Abstract: The rapid growth of medical imaging data has intensified the need for advanced computational tools to support clinical decision-making. However, centralized approaches to artificial intelligence development raise significant challenges related to privacy, regulation, and generalizability. This paper introduces FedIHRAS (Federated Intelligent Humanized Radiology Analysis System), a privacy-preserving federated learning framework that enables multi-institutional collaboration for chest X-ray analysis. FedIHRAS integrates pathology classification, visual explainability, anatomical segmentation, and automated clinical report generation into a unified system that incorporates adaptive aggregation strategies, heterogeneity, and non-IID distributions. The framework employs multi-layered differential privacy mechanisms and a secure communication infrastructure to ensure compliance with strict healthcare data protection standards. Experimental validation across four large-scale chest radiograph datasets (approximately 874k images) demonstrates that FedIHRAS retains 98.8\% of the diagnostic accuracy of a centralized model (mean AUC-ROC = 0.911 vs. 0.922) and achieves superior generalization to unseen institutions (94.2\% retention). Explainability and interpretability were preserved at near-centralized levels, with expert radiologists rating 94.6\% of attention maps as clinically reliable. Moreover, privacy robustness tests confirm strong resistance against inference and reconstruction attacks. FedIHRAS reduces barriers to collaborative research and mitigates algorithmic bias, ultimately offering a scalable and equitable solution for radiological analysis in real-world healthcare systems.

Abstract: Seasonal precipitation forecasting remains challenging in regions with complex topography and high climatic variability, such as the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study evaluates the performance of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)–based ensemble approach for seasonal precipitation prediction during 2024 and compares its results with those obtained from the NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2 (NCEP-CFSv2), a model from the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME). The AI model was trained using high-resolution precipitation data from the MERGE-CPTEC dataset and applied to generate seasonal forecasts. Model performance was assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Relative Error (RE). Observed seasonal precipitation anomalies for 2024 were also examined to contextualize forecast skill under different climatic conditions. The results show that the AI-based forecasts consistently outperform the NCEP-CFSv2 from NMME across all seasons, exhibiting lower error metrics and improved representation of spatial precipitation patterns. The highest forecast skill was observed during winter (JJA), when atmospheric conditions are more stable and precipitation variability is low. During the wet seasons (DJF and SON), despite increased convective activity and spatial heterogeneity, the AI model maintained greater spatial coherence and closer agreement with observations than the dynamical forecasts. Overall, the findings demonstrate that AI-based approaches represent a promising and computationally efficient complementary tool for regional-scale seasonal precipitation forecasting, particularly in climatically heterogeneous regions.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with implications for individual quality of life and society. Patients with IBS suffer a variety of symptoms but have few treatment options. The level of satisfaction with IBS treatment is low, stressing the need to expand the IBS treatment toolbox. The aim of this study is to describe drivers and barriers to the implementation of time-restricted eating TRE as a treatment alternative for patients with IBS. Methods: A convenience sample of 14 informants was drawn from a pool of 97 successful participants in an eight-week 16:8 TRE intervention. The informants participated in audio-recorded semi-structured in-depth interviews. Recordings were processed by a computer language model and interview transcripts were generated automatically. The transcripts were proofread, structured and analysed with a reflexive inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: The analysis generated six main themes consisting of 18 sub-themes in total. One main theme describes drivers of implementation concerning domains such as motivation, supporting factors, mentality, behaviour and determinants of sustainability. The results from this study are largely coherent with the findings from earlier feasibility studies conducted on other populations, but several key differences related to population characteristics emerged. Conclusions: Overall, the analysis suggests that TRE can be a feasible treatment option for IBS, but successful implementation is dependent on individual ability, external support and symptom relief.

