Search Results (5,614)

Multi-object tracking (MOT) algorithms are a key research direction in the field of computer vision. Among them, the joint detection and embedding (JDE) method, with its excellent speed and accuracy performance, has become the current mainstream solution. However, in complex scenes with dense targets or occlusions, the tracking performance of existing algorithms is often limited, especially in terms of unstable identity assignment and insufficient tracking accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a new multi-object tracking model—the Reparameterized and Global Context Track (RGTrack). This model is based on the Correlation-Sensitive Track (CSTrack) framework and innovatively introduces multi-branch training and attention mechanisms, combined with reparameterized convolutional networks and global attention modules, significantly enhancing the network’s feature extraction ability in complex scenes, especially in ignoring irrelevant information and focusing on key areas. It adopted a multiple association strategy to better establish the association relationship between targets in consecutive frames. Through this improvement, the Reparameterized and Global Context Track can better handle scenes with dense targets and severe occlusions, providing more accurate target identity matching and continuous tracking. Experimental results show that compared with the Correlation-Sensitive Track, the Reparameterized and Global Context Track has significant improvements in multiple key indicators: multi-object tracking accuracy (MOTA) increased by 1.15%, Identity F1 Score (IDF1) increased by 1.73%, and Mostly Tracked (MT) increased by 6.86%, while ID-switched (ID Sw) decreased by 47.49%. These results indicate that the Reparameterized and Global Context Track not only can stably track targets in more complex scenes but also significantly improves the continuity of target identities. Moreover, the Reparameterized and Global Context Track increased the frames per second (FPS) by 51.48% and reduced the model size by 3.08%, demonstrating its significant advantages in real-time performance and computational efficiency. Therefore, the Reparameterized and Global Context Track model maintains high accuracy while having stronger real-time processing capabilities, making it especially suitable for embedded devices and resource-constrained application environments. Full article

Visible Light Positioning (VLP), leveraging Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and smartphone CMOS cameras, provides a high-precision solution for indoor localization. However, existing systems face challenges in accuracy, latency, and robustness due to line-of-sight (LOS) limitations and inefficient signal encoding. To overcome these constraints, this paper introduces a real-time VLP framework that integrates Multi-Pulse Position Modulation (MPPM) with smartphone multi-sensor fusion. By employing MPPM, a high-efficiency encoding scheme, the proposed system transmits LED identifiers (LED-IDs) with reduced inter-symbol interference, enabling robust signal detection even under dynamic lighting conditions and at extended distances. The smartphone’s camera is a receiver that decodes the MPPM-encoded LED-ID, while accelerometer and magnetometer data compensate for device orientation and motion-induced errors. Experimental results demonstrate that the MPPM-driven approach achieves a decoding success rate of over 97% at distances up to 2.4 m, while maintaining a frame processing rate of 30 FPS and sub-35 ms latency. Furthermore, the method reduces angular errors through sensor fusion, yielding 2D positioning accuracy below 10 cm and vertical errors under 16 cm across diverse smartphone orientations. The synergy of MPPM’s spectral efficiency and multi-sensor correction establishes a new benchmark for VLP systems, enabling scalable deployment in real-world environments without requiring complex infrastructure. Full article

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II, or Hunter syndrome, is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation leads to progressive multisystemic involvement, with coarse facial features, hepatosplenomegaly, short stature, recurrent upper respiratory infections, hearing loss, hernias, dysostosis multiplex, joint contractures, and cardiac valve disease. Individuals with the neuronopathic form of the disease also have central nervous system (CNS) involvement with developmental delay and progressive cognitive decline. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), idursulfase, is the only FDA-approved treatment for MPS II. MPS II was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) in the United States in 2022, and screening is ongoing in several other countries, including Taiwan. Here, we report seven individuals from four families identified through newborn screening sharing the same IDS variant: c.817C>T, p.Arg273Trp. Confirmatory testing demonstrated low iduronate-2-sulfatase activity level and elevated GAGs in every individual, but they had no signs or symptoms of MPS II. They were aged 8 months to 60 years old according to the most recent assessment and all remained asymptomatic. ERT was not initiated for any of them. Our findings suggest that the IDS c.817C>T variant is associated with abnormal biochemical findings but no clinical phenotype of MPS II. Newborn screening will likely identify additional cases and provide a better understanding of the clinical significance of this variant. Full article

