Friction is an inevitable phenomenon in mechanical systems that affects the dynamic characteristics of systems. To reduce the modeling complexity of complex multi-rigid-body mechanisms, a novel explicit canonical dynamic modeling method considering joint friction is proposed. Based on the explicit dynamic modeling theory that we have proposed, the solution of the constraint force required by the joint friction modeling of multi-rigid-body mechanisms is derived and improved, which greatly simplifies the solution of the constraint force. According to the obtained explicit expression of the constraint force equations, two joint friction models of the Coulomb–viscous effect and Stribeck effect are derived in analytical form. Moreover, the Stribeck effect of the joint is experimentally analyzed. A five-axis tree-chain mechanism and a three-loop closed-chain mechanism are chosen to demonstrate the method and compared with ADAMS software. Moreover, the proposed model is analyzed and compared with other methods. Full article

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x), primarily generated from combustion processes, pose significant health and environmental risks. To improve the coordination of measures against excessive NO_x emissions, it is necessary to effectively monitor ambient NO_x concentrations, which requires the development of precise and cost-efficient detection methods. This study focuses on developing a microwave- or radio frequency (RF)-based gas dosimeter for NO_x detection and addresses the optimization of the dosimeter design by examining the dielectric properties of LTCC-based (Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) sensor substrates and barium-based NO_x storage materials. The measurements taken utilizing the Microwave Cavity Perturbation (MCP) method revealed that these materials exhibit more pronounced changes in dielectric losses when storing NO_x at elevated temperatures. Consequently, operating such a dosimeter at high temperatures (above 300 °C) is recommended to maximize the sensor signal. To evaluate their high-temperature applicability, LTCC substrates were analyzed by measuring their dielectric losses at temperatures up to 600 °C. In terms of NO_x storage materials, coating barium on high-surface-area alumina resolved issues related to limited NO_x adsorption in pure barium carbonate powders. Additionally, the adsorption of both NO and NO₂ was enabled by the application of a platinum catalyst. The change in dielectric losses, which provides the main signal for an RF-based gas dosimeter, only depends on the stored amount of NO_x and not on the specific type of nitrogen oxide. Although the change in dielectric losses increases with the temperature, the maximum storage capacity of the material decreases significantly. In addition, at temperatures above 350 °C, NO_x is mostly weakly bound, so it will desorb in the absence of NO_x. Therefore, in the future development of a reliable RF-based NO_x dosimeter, the trade-off between the sensor signal strength and adsorption behavior must be addressed. Full article

Terraces, farmlands built along hillside contours, are common anthropogenically designed landscapes. Terraces control soil and water loss and improve land productivity; therefore, obtaining their spatial distribution is necessary for soil and water conservation and agricultural production. Spatial information of large-scale terraces can be obtained using satellite images and through deep learning. However, when extracting terraces, accurately segmenting the boundaries of terraces and identifying small terraces in diverse scenarios continues to be challenging. To solve this problem, we combined two deep learning modules, ANB-LN and DFB, to produce a new deep learning framework (NLDF-Net) for terrace extraction using remote sensing images. The model first extracted the features of the terraces through the coding area to obtain abstract semantic features, and then gradually recovered the original size through the decoding area using feature fusion. In addition, we constructed a terrace dataset (the HRT-set) for Guangdong Province and conducted a series of comparative experiments on this dataset using the new framework. The experimental results show that our framework had the best extraction effect compared to those of other deep learning methods. This framework provides a method and reference for extracting ground objects using remote sensing images. Full article

Motion capture technology plays a crucial role in optimizing athletes’ skills, techniques, and strategies by providing detailed feedback on motion data. This article presents a comprehensive survey aimed at guiding researchers in selecting the most suitable motion capture technology for sports science investigations. By comparing and analyzing the characters and applications of different motion capture technologies in sports scenarios, it is observed that cinematography motion capture technology remains the gold standard in biomechanical analysis and continues to dominate sports research applications. Wearable sensor-based motion capture technology has gained significant traction in specialized areas such as winter sports, owing to its reliable system performance. Computer vision-based motion capture technology has made significant advancements in recognition accuracy and system reliability, enabling its application in various sports scenarios, from single-person technique analysis to multi-person tactical analysis. Moreover, the emerging field of multimodal motion capture technology, which harmonizes data from various sources with the integration of artificial intelligence, has proven to be a robust research method for complex scenarios. A comprehensive review of the literature from the past 10 years underscores the increasing significance of motion capture technology in sports, with a notable shift from laboratory research to practical training applications on sports fields. Future developments in this field should prioritize research and technological advancements that cater to practical sports scenarios, addressing challenges such as occlusion, outdoor capture, and real-time feedback. Full article

