Editorial Board Members' Collection Series
Human activities have induced conspicuous global changes including, inter alia, climate change, land use change, nitrogen deposition, and biological invasions, which negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem function in the Anthropocene. The decline in biodiversity and the deterioration of ecosystem functions and services may hamper the sustainable development of both the economy and society. Although numerous studies have been conducted over the past few decades, the biological and ecological mechanisms governing how global changes affect biodiversity and ecosystem functions are not fully understood. This reprint presents studies that advance our understanding of how global change drivers affect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Fruit Tree Physiology and Molecular Biology
Fruit tree physiology and molecular biology, a key branch of agricultural science, is key to maintaining the sustainability of the global fruit industry amid worsening conditions due to climate change and the growing demand for high-quality, diverse fruits. Critical physiological changes in fruit trees-flower bud differentiation, fruit/seed development, sugar-acid/color formation, rootstock impacts on tree/fruit quality, and stress responses-guide production, and analyzing their molecular mechanisms remains a focus of research, as this drives practical guidance.​ This Reprint "Fruit Tree Physiology and Molecular Biology" presents the latest work by global researchers in this field, focusing on four core areas: extreme environment adaptation, efficient resource use, precise quality improvement, and variety innovation. It covers apples, pears, grapes, etc., integrating multi-omics, CRISPR/Cas9, and cultivation techniques to explore stress resistance, nutrient regulation, and germplasm innovation mechanisms, solving industry issues (low efficiency, poor resilience, etc.).​ Our motivation for compiling this Reprint lies in addressing challenges (nutrient imbalance, pear ring rot, lab-field gaps, etc.) and consolidating progress (key genes, YOLOv10 models, etc.), and gaps (molecular-physiological links) are bridged via theory-practice research. The targets of this Special Issue Reprint include researchers (new mechanisms), agronomists (field optimization), and students (trends). It aims to inspire collaboration, accelerate technological translation, and advance a climate-resilient, high-quality industry for food security.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Healthcare Data Processing and Analyzing
This Special Issue presents recent progress in applying machine learning and deep learning techniques to healthcare data analysis and clinical decision support. Modern healthcare systems generate extensive and diverse data sources, including physiological signals, medical imaging, electronic health records, wearable sensor outputs, and multimodal patient monitoring streams. Deriving reliable clinical insights from these data demands approaches that are robust, interpretable, and efficient for real-time or resource-constrained environments. The contributions in this collection demonstrate innovative models and practical methodologies for addressing key challenges such as the detection of Parkinson's disease, prediction of Alzheimer's disease progression, forecasting clinical outcomes in microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms, prediction of lumbar disc herniation, and the development of medical image-based decision support systems. Overall, the Special Issue highlights methods that improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline data processing workflows, and support integration into clinical and point-of-care practice.
Grand Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
This Special Issue of Diagnostics, titled "Grand Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases", offers a comprehensive collection of original research and reviews spanning major advances in both heart and brain health. The topics covered range from acute and chronic cardiovascular syndromes to cerebrovascular emergencies. Original investigations examine coronary imaging in Kawasaki disease, the neurological impact of intra-aortic balloon pump and ECMO support, and the prognostic role of inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in large vessel occlusion stroke. The novel approaches highlighted in this collection include the use of machine learning models for stroke prediction in atrial fibrillation, the application of atherogenic indices to population-level risk stratification, and the functional characterization of SOX4 as a genetic determinant of familial atrial fibrillation. Complementing these are state-of-the-art reviews on atrial cardiomyopathy, acute heart failure and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, and frameworks for early detection of pre-heart failure. Collectively, the Reprint underscores the role of imaging, genetics, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence in shaping the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. Guest edited by Prof. Dr. Sonu M. M. Bhaskar, this Special Issue provides a multidisciplinary perspective for clinicians, researchers, and policy leaders committed to reducing the global burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
Morphological and Physiological Research on Fish
The Special Issue "Morphological and Physiological Research on Fish" focuses on the application of morphological and physiological research conducted on fish, with the goal of providing information on the relevance of morphological studies and their relationships to functions. Fish are not only the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, but they also have a wide range of applications in research and industry. Furthermore, aquaculture is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to generate high-quality protein. In addition, in recent years, fish have emerged as an intriguing model system in biomedical research, owing to their strong resemblance to mammals in terms of several fundamental systems. Morphological studies give us context for understanding the spatial organization and link between physiological and biochemical data, as well as the molecular machinery that is rapidly being explained using molecular approaches focused on the genome, transcriptome, and proteome. As a result, new morphological and physiological studies of fish would improve our comprehension of these species, with extraordinary and exciting implications for both basic and applied studies. Many authors contributed to the Special Issue with ten original pieces and four reviews. The themes covered ranged from descriptive morphology to morphometry, stress markers to toxic compounds, wild to aquaculture or model species, and involved various organs and apparatus. Morphometrical and morphological research were the most numerous contributions in this Special Issue.
