High-definition 3D human modeling and real-time animation are increasingly vital in applications spanning virtual reality, education, gaming, and digital healthcare. This paper introduces Genemate, a low-cost, modular framework that automates the end-to-end pipeline for generating and animating realistic 3D human models from 2D images. Genemate integrates a 13-stage photogrammetry pipeline—built on Meshroom—for dense 3D reconstruction, couples it with automated rigging using AccuRig, and leverages MediaPipe for real-time pose estimation and motion retargeting. Unlike traditional pipelines that demand high-end infrastructure or manual intervention, Genemate decouples modeling from animation, enabling pre-constructed models to be animated live with minimal computational overhead. Experimental results on multiple image sets demonstrate that Genemate achieves real-time rendering speeds (15–24 FPS) and high-fidelity character outputs, all using consumer-grade hardware. The framework’s scalability, affordability, and reproducibility make it a promising candidate for democratizing access to photorealistic 3D human animation in resource-constrained environments.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with altered performance monitoring reflected in enhanced amplitudes of the error-related negativity (ERN) in the event-related potential. However, this is not specific to OCD, as overactive error processing has also been associated with anxiety. Although similar neural mechanisms have been proposed for error and feedback processing, it remains unclear whether the processing of errors as indexed by external feedback, reflected in the feedback-related negativity (FRN), is altered in OCD. Likewise, it is currently unknown whether performance monitoring in OCD differs between learning from self-performed and observed outcomes. The present study compared OCD patients with healthy controls (HCs) and patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) in an active and observational variant of a probabilistic feedback learning task while EEG was recorded. Compared to HCs, OCD patients showed impaired task performance in both active and observational learning, while choice behavior in OCD patients was generally more indecisive. This was accompanied by generally more positive amplitudes of the FRN, with enhanced valence coding for active compared to observational learning, driven by more positive FRN amplitudes for wins, though no differences emerged for losses. Conversely, amplitudes of the ERN did not differ between groups. Overall, these results suggest deficient reward—rather than punishment—processing in OCD. Similar performance monitoring alterations in OCD and SAD imply reliance on shared, disorder-general mechanisms. Possible candidates for these mechanisms, such as intolerance of uncertainty or pessimism, are discussed.

This technical report demonstrates that the use of the I 2 statistic for testing selection bias in single randomised controlled trials (RCT) has the potential to allow prevention of false positive test results, thereby allowing for high test specificity and a high positive predictive value. Additionally, the I 2 statistic also provides utility for the in-depth identification of low-level selection bias in RCTs, thus assisting in the avoidance of false negative test results and possibly for estimating the percentage of trial patients with biased allocation into RCT treatment groups. Future studies to this topic may investigate whether cases with I 2 estimates above 0%, due to chance rather than selection bias, are possible and, if so, how to distinguish such cases from those with very low bias levels. Future studies may also test the null-hypothesis that levels of selection bias are not associated with any over-or under estimation of the true effect estimates of RCTs.

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) helps plants in arid regions to reduce water loss by opening their stomata and taking up carbon dioxide (CO 2) during nighttime. While gas exchange in CAM plants has been mainly studied under controlled laboratory conditions, only a few ecosystem scale studies exist. Moreover, carbonyl sulfide (COS) has been used as a tracer for stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis in C 3 and C 4 plants, but no studies on CAM ecosystems have yet been published. Here we present the first ecosystem scale measurements of COS fluxes over Agave sisalana (CAM plant) during the wet season in Kenya. The ecosystem was a consistent sink of COS, with higher uptake observed during nighttime (-11.5 pmol m −2 s −1) than during daytime (-5.6 pmol m −2 s −1). The magnitude of COS fluxes was comparable to non-growing season daytime fluxes reported for C 3 and C 4 plant dominated ecosystems. The soil was a small COS source (0.3 pmol m −2 s −1), with highest emissions under high radiation and temperature conditions. Using machine learning, we found that vapor pressure deficit, air temperature and soil water content were the most important drivers of nighttime ecosystem COS exchange (variable importance 0.25, 0.23 and 0.20, respectively), indicating the importance of stomatal limitation for COS fluxes. During daytime, air temperature, photosynthetically active radiation and soil temperature were the most important drivers (variable importances 0.19, 0.18 and 0.18, respectively). COS fluxes were further used to track canopy stomatal conductance and transpiration. Conductance values ranged from 0.03 mol m −2 s −1 during daytime to 0.06 mol m −2 s −1 during nighttime. Transpiration was thus higher during nighttime than during daytime, reflecting the CAM gas exchange strategy.

