Restoration Quality Research Articles

MMP Inhibition, Marginal Integrity and Cytotoxicity of Zinc-Releasing GIC

ObjectivesThe degradation of the restorative-dentin interface due to endogenous dentin enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a significant issue that accelerates the deterioration of the dentin matrix and leads to the failure of restorative treatments. Caredyne Restore (CR), a novel glass ionomer cement (GIC) with zinc ions in its formulation, represents the latest effort to mitigate this issue. This investigation aimed to evaluate the MMPs inhibitory effect, marginal integrity, and cytotoxicity of CR compared to a conventional GIC, Fuji IX (FIX). MethodsThe inhibitory effect of CR on MMPs activity was evaluated using in-situ zymography to visualize the endogenous gelatinolytic activity in the GIC-dentin interface. Additionally, CR's sealing properties were investigated using dye-assisted confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) to assess marginal leakage across the GIC-dentin interface. Both in-situ zymography and CLSM observations were conducted 1 day and seven days after pH cycling. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the GIC eluates was examined on rat dental pulp cells (RPC-C2A). Assay measurements were performed after 24 and 48 h of incubation with test solutions prepared using various GIC eluate concentrations. ResultsThe MMPs activity of the CR specimens was significantly lower than that of FIX specimens after seven days of pH cycling. Signs of marginal leakage were also lower in the CR specimens. Comparison of CR and FIX eluates at the same concentration showed no significant difference in terms of biocompatibility. ConclusionsCaredyne restore is capable of inhibiting endogenous enzyme activity and improving sealing properties, while maintaining sufficient biocompatibility. Clinical SignificanceZinc ions released from Caredyne Restore offer a safe way to improve the quality of dental restorations and promote minimally invasive treatment, especially in lesions where the dentin matrix is susceptible to enzymatic degradation and recurrent caries.

A novel chitosan/biochar-modified eco-concrete with balanced mechanical, planting, and water purification performance for riparian restoration

The blocking between terrestrial and riverine ecosystems by impermeable concrete can cause negative impacts on plant growth, water quality, and biodiversity in riparian zones. Herein, pursuing a balance among mechanical, planting, and water purification property, chitosan/biochar-modified eco-concrete (CBEC) was prepared as a new sustainable alternative for riparian protection, ecological restoration and water quality improvement. Compressive strength of CBEC with an optimized chitosan/biochar content of 6% could reach up to 14.05 MPa, meeting the requirements for stabilizing riparian slopes. Micromorphology characterization and porosity measurement (29.63%) confirmed the abundantly porous structure of CBEC, facilitating the soil-water nutrient exchange, plant growth and microbial attachment. The 30-d water tank cultivation observed that the physiological parameters of T. orientalis planted in CBEC, including biomass, chlorophyll, protein and starch, were greatly improved compared to unmodified eco-concrete (EC). Moreover, compared to EC, biochar-modified EC and chitosan-modified EC, the planting CBEC could most effectively decrease the levels of TN, NH4+-N, TP, and COD by 53.82%, 62.50%, 88.31%, and 57.95%, respectively. Specially, the planting CBEC could degrade a common but recalcitrant pesticide nitenpyram (NTP) by 32.83% into low-toxic substances, recognized by LC-MS analysis. Microbiological analysis revealed that CBEC greatly promoted the proliferation of both nutrient-transforming bacteria (e.g., Nitrospira and Pseudomonas) and some specific species dominating NTP degradation (e.g., Rhodococcus and Bacillus). Also, PICRUSt2 prediction results identified the enrichment of functional genes related to nitrogen and phosphorus transformation. Our findings can not only develop a superior multi-performance eco-concrete material but also provide a promising strategy for sustainable riparian restoration.

Image restoration through few-mode fiber using a new comprehensive attention model

Few-mode fibers (FMF) has unique advantages in single fiber imaging (SFI) in special applications. However, the limited number of transmission modes restricts the information carriers, hence the high-quality image restoration is a major challenge. A deep learning network with new comprehensive attention, called few-mode fiber Swin Transformer (FFST), is developed based on Swin Transformer V2 to realize successful image restoration with a FMF on handwriting letters and numbers. This network is proved outperforming nine widely used convolutional neural networks or Transformer-based models with four evaluation criteria. In addition, single-fiber-multi-location (SFML) experiment is conducted to investigate the effect of different view on imaging feasibility, the result of which shows that SFML can improve the restoration quality despite one object corresponds to multiple different speckle images, indicating that multi-mapping relationships has constructive effect in single FMF imaging. This paper provides a method for imaging in very narrow cavities.