Management of Forest Pests and Diseases
Forests are complex ecosystems sustained by interactions among countless organisms. Insects and microorganisms play essential roles in nutrient cycling and energy flow, yet many also act as pests and pathogens, threatening forest health and stability. This paradox-the presence of organisms that support ecological balance but can also disrupt it-is intensified by two global forces: the introduction of alien species and climate change. Global trade and travel facilitate biological invasions, while rising temperatures and shifting climates expand the range and reproduction of many pests and pathogens, contributing to recent outbreaks. Effective surveillance and monitoring are crucial for sustainable forest management. Early detection, rapid response, and long-term planning will help to mitigate their impacts, guide targeted control strategies, and advance scientific understanding.In this Special Issue, we compile interdisciplinary research addressing the interactions between pests, pathogens, climate, and human activity. By informing policy and management, we aim to support healthier, more resilient forests and foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Functional Biomaterial for Bone Regeneration
It is generally recognized that the success of bone regeneration depends not only on the choice of a particular surgical technique and the clinical experience of the therapist but also on the knowledge, correct selection, and use of various biomaterials. Therefore, the science of biomaterials is one of the fastest growing disciplines in dentistry, and a more thorough knowledge of the properties of existing biomaterials and the development of new biomaterials are certainly areas that require special research attention. We believe that the topic of this Special Issue is of great importance to professionals working in the field of tissue engineering, dental implantology, and regenerative dentistry.
Antibacterial Treatment in Periodontal and Endodontic Therapy, 2nd Edition
The fundamental element of systematic periodontal or endodontic therapy is the removal of bacterial biofilms from the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth. In some cases, the use of an antibiotic that is effective against the individual germ spectrum may be justified in order to control disease processes and prevent the spread of inflammatory processes to other areas of the body. However, the possible side effects on the whole organism or even the development of resistance must be considered. Alternative approaches, such as antimicrobial photochemical, photodynamic, and photothermal methods, use laser energy to induce a toxic effect on microorganisms. In the context of the treatment of periodontitis of different stages and severity, as well as endodontic therapy measures, such methods show promising results, especially in adjuvant application to conventional approaches, and could therefore be a useful complement to existing periodontal and endodontic antimicrobial treatment measures. This Special Issue focuses on actual studies on the use of antimicrobial therapy approaches in periodontal and endodontic therapy.
Role of Food Digestion and Digestive System in the Nutritional, Functional and Health Properties of Food Bioactives
Understanding the complex process of food digestion is an area of intense research due to its direct liaison with nutrition and health. Over the last few years, consumers have been paying more attention to how nutritional factors and the consumption of certain foods may impact human well-being, as food components may display either beneficial or adverse effects in the digestive system, and therefore, in human health. Hence, our gastrointestinal tract is exposed to a large variety of food components once they are processed, released, and eventually transported across the intestinal barrier. Food compounds are thus metabolized and subjected to different changes in the digestive system, and scientists working on functional foods aim to uncover this challenge to better determine the health implications of food bioactives. While the simulation of the physiological conditions of the digestion process is a crucial step, there is growing evidence regarding the health impact of the modulation of digestive functions through dietary substances. Therefore, the goal of this Special Issue was to gather the latest research on the three-way interplay between the digestive system, the food matrix and composition during digestion, and the nutritional and functional properties of food bioactives, highlighting investigations applying model systems of food gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, bioavailability, and gut microbiota, but also novel studies and future scientific trends about the nutritional and biological functions of digested food products and their bioactive molecules in health and disease.
Functional Foods and Gut Microbiome
Functional Foods and Gut Microbiome covers the concept of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics along with their potential as functional foods for improved gut microbiome and health. A significant part of the population is consuming various probiotics in form of traditional fermented food or commercial supplements. The use of probiotics along with prebiotics and synbiotics has increased in recent times due to increase in public awareness on functional foods. Recent advances in management of disorders and diseases with functional foods are discussed. This book is useful tool for graduate students, PhD scholars as core subject and information source. Researchers, academicians and dieticians, biochemists, microbiologists, biotechnologists and other life science disciplines will find it useful for their concept, update and recent information.
The Role of Vascular Dysfunction in Neuronal Degeneration and Cognitive Impairment
The present Special Issue is dedicated to the role of vascular dysfunction in neurodegeneration and the resultant cognitive impairment. It identifies some mechanisms involved in processes that predominantly originate in the vasculature and lead to neurodegeneration with resultant cognitive decline.
Diet, Nutrition and Lifestyle in Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Aging entails the alteration of a plethora of mechanisms at the cell and organ level that ultimately contribute to the functional decline of an organism. As a consequence, older individuals undergo a complex condition named frailty, which includes alterations to their physical and psychological abilities. Frailty is characterized by weakness, lower physical activity, worsening of psychological conditions, and low-grade chronic inflammation, which can be fatal in adverse health circumstances. Frailty has been demonstrated to be a tunable condition, and its onset and development is correlated to several factors such as socioeconomic background, nutritional conditions, and physical exercise.The present Issue delves into age-related diseases and frailty and reports on strategies that promote healthy aging and elucidate how factors connected to one's lifestyle, including physical exercise, environmental and economic conditions, and other factors, can modulate the quality of aging.
