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Molecular insights into macrolide resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolates from outpatient clinics in Tehran, Iran
Revolutionizing hyper spectral image denoising: a squeezenet paradigm
Abstract Hyperspectral images (HSIs) frequently experience various types of noise due to atmospheric interference and sensor instability, which impairs the efficiency of subsequent operations. Consequently, HSI denoising has emerged as a crucial component of HSI preprocessing. Conventional approaches often target a single kind of noise and eliminate it repeatedly, which has disadvantages including inefficiency when handling heterogeneous noise. Lately, models based on deep neural networks have shown encouraging results in the general image denoising domain. This study, which aims to overcome shortcomings in previous techniques, provides a novel denoising methodology by leveraging the effectiveness of the SqueezeNet model. For a thorough assessment, the evaluation framework includes four main indicators: PSNR, SSIM, SAM, and ERGAS. The evaluation is based on real-world hyperspectral images from the [Harvard Hyperspectral Dataset], which cover a variety of scenarios and illumination circumstances. Fire blocks are used by the SqueezeNet-based denoising model to optimize feature extraction with fewer parameters.Benchmarks for comparison include deep learning technique QRNN3D and classical techniques like ITSReg and BM4D.In order to avoid convergence to suboptimal local minima and to speed up and stabilize the learning process, this work presents an incremental training policy. The suggested SqueezeNet-based HSI denoising model performs exceptionally well, attaining competitive results in terms of PSNR of 34.15, SSIM of 0.92, and SAM of 4.56 in addition to impressive ERGAS of 20.47. This study offers an effective denoising solution for hyperspectral images by addressing shortcomings in current techniques, showcasing improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
Hybrid quantum–chaotic key expansion enhances QKD rates using the Lorenz system
Mechanical properties and durability of concrete with zeolite and waste ceramic powder through experimental investigation and machine learning analysis
Predicting decay pathways in superheavy nuclei: theoretical insights into $$\alpha$$ and cluster radioactivity
Abstract We employ the density-dependent cluster model to calculate $$\alpha$$ -decay half-lives of recently synthesized superheavy nuclei (SHN) with $$Z=104$$ –118. A microscopic $$\alpha$$ –nucleus potential is derived via the double-folding method using a realistic nucleon–nucleon interaction. Within the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation, supplemented by the Bohr–Sommerfeld quantization condition, we extract both the $$\alpha$$ -particle assault frequency and barrier-penetration probability for spherical and deformed daughter configurations. Our predictions for five isotopes of the superheavy element $$Z=123$$ are benchmarked against several established models, demonstrating excellent agreement. We also explore the competition between $$\alpha$$ -decay and spontaneous fission, and propose likely decay chains for the as-yet unobserved nuclei $${}^{302\text {--}307}123$$ . Finally, cluster-decay channels of $${}^{300,303,306,307}123$$ are studied using the double-folding potential alongside the Universal curve (UNIV), the Universal Decay Law (UDL), the Unified Decay Formula (UDF), and Horoi’s approach. Notably, the UDL framework predicts positive branching ratios $$\log _{10}b_c$$ for heavy-cluster emission (e.g. $$^{90}\textrm{Sr}$$ , $$^{96}\textrm{Zr}$$ , $$^{102}\textrm{Mo}$$ ), indicating that such clusters may rival—or even dominate— $$\alpha$$ -decay in these SHN.
Biopolymer-based multilayer capsules for protection and controlled release of Pseudomonas fluorescens T17-4 and Bacillus velezensis VRU1
A coupled spatial reduction-reconstruction and LSTM framework (SRR-LSTM) for groundwater level prediction in large irrigation districts
Resting state EEG mediates the association between physical activity and cognitive function in cognitively impaired elderly
Resting-state fMRI reveals immediate hemodialysis-related changes in cognitive function and brain network connectivity in end-stage renal disease
Genetically engineered ‘stinkweed’ comes up roses for making seed oil
A method for structural variant detection using Hi-C contact matrix and neural networks
Oxidative stress-mediated impairment of human trophoblast cell proliferation by zinc pyrithione exposure
Reconstruction strategy of vehicle trajectory data for video recognition based on a two-step method of interpolation filtering
Broad spectrum antimicrobial nanoparticles with low toxicity to prevent biofilm formation on urologic devices
Arsenic trioxide allosterically inhibits human telomerase, validated by in-silico and in-vitro cancer and non cancer cell lines
Foot arch morphology and lower-limb biomechanical characteristics in university students: a cross-sectional multifactorial analysis of 1,078 participants