Comparison of Marginal Integrity of Class-1 Restorations With Spectrum Tph-3 Versus Nexcomp In Mandibular Molars - A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To compare the marginal integrity of Class-1 restorations with Spectrum TPH-3 vs Nexcomp in mandibular molars. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Operative Dentistry Department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Sep 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: A total of 60 candidates were enrolled and allocated randomly to one of two groups, A and B. Group-A received spectrum TPH3 and Group-B received Nexcomp composite. Patients were followed up after 2 and 6 months for evaluation of marginal fractures with the help of loupes, probes, mouth mirrors and bitewing radiographs. Result: The rate of marginal fractures in Nexcomp were greater (27% at 2 months and 30% at 6 months) as compared to Spectrum TPH3 (73% at 2 months and at 77% 6 months) yielding a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p value= 0.004 and 0.001). Conclusion: Spectrum TPH gives a better quality of posterior restoration as compared to Nexcomp, contributing positively towards better quality of oral health for patient.

Correction of immune disorders under the influence of pharmacotherapy and extracorporeal magnetic stimulation with patients after surgical treatment of prostate adenoma

BACKGROUND: The course of benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with immunological disorders at the systemic and local level. Despite the wide arsenal of pharmacological agents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, some patients undergo surgical treatment. Postoperative management programmes should be aimed at reducing the risks of complications, including infectious-inflammatory complications. In this regard, the inclusion of immunomodulatory pharmacotherapy and therapeutic physical factors in the course of reconstructive treatment is reasonable and justified. AIM: To study the role of the complex effect of pharmacotherapy and extracorporeal magnetic stimulation in the correction of immune disorders with the patients after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There have been observed 88 patients after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, who underwent a medical rehabilitation at stages II and III. At stage II 43 patients in the comparison group underwent standardized drug therapy, individual exercise therapy; in the main group 45 patients additionally were prescribed immunomodulatory therapy with Tameritis. At stage III the patients of the comparison group continued pharmacotherapy, exercise therapy, and transrectal magnetic therapy; in the main group 45 patients were additionally prescribed extracorporeal magnetic stimulation. A method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to study the content of interleukins (IL); IPSS-QOL (International Prostate Symptom Score – Quality-of-Life) and SF-36 (The Short Form-36) were used to assess the quality of life. Confidence level (р) 0.05. RESULTS: After the second inpatient stage of rehabilitation the patients of the main group after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia had a decrease the level of pro-inflammatory IL by 47.5% on average (p 0.01) with an increase in the level of anti-inflammatory IL-10 by 36.2% (p 0.01). After the III outpatient rehabilitation stage, a positive dynamics significantly increased and amounted to 63.2% (p 0.01) and 51.9% (p 0.01), reaching the normative values in the population. It should be noted that the achieved results have been preserved in a long time. In the comparison group the positive dynamics was significantly lower (p 0.05; p 0.01) in all the cases after the II and III stages of rehabilitation. The patients of the main group were observed a decrease in the severity of urinary disorders (p 0.01), restoration of quality of life (p 0.05) according to IPSS-QOL and SF-36 questionnaires at significant inter-group values (p 0.05) with the same confidence. CONCLUSION: The integrated use of pharmacotherapy and extracorporeal magnetic stimulation with the patients after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia provides significant correction of immune disorders, restoration of physical and mental health.

How to alleviate seasonal limitations on water quality in farmland ditches? The importance of plant selection and configuration

In subtropical monsoon climate regions, traditional plants in constructed wetlands such as farmland ditches underperform in cold months, detracting from both purification capacity and esthetic appeal. To alleviate this weakness, this study introduced Phalaris arundinacea, a species with strong adaptability and cold tolerance, into a plant community dominated by Phragmites australis, constructing an ingenious composite plant community for year‐round water quality restoration and enhancement of attractiveness. First, laboratory simulations revealed significant seasonal differences in the removal rates of ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) by the P. arundinacea community and P. australis community under different pollutant loads. Phragmites australis showed superior NH3‐N and TN removal capabilities from May to October, whereas P. arundinacea excelled in the rest of the months throughout the year. For TP removal, P. australis outperformed P. arundinacea from July to October, while P. arundinacea was more effective from January to May. We then verified this in rear farmland ditches, where P. australis were strategically partial substituted with P. arundinacea (Partial Replacement Treatment [PRT]), and compared it with unchanged farmland ditches (Control Treatment). We found that PRT enhanced decontamination efficiency over the year, especially significantly improving the water quality during colder months. Hence, this study advocates a novel strategy for effective annual decontamination and maintenance of wetlands such as farmland ditches, highlighting the importance of seasonally adaptive plant communities for water restoration. This transformative approach dramatically advances the field of wetland management, insisting on the important role of cold‐resistant species for year‐round ecosystem service optimization.

