Search Results (368)

The growing demand for energy-efficient arithmetic circuits, particularly for edge-based image processing and deep learning inference, has sustained research interest in approximate computing. However, existing approximate recursive multipliers often suffer from error accumulation in recursive structures and limited flexibility in balancing accuracy and hardware efficiency. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a configurable approximate recursive multiplier based on an Error-Compensated Recursive Structure (ECRS). The design integrates partial carry truncation with a novel w3_2 compressor for localized error reduction. Meanwhile, the ECRS dynamically optimizes compensation columns to suppress error propagation in higher-order multiplications, with tunable precision achieved via optimized 4 × 4 building blocks. Synthesized in TSMC 28 nm CMOS, the high-precision configuration (W8_1) reduces area, power, and delay by 11.87%, 12.71% and 20.25% versus the exact multiplier, while the low-power configuration (W8_6ct4) achieves over 58% area reduction. In Gaussian image smoothing, W8_1 maintains a PSNR of 54.73 dB and an SSIM of 99.93%. In quantized CNN inference, W8_1 achieves accuracy close to the exact baseline across a range of models and datasets, with most tested configurations exhibiting a loss of 0.2% or less and only a few exceptions where architectural sensitivity leads to slightly larger degradation. Full article

Long-term stability of dam infrastructure is crucial for flood protection, water resource management, and drinking water supply. In many regions, the increasing impact of climate change and structural aging necessitates advanced monitoring approaches for embankment and gravity dams. PSI has emerged as a valuable technique for detecting surface deformation rates with millimeter precision. This study presents a comprehensive monitoring concept that combines satellite-based PSI analyses with the first operational use of ECRs at dam sites in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. Over a period of more than two years, ECRs were observed under real-world conditions using Sentinel-1 data. Compared to traditional passive reflectors, ECRs offer improved signal stability and a compact design, making them particularly suitable for confined or sensitive dam environments. The analysis of displacement time series confirms the suitability of ECRs for long-term deformation monitoring in complex dam settings. Intercomparison of two PSI time series demonstrated high internal consistency (correlation > 0.9, RMSE < 1 mm), while validation against in situ measurements confirmed millimeter-level agreement with RMSE values between 2 and 5 mm and correlations up to 0.7. In addition, a dedicated web-based platform was developed to provide processed ECR-based PSI results to dam operators, offering interactive visualizations, time-series access, and standardized downloads. This integration of advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) methods, innovative hardware, and user-oriented service delivery marks a significant step toward operational dam monitoring using satellite remote sensing. Full article

Accurately identifying an urban functional zone (UFZ) is crucial for rationally allocating urban land resources and optimizing urban spatial structure. Existing research based on Points of Interest (POIs) mostly uses the relationship between the number of various types of POIs as the basis for identification. However, this approach neglects the difference of physical surface property of urban functional zones—imperviousness. Based on the FD-CR method, this study proposes the RFD-ECR identification method by combining TF-IDF and ISI. This study divides research units according to OpenStreetMap (OSM), and reclassifies POI data. It then uses the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) algorithm to highlight the dominant function of study units and incorporates the impervious surface index (ISI) as a correction to recognize urban functional zones. Experiments conducted in the central urban area of Chengdu demonstrate that this method is effective in identifying urban functional zones, achieving an accuracy rate of 80.21%. Comparison with the Frequency Density-Category Ratio (FD-CR) method reveals that this method, through the TF-IDF algorithm and the impervious surface index constraint, effectively improves the classification accuracy of mixed commercial UFZs. This method broadens the scope of research on urban functional zone identification based on POI data, and also provides a valuable reference for other cities undertaking functional zone identification. Full article

Antibiotic residues in aquatic products pose a serious food safety concern, whereas conventional laboratory methods often fail to meet the demand for on-site rapid screening. This study systematically reviews the research progress from 2021 to 2025 on both the risks of antibiotic residues in aquatic products and the development of rapid on-site detection technologies. First, based on a literature survey covering major aquatic products (e.g., fish, shrimp, and shellfish), the widespread occurrence of multiple antibiotics at high concentrations was documented, with quinolones and sulfonamides identified as the most frequently detected classes. To address the need for on-site testing, this review focuses on six rapid detection techniques: fluorescent sensor (FRS), lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), electrochemical sensor (ECRS), and colorimetric sensor (CRS). The core principles, technical advantages, recent application cases (e.g., integration with smartphones and novel nanomaterials), and development trends for each method are analyzed. Finally, it discusses the current challenges faced by existing on-site detection approaches and their potential solutions. Technology selection strategies tailored to different application scenarios (e.g., aquaculture farms, distribution channels, and consumer-level use) are also proposed. Full article

Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors are central regulators of bacterial adaptation to environmental changes. The genome of Leptospira interrogans encodes 11 such factors, including LIC12757. Previous studies have shown that LIC12757 is regulated by the FecR-like protein LIC12756, forming a regulatory system similar to the Escherichia coli FecI-FecR system. Here, the domain-specific regulatory role of LIC12756 was investigated. Interactions between LIC12757 and several LIC12756 variants, including the N-terminal domain (NTD) alone, NTD with half or full transmembrane domain (NTD-TMD), and full-length LIC12756 (FL, control), were analyzed using the BACTH system. During logarithmic growth, interactions were detected only with FL and NTD-TMD, whereas in the stationary phase, all variants interacted with varying strengths. Pull-down assays using His₆-tagged NTD confirmed its direct binding to LIC12757. Promoter activity analysis revealed that the NTD alone functions as an anti-σ factor in the logarithmic stage of growth. However, it is insufficient for full activation of LIC12757-dependent transcription during the stationary phase, as observed with FL protein. The NTD-TMD variant caused only minor stimulation compared to FL. These results indicate that NTD is a key determinant of LIC12756’s anti-σ activity toward LIC12757, whereas full activation of LIC12757 requires additional extrinsic signals, which are likely sensed by the C-terminal extracytoplasmic region (ECR). These findings provide mechanistic insight into ECF σ factor regulation in L. interrogans. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum neuroactive steroids (NAS) and oxytocin and craving and psychosocial functioning in men diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 40 men with MUD (PG) and 41 non-substance-use-disorder controls (CG) completed measures of emotion dysregulation (DERS-16), attachment (ECR-R), aggression (BPAQ), and suicidal ideation (BSS). PG additionally completed the Substance Craving Scale (SCS) and Addiction Profile Index (API). Serum allopregnanolone (ALLO), DHEAS, testosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2), and oxytocin were assayed. Results: The results indicated that the PG exhibited significantly higher scores than the CG across all psychological measures. Robust adjusted group effects were observed for DERS-16 (Model 1: F = 35.507, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 18.225, p < 0.001) and trait anger (Model 1: F = 41.104, p < 0.001; Model 2: F = 16.732, p < 0.001). Notably, serum levels of ALLO, DHEAS, testosterone, E2, and oxytocin did not differ significantly between groups. However, hormonal measures were strongly intercorrelated within both groups (r ≈ 0.877–0.936, all p < 0.001). In the PG, craving demonstrated positive correlations with DHEAS (r = 0.384, p = 0.014), testosterone (r = 0.415, p = 0.008), E2 (r = 0.360, p = 0.023), and oxytocin (r = 0.350, p = 0.027). A multivariable model analyzing craving was statistically significant (R² = 0.350; F(3,36) = 6.474, p = 0.001), with composite hormonal factor (B = 2.390, p = 0.016) serving as an independent predictor, while API Excluding Craving(API-EC) (p = 0.094) and DERS-16 did not emerge as a significant factor (p = 0.056). In hormone-specific models controlling for API-EC and DERS-16, DHEAS (p = 0.012), testosterone (p = 0.007), oxytocin (p = 0.023), and E2 (p = 0.023) retained significance after false discovery rate (FDR) correction; ALLO did not (p = 0.055). Conclusions: Despite the absence of significant differences in peripheral NAS and oxytocin levels between groups, men with MUD exhibited pronounced psychosocial impairments. The craving experienced during inpatient treatment was primarily elucidated by an integrated endocrine profile. These findings underscore the necessity for larger longitudinal studies incorporating repeated hormonal assessments to further explore these relationships. Full article

Background: Emotion regulation and attachment styles are interrelated and are critical factors in psychopathology and treatment outcomes, particularly in youths with suicidal behavior receiving psychiatric inpatient care. This study examined the influence of emotion regulation and attachment style on psychiatric hospitalization duration among adolescents admitted due to suicidal ideation or behavior. Methods: Participants included 79 Israeli adolescents (mean age 15.35 years, 87.3% female) admitted to a tertiary psychiatric inpatient unit following a suicidal crisis. Data was collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Experience in Close Relationships Scale (ECR), the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results: Analysis revealed that greater emotion regulation difficulties predicted longer hospitalization duration (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), while avoidant attachment style was associated with shorter hospitalization duration (β = −0.35, p < 0.001). Notably, the level of suicidality as well as psychopathology symptoms (depression and anxiety) did not predict hospitalization duration. Conclusions: These findings underscore the important role of emotion regulation and attachment style in determining treatment duration in suicidal adolescents, beyond the severity of psychopathology and suicidality, suggesting their unique contribution to treatment planning. Clinical interventions targeting emotion regulation and attachment styles could enhance inpatient care effectiveness, offer a more personalized treatment approach and potentially reducing hospitalization duration. Full article

Suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults represents a growing public health concern due to its high prevalence and its negative impact on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between emotional regulation, attachment styles, cyberviolence, and suicidal ideation among Chilean university students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 1083 participants, using the Suicidal Ideation Frequency Inventory, the Close Relationship Experience Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Spanish Modified Version of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) and the Cyber Dating Violence Instrument for Teens (CyDAV-T). Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression were conducted to identify significant predictors of suicidal ideation. The results revealed a high prevalence of suicidal ideation, particularly among women (19.06%; p < 0.001). Difficulties in emotion regulation were strongly associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation (p < 0.001), whereas adequate (p < 0.001) or excellent (p < 0.01) regulation functioned as a significant protective factor. In addition, a disorganized attachment style was identified as a risk factor (p < 0.05), especially among women (p < 0.01). In conclusion, emotion regulation emerges as a key protective factor against suicidal ideation, underscoring the importance of implementing socioemotional training programs within university settings. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence is emerging as a promising tool in surgical oncology, with growing evidence suggesting potential applications in diagnostic support, intraoperative guidance, and perioperative risk assessment. In gastric cancer surgery, emerging applications range from AI-assisted endoscopic detection to data-driven perioperative risk prediction, while some technological developments, particularly in robotic autonomy, derive from broader surgical or experimental models that may inform future gastric procedures. Methods: A narrative review was conducted following established methodological standards, including the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) and the Search–Appraisal–Synthesis–Analysis (SALSA) framework. English-language studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to October 2025 were included. Evidence was synthesized thematically across five domains: AI-assisted anatomical recognition and lymphadenectomy support, autonomous robotic systems, early cancer detection, perioperative predictive and frailty models, and ethical and regulatory considerations. Results: AI-based computer vision and deep learning algorithms have demonstrated promising capabilities for real-time anatomical recognition, surgical phase classification, and intraoperative guidance, although evidence of direct patient-level benefit remains limited. In diagnostic settings, AI-assisted endoscopy and Raman spectroscopy have been shown to improve early lesion detection and reduce dependence on operator experience. Predictive models, including MySurgeryRisk and AI-driven frailty assessments, may support individualized prehabilitation planning and perioperative risk stratification. Persistent limitations include small and heterogeneous datasets, insufficient external validation, and unresolved concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic interpretability, and medico-legal responsibility. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence is progressively emerging as a promising tool in gastric cancer surgery, integrating automation, advanced analytics, and human clinical reasoning. Its safe and ethical adoption requires robust validation, transparent governance, and continuous surgeon oversight. When developed within human-centered and ethically grounded frameworks, AI can augment, rather than replace, surgical expertise, potentially advancing precision, safety, and equity in oncologic care. Full article

Environmental transparency in food manufacturing requires efficient carbon footprint data collection, yet multi-departmental coordination often creates time-consuming, fragmented processes that impede adoption. This study applies lean office methodologies to optimize carbon footprint assessment processes in food manufacturing. Using a case study approach at a Thai food processing facility, we implemented flow process charts, value stream mapping, eight waste analysis, and ECRS methodology to evaluate the data collection process for strawberry jam production. The baseline assessment documented 142 activities across 12 departments, requiring 17,540 min. The lean interventions included establishing a centralized cross-functional team, developing standardized data collection templates, implementing a unified digital repository system, and consolidating redundant verification procedures. The improved process reduced activities from 142 to 63, decreased the required time from 17,540 to 11,190 min (36.2% reduction), and eliminated 95.8% of non-value-added activities while maintaining regulatory compliance. These efficiency gains enable more frequent environmental assessments and facilitate the broader adoption of carbon footprint measurement within resource-constrained manufacturing contexts. The study demonstrates that lean principles effectively optimize environmental assessment processes themselves, providing a replicable framework adaptable across diverse food manufacturing facilities and product lines while addressing critical adoption barriers including resource constraints and administrative complexity. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed persistent gaps in local health department (LHD) health informatics capacity. This study examines organizational characteristics of LHDs associated with the adoption of six health information systems: electronic case reporting (eCR), electronic disease reporting systems (EDRS), electronic health records (EHR), electronic lab reporting (ELR), health information exchange (HIE), and immunization registries (IR). Methods: We used a mixed-methods design, including multinomial or binary logistic regression analyses of quantitative data from the 2022 NACCHO National Profile of Local Health Departments (n = 441) and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with five LHD staff members. Results: About half (49.9%) of LHDs had implemented eCR, while higher proportions had implemented EDRS (78.0%), EHR (62.4%), ELR (57.2%), HIE (92.6%), and IR (92.6%). Workforce size was associated with the implementation of eCR, EHR, and IR. The number of vacant staff positions was associated with a lower odds of IR implementation; compared with medium-sized LHDs, both small and large LHDs had higher odds of IR implementation. Shared-governance LHDs had higher odds of adopting ELR and HIE than state-governed LHDs. Qualitative themes highlighted challenges, including staff burnout, high turnover, pay inequities, role ambiguity, political pressures, rapid changes in informatics, and interoperability problems. Conclusions: Findings underscore the need to improve LHD workforce capacity and governance structures to support a resilient public health informatics infrastructure. Full article

