Search Results (849)

Traffic sign recognition (TSR) sits on the critical path of advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving, yet deployed classifiers fail in two qualitatively distinct regimes that prior work has largely defended against in isolation worst case adversarial manipulation from imperceptible digital perturbations to physically realizable stickers, patches, and outline-conforming edge attacks and average case environmental degradation such as fog, glare, motion blur, fading, and occlusion. We observe that, despite their differing origins, both regimes leave the same observable signature on the over specified structure of a sign whose class is redundantly encoded by the silhouette, color scheme, and central pictogram: a spatially localized disagreement among otherwise independent cues, scored against a small, enumerable grammar of physically valid attribute tuples. Recasting robustness as detection of this signature rather than defense against any single threat, we propose SAFER-Sign, which integrates four components that each repair a documented failure mode of prior approaches: (i) class conditionally decorrelated shape, color, and glyph encoders that render over the specification genuine rather than nominal; (ii) evidential per channel uncertainty that lets a degraded cue abstain instead of voting confidently wrong; (iii) a soft, factorized, confidence gated sign grammar prior that rewards jointly consistent tuples without becoming a single attribute attack surface; and (iv) a jointly trained spatial reliability gate anchored to a parameter-free cross-channel disagreement signal, so it cannot be suppressed like a decoupled front end. Taken together, these components mean that a successful adaptive attack in our evaluated settings had to jointly address class evidence, cross channel consistency, grammar compatibility, reliability gating, and abstention. This raises the number of coupled attack objectives, but we emphasize that it does not guarantee that all three channels must be corrupted. Full article

Transverse modification of step geometry has been repeatedly proposed as a means of increasing energy dissipation in stepped spillways, with numerically reported gains ranging from 5.6% to 34.7% for labyrinth configurations, in unresolved contradiction with air–water experimental evidence that detects no measurable difference. The objective of this study is threefold: to verify whether the transverse alternation of the tread length increases the net energy dissipation of the coupled chute–stilling basin system, to quantify its effect on the kinematic and energetic state of the flow delivered to the terminal energy dissipator, and to delimit its domain of applicability. That premise is subjected to verification through 38 three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations (k–$\omega$ shear-stress transport (SST) closure, homogeneous volume-of-fluid (VOF) formulation) performed in ANSYS CFX 2025 R2, comparing a three-section stepped spillway with a uniform rectilinear footprint against a configuration with transverse L–$L/2$ alternation, under 19 geometric–hydraulic combinations spanning the nappe, transition, and skimming flow regimes ($0.57\le d_c/h\le 2.93$). The model was verified through a mesh-convergence analysis of the uniform configuration (grid convergence index, GCI $=0.66\%$, on the approach depth) and validated against a physical scale model (0.38% discrepancy, exceeding the propagated experimental uncertainty); a three-level mesh study of the variable-tread configuration shows that its toe-flow response develops as the transverse tread strips become resolved and is not yet mesh-independent at the finest level, which is stated as a limitation of the quantitative results. Because the homogeneous multiphase formulation does not include an air-entrainment submodel, all results correspond to the modeled non-aerated flow conditions. The results do not support the hypothesis of a net dissipative gain: the global energy balance of the two topologies is equivalent within the numerical resolution of the study (bias $+0.13$ pp; root-mean-square error (RMSE) 0.26 pp), of the order of the discretization uncertainty of the study itself. The actual effect is a redistribution of the dissipative partition that conditions the flow delivered to the energy dissipator: the toe Froude number is reduced in all 19 paired cases (16.5–88.4%; mean: 34.1%). In nine scenarios the hydraulic jump is conditioned without being suppressed ($F{r}_1$ from 3.95–4.57 to 1.19–3.71), the energy delivered to the stilling basin drops by 18.3–57.9%, and the residual energy decreases by up to 14.98%; under subcritical toe flow, the same thickening increases the delivered energy by 12.3–19.4% and penalizes the residual energy by up to 18.08%; in two intermediate-discharge scenarios the jump is suppressed, yielding no benefit whatsoever. The transition is expressed through a critical threshold, nominally ${(d_c/h)}_{\mathrm{crit}}\approx 1.48$ within the observed separation interval $1.44<d_c/h<1.53$: the thirteen resolvable scenarios preserve the predicted sign separation without exception. The variable footprint is not a dissipation intensifier but a chute–dissipator coupling element, applicable only to high relative discharges. Full article