Research of the impact of noise reduction methods on the quality of audio signal recovery

The subject of the study is the analysis of various filtering algorithms for the quality of the resulting audio files. The importance of audio line filtering has grown significantly in recent years due to its key role in a variety of applications such as speech reduction and artificial intelligence. Taking into account the growing demand for solving problems related to speech recognition, the processing of audio series becomes important for determining the accuracy and efficiency of the obtained solution.The purpose of the work is to study the impact of noise suppression methods on the quality of restoration of an audio signal, which was alternately noisy with one of five types of noise - white, pink, brown, impulse, Gaussian with different power. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were solved: an analysis of the types of noise was carried out and analysis of noise reduction and filtering methods. A generalized model of noise reduction and filtering was developed, and an experiment was planned depending on the type and power of noise. Simulation of the experiment was performed by comparing the parameters of the signal-to-noise ratio before and after the experiment and the peak signal-to-noise ratio in the processed file. The following methods are used: spectral subtraction, filtering based on frequency filters and wavelet transformation.The following results were obtained: depending on the selected noises and algorithms, it was possible to achieve the lowest value of the peak signal-to-noise ratio of 21.52db, and the signal-to-noise ratio increased, which allowed further work with these audio files. The practical significance of this work is the increase in the number of available audio files for further work.Conclusions: the analysis of the obtained results showed that filtering based on frequency filters only worsened the output signal, that is, not only noise, but also useful information is filtered. In all runs, the SNR deteriorates to - 18dB. which is worse than no filtering. Algorithms of spectral subtraction and wavelet transformation improved SNR parameters and output audio files noisy with the most powerful noises in the range of 20dB, which can be considered acceptable for further processing. The results highlight the importance of using denoising and filtering for complex audio processing tasks, particularly neural network training tasks.

Концептуальні засади визначення ефективності виконання завдань і заходів державних цільових програм розвитку для підвищення ефективності управління автомобільними дорогами

Introduction. Effective functioning of road transport is only possible when the quantitative growth, quality level, and technical condition of roads meet the demands of road transport. This combination of road network characteristics can only be achieved with adequate funding to implement all planned works. Investments in road infrastructure can become a catalyst for economic recovery and growth, as they will improve logistics capabilities, reduce freight and passenger transportation costs, and enhance regional competitiveness. Problem Statement. In the first decades of independence, the road industry faced chronic underfunding, which negatively affected its development. The situation worsened with the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation in 2024. According to the World Bank's “Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3)” report, post-war recovery needs for public roads and bridges alone are estimated at around USD 28.8 billion. For the rapid and quality restoration and development of Ukraine, this issue is critically important, as the state of the roads affects transportation costs, prices, employment levels, and the overall pace of economic development. Furthermore, the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation raises questions about ensuring reliable logistics routes, prompt transportation of humanitarian aid, and the country's defense capabilities.

An Update on the Conservation Status Assessment of two Endangered Freshwater Mussel Species in Bavaria, Germany

ABSTRACTThe two highly endangered European mussel species Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus are target species of conservation. Based on a recently completed systematic state‐wide monitoring of each 22 M. margaritifera and 22 U. crassus streams in Bavaria, Germany, we present an update on population trends, conservation status, habitat quality and threats for both species. Populations status and habitat quality varied strongly between M. margaritifera and U. crassus streams, but there was also great variability within each of those groups. The population decline of M. margaritifera has continued, albeit higher proportions of juveniles originating from artificial breeding programmes have been established in some streams. Habitat quality often did not match known requirements as evident from poor stream bed quality, lack of hosts and elevated nutrient levels. In contrast, U. crassus populations showed a better status, with an increase in population size over all sampled streams. Successful recruitment was indicated by high proportions of juveniles. However, no mussels older than 16 years were found, probably due to predation and structural stream maintenance measures. Climate change effects, such as extreme droughts, affected both species. This study demonstrates different needs in conservation management for both species. Although mitigation of drought effects is commonly needed for both species, tackling host fish management and direct threats such as predation should be prioritized in U. crassus, whereas restoration of prime habitat quality and intact catchments is key to enable natural recruitment and sustainable populations of M. margaritifera.