The interaction between corals and algae is of great significance in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. Globally, tropical coral reefs are being degraded by human activities, resulting in the decline of reef-building corals and an increase in macroalgae. The study aims to determine the ecological mechanism of coral–algal phase shifts occurring in the coastal waters of Wenchang in Hainan Province, which are affected by human activities. The field survey results revealed that 177 species of reef-forming corals belonged to 49 genera and 18 families, which were dominated by coral taxa Favites, Porites, Galaxea, and Montipora. Furthermore, there existed obvious competition between dominant corals and algae, especially Lobophora, which showed stronger competitive advantages compared to other algae. The salinity, NO2−, and NH4+ were the key environmental drivers that affected macroalgal abundance. There was a negative correlation between macroalgae and live coral cover and a positive correlation with coral mortality. Notably, the dominant algal species Lobophora had a significant negative correlation with the dominant coral taxa Favites, Galaxea, and Montipora. Further correlation analysis showed that significant interspecific competition existed among corals and algae themselves, which may function as the internal driving factor for the phase shifts of coral–algal relationships. These results will help us understand the role of different functional groups of algae in the degradation of coral reef ecosystems and lay the research foundation for the development of scientific and rational coral reef protection strategies.

Rapid urbanization-driven land cover changes have caused habitat degradation and fragmentation, leading to biodiversity loss and disrupted natural processes, resulting in major ecological issues. Ecological networks (ENs) are vital for promoting ecological flow and sustaining ecosystems. However, many studies overlook future climate scenarios and human impacts, weakening the scientific basis for EN planning and construction. This study simulates land use changes in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration in 2050 based on two CMIP6 future climate scenarios, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, coupled with the System Dynamics Model and Patch-generating Land Use Simulation model. The predicted data from the land use simulation were embedded into the subsequent EN modelling and assessment work, and the key areas for ecological protection and restoration in the BTHUA were identified based on the dynamic changes of the EN assessment indicators. The results show that: (1) Cultivated land is expected to decrease between 2000 and 2050, while built-up land is projected to expand. Woodland is anticipated to grow slowly from 2020 to 2050, whereas grassland is expected to decrease gradually. (2) Between 2000 and 2020, habitat patches fragmented, reducing ecological connectivity. From 2020 to 2050, under SSP2-4.5, fragmentation in the BTHUA is expected to decline, improving connectivity. Under SSP5-8.5, structural connectivity may slightly decrease, while functional connectivity may slightly increase. (3) From 2020 to 2050, core habitat area with higher conservation priority is projected to increase, while corridor length is expected to decrease, mostly in northern and western mountains. Based on changes in ecological node areas, 224 priority conservation grids were identified, mainly in heterogeneous landscapes with notable land use changes. The study provides a scientific basis for EN construction at the scale of urban agglomerations.

A document by Ken Park. Click on the document to view its contents.

The past decades have witnessed a rapid increase in the development of resistance to widely used antifungal drugs. Interestingly, interference with iron homeostasis of Candida albicans has been reported to lead to increases fluconazole susceptibility. In yeasts, excess iron is stored in the vacuole, from where it can be released into the cytoplasm during time of scarcity. Genes involved in the transport of iron from the vacuole include FET99 and FTH2. FET99 encodes a multicopper oxidase responsible for the uptake and release of iron stored in the vacuole, while FTH2 encodes a vacuolar iron permease. Importantly, the overall status of the membrane lipids serves as important determinant of drug susceptibility and the relationship between lipid metabolism and iron homeostasis may influence the pathogen’s susceptibility to certain drugs. To explore this interaction, fluconazole sensitivity of Δ/Δ fet99 and Δ/Δ fth2 planktonic cells and developing biofilms was evaluated. These deletions caused a decrease in susceptibility. The lipid droplet, ergosterol content, lipidome and mitochondrial membrane potential of both mutants were also evaluated. It was found that the lipid droplet content was decreased in the mutant biofilms compared to their parental strain. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane, cell membrane and neutral lipidomes of the mutants were significantly influenced, possibly contributing to the decrease susceptibility by limiting fluconazole uptake. This work provides additional information regarding the interplay between lipid metabolism, iron homeostasis and fluconazole resistance in C. albicans, which may be exploited as novel drug targets.