Heart failure (HF), particularly of an ischemic etiology, is steadily increasing worldwide. Non-anemic iron deficiency (ID) is highly prevalent among HF patients, and it has been related to worse outcomes. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease, HF and iron pathophysiology. Nevertheless, the specific potential role of GDF15 in HF patients with ID has not been fully explored. In this cross-sectional study we determined serum GDF15 levels in 60 HF patients with ID from the IRON-PATH II study. The discriminative capacity of GDF15 in logistic regression models for classifying these patients according to ischemic etiology was defined as the primary endpoint. Additionally, relationships between GDF15 levels and impaired right ventricle function, impaired functional capacity and HF were included as secondary endpoints. GDF15 was inversely related to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the six-minute walking test (6MWT), and positively related to hallmarks of HF [i.e., N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] and other molecules influenced by HF progression [i.e., creatinine and ferritin]. Moreover, GDF15 was inversely related to hemoglobin, suggesting a potential link to iron homeostasis. Furthermore, GDF15 showed good classification capacity and improved the accuracy of a logistic regression model for ischemic HF classification in patients with ID. Overall, the findings of this study propose serum GDF15 levels as a potential tool for the classification of HF patients with ID according to the ischemic etiology. Full article

We investigate the longstanding question of whether compact Levi-flat hypersurfaces exist in the complex projective plane ${\mathbb{CP}}^2$. While the nonexistence of closed real-analytic Levi-flat hypersurfaces in ${\mathbb{CP}}^n$ for $n>2$ is well known, the case $n=2$ remains open. By combining techniques from the classification of homogeneous CR-manifolds with projective foliation geometry, we prove that no homogeneous Levi-flat hypersurfaces exist in ${\mathbb{CP}}^2$, thus partially resolving the problem under natural symmetry assumptions. Full article

Nearly all eukaryotic proteins are turned over by the ubiquitin (Ub)-26S proteasome system (UPS). Despite its broad cellular roles, only a handful of UPS members, particularly the Ub E3 ligases that specifically recognize a protein for ubiquitylation, have been characterized in plants to date. The challenge arises from the transient recognition and rapid degradation of ubiquitylation substrates by the UPS. To tackle this challenge, the emerging biotinylation-based proximity labeling (PL) offers an exciting tool for enriching transient interactors of Ub E3 ligases. In this study, we examined the efficacy of TurboID in identifying substrates of Arabidopsis Skp1-cullin1-F-box (SCF) ligases. We demonstrate that the Arabidopsis Skp1 Like (ASK)1-TurboID is not fully functioning in planta, which led us to discover a novel antagonism between biotinylation and ubiquitylation in regulating protein stability in vivo. This discovery lowers the effectiveness of PL in ubiquitylome studies. However, using one long-known SCF substrate, phytochrome A, we succeeded to apply its TurboID fusion for complementing the far-red-light response of the phyA-211 null mutant allele, suggesting an efficacy of PL in characterizing single ubiquitylation pathways. This study highlighted a limitation of PL in ubiquitylome studies, discovered a new antagonistic pathway of biotinylation, and developed a theoretical guidance for future PL-based characterization of ubiquitylation pathways. Full article

