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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), renowned for their rapid deployment, extensive data collection, and high spatial resolution, are crucial in locating distressed individuals during search and rescue (SAR) operations. Challenges in maritime search and rescue include missed detections due to issues including sunlight reflection. In this study, we proposed an enhanced ABT-YOLOv7 algorithm for underwater person detection. This algorithm integrates an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN) to preserve the target feature information. The BiFormer module enhances the model’s perception of small-scale targets, whereas the task-specific context decoupling (TSCODE) mechanism effectively resolves conflicts between localization and classification. Using quantitative experiments on a curated dataset, our model outperformed methods such as YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv5, YOLOv8, Faster R-CNN, Cascade R-CNN, and FCOS. Compared with YOLOv7, our approach enhances the mean average precision (mAP) from 87.1% to 91.6%. Therefore, our approach reduces the sensitivity of the detection model to low-lighting conditions and sunlight reflection, thus demonstrating enhanced robustness. These innovations have driven advancements in UAV technology within the maritime search and rescue domains.

Unmanned rescue systems have become an efficient means of executing maritime search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of rescue personnel. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), due to their agility and portability, are well-suited for these missions. In this context, we introduce a lightweight detection model, YOLOv7-FSB, and its integration with ByteTrack for real-time detection and tracking of individuals in maritime distress situations. YOLOv7-FSB is our lightweight detection model, designed to optimize the use of computational resources on UAVs. It comprises several key components: FSNet serves as the backbone network, reducing redundant computations and memory access to enhance the overall efficiency. The SP-ELAN module is introduced to ensure operational speed while improving feature extraction capabilities. We have also enhanced the feature pyramid structure, making it highly effective for locating individuals in distress within aerial images captured by UAVs. By integrating this lightweight model with ByteTrack, we have created a system that improves detection accuracy from 86.9% to 89.2% while maintaining a detection speed similar to YOLOv7-tiny. Additionally, our approach achieves a MOTA of 85.5% and a tracking speed of 82.7 frames per second, meeting the demanding requirements of maritime search and rescue missions.

The stability and displacement response of soft-hard interbedded slopes under seismic loading are crucial in seismic geotechnical engineering. This study investigates the dynamic behavior of slopes composed of alternating hard and soft rock layers using FLAC3D with a Mohr–Coulomb constitutive model and the strength reduction method. Through a series of numerical simulations involving varying seismic intensities (0.1 g, 0.3 g, 0.5 g) and structural parameters such as slope angle, dip angle, rock strength ratio, and soft-hard thickness ratio, the effects on slope stability and displacement were analyzed. Under static conditions, the calculated safety factor ( Fs ) ranged from 1.69 to 6.42 across 15 slope models. Simulation results revealed that as the strength parameter k and hard-rock proportion increased, slope stability improved. Under dynamic loading, the safety factor showed a decreasing trend with increasing seismic acceleration. For example, in No.5 model, the safety factor decreased from 6.42 (static) to 4.86 (0.1 g), 3.21 (0.3 g), and 2.10 (0.5 g). Displacement time histories showed that horizontal displacements increased significantly with seismic intensity, with Point E recording a peak horizontal displacement exceeding 0.2 m under 0.5 g. Meanwhile, vertical displacement differentiated between slope top uplift and foot settlement, indicating interlayer shear-slip behavior. The results provide theoretical support for seismic-resistant design of interbedded rock slopes, emphasizing the need for enhanced support in high-intensity earthquake zones.

