Quantification, radiomics and artificial intelligence in infection imaging: Current status and future directions in nuclear medicine.

This study examines whether auditory perception in audio-visual interactive virtual environments (IVE) is affected by the subjects’ awareness of being in a room with different physical properties and acoustic characteristics compared to the visually rendered room. This could potentially lead to the room divergence effect (RDE). We investigated whether ratings of room-acoustic attributes made within an audio-visual IVE were influenced by the room in which the IVE was used, i.e., the playback room, which was either congruent or divergent from the visually rendered room. The divergent room differed in terms of size, acoustic characteristics, and visual appearance. Participants rated room-acoustic attributes for different head-tracked binaural auralisations. The results show that for several room-acoustic attributes, similar ratings were obtained for both rooms, i.e., we found no effect of the room in which the listening test was performed. The only exception was the perceived source distance, where a small but statistically significant underestimation was found in the divergent room compared to the congruent room. Given the small difference in median scores, this effect may, however, be considered low in relevance. We conclude that audio-visual IVEs can create a convincing illusion of the room that resists influence from the playback room.

Development of biopolymer-based packaging films with excellent preservative effects is an important objective for maintaining the safety and nutrition of fresh fruits. In this study, novel starch-based packaging films were prepared using native pea starch (NPS) modified by octenyl succinic anhydride esterification, followed by complexation with lauric acid. After this dual modification, OSAPS-LA complexes were obtained with a typical V-type crystalline structure. Compared to films made from NPS, OSAPS, and NPS-LA, OSAPS-LA films had better water resistance and mechanical properties, as measured by a larger contact angle, lower water vapor permeability coefficient, and superior tensile strength and elongation at break. Moreover, OSAPS-LA films, especially 9%-OSAPS-LA-F exhibited better preservative effects with fresh grapes in terms of visual appearance, ascorbic acid retention rate, weight loss, and water migration during storage. This study opens the way for developing starch-based packaging films with promising preservative effects.

Exposure factor selection, exposure indicators and "Dose creep": Exploring knowledge, practices and experiences of diagnostic radiography students.

Internal-external boundary attention fusion for glass surface segmentation.

We propose SNI-SLAM++, a tightly-coupled semantic SLAM system utilizing neural implicit representation, that simultaneously performs accurate semantic mapping, high-quality surface reconstruction, and robust camera tracking. Our system tightly integrates visual appearance, geometry, and semantics through five key components: (i) We introduce hierarchical semantic representation to allow multi-level semantic comprehension for top-down structured semantic mapping of the scene. (ii) To fully utilize the correlation between multiple attributes of the environment, we integrate appearance, geometry and semantic features through cross-attention for feature collaboration. This strategy enables a more multifaceted understanding of the environment, thereby allowing SNI-SLAM++ to remain robust even when single attribute is defective. (iii) We design an internal fusion-based decoder to obtain semantic, RGB, and Truncated Signed Distance Field (TSDF) values from multi-level features for accurate decoding. (iv) We introduce a semantics-coupled tracking framework that tightly incorporates semantic constraints for camera pose estimation in neural implicit SLAM. This framework leverages the multi-view consistency of semantics to construct a pose graph and perform semantic loop closure optimization, enabling robust tracking. (v) We propose a feature loss to update the scene representation at the feature level. Compared with low-level losses such as RGB loss and depth loss, our feature loss is capable of guiding the network optimization on a higher level. Our SNI-SLAM++ demonstrates superior performance over all recent visual SLAM methods in terms of mapping and tracking accuracy on the datasets of Replica, ScanNet, TUM-RGBD, and ScanNet++, while also showing excellent capabilities in accurate semantic segmentation and 3D semantic mapping.