This study presents a novel cyber-resilient, data-driven optimisation framework for real-time energy management in electric vehicle (EV)-integrated smart grids. The proposed framework integrates a hybrid optimisation engine—combining genetic algorithms and reinforcement learning—with a real-time analytics module to enable adaptive scheduling under uncertainty. It accounts for dynamic electricity pricing, EV mobility patterns, and grid load fluctuations, dynamically reallocating charging demand in response to evolving grid conditions. Unlike existing GA/RL schedulers, this framework uniquely integrates adaptive optimisation with resilient forecasting under incomplete data and lightweight blockchain-inspired cyber-defence, thereby addressing efficiency, accuracy, and security simultaneously. To ensure secure and trustworthy EV–grid communication, a lightweight blockchain-inspired protocol is incorporated, supported by an intrusion detection system (IDS) for cyber-attack mitigation. Empirical evaluation using European smart grid datasets demonstrates a daily peak demand reduction of 9.6% (from 33 kWh to 29.8 kWh), with a 27% decrease in energy delivered at the original peak hour and a redistribution of demand that increases delivery at 19:00 h by nearly 25%. Station utilisation became more balanced, with weekly peak normalised utilisation falling from 1.0 to 0.7. The forecasting module achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.25 kWh and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) below 20% even with up to 25% missing data. Among tested models, CatBoost outperformed LightGBM and XGBoost with an RMSE of 0.853 kWh and $R^2$ of 0.416. The IDS achieved 94.1% accuracy, an AUC of 0.97, and detected attacks within 50–300 ms, maintaining over 74% detection accuracy under 50% novel attack scenarios. The optimisation runtime remained below 0.4 s even at five times the nominal dataset scale. Additionally, the study outlines a conceptual extension to support location-based planning of charging infrastructure. This proposes the alignment of infrastructure roll-out with forecasted demand to enhance spatial deployment efficiency. While not implemented in the current framework, this forward-looking integration highlights opportunities for synchronising infrastructure development with dynamic usage patterns. Collectively, the findings confirm that the proposed approach is technically robust, operationally feasible, and adaptable to the evolving demands of intelligent EV–smart grid systems. Full article

Two-factor authentication (2FA) has become widely adopted as an efficient and secure way of validating someone’s identity online. Two-factor authentication is difficult in virtual reality (VR) because users are usually wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) which does not allow them to see their real-world surroundings. We present NRXR-ID, a technique to implement two-factor authentication while using extended reality systems and smartphones. The proposed method allows users to complete an authentication challenge using their smartphones without removing their HMD. We performed a user study in which we explored four types of challenges for users, including a novel checkers-style challenge. Users responded to these challenges under three different configurations, including a technique that uses a smartphone to support gaze-based selection without the use of a VR controller. A 4 × 3 within-subjects design allowed us to study all of the proposed variations. We collected performance metrics along with user experience questionnaires containing subjective impressions from thirty participants. Results suggest that the checkers-style visual matching challenge was the most preferred option, followed by the challenge involving entering a digital PIN submitted via the smartphone. Participants were fastest at solving the digital PIN challenge, with an average of 12.35 ± 5 s, followed by the Checkers challenge with 13.85 ± 5.29 s, then the CAPTCHA-style challenge with 14.36 ± 7.5 s, whereas the alphanumeric password took almost twice as long, averaging 32.71 ± 16.44 s. The checkers-style challenge performed consistently across all conditions with no significant differences (p = 0.185), making it robust to different implementation choices. Full article