Platinum chemotherapy has a role in the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer but its full potential has probably not yet been reached. We assessed whether a cisplatin plus gemcitabine regimen was non-inferior to or superior to paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. For this open-label, randomised, phase 3, hybrid-designed trial undertaken at 12 institutions or hospitals in China, we included Chinese patients aged 18–70 years with previously untreated, histologically confirmed metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, and an ECOG performance status of 0–1. These patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either cisplatin plus gemcitabine (cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) or paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) given intravenously every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight cycles. Randomisation was done centrally via an interactive web response system using block randomisation with a size of eight, with no stratification factors. Patients and investigator were aware of group assignments. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival and analyses were based on all patients who received at least one dose of assigned treatment. The margin used to establish non-inferiority was 1·2. If non-inferiority of cisplatin plus gemcitabine compared with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine was achieved, we would then test for superiority. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01287624. From Jan 14, 2011, to Nov 14, 2013, 240 patients were assessed for eligibility and randomly assigned to treatment (120 in the cisplatin plus gemcitabine group and 120 in the paclitaxel plus gemcitabine group). 236 patients received at least one dose of assigned chemotherapy and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (118 per group). After a median follow-up of 16·3 months (IQR 14·4–26·8) in the cisplatin plus gemcitabine group and 15·9 months (10·7–25·4) in the paclitaxel plus gemcitabine group, the hazard ratio for progression-free survival was 0·692 (95% CI 0·523–0·915; pnon-inferiority<0·0001, psuperiority=0·009, thus cisplatin plus gemcitabine was both non-inferior to and superior to paclitaxel plus gemcitabine. Median progression-free survival was 7·73 months (95% CI 6·16–9·30) in the cisplatin plus gemcitabine group and 6·47 months (5·76–7·18) in the paclitaxel plus gemcitabine group. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events that differed significantly between the two groups included nausea (eight [7%] vs one [<1%]), vomiting (13 [11%] vs one [<1%]), musculoskeletal pain (none vs ten [8%]), anaemia (39 [33%] vs six [5%]), and thrombocytopenia (38 [32%] vs three [3%]), for the cisplatin plus gemcitabine compared with the paclitaxel plus gemcitabine groups, respectively. In addition, patients in the cisplatin plus gemcitabine group had significantly fewer events of grade 1–4 alopecia (12 [10%] vs 42 [36%]) and peripheral neuropathy (27 [23%] vs 60 [51%]), but more grade 1–4 anorexia (33 [28%] vs 10 [8%]), constipation (29 [25%] vs 11 [9%]), hypomagnesaemia (27 [23%] vs five [4%]), and hypokalaemia (10 [8%] vs two [2%]). Serious drug-related adverse events were seen in three patients in the paclitaxel plus gemcitabine group (interstitial pneumonia, anaphylaxis, and severe neutropenia) and four in the cisplatin plus gemcitabine group (pathological bone fracture, thrombocytopenia with subcutaneous haemorrhage, severe anaemia, and cardiogenic syncope). There were no treatment-related deaths. Cisplatin plus gemcitabine could be an alternative or even the preferred first-line chemotherapy strategy for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Shanghai Natural Science Foundation.

Presently, there is increasing interest in autonomous ships to reduce human errors and support intelligent navigation, where automatic collision avoidance and path planning is a key problem, especially in restricted waters. To solve this problem, a path-guided hybrid artificial potential field (PGHAPF) method is first proposed in this paper. It is essentially a reactive path-planning algorithm that provides fast feedback in a changeable environment, including dynamic target ships (TSs) and static obstacles, for steering an autonomous ship safely. The proposed strategy, which is a fusion of the potential field and gradient methods, consists of potential-based path planning for arbitrary static obstacles, gradient-based decision-making for dynamic TSs, and their combination with consideration of the prior path and waypoint selection optimization. A three-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of a Mariner class vessel and a low-level controller have been incorporated together in this method to ensure that the vessel’s positions are updated at each time step in order to acquire a more applicable and reliable trajectory. Simulations show that the PGHAPF method has the potential to rapidly generate adaptive, collision-free and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)-constrained trajectories in restricted waters by deterministic calculations. Furthermore, this method has the potential to perform path planning on an electronic chart platform and to overcome some drawbacks of traditional artificial potential field (APF) methods.

Background Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious complications in patients with diabetes. At present, there are no satisfactory treatments available for diabetic nephropathy. Stem cells are currently the main candidates for the development of new treatments for diabetic nephropathy, as they may exert their therapeutic effects mainly through paracrine mechanisms. Exosomes derived from stem cells have been reported to play an important role in kidney injury. In this article, we try to investigate whether exosomes retrieved from urine stem cells could itself prevent diabetic nephropathy at an early stage in vivo and in vitro. Methods Exosomes from conditioned medium of urine-derived stem cells (USCs-Exo) were isolated using ultrafiltration-combined purification methods. USCs-Exo were then verified by morphology, size, and specific biomarkers using transmission electron microscopy, tunable resistive pulse sensing analysis, and western blotting. After establishment of the streptozotocin-induced Sprague–Dawley rat model, the effects of USCs-Exo on kidney injury and angiogenesis were observed via weekly tail intravenous injection of USCs-Exo or control until 12 weeks. In vitro, podocytes cultured in high-glucose medium were treated with USCs-Exo to test the protective effect of USCs-Exo on podocytic apoptosis. Meanwhile, the potential factors in promoting vascular regeneration in USCs-Exo and urine-derived stem cell conditioned medium were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Urine-derived stem cells were cultured and were verified by positive markers for CD29, CD73, CD90 and CD44 antigens, and negative markers for CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. USCs-Exo were approximately 50–100 nm spherical vesicles, and the specific markers included CD9, CD63 and CD81. Intravenous injections of USCs-Exo could potentially reduce the urine volume and urinary microalbumin excretion, prevent podocyte and tubular epithelial cell apoptosis, suppress the caspase-3 overexpression and increase glomerular endothelial cell proliferation in diabetic rats. In addition, USCs-Exo could reduce podocytic apoptosis induced by high glucose in vitro. USCs-Exo contained the potential factors, including growth factor, transforming growth factor-β1, angiogenin and bone morphogenetic protein-7, which may be related with vascular regeneration and cell survival. Conclusion USCs-Exo may have the potential to prevent kidney injury from diabetes by inhibiting podocyte apoptosis and promoting vascular regeneration and cell survival.