Background: Severe pneumonia (SP) comprises clinically diverse infections with variable lung mechanics, host responses, and recruitability. Yet ventilatory settings and adjunctive therapies are frequently guided by ARDS-derived evidence. We aimed to examine the associations of serial ventilatory parameters, gas-exchange indices, and selected adjunctive therapies with ICU mortality among patients with SP receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 2480 adults with microbiologically confirmed SP who received invasive mechanical ventilation in the ICU from 2015 to 2025. Daily ventilatory, gas-exchange, vital-sign, laboratory, and management variables were collected during the early ventilation course. Multivariable time-dependent Cox regression models were stratified by ventilation mode and adjusted for demographics, non-pulmonary SOFA score, comorbidities, pathogen type, shock, gas exchange, inflammatory markers, organ dysfunction, and time. Exploratory subgroup analyses were performed according to viral or fungal infection, hypoxemia severity, and immunocompromised status. Results: ICU mortality was 38.23%. In primary imputed models, higher PEEP, systemic glucocorticoid use, and neuromuscular blocker use were each associated with higher ICU mortality (HR 1.04, 1.40–1.41, and 1.53–1.56, respectively; all p < 0.001). Complete-case sensitivity analyses attenuated the PEEP association, indicating sensitivity to missing-data handling. V_T/kg and respiratory rate showed significant U/J-shaped non-linear associations with mortality (p = 0.005 and p = 0.027), with the lowest mortality risk at VT/kg 6–8 mL/kg and respiratory rate 18–26 breaths/min. Driving pressure, ventilatory ratio, minute ventilation, and [(4 × ΔP) + RR] were not significantly associated with mortality in linear models, although [(4 × ΔP) + RR] showed a non-linear association in sensitivity analyses. In severe hypoxemia, associations for PEEP, glucocorticoids, and neuromuscular blockers were not statistically significant. Conclusions: In this large SP cohort, ventilatory settings were generally within protective ranges. Mortality associations varied by parameter and subgroup, suggesting that physiology-guided ventilation and individualized PEEP titration may be reasonable approaches in light of the observed U-shaped (VT/kg) and J-shaped (respiratory rate) non-linear relationships, as well as a non-linear pattern for [(4 × ΔP) + RR], while adjunctive therapy signals require cautious interpretation given residual confounding. Full article

Predictive accuracy is often treated as a sufficient condition for profitable algorithmic trading, yet whether machine learning forecasts translate into trading performance that holds up across different market regimes remains contested. This study develops and stress-tests a prediction-driven, dynamically optimized trading framework across twelve instruments spanning equities, commodities, foreign exchange, and cryptocurrencies, and three structurally distinct regimes: a calm market (2018), the COVID-19 crisis (2020), and the Russian–Ukrainian geopolitical shock (2022). Daily price forecasts from RNN, LSTM, GRU, and hybrid architectures feed a rule-based framework that opens long or short positions from the divergence between predicted and observed prices, applies volatility-adjusted stop-loss and take-profit thresholds optimized by Sharpe-ratio grid search, and is extended with a rolling-MAPE confidence filter and an error-based dynamic position-sizing rule. Across the resulting 36 asset-period combinations, the prediction-based strategies outperformed the buy-and-hold benchmark in 86–92% of cases on cumulative return and 92% of cases on the Sharpe ratio; a one-sided binomial sign test rejects the null of no systematic advantage at p < 0.001 for every strategy variant, and the pattern is stable when each of the three regimes is examined separately (10–11 of 12 assets per period). Excluding crude oil—the only instrument where active strategies persistently underperformed, plausibly reflecting structural breaks such as the negative 2020 futures prices—raises the win rate to roughly 97%. Median outperformance reached about 15 percentage points in cumulative return and close to two Sharpe-ratio points, with maximum drawdowns falling in almost every case. The rolling-MAPE filter was the most effective mechanism for containing losses in turbulent regimes, while the position-sizing variant delivered the strongest average risk-adjusted returns. These results indicate that the value of machine learning forecasts in trading depends less on raw predictive accuracy than on the risk-management logic wrapped around it, and that this advantage is statistically robust across assets, regimes, and specification choices rather than an artifact of a single favorable sample. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate ocular surface recovery following reconstructive eyelid surgery, to identify preoperative predictors of incomplete symptomatic recovery, and to propose a risk stratification framework to enable targeted perioperative management. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 50 eyes of 32 patients (mean age 73.0 ± 13.9 years; 44% female) affected by ptosis (eyes = 23) or ectropion (eyes = 27) who underwent standardized corrective surgery at two Italian centers. Ocular surface evaluation was performed preoperatively (T0) and 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3) postoperatively. Outcomes included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer I test, non-invasive tear breakup time (NI-BUT), and corneal fluorescein staining (Oxford staining score). Pre-existing dry eye disease (preDED) was defined as OSDI ≥ 23 combined with at least one objective sign using conservative thresholds (NI-BUT < 5 s, Schirmer I ≤ 7 mm, or Oxford staining score ≥ 2). Results: At 3 months, patient-level OSDI decreased by a median of 11.0 points (p < 0.001) and eye-level Oxford staining score by 0.96 grades (p < 0.001, r = 0.870). Ectropion patients achieved greater OSDI improvement than ptosis patients (median 21 vs. 2 points, p = 0.002) yet converged to comparable final values (median 16 vs. 18, p = 0.715). PreDED was identified in 10 patients (32%), all with severe baseline disease (OSDI ≥ 33 plus objective signs). All preDED patients (100%) achieved the minimal clinically important difference (≥7.3 points) versus 33% of no-DED patients (p < 0.001). However, 50% of preDED patients maintained moderate symptoms (OSDI ≥ 23) at 3 months versus 19% of no-DED patients (p = 0.105). Overall, the assessed parameters suggested a biphasic postoperative course, with transient worsening at 1 week, followed by progressive recovery by 3 months. Conclusions: Reconstructive eyelid surgery produces sustained ocular surface improvement within 3 months, yet preDED was associated with incomplete symptomatic recovery despite universal achievement of clinically meaningful improvement. These exploratory findings suggest that patients with severe baseline preDED may benefit from preoperative identification and individualized counseling regarding realistic expectations; whether intensified perioperative management improves outcomes should be tested prospectively. Randomized trials are needed to determine whether preoperative optimization with anti-inflammatory therapy and meibomian gland treatment improves outcomes in this higher-risk subgroup. Full article

