Search Results (5,589)

This paper presents the multi-triangular ring and self-routing protocol (MTRSRP), which is a new decentralized strategy designed to boost throughput and network efficiency in multiring scatternets. MTRSRP comprises two primary phases: leader election and scatternet formation, which collaborate to establish an effective multi-triangular ring topology. In the leader election phase, nodes exchange broadcast messages to gather neighbor information and elect coordinators through a competitive process. The scatternet formation phase determines the optimal number of rings based on the coordinator’s collected node information and predefined rules. The master nodes then send unicast connection requests to establish piconets within the scatternet, following a predefined role table. Intra- and inter-bridge nodes were activated to interconnect the piconets, creating a cohesive multi-triangular ring scatternet. Additionally, MTRSRP incorporates a self-routing addressing scheme within the triangular ring architecture, optimizing packet transmission paths and reducing overhead by utilizing master/slave relationships established during scatternet formation. Simulation results indicate that MTRSRP with dual-bridge connectivity outperforms the cluster-based on-demand routing protocol and Bluetooth low-energy mesh schemes in key network transmission performance metrics such as the transmission rate, packet delay, and delivery ratio. In summary, MTRSRP significantly enhances throughput, optimizes routing paths, and improves network efficiency in multi-ring scatternets through its multi-triangular ring topology and self-routing capabilities. Full article

Oil spill simulation models are essential for predicting the oil spill behavior and movement in marine environments. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed a large and diverse body of peer-reviewed literature obtained from Scopus and Web of Science. Our initial analysis phase focused on examining trends in scientific publications, utilizing the complete dataset derived after systematic screening and database integration. In the second phase, we applied elements of a systematic review to identify and evaluate the most influential contributions in the scientific field of oil spill simulations. Our analysis revealed a steady and accelerating growth of research activity over the past five decades, with a particularly notable expansion in the last two. The field has also experienced a marked increase in collaborative practices, including a rise in international co-authorship and multi-authored contributions, reflecting a more global and interdisciplinary research landscape. We cataloged the key modeling frameworks that have shaped the field from established systems such as OSCAR, OIL-MAP/SIMAP, and GNOME to emerging hybrid and Lagrangian approaches. Hydrodynamic models were consistently central, often integrated with biogeochemical, wave, atmospheric, and oil-spill-specific modules. Environmental variables such as wind, ocean currents, and temperature were frequently used to drive model behavior. Geographically, research has concentrated on ecologically and economically sensitive coastal and marine regions. We conclude that future progress will rely on the real-time integration of high-resolution environmental data streams, the development of machine-learning-based surrogate models to accelerate computations, and the incorporation of advanced biodegradation and weathering mechanisms supported by experimental data. These advancements are expected to enhance the accuracy, responsiveness, and operational value of oil spill modeling tools, supporting environmental monitoring and emergency response. Full article

Fungi, from saprophytes to pathogens, face predictable daily fluctuations in light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability. To cope, they have evolved an internal circadian clock that confers a major adaptive advantage. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular architecture and physiological relevance of fungal circadian systems, moving beyond the canonical Neurospora crassa model to explore the broader phylogenetic diversity of timekeeping mechanisms. We examine the core transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) centered on the FREQUENCY/WHITE COLLAR (FRQ/WCC) system and contrast it with divergent and non-canonical oscillators, including the metabolic rhythms of yeasts and the universally conserved peroxiredoxin (PRX) oxidation cycles. A central theme is the clock’s role in gating cellular defenses against oxidative, osmotic, and nutritional stress, enabling fungi to anticipate and withstand environmental insults through proactive regulation. We provide a detailed analysis of chrono-pathogenesis, where the circadian control of virulence factors aligns fungal attacks with windows of host vulnerability, with a focus on experimental evidence from pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Magnaporthe oryzae. The review explores the downstream pathways—including transcriptional cascades, post-translational modifications, and epigenetic regulation—that translate temporal signals into physiological outputs such as developmental rhythms in conidiation and hyphal branching. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps, particularly in understudied phyla like Basidiomycota, and discuss future research directions. This includes the exploration of novel clock architectures and the emerging, though speculative, hypothesis of “chrono-therapeutics”—interventions designed to disrupt fungal clocks—as a forward-looking concept for managing fungal infections. Full article

