Perpustakaan Digital

Oxidative stress is critical in degenerative retinal diseases. Antioxidants are considered to be potential therapeutics that can treat retinal diseases. Loss of retinal epithelium (RPE) is an important contributor to the degeneration of the retina. Dry AMD induces straight RPE cell degeneration, whereas the wet form causes neovascularization following RPE cell loss. Glaucoma induces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon degeneration, resulting in RGC death and visual deficits. RPE cells are also important regulators in eye growth and thus are also susceptible to participating in retinal detachment in myopia. In diabetic retinopathy, the RPE barrier breaks, leading to vascular leakage. The retina is a thin layer in the posterior part of the eye that collects visual information and transfers it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retina consists of RPE cells, photoreceptor rods and cones, glial cells, and neuronal cells, including RGCs. RPE cells support homeostasis by performing a heterocycle of outer photoreceptor segments, enabling nutritional transport from the choroid and removing waste material into the choroid, for example. RPE degeneration leads to vision loss, and antioxidants could protect these cells against oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, all important contributors to retinal degeneration. This Special Issue is a collection of studies related to cellular responses to oxidative stress and antioxidants in pre-clinical degenerative retinal eye disease research. It includes articles about different aspects of oxidative stress and antioxidants in degenerative retinal diseases.

Cities and regions have always been among the most dynamically developing territories and have played a significant role throughout human history. They have been centers of progress, education, culture, and commerce, centers of economic and social development, and their role in society is constantly growing. The approaches to their development change with the needs of society. Today’s globalizing society is characterized by intense transformation. The rapid changes and dynamics of societal development in the economy, technology, and techniques, as well as social and lifestyle changes, have undermined the concept of the supposed stability of the social and business environment. These changes are reflected in the current local and regional development trends, where sustainable cities and regions; green, or eco-cities and regions; sunny cities; creative cities and regions; smart cities and regions; resilient cities and regions; cities as living labs; slow cities and regions; and agile cities and regions belong. This Special Issue “Regional Development: Opportunities and Constraints” includes researchers and academicians who are dedicated to the current opportunities and constraints of urban and regional development based on the various drivers and concepts of development reflecting global challenges. The papers include the form of theoretical contributions moving forward theoretical knowledge, as well as empirical work, presenting original research results on the topic.

We live in an unprecedently globalized multicultural world in the 21st century. Christian churches and worship leaders are challenged to be conscious of the significant impact of multiculturalism within and beyond the church and provide worshipers with theologically faithful and culturally appropriate worship services. As a response to these challenges, this Special Issue deals with various multicultural issues emerging from contemporary liturgical contexts: What is multicultural worship? Why should Christian worship be multicultural? How can multicultural worship be designed to be relevant to a particular liturgical context? How can liturgical elements (e.g., worship space, symbols, language, sermons, prayers, music, and sacraments) be prepared from the multicultural perspective? This Special Issue provides worship leaders with theological and liturgical insights into exploring these questions and developing their theology and method of multicultural worship. In addition, sample lit

This book brings together all 16 articles published in the Special Issue "Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines" of the MDPI Mathematics journal, in the section “Engineering Mathematics”. The subject matter covered by these works is varied, but they all have mechanisms as the object of study and mathematics as the basis of the methodology used. In fact, the synthesis, design and optimization of mechanisms, robotics, automotives, maintenance 4.0, machine vibrations, control, biomechanics and medical devices are among the topics covered in this book. This volume may be of interest to all who work in the field of mechanism and machine science and we hope that it will contribute to the development of both mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. Related Books Applied Mathematics to Mechanisms and Machines II Computer Science & Mathematics Applied Mathematics in Energy and Mechanical Engineering Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Engineering Computational Mechanics

This book represents the efforts of different authors to analyze and provide solid evidence that supports training regulations based on monitoring strategies. This Special Issue includes original articles with some diversity, i.e., considering that different age groups, competitive levels, expertise, and conditions were researched regarding the main topics of training load and performance monitoring, recovery, wellbeing, and illness and injury prevention. Psychophysiological aspects were considered, as were locomotor and mechanical demands and tactical responses. The myriad outcomes analyzed present the reader with an overview of the state of the art and possible new directions for future research. In this book, readers will be also able to find systematic reviews about the key topics. Related Books Training Load, Well-Being, and Readiness Biology & Life Sciences Fitness Assessment, Athlete’s Monitoring Cycle and Training Interventions in Team Sports Public Health & Healthcare Stres