Abstract: We present the Hvala algorithm, an ensemble approximation method for the Minimum Vertex Cover problem that combines graph reduction techniques, optimal solving on degree-1 graphs, and complementary heuristics (local-ratio, maximum-degree greedy, minimum-to-minimum). The algorithm processes connected components independently and selects the minimum-cardinality solution among five candidates for each component. \textbf{Empirical Performance:} Across 233+ diverse instances from four independent experimental studies---including DIMACS benchmarks, real-world networks (up to 262,111 vertices), NPBench hard instances, and AI-validated stress tests---the algorithm achieves approximation ratios consistently in the range 1.001--1.071, with no observed instance exceeding 1.071. \textbf{Theoretical Analysis:} We prove optimality on specific graph classes: paths and trees (via Min-to-Min), complete graphs and regular graphs (via maximum-degree greedy), skewed bipartite graphs (via reduction-based projection), and hub-heavy graphs (via reduction). We demonstrate structural complementarity: pathological worst-cases for each heuristic are precisely where another heuristic achieves optimality, suggesting the ensemble's minimum-selection strategy should maintain approximation ratios well below $\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414$ across diverse graph families. \textbf{Open Question:} Whether this ensemble approach provably achieves $\rho < \sqrt{2}$ for \textit{all possible graphs}---including adversarially constructed instances---remains an important theoretical challenge. Such a complete proof would imply P = NP under the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (SETH), representing one of the most significant breakthroughs in mathematics and computer science. We present strong empirical evidence and theoretical analysis on identified graph classes while maintaining intellectual honesty about the gap between scenario-based analysis and complete worst-case proof. The algorithm operates in $\mathcal{O}(m \log n)$ time with $\mathcal{O}(m)$ space and is publicly available via PyPI as the Hvala package.

Abstract: This study proposes a unified physical framework integrating conservation-based spatial foundations with discrete spatial quantum mechanics. By leveraging spatial quantum's localized splitting, adjacent capture, and density gradient effects, we develop a coherent explanation for the microscopic origins of gravity, cosmic expansion, dark matter, dark energy, and vacuum energy divergence. The theoretical mechanism posits that the total spatial volume remains strictly conserved, with space composed of indivisible fundamental units called spatial quantum. To maintain energy, momentum, and angular momentum conservation, bound matter continuously undergoes virtual particle processes—quantum information exchanges that require spatial quantum as the minimal physical degree of freedom, leading to their gradual increase over time. Gravity emerges as a geometric dynamics effect driven by spatial quantum density gradients, while cosmic expansion manifests as the continuous fragmentation of this conservation-based foundation into quantum units, observable through the light-cone causality structure. This model serves as a microscopic extension and refinement of general relativity, effectively addressing black hole singularities and Big Bang singularities. Without introducing dark matter particles, dark energy scalar fields, or additional gravitational corrections, it provides a self-consistent explanation for observed phenomena including galactic rotation curves, gravitational lensing, bullet clusters, and super-diffuse galaxies, while mitigating vacuum energy density divergence-induced "vacuum catastrophe" issues. The theory satisfies Lorentz covariance and local causality, featuring a relatively closed underlying structure with minimal assumptions, offering a potential pathway toward constructing a complete, singularity-free unified description of gravity and cosmology.

Abstract: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is molecularly heterogeneous; genotype-directed first-line therapy may improve outcomes. We conducted a single-center, prospective, non-randomized interventional study evaluating a molecularly adapted R-CHOP-X strategy with two-year follow-up. Between February 2023 and the data cut-off (September 16, 2025), 43 adults with newly diagnosed DLBCL (excluding high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary immune-privileged, and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas) underwent tumor genotyping using LymphGen after targeted sequencing: an initial cohort had Sanger sequencing of a 19-gene panel (n = 35) and a second cohort an expanded 60-gene panel (n = 8). All patients received one cycle of R-CHOP followed by five cycles of R-CHOP-X, with the additional agent (vorinostat, acalabrutinib, decitabine, or lenalidomide) selected according to molecular subtype. Response assessment followed Lugano criteria; adverse events were recorded per NCI CTCAE v5.0. The overall response rate was 100% (n = 43); complete response among patients completing therapy (n = 35) was 100%. At two years, overall survival was 92% (95% CI 83%–100%) and progression-free survival was 94% (95% CI 86%–100%); two early relapses occurred. These findings indicate that molecularly adapted R-CHOP-X is feasible and associated with high response rates and favorable two-year survival and warrant validation in larger randomized clinical trials.

