Search Results (420)

Marine species photo-identification and location for tracking are crucial for understanding the characteristics and patterns that distinguish each marine species. However, challenges in camera data acquisition and the unpredictability of animal movements have restricted progress in this field. To address these challenges, we present a novel algorithm for the first stage of marine species photo-identification and location methods. For marine species photo-identification applications, a color index-based thresholding segmentation method is proposed. This method is based on the characteristics of the GMR (Green Minus Red) color index and the proposed empirical BMG (Blue Minus Green) color index. These color indexes are modified to provide better information about the color of regions, such as marine animals, the sky, and land found in the scientific sightings images, allowing an optimal thresholding segmentation method. In the case of marine species location, a SURFs (Speeded-Up Robust Features)-based supervised classifier is used to obtain the location of the marine animal in the sighting image; with this, its tracking could be obtained. The tests were performed with the Kaggle happywhale public database; the results obtained in precision shown range from 0.77 up to 0.98 using the proposed indexes. Finally, the proposed method could be used in real-time marine species tracking with a processing time of 0.33 s for images of 645 × 376 pixels using a standard PC. Full article

A few countries have requested open IP locations of posters in order to combat rumors and strengthen management. Such policies intensify information surveillance of users, which may in turn influence their online behavior. In the context of multiple governments considering the implementation of this policy, it is essential to assess its impact. We examine the impact of IP location openness on posters’ behavior and patterns based on the empirical data of Sina Weibo, and analyze the heterogeneous impact on users of different genders. Regression discontinuity and short-run panel data regression results show that IP location openness reduces the frequency of users’ social media participation behavior; specifically, the frequency of reposting microblogs and posting geo-tagged microblogs is remarkably diminished, while the frequency of posting photos is not discernibly changed. Long-run panel data regression results indicate that the overall inhibitory effect on the frequency of social media participation behavior disappears, and it only has a negative effect on posting geo-tagged microblogs. The results of heterogeneity analysis suggest that the short-run negative impact of IP location openness on female users’ social media participation behavior is more remarkable than that of male users. Full article

Ageing is sustained by a complex network of cellular and molecular mechanisms. The main mechanisms are cellular senescence, telomere attrition, gene expression changes, metabolic dysregulations, oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. All these networks can harbor the initiation of age-related diseases, skin cancer included. The studies published in the last years linking ageing and skin cancers focus on basal and squamous carcinomas, melanomas and Merkel cell carcinomas. Our review will focus on skin melanomas as one of the aggressive skin cancers along with Merkel cell carcinomas. Several long-term studies conducted on large populations have shown that in elderly individuals melanoma related to photo-exposure has doubled in the last decade. The clinic-pathological pattern of skin melanomas is different in aged patients and is guided also by immune-related mechanisms. Besides sun exposure, metabolic deregulations and obesity can be risk factors in melanomas. Controversial results were published on obesity risk in melanomas; however, the adipose tissue favors increased cytokines and growth factors production contributing to melanoma aggressiveness. Moreover, immunotherapy that is not offered in geriatric patients as often as in young ones has proven to be as efficient as in younger ones, although the aged-related co-morbidities can impede the immunotherapy choice. Without being exhaustive, our review has synthesized current research and critically assessed the links between aging as a normal physiological process to the initiation and propagation of skin cancers, focusing on cutaneous melanoma. The review highlights the differences at various levels of skin melanoma developed in aged patients compared to younger one and gives the general outlines for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutical approaches in aged patients. Full article

Background: Excessive sun exposure is a major modifiable risk factor for skin cancer, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation identified as a key contributor. Saudi Arabia’s high UV index and hot climate increase the risk of photo-induced skin damage among residents. Although awareness of sun protection is growing, inconsistent use of preventive measures persists, often due to misconceptions and limited knowledge. This study aimed to assess patterns of current and prior sun exposure across demographic groups in Saudi Arabia using the validated Arabic version of the Sun Exposure and Behaviour Inventory (Ar-SEBI). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 across all five Saudi regions using non-probability quota sampling to ensure geographic representation. Sun-exposure practices and protective behaviours were measured using the Ar-SEBI. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Normality was assessed via Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests. Depending on the distribution, data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, unpaired t-tests, or ANOVA. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 11,491 adults participated. Significant demographic and regional differences in sun-related behaviours were observed. Overall, 72.7% of participants were unaware of the SPF level of their sunscreen. Males and individuals under 30 years of age had significantly higher sun exposure scores than females and older adults, respectively (p < 0.001). Residents of the Southern region had the highest exposure and behaviour scores (p < 0.001), despite also reporting higher engagement in some protective measures. Additionally, sun exposure scores increased progressively with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI) (p < 0.001), suggesting a common belief that darker skin confers adequate protection. Conclusions: This study reveals notable disparities in sun-protection practices across Saudi Arabia. Younger adults, males, and individuals with darker skin types reported greater sun exposure and indicators of lower protective awareness. These findings support the need for targeted, culturally tailored public health campaigns and policy measures to enhance sun safety and reduce long-term dermatological risks. Full article