Clinical Management of Patients with Heart Failure
One of the world-wide leading causes for increased morbidity and mortality is heart failure, which also leads to increased costs for the healthcare systems. It usually evolves with repeated episodes of decompensation, representing one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization in the cardiology or internal medicine units but also aggravating the course of other pathologies. Even in its more stable form, chronic heart failure may affect patients' wellbeing and quality of life, impacting their level of activity and reducing their ability to practice self-care, as well as generating socio-economic consequences for patients and their families. This Special Issue focuses on original articles, reviews, meta-analyses and case reports carrying out groundbreaking research regarding the clinical management of heart failure.
The Sacred Brain
In the quest to understand the boundaries of human awareness, modern laboratory tools are exposing how seemingly intangible phenomena map onto tangible neural circuits. This journey intrigues those seeking evidence-based insight into how spiritual awakening and meditative states can reshape perception, behaviour, and community bonds. Here, accessible explanations of how neuroscience of spirituality intersects with mystical experiences offer a fresh perspective on the mind-body link. By exploring brain plasticity, brain wave research, and emerging findings in science and faith, readers gain a roadmap to navigate the subtle dance between physiological processes and transcendent revelations. Seasoned seekers and curious newcomers alike will discover how harnessing meditative states can lead to greater clarity, while investigating the neural correlates sheds new light on the elusive nature of higher consciousness. Ultimately, this resource delves into spiritual awakening and consciousness exploration as phenomena we can study, yet never fully reduce to numbers. Walk away with a deeper appreciation of the human brain's adaptability, ready to apply evidence-informed tools to everyday life, and perhaps unlock new dimensions of self-awareness in the process.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense in Crop Plants
This Reprint comprises a collection of interdisciplinary research on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in crop plants, emphasizing their relevance for modern agriculture. The contributions examine how environmental stressors affect plant metabolism and how antioxidant systems contribute to crop tolerance and yield stability. Integrating molecular, physiological, and agronomic perspectives, the Reprint highlights both fundamental discoveries and practical implications for crop improvement. It serves as a reference for researchers, breeders, and agronomists seeking innovative approaches to enhance plant resilience in the face of climate change and environmental stress.
Feature Review in Agricultural Soils
This Special Issue covers a wide range of basic and applied research on agricultural soil health spanning from the molecular level to the field level. It also explores the impacts of various soil degradation processes and the effectiveness of soil conservation.
Edible Fungi
This Reprint presents a comprehensive collection of research advancing the science of edible fungi. It explores innovative strategies for quality preservation, including controlled atmosphere storage and cold plasma treatment, to extend the shelf-life of mushrooms. Significant focus is given to combating fungal diseases, examining both direct inhibitory agents and the genomic basis of pathogens. This Reprint also delves into the nutritional and functional potential of fungi, from the structural analysis of bioactive polysaccharides and the improvement of Vitamin D status through consumption, to the application of fungal dietary fiber in enhancing food product quality. This collection synthesizes critical insights for improving the sustainability, safety, and health value of the mushroom industry.
Extraction, Utilization and Conversion of Woody Biomass
Woody biomass has increasingly emerged as a versatile feedstock for the sustainable production of bioactive compounds, energy carriers, and advanced materials. This Special Issue consolidates recent advances across three interrelated domains: (1) the selective extraction of high-value molecules such as phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpenoids using conventional and green solvents and supercritical technologies; (2) the improvement of biochemical and thermochemical conversion pathways for the generation of fuels, hydrogen, and carbonaceous materials; and (3) comprehensive sustainability evaluations at the system level, encompassing life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis.
Genetics and Breeding in Aquaculture
This Reprint brings together ten original research articles that represent recent advances in genetics and breeding for aquaculture. Covering a broad range of topics, including sex differentiation, sex-biased gene expression, mutagenesis breeding, growth trait heritability, and immune response mechanisms, the studies highlight both fundamental biological insights and applied breeding strategies. Key model and non-model aquaculture species are featured, including tilapia, grass carp, bullfrog, and zig-zag eel, offering species-specific approaches to genetic improvement. Methodological innovations span from RNA interference and gene expression profiling to mutagenesis and quantitative trait analysis, reflecting the integration of molecular and quantitative tools in aquaculture breeding programs. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of how omics technologies and functional validation are being leveraged to enhance performance traits and disease resistance, paving the way for more precise, sustainable, and efficient aquaculture systems.
Viral Crossroads
This Reprint explores the intricate and evolving interactions between wildlife and domestic animals, emphasizing how these relationships drive the spread and evolution of viral diseases. As human activities lead to habitat encroachment, agricultural expansion, and climate change, the boundaries between wildlife and domestic animal populations blur, heightening the risk of cross-species viral transmission. This Reprint explores critical topics such as viral spillover events, the intricate pathways and mechanisms that enable cross-species transmission, and the significant role played by environmental changes in accelerating these processes. Additionally, it examines the broader implications for public health, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the interconnectedness of these fields. This Reprint deepens our understanding of the complex factors driving these viral interfaces by featuring cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives. It also addresses the development of robust strategies for monitoring, preventing, and controlling disease spread, thereby safeguarding wildlife and domestic animal health at this pivotal crossroads.
