Search Results (809)

Influence Maximization (IM) is a fundamental problem in social network analysis that aims to identify a set of k seed nodes that maximizes influence spread under a given propagation model. Despite its importance in applications such as viral marketing and epidemic control, the IM problem is NP-hard, making exact solutions computationally infeasible for large-scale networks. Existing approximation methods typically rely either on static centrality heuristics, which often ignore global network structure, or on metaheuristic algorithms, which may suffer from slow convergence due to random initialization. This paper proposes a novel approach, termed Advanced Centrality-Driven Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO), which integrates a weighted hybrid centrality score combining Degree, PageRank, and Betweenness centrality to guide the stochastic search process. In addition, a systematic grid search methodology is employed to determine the optimal weight configuration of the hybrid score. Experiments conducted on three real-world datasets (Twitter, ego-Facebook, and ca-HepTh) demonstrate that the optimal seeding strategy is strongly dependent on network topology. The results show that dense social networks favor popularity-based metrics such as Degree and PageRank, whereas sparse collaboration networks benefit significantly from bridge-oriented metrics such as Betweenness centrality. Overall, the proposed method achieves consistent improvements in influence spread across different network types, with the largest gains (up to 70%) observed in sparse network settings. Full article

Adenomyosis is a benign gynaecological disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma enter the uterine myometrium with varying degrees of spreading. To analyse the presence of developmentally displaced endometrial glands and stroma in the foetal myometrium, a retrospective cohort of 420 foetal uteri, including one monozygotic twin pair, was histopathologically evaluated. The gestational age ranged between 18 and 37 weeks; the clinical characteristics included various foetal malformations with a predominantly normal karyotype, except in one case with trisomy 18. Ectopic endometrial tissue enclosed in the myometrium was discovered in twelve individual foetuses from the cohort (12/420). The investigation of the histogenetic attributes of the misplaced endometrial tissue in both monozygotic twins’ (MZ) foetal uteri revealed isolated glands and thin channels containing cords of endometrial-type glands penetrating the myometrium. Through immunohistochemistry, low levels of oestrogen receptors (ERs) were detected, whereas a moderate level of progesterone receptor (PR) expression was observed in the ectopic glandular and stromal cell nuclei in all cases. Additionally, the surrounding periglandular component consistently expressed the vimentin and CD10 stromal cell markers, while the myometrial smooth muscle cells revealed the strong expression of both alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) and desmin marker proteins. Full article

Patterns of colon cancer recurrence demonstrate a high degree of anatomical reproducibility, consistently aligning with mesofascial planes and compartmentalized vascular and lymphatic territories, as evidenced by pathological, surgical and imaging studies. These frameworks describe recognized routes of spread but do not provide an integrated anatomical explanation for understanding why tumor progression often aligns with mesofascial planes, embryological boundaries and cavity-specific niches, nor for why preservation of structural integrity during surgery is associated with improved oncological outcomes. This work proposes a spatial containment model of colon cancer progression, in which tumor dissemination reflects sequential breaches of anatomically defined barrier systems. The Colon Cancer Containment System is proposed as a three-tier framework in which tumor progression reflects sequential breaches of containment at the tissue (microcontainment), mesenteric (mesocontainment) and peritoneal or systemic (macrocontainment) levels. At each stage, anatomical structures function as barrier systems that constrain tumor spread and shape directionality of progression. Disruption of these barriers, whether tumor-driven or iatrogenic, is associated with relatively consistent patterns of local, regional, and distant recurrence. Within this approach, established prognostic features such as tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, extramural vascular invasion, perineural invasion and margin status may also be interpreted as markers of containment integrity, in addition to their established roles as indicators of tumor aggressiveness. Surgical plane preservation is reframed as a biologically meaningful act of containment maintenance. By organizing validated observations within an anatomically patterned architecture, the containment framework provides a coherent model for interpreting reproducible recurrence patterns and clarifies the biological significance of surgical integrity. This perspective complements existing oncological paradigms, supports anatomically informed risk stratification and generates testable hypotheses for future clinical and translational research. Full article