In facility horticultural production, intelligent disease recognition and precise intervention are vital for crop health and economic efficiency. We construct a multi-source dataset from Bayan Nur, Weifang, and Honghe that integrates handheld camera photos, drone field images, and laboratory-controlled samples. Handheld images capture fine lesion texture for close-up diagnosis common in greenhouses; drone images provide canopy-scale patterns and spatial context suited to open-field management; laboratory images offer controlled illumination and background for stable supervision and cross-crop feature learning. Our objective is robust cross-crop, cross-regional diagnosis and economically rational control. To this end, a model named CCGD-Net is proposed. It is designed as a multi-task framework. The framework incorporates a multi-scale perception module (MSFE) to produce hierarchical representations. It includes a cross-domain alignment module (CDAM) that reduces distribution shifts between greenhouse and open-field environments. The training follows an unsupervised domain adaptation setting that uses unlabeled target-region images. When such images are not available, the model functions in a pure generalization mode. The framework also integrates a regional economic strategy module (RESM) that transforms recognition outputs and local cost information into optimized intervention intensity. Experiments show an accuracy of 91.6%, an F1-score of 89.8%, and an mAP of 88.9%, outperforming Swin Transformer and ConvNeXt; removing RESM reduces F1 to 87.2%. In cross-regional testing (Weifang training → Honghe testing), the model attains an F1 of 88.0% and mAP of 86.5%. These results indicate that integrating complementary imaging modalities with domain alignment and economic optimization provides an effective solution for disease diagnosis across greenhouse and field systems. Full article

Background: Adolescence represents a critical period for growth and athletic development, yet young athletes frequently demonstrate significant gaps in nutritional knowledge that can impair performance and long-term health outcomes. Limited research exists on comprehensive nutrition education interventions for adolescent soccer players in North African populations. Objective: To evaluate both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players from an elite Tunisian club and assess the feasibility of a digital nutrition intervention using mobile application technology. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2024 among 50 male soccer players aged 11–18 years from Étoile du Sahel club in Sousse, Tunisia. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising sections on basic nutrition knowledge, influences on food choices, sports nutrition knowledge and practices, and demographic information. A pilot digital intervention using the FatSecret app was implemented with 8 participants over 4 weeks, involving meal photo uploads and nutritionist feedback. Results: Participants had a mean age of 15.16 ± 1.55 years, with 92% reporting no formal nutrition education. While 90% correctly identified carbohydrates as the primary energy source, only 2% recognized that fat provides the highest energy density. Significant misconceptions existed regarding sports nutrition: 74% incorrectly believed that consuming protein 2–4 h before an event enhances performance, and only 17% knew the recommended pre-event carbohydrate intake. Food choices were primarily influenced by cravings (80%) and sensory appeal rather than health considerations (20%). The digital intervention demonstrated extremely low engagement, with minimal participation in meal photo uploads. Conclusions: This study reveals critical gaps in both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players in Tunisia, providing important descriptive information about knowledge distribution in this population. While knowledge deficits are substantial, it is important to acknowledge that this cross-sectional assessment documents only knowledge patterns, without measures of actual dietary intake or athletic performance. The persistent misconceptions and the low feasibility of the digital intervention provide important lessons regarding technology-based approaches to nutrition education in this age group, highlighting challenges in sustained engagement that must be addressed in future intervention design. Full article

Junctionless (JL) thin-film transistors (TFTs) are promising candidates for low-cost, large-area electronic devices, but improvements in mobility and bias stability are still required. In this study, the effects of independent annealing of the indium oxide (InO_x) channel layer and the aluminum oxide (AlO_x) capping layer (CL) on the performance and reliability of InO_x/AlO_x heterostructure JL TFTs are examined. Devices were fabricated via solution deposition and photopatterning, and the InO_x and AlO_x layers were annealed at 250 °C and 400 °C. Increasing the annealing temperature from 250 °C to 400 °C, the InO_x layer crystallized and densified. The AlO_x layer remained amorphous at both temperatures, but its metal-hydroxyl content decreased with higher annealing. For both layers, JL TFTs annealed at 400 °C exhibited the best electrical performance (threshold voltage = 1.82 ± 0.40 V, subthreshold swing = 0.50 ± 0.07 V dec⁻¹, saturation mobility = 1.57 ± 0.37 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹). The threshold voltage shift under positive bias stress was 1.70 V, which demonstrates excellent bias stability. These results show that simultaneous high-temperature annealing of the channel and CL is essential to reduce trap-assisted scattering and stabilize electrostatics in JL TFTs, providing practical process guidelines for bias-stable and high-performance oxide electronics. Full article

