Search Results (33,862)

We study a hybrid stochastic SIS co-infection model for two primary strains and a co-infected class with Crowley–Martin incidence, Markovian regime switching, and Lévy jumps. The model is a four-dimensional regime-switching Lévy-driven SDE system with state-dependent diffusion and jump coefficients. Under natural integrability conditions on the jumps and a mild structural assumption on removal rates, we prove uniform high-order moment bounds for the total population, establish pathwise sublinear growth, and derive strong laws of large numbers for all Brownian and Lévy martingales, reducing the long-time analysis to deterministic time averages. Using logarithmic Lyapunov functionals for the infective classes, we introduce four noise-corrected effective growth parameters ${\lambda }_1,\dots ,{\lambda }_4$ and two interaction matrices $A,B$ that encode the combined impact of Crowley–Martin saturation, regime switching, and jump noise. In terms of explicit inequalities involving ${\lambda }_k$ and the entries of $A,B$, we obtain sharp almost-sure criteria for extinction of all infectives, persistence with competitive exclusion, and coexistence in mean of both primary strains, together with the induced long-term behaviour of the co-infected class. Numerical simulations with regime switching and compensated Poisson jumps illustrate and support these thresholds. This provides, to our knowledge, the first rigorous extinction-exclusion-coexistence theory for a multi-strain SIS co-infection model under the joint influence of Crowley–Martin incidence, Markov switching, and Lévy perturbations. Full article

Precise control over nanostructure evolution is critical for optimizing the electrochemical performance of pseudocapacitive materials. In this work, Nb₂O₅ nanostructures were synthesized via a time-engineered hydrothermal route by systematically varying the reaction duration (6, 12, and 18 h) to elucidate its influence on structural development, charge storage kinetics, and supercapacitor performance. Structural and surface analyses confirm the formation of phase-pure monoclinic Nb₂O₅ with a stable Nb⁵⁺ oxidation state. Morphological investigations reveal that a 12 h reaction time produces hierarchically organized Nb₂O₅ architectures composed of nanograin-assembled spherical aggregates with interconnected porosity, providing optimized ion diffusion pathways and enhanced electroactive surface exposure. Electrochemical evaluation demonstrates that the NbO-12 electrode delivers superior pseudocapacitive behavior dominated by diffusion-controlled Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺ redox reactions, exhibiting high areal capacitance (5.504 F cm⁻² at 8 mA cm⁻²), fast ion diffusion kinetics, low internal resistance, and excellent cycling stability with 85.73% capacitance retention over 12,000 cycles. Furthermore, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor assembled using NbO-12 as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode operates stably over a wide voltage window of 1.5 V, delivering an energy density of 0.101 mWh cm⁻² with outstanding durability. This study establishes hydrothermal reaction-time engineering as an effective strategy for tailoring Nb₂O₅ nanostructures and provides valuable insights for the rational design of high-performance pseudocapacitive electrodes for advanced energy storage systems. Full article

This paper studies optimal dividend and capital injection strategies with active exit options under a jump-diffusion model. We introduce a piecewise terminal payoff function to capture stop-loss exits (for deficits) and profit-taking exits (for surpluses), enabling shareholders to dynamically balance risk and return. Using the dynamic programming principle, we derive the associated quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs) and characterize the value function as the unique viscosity solution. To address analytical challenges, we employ the Markov chain approximation method, constructing a controlled Markov chain that closely approximates the jump-diffusion dynamics. Numerical solutions of the approximated problem are obtained via value iteration. The numerical results demonstrate how the value function and optimal strategies respond to different claim distributions (comparing Exponential and Pareto cases), key model parameters, and exit payoff functions. The numerical study further validates the algorithm’s convergence and examines the stability of solutions with respect to domain truncation in the QVI formulation. Full article