Feature Papers in Bone Biomaterials
Bone is a typical mineralized tissue that plays a critical role in protecting and maintaining the shape of the human body. Meanwhile, bone is also a place where inorganic ions are stored and various blood cells are produced. The treatment of bone diseases is one of the most important issues in the clinical work of orthopedics, in which the use of biomaterials is becoming increasingly important. In terms of chemical composition, the types of bone biomaterials include metals, inorganic non-metals, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and cell-derived materials, which are used in the form of porous scaffolds, membranes, hydrogels, nanomaterials, etc. In recent decades, the development of bone biomaterials has rapidly promoted the clinical treatment strategies of orthopedic diseases.This Reprint hosts papers (communications, articles, and reviews) related to the latest findings and trends in the field of bone biomaterials. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: bone implants, metal/ceramic biomaterials, surface modification, biomimetic materials, biomineralization, bone/cartilage regeneration, 3D/4D printed scaffolds, biosafety/bioactivity evaluation, and bone tumor-related nanomedicine.
Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Anatomy
This Special Issue, "Veterinary Anatomy and Veterinary Pathology: 2nd Edition", aimed to publish original research works, reviews and case reports within these topics, highlighting their importance in the search for new diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for animal diseases. This Reprint consists of 12 articles that present recent insights and advancements in the fields of animal anatomy and pathology, addressing contemporary issues through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary methods, from the anatomy of the monkey to modern imagistic methods (computed tomography, endoscopy, ultrasonography, electrophysiology) used in the diagnosis and treatment of various animal pathology, or the biocompatibility of some new biomaterials on animal experimental models. Other subjects of interest include the use of infrared thermography for rapid diagnostic orientation in acute intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs, ultrasonography of the liver in hepatocutaneous syndrome of dogs, electroencephalography in a dog with seizures consequent to a portosystemic shunt, the protective effect of 1% hyaluronic acid ophthalmic gel against corneal abrasion during general anaesthesia, a rapid method for the determination of ochratoxins in maize, and a first case report of intoxication with copper bilysinate in sheep.
Current Advances in Oxytocin Research
In 1950, the amino acid sequences of vasopressin and oxytocin were determined, and both peptides were chemically synthesised. This characterisation of oxytocin led to the Nobel Prize being awarded to Vincent du Vigneaud in 1955. The common evolutionary origin of vasopressin and oxytocin dates back to millions of years ago, which suggests that oxytocin has effects that go beyond uterine contractions and pregnancy. Nevertheless, such evidence was uncovered only in early 2000, when mice depleted of either oxytocin or its receptor were observed to develop late-onset obesity and metabolic syndrome, thus establishing the involvement of oxytocin in the regulation of energy and metabolism. The effects of oxytocin on fat and energy are both direct, since oxytocin is anorexigenic, and indirect, since oxytocin regulates the lean/fat mass composition in skeletal muscle. Peripheral oxytocin promotes osteoblast differentiation and function. Oxytocin acts on fat, muscle, and bone. Evolutionarily, the anabolic effect of oxytocin on bone and muscle makes sense since oxytocin concentrations increase during stressful physiological situations, including pregnancy and lactation in mammals, and triggers aggressive behaviour that, in females, is important for the protection of offspring after labour, when they are most vulnerable to predators and plasma oxytocin is at its peak. This demonstrates that the effects of oxytocin are beneficial in the management of osteoporosis, body fat gain, and sarcopenia, indicating the therapeutic potential but also challenges, namely, to find a single route able to reach all the targets.
The Application of EEG in Neurorehabilitation
The integration of electroencephalography (EEG) into neurorehabilitation practices has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing our understanding of brain function and facilitating recovery following neurological injury or disease. This special edition of Brain Sciences explores the diverse applications of EEG in neurorehabilitation, exploring its role in assessing neural plasticity, guiding personalized treatment strategies, monitoring therapeutic interventions and developing EEG-based brain-computer interfaces. Through a collection of scholarly articles, this volume aims to illuminate the latest advancements, challenges and future directions in the use of EEG technologies to optimize rehabilitation outcomes and promote neurological recovery.
Biology, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Macrophytes and Algae
Aquatic macrophytes and algae play a significant role in improving water quality and inhibiting microalgal blooms. Simultaneously, they can provide critical habitats and foraging grounds for aquatic animals, effectively maintaining the stability of ecosystems and biodiversity levels. Therefore, aquatic macrophytes and algae are often used in the restoration of intertidal zones, lakes, and river ecosystems. Conversely, some aquatic macrophytes and algae in natural ecosystems form dominant species, triggering large-scale ecological disasters such as green tides and golden tides, having a significant impact on the management and sustainable development of regional ecosystems.The dual nature of aquatic macrophytes and algae, as both beneficial and potentially problematic components of aquatic ecosystems, underscores the complexity of their ecological roles. Understanding these roles requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, which is precisely what this Reprint aims to facilitate.To address this need, this Reprint establishes an inclusive platform for scholarly discourse on the ecology of macrophytes and algae, including various living environments of macrophytes and algae, systematically exploring their interactions with diverse habitats (marine, coastal zones, and climate-vulnerable ecosystems) through interdisciplinary lenses encompassing biology, systematics, environmental science, and aquaculture management.