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in community pharmacy, yet how individuals define it, which symptoms they associate with it, and how they manage it through self-care remains poorly characterized. Objective: This study aimed to investigate individual perceptions, definitions, and self-care behaviors related to abdominal pain among adults attending Italian community pharmacies and to explore healthcare-seeking behaviors and needs. Methods: A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted among adults attending community pharmacies across Italy. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years and provided consent for data processing; individuals with cognitive or language barriers were excluded. Thirty-three SIFAC clinical pharmacists administered an expert-reviewed 18-item digital questionnaire (October–December 2025), covering pain perception, healthcare needs, and self-care behaviors. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: 406 pharmacy customers were enrolled (66.7% female; mean age 44.3 years). Over 93% reported at least one episode in the previous 12 months. The term was applied heterogeneously across localizations, symptom profiles, and attributed causes. The pharmacist was the preferred professional for mild-to-moderate episodes (29.9%) and high-intensity episodes without alarm signs (40.2%). Conversely, the physician was most frequently consulted for high-intensity episodes with alarm signs (53.4%) and first-time episodes (16.1%). Self-medication was reported by 89.4%, with probiotics and intestinal flora products (57.4%), antispasmodics (43.8%), and antacids and gastric acid suppressants (32.5%) most commonly used. Despite this, 55.3% expressed insecurity about autonomous management. Conclusions: The findings indicate that community pharmacists represent an important point of contact in the initial management of abdominal pain among pharmacy customers. The heterogeneous symptom profiles, widespread use of self-medication, and uncertainty reported by many respondents about autonomous management support the potential value of structured symptom assessment, personalized counselling, and clear guidance on when medical evaluation is warranted. Full article

