefly, we used synthetic oligonucleotides, particularly gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), to target the synthesis of the accumulated compounds at the molecular level, downregulating a specific gene involved in the first step of HS biosynthesis, XYLT1. Our goal was to reduce HS production and, consequently, its accumulation. Initially, five gapmer ASOs were designed and their potential to decrease XYLT1 mRNA levels were tested in patient-derived fibroblasts. Subsequent analyses focused on the two best performing molecules alone. The results showed a high inhibition of the XYLT1 gene mRNA (around 90%), a decrease in xylosyltransferase I (XT-I) protein levels and a reduction in HS storage 6 and 10 days after transfection (up to 21% and 32%, respectively). Overall, our results are highly promising and may represent the initial step towards the development of a potential therapeutic option not only for MPS IIIC, but virtually for every other MPS III form. Ultimately, the same principle may also apply to other neuropathic MPS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peroxisome and Lysosome in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 1993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the β-Casein Genotype of Cow’s Milk (A1, A2) on the Quality and β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) Content of a Semi-Hard Cheese During Production

by Louisa Zinßius, Lucas Keuter, Carsten Krischek, Nadja Jessberger, Benedikt Cramer and Madeleine Plötz

Foods 2025, 14(3), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030463 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 139

Abstract

Cow’s milk contains A1- and A2-β-caseins. The breakdown of A1-β-casein produces β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), a peptide with opioid-like properties that is associated with health aspects. In addition, A1- and A2-β-casein have different technological properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cheese produced from the milk of homozygous A1A1 and A2A2 cows varies in terms of its physicochemical parameters and BCM-7 concentration. These parameters were analyzed during initial cheese processing, six weeks of ripening and 84 days of storage, including additional microbiological analyses during the storage period. The pH values of the A1A1 cheeses were higher than those of the A2A2 cheeses from the beginning of production until the starter culture bacteria were added. The yellowness values of the A1A1 cheeses were lower until the salt bath treatment. Water activity, lightness, hardness, fat, protein, NaCl and dry matter content, as well as color and microbiological parameters, were not affected by the β-casein genotype. BCM-7 concentrations were higher in the A1A1 cheeses after pressing and during ripening. We found mainly comparable quality characteristics and slightly different BCM-7 levels in the A1A1 and A2A2 cheeses. From this point of view, both varieties are equally suitable for cheese production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dairy)

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40 pages, 2946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach to Evaluate the Fatigue Life of the Material of Liquefied Gases’ Vessels Based on the Time Dependence of Acoustic Emission Parameters: Part 1

by Oleg G. Perveitalov and Viktor V. Nosov

Metals 2025, 15(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020148 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 236

Abstract

In the first part of this article devoted to the assessment of the fatigue life of structural steels at low temperatures, a study was conducted on the effect of pre-cycling in a low-cycle fatigue mode on the time dependences of acoustic emission parameters. Commonly used St-3 steel was tested at −60 °C with varying durabilities, after which it was fractured once during static tests. The multilevel acoustic model used made it possible to estimate the structural parameter at the stage of elastoplastic deformation. The stage of active development of microcracks and their coalescence corresponds to a homogeneous fracture with stable acoustic emission characteristics (signal duration, amplitude variation coefficient, etc.). It was shown that regardless of the maximum voltage (460, 480, and 500 MPa) in the cycle and the operating times of up to 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, the structural parameter remains within the known limits. The parameters of the Weibull law distribution and the logarithmically normal distribution for the coefficient γ were obtained, theoretical and calculated fatigue curves were plotted, and a method was proposed for evaluating the number of cycles before fracture under irregular loading conditions in the real operation of pressure vessels based on the “rainflow” cycles counting method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatigue Assessment of Metals)

16 pages, 8569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Activation Conditions on the Electrochemical Performance of Rice Straw Biochar for Supercapacitor Electrodes

by Jialuo Cheng, Yumeng Lu, Ya Sun, Sunhua Deng, Heng Yang, Manman Zhang, Chunlei Wang and Juntao Yan

Molecules 2025, 30(3), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030632 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 249

Abstract

Biochar, derived from agricultural waste, has gained significant attention as a sustainable material for energy storage applications due to its high surface area, tunable porosity, and environmental benefits. This study investigates the electrochemical performance of rice straw biochar (RSBC) as an electrode material, with a focus on the effects of activation temperature, activation ratio, and activation time. Among the prepared samples, RSBC-2, activated at 800 °C with a 1:2 KOH ratio for 0.5 h, exhibited the best electrochemical performance. Characterization of RSBC and RSBC-2 showed significant improvements in surface area and pore structure. Specifically, the BET surface area of RSBC-2 increased to 939.40 m² g⁻¹, with a reduced average pore size of 2.27 nm. Electrochemical testing revealed that RSBC-2 achieved specific capacitances of 296, 281, 272, 260, and 240 F g⁻¹ at current densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 A g⁻¹, respectively, with a capacity retention rate of 81%. The improved electrochemical performance of RSBC-2 is attributed to its larger surface area and enhanced pore structure, which facilitate better charge storage and overall electrochemical behavior, making it a promising candidate for energy storage applications. Full article

