Search Results (2,158)

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and training-free CNN variants have been successfully applied to hyperspectral image (HSI) processing and analysis. Training-free CNNs have shown promising feature extraction performance, which could effectively address the issue of typical CNNs being highly parameterized; however, inevitable noise and redundancy in the randomly selected training-free convolutional kernels often leads to unsatisfactory performance. To address this issue, we propose Superpixel Random Selection Random Walk Multi-Branch Depthwise Convolutional Neural Network (SRSRWMD-CNN). Specifically, we propose a novel training-free convolutional neural network characterized by inter-layer multi-scale integration and intra-layer grouping. Various superpixels groups are first generated through multi-scale superpixel segmentation algorithms, then the predetermined number of superpixels are randomly sampled from these groups to serve as training-free convolution kernels. This mechanism enables adaptive computation of HSI feature maps without costly model training in the feature extraction stage, allowing the network to effectively capture a multi-scale spectral–spatial feature representation. Additionally, we propose a multi-branch depthwise convolution strategy that mitigates feature learning errors while significantly enhancing feature representation capabilities. A random walk strategy is employed to expand the receptive field and enhance the robustness of the training-free convolution kernels. Finally, the multi-scale spectral–spatial features are concatenated with the multiple convolutional stages to fuse salient shallow and deep features for accurate HSI classification. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior performance compared to state-of-the-art algorithms. Full article

Background and Objectives: The insertion of a throat pack is a routine practice during anesthesia in maxillofacial and upper airway surgeries to prevent the aspiration of blood and secretions. However, this technique is associated with postoperative adverse effects such as pharyngitis and nausea. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the clinical evidence regarding the effect of throat packs on the incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), throat pain, and gastric volume. Materials and Methods: Conducted according to PRISMA 2020 and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251027016), an exhaustive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and Cochrane Library. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing throat pack use versus non-use under general anesthesia were included. Quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. Meta-analyses utilized Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and Mean Difference (MD) through a random-effects model. Results: Fourteen articles (2002–2024) involving 1147 patients were included. Methodological quality predominantly raised “some concerns”, with only 7.1% of studies assessed at low risk of bias. Statistical analysis of pain intensity (k = 6) revealed a significant increase in the intervention group (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.62; p = 0.01). Regarding PONV (k = 3), no statistically significant differences were observed between groups (SMD = −0.47; 95% CI: −1.51 to 0.58; p = 0.38). Ultrasound measurements showed significant increases in gastric parameters in the throat pack group, including anteroposterior diameter (MD = −3.67 mm; p = 0.002) and antral cross-sectional area (MD = −223.10 mm²; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Current evidence does not demonstrate a clear benefit for the routine use of oropharyngeal packing in maxillofacial and upper airway surgeries, and suggests a possible increase in postoperative throat discomfort. While acknowledging the limited number of studies, clinical heterogeneity, and the influence of perioperative co-interventions, these results should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Bladder cancer is a molecularly heterogeneous malignancy in which biomarker-driven therapies increasingly shape clinical management. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) alterations and nectin-4 expression are key therapeutic targets, yet their integrated biological and clinical relevance remains unclear. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central was conducted from database inception to 22 February 2026 (PROSPERO: CRD420261309413). Studies reporting the prevalence of FGFR3 alterations and/or nectin-4 expression in bladder cancer were included. Proportions were pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood and Freeman–Tukey transformation. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² and Cochran’s Q. Fourteen studies (three randomized and 11 observational), including 3955 patients (mean age: 67.34 years), were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of FGFR3 alterations was 52% (95% CI: 23.33–80.12; I² = 99%), while that of nectin-4 expression was 78% (95% CI: 64.23–89.81; I² = 91%). FGFR3 prevalence varied significantly by disease stage, study design, and region, with higher rates in advanced/metastatic disease and randomized trials (p < 0.05). Nectin-4 expression was generally high across included studies, although interpretation was limited by the small number of studies and assay variability. Sensitivity analyses showed the stability of estimates; however, interpretation is limited by substantial heterogeneity. The observed prevalence estimates are strongly influenced by study design, biomarker selection, and assay variability, limiting their interpretation as true biological prevalence. These results should, therefore, be interpreted cautiously and viewed as descriptive rather than definitive estimates. Separate analyses of biomarker-enriched trials and unselected cohorts are necessary to obtain clinically meaningful estimates. Full article