Cayley and nilpotent graphs arise from the interaction between graph theory and algebra and are used to visualize the structures of some algebraic objects as groups and commutative rings. On the other hand, Green and Schroll introduced Brauer graph algebras and Brauer configuration algebras to investigate the algebras of tame and wild representation types. An appropriated system of multisets (called a Brauer configuration) induces these algebras via a suitable bounded quiver (or bounded directed graph), and the combinatorial properties of such multisets describe corresponding indecomposable projective modules, the dimensions of the algebras and their centers. Undirected graphs are examples of Brauer configuration messages, and the description of the related data for their induced Brauer configuration algebras is said to be the Brauer analysis of the graph. This paper gives closed formulas for the dimensions of Brauer configuration algebras (and their centers) induced by Cayley and nilpotent graphs defined by some finite groups and finite commutative rings. These procedures allow us to give examples of Hamiltonian digraph constructions based on Cayley graphs. As an application, some quantum entangled states (e.g., Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger and Dicke states) are described and analyzed as suitable Brauer messages. Full article

This research confronts the persistent challenge of data scarcity in medical machine learning by introducing a pioneering methodology that harnesses the capabilities of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT). In response to the limitations posed by a dearth of labeled medical data, our approach involves the synthetic generation of comprehensive patient discharge messages, setting a new standard in the field with GPT autonomously generating 20 fields. Through a meticulous review of the existing literature, we systematically explore GPT’s aptitude for synthetic data generation and feature extraction, providing a robust foundation for subsequent phases of the research. The empirical demonstration showcases the transformative potential of our proposed solution, presenting over 70 patient discharge messages with synthetically generated fields, including severity and chances of hospital re-admission with justification. Moreover, the data had been deployed in a mobile solution where regression algorithms autonomously identified the correlated factors for ascertaining the severity of patients’ conditions. This study not only establishes a novel and comprehensive methodology but also contributes significantly to medical machine learning, presenting the most extensive patient discharge summaries reported in the literature. The results underscore the efficacy of GPT in overcoming data scarcity challenges and pave the way for future research to refine and expand the application of GPT in diverse medical contexts. Full article

(1) Background: There is a huge unmet clinical need for novel treatment strategies in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. Several cell membrane-bound molecules are up-regulated in cancer cells as compared to normal tissue and have revived interest with the introduction of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). (2) Methods: In this study, we characterize the expression of 10 potential ADC targets, TROP2, mesotheline, CEACAM5, DLL3, folate receptor alpha, guanylatcyclase, glycoprotein NMB, CD56, CD70 and CD138, on the gene expression level. Of these, the three ADC targets TROP2, CEACAM5 and CD138 were further analyzed on the protein level. (3) Results: TROP2 shows expression in 98.5% (66/67) of cervical cancer samples. CEACAM5 shows a stable gene expression profile and overall, 68.7% (46/67) of cervical cancer samples are CEACAM-positive with 34.3% (23/67) of cervical cancer samples showing at least moderate or high expression. Overall, 73.1% (49/67) of cervical cancer samples are CD138-positive with 38.8% (26/67) of cervical cancer samples showing at least moderate or high expression. (4) Conclusions: TROP2, CEACAM5 or CD138 do seem suitable for further clinical research and the data presented here might be used to guide further clinical trials with ADCs in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer patients. Full article

PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) encompasses diverse clinical phenotypes, including Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS), Proteus syndrome (PS), and Proteus-like syndrome. This autosomal dominant genetic predisposition with high penetrance arises from heterozygous germline variants in the PTEN tumour suppressor gene, leading to dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, which promotes the overgrowth of multiple and heterogenous tissue types. Clinical presentations of CS range from benign and malignant disorders, affecting nearly every system within the human body. CS is the most diagnosed syndrome among the PHTS group, notwithstanding its weak incidence (1:200,000), for which it is considered rare, and its precise incidence remains unknown among other important factors. The literature is notably inconsistent in reporting the frequencies and occurrences of these disorders, adding an element of bias and uncertainty when looking back at the available research. In this review, we aimed to highlight the significant disparities found in various studies concerning CS and to review the clinical manifestations encountered in CS patients. Furthermore, we intended to emphasize the great significance of early diagnosis as patients will benefit from a longer lifespan while being unceasingly advised and supported by a multidisciplinary team. Full article

