Search Results (30,244)

Monitoring water quality parameters in coastal and estuarine environments is critical for assessing their ecological status and addressing environmental challenges. However, traditional in situ sampling programs are often constrained by limited spatial and temporal coverage, making it difficult to capture the complex variability in these dynamic systems. This study introduces a novel upscaling framework that leverages limited in situ measurements and airborne hyperspectral data to generate multiple conditional realizations of water quality parameter fields. These pseudo-measurements are statistically consistent with the original data and are used to calibrate inversion algorithms that relate satellite-derived reflectance data to water quality parameters. The approach was applied to Kaštela Bay, a semi-enclosed coastal area in the eastern Adriatic Sea, to map seasonal variations in water quality parameters such as Chlorophyll-a. The upscaling framework captured spatial patterns that were absent in sparse in situ observations and enabled regional mapping using Sentinel-2A satellite data at the appropriate spatial scale. By generating realistic pseudo-measurements, the method improved the stability and performance of satellite-based retrieval algorithms, particularly in periods of high productivity. Overall, this methodology addresses data scarcity challenges in coastal water monitoring and its application could benefit the implementation of European water quality directives through enhanced regional-scale mapping capabilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postoperative MRI is crucial for detecting residual tumor, identifying complications, and planning subsequent therapy. This study evaluates accelerated deep learning reconstruction (DLR) versus standard clinical protocols for early postoperative MRI following tumor resection. Methods: This study uses a multidisciplinary approach involving a neuroradiologist, neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, and radiotherapist to evaluate qualitative aspects using a 5-point Likert scale, the preferred reconstruction variant and potential residual tumor of DLR and conventional reconstruction (CR) of FLAIR, T1-weighted non-contrast and contrast-enhanced (T1), and coronal T2-weighted (T2) sequences for 1.5 and 3 T MRI. Quantitative analysis included the image quality metrics Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Multi-Scale SSIM (MS-SSIM), Feature Similarity Index (FSIM), Noise Quality Metric (NQM), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and Peak SNR (PSNR) with CR as a reference. Results: All raters strongly preferred DLR over CR. This was most pronounced for FLAIR images at 1.5 and 3 T (91% at 1.5 T and 97% at 3 T) and least pronounced for T1 at 1.5 T (79% for non-contrast-enhanced and 84% for contrast-enhanced sequences) and for T2 at 3 T (69%). DLR demonstrated superior qualitative image quality for all sequences and field strengths (p < 0.001), except for T2 at 3 T, which was observed across all raters (p = 0.670). Diagnostic confidence was similar at 3 T with better but non-significant differences for T2 (p = 0.134) and at 1.5 T with better but non-significant differences for non-contrast-enhanced T1 (p = 0.083) and only marginally significant results for FLAIR (p = 0.033). Both the SSIM and MS-SSIM indicated near-perfect similarity between CR and DLR. FSIM performs worse in terms of consistency between CR and DLR. The image quality metrics NQM, SNR, and PSNR showed better results for DLR. Visual assessment of residual tumor was similar at 3 T but differed at 1.5 T, with more residual tumor detected with DLR, especially by the neurosurgeon (n = 4). Conclusions: An accelerated DLR protocol demonstrates clinical feasibility, enabling high-quality reconstructions in challenging postoperative MRIs. DLR sequences received strong multidisciplinary preference, underscoring their potential to improve neuro-oncologic decision making and suitability for clinical implementation. Full article

Ecological security evaluation serves as the cornerstone for ecological management decision-making and spatial optimization. This study focuses on the Dongping Lake Basin. Based on the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) model framework, it integrates ecological risk, ecosystem health, and ecosystem service indicators. Utilizing methods including Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), Transition Matrix, and GeoDetector, it analyzes the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of watershed ecological security from 2000 to 2020. The findings reveal that the Watershed Ecological Security Index (WESI) exhibited a trend of “fluctuating upward followed by periodic decline”. In 2000, the status was “relatively unsafe”. It peaked in 2015 (index 0.332, moderately safe) and experienced a slight decline by 2020. Spatially, a significantly clustered pattern of “higher in the north and lower in the south, higher in the east and lower in the west” was observed. In 2020, “High-High” clusters of ecological security aligned closely with Shandong Province’s ecological conservation red line, concentrating in core protected areas such as the foothills of the Taihang Mountains and Dongping Lake Wetland. Level transitions were characterized by “predominant continuous improvement in low levels alongside localized reverse fluctuations in middle and high levels,” with the “relatively unsafe” and “moderately safe” levels experiencing the largest transfer areas. Geographical detector analysis indicates that the Human Interference Index (HI), Ecosystem Service Value (ESV), and Annual Afforestation Area (AAA) were key drivers of watershed ecological security change, influenced by dynamic interactive effects among multiple factors. This study advances watershed-scale ecological security assessment methodologies. The revealed spatio-temporal patterns and driving mechanisms provide valuable insights for protecting the ecological barrier in the lower Yellow River and informing ecological security strategies within the Dongping Lake Watershed. Full article