Background: This comprehensive review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions alone, as well as in combination with nutritional supplementation, on serum albumin levels in older people. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed across eight general electronic databases from inception to March 2026. The risk of bias was evaluated with the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of evidence was determined using GRADE. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD420251072030. Results: A total of six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 330 older people (mean age: 72.1 ± 5.4 years, 61% female). Physical exercise interventions alone significantly improved serum albumin levels in older people, whereas combined interventions including nutritional supplementation did not show additional significant effects. The majority of the studies assessed were deemed to have a significant risk of bias, resulting in a low overall certainty of evidence. Conclusions: Physical exercise treatments elevated blood albumin levels in older people; however, the combination of physical exercise and nutritional supplementation did not have a meaningful effect. Due to the limited reliability of the evidence, more extensive, high-caliber research are required. Full article

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) in mechanically ventilated adult patients. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 21 February 2026, without language restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. The certainty of evidence for each outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models according to heterogeneity. Results: Five RCTs involving 431 patients were included. PNS was associated with a higher weaning success rate (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.04 to 8.40, p = 0.04), a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = −2.63, 95% CI: −3.90 to −1.35, p < 0.001), higher maximal inspiratory pressure (MD = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.10 to 4.79, p = 0.002), and higher diaphragm thickening fraction (MD = 15.67, 95% CI: 4.84 to 26.50, p = 0.005). No statistically significant differences were observed in ICU length of stay, rapid shallow breathing index, or tracheostomy rate. Noninvasive stimulation was generally tolerated in the included studies, whereas transvenous stimulation was associated with procedure-related serious adverse events. The certainty of evidence ranged from high to low across outcomes. Conclusions: PNS was associated with improved weaning outcomes and diaphragm function in mechanically ventilated patients. However, the evidence remains limited by the small number of RCTs, clinical heterogeneity, and uncertainty regarding long-term outcomes. Further large-scale, multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of PNS. Full article

Accurate and timely monitoring of soil salinity is of great significance for the ecological restoration of saline-alkali land and precision agricultural management. In this study, a typical coastal saline-alkali farmland located in Huanghua City, Hebei Province, China, in the Bohai coastal region, was selected as the study area. High-resolution images were acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a multispectral sensor, and ground soil salinity samples were collected synchronously. Based on the construction of a feature library comprising spectral reflectance, vegetation indices, and salinity indices, three algorithms, PSO-SFLA, MultiSURF, and VIP, were employed for feature selection. Subsequently, an ensemble model was established, utilizing Ridge Regression (Ridge), Random Forest (RF), and Extra Trees (ET) as primary base learners, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) as the secondary meta-learner. This ensemble model was applied for soil salinity inversion. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²), standardized root mean square error (S_RMSE), and the ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ) were introduced to comprehensively evaluate the accuracy of the models. Finally, the intrinsic physical responses of the features were explored through SHAP. The results showed that the optimization by the PSO-SFLA effectively reduced the impact of spectral multicollinearity, and 11 core features highly sensitive to salinity were selected from a vast number of indices. The ensemble model showed better predictive performance on the independent test set, achieving an R² of 0.758, an S_RMSE of 0.285, and an RPIQ of 3.382, outperforming the single Ridge, RF, and ET models under the current experimental conditions. Based on this model, the spatial distribution map of soil salinity in the experimental area was generated. The integrated and interpretable workflow proposed in this study, combining UAV multispectral imagery, PSO-SFLA-based feature selection, ensemble learning, and SHAP interpretation, provides a practical approach for accurate soil salinity inversion and dynamic agricultural monitoring in coastal saline-alkali lands. Full article

