Brandon University

Human-centric autonomous systems, based at the convergence of wireless sensor networks (WSN) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), mark a transformative epoch in the amalgamation of technology. The widespread adoption of UAVs is attributable to their multifaceted applications and services. Within this realm, the utilization of UAVs to augment WSNs, defined as UAV-aided wireless sensor networks (UAWSN), has emerged as a captivating focus of research. The paramount rationale lies in UAWSN's potential to significantly enhance coverage and mitigate energy consumption when compared to traditional WSNs. However, the substantial mobility, variable altitude, and dynamic trajectory of UAVs may induce unforeseen changes in network topology, giving rise to connectivity and coverage challenges that can adversely impact the routing performance of networks. In the context of WSNs, the imperative to minimize energy consumption during data transmission by sensors is a central concern. A promising solution involves leveraging UAVs to collect data from sensors distributed across the network. This paper formulates an optimization problem aimed at maximizing the residual energy of sensors post data transmission, while accounting for the limitations imposed by the UAV's travel distance. The proposed solution involves the derivation of an optimized solution through the adaptation of a Voronoi diagram to explore a set of UAV hovering locations, with a preference for Voronoi vertices for data acquisition from adjacent sensors. Capitalizing on the benefits afforded by Voronoi diagrams, the authors delineate a UAV route by iteratively adjusting each UAV's hovering location based on the energy status of the sensors.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a well-established alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis, particularly in patients at high surgical risk. However, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a notable long-term complication, occurring in up to 20% of patients within five years. The optimal management strategy for ISR remains unclear, as endovascular reintervention carries a significant risk of recurrence, and evidence supporting surgical explantation is limited.We present two patients who developed severe carotid ISR and were successfully treated with CEA and complete stent explantation followed by bovine pericardial patch angioplasty. The first patient, an 84-year-old woman with bilateral carotid disease and a history of left carotid stenting, developed 90% restenosis at surveillance and underwent staged bilateral carotid revascularization with durable patency at three-year follow-up. The second patient, a 70-year-old man, presented with acute visual loss and imaging demonstrating near-occlusive thrombosis within a previously placed carotid stent. He underwent urgent surgical stent removal and patch angioplasty, achieving full recovery and maintaining patency at one year. Neither patient experienced perioperative neurological or cardiovascular complications.These cases highlight the feasibility and safety of surgical stent explantation in the management of carotid ISR. Compared with repeat endovascular interventions, surgical removal directly addresses the underlying mechanical and neointimal causes of restenosis and may provide superior long-term durability in appropriately selected patients.CEA with stent explantation represents an effective treatment option for ISR, particularly when endovascular options are limited by calcification, thrombus, or mechanical failure. Larger prospective studies are needed to establish patient selection criteria and optimize management strategies for this challenging clinical scenario.

Splenic abscess is an uncommon intra-abdominal abscess, typically associated with immunocompromised states. This report highlights a case where the abscess was caused by Salmonella species in an immunocompetent individual, which is a very rare occurrence with limited prior documentation.We report a previously healthy 24-year-old male who presented with high-grade fever and diffuse abdominal pain. Preoperative CT imaging demonstrated hepatosplenomegaly and a 5.6 × 3.8 cm posterior splenic lesion. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed four-quadrant purulent peritonitis without hollow-viscus perforation and a posterior splenic capsular tear with oozing. Cultures from blood, peritoneal fluid, and a subsequent percutaneous splenic drain all grew Salmonella enterica serogroup B.Spontaneous leak of a splenic abscess causing diffuse peritonitis without gastrointestinal perforation is extremely rare. While most reported cases involve comorbidities, Salmonella splenic abscesses have been documented in healthy individuals. Management requires prompt source control, either percutaneous drainage or splenectomy, plus targeted antimicrobials. Our patient was successfully treated with laparoscopic washout, targeted antibiotic therapy after allergy-related adjustment, and image-guided drainage, preserving splenic function.This case highlights one of the few documented instances of Salmonella Group B splenic abscess rupture in an immunocompetent adult. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for splenic pathology in Salmonella bacteremia with peritonitis, even without classic risk factors. Organ-sparing approaches can be effective when combined with multidisciplinary care.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferation of dendritic cells that is exceptionally uncommon in adults and only rarely affects the chest wall. Adult rib lesions often radiographically mimic malignancy, necessitating biopsy for accurate diagnosis. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with Class III (severe) obesity and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who developed a painful right chest wall mass following severe coughing during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Imaging revealed a lobulated lesion with rib erosion and pleural indentation concerning for malignancy. Surgical debridement yielded histiocytic inflammation, and cultures grew Staphylococcus epidermidis. Final histopathology confirmed LCH. Despite wound re-closures and antibiotic therapy, persistent drainage continued until molecular testing identified a B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation. Targeted therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib was initiated, resulting in rapid clinical improvement and complete wound healing. Adult chest wall LCH represents a rare diagnostic challenge due to its malignant radiographic appearance. Histopathologic confirmation, with molecular testing, is essential, and targeted BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition may provide an effective therapeutic option when conventional measures fail.