Cryopreservation is a critical strategy for the long-term conservation of plant germplasm, particularly for clonally propagated crops, endangered species, and plants producing recalcitrant seeds. Hydrogel-based encapsulation systems can improve survival during ultra-low-temperature storage by providing mechanical protection, moderating dehydration, and regulating cryoprotectant uptake. Although calcium–alginate beads remain the traditional matrix for encapsulation–dehydration and encapsulation–vitrification, recent advances in biomaterials science have enabled the development of composite polysaccharide blends, protein-based matrices, synthetic polymer networks, macroporous cryogels, and functionalized hybrid hydrogels incorporating surfactants, antioxidants, or nanomaterials. These engineered systems provide improved control over water state, pore architecture, diffusion kinetics, and thermal behavior, thereby reducing cryoinjury and enhancing post-thaw recovery across diverse plant explants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on hydrogel platforms used in plant cryopreservation, with emphasis on how physicochemical properties influence dehydration dynamics, cryoprotectant transport, vitrification stability, and rewarming responses. Performance across major explant types is assessed, key limitations in existing materials and protocols are identified, and design principles for next-generation hydrogel systems are outlined. Future progress will depend on material standardization, integration with automated cryopreservation workflows, and the development of responsive hydrogel matrices capable of mitigating cryogenic stresses. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) readily accumulates cadmium (Cd), posing dietary exposure risks in populations dependent on rice-based diets. This study investigated how sulfur (S) redox processes regulate Cd mobility in S-deficient, Cd-contaminated paddy soil under waterlogged conditions. A pot experiment was conducted with two S treatments (−S and +S, 30 mg kg⁻¹) throughout the rice growing season. S addition markedly increased pore water S²⁻ concentrations during early growth (tillering) and mid-season (booting) and suppressed the diffusion of SO₄²⁻ from non-rhizosphere to rhizosphere at later stages (filling–maturity). Consequently, Cd in soil pore water was significantly lower in +S than −S treatments at all stages. Sulfur-amended soil showed a redistribution of Cd from labile fractions (exchangeable and carbonate-bound) to more stable fractions (Fe/Mn oxide-bound). Sulfur application also altered the rhizosphere microbiome: the relative abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) increased at the booting and filling stages, while sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) became more dominant at maturity. Additionally, +S enhanced Cd sequestration on rice root iron plaque by 32–67% during the grain-filling and maturity stages compared to −S. Throughout the rice growing period, redox-driven shifts in the S²⁻/SO₄²⁻ ratio emerged as a key control on Cd behavior, with low pe + pH (strongly reducing conditions) promoting Cd sulfide precipitation and high pe + pH (more oxidizing conditions) causing Cd remobilization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), formerly known as pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis (PVNS), is a rare, benign, inflammatory mesenchymal neoplasm originating from the synovium of joints, bursae, or tendon sheaths. Although TGCT can affect any joint, the knee is the most commonly involved site, particularly in cases of diffuse-type TGCT. Bifocal or multifocal involvement is exceedingly uncommon. Methods: Herein, we present a case of localized TGCT with bilateral knee involvement in a 48-year-old female. Results: The patient underwent open arthrotomy with marginal excision of the localized lesions in both knees. Histology and immunohistochemistry staining conformed the diagnosis. At the five-year follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic and free of recurrence. Conclusions: Given the rarity of bilateral TGCT, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients presenting with bilateral knee pain and swelling and include TGCT in the differential diagnosis. To our knowledge, this represents the fifteenth reported case of bilateral knee TGCT in the literature. Full article

In this article, we propose an expanded mixed finite element method for variable-coefficient fractional dispersion equations (FDEs). By introducing two intermediate variables, $p=Du$ and $\sigma =-I_{\theta }^{\beta }p$, the FDEs are reformulated into a mixed system involving only lower-order derivatives. Based on this, we construct an expanded mixed variational framework and prove the weak coercivity in the sense of the LBB condition over appropriately chosen Sobolev spaces, thereby ensuring the well-posedness of the formulation. Then, we develop an expanded mixed finite element scheme and prove that the unique expanded finite element solution possesses optimal approximation accuracy to the fractional flux $\sigma ,$ the gradient p and the unknown u. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. Full article

In image super-resolution tasks, methods based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Transformer models, and diffusion models demonstrate robust global modeling capabilities and outstanding performance. However, their computational costs remain prohibitively high, limiting deployment on resource-constrained devices. Meanwhile, frequency-domain approaches based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) capture complementary structural information but lack long-range dependencies, resulting in suboptimal perceptual image quality. To overcome these limitations, we propose a micro-Transformer-based architecture. This framework enriches high-frequency image information through wavelet transform-based frequency-domain features, integrates spatio-temporal and frequency-domain cross-feature fusion, and incorporates a discriminator constraint to achieve image super-resolution. Extensive experiments demonstrate that this approach achieves competitive PSNR/SSIM performance while maintaining reasonable computational complexity. Its visual quality and efficiency outperform most existing SR methods. Full article

