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In the current competitive scenario, the banking industry must contend with multiple challenges tied to regulations, legacy systems, disruptive models/technologies, new competitors, and a restive customer base, while simultaneously pursuing new strategies for sustainable growth. Banking institutions that can address these emerging challenges and opportunities to effectively balance long-term goals with short-term performance pressures could be aptly rewarded. This book comprises a selection of papers addressing some of these relevant issues concerning the current challenges and opportunities for international banking institutions. Papers in this collection focus on the digital transformation of the banking industry and its effect on sustainability, the emergence of new competitors such as FinTech companies, the role of mobile banking in the industry, the connections between sustainability and financial performance, and other general sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) topics related to the banking industry. The book is a Special Issue of the MDPI journal Sustainability, which has been sponsored by the Santander Financial Institute (SANFI), a Spanish research and training institution created as a collaboration between Santander Bank and the University of Cantabria. SANFI works to identify, develop, support, and promote knowledge, study, talent, and innovation in the financial sector.

In 2015, the United Nations decided to establish the goal of achieving "zero hunger" in the world by 2030 through "outcome targets" such as eliminating hunger and improving access to food, ending all forms of malnutrition, promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture, and maintaining genetic diversity in food production. As a result of this decision, strategies are under way in different countries around the world in the form of political, academic, development, and non-governmental organization projects and programs. Five years later, these strategies have certainly generated results that need to be documented and analyzed so as to answer the following questions: what are the progress and success stories in terms of policies, innovations, technologies, and approaches to reach the zero hunger goal? What are the constraints and mitigation strategies? Are we really in a phase of transition towards the zero hunger goal? What new directions do we need to consider to achieve this goal, particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which affects all sectors of development around the world? This book volume will be published within MDPI's new open access book series entitled "Transitioning to Sustainability". It welcomes contributions of empirical research, position pieces, and presentations of important research programs or stakeholder initiatives that cover any of the four "outcome targets" of the zero hunger goal. The contributions may come from academics, students, and policy makers of any region in the world and may be related to specific discipline or inter and/or transdisciplinary. Transitioning to Zero Hunger is part of MDPI's new Open Access book series Transitioning to Sustainability. With this series, MDPI pursues environmentally and socially relevant research which contributes to efforts toward a sustainable world. Transitioning to Sustainability aims to add to the conversation about regional and global sustainable development according to the 17 SDGs. Set to be published in spring 2020, and coinciding with the SDGs' 5-year anniversary, the book series is intended to reach beyond disciplinary, even academic boundaries. Furthermore, Transitioning to Sustainability will be presented and serve as a basis for discussion at the World Sustainability Week, to be held from 14-19 September 2020 in Geneva.MDPI supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For use of the SDG logos and design, please see the according Guidelines for the use of the SDG logo, color wheel, and 17 icons.

Nanoparticle catalysts continue to be in the spotlight due to their unique performances in various chemical processes. With rapid progress in nanoscience and technology, nanoparticle-mediated reactions can be carried out in different systems regarding both gas and condensed phases. Due to the doping, surface, volume, and quantum size effects, elements in nanoparticles exhibit properties which are rather different from the ones in bulk materials, thus possibly affording higher catalytic activity and selectivity for specific reactions. This Special Issue aims to show insight into the recent advances in nanoparticle catalysis and focuses on the advantages, limitations, and future directions of nanoparticle-mediated reactions in both chemical and biological systems.

This Special Issue reprint includes contributions about using generalized entropy in describing statistical phenomena, principally in physics, as well as interpretations and motivations for one or another type of generalizing Boltzmann's classical (logarirthmic) entropy formula.

"Design of Adhesive Bonded Joints" is a comprehensive MDPI publication that presents the latest findings on adhesive bonding technology. This reprint, structured into 14 chapters, systematically explores theoretical frameworks, experimental investigations, fracture mechanics concepts, and practical applications. From the effects of organic fillers on joint strength to numerical modeling of mixed-mode fracture tests, each chapter contributes to a specific topic of adhesive bonded joints. Intended for researchers, engineers, and students in materials science and mechanical engineering, this compilation offers a meticulous examination of the subject, providing valuable insights and advancing the discourse in adhesive bonding technology.