Влияние ополаскивателей полости рта на стабильность цвета эстетических реставраций

Over the past decades, intensive work has been carried out to expand the possibilities of aesthetic dentistry; the range of demands from patients has also increased. One of the main conditions for the long service life of filling material is careful oral care using the full arsenal of available hygiene products. We analyzed the effect of mouth rinses with various active ingredients (fluorine, chlorhexidine digluconate, medicinal plant extracts) on the level of oral hygiene, as well as on the quality of the filling, in particular on the color of the aesthetic restoration after their use. At the end of the study, all subjects experienced a significant improvement in oral hygiene (decrease in API scores). However, a negative effect of a liquid product containing chlorhexidine digluconate (Waterdent “Chlorhexidine mouthwash with mint flavor”) on the quality of composite restorations has been established. The use of additional oral hygiene products can reduce the risk of caries, but their selection must be personalized so as not to have a negative impact on the aesthetics of composite restorations.

10-Hydroxy Decanoic Acid and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Retrieve Nrf2/HO-1 and Caspase-3/Bax/Bcl-2 Signaling in Lead-Induced Testicular Toxicity.

There has been a significant increase in human exposure to heavy metals (HMs) over the course of the previous century, primarily due to the extensive industrial processes. Male infertility is a prominent complication associated with lead exposure, wherein lead has the potential to accumulate within the testes, resulting in oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDA) is a component found in the secretions of worker bees and possesses the capacity to mitigate oxidative stress and prevent inflammation. Due to their advantageous properties, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) possess a wide range of applications in the field of biomedicine. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of 10-HDA and ZnO-NPs on testicular toxicity in rats induced by lead acetate (PbAc). PbAc was administered orally for a period of 3months. Following that, 10-HDA and/or ZnO-NPs were administrated for 1month. PbAc deformed seminal analysis, decreased seminal fructose and sex hormonal levels, and resulted inthe development of histopathological complications. Additionally, PbAc increased MDA and decreased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, confirmed by the declined antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, an increase in testicular inflammatory markers and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was observed subsequent to the administration of PbAc. The administration of 10-HDA and ZnO-NPs demonstrated significant efficacy in the restoration of semen quality, pituitary/gonadal hormones, antioxidants, and testicularhistoarchitecture. Moreover, 10-HDA and ZnO-NPs decreased testicular inflammatory markers and apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and Bax expression levels). In conclusion, combining 10-HDA and ZnO-NPs demonstrated synergistic potential in treating PbAc-induced testicular toxicity, thereby presenting a promising approach in nanomedicine and natural drugs.

Image sterilization via overwriting

Sterilization refers to the method of removing hidden information from images, effectively eradicating malicious data embedded within digital media. Existing methods are hampered by dual limitations: insufficient resilience to cutting-edge information hidden methods, coupled with the challenge of image restoration in quality. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes a novel method composed of overwriting attack and diffusion optimization stages. Employing the concept of pixel destruction, the overwriting method conducts a more thorough attack on hidden information while preserving sufficient information for image reconstruction and further diffusion optimization. This strategy is not bound to any particular information hiding method, making it effective against a wide range of steganography and watermarking techniques by systematically disrupting every pixel in the image. Diffusion optimization makes full use of the generative capabilities of diffusion models trained on large datasets, enabling higher quality image enhancements for a variety of scene images.Our method stands out in comparison to state-of-the-art studies, as experimental outcomes demonstrate its capability to maintain superior image integrity while efficiently eliminating hidden information across various steganography and watermarking techniques. Notably, when confronted with deep robust watermarking schemes, our approach exhibits a significant improvement over preceding methods. For instance, the removal rate improves significantly from 39.42% to 87.78% with higher quality restoration when compared to SC-Net. Our method delivers superior outcomes in the task of image sterilization, while presents a new challenge to the robustness of image information hiding methods and contributes to network security.

Outcomes of vital pulp treatment in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure with signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis.