The paper analyzes the structural transformations in tourism using the network input–output (IO) model. The study is based on IO tables for two years (2013 and 2023). This allows a comparative analysis of changes in the structure of technical coefficients and in multipliers associated with production and tax revenues. The approach enables the identification of changes in tourism’s position within the economic network. Tourism is also analyzed in terms of the degree of integration, dependence on intermediate inputs, and the capacity to spread the economic effects. The results show few upstream linkages for tourism. There is a low level of spillovers. To make it more resilient and generate more spillovers, it is important to build relationships with sectors such as agriculture, creative industries, and business services. The reliance on outsourced services could affect relationships with productive industries. Full article

Prescribed burning is important for reducing wildfire risk and regulating fuel loads, but its implementation in mountainous forests is strongly influenced by the coupled effects of the wind field and topography, making it difficult to control. This study focuses on Yunnan pine (Pinus yunnanensis) forests in southwestern China. A three-dimensional Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) combined with measured fuel characteristics was used to simulate 21 slope (0–35°) and wind speed (0–2 m s⁻¹) combinations to quantitatively analyze the fire spread, flame structure, and gaseous emission characteristics during downslope prescribed burning. The local fire spread rate (ROS), evaluated along three lateral lines (Y = 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 m), exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on slope over the tested range, with a minimum near 30° and a modest rebound at 35°. A downslope wind of 1 m s⁻¹ promotes near-surface heating and accelerates spread, whereas a stronger wind of 2 m s⁻¹ lifts flames away from the fuel bed and suppresses combustion. Thermal field analysis reveals that peak temperature decreases with increasing slope and that a late-stage secondary heating episode occurs at 35°. CO₂ emissions are significantly positively correlated with fuel consumption, reaching a peak of 717.5 kg under a 35° slope and no-wind conditions. CO emissions, as an indicator of combustion efficiency, reach their highest value of 2.23 kg at a 35° slope and a wind speed of 1 m s⁻¹, indicating that their trend is not entirely consistent with the ROS and temperature and that there is a certain degree of decoupling. The interaction between slope and wind speed transforms fire behavior from a cooperative to a competitive mechanism, and the topography–wind field coupling provides differentiated control over the combustion intensity and completeness. This study provides a scientific basis for the safe implementation of mountain burning programs and for regional carbon emission assessments. Full article

Excessive fertilizer use not only harms agricultural sustainability but also leads to massive energy waste and carbon emissions. Under China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, using social networks to spread better fertilization practices and reduce excessive application can deliver real wins for both energy savings and emission cuts. This paper examines whether farmers’ social network positions affect their fertilizer use. We analyze 14 years of data from 206 farm households in Gansu, China, using fixed effects models that incorporate degree, betweenness, and closeness centrality. Our results reveal that centrally positioned farmers substantially reduce fertilizer application: each 0.1 unit rise in standardized degree, betweenness, and closeness centrality corresponds to reductions of 1.26%, 0.84%, and 0.78%, which translate to actual reductions and carbon emission reduction of 1.06, 0.71, and 0.66 kg/mu; 9.52, 6.38, and 5.93 kg CO₂e/mu. The effects are stronger for farmers with more education, higher off-farm income, and tighter network connections. The effect of degree centrality on fertilizer reduction increased by 7.2 percentage points after 2018. Extension services should build on existing social networks and use key node farmers to drive other farmers in the village to reduce fertilizer use. It helps reduce carbon emissions from fertilizer production and promote sustainable agricultural development. Full article

This study explored pre-service teachers’ views on the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in the production of misinformation, addressing the potential challenges posed by deepfakes generated by these online resources. A quantitative approach was used; 133 pre-service teachers participated in the study, all of them were enrolled in primary education degree programmes in the Region of Murcia, Spain. The results indicated a clear awareness of the risks posed by these digital tools in the generation of deepfakes. Respondents became aware of the potential threats this may pose on the internet, which can be further exacerbated when disseminated in educational environments. Recognising the relevance of pre-service teachers’ concerns can help educators and educational administrations take steps to limit Gen AI in accordance with ethical parameters and thus reduce the spread of misinformation. In social science teaching and learning, further research is needed to equip students with the essential skills to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information. For all these reasons, it seems essential to improve research in media literacy education for the application of identification skills used in assessment processes. These improvements can take the form of evidence-based approaches, such as AI literacy programmes or media literacy modules, to facilitate student learning and ensure better quality education. Full article