This study investigates the distribution patterns, interspecific relationships, and community stability mechanisms of phytoplankton functional groups, aiming to elucidate the ecological processes that drive phytoplankton communities in aquatic ecosystems of arid regions. We conducted seasonal sampling from 2023 to 2024 at four auxiliary reservoirs in the Tarim River Basin, namely Shangyou Reservoir (SY), Shengli Reservoir (SL), Duolang Reservoir (DL), and Xinjingzi Reservoir (XJZ). In recent years, researchers have grouped phytoplankton into functional groups based on their shared morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics—with these three types of traits serving as the core criteria for distinguishing different functional groups. A total of 18 functional groups were identified from the phytoplankton collected across four seasons, among which eight (A, D, H1, L0, M, MP, P, and S1) are dominant. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated that environmental factors such as pH, electrical conductivity (COND), and dissolved oxygen (DO) are key driving factors affecting phytoplankton functional groups. Interspecific association analysis showed that the phytoplankton communities in DL, SL, and XJZ reservoirs were dominated by positive associations, reflecting stable community structures that are less prone to drastic fluctuations under stable environmental conditions. In contrast, the SY Reservoir was dominated by negative associations, indicating that it is in the early stage of succession with an unstable community. This may be related to intense human disturbance to the reservoir and its role in replenishing the Tarim River, which leads to significant water level fluctuations. The results of the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis showed consistent trends but also differences: constrained by the requirement for continuous normal distribution, Pearson correlation analysis identified more pairs of negative associations, reflecting its limitations in analysing clumped-distributed species. Random forest models further indicated that functional groups M, MP, L0, and S1 are the main positive drivers of interspecific relationships. Among them, the increase in S1 can promote the growth of functional groups dominated by Navicula sp. and Chroococcus sp. by reducing resource competition. Conversely, the expansion of functional group H1 inhibits other groups, which is related to its adaptive strategy of resisting photo-oxidation in eutrophic environments. This study reveals the patterns of interspecific interactions and stability mechanisms of phytoplankton functional groups in arid-region reservoirs, providing a scientific basis for the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems in similar extreme environments. Full article

This study examines and evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) that impact user engagement on social media platforms, with a primary focus on fashion retail within seasonal tourism contexts. The primary objective is to determine which engagement metrics most accurately predict user interaction levels and to enhance strategic decision-making in digital marketing. Using a dataset of 2500 Facebook photos and videos from a women’s retail store, collected between 2016 and 2024, the study employs descriptive analysis and predictive modeling. Three KPIs—such as 3 s video views, reach from organic posts, and other clicks—are examined for their impact on user engagement. The posts are categorized into engagement levels, and classification models, including Random Forests (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Naïve Bayes (NB), are evaluated. Results show that short video views and post reach are key predictors of user engagement. With XGBoost achieving a classification accuracy of 94.73%, the models perform effectively, and Cronbach’s alpha analysis confirms the consistency among the variables selected. The findings underscore the significance of KPI analysis in social media strategy and illustrate the value of data mining techniques in uncovering user behavior patterns that offer practical insights for optimizing digital marketing efforts. Full article

Soil erosion is a growing environmental issue around the world, including in Malta. This study focused on estimating soil loss in the San Blas and Binġemma valleys on the island of Gozo, the second largest in the Maltese archipelago. To do this, we used the RUSLE model combined with GIS tools, supported by fieldwork and lab testing of soil properties like texture and organic matter to ensure accurate, ground-based data. A key part of the research was also to understand how much the C-factor in RUSLE, which relates to crop cover, affects erosion in the area. We compared present-day erosion patterns with those from 1957 by analyzing old aerial photos and reconstructing land use back then. The findings show that in 1957, soil erosion was more widespread but generally milder, with most areas losing less than 2.0 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. In contrast, in 2021, erosion tends to be more intense but limited to specific areas, especially along the valley floor, where losses reached up to 13.0 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ compared to 5.5 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 1957. The results also suggest that fields under cultivation are more prone to erosion compared to areas that have been abandoned. Based on these trends, this study recommends maintaining traditional erosion control methods like terraces and dry stone-walls, and encouraging farmers to adopt practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, contour planting, and strip cropping. It also suggests carrying out similar assessments in other valleys to guide valley-specific actions. Full article