Epigenetic alterations my play a role in the aggressive behavior of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat) has been reported to interfere with the proliferative and invasive potential of NSCLC cells. In addition, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacytidine (AZA, vidaza) can modulate the levels of the metastasis suppressor KiSS-1. Thus, since cisplatin is still clinically available for NSCLC therapy, the aim of this study was to evaluate drug combinations between cisplatin and SAHA as well as AZA using cisplatin-sensitive H460 and -resistant H460/Pt NSCLC cells in relation to KiSS-1 modulation. An analysis of drug interaction according to the Combination-Index values indicated a more marked synergistic effect when the exposure to SAHA or AZA preceded cisplatin treatment with respect to a simultaneous schedule. A modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis (p53, Bax) was found in both sensitive and resistant cells, and compared to the treatment with epigenetic agents alone, the combination of cisplatin and SAHA or AZA increased apoptosis induction. The epigenetic treatments, both as single agents and in combination, increased the release of KiSS-1. Finally, the exposure of cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cells to the kisspeptin KP10 enhanced cisplatin induced cell death. The efficacy of the combination of SAHA and cisplatin was tested in vivo after subcutaneous inoculum of parental and resistant cells in immunodeficient mice. A significant tumor volume inhibition was found when mice bearing advanced tumors were treated with the combination of SAHA and cisplatin according to the best schedule identified in cellular studies. These results, together with the available literature, support that epigenetic drugs are amenable for the combination treatment of NSCLC, including patients bearing cisplatin-resistant tumors. Full article

This research employs the COMSOL Multiphysics software (COMSOL 6.2) to conduct rigorous simulations and assess the performance of a thermoelectric module (TEM) meticulously crafted with alumina (Al₂O₃), copper (Cu), and Bi₂Te_2.70Se_0.30 thermoelectric (TE) materials. The specific focus is on evaluating diverse aspects of the Bi₂Te_2.70Se_0.30 thermoelectric generator (TEG). The TEM design incorporates Bi₂Te_2.70Se_0.30 for TE legs of the p- and n-type positioned among the Cu layers, Cu as the electrical conductor, and Al₂O₃ serving as an electrical insulator between the top and bottom layers. A thorough investigation is conducted into critical parameters within the TEM, which include arc length, electric potential, normalized current density, temperature gradient, total heat source, and total net energy rate. The geometric configuration of the square-shaped Bi₂Te_2.70Se_0.30 TEM, measuring 1 mm × 1 mm × 2.5 mm with a 0.25 mm Al₂O₃ thickness and a 0.125 mm Cu thickness, is scrutinized. This study delves into the transport phenomena of TE devices, exploring the impacts of the Seebeck coefficient (S), thermal conductivity (k), and electrical conductivity (σ) on the temperature differential across the leg geometry. Modeling studies underscore the substantial influence of S = ±2.41 × 10⁻³ V/K, revealing improved thermal conductivity and decreased electrical conductivity at lower temperatures. The findings highlight the Bi₂Te_2.70Se_0.30 TEM’s high potential for TEG applications, offering valuable insights into design and performance considerations crucial for advancing TE technology. Full article

The photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of aryl acetic acids and aryl nitriles has been achieved under an argon atmosphere in high yields. This method provides a fast way to obtain prevalent aryl acetic acids from an abundant natural source. A tentative radical mechanism has been proposed. Full article