This study investigates, at a microscale, urban sensible heat flux and Kolmogorov entropy in locations with varying degrees of urban densification according to regular geometries, and examines their effect on fractal dimension. To this end, an ultrasonic anemometer was installed in each of four locations spread across a 648 km² area within a basin geomorphology. This anemometer measures the horizontal and vertical components of wind speed and sonic temperature. The measurements for each variable constitute hourly time series of 3968 data points. From the time series of vertical wind speed and sonic temperature, the hourly sensible heat flux was calculated using the statistical technique of covariances. The total heat calculated for each location during the measurement period indicates which location contributes the greatest heat flux to the boundary layer. Applying chaos theory to the hourly sensible heat time series shows that all series are chaotic, and the Kolmogorov entropy can be obtained for each. The chaotic analysis of data from different locations reveals a proportional relationship between heat flux emissions, Kolmogorov entropy, and urban densification, amplifying the Kolmogorov cascade effect. The vertical components of the wind studied result from the interaction of the wind with the geometric regularity of the buildings, which causes increases in both heat flow and Kolmogorov entropy, suggesting a relationship of these quantities with the decay of the fractal dimension. Full article

Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae) is an East-Asian pest of Ulmus spp. that has spread across Europe since the 2000s and, more recently, to North America, causing repeated defoliation of host plants. Laboratory studies have suggested four or five generations per year in Hungary; however, in the field, their number ranges from one to six. In 2012 and 2013, the bionomics of this invasive pest were studied in north-eastern Italy through weekly samplings from April to October, with data related to accumulated degree days (DDs). Although adult captures exhibited five peaks in both years, only in 2012 were eggs of the fifth and last generation of the season. Their apparent absence in 2013 might be due to elm water stress or temperatures much higher than optimal (30 vs. 19.5 °C). From 2013 to today, a progressive decline in A. leucopoda populations has been recorded. The possible reasons for the gradual decline in the sawfly population recorded in the subsequent years are discussed. Several natural enemies were observed. This study can contribute to a better understanding of A. leucopoda population dynamics in newly colonised areas, including the risk to wood production in mixed deciduous plantations if defoliation occurs over many consecutive years. Full article

Birds are a popular group of organisms for researchers and laymen alike, and citizen science data are widely used in understanding bird ecology. This study investigates the correlates of bird visits to a single tree in the suburb of Westville, located in the city of Durban (eThekwini Municipality), in coastal subtropical South Africa. Of the 416 bird species recorded locally (within the quarter-degree square where the tree is located), 47 visited the tree during the 108 observation hours spread over one year. Of the 636 bird visits, most were very brief (shorter than one minute), with birds departing in a direction different from the one from which they came, suggesting that the tree was most often used as a stopover. Feeding (mostly on insects) was observed during 112 visits, while other behaviors were rare. Bird activity was higher in spring/summer and in the early morning, with a weak second peak in the late afternoon. Larger birds used larger branches as perches and paid longer visits. There was a negative relationship between bird activity and butterfly activity, driven by different seasonal patterns, and this creates an opportunity for butterfly watching at a time of the year with low bird activity. These results are used to discuss potential directions for similar projects while harnessing citizen science. Full article

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly the clear cell subtype, is a solid tumor characterized by a high degree of immune cell infiltration, progressive immune dysfunction, and favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Dual checkpoint inhibition or single-agent ICIs with anti-angiogenic therapies have become the standard of care in the treatment of advanced and metastatic RCCs. Locally advanced and oligometastatic RCCs are distinct clinical categories that are characterized by local invasion and initially limited metastatic spread, respectively, with different therapeutic responses and prognoses compared to either localized or advanced diseases. Herein, we summarize the biology, treatment, and molecular profiling of RCCs, providing an update on the clinical trials pertaining to cancer patients with locally advanced and oligometastatic RCC. We also discuss molecular features that could contribute to a better understanding of the tumor biology driving locally advanced and oligometastatic RCC. Full article

Waxy-leaved mustard (Boreava orientalis Jaub. and Spach.) is an invasive weed that has rapidly spread across wheat fields in the Kurdistan Province, Iran. The germination and phenology of this species were studied through a series of greenhouse and field experiments conducted from 2018 to 2020 to better understand its biology and support effective management strategies. We calculated the growing degree days (GDD) required for each growth stage of B. orientalis and related the calculations to the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. We also studied whether light affected germination. The results indicated that light significantly reduced germination. The base temperature for germination (4 °C) is identical to that of wheat, and the growth periods were largely similar. Consequently, the maturation of wheat and B. orientalis seeds co-occurred, leading to the dispersal of weed seeds during wheat harvest and increasing field infestation. Understanding the phenological development of B. orientalis provides a valuable basis for developing management strategies and implementing effective control measures to reduce field contamination and prevent further spread. Full article