16 pages, 2180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Precipitation-Based Process to Generate a Solid Formulation of a Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody: An Alternative to Lyophilization

by Athanas A. Koynov, Wei Lin, Jameson R. Bothe, Luke Schenck, Bibek Parajuli, Zhao Li, Richard Ruzanski, Natalie Hoffman, Derek Frank and Zachary VanAernum

J. Pharm. BioTech Ind. 2025, 2(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpbi2010002 (registering DOI) - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 266

Abstract

Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, is the default technique for the manufacture of solid-state formulations of therapeutic proteins. This established method offers several advantages, including improved product stability by minimizing chemical degradation, reduced storage requirements through water removal, and elimination of cold chain dependence. However, the lyophilization process itself presents limitations. It is a lengthy, batch-based operation, potentially leading to product inconsistencies and high manufacturing costs. Additionally, some proteins are susceptible to structural alterations during the freezing step, impacting their biological activity. This paper presents an alternative approach based on the co-precipitation of protein and excipients using an organic solvent. We explore the impact of various processing parameters on the viability of the formulation. We also provide an extensive characterization of proteins reconstituted from precipitated formulations and compare protein stability in solution and in lyophilized and precipitated solid formulations under long-term, accelerated, and stressed storage conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers to Celebrate the Inaugural Issue of Journal of Pharmaceutical and BioTech Industry)

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12 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessReview

Core Physics Characteristics of Extended Enrichment and High Burnup Boiling Water Reactor Fuel

by Ugur Mertyurek, Riley Cumberland and William A. Wieselquist

J. Nucl. Eng. 2025, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jne6010004 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 262

Abstract

This paper presents the highlights of boiling water reactor (BWR) core physics studies performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of a series of studies conducted to compare low-enriched uranium (LEU) with LEU+ fuel. The studies analyzed isotopic fuel content, lattice parameters (Phase 1), and core physics (Phase 2) to identify challenges in operation, storage, and transportation for BWRs and pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Because of a lack of publicly available lattice and core designs for modern BWR fuel assemblies and reactor cores, several optimized lattice designs were generated, and different core loading strategies were investigated. Twelve optimized lattice designs with ²³⁵U enrichments ranging from 1.6% to 9% and gadolinia loadings ranging from 3 to 8 wt% were used to model axial enrichment and geometry variations in fuel assemblies for core designs. Each core shares a common set of approximations in design and analysis to allow for consistent comparisons between LEU and LEU+ fuel. The objective is to highlight anticipated changes in core behavior with respect to the reference LEU core. The results of this study show that the differences in LEU and LEU+ core reactor physics characteristics are less significant than the differences in lattice physics characteristics reported in the Phase 1 studies. Full article

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12 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Counting Money: Rehousing the Greek and Roman Numismatic Collection in the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

by Alexandra Lewis and Joshua Emmitt

Heritage 2025, 8(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8020058 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 294

Abstract

The numismatic collection in the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Auckland, New Zealand, is an extensive although little-known collection. As part of a wider rehousing project for the coins, a trial was conducted to rehouse the Greek and Roman coins to establish the best storage and analysis practices. Records were also created or updated during this process to make them visible online and enable their use in future research. Best practice standards include handling and measurement practice, retaining all existing information about the collection, and, where possible, reuniting coins with their acquisition information. The project’s end goal is to create populated records in the museum database (Vernon) for the entire numismatic collection, either through updating existing records, creating records using available acquisition information, or creating records with temporary numbers where that information has been lost. This report gives a brief history of the collection and the rehousing process and suggests future research avenues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)

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21 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency Regulation for High Wind Penetration Power System Based on Ocean Predator Algorithm Considering Storage Battery State

by Yingjie Hu, Chenggen Wang and Xiaoming Zou

Energies 2025, 18(3), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030671 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 302

Abstract

The high penetration and uncertainty of renewable energy sources, such as wind, in modern power systems make traditional automatic generation control (AGC) methods more challenging. In order to improve the frequency stability of the power system under the high proportion of wind power penetration, the inherent fast-response characteristics of energy storage allow bidirectional adjustments with the system. However, storage power becomes insufficient when the state of charge (SOC) approaches its upper or lower limits, at this time, it is difficult to take into account both the state of charge protection of the energy storage and the effect of frequency regulation. Based on the purpose of testing the grid frequency containment reserve (FCR) performance and efficient use of frequency modulation resources, this paper proposes a wind power high penetration system frequency modulation control strategy considering the storage state of charge by constructing a two-zone automatic generation control system model containing wind power, using an improved adaptive ocean predator algorithm to optimise the frequency modulation responsibility allocation method in real time, and formulating a real-time management scheme for storage state of charge. Finally, the different control strategies are compared and analysed by MATLAB 2018b/Simulink under different loads and wind speeds, and their effectiveness is verified by the frequency offset and state of charge offset, so as to optimise the effect of frequency modulation while maintaining the state of charge of energy storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)

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