The progress in generative models, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), opened new possibilities for image generation but raised concerns about potential malicious uses, especially in sensitive areas like medical imaging. This study introduces MITS-GAN, a novel approach to prevent tampering in medical images, with a specific focus on CT scans. The approach disrupts the output of the attacker's CT-GAN architecture by introducing finely tuned perturbations that are imperceptible to the human eye.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFQuality assessment in healthcare systems is challenging due to the multidimensional nature of healthcare services. This study evaluates the overall quality provided by hospitals using composite indicators under the Benefit of the Doubt (BoD) approach, which determines the weights of the indicators with minimal assumptions. We used data from 2015-2020 for Italian Local Health Authorities (LHAs) for 21 outcome measures, applying various non-parametric methods to address aggregation and weighting challenges.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe development of highly active, low-cost, and robust electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial endeavor for the clean and economically viable production of hydrogen electrochemical water splitting. Herein, cuprous oxide (CuO) thin films are deposited on silver nanowire (AgNW) networks by atmospheric-pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD). AgNW@CuO nanocomposites supported on conductive copper electrodes exhibited superior OER activity as compared to bare copper substrate and bare AgNWs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In the last few decades, nose-to-brain delivery has been investigated as an alternative route to deliver molecules to the Central Nervous System (CNS), bypassing the Blood-Brain Barrier. The use of nanotechnological carriers to promote drug transfer via this route has been widely explored. The exact mechanisms of transport remain unclear because different pathways (systemic or axonal) may be involved.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe quality of life for a child with a chronic illness depends on various factors, including the illness's severity, medical treatments, psychosocial and educational support, resource availability, and community involvement. These biopsychosocial factors become significant when the child receives care at home. This article presents and evaluates a highly personalized support project offered to 40 Sicilian families, consisting of educational, social, and psychological services delivered at the families homes and in their communities.
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