Off-axis reflective telescopes are prone to component misalignment due to external environmental factors and mechanical vibrations. This misalignment introduces low-order aberrations, which severely degrade imaging quality. Thus, active misalignment correction is crucial for maintaining the imaging performance of off-axis reflective telescopes. Current computer-aided alignment technologies for optical systems mostly rely on wavefront sensors to acquire aberrations at multiple fixed fields of view (FOVs) or even the full FOV. This significantly increases system complexity and hinders practical engineering applications. To address this issue, this study first conducts sensitivity analysis of misaligned degrees of freedom (DOFs) using a mode truncation algorithm based on singular value decomposition (SVD). A compensation strategy is proposed to avoid the aberration coupling effect. Furthermore, two novel misalignment aberration compensation methods for off-axis reflective telescopes are presented. These methods require only a single focal spot image and eliminate the need for aberration detection and iterative calculations. One method directly solves component misalignment errors using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the system’s point spread function (PSF). To further improve compensation performance, an improved method fusing spot images and Zernike coefficients is proposed. In practical misalignment correction, both methods input a single acquired focal spot image into a well-trained model to obtain the misalignment compensation amount. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the improved method, which uses Zernike polynomial coefficients as an intermediate feature bridge, effectively establishes the mapping relationship between spot images and misalignment amounts. It achieves higher solution accuracy and better aberration compensation effect compared to the direct CNN method. This verifies the necessity of extracting Zernike polynomial coefficient features from spot images. Comparative experiments with the traditional sensitivity matrix method show that the two proposed methods outperform the sensitivity matrix method in aberration compensation accuracy over a large misalignment range. Comprehensive simulation results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods. They overcome the limitations of existing methods, such as complex structure, high cost, and low efficiency, to a certain extent. Full article

The spreading process constitutes a pivotal stage in green tea manufacturing. This study integrated GC-E-Nose with targeted metabolomics to comprehensively elucidate the dynamic changes in sensory characteristics and aroma substances of green tea across varying spreading degrees. Our findings demonstrated that spreading degree significantly modulated green tea’s aroma profile, with lighter degree particularly promoting the development of desirable floral aroma. GC-MS/MS quantification identified 70 volatile compounds, among which 38 exhibited spreading-dependent differential accumulation (VIP > 1.0, p < 0.05). Five key odorants, including indole, β-ionone, nerolidol, cis-jasmone, and β-damascenone, were highlighted as essential contributors to the floral aroma. Molecular docking simulations indicated stronger binding affinities between these five odorants and the olfactory receptor OR1D2 (<−6 kcal/mol), primarily via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These findings indicate that modulating the spreading degree is an effective processing strategy to enhance the development of floral aroma in green tea, offering valuable insights for precision-driven optimization of tea processing protocols. Full article

Uranium production tailing ponds in Kamyanske (Ukraine) are objects of increased radioecological danger. Violation of the stability and integrity of containment dams threatens the uncontrolled spread of radionuclides. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively assess the factors affecting the technical condition and environmental safety of the Sukhachivske tailing dam. The study included a visual inspection and detailed geophysical work using the natural pulse electromagnetic field of the Earth (NPEMFE) method. This method was chosen to identify hidden filtration paths and stress zones in the body of the earth dam. An analysis of the spatial distribution of waterlogging, filtration, and fissuring in the hydraulic structure was performed. Based on the results of the NPEMFE survey, six zones with varying degrees of waterlogging and stress–strain states of the structure were identified. The presence of externally unmanifested filtration paths and suffusion areas was established, and a tectonic scheme of fracture development in the dam body was compiled. A correlation was found between the dominant azimuths of crack extension (70–79° and 350–359°) and the directions of regional tectonic lineament zones, at the intersection of which the tailing pond is located. It has been established that modern tectonic movements along fault zones create zones of permeability, which serve as primary pathways for water filtration and further development of suffusion. This conclusion introduces a new tectonic feature for risk diagnosis and monitoring of similar hydraulic structures. Full article