Browse Articles

DRLO-VANET: a deep reinforcement learning-based offloading framework for low-latency and energy-efficient task execution in VANETs

Nighttime intensive care unit admission increased 30-day mortality in sepsis patients: a retrospective propensity-score matched analysis based on MIMIC-IV database

Biomass formation and yield performance in diverse multicrops and their potential for biofuel use in short-growing boreal climate conditions

Abstract Herbaceous plant biomass is an important resource for energy production and an effective strategy to ensure energy supply independence. Growing agricultural plant mixtures (multicrops) contributes to increasing biomass yields, enhancing farm biodiversity, improving soil health, and promoting environmental sustainability. However, most crop mixtures have not been studied at all. For this reason, stationary field experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2022 at Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Kaunas reg., Lithuania. The aim of the study was to evaluate the development and productivity of maize, industrial hemp and faba bean single crops and its binary and ternary mixtures, as well as the related energy and environmental aspects of the applied agrotechnologies, under short growing season conditions. Faba bean ecosystem services improved maize and industrial hemp growth in mixtures, increasing plant height by 14%, leaf assimilation area by 24%, and chlorophyll index by 19%, indicating enhanced nitrogen availability and photosynthetic activity in companion crops. Although biomass of individual species decreased in more diverse mixtures, total plot biomass increased, with the ternary maize–hemp–faba bean crop producing 4–8 times more dried biomass than single crops in the first year. The ternary system achieved the highest Comprehensive evaluation index (CEI = 4.54) and the greatest net energy yield (367,668 MJ ha⁻ 1 ) despite higher fuel consumption (103.3 L ha⁻ 1 ). Pellets produced from ternary biomass met quality standards (density 1238 kg m⁻ 3 , ash 6%, ash shrinkage temperature 1042 °C), while Life cycle assessment showed lower environmental impacts for mixed-crop biomass compared with single maize crop (29.1 kg CO₂ eq GJ⁻ 1 ). Overall, diversified cropping systems demonstrate strong potential for sustainable biomass production and environmentally efficient bioenergy generation.

Sustainable development beyond emissions: the role of ICT, load capacity factor, green technology patents, and energy transition in OECD countries

Optimization of precursor proportions and performance characteristics of iron ore tailings-based one-part geopolymers

Elucidating the relationship between affinity and potency in the performance of therapeutic IgE

Hybrid aerodynamic and structural optimization of super-tall buildings under wind loads for sustainable and cost-efficient design

Abstract Recently, there has been advancement in tall building design to achieve lighter structures, which led to an increase in the challenges that are related to wind resistance and cost efficiency. This study is to provide multi-optimization gathering between the aerodynamic optimization with a radial basis function (RBF)-based design and structure optimization by utilizing a genetic algorithms (GAs) developed by an enhanced penalty function. Subsequently, the optimized wind loads are employed to optimize the structure weight while ensuring resilience against wind-induced loads. The findings indicate significant enhancements, featuring a 28.2% drop in maximum top displacement accompanied by just a 0.76% reduction in total gross floor area for the optimal corner configuration (chamfered). This approach enhanced the wind load due to optimal corner configurations for structural optimization of the building, leading to redistribution of lateral structural sections of the building along the height to minimize the weight with compliance of required performance building criteria such as displacement, drift, and acceleration constraints simultaneously. The output of the optimization achieved 28.8% less concrete, leading to a reduction of 4630 tons of embodied CO 2 emissions. Overall, the proposed hybrid framework effectively enhances building performance, sustainability, and economic viability in the design of super-tall buildings.

Key barriers and solutions for decarbonizing Egypt’s construction sector

Abstract Decarbonization in the construction industry demands a cyclical, collaborative approach involving architects, engineers, material suppliers, contractors, and clients. Each stakeholder plays a pivotal role in fostering continuous innovation and improvement to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Despite increasing attention on low-carbon materials and sustainable practices, the construction sector remains a significant source of emissions. Existing research often overlooks the unique challenges faced by developing countries like Egypt, failing to address key barriers or align them with actionable and context-specific solutions. The goal of this research is to identify and analyze the financial, technological, and regulatory challenges obstructing decarbonization efforts in the construction sector. To address this, the research bridges this gap through a comprehensive, multistep methodology. Initially, an industry survey was conducted with the following objectives: (1) identifying and prioritizing 32 barriers to decarbonization; (2) providing a clear prioritization of these challenges by evaluating their significance and impact on the decarbonization process; (3) collecting and analyzing rankings to understand who stakeholders believe should take the lead on carbon reduction; and (4) exploring stakeholders’ priorities and perspectives, focusing on understanding their views on barriers and potential solutions. Second, different statistical analysis tests and methods (i.e., internal, and external reliability, statistically significant differences, evaluation metrics, clustering analysis, and heatmap analysis) were employed to analyze the results and draw conclusions. Based on a total of 125 responses and 32 decarbonization barriers, the findings reflected that the top three barriers adversely affecting decarbonization construction projects included: (1) perception of higher construction costs; (2) limited market which prioritizes cost and speed over reducing embodied carbon; and (3) high initial investment costs for low-carbon technologies. Barriers were categorized into three clusters based on criticality, with 56% requiring immediate action. This study not only ranks barriers but also aligns them with actionable solutions, offering insights to guide decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners. It provides a roadmap for overcoming decarbonization challenges and advancing sustainable construction practices in Egypt.