Abstract To examine how medial longitudinal arch morphology relates to a multidomain set of static biomechanical correlates—covering structure (forefoot/rearfoot alignment), loading/pressure behavior, arch “spring-like” function, and postural-control surrogates—as a pragmatic screening framework in university students. In this cross-sectional study, 1,078 university students (569 males, 509 females; mean age 20.18 ± 1.43 years) underwent standardized quiet-standing assessments. Arch height, hallux valgus angle, and heel valgus angle were measured using a 3D foot scanner, and plantar-pressure–derived outcomes (including arch elasticity index, AEI, and pressure recovery rate, PRR, reflecting static elastic deformation and unloading recovery behavior) were obtained using a pressure platform. Force-plate center-of-pressure (COP) time series were used to derive coordination asymmetry index (CAI; COP-based inter-limb asymmetry) and the Hurst exponent (temporal structure/long-range correlation of COP fluctuations). Left and right feet were analyzed separately for laterality-specific associations. Linear regression models evaluated continuous (arch height) and categorical (arch type; reference = normal) predictors, with sex included as a covariate; bilateral arch-height difference was modeled as a predictor of stability-related outcomes (center-of-mass displacement and mediolateral COP deviation). False discovery rate control was applied within outcome families. Arch morphology showed consistent associations with static alignment and function. Lower-arched profiles were associated with larger hallux valgus and greater heel valgus (eversion) angles, alongside lower AEI and PRR, indicating a less favorable static “spring” and unloading-recovery profile. A subset of high-arched feet also demonstrated less favorable forefoot alignment patterns, suggesting that both excessively low and excessively rigid arches may relate to forefoot mechanics, although estimates for less prevalent categories should be interpreted cautiously. Greater bilateral arch-height asymmetry was associated with larger stability-related displacements and COP deviations, and arch abnormalities/asymmetry corresponded to altered COP-derived coordination signatures (higher CAI and shifts in Hurst exponent), indicating differences in postural-control behavior under quiet standing. In university students, arch morphology and bilateral asymmetry are associated with multiple domains of static foot biomechanics, spanning alignment, pressure/elastic-function indices, and COP-derived postural-control surrogates. These findings support considering a combined screening perspective of arch type + function (AEI/PRR) + asymmetry, while emphasizing that longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine clinical utility, actionable thresholds, and relevance to symptoms or injury outcomes.
Nutrient availability drives local seasonal movements of an endangered marine megafauna species
Abstract Understanding drivers of animal movement is key to predicting species distributions and guiding conservation. Whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus ) are an endangered species known for broad seasonal migrations across oceans influenced by factors like temperature and prey availability. However, finer-scale local movements within aggregations are less studied. We analysed four years (2016–2019) of sightings data from a year-round aggregation in South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the Maldives. Using MODIS-Aqua remote sensing data, we examined seasonal patterns in chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and sea surface temperature (SST). Generalised additive mixed models (GAMMs) revealed significant seasonal rhythms in SST across SAMPA, and significant seasonal Chl-a variation in the south but not the east of the MPA. In a separate GAMM, we found that seasonal rhythms in shark sightings were significant throughout the MPA but more pronounced in the south than in the east. Chl-a was significantly associated with sightings, with both peaking in the south during the Northeast Monsoon (January–March). SST was not significantly associated with sightings. As Chl-a is tightly linked to the abundance of zooplankton, these findings suggest that whale shark movement within the year-round aggregation is driven by prey availability. The results could be used to inform dynamic management or predict aggregations elsewhere and responses to environmental change.
Differential effects of biologically and chemically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on artemisinin biosynthesis gene expression in Artemisia absinthium
Abstract Artemisinin is an effective antimalarial compound produced by Artemisia absinthium . Due to its low natural yields, it is crucial to investigate novel strategies to enhance biosynthesis of artemisinin. The impact of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on the expression of important genes involved in the biosynthesis of artemisinin was examined in this work. CuO NPs were synthesized using both green microwave irradiation and conventional wet chemical methods. Application of a variety of techniques, including XRD, DLS, FESEM, EDX, and FTIR confirmed the proper synthesis of CuO NPs. Nodal segments of A. absinthium were treated with CuO NPs at 2 and 4 ppm in MS medium and gene expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The results showed significant increases in key biosynthetic genes, including FDS , ADS , CYP71AV1 , DBR2 , and ALDH1 . Specifically, a high level of expression of several transcripts associated with ADS , CYP71AV1 , and DBR2 was observed in the cultures treated with 4 ppm of green synthesized CuO NPs (with 2.03-, 2.00-, and 1.83-fold increases, respectively) and 2 ppm of chemically synthesized CuO NPs (with 2.35-, 1.86-, and 2.34-fold increases, respectively), in comparison with the control. Additionally, there was only a slight increase in RED1 , a gene that redirects metabolic flow away from artemisinin production. It can be concluded that CuO NPs, particularly those synthesized with green method, can be considered as potent nano-elicitors, enhancing the biosynthesis of artemisinin by modifying gene expression. This study demonstrates how nanotechnology can be used to increase pharmaceutical compound production of medicinal plants in a sustainable manner.