With the rapid proliferation of real-time digital communication, particularly in multimedia applications, securing transmitted image data has become a vital concern. While chaotic systems have shown strong potential for cryptographic use, most existing approaches rely on low-dimensional, integer-order architectures, limiting their complexity and resistance to attacks. Advances in fractional calculus and memristive technologies offer new avenues for enhancing security through more complex and tunable dynamics. However, the practical deployment of high-dimensional fractional-order memristive chaotic systems in hardware remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by presenting a secure image transmission system implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) using a universal high-dimensional memristive chaotic topology with arbitrary-order dynamics. The design leverages four- and five-dimensional hyperchaotic oscillators, analyzed through bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents. To enable efficient hardware realization, the chaotic dynamics are approximated using the explicit fractional-order Runge–Kutta (EFORK) method with the Caputo fractional derivative, implemented in VHDL. Deployed on the Xilinx Artix-7 AC701 platform, synchronized master–slave chaotic generators drive a multi-stage stream cipher. This encryption process supports both RGB and grayscale images. Evaluation shows strong cryptographic properties: correlation of $-6.1081\times {10}^{-5}$, entropy of 7.9991, NPCR of 99.9776%, UACI of 33.4154%, and a key space of $2^{1344}$, confirming high security and robustness. Full article

Differential equations need boundary conditions (BCs) for their solution. It is widely acknowledged that differential equations and BCs are representative of independent physical processes, and no correlations between them are required. Two recent studies by Hilhorst, Chung et al. argue instead that, in the specific case of diffusion equations (DEs) in bounded systems, BCs are uniquely constrained by the form of transport coefficients. In this paper, we revisit how DEs emerge as fluid limits out of a picture of stochastic transport. We point out their limits of validity and argue that, in most physical systems, BCs and DEs are actually uncorrelated by virtue of the failure of diffusive approximation near the system’s boundaries. When, instead, the diffusive approximation holds everywhere, we show that the correct chain of reasoning goes in the direction opposite to that conjectured by Hilhorst and Chung: it is the choice of the BCs that determines the form of the DE in the surroundings of the boundary. Full article

The NW–SE-trending Firenze-Pistoia Basin (FPB) is an intermontane tectonic depression in the Northern Apennines (Italy) bounded to the northeast by a SW-dipping normal fault system. Although it has moderate historical seismicity (maximum estimated Mw 5.5 in 1895), the FPB lacks detailed characterization of its recent tectonic structures, unlike those of nearby basins that have produced Mw > 6 events. This study focuses on the southeastern sector of the basin, including the urban area of Florence, using tectonic geomorphology derived from remote sensing, in particular LiDAR data, field verification, and high-resolution geophysical surveys such as electrical resistivity tomography and seismic reflection profiles. The integration of these techniques enabled interpretation of the subdued and anthropogenically masked tectonic structures, allowing the identification of Holocene activity and significant, although limited, surface vertical offset for three NE–SW-striking normal faults, the Peretola, Scandicci, and Maiano faults. The Scandicci and Maiano faults appear to segment the southeasternmost strand of the master fault of the FPB, the Fiesole Fault, which now shows activity only along isolated segments and cannot be considered a continuous active fault. From empirical relationships, the Scandicci Fault, the most relevant among the three active faults, ~9 km long within the basin and with an approximate Late Quaternary slip rate of ~0.2 mm/year, might source Mw > 5.5 earthquakes. These findings highlight the need to reassess the local seismic hazard for more informed urban planning and for better preservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of Florence and the other artistic towns located in the FPB. Full article