To investigate the outcomes and factors influencing the success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis (IP). Dental records from 2016 to 2023 of patients who received VPT for carious pulp-exposed permanent teeth with IP symptoms were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed using clinical and radiographic criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting treatment success. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to compare survival probabilities. The overall success and survival rates were 88.24% and 97.06%, respectively. Success rates for direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and full pulpotomy were 87.7%, 92.0%, and 87.7%, respectively. Key factors influencing outcomes included the presence of periapical radiographic lesions, type of pulp dressing material, and quality of the final restoration. Full pulpotomy demonstrated the highest survival time, followed by partial pulpotomy and direct pulp capping. VPT in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and IP symptoms shows high success rates. Crucial factors include periapical radiographic findings, type of pulp dressing material, and quality of the final restoration. Full pulpotomy exhibited the longest survival time. VPT in teeth with IP symptoms shows promising outcomes, highlighting the importance of certain clinical factors in treatment success.

Standards‐based evaluation inform ecological restoration outcomes for a major mining activity in a global biodiversity hotspot

The International Principles and Standars for the Ecological Restoration and Recovery of Mine Sites were used to assess the restoration quality of one of the world's largest mines, located in the world's most biodiverse temperate forest. Quantitative analysis of longitudinal data spanning 35 years scored restoration quality at 2‐stars against a 5‐star forest ecosystem restoration target, with little indication of improvements from adaptive management. Two‐thirds of indicator plants were significantly under‐represented in early‐stage restoration and declined with age. Most plant species were effectively absent, including key structural species. Invasive plants and native legumes were persistently overabundant. Time required for the maturation of tree species will prevent the production of fundamental ecosystem features for well over a century (e.g. hollows and fallen logs), inhibiting functional fauna return (reptiles, bats, and conservation priority cockatoos in particular). The significantly different outcome compared with previous assessments is due to the age of restoration assessed and previous assumptions that early‐stage success indicate that restoration is on the correct, prolonged trajectory toward full ecological restoration. However, previous assessment methods did not consider many key metrics of the standards, nor accurately predict future restoration trajectory. In particluar, initial plant species richness (the only measure of biodiversity in the company's restoration completion criteria) did not reflect future restoration quality. These substandard restoration outcomes may result from removing the deep, multi‐layered bauxitic substrate on which the ecosystem evolved and establishing restoration on shallow topsoil over a more homogenized, impervious substrate. This study demonstrates the value of a robust, adaptable multi‐factor framework and methodology to evaluate restoration outcomes.

Direct Composite Restorations on Permanent Teeth in the Anterior and Posterior Region - An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline - Part 2: Recommendations for Composite Processing.

Part 2 of this German S3 clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the process of manufacturing composite restorations. It covers key aspects like caries removal, field isolation, matrix and adhesive techniques, as well as light curing and polishing. The outcomes of interest include survival rates and restoration quality. A systematic literature search was conducted by two methodologists using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library via the OVID platform, including studies up to December 2021. Additionally, the reference lists of relevant manuscripts were manually reviewed. Six PICO questions were developed to guide the search. Consensus-based recommendations were for- mulated by a panel of dental professionals from 20 national societies and organizations based on the collected evidence and ex- pert opinion. The guideline advocates for one-stage selective caries removal near the pulp and underscores the effectiveness of various isolation techniques, adhesive systems, and the crucial role of light polymerization. The use of anatomically pre- formed sectional matrices and phosphoric acid etching is recommended to enhance restoration quality. Additionally, polish- ing composite restorations is advised to improve surface finish. This guideline provides comprehensive recommendations that inform clinicians on optimizing the composite restor- ation manufacturing processes. The adoption of these best practices can improve the quality and longevity of dental restorations.

Direct Composite Restorations on Permanent Teeth in the Anterior and Posterior Region - An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline - Part 1: Indications for Composite Restorations.

This German S3 clinical practice guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for the use of composite materials in direct restorations of permanent teeth. Outcomes considered were the survival rates and restoration quality and process quality of the manufacturing process. Part 1 of this two-part presentation deals with the indication classes. A systematic literature search was conducted by two methodologists using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library via the OVID platform, including studies up to December 2021. Six PICO questions were developed to guide the search. Recommendations were formulated by a panel of dental professionals from 20 national societies and organizations based on the collected evidence. Composite materials are a viable option for the direct restoration of cavity Classes I-V and may also be used for restorations with cusp replacement, and tooth shape corrections. In the posterior region, direct composite restorations should be preferred over indirect composite inlays. For Class V restorations, composite materials can be used if adequate contamination control and adhesive technique are ensured. The guideline is the first to provide comprehensive evidence on the use of direct composite materials. However, further long-term clinical studies with comparators such as (modified) glass-ionomer cements are necessary. Regular updates will detail the future scope and limitations of direct composite restorations.