This Special Issue comprises articles related to the effects of genotype and processing conditions on the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of cocoa-derived products, isolation and characterization of antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and melanoidins from cocoa beans, and assessment of the antioxidant, antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa beans and cocoa-derived products. The results of these studies show that it is possible to maintain or increase the biological activity of cocoa beans and their derived products (cocoa powder and chocolate) by choosing appropriate processing conditions and cocoa genotype and origin. The papers published in this Special Issue confirm that cocoa beans and cocoa by-products can be considered as an attractive source material for manufacturing of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This is because they contain many bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, including flavonoids (proanthocyaninidins, monomeric

This Special Issue of Molecules, entitled “Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Polymer-Based Materials”, presents fifteen peer-reviewed contributions that highlight recent advances in polymer science and engineering. The collection includes one editorial, three review articles and eleven original research papers authored by 67 researchers from China, the USA, Japan, Portugal, and Poland. The published works address sustainable polymer synthesis, hybrid and bio-based systems, functional and stimuli-responsive polymers, advanced composites, additive manufacturing, and machine learning-assisted materials design. Several contributions emphasize eco-friendly strategies, interface engineering, and the integration of advanced structural characterization techniques such as synchrotron WAXS/SAXS. Application-driven studies explore polymer systems for energy storage, lightweight structures, adhesives, thermal management, and cultural heritage conservation. All these articles provide a representative overview of current trends in polymer-based materials, underscoring their central role in sustainable technologies, high-performance applications, and emerging manufacturing examples.

Modern industries seek materials that combine high performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. Addressing these needs requires a holistic view that includes raw materials, compositions, microstructures, processing methods, and material architectures. Silicate-based materials—such as ceramics, glasses, glass-ceramics, and geopolymers—exhibit diverse mechanical, chemical, electrical, and biological properties. Their versatility makes them vital in sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, and healthcare fields. Product performance is strongly influenced by the raw material selection and processing techniques. Thus, innovation in manufacturing—targeting specific microstructures and architectures—is key to expanding the applications of silicate materials in advanced technologies. This Special Issue highlights the adaptability and growing potential of silicate-based materials. From structural ceramics and refractories for harsh conditions to breakthroughs in additive manufacturing, environmental solutions, and photonic systems, these contributions reveal the close link between composition, processing, and function. Embracing both established and emerging approaches—such as geopolymers and nanoengineering—they offer fresh insights to drive future research and industrial progress in ceramic science.

Species of the beetle genus Diabrotica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are native to North and South America, with their greatest diversity occurring in neotropical areas. Little is known about the biology and ecology of many of the 400 described species, with current knowledge primarily limited to the small number of species that are pests in agricultural systems. This Special Issue, entitled “Corn Rootworm: Biology, Ecology, Behavior and Integrated Management”, collates original research and comprehensive reviews that summarize the current knowledge in key areas of Diabrotica biology, ecology, behavior, and management.

The global karst distribution area is nearly 22 million km2, accounting for ca. 15\% of land area, and the population living in karst areas is approximately one billion. Strong karstification makes the soil environment dry and with high pH and high content of calcium (bicarbonate). The karst environment with a high spatiotemporal heterogeneity seriously affects the growth and development of plants. Faced with these heterogeneous environments, plants have adopted diversified adaptive strategies. This Special Issue is a collection of 15 important research works, which demonstrated some achievements on the physiological and ecological adaption of plants to heterogeneous karst environments, and also explore how to extend the service period of plant resources in karst regions. These works will help to understand the karst-adaptability of plants from multiple perspectives and provide a scientific reference for the selection of karst-adaptable plants and the restoration of vegetation in kars

Cultural competence has been acknowledged as an important set of skills and mindset for working effectively with diverse patients and for reducing social disparities in healthcare. In this Special Issue cultural competence was approached as an umbrella term and submissions relating to the whole spectrum of the concept were invited. Nine papers are published, 7 of which are research articles, 1 is a concept paper and 1 is a review, from authors from Spain, the UK, Germany, Denmark, Cyprus, France, Portugal, and Brazil. These 9 articles discuss a variety of concepts and aspects of cultural competence, such as cultural communication, cultural humility, diversity competence, and structural competence, and highlight the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and healthcare education, while opening new directions in research and policy making.   Related Books Mental Health Matters: From Cross-Cultural Perspectives Biology & Life Sciences Innovative Approaches for Safety Culture I