Phytopathogenic Ascomycetes Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) causes wheat powdery mildew disease and impacts global wheat production. Decoding the molecular wheat-Bgt interaction could facilitate the wheat disease resistance breeding. In this study, we elucidated that wheat histone deacetylase 19 (TaHDA19) regulates susceptibility to Bgt pathogen by suppressing biosynthesis of cuticular wax and salicylic acid (SA). Knockdown of wheat TaHDA19 gene expression led to in enhanced cuticular wax and SA accumulation, potentiated Bgt conidia germination and appressoria formation, attenuated formation of Bgt haustoria and microcolonies. Histone deacetylase TaHDA19 is enriched at the TaECR and TaSARD1 promoter regions to facilitate histone deacetylation, and thus suppressing TaECR and TaSARD1 transcription. In addition, we identified cuticular wax and SA regulated by TaHDA19 as chemical cues determining wheat pre- and postsusceptibility to Bgt pathogen. These findings collectively support that the wheat histone deacetylase TaHDA19 epigenetically suppresses cuticular wax and SA biosynthesis, thereby dampening chemical cues essential for the wheat powdery mildew susceptibility. Full article

Corrosion of reinforcing steel exposed to chloride leads to the degradation of steel-reinforced concrete structures. Electrochemical chloride removal (ECR) has proven to be a non-destructive and cost-effective rehabilitation technique for reinforced concrete structures. Most studies have focused on chloride attack, with free chloride removal efficiency used as the primary index to measure ECR performance. Hence, we focused on the influence of ECR on bound chloride ions under the combined effect of chloride and sulfate. The instability of bound chloride ions was investigated through macroscopic experiments, whereas the underlying mechanism was revealed using XRD and TG-DTG analyses. In addition, a three-dimensional ECR simulation was developed using the finite element method. Both free and bound chloride ion concentrations decreased over the experimental period, with the rate of decrease being higher during the first 4 weeks than during the subsequent 4 weeks. The decomposition of C–S–H gel and the desorption of physically adsorbed chloride ions played a leading role in the release of bound chloride ions, whereas the contribution of Friedel’s salt was comparatively minor. The three-dimensional finite element simulation demonstrated that ECR can effectively remove chloride ions from concrete and that the longer the treatment time, the greater the effect. Full article

The Ecological Conservation Redline (ECR) is a key spatial policy tool in China’s efforts to protect the Ecosystem Services (ES) of Hainan Island. However, its effectiveness in promoting the coordinated restoration of Hainan Island’s ES remains unclear. This study employs the InVEST model to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon storage, habitat quality, water yield, and soil retention within the ECR zones of Hainan Island from 1990 to 2020. A Multiple Ecosystem Service Landscape Index (MESLI) was constructed, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was applied to examine the influence of ECR implementation on ES synergies and the spatial drivers underlying these patterns, aiming to elucidate the complex interactions between conservation policy and ecosystem functioning. The results show that (1) the delineation of the ECR has facilitated ecological restoration in the region. MESLI detrimentally declined before 2010 but positively increased by 12.7% during 2010–2020, indicating an improvement consistent with the period of ECR implementation. Moreover, (2) ESs within the ECR display marked spatial heterogeneity. GWR results reveal that MESLI is positively associated with vegetation cover and slope, and negatively associated with population density, with pronounced disparities in northern and central regions that call for differentiated governance strategies. Finally, (3) constructing a composite evaluation framework based on multiple ESs contributes to optimizing the delineation and management of ECRs, enhancing their scientific support for regional sustainable development. This study provides decision-making guidance for the zoned governance of conservation areas on tropical islands and offers insights for redline management in other ecologically sensitive regions. Full article

The conflict between the economy and the ecological environment is prominent in China’s coastal cities, and these cities contend with heightened uncertainty. Therefore, this study uses the econometric model to analyze the spatial–temporal pattern characteristics and affecting factors of the coupling coordination level between urban economic resilience (ER) and urban ecological resilience (EcR) in China’s coastal cities based on improvement of the evaluation index system, thus advancing policy suggestions. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) between ER and EcR across different types of coastal cities strongly correlates with their spatial distribution patterns of economic development. From the East China Sea to the South China Sea and Yellow and Bohai Sea Coast cities and from central cities to industrial cities, other types of cities, and resource-based cities, CCD exhibits an overall declining trajectory. (2) The gap in CCD in China’s coastal cities generally shows an expanding trend. (3) The spatial distribution pattern of the centrality of CCD in China’s coastal cities has a relatively high consistency. Urban spillover roles are highly consistent with levels of economic development. (4) The number and diversity of dominant influencing factors have steadily increased. Full article