Abstract: Following the evolution from theoretical foundations to advanced deep learning algorithms, a coherent overview of reinforcement learning (RL) is proposed in this tutorial. We begin with the mathematical formalization of sequential decision-making via Markov decision processes (MDPs). In MDP, Bellman equation and Bellman optimality equation play important roles, they provide for policy evaluation and the fundamental condition for optimal behavior, respectively. The movement from these equations to practical algorithms is explored, starting with model-based dynamic programming and progressing to model-free temporal-difference (TD) learning. As a pivotal model-free algorithm, Q-learning directly implements the Bellman optimality equation through sampling. To handle high-dimensional state spaces, function approximation and deep reinforcement learning emerge, exemplified by Deep Q-Networks (DQN). Thereafter, actor-critic methods address the challenge of continuous action spaces. As a typical actor-critic scheme, the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is illustrated in detail on how it adapts the principles of optimality to continuous control by maintaining separate actor and critic networks. Finally, the tutorial concludes with a unified perspective, observing the development of RL as a logical progression from defining optimality conditions to developing scalable solution algorithms. Furthermore, future directions are summarized.

Abstract: This qualitative research examines expert advice on interventions for populations facing social vulnerability. Based on semi-structured interviews with professionals in psy-chosocial support, health, education, human geography and public policy, the study employs reflexive thematic analysis to detect common themes in how vulnerability is perceived and managed in practice. The results identify three interconnected interpre-tive clusters: first, viewing vulnerability as a product of structural factors, highlighting issues like institutional fragmentation, bureaucratic obstacles, and policy inconsisten-cies rather than individual shortcomings; second, emphasizing relational and recogni-tion processes, such as trust, active listening, and respect for personal journeys as key to meaningful engagement; and third, focusing on mediation and empowerment tactics, including institutional mediation, critical education, and digital literacy, to improve access and agency without shifting responsibility to individuals. Overall, the findings suggest that effective intervention demands integrated strategies that address struc-tural conditions, relational factors, and empowerment methods. By consolidating expert insights, the study offers empirically based guidance for practice and service organiza-tion, emphasizing the need for structurally aware, relationally grounded, and con-text-sensitive responses to current vulnerabilities.

Abstract: Background: Polysaccharide-based dynamic hydrogels are promising for wound management due to their biocompatibility, injectability, and tunable biofunctionality. The integration of therapeutic gasotransmitter donors offers a strategy to modulate the wound microenvironment. Objectives: This study aimed to develop an injectable, self-healing carbohydrate hydrogel capable of sustained hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) release for burn wound therapy, and to evaluate its physicochemical properties, in vivo efficacy, and mechanism of action. Methods: A dynamic hydrogel (ACMOD) was fabricated via Schiff-base crosslinking between oxidized dextran (OD) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), incorporating the H₂S donor ADT-OH. Rheological and recovery tests characterized its mechanical and self-healing properties. Efficacy and mechanisms were assessed in a rat full-thickness burn model, analyzing wound closure, histology, oxidative stress, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Results: ACMOD exhibited shear-thinning, rapid self-healing, and strong tissue adherence. Sustained H₂S release from ACMOD significantly accelerated wound closure and improved tissue regeneration compared to controls. Mechanistically, H₂S attenuated oxidative stress, promoted a pro-regenerative M2 macrophage phenotype, enhanced angiogenesis via VEGF upregulation, and fostered organized collagen deposition and extracellular matrix remodeling. Conclusions: This work demonstrates a versatile, carbohydrate-based dynamic hydrogel platform that synergizes polymer network dynamics with bioactive H₂S delivery to effectively promote burn wound healing. The findings underscore the potential of polysaccharide hydrogels with integrated gasotransmitter release for regenerative therapy and biomaterials applications.

Abstract: The construction of partial minimum spanning trees being NP-hard, several heuristic algorithms have already been formulated. Many of these heuristics (such as Kruskal's) use shortest paths to connect the components of the tree. In this work, we present an approximate construction algorithm for the minimum Steiner tree (the optimal tree for diffusion multicast). This construction is based on graph-related structures more advantageous than shortest paths. The algorithm uses connections like simple Steiner trees if necessary. These simple trees can be represented by hyperedges. A hyper metric closure can also be used.