This single-center, split-mouth, single-blind pilot randomized trial compared patient morbidity, healing and root coverage between the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and the de-epithelialized free gingival graft (D-FGG) when combined with the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique in multiple adjacent gingival recessions. Sixteen systemically healthy patients with bilateral Miller Class I/II (Cairo RT1) recessions were enrolled, and contralateral sides were randomly allocated to MCAT + SCTG (control) or MCAT + D-FGG (test) by means of sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE). Patient-reported outcomes (pain, chewing discomfort, bleeding) and the Landry Healing Index were assessed at 1 and 2 weeks; recession depth, mean root coverage (mRC) and Root Coverage Esthetic Score (RES) were evaluated at 6 months. Both techniques achieved high mRC (test: 94.22% ± 10.28%; control: 94.60% ± 9.99%) and RES (test: 8.02 ± 0.63; control: 8.14 ± 0.77), with no statistically significant intergroup differences. Donor-site pain was significantly lower in the D-FGG group, whereas early chewing discomfort and bleeding were higher. Because the trial was not powered for equivalence or non-inferiority, these preliminary findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in adequately powered trials. Full article

This study examines how information source and fire manager attributes affect the use of 33 different information sources used for fire management. The approach is like that of recreation demand models that predict an individual’s travel to recreation sites based on individual and site characteristics. Here, we predict “visits” to websites rather than campsites. The study develops and estimates a random utility model, using survey data from a representative sample of US Southwest fire managers. Results were consistent with predictions of economic value of information models. Significant predictors included the agency that a manager worked for, a manager‘s self-reported role within the agency, the interagency dispatch centers where they worked, the total number of fire management decisions, and the geographic and administrative scope of the dispatch center management area. Manager personal attributes (education, age, experience) only minutely improved model fit. Information use varied significantly by type of information source. The probability of use was greater for general weather or climate websites/portals than for specialized sources (such as drought, ENSO, or fire decision support tools (DSTs)). Fire management-specific sources (excluding fire DSTs) had a greater probability of use than general sources. Manager reliance on different sources of information shifted when moving from before to during the fire season. Future research could explore the internal dynamics of agencies and dispatch centers affecting information use, why fire managers do not use decision support systems more to support decisions, and the role of different types (and not just years) of experience. Full article

Quantum computing poses significant challenges to traditional zero-knowledge proof schemes based on number-theoretic assumptions. As a result, code-based cryptography has attracted increasing attention for its resistance against quantum computing. In this paper, we study the Rank Syndrome Decoding problem (RSD) and investigate its ZK proof formulation within the MPC-in-the-Head framework. To prove the possession of a secret witness, we reformulate the secret witness as a mixed-field matrix multiplication preserving the rank constraint, and then obtain a representation that aligns naturally with the local-view paradigm of MPC-in-the-Head. Utilizing this value-to-calculation technique, we introduce the RSD relation into a ZKBoo-style (2, 3)-secret-sharing MPC-in-the-Head framework and obtain an RSD-based zero-knowledge proof scheme via mixed-field secret sharing. The resulting scheme reduces the proof size relative to generic formulations while preserving completeness, soundness, and zero-knowledge for the interactive protocol. The Fiat–Shamir non-interactive extension is analyzed only in the classical random oracle model; we do not claim QROM security for this variant. Full article

Accurate prediction of pore pressure is crucial for ensuring drilling safety and improving the efficiency of oil and gas development. However, regarding feature selection, most existing studies focus primarily on the correlations among features, with little consideration given to inter-well distribution differences; this may result in insufficient model generalization capabilities for cross-well prediction tasks. To improve cross-well prediction accuracy, this paper introduces the DASP (Domain Adaptation with SHAP-guided Particle Swarm Optimization) method for feature selection. Using 20 logging and rock mechanical parameters as input features, a four-stage selection process reduces the number of features to 12, achieving approximately 40% feature dimensionality reduction. In terms of model performance comparison, models such as RF (Random Forest), XGB (eXtreme Gradient Boosting), LGB (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) were constructed for comparative analysis. The results indicate that LGB performs better during the validation phase, while in the cross-well testing phase, RF achieves the best prediction accuracy among the base models, demonstrating strong generalization stability. Addressing the issue that CNNs still have room for further optimization in cross-well prediction, this study further refines their architecture by introducing an attention mechanism to enhance the model’s adaptive weighting capability for key features and combining it with a physical constraint mechanism to suppress non-physical prediction fluctuations, thereby improving the model’s stability and geological plausibility. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model shows significant improvements in both error metrics and fitting capabilities. The combination of the DASP-based feature selection method and the improved CNN model effectively enhances the accuracy of cross-well pore pressure prediction, providing new technical insights and data support for intelligent pore pressure prediction and drilling safety decision-making. Full article