Quality of care in long-term care is a worldwide issue given the growing numbers of dependent older people. This book presents international research, 22 varied papers, exploring quality of care from several different angles. Important themes include: (1) workforce issues, such as staff training and support; job competencies, satisfaction, and intention to stay in work; staff burnout; effects of personal- and work-related factors on quality of care; (2) intervention studies: for depressive symptoms in nursing home residents; adjustment for new residents; social and psychological support; and loneliness and isolation; (3) methodology, including: developing and testing quality indicators; measuring residents' experience of quality; and assessing partnership between staff and families; and (4) older people's experiences, such as dry eyes and using ocular lubricants; associations between length of stay and end of life care; palliative care service use and comfort at end of of life; and c

Metabolomics is increasingly being used to explore the dynamic responses of living systems in biochemical research. The complexity of the metabolome is outstanding, requiring the use of complementary analytical platforms and methods for its quantitative or qualitative profiling. In alignment with the selected analytical approach and the study aim, sample collection and preparation are critical steps that must be carefully selected and optimized to generate high-quality metabolomic data. This book showcases some of the most recent developments in the field of sample preparation for metabolomics studies. Novel technologies presented include electromembrane extraction of polar metabolites from plasma samples and guidelines for the preparation of biospecimens for the analysis with high-resolution μ magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-μMAS NMR). In the following chapters, the spotlight is on sample preparation approaches that have been optimized for diverse bioanalytical ap

The Reprint contains the 12 articles accepted and published in the special issue “Intelligent Optimization and Control Modeling in Power and Energy Systems” of the MDPI journal Mathematics, presenting a wide-ranging exploration of advanced control and optimization techniques. These research works cover critical topics such as the optimization and scheduling of microgrids, distributed renewable energy generation, and energy system health state estimation, alongside advancements in electric vehicle (EV) charging and data-driven modeling for dynamic power simulations. We hope that this volume will be a useful and interesting resource for scholars and engineers in the fields of power systems and applied mathematics who are seeking to leverage artificial intelligence and sophisticated mathematical modeling to improve energy efficiency and system performance.

The digital era has had a tremendous influence on adolescents and young people. People no longer distinguish their experience with the old categories: offline vs. online. Digital reality is the new reality. This equivalence affects psychological development, and this is a risk and vulnerability factor, with extreme potential consequences such as suicide or interpersonal violence. The psychopathologies associated with the widespread use of the Internet and digital devices, such as problematic Internet use, cyberchondria, online gambling, etc., are widely studied in the literature. However, as rapidly as new platforms, apps, or SNSs are released, so too are new psychological and psychopathological behaviors observed (digital body image, filter overuse, fear of missing out, influencer virality, risky challenges, bystander effect, etc.). This Special Issue of IJERPH welcomed scientific contributions that help to understand contemporary phenomena related to internet use in the adolescent mind. Studies may focus on aspects related to the self (identity, body image, ability to regulate emotions, metacognitive skills, coping, addictions, personality traits) as well as relational aspects (parasocial interactions, phubbing, sexting, ghosting, cyberviolence). These topics deserve further study, which should address the conceptualization of new phenomena and their possible prevention in terms of psychological and public health risks.

The application of advanced guidance and control to missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles has long represented a research hotspot in academia, and the development of more advanced and intelligent guidance and control technology for flight vehicles has become a focus of research in recent years. In this reprint, studies on the mathematical theory and application of flight vehicle guidance and control are presented. This includes trajectory optimization, online planning, advanced intermediate guidance theoretical methods, terminal guidance theoretical methods, intercept guidance and pursuit and escape guidance, and other topics.

It has been known that cellular glutathione content and its speciation play a role, among others, in redox homeostasis, cell cycle control, immunological defense, and pathological abnormalities. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in the biotransformation of drugs and other endogenous or exogenous electrophilic species. Most of these cellular functions are related to the thiol function of the cysteine moiety.This reprint presents the publications that appeared in the Special Issue of Molecules, “Glutathione: Chemistry and Biochemistry.” The first three contributions review the present-day knowledge of the GSH/GSSG system and the most important GSH-related proteins involved in regulating various cellular events. The subsequent four contributions present selected interventions that modulate the GSSG/2GSH system. One of the contributions to this session describes a new HPLC method to quantify the reduced and oxidized glutathione levels. The third session involves three contribution

Achieving success along the entire production and supply chain of a dairy sector depends explicitly on adopting a sustainable 'state of the art' approach. In this regard, understanding key sustainability indicators and challenges with a holistic approach is vital. Appropriate design, application of novel technologies, implementation of life cycle analysis, upgradation and optimization of the entire production line are some of the key factors to be measured. In addition, it is vital that due consideration is given to demands of the producers, consumers, and dependent industries. Nevertheless, concern for the environment, social security and economy of the region should not be ignored. Precise planning ('on-farm' and 'off-farm') assumes importance especially when circular economy strategies needs to be considered. With these as background, this book is focused towards identifying present opportunities and overcoming future sustainability challenges in the global dairy sector. Related

