Merseytravel

Sand dust weather has adverse effects on image quality, making single-image sand dust removal a classic research topic in the field of image restoration. However, existing learning-based image restoration methods fail to account for uncertainties in both data and model dimensions, thus being unable to produce satisfactory results for sand dust image restoration. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel framework called the Uncertainty-aware SAM-aided Prompt-interaction Network (USPNet). USPNet comprises two key modules: the Uncertainty-aware SAM Priors Module (USPM), which addresses data-wise aleatoric uncertainties, and the Uncertainty-aware Prompt Learning Module (UPLM), which tackles model-wise epistemic uncertainties. By integrating data-wise and model-wise uncertainty learning, USPNet leverages uncertainty modeling through SAM semantic priors and distributionally representative prompts. Recognizing the unexplored uncertainties inherent in the learning process, we propose an Uncertainty-aware Perceptual Loss (UPL) to enhance the visual quality of restored images through perceptual learning. Through comprehensive perceptual studies and analysis of real sand-dust images, we propose a dataset named SanddustClearity. SanddustClearity includes daytime, nighttime synthetic, and real-world sand dust images. Our extensive experiments, conducted on both synthetic and real-world images exhibiting various levels of sand dust degradation, confirm the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed method. Our code will be available at https://github.com/WBC-ML/USPNet.

Mandatory calorie labelling on menus of large out-of-home food outlets was implemented in England on 6 April 2022. Barriers and facilitators that were unforeseen before implementation may modify policy impacts. As part of a process evaluation, we aimed to examine the implementation of calorie labeling in England, focusing on business experiences and local authority enforcement to identify barriers and facilitators to achieving policy goals. Using purposive sampling, we recruited 11 employees of large food businesses (implementers) and 9 employees of LA environmental health or trading standards departments (enforcers). Post-implementation semi-structured interviews were conducted by video conference. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Method. Both groups of participants described a decentralised approach to delivery and enforcement, and resource constraints meant LAs were unable to assist with all business inquiries. Enforcement activity was limited because complaints about labelling from the public were rare, and enforcers prioritized acute food safety issues. Pre-implementation discussions created the presumption among enforcers that most businesses were compliant. Implementers claimed that businesses wanted to comply to safeguard their reputation and maintain customer trust. While participants supported calorie labelling, potential barriers to policy impact included a presumed lack of customer interest. Financial pressure during implementation strained business resources, and businesses suggested that customers may prioritise financial over health concerns in their decision-making. These findings underscore the need for central guidance, verification of adherence, and sufficient enforcement resources. To optimize policy success, future developments should consider economic contexts, customer expectations, and policy refinement, while recognizing common industry arguments against policy implementation.

This paper investigates the design, computational modeling, and thermal optimization of a compact macro-scale ammonia cracking reactor to enable efficient, scalable, and high-conversion hydrogen production through enhanced heat management and non-isothermal kinetic analysis. The non-isothermal behavior of ammonia decomposition in a parallel plates macro-scale reactor is investigated by means of computational fluid dyinamics simulations, focusing on the optimization of the heat distribution to enhance performance and maintain a compact design. This approach addresses industrial need for efficient, zero-carbon hydrogen production from ammonia, and provides practical and scalable design solutions for thermal management in high-throughput endothermic reactions. Kinetic parameters for the reactor were determined based on a commercial catalyst, and simulations were conducted to solve mass and energy balance equations and to model reacting flow properties, including species mole fractions and NH 3 conversion rates. A comprehensive heat transfer analysis was conducted to evaluate temperature gradients in both the heater and the reactor sections, aiming to minimize hot spots and improve internal heat distribution. Results show the optimized heating plates of the system can efficiently provide the required reaction heat, reducing temperature gradients across the system. Increasing the heater length enhanced surface contact and lowered the heat flux, minimizing the formation of hot spots. This optimized approach holds promise for enhancing the ammonia cracking reactor performance for high-throughput hydrogen generation. • A compact reactor for ammonia cracking under non-isothermal conditions is simulated. • Simulations accurately predict experimental kinetic conversions. • The thermal management of the heater and reactor elements is assessed. • The proposed system minimizes hot spots and temperature gradients.

Head acceleration events (HAEs) can potentially have adverse consequences for athlete brain health. In sports, in which head injuries have the highest incidence, identifying strategies to reduce HAE frequency and magnitude is a priority. Neck training is a potential strategy to mitigate against the magnitude of HAEs. This two-part study aimed to (1) systematically review the literature of neck training interventions in sport and (2) undertake an expert Delphi consensus on the best practices for neck training implementation to reduce HAEs in sport. Part I: a systematic search of four databases was undertaken from the earliest records to September 2024. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed, and a quality assessment was completed using a modified Downs and Black assessment tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Papers were eligible if they both (1) implemented a reproducible exercise intervention targeting the neck within collision, combat or motor sport, and (2) assessed outcomes relating to either: the physical profile of the neck; head/neck injury incidence; and/or HAEs. Part II: 18 international experts, with experience in research and/or applied practice of neck exercise training, concussion and/or HAEs, reviewed the part I findings before completing a three-round Delphi consensus process. Part I included 21 papers, highlighting the heterogeneity of existing interventions. Part II resulted in 57 statements coded into five categories: contextual factors (n=17), neck training periodisation (n=12), training adaptations (n=10), neck training content (n=15) and athlete adherence (n=3). This study presents recommendations for neck exercise training aiming to reduce HAEs in sport, supporting both practice and future research.

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) represent an important therapeutic strategy offered by the Brazilian Unified Public Health System to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, predictors of relevant clinical outcomes are understudied in the real world. To determine the incidence and independent predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with valvular and nonvalvular AF treated with VKA. This prospective cohort included patients with valvular and nonvalvular AF receiving VKA for ≥ 1 year. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular death, thromboembolic events, and major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding, separately and as a composite outcome. The outcomes were independently adjudicated. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The study included 1,350 patients, with a mean age of 69.2 (± 11.8) years, 53.6% female, followed up for 17 (15 - 19) months. The annual incidence of thromboembolic events and cardiovascular death was 4.4%, and predictors were prior thromboembolism (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22 - 3.67), time in therapeutic range (TTR) < 50% (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.16 - 3.37), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 2.76; 95% CI 4.82 - 1.58). The rate of major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding was 3.24% per year (95% CI 2.47 - 4.14), and predictors were prior bleeding (HR 2.60; 95% CI 1.47 - 4.61) and mechanical prosthesis (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.15 - 3.15). The composite outcome was 8.7% per year, and predictors were prior bleeding (HR 1.70; 95% CI 1.07 - 2.70), TTR < 41% (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.11 - 2.86), and left atrial diameter > 44 mm (HR 1.97; 95% CI 3.26 - 1.19). Prior thromboembolism or bleeding, reduced GFR and TTR levels, and enlarged left atrium were predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with AF treated with VKA.