In the era of big data, the rapid proliferation of user-generated content enriched with geolocations offers new perspectives and datasets for probing the spatiotemporal dynamics of tourist mobility. Mining large-scale geospatial traces has become central to tourism geography: it reveals preferences for attractions and routes to enable intelligent recommendation, enhance visitor experience, and advance smart tourism, while also informing spatial planning, crowd management, and sustainable destination development. Using Mount Huangshan—a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site—as a case study, we integrate GPS trajectories and geo-tagged photographs from 2017–2023. We apply a Density-Field Hotspot Detector (DF-HD), a Space–Time Cube (STC), and spatial gridding to analyze behavior from temporal, spatial, and fully spatiotemporal perspectives. Results show a characteristic “double-peak, double-trough” seasonal pattern in the number of GPS tracks, cumulative track length, and geo-tagged photos. Tourist behavior exhibits pronounced elevation dependence, with clear vertical differentiation. DF-HD efficiently delineates hierarchical hotspot areas and visitor interest zones, providing actionable evidence for demand-responsive crowd diversion. By integrating sequential time slices with geography in a 3D framework, the STC exposes dynamic spatiotemporal associations and evolutionary regularities in visitor flows, supporting real-time crowd diagnosis and optimized spatial resource allocation. Comparative findings further confirm that Huangshan’s seasonal intensity is significantly lower than previously reported, while the high agreement between trajectory density and gridded photos clarifies the multi-tier clustering of route popularity. These insights furnish a scientific basis for designing secondary tour loops, alleviating pressure on core areas, and charting an effective pathway toward internal structural optimization and sustainable development of the Mount Huangshan Scenic Area. Full article

A simple and efficient approach to spatially addressed polychromatic modulation of light polarization using a photopatterned nematic liquid crystal film is proposed and investigated. In particular, we demonstrate linear polarization structuring of the broadband probe beam, including the formation of polarization singularities under the adiabatic propagation of linearly polarized light, which is achieved through in situ, rewritable photoalignment of nematic liquid crystal by a pump beam. This opto-optical control of polarization does not involve dynamic phase modulation and enables spatially resolved polarization patterning of broadband linearly polarized light in real time. Full article

Long bone fractures are breaks or cracks in a long bone of the body typically caused by trauma like a fall, sport injury, accidents etc. This study investigates the effectiveness of experimental methods for fast and safe healing of long bone fractures in humans, highlighting both their advantages and disadvantages, respectively finding the most effective and safe methods for evaluating the types of fixators that can be used in the consolidation of fractured long bones. As for the preliminary data, numerical methods and applied mathematics were used to address this problem. After collecting of preliminary data there were performed a series of experimental analysis as follows: Electrical Strain Gauges (ESGs); the Moiré Fringes method; Photo-Elasticity, with the particular technique thereof, the so-called Photo-Stress method; Holographic Interferometry (HI); Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) and Shearography; and Video Image Correlation (VIC), which is also called Digital Image Correlation (DIC). By analyzing different methods, the following two methods resulted to be widely applicable, namely, ESG and DIC/VIC. The findings highlight the net advantages regarding the objective choice of these types of fixators, thereby contributing to a possible extension of these approaches for the benefit of medical surgical practice Full article

This review explores the current landscape of neural network-based methods for digital image noise processing. Digital cameras have become ubiquitous in fields like forensics and medical diagnostics, and image noise remains a critical factor for ensuring image quality. Traditional noise suppression techniques are often limited by extensive parameter selection and inefficient handling of complex data. In contrast, neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks, autoencoders, and generative adversarial networks, have shown significant promise for noise estimation, suppression, and analysis. These networks can handle complex noise patterns, leverage context-specific data, and adapt to evolving conditions with minimal manual intervention. This paper describes the basics of camera and image noise components and existing techniques for their evaluation. Main neural network-based methods for noise estimation are briefly presented. This paper discusses neural network application for noise suppression, classification, image source identification, and the extraction of unique camera fingerprints through photo response non-uniformity. Additionally, it highlights the challenges of generating reliable training datasets and separating image noise from photosensor noise, which remains a fundamental issue. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enhancement of cellular NAD⁺ mediated by NMN has emerged as a pivotal strategy in modulating the aging process. This study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of NMN on human skin fibroblasts, focusing on how the former contributes to the improvement of cellular health and function. This study elucidated the molecular and functional mechanisms by which NMN contributes to the attenuation of skin aging. Methods: We performed extensive in vitro and transcriptomic analyses. Human skin fibroblasts were treated with NMN, and the induced biological responses were observed under oxidative stress/photo-aging models. Results: Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns for NAD⁺ and its precursors (NMN, NR, and NAM), showing significant differences between NMN and other precursors (NR and NMN). NMN seemed to be significantly involved in cytokine and chemokine activity. It significantly elevated cellular NAD⁺ levels, activated sirtuin and autophagy pathways, and enhanced mitochondrial function, collectively maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress. Furthermore, it suppressed cellular senescence, promoted cell proliferation, supported extracellular matrix integrity, and accelerated wound healing. Conclusions: The study provided essential mechanistic evidence supporting the anti-aging effects of NMN in skin cells and addressed the current lack of scientific validation of NMN-based topical applications. The findings established a solid academic background for future translational research and the development of NMN-based therapeutics and cosmeceuticals. Full article