Recent years have seen both a fresh knowledge of cancer and impressive advancements in its treatment. However, the clinical treatment paradigm of cancer is still difficult to implement in the twenty-first century due to the rise in its prevalence. Radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial component of cancer treatment that is helpful for almost all cancer types. The accuracy of RT dosage delivery is increasing as a result of the quick development of computer and imaging technology. The use of image-guided radiation (IGRT) has improved cancer outcomes and decreased toxicity. Online adaptive radiotherapy will be made possible by magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) using a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR-Linac), which will enhance the visibility of malignancies. This review's objectives are to examine the benefits of MR-Linac as a treatment approach from the perspective of various cancer patients' prognoses and to suggest prospective development areas for additional study.

Background Social capital has been linked to health behaviours, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Previous studies have found that health literacy played the role of a mediator in the relationships among social capital, individual physical activity and nutrition. But it is not clear whether eHealth literacy mediates the impact of social capital on health behaviours. Therefore, our research aimed to explore the relationships among social capital (structural and cognitive social capital), eHealth literacy, and the health behaviours of elderly people, and to analyse the mediating effect of eHealth literacy, while providing a theoretical basis for a health behaviour intervention for elderly people. Methods From January to February 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1201 Chinese people aged over 60 years using the Chinese Shortened Social Capital Scale (contains two subscales of structural social capital and cognitive social capital), eHealth Literacy Scale, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. We used structural equation modelling to test a hypothetical mediation model. Results The mean scores of social capital was 72.07 (SD = 13.03), 17.24 (SD = 9.34) for eHealth literacy, and 112.23 (SD = 23.25) for health behaviours. Social capital and eHealth literacy were significantly correlated with health behaviours, and social capital and structural social capital were significantly correlated with eHealth literacy. Lastly, eHealth literacy mediated the relationship between structural social capital and health behaviours. Conclusions eHealth literacy was an important mediating factor for elderly people’s structural social capital and health behaviours. Therefore, social capital and eHealth literacy must be considered when designing and implementing health behaviour intervention programmes for elderly people.

Particulate organic matter (POM) is distributed worldwide in high abundance. Although insoluble, it could serve as a redox mediator for microbial reductive dehalogenation and mineral transformation. Quantitative information on the role of POM in the natural occurrence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is lacking, but is needed to re-evaluate the sources of AgNPs in soils, which are commonly considered to derive from anthropogenic inputs. Here we demonstrate that POM reduces silver ions to AgNPs under solar irradiation, by producing superoxide radicals from phenol-like groups. The contribution of POM to the naturally occurring AgNPs is estimated to be 11–31%. By providing fresh insight into the sources of AgNPs in soils, our study facilitates unbiased assessments of the fate and impacts of anthropogenic AgNPs. Moreover, the reducing role of POM is likely widespread within surface environments and is expected to significantly influence the biogeochemical cycling of Ag and other contaminants that are reactive towards phenol-like groups. Silver nanoparticles are known environmental contaminants, however it is unclear whether they arise in soils through natural processes, anthropogenic processes, or both. Here Huang and colleagues offer fresh insight into the natural formation of these contaminants by soil particulate organic matter exposed to solar irradiation.

Ensuring navigational safety in nearshore waters is essential for the sustainable development of the shipping economy. Accurate ship identification and classification are central to this objective, underscoring the critical importance of ship detection technology. However, compared to open-sea surface, dense vessel distributions and complex backgrounds in nearshore areas substantially limit detection efficacy. Infrared vision sensors offer distinct advantages over visible light by enabling reliable target detection in all weather conditions. This study therefore proposes CGSE-YOLOv5s, an enhanced YOLOv5s-based algorithm specifically designed for complex infrared nearshore scenarios. Three key improvements are introduced: (1) Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization integrated with Gaussian Filtering enhances target edge sharpness; (2) Replacement of the feature pyramid network’s C3 module with a Swin Transformer-based C3STR module reduces multi-scale false detections; and (3) Implementation of an Efficient Channel Attention mechanism amplifies critical target features. Experimental results demonstrate that CGSE-YOLOv5s achieves a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 94.8%, outperforming YOLOv5s by 1.3% and surpassing other detection algorithms.