The recent SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has turned the clinical and academic world upside down. Despite the protocols that were promptly implemented, this emergency situation caused delays in all aspects of non-urgent and deferrable medical care. Even in the field of dentistry, the pandemic led to delays in the treatment and application of more stringent protocols, often postponing less urgent treatments with significant consequences for the oral health of patients. The goal of this Special Issue is to disseminate relevant knowledge of the recent SARS-Cov-2 pandemic with a focus on related applications in the fields of medicine and dentistry. Different types of manuscripts concerning these topics will be considered, including clinical studies, trials, systematic reviews, prospective studies, and proposals of new protocols or scientific evidence regarding dental clinics and SARS-Cov-2 infections.

This reprint Book focuses on recent developments in the field of gene and genome evolution and stabilization of the genetic information. In recent years, the field of molecular evolution has undergone a profound transformation thanks to the remarkable progress made in molecular biology and sequencing technologies, combined with the unprecedented availability of powerful bioinformatic resources. This methodological renaissance has ignited a monumental expansion of our knowledge concerning the intricate processes governing the evolution, adaptation, and the simultaneous resilience against new changes in genes and genomes.Containing meticulous research and cutting-edge insights, this reprint transcends the boundaries of traditional genetic studies. It navigates the uncharted territory of how genes and genomes evolve, adapt, and ingeniously resist the ever-evolving forces of mutation and environmental pressure.What sets this publication apart is its unwavering commitment to diversity. The exciting studies within this reprint encompass a vast spectrum of organisms, offering an invaluable opportunity to grasp the nuanced workings of natural selection in diverse ecological contexts. Whether you are intrigued by the microscopic world of single-celled organisms or fascinated by the complex dynamics of multicellular life forms, this reprint provides a window into the elegant interplay between genes, genomes, and their ever-changing environments.

There is a strong consumer trend towards high-quality and healthy foods with 'fresh¿like' characteristics. On the other hand, thermal processing technologies, especially conventional ones, negatively affect both the sensory and nutritional properties of foods. At the same time, limited shelf-life and safety concerns of fresh foods necessitate food processing. Therefore, scientists are exploring the possibility of using nonthermal technologies for various purposes such as shelf-life extension and safety improvement. However, their applicability and scalability are still under intensive investigation.This reprint presents examples of studies in non-thermal emerging food processing technologies. It provides practical examples that can help graduate students further understand the concepts involved in emerging non-thermal technologies; therefore, it can be used as a teaching material/reference in universities. Moreover, the benefits of these novel technologies highlighted in this reprint could be utilized by the food industry's R&D to enhance academic-industry collaborations and possible commercialization.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare and heterogeneous tumors whose incidence has increased over recent years due to improved disease knowledge and diagnostic tools, particularly endoscopy and nuclear medicine. They frequently arise in the gastro-enteropancreatic (GEP) tract, representing approximately 2% of all malignant tumors of the GEP system. Given their rarity and clinical and biological heterogeneity, there is an urgent need for standardized guidelines for the proper management of these neoplasms, which should always be referred to tertiary referral centers. Novel research strategies are needed to better define diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms, especially for specific subgroups of poorly known tumors, including duodenal NENs and functioning tumors. Cooperation between referral centers and the creation of international disease registries should be encouraged to better understand the biology and natural history of these neoplasms and, consequently, improve their management.

This Reprint is designed to serve as a platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to disseminate their most recent findings, innovative ideas, and effective strategies to address the critical issue of water security. This volume encompasses sixteen chapters, organized into four principal thematic areas: Hydrochemical Characteristics and Water Quality, Impact of Human Activities on Water Resources, Water Management Strategies, and Technological Applications for Water Resource Management. By amalgamating a diverse range of studies across various geographical and contextual backgrounds, this Reprint provides a sweeping overview of the current state of water resource management and its pivotal role in sustainable development.

Polyphenol and flavone compounds are abundant in fruits, vegetables and lots of other agricultural products (such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, onions, beans, cabbage, rice, sorghum, maize, etc.) and have received considerable attention for their health-promoting properties in many chronic disorders, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, etc. These properties of polyphenols and flavones have been historically ascribed to their antioxidant properties.This reprint collected some of the latest research articles that help to highlight the most recent advances on polyphenol extracts from agricultural products and their role in these health-enhancing benefits.