God Is
GOD IS: A Matter of Fact. Therefore, God not only withstands but clearly emerges from a rigorous Scientific Study of the Laws of Nature. The Theory of Fundamental Intelligence provides a valid, supportable, and elegant solution to many of the questions regarding the Forces that drive the Universe, Intelligent Behavior, and Human Interaction. GOD IS: A Matter of Fact overcomes the barriers of Restricted Science and allows Scientific Study of all reasonable theories for the Origin of the Universe and the Creation of Life. Fundamental Intelligence is the key to unlocking the secrets behind such theories as the Big Bang, the Grand Unified Theory, and the Theory of Everything. It also reconciles Charles Darwin's observations regarding Man's Selection and Natural Selection, and the corresponding hypothesis of Inclusive Fitness. GOD IS: A Matter of Fact validates that the "Blessings of Liberty", a founding principle of the U.S. Constitution, flow from the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." The Scientific Study of a Supreme Intelligent Being and the Theory of Fundamental Intelligence offers the greatest opportunity to advance our understanding of the Universe, our World, and Human Behavior; and to avoid the disastrous consequences of the godless Social Science experiments of the 20th Century.
What Does Life Do?
What is the nature of life? How did life on Earth begin? How is life connected to the Earth and the Universe? How have humans altered the course of life? In this book, Kennedy changes our vies of life by asking a simple question, "what does it do?" With this one question, Kennedy takes you on a journey from life's origins, through its evolution and diversification to speculating about the future of life. Along the way, you see that life is connected to the Earth, and nowhere is that more true than today as humans are rapidly degrading the planet. What Does Life Do captures Kennedy's passion for biology and the importance of science for understanding the natural world.
Man's Selection
Man's Selection sets the scientific record straight by taking a fresh look at Charles Darwin's phenomenal theories regarding Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design. In The Origin of Species, Darwin stated that "the Creator" originated one or more forms of life, that "the Creator" established the laws governing nature, and that "the works of the Creator" were superior to those of man. Darwin also addressed intelligent Design through the inclusion of Joseph Butler's affirmation that "what is natural as much requires and presupposes an intelligent agent to render it so." Darwin used his observations regarding Man's Selection to build the case for his theory of Natural Selection. He discovered other powerful creative forces at work, such as Individual, Spontaneous, and Correlated Variation; without which Natural Selection is powerless. Most importantly, Darwin insisted that Natural Selection was not the exclusive means of evolution, and that "other agencies more important" were responsible for the development of the noblest traits of human behavior. Yet these observations are rarely included in science text books today. For over 150 years, Darwin's observations regarding Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design have been redacted and misrepresented by a cadre of scientists who have limited evolution science to theories that align with the philosophy of Materialism and the religion of Atheism. Darwin protested such misrepresentation, but to no avail. Today, public school science curriculum is governed by the Modern Evolution Science Synthesis (MESS), which focuses almost exclusively on Natural Selection and Mendelian Inheritance, ignoring much of Darwin's work. Man's Selection promotes an open scientific inquiry into all of Darwin's observations regarding Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design without the restrictive lens of Materialism or Atheism.
God Is
GOD IS: A Matter of Fact. Therefore, God not only withstands but clearly emerges from a rigorous Scientific Study of the Laws of Nature. The Theory of Fundamental Intelligence provides a valid, supportable, and elegant solution to many of the questions regarding the Forces that drive the Universe, Intelligent Behavior, and Human Interaction. GOD IS: A Matter of Fact overcomes the barriers of Restricted Science and allows Scientific Study of all reasonable theories for the Origin of the Universe and the Creation of Life. Fundamental Intelligence is the key to unlocking the secrets behind such theories as the Big Bang, the Grand Unified Theory, and the Theory of Everything. It also reconciles Charles Darwin's observations regarding Man's Selection and Natural Selection, and the corresponding hypothesis of Inclusive Fitness. GOD IS: A Matter of Fact validates that the "Blessings of Liberty", a founding principle of the U.S. Constitution, flow from the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." The Scientific Study of a Supreme Intelligent Being and the Theory of Fundamental Intelligence offers the greatest opportunity to advance our understanding of the Universe, our World, and Human Behavior; and to avoid the disastrous consequences of the godless Social Science experiments of the 20th Century.
