Search Results (241)

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the timing of adverse events (AEs) after carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identified the risk factors for biliary stricture post CIRT. Methods: This retrospective study included 103 patients with HCC who had undergone CIRT (60 Gy/4 fractions). The onset, frequency, and grade of AEs after CIRT were analyzed. HCC was classified into perihilar and distal types to assess the frequency of biliary stricture, and the risk factors for biliary stricture were investigated. Results: AEs after CIRT were more frequent in patients with liver dysfunction, skin redness/dermatitis, and pigmentation. Biliary stricture occurred long after CIRT (3.0–17.0 months). Most AEs were of grade 1–2. Grade ≥ 3 AEs included biliary stricture (2.9%) and radiation gastric ulcer (1.0%), whereas grade 5 AEs included biliary stricture (1.9%). Biliary stricture was exclusively observed in patients with perihilar-type HCC. Among patients with perihilar-type HCC, those having a tumor in the portal vein trunk branch area were more prone to biliary stricture than those with a tumor in the primary portal vein branch area (p = 0.0018), and all grade ≥ 3 biliary strictures (2.9%) were observed in the portal vein trunk branch area. Patients with perihilar-type HCC and biliary stricture were more likely to have macrovascular invasion (p = 0.0052) and previous local therapy targeting the perihilar region (p = 0.0371) than those without biliary stricture. Conclusions: This study reported the detailed data of AEs post CIRT for HCC and the risk factors for biliary stricture post CIRT. Full article

This study examines the trends and statistical characteristics of daily maximum wind speed across various synoptic stations in Ardabil Province, Iran, with diverse topography. Using daily wind speed data from multiple synoptic stations, the research focuses on three primary objectives: assessing changes in daily maximum wind speed, fitting various statistical distributions to the data, and estimating wind speed values for different return periods. In this research, the temporal changes were evaluated while analyzing the frequency of the data, and then the maximum wind speed values were calculated and analyzed for different return periods by fitting frequency distributions. The analysis reveals notable variability in maximum wind speeds across stations. The trend analysis, conducted using the nonparametric Mann–Kendall method, reveals significant positive trends in maximum wind speed at Meshgin-Shahr and Sareyn (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, data from Khalkhal station displays a significant decreasing trend, while other stations, like Ardabil and Parsabad, show no meaningful trends. According to the statistical distributions analysis, the Fisher–Tippett T2 mirrored distribution demonstrates the best fit for Ardabil, with an absolute difference of 2.52%, while the Laplace distribution yields the lowest discrepancies for Bilesavar (3.50%) and Ardabil Airport (3.83%). This ranking indicates that, despite similar first-ranked distributions in some stations, secondary models show variability, suggesting localized influences on wind speed that modify distributional fit. As a conclusion, the Laplace (std) distribution stands out as the best-fit model for several stations, showing relative consistency across several stations. These findings demonstrate the necessity of site-specific statistical modeling to accurately represent wind speed patterns across the diverse landscapes of Ardabil Province. Based on the results, comparing the wind characteristics in the study area with those of other regions in Iran, as well as analyzing the reported trends, can be useful in determining the impact of the region’s climatic conditions and topography on wind patterns. This research offers key insights into wind speed variability and trends in Ardabil, crucial for climate adaptation and risk management of extreme wind events. Full article

Objective: Given the side effects and reduced efficacy of conventional local anesthetics in inflammatory conditions, there is a compelling need for complementary alternative medicine (CAM), particularly those based on phytochemicals. While a previous study showed that in vivo local injection of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) into the peripheral receptive field suppresses the excitability of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in the absence of inflammation, the acute effects of EGCG in vivo, especially on TG neurons under inflammatory conditions, are still unknown. We aimed to determine if acute local EGCG administration into inflamed tissue effectively attenuates the excitability of nociceptive TG neurons evoked by mechanical stimulation. Methods: The escape reflex threshold was measured to assess hyperalgesia caused by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation. To assess neuronal activity, extracellular single-unit recordings were performed on TG neurons in anesthetized CFA-inflamed rats in response to orofacial mechanical stimulation. Results: The mechanical escape threshold was significantly lower in CFA-inflamed rats compared to before CFA injection. EGCG (1–10 mM) reversibly and dose-dependently inhibited the mean firing frequency of TG neurons evoked by both non-noxious and noxious mechanical stimuli (p < 0.05). For comparison, 1% lidocaine (37 mM), a local anesthetic, also caused reversible inhibition of the mean firing frequency in inflamed TG neurons responding to mechanical stimuli. Importantly, 10 mM EGCG produced a significantly greater magnitude of inhibition on TG neuronal discharge frequency than 1% lidocaine (noxious, lidocaine vs. EGCG, 19.7 ± 3.3% vs. 42.3 ± 3.4%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Local injection of EGCG into inflamed tissue effectively suppresses the excitability of nociceptive primary sensory TG neurons, as indicated by these findings. Significantly, locally administered EGCG exerted a more potent local analgesic action compared to conventional voltage-gated sodium channel blockers. This heightened efficacy originates from EGCG’s ability to inhibit both generator potentials and action potentials directly at nociceptive primary nerve terminals. As a result, EGCG stands out as a compelling candidate for novel analgesic development, holding particular relevance for CAM strategies. Full article