Asset pricing, investment, and trading strategies are very important in finance. They are useful in various situations, for example, supporting the decision-making process of choosing investments; determining the asset-specific required rate of return on the investment; pricing derivatives for trading or hedging; getting portfolios from fixed incomes or bonds, stocks, and other assets; evaluating diverse portfolios; determining macroeconomic variables affecting market prices; calculating option prices; and incorporating features such as mean reversion and volatility, etc. They can also be applied in financial forecast for assets, portfolios, business projects.Understanding, modeling, and using various asset pricing models, investment models, and models for different trading strategies is paramount in many different areas of finance and investment, including banking, stocks, bonds, currencies, and related financial derivatives. Different asset pricing models, investment models, and mo

In this Special Issue, we have several papers related to fuel-cell-based cogeneration systems; the management and control of fuel cell systems; the analysis, simulation, and operation of different types of fuel cells; modelling and online experimental validation; and the environment assessment of cathode materials in lithium-ion battery energy generation systems. A paper which gives a comprehensive review with technical guidelines for the design and operation of fuel cells, especially in a cogeneration system setup, which can be an important source of references for the optimal design and operation of various types of fuel cells in cogeneration systems, can also be found in this Special Issue. Related Books Disentangling Mechanisms of Genomic Regulation of Cell Functions at the Gene Level Engineering Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling Environmental & Earth Sciences ... Modelling, Simulation and Control of Thermal Energy Systems Engineering Control, Simulation

Oxygen is a fundamental regulator of cellular metabolism and survival, with effects extending far beyond energy production. This Reprint offers a multidisciplinary overview of how oxygen fluctuations—such as hypoxia, normoxia, and hyperoxia—act as molecular signals influencing redox balance, gene expression, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. It explores cellular and systemic responses to changing oxygen levels in contexts like exercise, altitude, and oxygen therapy. Key mechanisms include the activation of transcription factors (HIFs, NRF2, NF-κB), ROS/RNS signaling, and mitochondrial adaptations. Emerging topics such as extracellular vesicle release and tissue-specific responses in the brain, heart, and kidneys are also covered. By integrating molecular insights with physiological and clinical relevance, this Reprint provides a framework for understanding oxygen as a dynamic signaling molecule. It is intended for researchers and clinicians interested in redox biology and oxygen-based interventions.

The contributions in this Reprint cover various aspects of application such as diagnosis, imaging, and assessing prognosis, collectively demonstrating the improvements in diagnostic accuracy and medical decision making that can be achieved by machine learning approaches

In 2020, the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) led to the worst worldwide healthcare crisis of this century. Several publications regarding the pathogenesis and etiology of SARS-CoV-2 virus have enahnced our understanding of coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19), the condition provoked by SARS-CoV-2. Once the COVID-19 pandemic ended, clinicians and researchers were faced with the long-lasting consequences of this condition, namely the presence of symptoms persisting years after the main infection; this has been named long-COVID, or post-COVID-19 condition. In fact, it is estimated that millions of COVID-19 survivors will be long haulers. This Special Issue in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, entitled "Post-COVID Symptoms in Long-Haulers: Definition, Identification, Mechanisms, and Management-Part II”, focuses on the identification, underlying mechanisms, and mangement of long-COVID. The thirteen papers published in this Special Issue address heterogeneous topics such as risk factors, long-term prevalence data, the healthcare burden, medical co-morbidities, clinical trials concerning rehabilitation treatments, and data concerning children with long-COVID.

Humans and animals are continuously exposed to different unwanted actions of compounds, including mycotoxins present in food, water, and air. The presence of mycotoxins is a reason for different disease states or tissue and organism dysfunction. New work should facilitate a more accurate description of the degree of species sensitivity and more efficient dietary management, using environmental influences to improve plant material and animal health quality during primary production. On the other hand, better knowledge of the different forms of enzymes participating in mycotoxin biotransformation would enable more efficient preventive and therapeutic actions in many disease states in which the aetiology was not fully understood until now. Related Books Mycotoxins Occurence in Feed and Their Influence on Animal Health Biology & Life Sciences ... The Effects of Mycotoxins on Human and Animal Health—a Special Focus on the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for Mycotoxin Toxici