In clinical veterinary medicine, the Body Condition Score (BCS) serves as a validated, semi-quantitative estimation of subcutaneous adipose reserves, yet it cannot by itself detect systemic nutrient deficiencies or excesses that do not necessarily imply energy storage. Human clinical dietetics addressed an analogous diagnostic gap through the Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination (NFPE), but veterinary medicine still lacks a unified, multi-species physical examination sequence for nutritional screening. This narrative review synthesizes the comparative and clinical nutrition literature into a proposed, operational interspecies framework for nutritional assessment, designed to complement the BCS and the Muscle Condition Score (MCS) within the existing WSAVA and AAHA nutritional assessment guidelines. The approach sequences a detailed feeding and behavioural anamnesis with a systematic, tissue-by-tissue physical examination of the integument, mucous membranes, skeleton, muscle and joints, and endocrine-metabolic status, supported by metabolic and haematological profiling. Seven synoptic diagnostic tables link observable clinical signs to specific micro- and macronutrient imbalances, the underlying nutritional mechanisms, and the species-specific dependence on key nutrients. Key interspecific determinants are integrated to support differential diagnosis and to caution against uncritical cross-species extrapolation. Each clinical entry is explicitly classified as a primary nutrient deficiency or excess, a nutrition-responsive or nutrition-related metabolic disease, a disease causing secondary malnutrition, or a management or behavioural determinant of intake, and each table states the principal non-nutritional differentials and the confirmatory test required, so that the tables function as screening prompts. The resulting semiotic methodology is intended to extend nutritional assessment beyond fatness (assessed on extension of explorable sub-cutaneous adipose tissue) towards whole-body nourishment. It is presented as a proposed framework and not as a validated instrument, and it requires prospective validation before any routine clinical adoption across animal species. The supporting evidence is substantially stronger for dogs, cats, horses, and ruminants than for avian, reptile, and small exotic mammal species, for which the present extension is a proof of concept requiring dedicated species-specific validation. Full article

Non-life insurance pricing is forward-looking, yet its principal cost signal, reported claims, is delayed by the occurrence-to-reporting process. The rating cell is treated as a stylised, homogeneous unit without renewal, lapse, expiry, or cohort dynamics; a fully annual-contract formulation would require these dynamics to be modelled jointly with the risk and claims processes. This paper develops a partially observed risk-sensitive control framework in which premium-sensitive exposure generates claims in a latent risk regime, while unreported claims form an atomic population governed by an age-structured transport equation. The numerical instance solved and validated in this research restricts the general model to a memoryless (one-phase) reporting process for tractability. It is best matched to lines with predominantly short-to-medium reporting tails, rather than to the most extreme long-tailed liability or cyber exposures the general model is designed to eventually accommodate. A finite-state reporting reservoir and nominal Bayesian filter provide the decision state, and compound Poisson–Gamma loss enters an entropic Bellman recursion through a closed-form exponential-tilting identity, checked against an independently coded Bellman-residual test. Every dynamic policy is benchmarked against alternatives matched at the same risk-sensitivity parameter and evaluated using common random numbers. This is a general feature of the results, not a single statistic: $C{E}_{0.8}$ is a standardised yardstick applied uniformly across strategies, while $C{E}_{\gamma }$ at the policy’s own $\gamma$ is what that policy actually optimises, and the two need not agree. In 3000 out-of-model paths at $\gamma$ = 1.2, the delay-aware dynamic policy increases mean profit by EUR 0.148 million and a standardised ${\gamma }_{\mathrm{eval}}$ = 0.8 certainty equivalent by EUR 0.034 million relative to a matched static price. Its fifth percentile and TVaR 5%, by contrast, are lower by EUR 0.056 and 0.078 million. At the policy’s own optimisation level, however, the ${\gamma }_{\mathrm{eval}}$ = 1.2 certainty-equivalent difference is EUR −0.006 million, with a 95% interval reaching zero. The dynamic policy, therefore, does not clearly outperform the matched static price on the exact objective it was optimised to maximise. Matched comparisons attribute EUR 0.039–0.043 million of mean profit to reporting-delay modelling and EUR 0.017 million to dynamic continuation. Separating state observation from transition-law knowledge attributes EUR 0.161–0.182 million to observing the regime exactly, and a small, sign-changing EUR −0.010 to +0.003 million to knowing the true transition law itself. Across an eight-scenario misspecification stress suite, the dynamic policy’s mean-profit advantage over the matched static price is directionally robust in seven of eight scenarios, but it reverses sign under a +30% true-severity shock, indicating that this advantage is sensitive to substantial severity misspecification specifically. Grid, Bellman-residual, and out-of-model filter diagnostics indicate that state reconstruction is economically primary, while entropy risk sensitivity is a secondary overlay whose apparent benefit depends materially on which certainty-equivalent level and evaluation model are used to judge it. Full article