This Special Issue focuses on the clinical relevance of the C-reactive protein. Most physicians are familiar with it as a diagnostic biomarker. Only a few have realized that it can be a pathomolecule. After all, the biomarker is, of course, not a physiological function. The main task of CRP is to mark cells to be disposed of, which has been shown for decades in various animal models and has been broken down into molecular detail.The articles presented in this Special Issue reveal a broad spectrum of indications with CRP involvement. The reports unanimously support the view that CRP has a dark side. In addition to this new perspective on the pathological properties of CRP, two other new aspects are crystallizing. One is that the initial rate of CRP synthesis in an acute illness such as sepsis or myocardial infarction allows an excellent prognosis in terms of mortality or cardiac function/scar area. The other is the surprising finding that CRP impairs the desensitization of GPCRs without the need for any further damaging process.

As a biocompatible semiconductor composed of abundant elements, ZnO, in the form of nanowires, exhibits remarkable properties, mainly originating from its wurtzite structure and correlated with its high aspect ratio at nanoscale dimensions. ZnO nanowires have thus received increasing interest in the community and have specifically emerged as a potential building block for a wide variety of devices in the field of energy conversion. Among the different energy conversion applications, ZnO nanowires have, to name just two examples, been integrated into nanostructured solar cells and piezoelectric devices. Despite the vast number of publications in the field, there is still a significant need to explore the growth of ZnO nanowires, to more precisely elucidate and control their fundamental properties, and to improve their integration into real-world engineering devices. This Special Issue brings together more than 80 authors from different countries, who submitted 11 original research articles conveying their foundational research dedicated to ZnO nanowires. Overall, if the present Special Issue cannot fully reflect the high diversity rapidly developing in the community of ZnO nanowires, it will certainly contribute to research interest in the field.

residual coal pillar; gob-side entry driving; extra-thick coal seam; coal pillar size; surrounding rock control; directional long borehole; long-distance; heading face; permeability evolution; gas pressure evolution; gas drainage; pre-splitting blasting; roof cutting technology; hydraulic fracturing; no-coal pillar mining; thick hard roof; pressure relief technology; sandstone; deformation behavior; permeability evolution; mining stress path

Energy storage and conversion technologies represent key research and industrial interests, given the proportionate growth of renewable energy sources. Extraordinary advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies are inextricably linked to the development of new materials. This Special Issue focuses on the most recent advances and findings in developing innovative energy storage and conversion technologies. It contains original research articles and reviews on the design, synthesis, characterization, energy storage mechanisms, and application of various materials for energy storage and conversion.

The Special Issue titled Nursing Care for Cancer Patients was led by Prof. Li and was published with 11 papers when it closed. The Second Edition collects all types of study design, including papers reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies, case studies, and other designs, in accordance with cancer care associated with supporting cancer survivors, family caregivers, and oncology professionals. We are particularly keen to present studies focusing on colorectal cancer, long-term survivorship care, supporting self-management and rehabilitation, oncology-nurse-led survivorship care, eHealth, or web-based interventions in this regard.

This Reprint focuses on the emerging concepts that allow for the design of reinforced concrete, including new or improved concrete material, as well as on the characterization of the properties of typical reinforced concrete structures. The author of this Reprint is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, USA.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, which cannot be entirely attributed to loading conditions such as valve or congenital heart disease, or hypertension. This condition is relatively common, with a prevalence of 1:250-500 individuals, and is linked to increased rates of mortality and morbidity. In recent years, there has been a growing body of knowledge concerning the genetic underpinnings, natural history, risk assessment, and management of HCM.In this Special Issue, experts in the field delve into these topics through comprehensive reviews and original articles that explores the molecular basis, the role of genetic testing, risk stratification for sudden cardiac death, atrial fibrillation, and management of HCM.

The research area of visible light communications (VLC) has become highly popular in recent years. With the ongoing advancement of crucial technologies, the research community anticipates VLC to play a significant role in future wireless communication systems. The rapid recognition of VLC can be attributed to the development of various important technologies. This reprint includes 21 papers covering several important topics in VLC, such as signal modulation, photon counting detection, visible light positioning, and transmission systems.