Cell detection-tracking tasks are vital for biomedical image analysis with potential applications in clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, it poses challenges such as ambiguous boundaries and complex backgrounds in microscopic video sequences, leading to missed detection, false detection, and loss of tracking. Therefore, we propose an enhanced multiple object tracking algorithm IEGS-YOLO + BoT-SORT, named IEGS-BoT, to address these issues. Firstly, the IEGS-YOLO detector is developed for cell detection tasks. It uses the iEMA module, which effectively combines the global information to enhance the local information. Then, we replace the traditional convolutional network in the neck of the YOLO11n with GSConv to reduce the computational complexity while maintaining accuracy. Finally, the BoT-SORT tracker is selected to enhance the accuracy of bounding box positioning through camera motion compensation and Kalman filter. We conduct experiments on the CTMC dataset, and the results show that in the detection phase, the map50 (mean Average Precision) and map50–95 values are 73.2% and 32.6%, outperforming the YOLO11n detector by 1.1% and 0.6%, respectively. In the tracking phase, using the IEGS-BoT method, the multiple objects tracking accuracy (MOTA), higher order tracking accuracy (HOTA), and identification F1 (IDF1) reach 53.97%, 51.30%, and 67.52%, respectively. Compared with the base BoT-SORT, the proposed method achieves improvements of 1.19%, 0.23%, and 1.29% in MOTA, HOTA, and IDF1, respectively. ID switch (IDSW) decreases from 1170 to 894, which demonstrates significant mitigation of identity confusion. This approach effectively addresses the challenges posed by object loss and identity switching in cell tracking, providing a more reliable solution for medical image analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explores the adaptation and implementation of a positive psychological intervention based on the Emotional Styles model to improve well-being and reduce stress in employees with and without intellectual disabilities (IDs). Methods: A longitudinal intervention was conducted in a social foundation with 45 participants (12 with ID). The program, based on Davidson’s six emotional dimensions, included six weekly sessions adapted through Easy Read strategies and COVID-19 adjustments. Data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and six-month follow-up using the Emotional Styles Questionnaire, PERMA Profiler, and UWES-3. Results: Significant improvements were found in outlook, resilience, engagement, relationships, and reduction in negative emotions, with stronger effects for non-ID participants, although context sensibility improved in the ID group. High satisfaction (93% very satisfied) confirmed the program’s acceptability. Conclusions: The adapted intervention effectively enhances emotional well-being in heterogeneous workplaces, supporting inclusive positive psychology practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: The os supranaviculare (OSSN), also known as os talonaviculare dorsale, astragalo-scaphoid ossicle, or Pirie’s bone, is a small extra bone that was first described in 1921 by A.H. Pirie and is located at the top front part of the navicular bone or talonavicular joint. The knowledge regarding the epidemiology of the OSSN is scarcely established, as its prevalence remains unknown and varies significantly among multiple studies. This meta-analysis aims to clarify and systematically summarize all available data on the characteristics and prevalence of the OSSN. Methods: Four major databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus) were thoroughly searched for studies reporting original data regarding the OSSN up until May 2025. The protocol of this study was pre-registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42025638111) and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. To evaluate the between-study heterogeneity, the 95% prediction intervals (95%PI) were calculated; I² statistic and Chi² test were also used. The AQUA-tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Results: In total, 13 studies (18,745 feet) qualified for inclusion in the quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of the OSSN in the general population was found to be 0.88% (95%CI: 0.62–1.24%). The PPE of the OSSN was higher in males (0.87%, 95%CI: 0.58–1.32%) than in females (0.48%, 95%CI: 0.14–1.64%). The os supranaviculare was similarly prevalent in both European (1.04%, 95%CI: 0.55–1.96%) and Asian (0.87%, 95%CI: 0.66–1.13%) populations. Conclusions: the os supranaviculare is a very rare anatomical variation that is present in less than one in a hundred feet. Moreover, although usually asymptomatic, it can occasionally be associated with dorsal foot pain or navicular stress fractures. Accurate differentiation from avulsion fractures is essential to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment. Full article

An outbreak characterized by clinical signs of diarrhea and paralysis, occasionally progressing to fatal outcomes, occurred at an ostrich breeding facility. Conventional antibiotic treatments proved ineffective. To investigate the etiology of the disease, brain and liver specimens were collected for diagnostic analysis. An Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolate, designated strain HZDC01, was obtained from cerebral tissues, and whole-genome sequencing was performed for genomic characterization. Genomic analysis revealed that the chromosomal DNA harbors numerous resistance genes, conferring multidrug resistance through complex mechanisms. Furthermore, a p0111-type plasmid carrying the bla_CTX-M-55 gene and an IncX1-type plasmid harboring rmtB, sul1, APH(6)-Id, tet(A), AAC(3)-IIc, aadA2, bla_TEM-1B, and floR genes were identified. These plasmids carry numerous mobile genetic elements that can disseminate via horizontal gene transfer, thereby amplifying the risk of resistance-gene spread within bacterial populations. Additionally, the ibeB and ibeC genes, which encode proteins involved in the invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells, were identified. These genes may facilitate E. coli penetration of the blood–brain barrier, potentially leading to meningitis and posing a life-threatening risk to the host. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase E. coli from the brain of an ostrich with paralysis. The findings provide valuable genomic insights into the antimicrobial resistance profiles and pathogenic mechanisms of ostrich-derived E. coli isolates. Full article