Electromigration (EM), current-driven atomic diffusion in interconnect metals, critically threatens integrated circuit (IC) reliability via void-induced open circuits and hillock-induced short circuits. This review examines EM’s physical mechanisms, influencing factors, and advanced models, synthesizing seven primary determinants: current density, temperature, material properties, microstructure, geometry, pulsed current, and mechanical stress. It dissects the coupled contributions of electron wind force (dominant EM driver), thermomigration (TM), and stress migration (SM). The review assesses four foundational modeling frameworks: Black’s model, Blech’s criterion, atomic flux divergence (AFD), and Korhonen’s theory. Despite advances in multi-physics simulation and statistical EM analysis, achieving predictive full-chip assessment remains computationally challenging. Emerging research prioritizes the following: (i) model order reduction methods and machine-learning solvers for verification of EM in billion-scale interconnect networks; and (ii) physics-informed routing optimization to inherently eliminate EM violations during physical design. Both are crucial for addressing reliability barriers in IC technologies and 3D heterogeneous integration. Full article

This study proposes a novel diagnostic system for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma based on morphological and biochemical changes during tumor formation. The methods used in this system are acoustic microscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The former identifies the anatomical parameters of the developing tumor, whilst the latter identifies its biochemical features, both at the micron scale. To implement this diagnostic method, an animal model that mimics human melanoma was developed. The results of this investigation show that using high-frequency (>20 $\mathrm{MHz}$) acoustic microscopy in conjunction with spectroscopic images provides useful information about distinct features of melanoma tumors’ 3D structures. The structures and cytoarchitecture of the tumors were assessed using conventional histology, and their malignant nature was confirmed using histological and immumohistochemical analysis. The proposed approach may provide an invaluable tool in diagnostic dermatology, as it is noninvasive and produces highly detailed and accurate data about the early appearance and development of melanoma tumors. Full article

Meteorological reanalyses are one of the means to assess the solar irradiance reaching the ground. This paper deals with estimates of the hourly means of irradiance in clear-sky conditions provided by the ERA5, JRA-3Q, and MERRA-2 reanalyses. They are compared to coincident ground-based measurements from 28 BSRN stations located worldwide, selected by a new algorithm for detecting cloud-free instants. Although ERA5 most often underestimates measurements, it is quite reliable over time because it captures the temporal variability of measurements well and provides a constant level of uncertainty. JRA-3Q offers a complex pattern with negative and positive biases depending on station and season. It captures well the temporal variability but, as a whole, is not reliable over time. None of the three reanalyses is reliable in space. Because of its use of the mean solar time instead of the true solar time, MERRA-2 suffers many drawbacks over intraday scales. Its statistical indicators exhibit marked patterns depending on the season and station. Its assimilation of aerosol properties offers advantages when compared to the climatologies used in ERA5 and JRA-3Q. This work exposes the strengths and weaknesses of each reanalysis in clear-sky conditions and formulates suggestions to providers for further improvements. Full article

Evaluation of the effectiveness of state policy instruments is a permanent element of economic science. This paper addresses the issue of investment support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Using data on Polish farms from 2015–2023, a Propensity Score Matching–Difference in Differences (PSM-DiD) analysis was conducted to assess changes in the economic results of agricultural producers that invest using this support. The comparison of the economic results achieved by supported investors with both non-investing agricultural producers and unsupported investors is a distinguishing element of this study. The relatively rarely used Competitivness Index (CI), which measures the ratio of earned income to the sum of the alternative use of the owned means of production, was used. The positive change in the CI during the analyzed period was 0.14 higher for supported investors than non-investors. No statistically significant change was found were compared to unsupported investors. A clear increase in income, total fixed assets, liabilities, and the level of production in the population of producers using support in relation to non-investors and investing without CAP support was also observed. However, in relationships with investors using their own funds, these differences were mainly due to the difference in the level of investments and were not statistically significant when introducing a correction regarding the scale of the investment. The obtained results remain in line with the results of research shown by a significant part of economists undertaking a similar issue. Full article