The issue of sustainable fashion has encouraged the development of fashion products that are not only oriented toward aesthetics, but also toward efficiency of use and product sustainability. One relevant design approach in this context is transformative or convertible fashion. This study aims to describe the design process and analyze the quality of “Lumora” convertible partywear, a garment that offers more than one visual appearance within a single product while maintaining the essential characteristics of party attire. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method using the ADDIE model, which consists of the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Product quality was assessed through validation tests conducted by expert panelists and trained panelists, based on several indicators, including design, aesthetics, sewing and finishing techniques, overall appearance performance, and product uniqueness. The results indicate that the “Lumora” convertible party dress falls into the very feasible category. The novelty of this research lies in the development of convertible partywear as a sustainable fashion solution through improved efficiency of use, supported by a systematic analysis of product quality. The findings suggest that convertible fashion designs have strong potential to support sustainable fashion practices by reducing the need for ownership of multiple party garments.

Educational games are an effective media to improve the youth’s understanding on national history, especially when the game is presented in an interactive and engaging manner. The adoption of Finite State Machines (FSM) in 2D games makes the game to be more realistic and more dynamic. This research aims to develop an Android-based ‘Bung Tomo Adventure’ game by adopting the FSM method to control character’s behavior and to enhance the user's playing experience. The research methodologies include literature review, system’s design, coding using Godot Engine, Black Box Testing, device testing, and user evaluation. Besides that, the Black Box testing outcome shows that the game features work as expected. The user experience testing shows that 87% respondents gave positive response (categories Good and Average), which means this game is quite well received especially in terms of storyline and ease of play, although some aspects such as visual appearance and game distribution need more improvement.

Abstract Loop closure detection is pivotal for correcting drift in visual SLAM but remains challenging in complex indoor environments with lighting variations and repetitive textures. To address the limitations of traditional feature-based methods in utilizing high-level semantics, this paper proposes LCDSSIC, a coarse-to-fine object-level loop closure detection method leveraging spatial-semantic information consistency. The proposed approach effectively fuses visual appearance and depth information through a hierarchical strategy: deep global features (NetVLAD) are first employed for efficient candidate retrieval, followed by a fine-grained consistency check. This fine stage integrates geometric-semantic view probability, depth-derived 3D relative positioning, and color-based semantic features into a unified similarity metric to strictly verify spatial and semantic alignment. Extensive experiments on TUM RGB-D and ScanNet datasets demonstrate that LCD-SSIC outperforms state-of-theart techniques, including ORB-SLAM3 and SemanticTopoLoop. The results show that our method achieves 100% precision and superior LCD-scores (e.g., 0.980 on TUM fr2-desk), proving its robust capability in distinguishing geometrically similar but distinct scenes.

Every year worldwide, citrus processing generates large volumes of by-products, often wasted, although rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, mandarin peel (Citrus reticulata) was used as a source of functional compounds for the development of guar gum/chitosan functionalized edible films. The response surface methodology was used for both bioactive extraction and edible film formulation. For extraction, the optimization focused on extraction time, solvent composition (acetone/water ratio), and solvent/solid ratio, while for edible film, the guar gum/chitosan ratio, glycerol content, and mandarin peel extract concentration were selected as critical formulation variables. The predictive models exhibited high statistical significance (p < 0.05), adequate predictive ability, and good consistency of predicted and experimental values. The extraction optimization allowed significant results in total polyphenols (329.59 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (42.6 mg QE/g), and total carotenoids (1.53 mg/g) associated with significant antioxidant activity. Mandarin peel bioactive compounds integrated into composite edible film resulted in excellent functional properties in terms of swelling index (65.83%), water absorption (65.48%), weight loss (41.91%) and visual appearance (L* 89.30). These findings support formulating chitosan-guar gum films with mandarin peel bioactives, advancing biopolymer-based approaches toward next-generation sustainable packaging.

Ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymers (EPDM) exhibit good mechanical strength and aging resistance, making them suitable for protective coatings in paper-based heritage conservation. However, conventional initiator-assisted grafting methods often lead to discoloration, low grafting degree, and gelation, ultimately limiting their practical application. To address these issues, this study developed an initiator-free melt-grafting method to synthesize maleic anhydride (MAH)-grafted EPDM utilizing styrene (St) as a comonomer. Under heat and shear conditions, St facilitated the reaction between EPDM macroradicals and MAH, enabling efficient grafting without external chemical initiators. This approach achieved a grafting degree of 1.9%, while maintaining high optical transparency and resistance to yellowing, thus preserving the paper’s visual appearance. When applied as a coating, the modified EPDM significantly enhanced paper performance, increasing the tensile strength and folding endurance by 123% and 526%, respectively. Furthermore, the coated paper demonstrated improved stability under dry heat and hydrolytic aging conditions. These findings indicate that EPDM-g-(St-MAH) is an effective and durable material for long-term preservation of paper artifacts.

ABSTRACT Contemporary architecture in rapidly globalizing cities faces the challenge of balancing visual recognition with contextual and cultural identity. While the visual and symbolic roles of buildings have drawn attention, a methodological gap persists in linking measurable physical attributes with perceived symbolic meaning. This study addresses that gap by proposing two-phased psychophysical framework employing a mixed-method approach that integrates quantitative visual appearance analysis across urban and building scales with qualitative visual perception based on human responses. In the first phase, the physical attributes of contemporary buildings, focusing on dimension, massing, complexity, are identified through archival review, silhouette drawings, and field observations. In the second phase, perceptual responses are captured by Semantic Differential Scale from 202 participants, including both architects and non-architects. Findings reveal that symbolic meaning arises not merely from size and scale or iconic narratives but from contextual coherence, originality, continuity, and perceived connection to local pattern. By synthesizing objective and subjective dimensions, this research establishes an empirically grounded and transferable framework for interpreting the relationship between authentic form and symbolic meaning in contemporary architecture. The framework contributes to the understanding of how buildings can enhance visual recognition, offering valuable insights for culturally responsive design strategies in globalizing urban contexts.

To enable burgeoning reef restoration efforts, the production of coral larvae in captive aquaculture needs to maximize survival and yields. While current coral larval rearing methods are generally successful, the approaches vary, and larval yields can be limited due to gradual declines in larval quality or sudden crashes. Here, we reared Acropora sp. nov. aff. kenti and Acropora spathulata larvae for seven days under different stocking densities (0.3, 1.0, or 2.0 larvae mL-1), water volume turnover rates (0.2 or 0.6 vol. hr-1), and with or without UV sterilization and surface agitation, to evaluate their effects on larval survival. Overall, culture treatments had minimal impact on the high larval survival of A. sp. nov. aff. kenti after seven days in culture. However, A. spathulata declined to less than half of the stocking density regardless of culture treatment. Other larval performance metrics including visual appearance and size were not different between the culture treatments. Microbial community composition of the culture water, assessed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed varied community structure between turnover treatments for A. sp. nov. aff. kenti but not for A. spathulata, suggesting species-specific or dynamic responses to water exchange rates. Larval culture water quality parameters (including dissolved and particulate C and N) were consistent across treatments, although reduced water turnover briefly lowered nitrate and nitrite concentrations, coinciding with elevated particulate carbon. This correlated with an increase in potential denitrifying bacteria within the Gammaproteobacteria, suggesting longer residence times of culture water can increase microbial activity. These results demonstrate that large-volume flow-through systems are a robust method for achieving high larval yields for some species and underscore the importance of understanding species-specific survival dynamics to optimize coral aquaculture for large-scale reef restoration.

This study aims to develop a Canva-based educational game as an interactive and independent learning medium for Javanese language learning, specifically the topic of modern drama for eighth-grade junior high school students. The research employed the Research and Development (R&amp;D) method using the 4D model, which consists of the stages of Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The research subjects were eighth-grade students of SMPN 2 Sooko. The developed product is an interactive quiz-based educational game that contains learning materials on drama structure, types of drama, intrinsic elements of drama, as well as evaluation questions equipped with feedback features. The validation results from the material expert showed a feasibility score of 97.11%, while the media expert validation resulted in a score of 97.22%, both categorised as very feasible. Limited trials indicated that the media was able to increase students' learning interest, understanding of modern drama concepts, and independent learning ability. Students also gave very positive responses, especially regarding visual appearance, ease of use, and clarity of the material. Therefore, the Canva-based educational game developed in this study is considered appropriate and effective as an alternative learning medium for Javanese language learning, particularly in modern drama material, both for classroom learning and independent study.