The present study investigated the potential use of blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) skins for gelatin production by employing a combined alkaline and acidic process. The yield of dry gelatin was relatively high (13.95%), showing a high protein content (87.80%), but low moisture (10.64%), ash (1.34%) and lipid (0.03%) contents, on a wet weight basis. Fish skin gelatin showed better color properties (>L*, <+b* values) than porcine skin gelatin and exhibited similar gel strength (315.4 g) and higher viscosity (5.90 cP) than the latter (p < 0.05). Although the electrophoretic study revealed that fish skin gelatin was degraded to a lesser extent than its mammalian counterpart, the resulting fish skin gelatin gels melted at a significantly lower temperature (T_m = 21.5 °C), whereas the reverse process (i.e., gelling) also occurred at a lower temperature (T_s = 10.6 °C) and required more time (t_s = 29.5 min) compared to porcine skin gelatin gels (T_m = 30.4 °C, T_s = 19.4 °C and t_s = 20.7 min). These differences were attributed to the different imino acid content, which was greater in mammalian gelatin (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the skins from blackmouth catshark can be potentially used as an alternative raw material for gelatin production, which will fill the needs of more diverse cultures that do not consume pork- or cow-related products. Full article

In Poland and other countries in Central Europe, residential buildings from the second half of the 20th century dominate, which have recently undergone deep thermomodernisation. Research on the retrofitting of residential buildings has focused mainly on energy efficiency, with only a few studies on indoor air quality. The aim of this study was to present a comparative analysis of the impact of five ventilation scenarios (three natural and two mechanical) on CO₂ concentration and energy demand for heating and ventilation in residential spaces of a multi-family building located in Poland. The analyses were based on the results of building performance co-simulation using the EnergyPlus and CONTAM programs carried out under dynamic conditions with a 5 min time step for the entire heating season. The calculations took into account the instantaneous occupancy variability of twenty apartments. In the buildings equipped with new tight windows, the natural ventilation system provided extremely low air exchange (on average 0.1 h⁻¹) and poor indoor air quality (average CO₂ concentration at the level of 2500 ppm). Opening windows to ventilate the rooms generated a multiple increase (up to 8 times) in heating demand during these periods, but average CO₂ concentration was on the level of 930 ppm. The use of mechanical ventilation was profitable both in terms of energy savings (at the level of 50%) and improvement in the indoor air. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of application-linked stretching ball instruments that record the rolling time and force of patients compared with a traditional simple stretching ball. Methods: Fourteen participants with plantar fasciitis were divided into a simple massage ball group (group A, n = 8) and an application-linked massage ball group (group B, n = 6). The application-linked massage ball sends information regarding the massages, such as the frequency and force of the massage on the foot, to the application on the patient’s smartphone. All clinical outcomes were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score. Results: At the beginning of the study, the initial MOXFQ score was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.948). At each time point, the MOXFQ score of the whole population did not improve significantly compared to that of the initial state (p = 0.131). Generalized estimating equation modeling demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the improvement of the MOXFQ score between groups A and B during follow-up (p = 0.826). In addition, no group-by-time interactions were observed (p = 0.457). Conclusions: The efficacy of an application-linked massage ball for the treatment of plantar fasciitis was not as definite as that of a traditional simple stretching ball in patients whose symptoms persisted for at least six months. Future studies that include patients with acute plantar fasciitis are required. Full article

It is assumed that speech comprehension deficits in background noise are caused by age-related or acquired hearing loss. Methods: We examined young, middle-aged, and older individuals with and without hearing threshold loss using pure-tone (PT) audiometry, short-pulsed distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (pDPOAEs), auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs), speech comprehension (OLSA), and syllable discrimination in quiet and noise. Results: A noticeable decline of hearing sensitivity in extended high-frequency regions and its influence on low-frequency-induced ABRs was striking. When testing for differences in OLSA thresholds normalized for PT thresholds (PTTs), marked differences in speech comprehension ability exist not only in noise, but also in quiet, and they exist throughout the whole age range investigated. Listeners with poor speech comprehension in quiet exhibited a relatively lower pDPOAE and, thus, cochlear amplifier performance independent of PTT, smaller and delayed ABRs, and lower performance in vowel-phoneme discrimination below phase-locking limits (/o/-/u/). When OLSA was tested in noise, listeners with poor speech comprehension independent of PTT had larger pDPOAEs and, thus, cochlear amplifier performance, larger ASSR amplitudes, and higher uncomfortable loudness levels, all linked with lower performance of vowel-phoneme discrimination above the phase-locking limit (/i/-/y/). Conslusions: This study indicates that listening in noise in humans has a sizable disadvantage in envelope coding when basilar-membrane compression is compromised. Clearly, and in contrast to previous assumptions, both good and poor speech comprehension can exist independently of differences in PTTs and age, a phenomenon that urgently requires improved techniques to diagnose sound processing at stimulus onset in the clinical routine. Full article