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options focused primarily on symptom management. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions may influence inflammation and pain through modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome. Methods: We conducted a 4-week open-label pilot trial evaluating the effects of an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention (ITIS diet) in 20 patients with knee OA (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05559463, registered prior to enrollment; sponsor: University of California, San Diego; responsible party: Monica Guma; study start date: 1 October 2021). The following were assessed before and after the intervention: (1) clinical outcomes; (2) gut and salivary microbiomes; and (3) salivary, stool, and plasma metabolomes. Responders were defined as patients achieving ≥30% reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. Results: The ITIS diet was well-tolerated, with good adherence (66.2%) and a significant improvement in clinical outcomes, including reduced pain and improved overall health measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). Responders (n = 8) showed distinct gut microbiome and metabolome profiles compared to non-responders (n = 12). Notably, taxa within the Lachnospiraceae family exhibited dynamic, bidirectional shifts post-intervention: Anaerostipes and Limivivens were enriched among responders and negatively correlated with pain scores, while Oliverpabstia and Fusicatenibacter were depleted following dietary intervention. These taxa also showed strong correlations with anti-inflammatory metabolites, including hydroxydecanoic acid derivatives and pyridoxine. Furthermore, subsequent network analysis revealed more structured and selective microbiome–metabolome interactions in responders, specifically post-intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that a short-term anti-inflammatory dietary intervention was associated with meaningful changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family emerged as key taxa associated with pain reduction and anti-inflammatory metabolite production. Our findings suggest that specific microbial responses—rather than global diversity changes—may underlie dietary responsiveness in OA. Although exploratory and limited by sample size, our results support further investigation into personalized, microbiome-informed nutritional strategies for OA management. Full article

Background and Aims: This study explored the feasibility of performing intestinal reconstruction after enterostomy in infants using ultrasound-guided epidural anesthesia with sedation, aiming to avoid invasive airway manipulation and the use of opioids. Methods: We included twenty infants scheduled for intestinal reconstruction in this prospective case series. Success was defined by the absence of additional general anesthesia and invasive airway management. The secondary endpoints were the need for additional intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic drugs and postoperative analgesics in the recovery room. The study was approved by the Ethics Commission at the Medical University of Vienna (ref. 1133/2017, approval date 24 August 2017) and registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS ID: DRKS00012683, approval date 15 July 2019). Results: Nineteen out of twenty procedures were successfully performed with epidural anesthesia under spontaneous breathing and without airway manipulation; one child required endotracheal intubation due to an unexpected, extensive surgical procedure. No child needed systemic analgesics in the recovery room. Conclusions: Epidural anesthesia with sedation can effectively minimize airway manipulation and reduce general anesthesia requirements for intestinal reconstruction in infants. Full article

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell dyscrasia with particularly adverse prognosis in relapsed, multi-drug refractory settings. The management of those patients is challenging as treatment options are limited. In this context, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents, and several have gained regulatory approval. To better understand their impact in MM landscape, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing their efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for clinical trials investigating BsAbs for RRMM. Pooled estimates in terms of proportions along with 95% confidence intervals were calculated with random-effects models. The present meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251028553). Results: Based on data from six clinical trials involving 850 patients, the pooled overall response and complete response or better rates were 69% and 42%, respectively, whereas the pooled rate of duration of response for at least one year was 71%. The estimated one-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 56% and 72%, respectively. Neutropenia was the most frequently observed severe hematological toxicity, with a pooled incidence of 46%. Grade ≥3 infections occurred in 29%, while any-grade CRS occurred in 69%, as per pooled analysis. Finally, an exploratory minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis in four of the six studies yielded a pooled MRD-negativity rate of 24%. Conclusions: BsAbs demonstrated commendable efficacy in heavily pretreated RRMM patients, in terms of response rates and survival outcomes. However, notable rates of hematologic toxicity, infections, and CRS were recorded. These findings support the clinical utility of BsAbs in RRMM, while highlighting the need for comprehensive toxicity management. Full article