Mangroves, an essential tropical coastal ecosystem, are prioritised in conservation agendas due to their rich biodiversity, high carbon stocks and increasing anthropogenic threats. Despite active restoration efforts worldwide, vital elements such as the genetic composition of replanted seedlings are often overlooked, sometimes leading to unsuccessful outcomes. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity and structure of 15 natural and two replanted populations of Rhizophora mucronata in Peninsular Malaysia. We aim to determine (1) if planted populations have lower levels of genetic diversity than natural populations, and (2) if there is strong genetic differentiation between planted and natural populations. Our results showed overall low genetic diversity (mean HE = 0.085) across R. mucronata populations in the Malay Peninsula; with planted populations not consistently having lower genetic diversity than natural populations. Multiple lines of evidence in our study demonstrated partial representation of the planted populations’ corresponding natural population, predominantly reflecting artificial introduction, potentially from populations in the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. Most notably, the natural population in Kuala Selangor Nature Park consisted of a dominant, unique inferred genetic ancestry that was only observed in several individuals in the planted population. This study demonstrated that artificial genetic mixing from uninformed restoration efforts altered the local genetic structures of R. mucronata populations in the two studied restoration sites. Hence, there is an urgent need for replanting initiatives to consider the genetic structure of natural mangrove populations, to maintain their local adaptive capabilities and genetic evolutionary potential.

This study examines Nigeria’s slow progress toward universal healthcare coverage (UHC), analyzing the policy development process and the roles of various actors involved. Using social network analysis (SNA) and qualitative methods, we conducted structured interviews and documentary analysis to identify key policy actors and their relationships within the UHC network. The SNA revealed a complex structural network categorizing actors into four groups: power actors, peripheral actors, gatekeepers (brokers), and isolated actors. These classifications determined their access to information, professional support, and resources. A stable subset of seven organizations demonstrated significant centrality and influence across multiple relationships, while other organizations were central only in specific contexts. Senior government officials emerged as the primary influencers in UHC policy development and decision-making, controlling information flow within the policy network. These actors played crucial roles in advancing and impeding UHC progress in Nigeria. The study identifies political, policy-oriented, financial, and organizational constraints as significant barriers to UHC implementation. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving financial protection and ensuring Nigerians have equitable access to essential healthcare services. Our findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay of actors in healthcare policy development in low- and middle-income countries, offering insights that could help accelerate progress toward achieving UHC in Nigeria and similar settings.

Objective: We aimed to clarify the epidemic features and variation trend in nosocomial infections and analyze risk factors related to nosocomial infections to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted nosocomial infection prevention and control measures. Methods: We determined the prevalence rate of nosocomial infection among inpatients over 6 years. Results: Overall, 9901 inpatients were included from 2018 to 2023. The actual survey rate was 100% every year. The average prevalence rate of nosocomial infection was 3.38% and the average case prevalence rate was 4.57%. The prevalence rate in the intensive care unit decreased over the 6-year period. The most frequently occurring infections were lower respiratory tract infections (55.09%), followed by urinary tract infections (21.24%). Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.20%), Escherichia coli (15.76%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.76%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (10.89%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL -E. coli) showed an increasing tendency. There was no significant difference in the rate of specimen submission for bacterial culture, and the positive rate of bacterial culture decreased significantly. Conclusion: The prevalence rate can objectively reflect the current situation of nosocomial infections in a hospital and can be used to devise reliable prevention and control measures to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections to a minimal level.

This paper presents a novel identity that establishes a surprising link between prime number theory and the Collatz Conjecture, two foundational yet independently explored areas of number theory. The identity, n i=1 pi − n−1 i=2 gi(n − i) + 2 = 3n + 1, [9] where pi denotes the ith prime number, offers a structured summation that yields a linear expression in n, namely 3n + 1. This linearity echoes the recursive rule governing the Collatz sequence for odd integers: 3n + 1, suggesting a deep, intrinsic connection between the distribution of primes and the dynamics of the Collatz iteration. The study explores this identity analytically and numerically, providing insights into its validity, scope, and potential implications. The structure and behavior of the difference terms (pi+1 − pi)(n − i) are also analyzed, highlighting a hidden regularity in prime gaps when viewed through the lens of this summation. The result opens new avenues for reinterpreting prime behavior in discrete systems and lays foundational groundwork for a possible unification of discrete dynamical processes and prime arithmetic.