A Student Guide to Man's Selection
A Student Guide to Man's Selection: Charles Darwin's Theory of Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design provides a scientific inquiry into two competing theories regarding the creation and evolution of life - the Case for Chance and the Case for Design. Scientists with starkly different opinions on the subject, from Dr. Wernher von Braun to Dr. Richard Dawkins, have stated that both theories are a matter for scientific study. However, most public school science curriculum does not consider the Case for Design out of the misguided belief that it is incompatable with secularism. Instead, some in the scientific community insist that theories of creation and evolution must align with the Case for Chance, and have advanced neo-Darwinism as the basis for the Modern Evolution Science Synthesis. However, this directly contradicts what Charles Darwin observed and documented in his trilogy of publications, The Origin of Species, The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, and The Descent of Man. Charles Darwin observed that several forms of Variation were the catalyst for creation. He also observed that multiple types of Selection preserved the most favorable variations for adaptation by the organism, preserving traits that could be inherited by its offspring and passed along to future generations. Complex combinations of variation and selection, governed by "laws impressed on matter by the Creator," result in the creation and evolution of life. Darwin's findings were based on rigourous scientific observation and therefore can serve as the basis for inquiry into this phenomenal and mainly unknown area of science. Darwin bridged the "case for chance" with the "case for design" through his analogy of an architect who masterfully creates noble and purposeful edifices from seemingly meaningless uncut stones produced by natural laws unrelated to the edifice created. The Student Guide to Man's Selection addresses the following student concerns. What do you think? Two different theories attempt to explain the creation and evolution of life; the Case for Chance and the Case for Design. These competing theories have prompted two opposing sides of the most fundamental questions of humanity. Who or what created life? Why are we here? How are we supposed to behave? Is there a plan of creation? Why does this matter? The answers to these questions have driven human behavior and shaped civilization. Was life spawned as a happenstance of matter and natural law, or was it "originally breathed by the Creator" into one or more forms, as Darwin observed. Are humans simply a twig on the evolutionary tree - a meaningless form of ape? Or were we created for a higher pupose through a process analogous to what Darwin called "man's power of accumulated selection," or Man's Selection. The answers to such questions compel consideration of moral and ethical behavior as the foundation of a rule of law and human rights that transcend the singular law of nature and the natural right of the Survival of the Fittest - the driving force of Natural Selection. Darwin asserted that through the study of Man's Selection, we may reveal what he called the "plan of creation." How is this book different? Today's students are our future. They are SMART learners - endowed with Singular Intelligence and the capacity to use Science, Math, Art, Reason, and Tradition to advance their understanding of the complex issues that shape our world. This scientific inquiry will take a fresh look at Darwin's observations. Students will be challenged to consider the evidence on both sides of the question - the Case for Chance and the Case for Design.
Diagnosis, Characterization and Treatment of Emerging Pathogens, Second Edition
This Reprint, "Diagnosis, Characterization and Treatment of Emerging Pathogens, Second Edition", continues the work of our previous edition under the same title.Emerging infectious diseases remain among the most rapidly spreading and impactful global health threats. Alongside these, a wide range of other infectious agents continue to endanger billions of people worldwide, posing urgent and evolving challenges that demand innovative approaches for their detection, characterization, and treatment.In this Reprint, we present nine high-quality articles that explore key aspects of emerging pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These studies provide novel insights into pathogen biology, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies.This Special Issue enhanced our scientific and clinical understanding of the world's most critical infectious threats. Collectively, these efforts aim to drive innovation in global health preparedness and strengthen our response to the ever-evolving landscape of emerging pathogens.
Computational Analysis and Conformational Modeling for Protein Structure and Interaction
Protein structure and interactions underpin the molecular logic of life, driving essential processes such as signal transduction, molecular recognition, and catalysis. Insights into this domain are pivotal for elucidating biological mechanisms, advancing therapeutic discovery, and enabling the rational design of engineered proteins. Experimental approaches notably X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryo-EM together with recent AI-driven tools such as AlphaFold3, ESMFold, and RoseTTAFold All-Atom, have transformed protein structure determination. Nonetheless, these methods often struggle to capture the atomistic conformational dynamics that govern protein interactions. Computational analysis and conformational modelling bridge this gap, offering robust frameworks to simulate dynamics, predict conformational transitions, and interrogate molecular interactions at exceptional resolution. This Reprint, drawn from the Special Issue on "Computational Analysis and Conformational Modeling of Protein Structure and Interaction," showcases cutting-edge research that extends the frontiers of structural biology, computational chemistry, and drug design. It highlights advances in modelling protein flexibility, exploring complex formation, integrating computational predictions with experimental validation, and harnessing AI for structure and interaction forecasting, collectively providing a timely resource for innovation in biotechnology and medicine.
Physiological and Molecular Biology of Ornamental Plants
Ornamental plants, renowned for their remarkable floral diversity, vivid pigmentation, and characteristic fragrances, possess profound cultural, ecological, and economic significance. Their complex traits are governed by coordinated physiological processes and molecular mechanisms that regulate pigment biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, reproductive development, and stress adaptation. However, many of these mechanisms remain only partially understood.This Special Issue, Physiological and Molecular Biology of Ornamental Plants-2nd Edition, comprises 15 papers, including 13 research articles, 1 review, and 1 essay article, all peer-reviewed and published in Horticulturae with full open access. The studies encompass three major themes: floral traits, floral scent and secondary metabolism, and adaptive responses to environmental stresses. Together, they provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of recent progress in understanding the physiological and molecular bases of ornamental plant biology.Collectively, these contributions deepen knowledge of the regulatory networks that control floral coloration, volatile and non-volatile metabolite formation, and stress-responsive processes. They further exemplify how integrative multi-omics approaches are advancing both fundamental research and the practical improvement of ornamental plant quality and resilience.
Advances in Phage Display
Phage display is a powerful technique that has greatly accelerated progress in multiple fields, including drug discovery, structural biology, biomarker development, and protein domain engineering. This technology leverages bacteriophages-viruses that infect bacteria-to display a wide range of foreign peptides, proteins, or antibody fragments on their surfaces, allowing for the identification of optimal binding molecules.With contributions from instructors and former students from the "Antibody Engineering and Display Technologies" Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory course, this collection features expert reviews and detailed laboratory protocols covering various principles and applications of phage display, and represents an essential resource for those using phage display in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Application and Characterization of Polymer Composites
This Reprint, guest-edited by Dr. Fei Han, brings together a collection of research works dedicated to the advancement of functional polymer-based gels, with particular emphasis on smart hydrogels, stimuli-responsive materials, polymer composites, and flexible electronic devices. This collection focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of these gel-based materials, with the aim of presenting the latest research advances in areas such as wearable health monitoring and sensors, and highlighting the potential for further innovative research in the field.
Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas
This Reprint offers an overview of different approaches for sustainable coastal management. To ensure this type of management, it is essential to adopt interdisciplinary strategies that combine ecological, economic, and governance aspects. Furthermore, raising awareness by means of education about coastal ecosystem services is of utmost importance for encouraging constructive perceptions and values related to coastal environments. Science plays a crucial role in linking conceptual models to practical applications. Concrete examples include the following: The development of socio-ecological indicators for sustainable coastal tourism;The contribution of citizen science in monitoring coastal biodiversity;The assessment of ecosystem services for integrated coastal spatial planning.
The Value of Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents
This Reprint focuses on the biological activity and therapeutic potential of naturally occurring substances. Natural products, either as single compounds or as complex extracts, have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and are now regaining attention as valuable sources for innovative therapies. The articles collected in this Reprint examine how natural compounds influence fundamental cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, differentiation, migration, and invasion. Special attention is also given to the role of soluble mediators and to the modulation of the tumor and inflammatory microenvironment. By bringing together original research and comprehensive reviews, this Reprint provides an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms through which plant-derived products and their derivatives exert beneficial effects. It highlights both experimental and translational perspectives, aiming to stimulate further research into the development of natural compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents. This Reprint is intended for scientists, clinicians, and graduate students interested in pharmacology, oncology, immunology, and natural product research.
Generation AI and the Transformation of Human Being
Many are discussing what AI and other advanced technologies may become; few have thought through what we will become. Generation AI-those born after 2022-will be the first humans to grow up in a world of immersive AI, intelligent robots, and ambiguous boundaries between the born and the made. They will differ fundamentally from us, yet their future is our future too.Drawing on evolutionary biology, social science, and progress in advanced technologies, renowned scientist-philosopher Gregory Stock offers the most comprehensive analysis yet of how AI will reshape not just our world, but our very nature. Generation AI: The Transformation of Human Being is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the profound transformation already underway-and our place within it.
Fishes and Crustaceans
This Reprint compiles original research papers addressing key aspects of the biology and ecology of fishes and crustaceans in a changing marine environment. The studies investigate diverse topics, including reproductive biology, growth and development, physiological responses, and the influence of environmental stressors on aquatic organisms. Particular attention is given to how coastal and marine conditions, as well as anthropogenic pressures, affect the health, performance, and sustainability of species of ecological and economic relevance.By presenting a collection of data-driven contributions, this Reprint provides updated scientific evidence on the adaptability of aquatic species to dynamic environments, offering insights valuable for aquaculture, fishery management, and biodiversity conservation. It is intended as a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in marine biology, ecological monitoring, and the sustainable use of aquatic resources.
Bioactive Molecules
Cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide and is becoming worse over time. Although some advanced, effective cancer therapies have been developed, there are limitations in current treatments, including severe side effects for patients, tumor recurrence and metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, identifying novel cancer-specific targets and developing more effective, less toxic therapeutics is of urgent clinical significance to improve the survival rate of cancer patients.Bioactive molecules play an important role in regulating the processes of cancer cell growth and development. The bioactive molecules of interest in this Reprint include small chemical molecules from nature and biomolecules found in living organisms, as well as their synthetic family members. It is well known that many clinically used drugs are developed from plants; many nutrient molecules from functional foods have cancer-preventive and antitumor activities; and many biomolecules (such as proteins and nucleic acids) are anticancer drug targets or have tumor-suppressing activities. All of these findings have been or could be used to develop new strategies for preventing and treating various cancers.
Pollination Biology
Pollinators have important links to ecosystem health, green agriculture, food security and nutritional health. As an important part of the ecosystem, pollinating insects provide important ecological services to the ecosystem and also play an important role in maintaining the dynamic balance and relative stability of the ecosystem. Pollinator insects account for 80-85% of all animal pollination and provide vital services to the plant-pollinator ecosystem, the importance of which is widely recognized by researchers and the general public. Since the 1960s, the area of crops that are dependent on insect pollination has tripled worldwide, and the direct or indirect economic value of insect pollination services has become an important component of the gross agricultural product in many developed countries. To further advance research and exchange in the field of pollination biology, we have collected research contributions from relevant scholars and compiled them into this Reprint volume. The research findings in this Reprint offer, at best, a modest snapshot of an extraordinarily complex and rapidly evolving field. While the breadth of topics covered and the depth of individual studies reflect the momentum in pollination biology, we are acutely aware that any Special Issue can only scratch the surface. We aim to advance the discipline toward more robust and generalizable insights. Through collaboration with agronomists, plant breeders, land managers, and policy-makers, we will translate these findings into actionable spatial plans, cropping systems, seed technologies, and transnational policy frameworks.