A multitude of studies have extensively examined strategies for achieving sustainable development in the real estate market. As the pivotal component of land economy, the real estate market plays a crucial role in ensuring its sound operation. However, it is currently undergoing significant adjustments and grappling with rampant speculative activities, resulting in an alarming bubble. By scrutinizing the speculative motivations of different entities, we present a novel perspective on mitigating speculation. Our analysis reveals that digital inclusive finance effectively curbs residents’ and enterprises’ speculative behavior, as evidenced by diminished prevention motivation and investment substitution motivation. Utilizing data from 280 cities, this study measures real estate market speculation by establishing a model that the volatility of the housing market turnover, as a proportion of GDP, deviates from the actual housing demand transactions based on economic fundamentals. Furthermore, it investigates the relationship between digital inclusive finance and real estate market speculation, along with its spatial effects. The findings indicate that digital inclusive finance significantly curbs real estate market speculation and has a negative spatial spillover effect. This research provides a novel model and perspective for exploring real estate market speculation while positively impacting sustainable development within the real estate market. Full article

Among the technologies used for spent lithium-ion battery recycling, the common approaches include mechanical treatment, pyrometallurgical processing and hydrometallurgical processing. These technologies do not stand alone in a complete recycling process but are combined. The constant changes in battery materials and battery design make it a challenge for the existing recycling processes, and the need to design efficient and robust recycling processes for current and future battery materials has become a critical issue today. Therefore, this paper simplifies the current treatment technologies into three recycling routes, namely, the hot pyrometallurgical route, warm mechanical route and cold mechanical route. By using the same feedstock, the three routes are compared based on the recovery rate of the six elements (Al, Cu, C, Li, Co and Ni). The three different recycling routes represent specific application scenarios, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In the hot pyrometallurgical route, the recovery of Co is over 98%, and the recovery of Ni is over 99%. In the warm mechanical route, the recovery of Li can reach 63%, and the recovery of graphite is 75%. In the cold mechanical route, the recovery of Cu can reach 75%, and the recovery of Al is 87%. As the chemical compositions of battery materials and various doping elements continue to change today, these three recycling routes could be combined in some way to improve the overall recycling efficiency of batteries. Full article

Theoretically rooted in public service logic (PSL), this article explores managers’ experiences constructing value propositions and facilitating the value creation process in a public sector environment. It reports on a qualitative study from a Norwegian municipal setting based on individual and focus group interviews supported by participant observations and relevant documents. The data were analyzed according to the guidelines of stepwise-deductive inductive analysis (SDI). The findings substantiate changes in the utilized supported housing forms and highlight urgency’s pervasive effect on transition processes to supported housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the need for around-the-clock support. This study contributes to public management research by examining the process of constructing value propositions and the managers’ efforts to contribute to the formation of more realistic expectations towards the municipality’s scope and level of service among prospective service users and their families. The article contributes to the PSL discourse by providing the complementary concept of expectation–reality mitigation as a particular form of expectation management suited for the complexities and constraints of value creation in public service settings. Full article

Background: Series of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) among healthy and physically active individuals can potentially reduce inflammatory response, although exact mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: The impact of whole-body cryotherapy on inflammation modulators among 28 young males, categorized as non-training (NTR, N = 10), non-training with WBC (NTR-WBC, N = 10), and training with WBC (TR-WBC, N = 8), is investigated in this study. Over a period of eight weeks, NTR-WBC and TR-WBC subjects underwent 24 WBC treatments (−130 °C for 3 min, three times a week), examining changes in mRNA expressions of IL-1A, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-G, SIRT1, SIRT3, SOD2, GSS, and ICAM-1. Results: The received data indicate an acute inflammatory response to initial WBC (increased IL-1A, IL-6, and SIRT), with a greater effect in NTR-WBC. Subsequent sessions showed enhanced expressions of antioxidative genes in both WBC groups, particularly non-trained, suggesting improved oxidative stress adaptation. A notable decrease in ICAM-1 mRNA post-24 WBC treatments in NTR-WBC signifies a potential systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that the combination of regular physical activity with WBC administered three times per week can potentially modulate inflammatory and antioxidant responses. This modulation is evidenced by changes in the expression of genes related to these processes. Full article