The Muji carbonic springs on the northeastern margin of the Pamir Plateau provide a natural window into tectonically controlled CO2 degassing within a continental collision zone. Through mineralogical and geochemical analyses, this study constrains the formation mechanisms and regional geological significance of carbonic spring systems. The formed deposits are dominated by calcite and aragonite, with minor dolomite, quartz, and gypsum. The compositions of major elements are consistent with the observed mineral assemblages, reflecting that the carbonate deposition was mainly governed by CO2 degassing intensity and associated kinetic effects under cold-spring conditions. Carbon isotopes of the deposits are consistently enriched in heavy carbon with δ13C values of +3.5‰ to +9.1‰, indicating a persistent contribution of deep-sourced CO2, most likely derived from metamorphic decarbonation of the crustal carbonates. Calcite exhibits moderate δ13C values due to rapid precipitation limiting isotope enrichment, whereas aragonite records higher δ13C signatures under subdued degassing and stable hydrodynamic regimes. The narrow δ18O range (−10.7‰ to −12.6‰), closely matching that of the spring waters, indicates that the tufas record the δ18O of the spring waters through DIC-water oxygen exchange. Trace element distributions (Sr–Ba–U) reveal systematic enrichment in deep-sourced fluids and progressive downstream geochemical alteration driven by spring–river mixing. The HD springs show high Sr and δ13C values, indicating minimal dilution of ascending CO2-rich fluids, while MJX and MJXSP groups record variable degrees of shallow mixing. Collectively, the Muji system exemplifies a coupled process of “deep fluid input–shallow mixing–precipitation kinetics.” Its persistent heavy δ13C and trace-element enrichments demonstrate persistent metamorphic CO2 release through fault conduits under ongoing compression. These findings establish the Muji springs as a key non-volcanic analogue for deep CO2 degassing in continental collision zones and provides new insights into crustal carbon recycling and tectonic–hydrochemical coupling at plateau margins.

BackgroundThe population of adults aged 55 years and older in Canada is growing steadily to be one of the largest demographic groups, creating an aging society. Adults 55 + are facing dynamic changes in employment and finances, relationships, living situation, and health, which may contribute to increased psychosocial and psychological challenges, including social isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Importantly, when adults 55 + need mental health support, they are less likely to access this support compared to other demographics. When supports are grounded in the community and are available through telephone and video-conferencing, access can be improved. Developed in partnership with community organizations, The CONNECT Program is designed to improve the psychosocial well-being of older adults, focusing on psychological flexibility, and in this randomized controlled trial will be compared against routine community-based programming across Canada.MethodsThis randomized crossover trial is embedded within a type 1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness design across four Canadian provinces. Adults aged 55+ with self-reported experiences of loneliness, social isolation, and/or mental health challenges are randomly assigned to begin with either the intervention (The CONNECT Program) or community-based programming, then cross over to the other condition. The CONNECT Program is a six-week, group-based telehealth intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, self-compassion, theories of successful aging delivered via telephone or videoconference. The primary outcome is psychological flexibility; secondary outcomes include loneliness, social isolation, emotional support, anxiety, depression, and mental health literacy. Implementation outcomes will be assessed using the Proctor Framework.DiscussionThe CONNECT Program is a novel community-based mental health intervention addressing the needs of adults 55 + who experience isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges. The results of this trial will strengthen support for a scalable mental health support for Canadians 55+ in a time of high need to promote health in later life.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT07107906, 08/05/2025, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07107906.

This visual essay shares ideas from a collaborative project that brings together visual art and social science research in a novel way. Though it has much in common with conventional approaches to ethnography, counter-visual ethnography is a unique approach to qualitative research in the social sciences insofar as it focuses on what is missing, removed, or absent from the world around us. Counter-visual analysis requires a process of investigating and reflecting on the research site (including visual representations of it) to excavate and re-interpret buried meanings or other relevant interpretations. We offer a guide to producing creative, artistic works out of counter-visual ethnography. The essay is structured chronologically, beginning with a short note on the social science starting point of this work. We open with reflections on our research in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, where this project began. We then outline the method going from counter-visual ethnography to palimpsest and tracing. This involves a collaborative, community-engaging approach to art and knowledge mobilisation that bridges traditional academic disciplines. We conclude with comments on additional ways to extend use of this technique and additional empirical sites where this interdisciplinary visual method could be applied.