In recent years, silver nanoparticles have emerged as potent antimicrobial agents capable of combating extensively drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria that pose serious health risks. The primary aim of our research was to explore the green synthesis of AgNPs using Candida glabrata as an antibacterial agent. A single clinical isolate of Candida glabrata was re-examined via traditional yeast identification methods. Biosynthesis of AgNPs was accomplished by incubating Candida glabrata cell-free supernatant with silver nitrate. AgNP formation was verified by UV-Vis spectroscopy, and the XRD technique assessed the physical properties of the lyophilized AgNPs. EDX and SEM provided insights into the AgNPs’ composition, shape, and size. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against pathogenic bacteria through the Agar Well Diffusion method. The formation of AgNPs was evidenced by a shift in color to dark brown. The formation of AgNPs at an absorbance wavelength of 430 nm revealed a polycrystalline structure with an average crystal size of 21.91 nm. The silver constituted 29.50% of the composition and indicated a spherical shape with sizes ranging from 74.96 to 100.40 nm. Significant antimicrobial activity was obtained against pathogenic bacteria. Hence, the proposed research highlights a single-step, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly AgNP synthesis approach that exhibits considerable antibacterial properties. Full article

Urban parks play a vital role in mitigating the urban heat island effect and enhancing urban climate resilience. However, quantitative characterization of park cooling effects and the synergistic mechanisms among multiple factors remains limited. Focusing on the central urban area of Nanjing, a typical high-density subtropical city, this study analyzes Landsat 8/9 imagery from 2022 to 2025. The inflection point method was used to quantify three core indicators—cooling intensity, cooling distance, and cooling efficiency—while Pearson correlation analysis was applied to identify key drivers and examine synergistic relationships. The results show that (1) urban parks exhibit a “central aggregation–peripheral diffusion” pattern, which corresponds to pronounced spatial variability in the thermal environment; (2) park cooling effects display strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with notable interannual fluctuations in cooling intensity and a relatively stable cooling distance of approximately 400–500 m; and (3) cooling performance is primarily governed by tri-factor synergy among park size, vegetation characteristics, and surrounding urban environmental conditions. Park size largely determines the cooling extent, whereas underlying surface properties and building density regulate or constrain cooling. These findings clarify quantitative patterns and composite drivers of park cooling in high-density cities and provide evidence to support climate-adaptive green space planning and urban heat mitigation strategies. Full article

Alternaria alternata is a common postharvest mold affecting tomato products, including cherry tomatoes, and causing their contamination with mycotoxins. When consumers encounter moldy fruits, some may remove the visibly contaminated part and consume the rest, to reduce waste. However, the extent to which A. alternata toxins migrate beyond visible fungal growth remains unclear, potentially posing health risks. This study investigated (i) the within-fruit migration of A. alternata in cherry tomatoes together with the associated mycotoxin production, and (ii) the diffusion of purified Alternaria toxins in tomatoes in the absence of any fungal activity. Toxins were quantified using LC-MS/MS, while fungal colonization was assessed through visual inspection and DNA quantification across fruit sections. In the absence of fungal growth, toxins remained largely confined to the spiking site and were degraded over time. In contrast, in inoculated samples, Alternaria DNA was detected at notable levels even in sections lacking visible fungal growth, while Alternaria toxins were found both in these regions and in lower fruit sections where fungal DNA was below the qPCR detection limit. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on visual inspection to assess food safety. A consumer recommendation is proposed to help minimize health risks while reducing food waste. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) frequently involves bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hepatosplenomegaly, whereas pleural effusions are uncommon. Cases requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and thoracic drainage are rare. We report a case of MCL with persistent massive pleural effusions requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and bilateral continuous thoracic drainage. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and was found to have bilateral pleural effusions and generalized lymphadenopathy. Shortly after admission, she developed acute respiratory failure due to pleural effusions and required invasive mechanical ventilation. Right-sided continuous thoracic drainage was initiated. Thereafter, more than 1 L of pleural fluid was drained each day. Flow cytometry of the pleural fluid showed CD5-positive B cells with kappa light-chain restriction. Bone marrow examination revealed abnormal lymphocyte infiltration. Cervical lymph node biopsy demonstrated diffuse proliferation of medium-sized, abnormal B lymphocytes with an immunophenotype of CD5⁺, CD19⁺, CD20⁺, cyclin D1⁺, SOX11⁺, and κ⁺, with a Ki-67 index of 20%, confirming MCL, stage IV. Immunochemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) was commenced under mechanical ventilation. Shortly thereafter, left-sided continuous thoracic drainage was also initiated. However, in response to immunochemotherapy, the bilateral pleural effusions gradually subsided, enabling extubation, and there was no reaccumulation after removal of both chest tubes. Furthermore, generalized lymphadenopathy regressed, and bone marrow examination revealed resolution of lymphoma infiltration, resulting in complete remission. Conclusions: De novo MCL complicated by persistent massive pleural effusions requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and bilateral continuous thoracic drainage is rare. A thorough diagnostic workup followed by prompt initiation of immunochemotherapy can arrest pleural output, enable extubation, and be lifesaving. Clinicians should recognize that MCL rarely presents with persistent massive pleural effusions. Full article