Machine learning driven clustering for silhouetting 5G network throughput

Predictive modeling and experimental validation of mechanical–microstructural relationships in 3D-printed Onyx–fibre composites

Deep learning-based detection of bowel sound events in continuous recordings

MetaCAM as an ensemble-based class activation mapping framework improves model explainability

Abstract The need for clear, trustworthy explanations of deep learning model predictions is essential for high-criticality fields, such as medicine and biometric identification. Class Activation Maps (CAMs) are an increasingly popular category of visual explanation methods for Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). However, the performance of individual CAMs depends largely on experimental parameters such as the selected image, target class, and model. Here, we propose MetaCAM, an ensemble-based method for combining multiple existing CAM methods based on the consensus of the top- k % most highly activated pixels across component CAMs. We perform experiments to quantifiably determine the optimal combination of 11 CAMs for a given MetaCAM experiment. A new method denoted Cumulative Residual Effect (CRE) is proposed to summarize large-scale ensemble-based experiments. We also present adaptive thresholding and demonstrate how it can be applied to individual CAMs to improve their performance, measured using pixel perturbation method Remove and Debias (ROAD). Lastly, we show that MetaCAM outperforms existing CAMs and refines the most salient regions of images used for model predictions. In a specific example, MetaCAM improved ROAD performance to 0.393 compared to 11 individual CAMs with ranges from -0.101-0.172, demonstrating the importance of combining CAMs through an ensembling method and adaptive thresholding.

DengueGNN: Graph-based deep learning for modeling disease spread dynamics and prediction

Influence of recurrence risk perception on depressive mood in first-time stroke patients and the mediating effect of coping styles and perceived discrimination

Development of X-SIAGA: A disease X and outbreak preparedness intervention for indigenous households in Selangor, Malaysia

Background The indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, locally known as the Orang Asli, are vulnerable to outbreaks and novel threats such as Disease X. This is due to socioeconomic challenges, limited healthcare access, and exposure to zoonotic spillover. Outbreaks in this community often result in fatalities, yet their interest in preparedness is low and no tailored intervention exists. This study describes the development of X-SIAGA, an intervention to improve household-level preparedness for Disease X and outbreaks among the Orang Asli in Selangor using the Intervention Mapping (IM) approach, a systematic framework for developing theory‑ and evidence‑based health interventions. Methods The six-step IM framework was applied: needs assessment, setting program goals, selecting intervention methods, developing components, implementation planning, and program evaluation. Evaluation involved validation of X-SIAGA and its measurement tool, Household Outbreak Preparedness Evaluation (HOPE) questionnaire, with experts (n = 5) and community members (n = 14), and a pilot test (n = 18) to assess its acceptability and preliminary effectiveness. Results Needs assessment confirmed the necessity of a tailored intervention for outbreak and Disease X household preparedness. Findings guided the development of logic models, outcomes, and objectives. Both X-SIAGA and HOPE showed high content and face validity (validity indexes 0.97 to 1.0). The pilot test showed high acceptability (83.3%), and HOPE measured a significant improvement in household preparedness following X-SIAGA (mean difference = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.17–0.27, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.99). Conclusion X-SIAGA is a comprehensive, evidence- and theory-based intervention designed to improve household preparedness for Disease X and outbreaks among the Orang Asli in Selangor. It is valid, feasible, and acceptable in the community. X-SIAGA shows promise and is ready for full-scale trial evaluation and long-term assessment, with potential for adaptation in other communities.

Intravitreal injections of corticosteroid and the risk of central serous chorioretinopathy

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is strongly associated with systemic corticosteroid use, but the risk following intravitreal steroid injections remains unclear, with limited evidence from isolated case reports. This study evaluated the association between intravitreal steroid injections and CSC development using a dual-approach design with Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW) analysis and choroidal thickness validation. We performed CDW analysis of 2,336 patients receiving intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide or dexamethasone implant over 21 years (April 2003–October 2024), screening for CSC within 6 months post-injection. Additionally, we conducted detailed subfoveal choroidal thickness analysis in 269 eyes (January 2023–October 2024) at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection using optical coherence tomography. No confirmed CSC cases occurred in either cohort (0/2,336 patients, 95% CI: 0–0.13%; 0/269 eyes). Contrary to the choroidal thickening characteristic of CSC, both steroid formulations produced significant choroidal thinning at 1 month: dexamethasone implant (227.0 ± 65.4μm to 217.9 ± 62.0μm, p < 0.0001) and triamcinolone acetonide (219.8 ± 78.7μm to 218.6 ± 77.7μm, p < 0.0001). Only 4.9% of eyes showed ≥10% choroidal thickening, and none developed CSC features. Both formulations achieved significant macular edema reduction through 6 months. Intravitreal corticosteroids showed no confirmed CSC cases over two decades with choroidal thinning rather than the thickening characteristic of CSC, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and a favorable safety profile regarding CSC development.