Abstract: Objective: The relationship between social demographic factors and biomarker expression is less studied. Methods: We have reviewed 645 endometrial carcinomas with demographic information including race/ethnicity, marital status, religious belief, body mass index (BMI), and pathology staging as well as DNA mismatch repair enzyme expression (MMR) status. Statistical analysis was performed by using various programs in R-package. Results: A total of 645 hysterectomy specimens of endometrial carcinoma, including 463 low grade carcinomas (72%) and 182 high grade carcinomas (28%) were reviewed. Race/ethnicity and marital status were found significantly associated with patient’s age (p<0.01), BMI/obesity (p<0.01) and religious belief (p<0.01). Patients’ marital status was also significantly associated with tumor grade (p=0.01). MMR deficiency was statistically associated with patients’ age (p<0.01) and marital status (p=0.02) in overall endometrial carcinoma. MMR deficiency was also significantly associated with tumor grade (p<0.01), nodal metastasis (p<0.01), and FIGO stages (p<0.01) in low grade endometrial carcinoma but not in high grade endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion: Social demographic factors appear not only as risk factors for pathogenesis but also affect the tumor pathology grade, MMR expression status, clinical stages, nodal metastasis and ultimately treatment and prognosis. These correlative data also provide preliminary and incremental basis for more rigorous prospective study for MMR expression in endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract: Accurate classification of physical activity (PA) intensity is essential for exercise prescription, rehabilitation monitoring, and evaluation of guideline adherence; however, widely used wrist-worn accelerometer cut-points may substantially misclassify physiological intensity. This study evaluated absolute accelerometer thresholds during a maximal 2400m run in military office workers and examined whether individualized cut-points improve agreement with physiological intensity. Seventy-four military office workers completed the test while wearing a wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X Link and a chest-worn Zephyr BioHarness. Participants achieved near-maximal physiological effort, with peak heart rate averaging 187 ± 11 bpm (95 ± 4.2% age-predicted HRmax). Despite this high intensity, absolute wrist-worn cut-points classified only 34.5% of participants as performing vigorous activity for most of the test. Individualized cut-points, derived from each participant’s individual reference intensity, calculated as the three highest consecutive one-minute epochs during the 2400m test, substantially improved validity. Agreement with %HRmax increased from fair (κ = 0.31), using absolute thresholds, to good (κ = 0.74), using individualized thresholds, and intraclass correlation increased from 0.52 to 0.81. These findings demonstrate that absolute cut-points markedly underestimate high-intensity activity, potentially leading to inaccurate exercise load monitoring and misinterpretation of training intensity. Individualized calibration during a standardized maximal running test provides a feasible, scalable strategy to improve the validity of intensity assessment using wearables in occupational, clinical, and sports settings.

Abstract: Being the second-largest producer of horticultural products, the sector in India is experiencing supply chain issues. Thus, the primary objective of this research is to use the resource curse and cluster theories to assess how the horticulture supply chain affects the smallholders' livelihoods. Independent (Horticulture Supply Chain Efficiency- HSCE), dependent (Smallholders' Livelihood Development- SLD), and moderating (Farmers Producer Organization Intervention- FPOI) variables are all included in the analysis. Using a combination of literature reviews, expert interviews, and focus groups, the researcher developed a preliminary research framework and measuring instruments for each latent construct. The instrument has been validated using face and language validation, followed by a pilot study and main study with 405 responses. Both SmartPLS 4.0 and SPSS 25.0 have been used for that purpose. This study found both HSCE and FPOI directly impacted SLD, explaining 65% of the variance, mostly by SC collaboration, followed by agricultural credit, SC infrastructure, and FPO. However, contrary to the theoretical part, the moderating effect was found to be negatively significant. This indicates the immaturity of FPOs to amplify these factors, which can draw the attention of policymakers to make necessary arrangements.