The growing global population has intensified the search for sustainable and nutritious food sources. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating giant mealworm (Zophobas morio) flour at levels of 0%, 7.5%, 15%, and 17.5% on the nutritional, physicochemical, and technological properties of fresh tagliatelle pasta. The formulations were characterized in terms of proximate composition, caloric value, amino acid profile, cooking quality, texture, color, microstructure, and structural organization. Protein content increased from 8.16% in the control to 16.29% at the highest enrichment level, while crude fiber rose from 0.25% to 1.30%. The amino acid profile revealed seven essential amino acids, with branched-chain amino acids representing approximately 50% of the essential fraction. Enriched pasta showed a significant reduction in cooking solid loss, decreasing from 0.61 g to 0.21 g, while volume increase remained unchanged. Texture analysis indicated reduced hardness (12.59 to 10.05 gf) and chewiness (5.29 to 2.93 gf), resulting in a softer and less adhesive product, without significant changes in elasticity. Although lightness decreased, the visual appearance was comparable to whole-grain pasta products. Overall, Zophobas morio flour improved the nutritional profile and technological performance of fresh pasta, supporting its use as a sustainable and functional protein ingredient.

3D printing has emerged as a practical method for fabricating customisable, accurate and affordable dental training models. Numerous 3D printing technologies exist, though there is no standardised comparison to inform their implementation in dental education. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the qualities of various 3D printed dental models against the current standard model used in tertiary dental education. Five maxillary molar tooth models were fabricated using selective laser sintering (SLS), fused filament fabrication (FFF), material jetting (MJ), stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). A standard Ivorine tooth model (One Dental, Australia) was also evaluated. Eighteen participants performed cavity preparations and assessed each model based on haptic feedback, visual appearance, anatomical accuracy and overall suitability using a 5-point Likert scale. FFF was the most economical per unit ($0.06), followed by DLP ($0.30). MJ was the most expensive ($1.87), though it offers high resolution and complexity. In terms of enamel haptics and dentine haptics, MJ (3.11, 3.28), SLA (3.00, 3.33) and DLP (3.11, 3.44) were assessed as comparable to Ivorine (3.67, 3.44). Similarly, overall suitability of MJ (3.33), SLA (3.33) and DLP (3.44) was comparable to Ivorine (4.17). FFF and SLS were rated significantly inferior to Ivorine in all domains. Current 3D printed models do not fully simulate dental tissue and should be used to supplement the limitations of standard models and improve self-learning. Future research is warranted to develop models with improved haptic feedback and realistic surface anatomy.

BackgroundThyroid eye disease (TED) is characterized by inflammation of orbital tissue, proptosis, diplopia, and potential changes in facial appearance. TED has been associated with poor mental health and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to the combined impact of impaired visual functioning and changes in facial appearance. The study aims to determine the impact of treatments for TED on patients' HRQOL as a measure of comprehensive well-being.MethodsSystematic searches of literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases and grey literature sources were conducted. After de-duplication and screening, the modified Downs-and-Black criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. Baseline characteristics, HRQOL-questionnaire data, and mean HRQOL measurements were extracted.ResultsSearches yielded 313 studies from databases and 9 grey literature studies. 23 studies (2023 patients total) were included for quality assessment and data synthesis. Strabismus surgery yielded the greatest improvement in total HRQOL score. Surgical interventions improved visual function QOL (VF-QOL) and visual appearance QOL scores (Ap-QOL).Other medical therapies, including doxycline and selenium were effective for improving Ap-QOL.ConclusionSurgical interventions, particularly decompression, eyelid, and strabismus surgery, improved appearance-related QOL. Immunosuppressive therapy and doxyxycline contributed to progressive functional improvements over time. Longer follow-up durations were generally associated with greater patient-reported benefit from treatments.