Introduction: Computed tomography-guided biopsies (CTGB) are essential in diagnosing various conditions, particularly in respiratory medicine, with lung cancer being a primary focus. A significant complication associated with CTGB is pneumothorax, which can occur in up to 26% of cases. At Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a large interventional service collaborates closely with radiologists and respiratory physicians. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of pneumothorax following CTGB. Methods: A retrospective service review was conducted on all lung parenchymal CTGBs performed between April 2011 and July 2023, with approval from the local information governance. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Continuous variables are presented as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR), while categorical variables are reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 1492 CT-guided lung biopsies were analyzed. The median age of patients was 72 years (IQR 10.5), and 50.9% were male. Pneumothorax occurred in 23.8% (n = 355) of cases. Of these, 159 (44.8%) were detected on post-biopsy CT scans. The average number of pleural passes was 1.8 (range 1–4). Among those with pneumothorax, 53.6% had radiologically evident emphysema. The median forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 1.97 L (IQR 1.04). Sixty-seven percent (n = 234) of patients had no pleural contact, and the median lesion size was 26 mm (IQR 24). Seventy-two percent (n = 255) of lesions with pneumothoraces were less than 3 cm deep. Forty-four percent of biopsies were performed using 18 French gauge tru-cut needles. Of the 355 pneumothoraces, 89% (n = 315) were managed conservatively, with 42 requiring pleural intervention (41 small-bore 12 Fr intercostal chest drains and one pleural vent). Symptoms were initially present in 40 cases, and two cases developed symptoms up to 7 days post-procedure. Conclusions: The incidence of pneumothorax is consistent with expected rates, with more occurrences observed in biopsies of smaller lesions lacking pleural contact, lesions with surrounding emphysema, and cases requiring multiple pleural passes. FEV1 does not appear to influence the risk of pneumothorax. Conservative management is generally effective, without significant complications. Full article

Exposure to antibiotic-resistant microbial communities in coastal waters is an important threat to human health. Through a ten-year coastal time series, we used metagenomics from 236 time points to provide a comprehensive understanding of the seawater resistome, temporal distribution, and factors influencing frequencies of specific resistance types. Here, we predicted that antibiotic resistance gene frequencies would increase during the winter due to increased rainfall, with terrestrial and enteric taxa serving as the primary carriers of resistance genes in coastal waters. We found that seasonal and interannual trends of antibiotic resistance genes vary by gene and the taxa carrying them, as opposed to a general increase in most resistance genes during specific seasons. However, we found that precipitation and Enterococcus levels may be accurate indicators for total antibiotic resistance gene levels in Newport Beach coastal water. Resistance genes were primarily carried by marine taxa, though some terrestrial taxa and opportunistic pathogens also harbored these genes. Non-marine taxa can be introduced through rain, human activity, or sewage spills. By using metagenomics, we were able to elucidate the antibiotic-resistant bacterial communities in Newport Beach coastal water and demonstrate both seasonal and multiannual trends in their abundance with important implications for local health and safety. Full article