Abstract: Microplastics are emerging environmental contaminants capable of crossing epithelial barriers and circulating systemically, potentially affecting organisms, including humans. This study investigated the hematological and biochemical effects of subchronic oral exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in male Swiss albino mice. Animals received 1 μm PS-MPs in drinking water at 0.01 mg/day for four weeks, followed by a two-week recovery period. Blood samples were collected weekly for analysis. PS-MP exposure increased white blood cell, lymphocyte, and granulocyte counts, with a reduced monocyte percentage after the first week, and a significant rise in platelet count by week six. Elevated alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities indicated hepatic injury, while altered urea and creatinine levels suggested renal impairment. No significant recovery was observed after PS-MP withdrawal. These findings demonstrate that subchronic oral PS-MP exposure induces inflammatory responses and disrupts liver and kidney function.

Abstract: This article presents a reflective survey of research contributions that are related to functional thin film materials, photovoltaic-related architectures, and energy-oriented applications. By synthesising findings from multiple investigations focused on semiconductors, metal-oxide composite systems, nanostructured coatings, and building relevant constituents, the work concentrates on proceeding of fabrication strategies as well as structure-property interrelationships and application-driven performance metrics. Rather than giving a full review of the literature, the article combines some of the experimental observations to highlight recurrent themes such as process optimisation, interface engineering, and multifunctional material behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on the modulation of optical, electrical, and functional performance by modest variations in deposition conditions, dopant incorporation strategies, and structural design. A cross-there theme analysis shows practical feasibility, long-term stability, and scalability as important as peak performance in determining the suitability of advanced materials for energy applications. Unlike conventional component-focused reviews, this perspective articulates a translational design logic linking materials processing decisions directly to device reliability and system-level energy performance, providing a conceptual framework for accelerating lab-to-field deployment of sustainable energy technologies. The purpose is to highlight cross-cutting translational challenges and design principles that link functional materials to device- and system-level deployment, with particular relevance to real-world and remote-environment energy applications.

Abstract: Machine learning capabilities are expanding into scientific domains at an accelerating pace. When applied to high energy physics pattern discovery, they will generate candidates faster than traditional evaluation can absorb. ML finds patterns in past data. It is inherently post hoc. Whether those patterns reflect structure or coincidence is unknowable at discovery time. This limitation applies equally to human and computational pattern finding. What differs is scale. ML candidate generation is effectively unbounded, while human evaluation capacity remains fixed. When generation rate exceeds evaluation bandwidth, binary accept or reject degenerates to random sampling. Information theoretically, the only response that preserves ranking under a finite evaluation budget is stratification. By focusing on stratification rather than binary filtering, rule adjustments can be made retroactively, thresholds tuned as results accumulate, and evaluation bandwidth focused on top ranked candidates. This paper attempts to codify those criteria, proposing seven computationally evaluable standards for stratifying ML generated patterns. The goal is not to deliver verdicts but to prioritize which candidates merit preregistration and longitudinal tracking. The framework preserves the essential paradigm: pattern plus theory equals potentially real physics. Patterns alone, however striking, remain candidates until theoretical understanding arrives. Making these criteria explicit enables prefiltering at scale while creating a collaborative resource rather than a competitive one. ML capabilities extend what physicists can search while preserving how physicists evaluate. We offer this provisional framework for community calibration, with the goal of developing validation infrastructure before the capability fully arrives.

Abstract: This research answers the knowledge gap regarding the explanation of the quantum jump of the electron. This scientific paper aims to complete Einstein’s research regarding general relativity and attempt to link general relativity to quantum laws.