Micro-scale lubrication flow of a gas between eccentric circular cylinders with an arbitrary temperature difference is studied on the basis of the Navier–Stokes set of equations and the velocity slip and temperature jump boundary conditions. The dimensionless curvature, which is defined as the mean clearance divided by the radius of the inner cylinder, is small, the Knudsen number and the Reynolds number based on the mean clearance are small, and the temperature ratio is arbitrary. The Reynolds-type lubrication equation is derived analytically. For a verification of the equation, an assessment is conducted against the solution of the direct numerical analysis of the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook–Welander (BGKW) model of the Boltzmann equation in the author’s previous work [Doi, T. Phys. Fluids 2024, 36, 042016]. The solution of the lubrication equation agrees with that of the Boltzmann equation satisfactorily well over the slip flow regime, not only in the eccentric force and the torque but also in the local distribution of the temperature, flow velocity, and the normal stress. A superiority of the lubrication equation over the lubrication model proposed in the author’s previous work is also discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anxiety and depression are common among individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pose significant barriers to lifestyle modifications. Evidence on sex-related differences in anxiety and depression following cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains inconclusive. This study aims to assesses the prevalence and changes in anxiety and depression symptoms during CR and explores potential sex differences. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–post-test design was employed, measuring self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: HADS was reported by 175 patients, 122 men and 53 women, at CR admission and discharge between 1 January 2022 and 30 April 2024. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms (HADS-anxiety score ≥ 8) significantly decreased from 28.2% at admission to 16.9% at discharge, while depression prevalence dropped (HADS-depression score ≥ 8) from 16.3% to 6.2%. Statistically significant sex differences were observed in depression prevalence at discharge, with women exhibiting lower symptom prevalence. Both sexes experienced significant HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression score reductions (p < 0.001) in both the overall sample and the sub-analysis of patients presenting with symptoms at admission. Women initially presented higher HADS-anxiety scores and significantly greater HADS-anxiety score reductions (p = 0.014) than men. No significant sex differences were observed in the reduction in HADS-depression scores. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms significantly decreased among both sexes compared to admission, with women experiencing greater symptom reduction at discharge than men. Further research is needed to determine specific CR components contributing to these improvements. Full article

In the southeast of China, seasonal rainfall intensity is high, the distribution of mountains and hills is extensive, and many small-scale, shallow landslides frequently occur after consecutive seasons of heavy rainfall. High-precision automated identification systems can quickly pinpoint the scope of the disaster and help with important decisions like evacuating people, managing engineering, and assessing damage. Many people have designed systems for detecting such shallow landslides, but few have designed systems that combine high resolution, high automation, and real-time capability of landslide identification. Taking accuracy, automation, and real-time capability into account, we designed an automatic rainfall-induced shallow landslide detection system based on deep learning and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. The system uses UAVs to capture high-resolution imagery, the U-Net (a U-shaped convolutional neural network) to combine multi-scale features, an adaptive edge enhancement loss function to improve landslide boundary identification, and the development of the “UAV Cruise Geological Hazard AI Identification System” software with an automated processing chain. The system integrates UAV-specific preprocessing and achieves a processing speed of 30 s per square kilometer. It was validated in Wanli District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. The results show a Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) of 90.7% and a Pixel Accuracy of 92.3%. Compared with traditional methods, the system significantly improves the accuracy of landslide detection. Full article

Precipitation concentration reflects the uneven temporal distribution of rainfall. It plays a critical role in water resource management and flood–drought risk under climate change. However, its long-term trends, associations with atmospheric teleconnections as potential drivers, and links to extreme heavy precipitation events remain poorly understood in complex basins like the Yangtze River Basin. This study analyzes these aspects using ground station data from 1960 to 2019 and conducts a comparison using the Global Precipitation Measurement Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (GPM IMERG) satellite product. We calculated three indices—Daily Precipitation Concentration Index (PCID), Monthly Precipitation Concentration Index (PCIM), and Seasonal Precipitation Concentration Index (SPCI)—to quantify rainfall unevenness, selected for their ability to capture multi-scale variability and associations with extremes. Key methods include Mann–Kendall trend tests for detecting changes, Hurst exponents for persistence, Pettitt detection for abrupt shifts, random forest modeling to assess atmospheric teleconnections, and hot spot analysis for spatial clustering. Results show a significant basin-wide decrease in PCID, driven by increased frequency of small-to-moderate rainfall events, with strong spatial synchrony to extreme heavy precipitation indices. PCIM is most strongly associated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). GPM IMERG captures PCIM patterns well but underestimates PCID trends and magnitudes, highlighting limitations in daily-scale resolution. These findings provide a benchmark for satellite product improvement and support adaptive strategies for extreme precipitation risks in changing climates. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the benefits of incorporating stem cell therapy into arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by evaluating its impact on postoperative pain and functional recovery. Methods: A retrospective, comparative analysis was conducted with a small cohort of patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery, divided into two groups: one receiving adjunctive combined PRP and bursal stem cell therapy and the other undergoing standard arthroscopic repair alone. The outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and the Constant–Murley score (CMS), which includes strength of abduction, VAS pain, limitation and range of motion, evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Patients in the stem cell group experienced significantly greater reductions in pain scores and more substantial improvements in functional scores at the follow-up points compared to the control group. A linear mixed-effects analysis showed that in the early postoperative period, the use of PRP and bursal stem cell therapy was associated with significantly reduced postoperative VAS pain scores (F 4.8, p = 0.045) and an increased CMS regarding postoperative pain (F 8.6, p = 0.01), alongside painless elevation level (F 6.5, p = 0.022), forward flexion (F 8.5, p = 0.01) and abduction scores (F 8.3, p = 0.011). The effect of PRP and bursal stem cell therapy remains constant during late follow-up, from the fourth to sixth postoperative month, with postoperative CMS regarding pain remaining statistically significantly higher in the stem cell therapy group (F 4.8, p = 0.008), alongside reduced night-time pain (F 7.4, p = 0.015), improved recreation ability (F 4.8, p = 0.044) and reduced activity restriction (F 5.8, p = 0.028). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the addition of stem cell therapy to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may enhance postoperative recovery by alleviating pain and promoting functional gains. Full article