Dams play a vital role in securing water and electricity supplies for households and industry, and they contribute significantly to flood protection. Regular monitoring of dam deformations holds fundamental socio-economic and ecological importance. Traditionally, this has relied on time-consuming in situ techniques that offer either high spatial or temporal resolution. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) addresses these limitations, enabling high-resolution monitoring in both domains. Sensors such as TerraSAR-X (TSX) and Sentinel-1 (S-1) have proven effective for deformation analysis with millimeter accuracy. Combining TSX and S-1 datasets enhances monitoring capabilities by leveraging the high spatial resolution of TSX with the broad coverage of S-1. This improves monitoring by increasing PS point density, reducing revisit intervals, and facilitating the detection of environmental deformation drivers. This study aims to investigate two objectives: first, we evaluate the benefits of a spatially and temporally densified PS time series derived from TSX and S-1 data for detecting radial deformations in individual dam segments. To support this, we developed the TSX2StaMPS toolbox, integrated into the updated snap2stamps workflow for generating single-master interferogram stacks using TSX data. Second, we identify deformation drivers using water level and temperature as exogenous variables. The five-year study period (2017–2022) was conducted on a gravity dam in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which was divided into logically connected segments. The results were compared to in situ data obtained from pendulum measurements. Linear models demonstrated a fair agreement between the combined time series and the pendulum data ($R^2$ = 0.5; MAE = 2.3 mm). Temperature was identified as the primary long-term driver of periodic deformations of the gravity dam. Following the filling of the reservoir, the variance in the PS data increased from 0.9 mm to 3.9 mm in RMSE, suggesting that water level changes are more responsible for short-term variations in the SAR signal. Upon full impoundment, the mean deformation amplitude decreased by approximately 1.7 mm toward the downstream side of the dam, which was attributed to the higher water pressure. The last five meters of water level rise resulted in higher feature importance due to interaction effects with temperature. The study concludes that integrating multiple PS datasets for dam monitoring is beneficial particularly for dams where few PS points can be identified using one sensor or where pendulum systems are not installed. Identifying the drivers of deformation is feasible and can be incorporated into existing monitoring frameworks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic autoimmune conditions that impact the physical and psychological well-being of pediatric patients. While previous studies have shown a high prevalence of mental health challenges among youth with chronic conditions, the prevalence of mental health issues in Canadian pediatric patients with JIA and IBD remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of documented mental health disorders and related medication use of youth with JIA or IBD at a tertiary care centre. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of youths aged 12–17 diagnosed with JIA or IBD at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) to understand the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD), eating disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), adolescent adjustment disorder, suicide attempt/suicide ideation, self-harm behaviour, substance use disorder, and attention deficit disorders (ADD). Results: We reviewed 429 patient charts, including 303 patients with IBD and 126 with JIA. Our findings identified 90 IBD patients and 20 JIA patients who had one or more documented mental health conditions. Proportionately, there was a higher prevalence of mental health conditions among IBD patients (30%) compared to JIA patients (16%). The most frequently observed conditions in both IBD and JIA patients were GAD (63%, 50%), ADD (33%, 35%), and MDD (29%, 15%). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for early mental health screening and integrated care approaches that address both medical and psychosocial needs in adolescents with chronic illnesses. Future research should incorporate prospective study designs, include diverse geographic and demographic populations, and explore targeted interventions to improve mental and physical health outcomes in this vulnerable group. Full article

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) represents a significant global health burden with considerable heterogeneity in clinical and molecular behavior. The anatomical site of tumor origin—proximal versus distal—has emerged as a determinant of prognosis and response to therapy. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the transcriptional and regulatory differences between proximal gastric cancer (PGC) and distal gastric cancer (DGC) through master regulator (MR) analysis. Methods: We analyzed RNA-seq data from TCGA-STAD and microarray data from GEO (GSE62254, GSE15459). Differential gene expression and MR analyses were performed using DESeq2, limma, corto, and RegEnrich pipelines. A harmonized matrix of 4785 genes was used for MR inference following normalization and batch correction. Functional enrichment and survival analyses were conducted to explore prognostic associations. Results: Among 364 TCGA and 492 GEO patients, PGC was associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features and poorer outcomes. We identified 998 DEGs distinguishing PGC and DGC. PGC showed increased FOXM1 (a key regulator of cell proliferation), STAT3, and NF-κB1 activity, while DGC displayed enriched GATA6, CDX2 (a marker of intestinal differentiation), and HNF4A signaling. Functional enrichment highlighted proliferative and inflammatory programs in PGC, and differentiation and metabolic pathways in DGC. MR activity stratified survival outcomes, reinforcing prognostic relevance. Conclusions: PGC and DGC are governed by distinct transcriptional regulators and signaling networks. Our findings provide a biological rationale for location-based stratification and inform targeted therapy development. Full article