State of the Art of Natural Antioxidants
More comprehensive studies on the mechanism of action of antioxidants are still needed to classify them into different groups according to their exact mode of action. Moreover, knowledge of the precise action mechanisms of many recently discovered natural compounds is still incomplete. Several different classifications of natural compounds are not totally satisfactory. Thus, both in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the direct and indirect modes of action through using advanced technological methods could easily push this area towards the successful selection of these agents. These analytical technologies could be the next generation for drawing chemical images of plant and animal tissues' biofunctional impacts and could visualize these biomolecules' activities. The objective of this Special Issue series is to demonstrate the different potential applications of the antioxidants, providing a comprehensive overview of efficient applications in different fields. For instance, these compounds have made significant contributions in the fields of nanotechnology, phytomedicine, food chemistry, bioresource technology, and phytoremediation. In conclusion, this Special Issue could play an important role in maximizing the extraction functionality and detection potential in all the mentioned fields from the analytical chemistry point of view through antioxidants' very simple applications in extraction, determination, and evaluation.
Application of CFD Simulations to Marine Hydrodynamic Problems
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods play important roles for the design and ability assessment of marine vehicles, structures, ships, etc. They are widely used in the fields of naval architecture and ocean engineering. Nowadays, CFD techniques have developed to a very high level. They can partly or even fully replace experiments in many cases. This Special Issue aims to collect the cutting-edge developments in the fundamentals and applications of CFD methods, which can promote the discussion and developing of the new CFD methods.
Cereals and Cereal-Based Foods
Cereals are an important source of energy and compounds with nutritional and healthy properties. To develop superior, nutrient-rich, and healthy cereal-based foods, it is essential to select appropriate genetic materials with good nutritional profiles, optimize milling processes to retain beneficial compounds, and refine secondary processing techniques. Combining these efforts with good sensory properties is crucial for creating appealing and healthy final products that are rich in energy, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
Photonics for Bioapplications
This Special Issue explores advanced biosensing technologies, covering fluorescence, terahertz, photoelectrochemical, and optical fiber-based sensors. Topics include enzyme-assisted fluorescence biosensors for microRNA detection, NIR squaraine dye-peptide conjugates for trypsin detection, and metasurface-based terahertz sensors for tracing molecules. It discusses methods like backscattering Mueller matrix polarimetry for tissue imaging, SERS substrates for uric acid detection, and ternary heterojunction photoelectrochemical sensors for antioxidant quantification. Other highlights include hierarchical Ti-metal-organic framework microflowers for the detection and removal of the aluminum ion, analysis of the thermo-viscoelastometry of radiofrequency-wave-heated and ablated flesh tissues containing Au nanoparticles, and optical fiber sensors for thermal mapping in radiofrequency ablation. The Special Issue concludes with a review of cost-effective optical fiber solutions for biosensing, offering insights into biomedical and environmental applications.
Retinal Diseases
This Special Issue Reprint provides an updated overview of retina and retinal diseases along with therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. The diseases covered include diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, retinoblastoma, age-related macular degeneration, and inherited retinal disorders associated with infantile nystagmus syndrome. Recent advances in therapeutic development approaches, such as gene- and stem-cell-based therapies, are reviewed, and recent advances in the clinical treatment of application, including anti-VEGF and vision rehabilitation and eye exercises, are included. Updates regarding diagnostic and disease-grading methodologies, such as VESsel GENeration (VESGEN) analysis and deep neural networks are also highlighted, offering insights into future directions. In addition, this Reprint describes photoreceptor synapse development and related transcriptome analyses.
Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species
Nutritious and safe food is one of the main contributors to the health of society. The first step to keep food nutritious and safe is the quality of the raw material. The quality of the raw material supplied to the industry affects the final quality of the product obtained. Therefore, the cultivation technology of individual plant species is of colossal importance. On the one hand, through proper crop management, we can increase the amount of nutrients and obtain raw materials suitable for use in various industries. On the other hand, inappropriate crop management can increase amounts of chemical pollution (residues of plant protection products) and physical pollution (heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites). Additionally, fungal diseases can lead to reduced quality and the production of toxic metabolites known as mycotoxins. Due to climate change, urbanisation and other human activities, there is a growing concern about the levels of these contaminants in food. In recent years, the use of biotechnology and genome editing of plants in order to enhance their nutritional value or increase their resistance to pests or unfavourable environmental conditions, such as drought, has also gained more focus. The publications covered high-quality research results from different research fields, including genetics, new genomic techniques and breeding, agriculture, food technology, and ecology, etc.
Sustainability and Perspectives of Edible Insect Rearing and Utilization of Their Products and Byproducts
The prediction that the world population will reach 9 billion by 2050, widely regarded as optimistic, imposes a more responsible and sustainable use of resources and, at the same time, a search for alternative protein sources that can meet the nutritional needs of an ever-growing population hungry for healthy food. In traditional livestock farming, greater attention must be paid to the sustainability and safety of the feed provided, without neglecting food crops, both of which are representatives of specific territories and innovative ones. In all cases, the concept of sustainability must be declined in its three terms: environmental, economic and social. In this context, edible insects are a promising alternative food source due to their high nutritional value and sustainable production. In some countries, edible insect production must be made increasingly sustainable through the valorisation of waste and by-products for insect feeding as well as the valorisation of farm products. For other countries, it represents a promising prospect for direct or indirect feed and food production.This Special Issue includes papers articles dealing with innovative solutions for edible insect rearing, as well as new perspectives on the use of rearing products and byproducts.