AC/DC parallel transmission is a critical approach for large-scale centralized transmission. Existing assessments of power transfer capability in AC/DC corridors rarely incorporate comprehensive security and stability constraints, potentially leading to overestimated results. This paper investigates a grid-forming renewable energy system integrated via AC/DC parallel transmission. First, the transmission section’s power transfer limit under N-1 static security constraints is determined. Subsequently, analytical conditions satisfying synchronization and frequency stability constraints are derived using the equal area criterion and frequency security indices, revealing the impacts of AC/DC power allocation and system parameters on transfer capability. Finally, by integrating static security, synchronization stability, and frequency stability constraints, an operational region for secure AC/DC power dispatch is established. Based on this region, an optimal power allocation scheme maximizing the corridor’s transfer capability is proposed. The theoretical framework and methodology enhance system transfer capacity while ensuring AC/DC parallel transmission security, with case studies validating the theory’s correctness and method’s effectiveness. Full article

The literature clearly indicates that both academia and industry are strongly committed to developing comprehensive processes for spent Li-ion battery (LIB) recycling. In this regard, the current study presents an original contribution by providing a quantitative assessment of a large-scale recycling plant designed for the treatment of completely spent LIBs. In addition to a concept of the basic process, this assessment also considers a case study of a thermal integration and CO₂ capture subsystem. Process flow modeling software was used to evaluate the contribution of all process steps and equipment to overall energy consumption and to mass balance the data required for the technical assessment of the large-scale recycling plant. To underline the advantages and identify the optimal novel process concept, several key performance indicators were determined, such as recovery efficiency, specific energy/material consumption, and specific CO₂ emissions. In addition, the economic potential of the recycling plants was evaluated for the defined case studies based on capital and O&M costs. The results indicate that, even with CO₂ capture applied, the thermally integrated process with the combustion of hydrogen produced in the recycling plant remains the most promising large-scale configuration for spent LIB recycling. Full article

Background: Empowerment during pregnancy is linked to improved maternal and infant health outcomes and greater maternal well-being. Group Antenatal Care (GANC), a participant-centered model of care, promotes empowerment, active engagement, and the deconstruction of hierarchy between participants and care providers. It combines health assessment, interactive learning, and community building. While empowerment is a core concept of GANC, the ways it manifests and the elements that facilitate it remain unclear. Method: We conducted a generic qualitative study across four organizations in Brussels, using multiple data collection methods. This included interviews with 13 participants and 21 observations of GANC sessions, combining both the insider and outsider perspective. An adapted version of the Pregnancy-Related Empowerment Scale (PRES) guided the interviews guide and thematic analysis. Results: We identified seven themes that capture how empowerment occurs in GANC: peer connectedness, provider connectedness, skillful decision-making, responsibility, sense of control, taking action, and gaining voice. Several aspects of GANC contribute to empowerment, particularly the role of facilitators. Conclusions: This study highlights how GANC enhances empowerment during pregnancy through interpersonal, internal, and external processes. Important components within GANC that support this process include the group-based format and the interactive nature of the discussions. The presence of skillful GANC facilitators is an essential prerequisite. In a diverse and often vulnerable context like Brussels, strengthening empowerment through GANC presents challenges but is especially crucial. Full article