Background/Objectives: End-of-life care is a vital part of nursing education that has been overlooked until recent years. Advance care planning should be incorporated into the prelicensure nursing curriculum to build student nurses’ confidence in aiding patients and families with their preferred future care plans. Advance care planning tools, such as the Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and Five Wishes, provide experiential learning opportunities that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world patient advocacy. In this study, students were asked to complete either the AHCD or Five Wishes document as though planning for their own end-of-life care, encouraging personal reflection and professional insight. Embedding these assignments into nursing education strengthens students’ confidence in facilitating end-of-life discussions. This study applied Kolb’s experiential learning theory, including concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation, to explore student nurses’ perspectives on the Advance Health Care Directive and Five Wishes assignments, as well as their understanding of end-of-life care. Methods: This study used an exploratory–descriptive qualitative design featuring one open-ended question to collect students’ views on the assignments. Results: The final sample comprised 67 prelicensure student nurses from Bachelor of Science and Entry-Level Master’s programs. The Advance Health Care Directive and/or Five Wishes assignment enhanced students’ understanding of end-of-life decision-making. Conclusions: It is essential to complete the assignment and immerse oneself in an end-of-life situation to grasp patients’ perspectives and concerns regarding when to engage in difficult conversations with their patients. Full article

Cutting propagation is a commonly employed technology for vegetative reproduction in agricultural, forestry, and horticultural practice. The success of cutting propagation depends on adventitious root (AR) formation—a process whereby roots regenerate from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. In this review, we summarize the distinct stages of cutting-induced AR formation and highlight the pivotal roles of plant hormones and age in this process. Jasmonic acid (JA) acts as a master trigger for promoting AR formation, while auxin serves as the core regulator, driving AR formation. Furthermore, plant age is a crucial factor determining the regenerative competence of cuttings. Notably, age and JA collaboratively modulate auxin synthesis in cutting-induced AR formation. Overall, this review not only elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying AR formation but also provides valuable insights for improving efficiency of cutting propagation in various plant species. Full article

This study introduces the Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO) and presents preliminary evidence of its content, construct, and criterion validity. Skeptical optimism refers to dispositional tendencies of having general positive expectations about the future, conditional on critical analysis and in-depth exploration of (potential negative) outcomes. We developed an initial pool of 31 items that explore positive expectations in three main life domains (finding solutions to difficult problems, mastering novel and challenging tasks, and effectively dealing with general life challenges) that were subject to content analysis by eight independent raters. The remaining items were tested for criterion and predictive validity in two samples (N = 198 and N = 417 participants). Factor analyses supported a three-factor structure and the refined 17-item version of the scale showed good reliability and validity. To support applications in settings requiring brief instruments, we also developed a 9-item version, preserving the factorial structure and psychometric qualities of the original scale. The results show that the 17 as well as 9-item SkO scales have a good criterion validity as they positively and significantly correlate with the core self-evaluation scale, critical thinking disposition, and grit. Moreover, our results show that the SkO has good predictive validity as it is the only significant predictor of the creativity quotient in our sample. Full article