To date, many challenges have been faced in the production of mineral raw materials to provide necessary supplies in almost any production chain. In addition to the traditional search for more efficient processes, cleaner and safer operations, and higher levels of social acceptance, there is a need for the mining industry to become a major actor in circular economy, decarbonization, and digital transformation processes. This reprint includes the articles published in the Special Issue of Mining entitled "Envisioning the Future of Mining".

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has gained significant attention due to its ability to produce functional, net-shape parts using laser, electron beam, or binder jetting methods in various industrial sectors. Recent advancements in AM have opened up new opportunities for design freedom and the fabrication of complex geometries such as cellular solids, metamaterials, or biomimetic materials that are not easily achievable using conventional methods. Today, these objects can be created using computer-aided design (CAD) models and elemental or alloyed metallic powders.This Special Issue of Materials, titled "Design and Post Processing for Metal Additive Manufacturing", sought submissions on the design of elements with predicted microstructure and mechanical properties, the use of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) in AM, numerical algorithms for AM, and µ-CT magining for quality control.While AM's powder bed manufacturing provides the possibility of fabricating objects of any shape in one production step, it does come with some disadvantages. A major drawback is the need to generate support for the fabricated parts to dissipate the heat generated during the 3D printing process and minimize the geometrical distortions caused by internal stresses from metallic powders. This Special Issue also covers computer simulations and improved fabrication protocols that can help reduce these issues.

This Reprint is dedicated to the memory of Enrique Pedroso, Professor Emeritus of Organic Chemistry at University of Barcelona, who passed away at the age of 72 on September 2020. Professor Enrique Pedroso has been one of the pioneers of Nucleic Acids Chemistry in Spain, significantly contributing to the development of this highly interdisciplinary field which combines organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, materials chemistry, and biophysics. His major research achievements were accomplished in the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides and especially conjugates and cyclic oligonucleotides, as well as their analogues, which opened up new avenues in the search for novel applications of oligonucleotides.This Reprint comprises a collection of research or review articles prepared by international experts in Nucleic Acids, including nucleoside and oligonucleotide synthesis, nucleic acids structural studies, DNA repair, and biophysical characterization of DNA-targeting ligands, especially G-quadruplex binding drugs.

This Special Issue provides an update on the diagnosis and management of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. New diagnostic approaches for screening as well as innovative maternal surveillance tools are described. Fetal Doppler monitoring methods and specific risk factors (diabetes and obesity) are highlighted as part of this latest edition. The development of further maternal cardiovascular disease is additionally focussed upon.The findings are relevant and contribute to better understanding this significant feto-maternal disease.

In this Special Issue, readers will find selected works pertaining to the integration and intensification methods that are currently adopted for carbon capture, stemming from the generation of waste gasses. Novel optimization methods achieved through modeling as well as numerical studies are also reported in these papers in order to improve industries such as textile, and also to predict the onset of local diseases. Moreover, the potential use of solid organic waste as nutrients to grow microalgae for the production of protein, carbohydrate and lipid sources highlights the significant use of waste via bioconversion, without the need to undergo landfilling. Besides microalgae, bacteria are also capable of composting solid organic waste into useful green energy pellets to advocate the waste-to-energy development plan. Furthermore, the potential use of solar energy for process intensification has been integrated into industrial processes to partially offset a part of the energy requirements, gaining traction toward energy sustainability in the long term. Finally, not overlooking the importance of battery, various processes to recover lithium from oily wastewater sources are reported as well. Overall, this Special Issue undoubtedly captures every important feature of advanced processes in a perpetual intensification and integration for the betterment of both humanity and the natural environment.