Suspended Load Estimation in Data Scarce Rivers

AbstractSediment rating curves (SRCs) are tools of satisfactory reliability in the attempt to describe the sediment regime in catchments with limited or poor-quality records. The study valorised the most suitable SRC development method for the estimation of the coarse suspended sediment load at the outlet of nine Mediterranean sub-watersheds. Four established grouping techniques were assessed, to minimize the uncertainty of the results, namely simple rating curve, different ratings for the dry and wet season of the year, hydrographic classification, and broken line interpolation, at three major Greek rivers (Aliakmon, Acheloos – upper route, Arachthos). The methods’ performance was benchmarked against sediment discharge field records, utilizing statistical measures and graphical analyses. The necessary observations were conducted by the Greek Public Power Corporation. The results were site/station dependent, and no methodology emerged as universally accepted. The analysis designated that the simple rating curve performs best at the cross-sections Moni Ilarion, Moni Prodromou, and Arta bridge, the different ratings for the dry and wet season of the year at Grevena bridge and Gogo bridge, the hydrographic classification at Velventos and Plaka bridge, and the broken line interpolation at Avlaki dam and Tsimovo bridge. In this regard, the study advocates the use of multiple SRC methods. Despite its limitations, the method merits a rather simple and cost-effective generation of a (continuous, detailed, sufficiently accurate) synthetic suspended sediment discharge timeseries, with high interpolating, extrapolating and reproducibility potential. The success of the application could benefit, among others, water quality restoration and dam management operations.

Structure-Guided Image Inpainting Based on Multi-Scale Attention Pyramid Network

Current single-view image inpainting methods often suffer from low image information utilization and suboptimal repair outcomes. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel image inpainting framework that leverages a structure-guided multi-scale attention pyramid network. This network consists of a structural repair network and a multi-scale attention pyramid semantic repair network. The structural repair component utilizes a dual-branch U-Net network for robust structure prediction under strong constraints. The predicted structural view then serves as auxiliary information for the semantic repair network. This latter network exploits the pyramid structure to extract multi-scale features of the image, which are further refined through an attention feature fusion module. Additionally, a separable gated convolution strategy is employed during feature extraction to minimize the impact of invalid information from missing areas, thereby enhancing the restoration quality. Experiments conducted on standard datasets such as Paris Street View and CelebA demonstrate the superiority of our approach over existing methods through quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Further ablation studies, by incrementally integrating proposed mechanisms into a baseline model, substantiate the effectiveness of our multi-view restoration strategy, separable gated convolution, and multi-scale attention feature fusion.

The Restorative Effects of Unique Green Space Design: Comparing the Restorative Quality of Classical Chinese Gardens and Modern Urban Parks

The Restorative Effects of Unique Green Space Design: Comparing the Restorative Quality of Classical Chinese Gardens and Modern Urban Parks

Deep Single Image Defocus Deblurring via Gaussian Kernel Mixture Learning.

This paper proposes an end-to-end deep learning approach for removing defocus blur from a single defocused image. Defocus blur is a common issue in digital photography that poses a challenge due to its spatially-varying and large blurring effect. The proposed approach addresses this challenge by employing a pixel-wise Gaussian kernel mixture (GKM) model to accurately yet compactly parameterize spatially-varying defocus point spread functions (PSFs), which is motivated by the isotropy in defocus PSFs. We further propose a grouped GKM (GGKM) model that decouples the coefficients in GKM, so as to improve the modeling accuracy with an economic manner. Afterward, a deep neural network called GGKMNet is then developed by unrolling a fixed-point iteration process of GGKM-based image deblurring, which avoids the efficiency issues in existing unrolling DNNs. Using a lightweight scale-recurrent architecture with a coarse-to-fine estimation scheme to predict the coefficients in GGKM, the GGKMNet can efficiently recover an all-in-focus image from a defocused one. Such advantages are demonstrated with extensive experiments on five benchmark datasets, where the GGKMNet outperforms existing defocus deblurring methods in restoration quality, as well as showing advantages in terms of model complexity and computational efficiency.