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Development and simulation of an innovative autonomous knowledge-based smart waste collection system
Spatio-temporal metabarcoding surveys in ports reveal homogenised communities of non-indigenous species with high genetic diversity and connectivity
Abstract Large commercial ports facilitate the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), while smaller harbours and marinas promote their regional spread, making harbour networks key drivers of biological invasions. We analysed spatio-temporal patterns of metazoan communities over one year in four medium-size harbours, as well as at an outside reference point, along the NW Mediterranean coast using standardised biological collectors and COI metabarcoding. We identified 1,774 metazoan molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), of which 75 were classified as NIS. Although less diverse than native species, NIS accounted for 34-70% of reads in harbours, with the southernmost harbour showing the highest abundance, likely due to proximity to aquaculture facilities. Spatial structure varied among harbours, but NIS showed consistently low genetic differentiation and shared more MOTUs among sites than native species. Seasonal patterns affected both NIS and native communities. NIS also exhibited higher haplotype diversity and lower genetic differentiation across harbours, suggesting spread via local boating and recurrent introductions. These results highlight contrasting dynamics between NIS and native species in artificial environments and underscore the need for continued monitoring of harbour networks.
Multifunctional and dual-targeting polymeric prodrug nanomicelles against tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer
Optimization of natural fibre length in bacterial cement mortar using TOPSIS for enhanced mechanical properties
Measurement properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ-15) and Somatic Symptom Disorder B-criteria scale (SSD-12), including revised 1-week versions
Abstract The Patient Health Questionnaire 15 (PHQ-15), which measures somatic symptom burden, and the Somatic Symptom Disorder B-criteria scale 12 (SSD-12), which measures symptom preoccupation, are widely used questionnaires in behavioral medicine. This study built on the existing literature by evaluating the PHQ-15 and SSD-12 in Swedish, and in revised 1-week versions that could facilitate repeated measurements. The questionnaires were completed online by clinical trial participants with persistent physical symptoms ( n = 194), and healthy volunteers ( n = 160). For both conventional and revised 1-week versions, we evaluated item distributions, factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity based on correlations with other constructs, and test-retest reliability. Regardless of timeframe, the PHQ-15 factor structure combined general and domain-specific factors. The SSD-12 showed a three-factor structure reflecting Expectation of a chronic course, Health anxiety, and Symptom focus and impairment. For both questionnaires, internal consistency and construct validity were mostly supported, but adequate test-retest reliability was only observed in the clinical data and for averages of timepoints. Test-retest reliability in the healthy volunteer data was poor. This study is cautiously supportive of wider use of revised PHQ-15 and SSS-12 versions with a 1-week focus to facilitate repeated measurements of somatic symptom burden and symptom preoccupation in clinical populations.
Deep deterministic policy gradient based routing protocol for UWSNs
Digital deepening and carbon outcomes in China’s production network using an integrated framework combining decoupling and decomposition analyses with probabilistic STIRPAT projections
White-tailed deer scavenging community in a chronic wasting disease-endemic region and considerations for prion movement
Deep learning-based thermal mapping for enhanced urban heat management and cooling energy reduction in Arid Saudi Arabian environments
In vitro investigation of osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration potential of magnesium oxide nanoparticles incorporated into bacterial cellulose/silk fibroin scaffolds
Usefulness of the Stroop test in predicting decompensation events in patients with cirrhosis: A prospective cohort study
Long term mangrove dieback and recovery at Godorya Marine Protected Area in the Gulf of Aden under climate variability
A coarse-to-fine restoration framework integrating deep semantic inpainting and texture-aware refinement for Jinling school landscapes
Abstract Traditional Chinese ink paintings on paper or silk are highly susceptible to degradation. Over time, physical decay such as creases not only damages the surface but also obscures the original brushwork. Virtual restoration, as a non-contact digital intervention, has emerged as a vital tool for heritage preservation. Yet, generic generative models—most notably GANs and Diffusion—often struggle with the dense, layered textures of the Jinling School(金陵畫派), particularly the Jimofa (積墨法) technique. GANs tend to “hallucinate” details that clash with traditional brushwork logic, while Latent-based models can drift toward a modern aesthetic that feels disconnected from the original archaic spirit. To address these discrepancies, we propose a coarse-to-fine framework specifically calibrated for Jinling School landscapes. This coarse-to-fine architecture mirrors the traditional ‘Bone-first, Ink-second’ painting methodology of the Jinling School. By decoupling structural recovery (Skeleton) from texture deposition (Flesh), our computational process aligns physically with the artifact’s original creation logic. Initially, a deep convolutional network restores macroscopic structural continuity, effectively smoothing creases and reclaiming the mountain’s geometric silhouette. This is followed by a texture-aware refinement module that uses manifold texture grafting to inject high-frequency details into otherwise blurred regions. Experimental results indicate that, beyond restoring overall continuity, the framework appears able to recover aspects of the high-frequency “ink noise” and deep tonal peaks traditionally associated with the Jimofa technique. Crucially, comparative analysis confirms that the framework significantly reduces the risk of ‘semantic hallucination’ (e.g., the fabrication of non-existent objects) prevalent in large-scale generative models, ensuring distinct historical fidelity. Quantitative assessments—specifically average gradient and edge density—show a measurable improvement over baseline models, all while the system maintains a strict adherence to the principle of “minimal intervention” in undamaged areas. By mitigating the over-smoothing typical of conventional deep learning, this work suggests a path for the digital restoration of rare, small-sample artworks that seeks to balance visual plausibility with historical rigor.
Effects of co-administered melatonin and methylphenidate on cognitive impairment and histopathological alterations in an AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity model of alzheimer’s disease in BALB/C mice
Renal denervation attenuates cardiac fibrosis and improves left ventricular function in rats with myocardial infarction
Abstract The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory responses after myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to investigate whether modulation of the SNS through renal denervation (RDN) influences myocardial remodeling following MI. MI in rats was induced 2 days after bilateral RDN or Sham surgery. Cardiac MRI showed that left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in RDN-treated MI rats compared to Sham-treated MI rats. RNA sequencing of left ventricular tissue revealed that RDN suppresses fibrosis and inflammation related pathways at the whole transcriptome level, with clear separation of the experimental groups. These findings were confirmed by histochemical, gene, and protein expression analyses, which found a significantly higher extent of fibrosis and CD206 expression in the MI rats compared to RDN-treated MI rats. To simulate SNS activity, PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells were incubated with the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline. This resulted in upregulation of profibrotic macrophage gene expression, which was not the case after co-stimulation with a β1-adrenoceptor antagonist. Modulation of the SNS through RDN mitigates left ventricular remodeling post-MI by reducing myocardial fibrosis and scar size. Heightened SNS activity promotes a profibrotic macrophage phenotype. These findings support investigation into the therapeutic potential of RDN for managing MI patients.