The Information Bottleneck (IB) objective I(X; Z) − βI(Z; Y) is known to exhibit instability and abrupt phase transitions as its trade-off parameter β is varied. These instabilities manifest as volatile jumps in the encoder p(z|x) and sparse, hard cluster formations, posing challenges in high-sensitivity applications where smooth and stable representations are required. In this work, I introduce a convexified IB optimization framework that replaces the classical linear compression term with a strictly convex function u(I(X; Z)) (e.g., u(t) = t 2), and incorporate a small entropy regularization −ϵH(Z|X) to smooth encoder transitions. To trace solutions continuously as β increases, I develop a symbolic continuation method based on an implicit first-order ODE for the encoder, which serves as a predictor-corrector mechanism for following the IB path without bifurcating. My approach yields a stable IB solver that avoids sudden representation shifts by design. I demonstrate on synthetic datasets (binary symmetric channel and structured 8 × 8 distributions) that the method I propose eliminates abrupt phase changes, achieving smooth evolution of mutual information metrics and graceful cluster formation. The convexified and entropy-regularized IB solutions maintain higher stability and predictive performance across all β regimes, confirming the theoretical improvements.

In this paper, a low power low trans-conductance operational trans-conductance amplifier (OTA) is designed for biomedical application such as the EEG and ECG. To achieve a very low trans-conductance with low power the OTA should operate in sub threshold region or weak inversion. For better linearity of the OTA, the multi-tanh doublet linearization technique is used. In this design 90nm CMOS technology is used with ±0.35V supply voltage. The linear range of the OTA is 200mV and the power dissipation is below 5nW. The trans-conductance value of the OTA is 50nS which can be tuned by varying in control voltage VC. The 3-db cutoff frequency required for ECG and EEG is 250Hz and 200Hz respectively.

In the era of increasing cyber threats, the implementation of robust Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is crucial for safeguarding network integrity. This study presents a comprehensive comparison of various machine learning algorithms employed in IDS, with a specific focus on binary logistic regression as a comparative tool. We utilized a well-established dataset to evaluate the performance of multiple algorithms, including decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks. Our findings reveal significant variations in accuracy, precision, and recall across the different algorithms. Binary logistic regression served as an effective benchmark, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each model. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse in cybersecurity by providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of machine learning approaches in detecting intrusions, offering insights for future enhancements in IDS design.

This study investigated the health and well-being of sex workers in Germany using the 2024 Erobella Sex Worker Wellbeing Survey, a cross-sectional analysis of over 270 responses collected from May 2024 to January 2025. Findings indicate that 70-80% report good or very good physical health linked to mandatory health checks, yet 20-30% experience medium to poor mental health due to stigma, isolation, and workplace stress. Approximately 60% face discrimination, 40% report safety threats, and 20-30% encounter healthcare barriers due to cost and stigma, notably for STI testing. Social support, valued at 60%, was absent at 30%. Digital sex work, adopted by 20%, reduces physical risks (80% feel safe), but increases mental strain from online harassment and isolation. Despite the 2017 Prostitutes Protection Act, systemic gaps persisted. Recommendations include revising laws to penalize client violence, training providers to counter stigma, funding free STI testing and therapy, establishing online peer networks, and addressing evidence gaps with targeted policy solutions.

Photoswitchable catalysis provides a non-invasive strategy for dynamically controlling light-driven chemical energy conversion processes. The defining advantage of photoswitchable catalytic systems lies in their unique dual capacity: (i) spatiotemporal precision in resolving reactive species generation through optical addressing, and (ii) adaptive multifunctionality enabling on-demand switching between distinct active phases, thereby suppressing competing pathways and eliminating undesired side reactions. Current research paradigms remain predominantly anchored in molecular systems, whereas solid-state semiconductor architectures—with their inherent advantages in recyclability and thermal stability—suffer from critical deficiencies in excitation-selective reactivity modulation and interfacial charge transfer kinetics. Here we comment on a recent work, writing in National Science Review, reported spin-orbit-coupling-mediated control over anti-Kasha photophysical pathways in semiconductors of carbonylated carbon nitride, enabling optically switchable catalytic dynamics. We further analyzed the profound implications of this work and presented a forward-looking outlook on the future development of the photoswitchable catalytic.