Background: Aquatic therapy has emerged as a promising rehabilitation strategy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially improving physical and psychological outcomes through the unique properties of water. The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate the effects of aquatic therapy on fatigue, mobility, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) in people with MS. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane) were searched from inception to February 2026. Eligible studies included adults with MS undergoing aquatic therapy interventions. Risk of bias and methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool and the PEDro scale, respectively. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) using a random-effects model. Results: Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review. Meta-analysis demonstrated a large reduction in fatigue (SMD ≈ −1.20), moderate improvements in mobility and physical function (SMD ≈ 0.7), and small-to-moderate improvements in QoL (SMD ≈ 0.45) in favour of aquatic therapy. Heterogeneity ranged from moderate to high depending on the outcome. Qualitative synthesis supported these findings and indicated additional benefits in strength, balance, psychological well-being, and disease-related symptoms. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Aquatic therapy may represent a generally well-tolerated and potentially beneficial rehabilitation strategy for improving fatigue, mobility, and QoL in people with MS. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of included RCTs, relatively small sample sizes, and substantial heterogeneity across interventions and outcome measures. Full article

Drought is a critical constraint for legume production in semi-arid regions, yet breeding for drought tolerance in faba bean through induced mutagenesis remains largely unexplored. To our knowledge, this is the first EMS-derived mutant population in faba bean specifically developed for drought tolerance, comprising 45 M₂/M₃ lines derived from small-seeded cv. Zina and large-seeded cv. Aguadulce Superlonga), evaluated under two irrigation regimes—100% field capacity (well-watered control) and 40% field capacity (severe stress)—over two consecutive growing seasons in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Drought stress caused severe yield losses, reducing mean seed number per plant by 42.2% and mean seed weight per plant by 47.1%. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant effects of genotype, irrigation, and generation/year on both yield components. The non-significant genotype × irrigation interaction indicated similar proportional drought response across genotypes, while the non-significant three-way interaction suggested relatively consistent genotype rankings across generations/growing seasons. Among the ten drought tolerance indices evaluated, seed-number-based mean productivity (MPn) and stress tolerance index (STIn) were the most discriminating, whereas weight-based indices failed to differentiate genotypes due to the inherent seed-size contrast between botanical backgrounds. Dunnett’s comparisons identified genotype 23 (Zina-derived) as the top performer, significantly exceeding its parent for both MPn and STIn; genotypes 22, 24, 12, 3, and 15 similarly outperformed controls. Cluster analysis broadly distinguished three groups: a tolerant cluster dominated by Zina-derived lines, a moderately tolerant cluster (Zina wild-type), and a sensitive cluster of Aguadulce Superlonga-derived lines. These findings suggest that EMS mutagenesis generated potentially heritable and exploitable variation for drought tolerance, with selected lines representing promising candidates for further multi-environment validation. Full article

Random integer lattices are fundamental to lattice-based cryptography and algorithmic number theory. A new random integer lattice model, free of any restrictions on the Hermite Normal Form (HNF), was introduced by in 2016. It was also observed that the probability of such a lattice being in a simple HNF form is approximately 44%. In this paper, the gap between general random integer lattices and those in a simple HNF is bridged by introducing the concept of the $(n,k)$-simple random integer lattice, where the first k diagonal entries of the HNF are fixed to 1. We derive the asymptotic counting formula for such lattices and compute their density among all integer lattices. Furthermore, a generation algorithm for the $(n,k)$-simple random integer lattice based on rejection sampling and inverse sampling methods are proposed, with the analysis showing that it achieves $O\left(n^2\right)$ expected running time. This work provides a theoretical foundation and practical toolkit for constructing structured random lattices with controlled HNF forms. Full article