Objectives: To explore if MRI can monitor treatment and predict outcome in patients with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with or without bevacizumab. Methods: Multiparametric MRI was performed at baseline and after 12 and 25 weeks of NACT. MRI assessment included tumour size, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and signal intensity–time curves and vascular volume transfer constant (K^TRANS) from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE). The reference standards were pathological complete response (pCR) at the time of surgery, and 10-year recurrence-free survival. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of the MRI parameters. MRI findings and outcomes were compared between the treatment groups. Results: Seventy women were included from November 2008 to July 2012, with a median age of 49.5 years and median tumour diameter of 47 mm. Fourteen patients (20.0%) achieved pCR, while eleven (15.7%) had recurrence during the 10-year follow-up. The treatment significantly reduced tumour size, increased ADC, decreased K^TRANS, and shifted the signal intensity–time curves towards more benign shapes. The DCE parameters changed significantly more in the bevacizumab group. In the bevacizumab group, baseline K^TRANS predicted pCR (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.73), but the difference in pCR-rates between the treatment groups was not significant (p = 0.07). Only tumour size and shrinkage at 12 weeks predicted pCR (AUC = 0.71–0.85) regardless of size measuring method. No MRI parameters predicted survival. Conclusions: All MRI parameters reflected treatment response, but no parameter predicted survival or benefit from adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy. Full article

Food-borne diseases affect nearly 10% of the global population annually, with Salmonella being a major cause, particularly impacting children, the elderly, and populations in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, serotype distribution, antibiotic resistance profiles, and genetic determinants of resistance and virulence of Salmonella enterica in humans and poultry in the Nanoro health district. A community-based cross-sectional study involving humans and poultry was conducted in the Nanoro health district. Fresh stool samples (human and poultry cloacal/cecal) were collected, transported under sterile conditions, and processed within two hours using standard bacteriological methods. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was determined by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, and whole-genome sequencing (Illumina) identified serotypes, resistance genes, and virulence factors. Logistic regression analyzed associations between Salmonella carriage and host or environmental factors. Salmonella enterica carriage was detected in 8.7% of humans and 7.2% of poultry. Human isolates showed 24% resistance to cephalosporins, while poultry isolates showed 36.8% resistance. Resistance genes, including fosA7, qnrB19, and a cryptic aminoglycoside resistance gene, and virulence genes encoding T3SS-1 and T3SS-2, were detected in both hosts. Logistic regression indicated that residence in Sitaon and Zimidin was associated with ~70% lower odds of carriage (aOR = 0.3), while individuals aged 11–20 and 51–60 years had 2.8-fold higher odds. Carriage was also 60% higher during the rainy season. These findings suggest possible cross-transmission of Salmonella between humans and poultry and the circulation of resistant, potentially virulent strains in the community. Seasonal and age-related variations highlight environmental and behavioral influences on asymptomatic carriage. Integrated One Health surveillance and targeted hygiene interventions are essential to reduce Salmonella transmission and antimicrobial resistance in rural settings. Full article

Rare earth elements are indispensable for a wide range of advanced technologies, which underscores their strategic importance. This study investigates the kinetics of extracting heavy rare earth elements—lutetium, thulium, yttrium, erbium, and dysprosium—from industrial phosphoric acid solutions generated during apatite processing. A comparative approach using both solvent and solid-phase extraction with di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) was applied to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Optimal solvent extraction parameters ($V_{aq}:V_{org}$ = 2:1, ${\phi }_{D2EHPA}$ = 0.2, 298 K, stirring at 350 rpm) achieved efficiencies exceeding 85%. Efficient solid-phase recovery was attained under mild conditions (298 K, m:V = 1:10, shaking at 100 opm). The rate-limiting steps were identified as diffusion-controlled for solvent extraction, governed primarily by agitation intensity, and as a mixed external–internal diffusion regime for solid-phase extraction. Calculated activation energies for each element corroborate these findings. Full article