Cleft palate is a congenital anomaly that causes functional and esthetic challenges, and the hard palate is essential for feeding, speech, and separation of the oral and nasal cavities. Yet, current reconstructive techniques do not restore its bony component. Building on previous in vitro work showing that decellularized palatal mucoperiosteum, microperforated with Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR^®) technology and recellularized with mesenchymal stem cells, preserves the collagen microenvironment, supports engraftment, and shows osteoinductive potential, this study evaluated the early feasibility and regenerative potential of bioengineered mucoperiosteal scaffolds (BEMS) in Landrace pigs model. Bone marrow was collected from recipient pigs to isolate pBM-MSCs. Donor palatal mucoperiosteum was decellularized, microperforated, and recellularized with these cells to generate BEMS. After surgical creation of a cleft palate, four pigs received BEMS, and two controls underwent standard palatoplasty. At one month, scaffold-treated animals showed early mucosal and osseous regeneration, including neo-epithelium, connective tissue, and new bone formation, without clinical or routine histological signs of acute rejection. SPARC (Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) expression supported osteogenic activity. Regenerated palates were stable and fracture-resistant, whereas controls showed incomplete repair and fractures. These findings suggest that BEMS may address limitations of conventional palatal reconstruction and support further investigation for human palatal bone regeneration. Full article

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a prevalent phenomenon, yet the role of cognitive–attitudinal factors such as the acceptance of relational “red flags” and the endorsement of romantic myths remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates how these factors are associated with adolescents’ evaluation of the seriousness of violence situations and blame attribution across diverse victim–perpetrator configurations. A convenience sample of 658 Italian adolescents (ages 12–19) completed self-report measures and evaluated experimental vignettes depicting verbal–emotional, relational–threatening, and physical violence across different- and same-sex relationship configurations. The results indicated that females reported greater acceptance of threatening/aggressive and jealous/possessive red flag behaviors, while males and younger students showed stronger endorsement of romantic myths. Although females rated violence as more serious than males, episodes involving male victims were consistently perceived as less serious regardless of couple type. In the best-fitting SEM for the physical violence vignette, greater acceptance of red flag behaviors was associated with lower perpetrator blame and perceived seriousness, while stronger endorsement of romantic myths was associated with greater victim blame and lower perpetrator blame and seriousness. These findings suggest that adolescents’ tolerance of warning signs and idealized romantic schemas may undermine violence recognition. Prevention efforts should prioritize challenging the normalization of control and male invulnerability through gender-sensitive approaches inclusive of diverse relationship configurations. Full article

Emission reduction remains the foundation of air-pollution control, yet the relationship between reduced emissions and improved ambient air quality is frequently non-proportional. This mismatch is not an exception to atmospheric behavior but a consequence of coupled chemical, meteorological, transport, and removal processes. Here, we critically synthesize global evidence for nonlinear air-quality responses to emission controls, with particular attention to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃). We distinguish five response forms that are directly relevant to policy: near-linear, sublinear, superlinear, threshold, and sign-reversal behavior. Ozone provides the clearest example because the response to nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) depends on the prevailing photochemical regime and can change as emissions decline. PM_2.5 responses are likewise nonlinear because precursor controls alter atmospheric oxidation capacity, gas-particle partitioning, aerosol water, and interactions among nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, and secondary organic aerosol. Aerosol reductions can further modify photolysis and boundary-layer processes, linking PM_2.5 control to O₃ production. Regional transport and background concentrations attenuate or redistribute the benefits of local controls, while meteorological variability changes both chemical sensitivity and the realized concentration response. These mechanisms imply that sustainable air-quality management cannot be evaluated solely by tonnes of emissions avoided. Instead, policy performance should be assessed along the complete pathway from emission reduction to ambient concentration, exposure, health, climate, ecosystem, equity, and economic outcomes. We propose a sustainability-oriented framework in which control strategies are evaluated for atmospheric effectiveness, multipollutant coherence, spatial equity, climate compatibility, and robustness across changing chemical and meteorological regimes. The evidence supports adaptive, coordinated, and regionally integrated control portfolios rather than fixed single-pollutant reduction ratios. Full article

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects more than 95% of intact male dogs, yet most remain asymptomatic until prostatic enlargement causes clinical signs. Standardised assessment of BPH severity is therefore needed to improve clinical decision-making and enable comparable research outcomes. This study aimed to investigate current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to canine BPH and to develop and assess a web-based application implementing the Zambelli Symptom Index (ZSI), an established symptom-based scoring system for BPH severity. A voluntary questionnaire was completed by veterinary practitioners to assess current clinical practice, and agreement between the web-based and reference paper-based ZSI classifications was evaluated. The survey revealed considerable variability in the recognition of clinical signs, assessment of BPH severity, and selection of treatment strategies, despite broad agreement on the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and the need for further investigation of prostatic enlargement. The web-based ZSI showed very high agreement with the reference classification. These findings demonstrate that the ZSI can be implemented digitally without materially affecting severity classification. The web-based tool may improve the standardisation and reproducibility of BPH assessment in clinical practice and research. Further studies are warranted to evaluate interobserver variability, clinical validity, and responsiveness to treatment. Full article