Interference patterns are increasingly explored in contemporary architectural façades as visual configurations generated through the superposition of repetitive and layered geometric structures. This study examines the role of interference patterns in contemporary architecture, with particular attention to the perceptual effects and illusion-related phenomena that may emerge during their observation. The research is based on a comparative, case-based analysis of selected architectural examples in which interference patterns are introduced through façade articulation, layered glazing systems, spatial textures, or form-related strategies. The analysed material is classified into four groups: semi-spatial façades, façade graphics applied to multi-layer glass systems, spatial textures, and interference embedded in the overall building form. The analysis focuses on identifying recurring perceptual effects associated with interference patterns, such as illusion-related phenomena, including visual aliasing, motion parallax, apparent depth, figure–ground ambiguity, flicker effects, and dynamic perspective. The comparative analysis indicates that interference patterns can significantly influence the perception of architectural space within its urban context. This influence extends beyond visual appearance and aesthetic composition, contributing to architectural communication, meaning-making processes, and the cognitive engagement of the viewer with spatial and visual structures. The study provides a structured analytical framework that may support further research on perceptual strategies in contemporary architectural design.

We report a novel phenomenon in which dynamic changes in luminance are perceived as changes in transparency rather than as changes in surface lightness. Participants viewed an achromatic disc on a uniform gray background and indicated whether the observed change was best described in terms of lightness or transparency. In Experiment 1, transparency-change responses were more frequent at low contrast and were strongly biased toward sequences in which contrast decreased over time, revealing a pronounced asymmetry between decreasing and increasing contrast trajectories. Experiment 2 introduced a size manipulation, such that the disc either expanded or contracted during the luminance modulation. Transparency-change responses were highest when contrast decreased and the disc expanded, indicating that spatial expansion further amplifies transparency-related interpretations of the disc's surface appearance. Overall, the results reveal a systematic asymmetry in how contrast-change direction shapes visual appearance, consistent with a forward bias in the processing of continuously changing visual signals. When contrast dynamically approached the background level, perceptual representations appeared to be weighted toward the upcoming low-contrast state, enhancing impressions of increasing transparency. These findings demonstrate that even minimal displays lacking traditional geometric cues to transparency can evoke strong transparency impressions, driven by predictive weighting of spatiotemporal contrast trajectories rather than by static image properties alone.

The study investigated whether the full replacement of chemically solvent-extracted soybean meal (SM) with mechanically extracted soybean press cake (SC) could be carried out in pigs intended for dry-cured ham production. Eighty Italian heavy pigs were fattened and finished up to a body weight of 165 kg, with half being fed a commercial diet containing SM and the other half fed an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diet in which SC fully replaced SM. Growth parameters, carcass traits, fresh meat and cured ham quality, and fatty acid composition were analyzed. Thighs were processed according to the Parma ham production rules, which require a long curing period. The only noteworthy differences observed concerned an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in the subcutaneous fat of the SC group compared with the SM group (17.26 vs. 14.58%, p < 0.05, in fresh thighs and 15.83 vs. 12.14%, p < 0.01, in cured hams), and particularly in linoleic acid (14.85 vs. 13.01%, p < 0.01 in fresh thighs and 13.72 vs. 10.64%, p < 0.01 in cured hams), which is consistent with general nutritional recommendations favoring unsaturated over saturated fatty acids. These modifications did not affect the final quality, oxidative stability, or visual appearance of the long-cured hams. In conclusion, soybean cake-based diets can be applied throughout the production cycle of heavy pigs; however, higher inclusion levels should be carefully managed, as they may affect parameters related to suitability for dry curing.