Background: Data on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes among Roma women are virtually absent from the literature, despite Roma being the largest and most socioeconomically marginalized ethnic minority in Europe. This study provides the first structured evaluation of IVF/ICSI outcomes among Roma women at a tertiary fertility center. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center Niš, Serbia (May 2010–September 2015). Roma (n = 88) and non-Roma women (n = 1197) undergoing IVF/ICSI were compared on baseline clinical, hormonal, and embryological parameters. Primary and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression, propensity score matching (1:4, by age and AMH), first-cycle sensitivity analysis, and a machine learning pipeline (logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost) with SHAP interpretability analysis were applied. Results: Roma women were significantly younger (31.9 ± 4.0 vs. 34.5 ± 4.7 years; p < 0.001) and had a more favorable ovarian reserve profile (AMH 3.78 vs. 2.90 ng/mL; p = 0.004; FSH 6.87 vs. 8.23 IU/L; p < 0.001), yet had a markedly longer duration of infertility (9.3 vs. 6.3 years; p < 0.001). Clinical pregnancy rates (48.9% vs. 41.3%; p = 0.179) and live birth rates (28.4% vs. 30.9%; p = 0.720) were comparable between groups. In multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-matched analyses, Roma ethnicity was not an independent predictor of either outcome. XGBoost SHAP analysis ranked Roma ethnicity last (11th of 11) in feature importance for both clinical pregnancy (mean |SHAP| = 0.033) and live birth (mean |SHAP| = 0.009). The dominant predictors were the number of embryos transferred, AMH, and age. Only 88 Roma women accessed ART over the decade-long study period, indicating profound underutilization of fertility services. Conclusions: No independent association was detected between Roma ethnicity and IVF/ICSI outcomes within the statistical power afforded by the Roma subgroup (n = 88). An exploratory first-cycle live birth signal (adjusted OR = 0.478; 95% CI 0.249–0.920; p = 0.027), not replicated in primary or propensity-matched analyses, is interpreted as hypothesis-generating. The extreme underutilization of ART services among Roma women remains the most clinically salient observation and a priority for targeted public health intervention. Full article

Coastal cities are typical regions where economic growth, population agglomeration, and eco-environmental pressures are strongly coupled. Assessing the coordination between urban development and the eco-environment is therefore important for regional sustainability. This study selected seven representative coastal cities in China—Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Qingdao, Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Zhuhai—and integrated multisource remote sensing data with statistical yearbook data to construct a comprehensive evaluation system for urban development level (UDL) and eco-environmental quality (EEQ). An ecologically enhanced indicator system incorporating vegetation condition index (VCI), biological richness index (BRI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and dynamic habitat index (DHI) was developed. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was then used to evaluate urban sustainable development from 2014 to 2023. In addition, an EWM–MLP adaptive weighting strategy was applied to refine entropy-derived weights, and Random Forest was used to identify variables associated with CCD prediction. The results show that CCD values generally increased during the study period, indicating improved coordination between urban development and the eco-environment. However, the evolutionary pathways differed markedly among cities, and UDL and EEQ changes were not fully synchronized. The EWM–MLP strategy introduced adaptive numerical refinements to CCD values while maintaining the overall stability of coordination-level classification. Random Forest analysis showed that CCD prediction was mainly associated with a limited number of high-contribution indicators. For all indicators combined, approximately 7–10 top-ranked variables were generally required to exceed 80% of the total importance, whereas the UDL and EEQ subsystems reached this threshold with fewer indicators. UDL-related variation was mainly associated with land-use structure, population agglomeration, and economic activity, whereas EEQ-related variation was related to ecological conditions, land-cover composition, and environmental pressure. The high-importance indicators exhibited clear inter-city heterogeneity, suggesting the need for differentiated governance strategies. The proposed framework provides methodological support for sustainable development assessment and differentiated governance in coastal cities. Full article