Seaweeds represent a vital yet often understudied component of the diet and cultural heritage of many coastal communities globally. This study investigated seaweed consumption practices in coastal communities of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, through one-to-one interviews (n = 280) and focus group discussions (n = 7). The study revealed that nearly all (99%) of the population consumes seaweeds, with women comprising the majority of consumers who have done so since childhood (68% female vs. 32% male). These consumers were predominantly married (79%), within the 21–40 age group (53%), with families of 5–7 members (43%), practicing Islam (97%), and belonging to the Sama tribe (71%). A significant portion (48%) had resided in the area for 21–30 years, attained elementary to high school education (66%), and had a monthly income ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Philippine pesos (72%). Seaweed consumption was a family-wide practice (88%), including children, who typically started around 4–8 years old (61%), driven by perceived nutritional benefits (43%), preferred flavor (80%), affordability (19%), ease of preparation (33%), and cultural integration (23%). The primary edible seaweeds identified were Kappaphycus alvarezii (63%), K. striatus (58%), Kappaphycus spp. (47%), Eucheuma denticulatum (57%), Caulerpa lentillifera (64%), Caulerpa spp. (51%), C. cf. macrodisca ecad corynephora (45%), C. racemosa (30%), and Solieria robusta (49%), with less frequent consumption of K. malesianus (8%), Chaetomorpha crassa (3%), Gracilaria spp. (0.72%), and Hydroclathrus clathratus (0.36%). Specific plant parts were preferred for certain species, and preparation predominantly involved raw (75%) or cooked (77%) salads with spices, primarily prepared by mothers (72%). Consumers generally avoided seaweeds showing signs of ice-ice disease (95%), pale coloration (91%), or epiphyte infestation (84%). Consumption frequency was typically 1–3 times per week (45%), with knowledge largely passed down through generations (95%). Seaweed salads were primarily consumed as a viand (92%) at home (97%), with locals perceiving seaweed consumption as contributing to a healthy diet (40%) and overall well-being [e.g., aiding hunger (76%), improving digestion (20%), preventing obesity (14%), and aiding brain development (3%)]. The study’s findings emphasize the significant yet often overlooked role of seaweeds in the food systems and cultural heritage of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal communities. Future efforts should prioritize the sustainable management of wild resources, explore the cultivation of diverse edible species, and enhance nutritional awareness. Further research into traditional seaweed knowledge holds broader value. Full article

The main function of triangulation-based laser profile sensors—also referred to as laser profilometers or profilers—is the three-dimensional scanning of moving objects using laser triangulation. In addition to capturing 3D data, these profilometers simultaneously generate grayscale images of the scanned objects. However, the quality of these images is often degraded due to interference of the laser light, manifesting as speckle noise. In profilometer images, this noise typically appears as vertical stripes. Unlike the column fixed pattern noise commonly observed in TDI CMOS cameras, the positions of these stripes are not stationary. Consequently, conventional algorithms for removing fixed pattern noise yield unsatisfactory results when applied to profilometer images. In this article, we propose an effective method for suppressing speckle noise in profilometer images of flat surfaces, based on local column median vectors. The method was evaluated across a variety of surface types and compared against existing approaches using several metrics, including the standard deviation of the column mean vector (SDCMV), frequency spectrum analysis, and standard image quality assessment measures. Our results demonstrate a substantial improvement in reducing column speckle noise: the SDCMV value achieved with our method is 2.5 to 5 times lower than that obtained using global column median values, and the root mean square (RMS) of the frequency spectrum in the noise-relevant region is reduced by nearly an order of magnitude. General image quality metrics also indicate moderate enhancement: peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) increased by 2.12 dB, and the structural similarity index (SSIM) improved from 0.929 to 0.953. The primary limitation of the proposed method is its applicability only to flat surfaces. Nonetheless, we successfully implemented it in an optical inspection system for the furniture industry, where the post-processed image quality was sufficient to detect surface defects as small as 0.1 mm. Full article

In modern engineering applications, localization and orientation play an increasingly crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of assigned tasks. Industrial robots, smart home systems, healthcare environments, nuclear facilities, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles are just a few examples of fields where localization technologies are applied. Over the years, these technologies have evolved significantly, with numerous methods being developed, proposed, and refined. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the primary localization and orientation technologies available in the literature, detailing the fundamental principles on which they are based and the key algorithms used to implement them. To achieve accurate and reliable localization, fusion-based approaches are often necessary, integrating data from multiple sensors and systems or estimating hidden states. For this purpose, algorithms such as Kalman Filters, Particle Filters, or Neural Networks are usually adopted. The first part of this article presents an extensive review of localization technologies, including radio frequency, RFID, laser-based systems, vision-based techniques, light-based positioning, IMU-based methods, odometry, and ultrasound-based solutions. The second part focuses on the most widely used algorithms for localization. Finally, summary tables provide an overview of the best and most consistent accuracies reported in the literature for the investigated technologies and systems. Full article