Objective: To analyze the value of hematological parameters at different time points in predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants admitted to our hospital.Methods: Premature infants with a gestational age ≤32 weeks admitted to our NICU from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into a BPD group (experimental group, 44 cases) and a non-BPD group (control group, 55 cases) based on whether they developed BPD. The changes in blood cells on the day of birth and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after birth were analyzed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict BPD.Results: (1) There was no significant difference in white blood cell count between the experimental and control groups at different periods. (2) At 1 week, significant differences were observed in neutrophil count, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) between the two groups. At 2 weeks, significant differences were noted in neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), PLT, and RDW. At 3 weeks, significant differences were found in neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, NLR, eosinophil count, PLT, and RDW. At 4 weeks, significant differences were observed in neutrophil count, NLR, and eosinophil count. Conclusion: Gestational age and an elevated eosinophil count at 4 weeks of birth are independent risk factors for BPD. Hematological parameters have low value in predicting BPD and should be comprehensively judged in combination with clinical data.

Objective: Tracheostomy is required in cases of severe Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies who need prolonged mechanical ventilation. There are no guidelines and consensus on the timing of placement of tracheostomy tube as well as timing for decannulation. The objective of our study is to identify the risk factors in the patients with the BPD which might contribute to prolonged tracheostomy tube need or delays decannulation. Method: A retrospective chart review of extreme low birth weight infants with severe BPD who had tracheostomy tube placed during their neonatal intensive care unit stay. Important variables prior to tracheostomy tube placement as well as after discharge from hospital were recorded. Results. A total of 18 patients were included. There was a predominance of male babies (66.6%) who required tracheostomy placement. tube. Male newborns (66.6%) who had a poor growth during NICU stay and small for gestational age (SGA) on weight percentile at one and two years of age, required longer time/duration on tracheostomy. SGA was defined as weight less than 10 th percentile on Fenton preemie growth curve. Babies who had pulmonary hypertension also required longer time of tracheostomy in situ. Conclusion: Poor growth trajectory especially in a male newborn and evidence of pulmonary hypertension in the BPD patients showed need of longer duration on tracheostomy prior to decannulation. Further studies with multicenter large sample size are recommended.

TitleCongenital lobar emphysema in the right upper lobe segment (S1+2) that was associated with separate branching of right upper bronchus (B1+2, B3)

The energy transition is a multifaceted transformation requiring not only technological innovation but also deep legal, economic, and societal shifts. Electric Vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a critical enabler of this transition, offering both decarbonization potential and opportunities for grid integration. However, their widespread adoption and participation in energy systems are contingent on suitable legal and regulatory frameworks. This article argues that traditional energy law, often siloed and rooted in narrow disciplinary paradigms, must evolve to meet the complex challenges posed by EVs. It explores how legal systems influence the deployment of EVs, from infrastructure development and market participation to data governance and consumer behavior. Emphasizing the need for principle-guided regulation, the article advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from the social sciences to design more effective, human-centered legal and policy tools. Bridging disciplinary gaps is essential for energy law to fulfill its potential in steering the energy transition toward sustainable and equitable outcomes.

Tema: Compuertas lógicas Grado: 5.to Primaria Duración: 50 minutos Competencia: Diseña, construye y evalúa circuitos electrónicos con compuertas lógicas y componentes interactivos, explorando aplicaciones prácticas en alarmas, sistemas de iluminación y audio, fortaleciendo habilidades en lógica digital y electrónica básica. Indicadores de logro: • Construye un circuito funcional con compuertas lógicas simples, verificando el encendido del LED según las combinaciones de interruptores. • Identifica y explica el funcionamiento básico de las compuertas AND, OR y NOT, asociándolas con aplicaciones prácticas.

Since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ~21.5 kya, global sea-level rise has reshaped islands by contracting areas, fragmentation, and severing mainland connections. These changes led to supersaturation of island communities, triggering community relaxation through local extinctions. However, whether local extinctions occur randomly or deterministically remains unclear. Here, we integrate a paleo-coastline model with well-characterised squamate community data from 163 Mediterranean islands to assess how past geographical changes influenced community structure. We evaluate phylogenetic and functional community structure and test links to paleogeographic variables using multivariate regressions. Our findings suggest overdispersion dominates and is higher on older islands, implying ongoing community relaxation and that extinctions are driven more by interspecific competition than environmental filtering. Island time-since-isolation emerges as the strongest predictor of phylogenetic diversity, indicating that longer isolation drives higher phylogenetic diversity via selective extinction of close relatives. These results underline the significance of relaxation dynamics in shaping insular communities.

A vanishing Lung Tumor in Congestive Heart Failure: case image