In the Chan Buddhism koan (gong’an 公案) tradition, the act of “slaying the snake” functions as a signature gesture imbued with complex, historically layered cultural meanings. Rather than merely examining its motivations, this paper emphasizes tracing the semantic transformations that this motif has undergone across different historical contexts. It argues that “snake-slaying” operated variously as an imperial narrative strategy reinforcing ruling class ideology; as a form of popular resistance by commoners against flood-related disasters; as a dietary practice among aristocrats and literati seeking danyao (elixirs) 丹藥 for reclusion and transcendence; and ultimately, within the Chan tradition, as a method of spiritual cultivation whereby masters sever desires rooted in attachment to both selfhood and the Dharma. More specifically, first, as an imperial narrative logic, snake-slaying embodied exemplary power: both Liu Bang 劉邦 and Guizong 歸宗 enacted this discursive strategy, with Guizong’s legitimacy in slaying the snake deriving from the precedent set by Liu Bang. Second, as a folk strategy of demystification, snake-slaying acquired a moral aura—since the snake was perceived as malevolent force, their slaying appeared righteous and heroic. Finally, as a mode of self-cultivation among the aristocracy, snake-slaying laid the groundwork for its later internalization. In Daoism, slaying the snake was a means of cultivating the body; in Chan Buddhism, the act is elevated to a higher plane—becoming a way of cultivating the mind. This transformation unfolded naturally, as if predestined. In all cases, the internalization of the snake-slaying motif was not an overnight development: the cultural genes that preceded its appearance in the Chan tradition provided the fertile ground for its karmic maturation and discursive proliferation. Full article

Interdisciplinary teaching plays an important role in modern physics education by improving students’ understanding, problem-solving skills, and engagement through the integration of multiple disciplines. This study examines pre-service physics teachers’ perceptions of interdisciplinary teaching, focusing on their confidence in implementing interdisciplinary approaches, perceived benefits, and the challenges they expect. A Likert-scale survey was administered to 292 pre-service teachers from two universities in Kazakhstan. Findings indicate that students’ confidence in interdisciplinary teaching increases over time, while their recognition of its benefits remains consistently high across all academic years. However, barriers such as lack of training and feeling unprepared persist, even at the master’s level, indicating the need for structured interdisciplinary training. Institutional differences significantly impact students’ perceptions, with students from one university showing higher confidence levels than those from another, showing variations in curriculum and support systems. Gender differences in confidence were minimal. Additionally, perceptions of interdisciplinary teaching do not follow a linear trajectory, as students in their second and third years experienced a temporary decline in confidence before recovering in later years. Our findings indicate the need for structured interdisciplinary training in teacher education programs, institutional support to reduce disparities in confidence levels, targeted interventions during academic transitions, and ongoing professional development to address persistent barriers. Full article

The present study explores the use of Instagram as an innovative strategy in the teaching–learning process in the context of animal reproduction topics. In the current era, with digital technology and social media transforming how information is accessed and consumed, it is essential for teachers to adapt and harness the potential of these tools for educational purposes. This article delves into the need for teachers to stay updated with current trends and the importance of promoting digital competences among teachers. This research aims to provide insights into the benefits of integrating social media into the educational landscape. Students of Veterinary Science degrees, Master’s degrees in Equine Sport Medicine as well as vocational education and training (VET) were involved in this study. An Instagram account named “UCOREPRO” was created for educational use, and it was openly available to all users. Instagram usage metrics were consistently tracked. A voluntary survey comprising 35 questions was conducted to collect feedback regarding the educational use of smartphone technology, social media habits and the UCOREPRO Instagram account. The integration of Instagram as an educational tool was positively received by veterinary students. Survey data revealed that 92.3% of respondents found the content engaging, with 79.5% reporting improved understanding of the subject and 71.8% acquiring new knowledge. Students suggested improvements such as more frequent posting and inclusion of academic incentives. Concerns about privacy and digital distraction were present but did not outweigh the perceived benefits. The use of short videos and microlearning strategies proved particularly effective in capturing students’ attention. Overall, Instagram was found to be a promising platform to enhance motivation, engagement, and informal learning in veterinary education, provided that thoughtful integration and clear educational objectives are maintained. In general, students expressed positive opinions about the initiative, and suggested some ways in which it could be improved as an educational tool. Full article