Retraction: MiR-506 Is Down-Regulated in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inhibits Cell Growth and Metastasis via Targeting FLOT1

Can returning home for entrepreneurship improve the agricultural economic resilience: Investigation based on the pilot policy of returning home for entrepreneurship

Against the backdrop of the ongoing transition of rural China from a “labor migrant economy” to an “entrepreneurial economy”, this study utilizes panel data covering 2005 counties nationwide in China during the period 2012–2022. Employing a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model integrated with a mediating effect approach, this study comprehensively examines the impact of the pilot hometown-return entrepreneurship policy on agricultural economic resilience and its intrinsic mechanisms of action. The results show that agricultural economic resilience exhibits a steady upward trend and significant spatial disparity, characterized by a spatial distribution pattern of “high in the east, low in the west, high in the north, and low in the south”. The pilot hometown-return entrepreneurship policy exerts a significantly positive effect on enhancing agricultural economic resilience, with this positive impact being more pronounced in western China and less substantial in eastern China. Mechanism analysis reveals that increasing farmers’ income and advancing the rationalization of the industrial structure are the key transmission channels through which the pilot hometown-return entrepreneurship policy enhances agricultural economic resilience. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the extent to which and the mechanisms through which the pilot hometown-return entrepreneurship policy enhances agricultural economic resilience. It is imperative for all regions to continuously strengthen policy support and guidance for returning farmers and enhance regional attractiveness in light of local conditions, thereby fostering the high-quality development of the agricultural economy.

Testing the feasibility of blood flow restriction training to enhance the HEALTH benefits of exercise in individuals with type 2 diabetes (BOOST-HEALTH Trial): Study Protocol

Introduction Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) display reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, a strong predictor of premature mortality and T2D-related complications. Aerobic training (AT) enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and is a cornerstone in T2D management. Emerging data suggest that AT combined with blood flow restriction (AT+BFR) may elicit greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness than typical AT in healthy individuals. However, the feasibility and effects of AT+BFR in individuals with T2D remain unclear. Objectives This protocol describes the BOOST-HEALTH trial, which aims to 1) evaluate the feasibility of a 6-week AT+BFR intervention in adults with T2D, and 2) estimate preliminary effect sizes for changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, glycemic outcomes, and quality of life compared with standard care AT (AT- stdCare). Methods BOOST-HEALTH (NCT07196371) is a single-blinded, multisite, randomized clinical pilot trial with two parallel treatment arms. Sixty adults with T2D (n = 30 female) will be randomized to 6 weeks of AT+BFR or AT-stdCare. Both groups will complete supervised treadmill walking three times per week (96 min/week) at 40–50% heart rate reserve. The AT+BFR group will exercise with BFR cuffs inflated to 60–80% of limb arterial occlusion pressure, whereas the AT-stdCare group will exercise without BFR. Primary outcomes will assess feasibility, including recruitment, enrollment, adherence, and retention. Secondary outcomes will estimate effect sizes for changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2max ) and continuous glucose monitoring metrics to inform outcome selection and sample size calculations for future definitive trials. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Discussion Results of this study could establish BFR training as a novel therapeutic modality to augment the effects of exercise in individuals with T2D. Findings will inform whether a larger, definitive efficacy trial is warranted and will guide exercise professionals on the potential integration of AT+BFR as an alternative strategy to enhance the benefits of exercise in this population.

Deep inspiration breath hold versus free breathing in postoperative radiotherapy strategy for patients with left-sided breast cancer treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) compared with free breathing (FB) on dose to the organs at risk (OARs), such as the heart, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, lungs, and contralateral breast, in patients with left-sided breast cancer treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for studies until March 21, 2024. Cochrane RevMan version 5.4 statistical software was used to analyze 11 eligible studies. Standard mean difference (SMD), with 95% confidence interval for OAR dose reductions, was calculated. DIBH considerably resulted in lower mean doses (Dmean) to the heart (SMD =  −1.40 Gy), LAD (SMD = −1.65 Gy), ipsilateral lung (SMD = −0.57 Gy), contralateral lung (SMD = −0.46 Gy), and contralateral breast (SMD = −0.20 Gy). If VMAT was delivered with an arc of >180 O , the heart Dmean reduction was even more pronounced. Subgroup analysis revealed that DIBH efficiently reduced heart Dmean, especially in patients with tumor bed boost without nodal irradiation. DIBH was effective in reducing dose to OARs in patients treated with VMAT in all subgroups, i.e., breast only, with/without tumor bed boost, and with/without nodal irradiation. Furthermore, the use of DIBH is strongly recommended for patients undergoing VMAT with a tumor bed boost or without nodal irradiation, as it is more effective in reducing heart Dmean than FB.