Background: Liver abscesses represent uncommon yet potentially life-threatening infections of the hepatic parenchyma. Their imaging appearances can vary widely, and—in rare instances—may closely resemble hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on multimodality imaging. We report a case of pyogenic liver abscess initially misclassified as advanced HCC based on imaging characteristics meeting LI-RADS 5 criteria. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old male without known cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, or diabetes presented with right upper quadrant pain, abdominal rigidity, nausea, and vomiting. He denied alcohol use, recent dental procedures, and travel to endemic areas. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple exophytic hepatic masses with arterial-phase hyperenhancement and venous/delayed washout, classified as LI-RADS 5 and initially interpreted as advanced HCC (BCLC stage C). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was not elevated. Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HIV were non-reactive. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy yielded purulent material; histopathology confirmed chronic suppurative inflammation consistent with an abscess, with negative acid-fast bacilli staining. Cultures were sterile. The patient was treated with doripenem and metronidazole. A post-drainage complication of middle hepatic artery bleeding required urgent transcatheter embolization. The patient was subsequently discharged in stable condition. Discussion: This case illustrates a recognized but uncommon diagnostic pitfall: pyogenic liver abscesses fulfil imaging criteria for HCC. LI-RADS 5 classification carries an estimated false-positive rate of approximately 5%, and its application is technically restricted to patients with established HCC risk factors (e.g., cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B). In non-cirrhotic patients presenting with fever, leukocytosis, and an atypical or rapidly enlarging hepatic mass, tissue confirmation is essential before committing to an oncological diagnosis. Conclusions: When a hepatic mass displays imaging features fulfilling LI-RADS 5 criteria in a non-cirrhotic patient with clinical signs of infection—including fever, leukocytosis, and elevated inflammatory markers—the possibility of a liver abscess must be actively excluded. Biopsy and percutaneous drainage are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to enable timely, appropriate treatment. Full article

Fault waviness can control whether earthquakes arrest, cascade, or transition to supershear rupture, yet its interaction with hypocentral position and free-surface proximity remains poorly constrained. We use three-dimensional spontaneous dynamic-rupture simulations of a vertical right-lateral fault containing one symmetric undulation. Its along-strike length L, transverse height H, signed nucleation distance, and upper-edge burial are varied under uniform regional stress and slip-weakening friction. Resolving the stress onto the non-planar surface creates a directional barrier–asperity pair. In surface-breaking models, small undulations permit cascading and sustained supershear rupture for all tested hypocenters, whereas larger undulations increasingly arrest rupture. The maximum height that permits position-independent cascading increases with undulation length, while the corresponding one-sided bend angle decreases from about 32° at L = 4 km to about 14° at L = 14–18 km. Burial suppresses shallow free-surface-induced supershear and narrows the cascading regime, but transmitted ruptures can still develop sustained or transient supershear at depth. Greater hypocentral distance generally favors transmission without monotonically favoring sustained supershear. These results show that fault geometry, rupture approach direction, hypocentral position, and surface proximity jointly control rupture connectivity and speed. Full article

Land subsidence amplifies the impacts of sea-level rise (SLR) in low-lying deltas, yet some Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) assessments omit this or rely on global estimates, drastically understating deltaic vulnerability. This study presents the first CVI assessment along Ghana’s coast to integrate validated, spatially resolved land subsidence derived from Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR). Nine geological, geomorphological, hydrodynamic, and anthropogenic variables were quantified across 72 contiguous grid cells spanning ~150 km of the Volta Delta’s coastline and ranked on a 1–5 vulnerability scale. Three composite indices were computed using a common quantile distribution: an index excluding subsidence (CVI_-sub), an index with a spatially uniform regional vertical land motion (CVI_+(u-sub)), and an index incorporating spatially resolved local InSAR subsidence (CVI_+(v-sub)). High to very high vulnerability ranks rose from 28% of cells without subsidence, through 44% with the regional estimate, to 75% with the local InSAR; every grid cell recorded a higher CVI once subsidence was incorporated (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001). Vulnerability peaked along the Keta and Songor lagoonal margins. Omitting measured subsidence understates deltaic vulnerability, and this approach offers a transferable method for data-sparse deltas. Full article