In recent years, the realization of a society in which humans and robots coexist has become highly anticipated. As a result, robots are expected to exhibit versatility regardless of their operating environments, along with high responsiveness, to ensure safety and enable dynamic task execution. To meet these demands, we design a comprehensive system composed of two primary components: high-speed skeleton tracking and path planning. For tracking, we implement a high-speed skeleton tracking method that combines deep learning-based detection with optical flow-based motion extraction. In addition, we introduce a dynamic search area adjustment technique that focuses on the target joint to extract the desired motion more accurately. For path planning, we propose a high-speed, geometry-informed potential field model that addresses four key challenges: (P1) avoiding local minima, (P2) suppressing oscillations, (P3) ensuring adaptability to dynamic environments, and (P4) handling obstacles with arbitrary 3D shapes. We validated the effectiveness of our high-frequency feedback control and the proposed system through a series of simulations and real-world collision-free path planning experiments. Our high-speed skeleton tracking operates at 250 Hz, which is eight times faster than conventional deep learning-based methods, and our path planning method runs at over 10,000 Hz. The proposed system offers both versatility across different working environments and low latencies. Therefore, we hope that it will contribute to a foundational motion generation framework for human–robot collaboration (HRC), applicable to a wide range of downstream tasks while ensuring safety in dynamic environments. Full article

Public spaces in historical and cultural cities not only provide places for social interaction in people’s daily lives but also help visitors engage with local history and culture. Although extensive research has been conducted on the use of public spaces, little has been conducted on cities in developing countries, such as cities in Xinjiang, China. Therefore, this research selected a public space in a traditional Uyghur residential area in Yining, which is located in the northwest of Xinjiang, to investigate the current usage of public space in the context of the growing tourism industry. We employed behaviour mapping as the primary method for data collection and analysed it using ArcGIS. A total of 3052 data points were collected over a five-day observation period. We found that while a wide range of activities were observed at the study site, only a few took place with high frequency. The influence of the facilities at the study site on users’ behaviour is significant. In terms of spatial distribution, the number and diversity of activities also show a concentrated distribution in a certain sub-area. Therefore, the conclusions suggest that it is important to conduct post-use evaluations to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of local residents. Full article

Being an essential issue in global climate warming, the response of urban green spaces to air pollution and climate variability because of rapid urbanization has become an increasing concern at both the local and global levels. This study explored the response of urban vegetation to air pollution and climate variability in the Bucharest metropolis in Romania from a spatiotemporal perspective during 2000–2024, with a focus on the 2020–2024 period. Through the synergy of time series in situ air pollution and climate data, and derived vegetation biophysical variables from MODIS Terra/Aqua satellite data, this study applied statistical regression, correlation, and linear trend analysis to assess linear relationships between variables and their pairwise associations. Green spaces were measured with the MODIS normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR), evapotranspiration (ET), and net primary production (NPP), which capture the complex characteristics of urban vegetation systems (gardens, street trees, parks, and forests), periurban forests, and agricultural areas. For both the Bucharest center (6.5 km × 6.5 km) and metropolitan (40.5 km × 40.5 km) test areas, during the five-year investigated period, this study found negative correlations of the NDVI with ground-level concentrations of particulate matter in two size fractions, PM2.5 (city center r = −0.29; p < 0.01, and metropolitan r = −0.39; p < 0.01) and PM10 (city center r = −0.58; p < 0.01, and metropolitan r = −0.56; p < 0.01), as well as between the NDVI and gaseous air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide—NO₂, sulfur dioxide—SO₂, and carbon monoxide—CO. Also, negative correlations between NDVI and climate parameters, air relative humidity (RH), and land surface albedo (LSA) were observed. These results show the potential of urban green to improve air quality through air pollutant deposition, retention, and alteration of vegetation health, particularly during dry seasons and hot summers. For the same period of analysis, positive correlations between the NDVI and solar surface irradiance (SI) and planetary boundary layer height (PBL) were recorded. Because of the summer season’s (June–August) increase in ground-level ozone, significant negative correlations with the NDVI (r = −0.51, p < 0.01) were found for Bucharest city center and (r = −76; p < 0.01) for the metropolitan area, which may explain the degraded or devitalized vegetation under high ozone levels. Also, during hot summer seasons in the 2020–2024 period, this research reported negative correlations between air temperature at 2 m height (TA) and the NDVI for both the Bucharest city center (r = −0.84; p < 0.01) and metropolitan scale (r = −0.90; p < 0.01), as well as negative correlations between the land surface temperature (LST) and the NDVI for Bucharest (city center r = −0.29; p< 0.01) and the metropolitan area (r = −0.68, p < 0.01). During summer seasons, positive correlations between ET and climate parameters TA (r = 0.91; p < 0.01), SI (r = 0.91; p < 0.01), relative humidity RH (r = 0.65; p < 0.01), and NDVI (r = 0.83; p < 0.01) are associated with the cooling effects of urban vegetation, showing that a higher vegetation density is associated with lower air and land surface temperatures. The negative correlation between ET and LST (r = −0.92; p < 0.01) explains the imprint of evapotranspiration in the diurnal variations of LST in contrast with TA. The decreasing trend of NPP over 24 years highlighted the feedback response of vegetation to air pollution and climate warming. For future green cities, the results of this study contribute to the development of advanced strategies for urban vegetation protection and better mitigation of air quality under an increased frequency of extreme climate events. Full article