Abstract: To explore the responses of soil aggregate composition and stability to different grazing intensities in alpine meadow of the Qilian Mountains, no grazing (CK) was set as the control, with four treatments including light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), heavy grazing (HG) and extreme grazing (EG) established. The characteristics of soil aggregates in the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm soil layers were determined by the dry sieving method and wet sieving method, and three stability parameters including the mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and fractal dimension (D) were analyzed. Combined with environmental and biological factors, the mechanisms underlying the effects of grazing on soil aggregates structure and stability were elucidated. The results showed that: (1) Soil aggregates with the particle size of 5–10 mm were the dominant fraction in the soil structure of the alpine meadow, and this fraction changed drastically with grazing intensity. CK maintained relatively high aggregate mechanical stability but exhibited weaker resistance to water erosion compared to grazed plots. Under the CK condition, the content of water-stable aggregates with the 5–10 mm particle size decreased significantly compared with mechanical-stable aggregates (by 60.07% in the topsoil and 70.66% in the subsoil). Light and moderate grazing maintained a dynamic balance and high stability of soil structure. Heavy and extreme grazing intensified soil structure fragmentation and overall stability declined. (2) Soil aggregate stability was correlated with environmental factors. Altitude and soil bulk density were significantly positively correlated with aggregate stability (P&lt;0.001).Root biomass exerted a significant effect on the stability indices of mechanically stable aggregates in the topsoil (P&lt;0.05); high root biomass destroyed soil macroaggregates but enhanced the resistance to water erosion. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), phosphorus (SMBP) were significantly positively correlated with GMD of water-stable aggregates, but negatively correlated with GMD, MWD and D of mechanical-stable aggregates, also MWD and D of water-stable aggregates. Nitrate nitrogen had a positive effect on aggregate stability, while ammonium nitrogen had a negative effect. (3) The stability of aggregate in different soil layer varied under different grazing intensity. Under LG and MG conditions, the subsoil exhibited higher aggregate stability than the topsoil, whereas the opposite pattern was observed under HG, EG and CK conditions. Therefore, from the perspective of soil structural stability and sustainable utilization, light and moderate grazing are the optimal utilization patterns for alpine meadow in the Qilian Mountains. It not only maintains the structural stability of subsoil aggregates but also balances biological cementation and physical disturbance, avoiding aggregate water stability insufficiency under no grazing and the risk of structural fragmentation under heavy or extreme grazing. The findings provide a scientific basis for rational grazing management and soil conservation in alpine meadow of the Qilian Mountains.

Abstract: Spatial light field metrics such as mean cylindrical illuminance provide essential information for qualitative lighting evaluation, yet they remain far less common in practice than horizontal illuminance. To address this gap, we present a multi-sensor prototype that simultaneously measures horizontal illuminance Eh and approximates mean cylindrical illuminance Ez from a set of vertical illuminances uniformly spaced around a cylindrical surface. The device uses a flexible PCB wrapped around a support barrel and an inertial and magnetic measurement unit for orientation tracking. The measurements enable direct calculation of the modelling factor defined in the technical standard EN 12 464 and visualization of directional light distribution using polar plots and illuminance solid. Results show that the prototype approximates mean cylindrical illuminance with high accuracy while preserving directional information, allowing the illuminance solid to be decomposed into vector and symmetric components. Compared with conventional approximation methods, the proposed multi-sensor approach reduces spatial error and yields richer data for lighting analysis. These findings indicate that multi-sensor systems can bridge the gap between theoretical spatial metrics and practical photometry and support the improved modelling evaluation and integration of qualitative lighting parameters into routine workflows.

Abstract: Gaze analysis often relies on hypothesized, subjectively defined ROIs or heatmaps: ROIs enable condition comparisons but reduce objectivity and exploration, while heatmaps avoid this, they require many pixel-wise comparisons, making differences hard to detect. Here, we propose an advanced data driven approach for analysing gaze behaviour. We use DNNs to classify conditions from gaze patterns, paired with reverse correlation to show where and how gaze differs between conditions. We test our approach on data from an experiment investigating the effects of object specific sound (e.g. church bell ringing) on gaze allocation. ROI-based analysis shows a significant difference between conditions (congruent sound, no sound, phase scrambled sound and pink noise) with more gaze allocation on sound associated objects in the congruent sound condition, however, as expected significance depends on the definition of the ROIs. Heatmaps show some not very clear qualitative differences, but none are significant after correcting for pixelwise comparisons. Our approach shows that sound alters gaze allocation in some scenes, revealing task-specific, non-trivial strategies: fixations are not always drawn to the sound source but shift away from salient features, sometime falling between salient features and the sound source. Overall, the method is objective, data-driven, and enables clear condition comparisons.