In the context of a dry port, sustainable operations involve developing and implementing policies and procedures that reduce adverse effects on the environment, advance economic viability, and strengthen social responsibility. Several factors contribute to achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability, making it critical to identify the factors influencing the sustainability of dry port operations. This research aims to identify decisive factors associated with economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and to develop a framework for measuring sustainability in dry port operations. The research utilises exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to develop a measurement framework for assessing the sustainability of Ethiopian dry ports. EFA is an effective method with which to identify factors that contribute to sustainable dry port operations. To provide a frame for the critical sustainability performance metrics for dry ports, the AHP approach was used. Data were collected from 300 stakeholders using surveys to identify key factors, and 20 senior experts were involved in validating and rating the most influential factors determining dry port sustainability. This research asserts the most pertinent factors guiding dry port sustainability operations, resource allocation, and decision-making. From an environmental sustainability perspective, critical factors include minimising business-partner impacts, reducing waste, addressing climate change, providing environmental planning education to teams, and implementing measures to protect the national environment. From a social perspective, the factors identified include a resettlement policy, employment opportunities for the community, workplace safety, stakeholder consultation, and top-management guidance. From an economic standpoint, critical factors include value-added services, reduced transportation costs, decreased time, enhanced productivity in the trade supply chain, and profit orientation. The research provides valuable insights with which to guide the development of practices and policies aimed at ensuring sustainable dry port operations, a critical domain of the trade supply chain. Full article

The escalating demand for high-quality video streaming poses a major challenge for communication networks today. Catering to these bandwidth-hungry video streaming services places a huge burden on the limited spectral resources of communication networks, limiting the resources available for other services as well. Large volumes of video traffic can lead to severe network congestion, particularly during live streaming events, which require sending the same content to a large number of users simultaneously. For such applications, multicast transmission can effectively combat network congestion while meeting the demands of all the users by serving groups of users requesting the same content over shared spectral resources. Streaming services can further benefit from multi-connectivity, which allows users to receive content from multiple base stations simultaneously. Integrating multi-connectivity within multicast streaming can improve the system resource utilization while also providing seamless connectivity to multicast users. Toward this end, this work studied the impact of using multi-connectivity (MC) alongside wireless multicast for meeting the resource requirements of video streaming. Our findings show that MC substantially enhances the performance of multicast streaming, particularly benefiting cell-edge users who often experience poor channel conditions. We especially considered the number of users that can be simultaneously served by multi-connected multicast systems. It was observed that about $60\%$ of the users that are left unserved under single-connectivity multicast are successfully served using the same resources by employing multi-connectivity in multicast transmissions. We prove that the optimal resource allocation problem for MC multicast is NP-hard. As a solution, we present a greedy approximation algorithm with an approximation factor of $(1-1/e)$. Furthermore, we establish that no other polynomial-time algorithm can offer a superior approximation. To generate realistic video traffic patterns in our simulations, we made use of traces from actual videos. Our results clearly demonstrate that multi-connectivity leads to significant enhancements in the performance of multicast streaming. Full article

As an immensely important characteristic of natural images, the nonlocal self-similarity (NSS) prior has demonstrated great promise in a variety of inverse problems. Unfortunately, most current methods utilize either the internal or the external NSS prior learned from the degraded image or training images. The former is inevitably disturbed by degradation, while the latter is not adapted to the image to be restored. To mitigate such problems, this work proposes to learn a hybrid NSS prior from both internal images and external training images and employs it in image restoration tasks. To achieve our aims, we first learn internal and external NSS priors from the measured image and high-quality image sets, respectively. Then, with the learned priors, an efficient method, involving only singular value decomposition (SVD) and a simple weighting method, is developed to learn the HNSS prior for patch groups. Subsequently, taking the learned HNSS prior as the dictionary, we formulate a structural sparse representation model with adaptive regularization parameters called HNSS-SSR for image restoration, and a general and efficient image restoration algorithm is developed via an alternating minimization strategy. The experimental results indicate that the proposed HNSS-SSR-based restoration method exceeds many existing competition algorithms in PSNR and SSIM values. Full article