Lateral cavities along coastlines strongly influence sedimentary morphology and ecological processes by modifying local flow dynamics. This study employed high-resolution large-eddy simulation to investigate flow structures and momentum exchange mechanisms in a semi-circular lateral cavity driven by longshore currents. Model validation against experimental data confirmed the LES’s capability to capture both recirculating flow and turbulent structures accurately. The impact of Reynolds number was examined across three cases ($Re$ = 12,000, 17,000, and 22,000). From $Re$ = 12,000 to 17,000, a significant upstream shift of the primary vortex core occurred, accompanied by stronger shear layer turbulence and intensified secondary vortices. Between $Re$ = 17,000 and 22,000, the flow features stabilized, indicating a transition toward quasi-equilibrium. These changes enhanced vertical momentum transfer and turbulence production within the cavity. Spectral analysis revealed dominant KH frequencies governing periodic momentum exchange and indicating a transition from viscosity-damped upstream turbulence to fully developed shedding downstream. Full article

To fully utilize the reactive power resources of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems, this study proposes a coordinated var-voltage control strategy for the main distribution network, incorporating the reactive power regulation capability of distributed PV. Firstly, the Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) tertiary and secondary voltage control methods and optimization models in the main and distribution networks area are analyzed, and the physical equivalence of the reactive power compensation equipment involved is carried out. In this study, a coordinated local var-voltage control method is proposed, which integrates AVC primary voltage control and divides the control scheme into feeder and station areas, respectively. Through the analysis of actual operation cases in a regional power grid, the results demonstrate a reduction in network loss by 171.14 kW through voltage adjustment, validating the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. This method fully leverages the reactive power regulation capability of distributed renewable energy sources, reduces the operational frequency of reactive power equipment in substations, and synergizes with the AVC system to achieve optimal power grid operation. Full article

Greater engagement with alternative food supply chains is considered a key factor in reducing a range of environmental and social harms associated with the global agri-food system. However, consumer engagement with these supply chains is low, and little research has investigated this issue in the Australian context. This study aimed to identify Australian consumers’ drivers and barriers in procuring food grown locally from alternative grocery retailers. Self-reported primary or co-equal grocery shoppers (n = 325) completed measures of drivers and barriers to shopping for locally produced food (within 200 km) from alternative retailers, as well as current behavioural engagement with such. An exploratory factor analysis revealed four key drivers (Food Shopping as an Expression of Values, Food Shopping as a Socio-Emotional Experience, Avoiding “Unnatural” Food, Protesting the Duopoly) and two key barriers (It’s All Too Hard, Local Food Scepticism). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that together, these drivers and barriers explained a significant 9% of the variance in the frequency of alternate shopping practices, of which only the barrier It’s All Too Hard accounted for a significant amount of unique variance. Findings point to ways to encourage engagement with sustainable food systems, as well as critical barriers to overcoming disengagement. Full article

Understanding the characteristics of wildfires in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is crucial for improving the monitoring of local wildfire danger. Our investigation first establishes the spatial distributions of fire weather index (FWI) distributions and satellite-observed wildfire occurrences. The FWI provides a reasonably accurate representation of wildfire danger in the BTH region. Through Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) clustering analysis, we identify nine distinct spatial patterns in FWI composites. Notably, the annual frequency of SOM modes 2 and 7 has shown a significant increasing trend over the past 40 years. The spatial distribution of the highest FWI values in these two modes is in the southern and central BTH regions, respectively. Subsequently, we examine the relationship between FWI variations and atmospheric circulation patterns. A synoptic analysis indicates that the increased fuel availability index observed in SOM modes 2 and 7 can be primarily attributed to two key factors. One is a post-trough system, which is marked by a decrease in water vapor transport. The other is a high-pressure system, which is associated with higher temperatures and drought conditions. Finally, the relative contributions of the fuel available index and the wildfire spread rate index to the FWI are quantified using a partial differential approach. The variations in the fuel available index are the primary drivers of the high FWI values in these two SOM patterns. This study underscores the importance of analyzing the synergistic effects of multiple atmospheric circulation patterns on the fuel availability index, which is critical for improving wildfire danger prediction at different timescales in the BTH region. Full article