This Special Issue, titled "Hyperspectral Remote Sensing from Spaceborne and Low-Altitude Aerial/Drone-Based Platforms-Differences in Approaches, Data Processing Methods, and Applications", presents the latest achievements in the field of hyperspectral remote sensing data processing and its related applications. A total of 18 manuscripts, all of which were evaluated by professional Guest Editors and reviewers, were submitted for publication in this Special Issue. Subsequently, 11 of these submissions were deemed to be of a high quality (based on the standards set by Remote Sensing) and were revised, accepted, and published in this Special Issue.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. It has become the first disease leading to neurologic referrals to hospital and, while recognized in medicine since antiquity, stroke did not acquire a proper place within neurology until the second part of the 20th century. The main reason for this is that, because it deals with blood vessels and circulation, neurologists themselves did not want to include stroke as a primary disorder of the nervous system. However, this is one of the many reasons the historical development of stroke and cerebrovascular disease is of unique interest; it touches not only on neurology but also on internal medicine, angiology, cardiology, rehabilitation, and psychiatry within the frame of secondary behavioral and personality changes after stroke. For the same reasons, the study of the developments in the field of stroke over time is an excellent mirror of historical developments in medicine in general, encompassing many different domains. It is, thus, rather paradoxical that the last book on the history of stroke was published over thirty years ago (Fields and Lemak's History of Stroke in 1989). Along with the many new developments in stroke diagnosis, acute management and prevention, a new look at the evolution of stroke concepts over time has become necessary, and this is what the present volume is attempting to accomplish. Since stroke has developed into several different smaller fields, we have organized the book with four editors from different fields who have chosen authors with specific expertise in the corresponding overviewed issues. Our principle goal is to underline how and to follow the paths of these developments over the years. History is not a minor part of medical knowledge. Indeed, history defines what we are and think today and how we will envision and plan the future. This fresh look at history of stroke may also have a significant impact on future advances and research in cerebrovascular disease and stroke.

The development of analytical methods in food analysis has undergone significant advancements over the years, driven by the increasing complexity of food matrices, the need for accurate and rapid analysis, and the growing awareness of food safety and quality. In terms of the techniques that are used to name a few common examples, the range of instruments includes: 1) Classical Methods: gravimetry, titrimetry, and colorimetry were widely used for food analysis; 2) Chromatography Techniques: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography have become fundamental techniques in food analysis; 3) Spectroscopy Techniques: UV-Visible, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, provide information about the chemical composition, structure, and functional groups present in food components; 4) Mass Spectrometry: coupled with chromatography, has become indispensable in food analysis; 5) Molecular Techniques: Polymerase Chain Reaction and other molecular techniques are employed for the detection of genetic material in food, addressing issues related to food authenticity, traceability, and the presence of genetically modified organisms; 7) Data Analysis and Automation: advances in data analysis, including chemometrics and machine learning, enhance the interpretation of complex data generated by modern analytical techniques.An overview of the key stages and trends in the development of analytical methods for food analysis is presented in this reprint.

Although tremendous advances have been made in recent years, many real-world problems still cannot be solved by machines alone. Hence, the integration of Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence is needed. However, several challenges make this integration complex. The aim of this Special Issue was to provide a large and varied collection of high-level contributions presenting novel approaches and solutions to address the above issues. This Special Issue contains 14 papers (13 research papers and 1 review paper) that deal with various topics related to human-machine interactions and cooperation. Most of these works concern different aspects of recommender systems, which are among the most widespread decision support systems. The domains covered range from healthcare to movies and from biometrics to cultural heritage. However, there are also contributions on vocal assistants and smart interactive technologies. In summary, each paper included in this Special Issue represents a step towards a future with human-machine interactions and cooperation. We hope the readers enjoy reading these articles and may find inspiration for their research activities.

This reprint aims to identify critical areas of water quality assessment, modeling, and mitigation in freshwater bodies, wastewater treatment, and groundwater aquifers, which require special attention. This links the volume to multiple regulatory options, including policy and governance measures, alternative ecosystem service dependence options (i.e., nature-based solutions), or mechanisms that link regions to international processes, like measures proposed under the Environmental Protection guidelines. The reprint will pay special attention to water quality assessment, modeling, and mitigation.

Computer-Aided Ligand- and Structure-based methodologies are an evolving field in the discovery of Marine Drugs. Computational approaches, chemistry simulation methods using bioinformatics and chemoinformatics tools and databases can be successfully used in the discovery, design and development of new chemical agents for therapeutic purposes by assisting in the structure elucidation of secondary metabolites, repurposing known Marine Natural Products (MNPs) for innovative therapeutic targets, identifying novel hits or leads against selected therapeutic targets and revealing mechanisms of action and supporting medicinal chemistry lead optimization programs.This Special Issue of Marine Drugs entitled "Marine Drug Discovery through Computer-Aided Approaches" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the great variety of existing and advanced Computer-Aided Approaches for the discovery and identification of molecular agents with added value and health-promoting properties for the development of biotechnological and medical applications.