bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarization-dependent fluoride fiber coupler and application to pulsed laser triggering
Authors: Zeweldi Gebrehiwot Tesfay , Karampour Nasrollah , Rochette Martin
Published: February 2025

We present the first ZBLAN-based polarization-dependent optical fiber coupler (OFC). The polarization extinction ratio (PER) reaches 2.5 dB/4.0 dB at the through-port/cross-port of the single-mode OFC. With an unpolarized light input, the OFC provides a coupling ratio of 73.5%/26.5% at the through-port/cross-port, with an excess loss of 1.47 dB at a wavelength of 1.918 μm. The OFC is used as the polarization-dependent element combined with nonlinear polarization evolution that triggers the pulsation of a mode-locked fiber laser. This approach generates fundamental solitons with a duration of 1.83 ps at a wavelength of 1.918 μm. The soft-glass OFC supports a power of at least 320 mW without damage. The polarization-dependent ZBLAN OFC is expected to play an important role in mid-infrared (MIR) fiber optics.
RSero: A user-friendly R package to reconstruct pathogen circulation history from seroprevalence studies
Authors: Hozé Nathanaël , Pons-Salort Margarita , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , White Michael , Salje Henrik , Cauchemez Simon
Published: February 2025

Population-based serological surveys are a key tool in epidemiology to characterize the level of population immunity and reconstruct the past circulation of pathogens. A variety of serocatalytic models have been developed to estimate the force of infection (FOI) (i.e., the rate at which susceptible individuals become infected) from age-stratified seroprevalence data. However, few tool currently exists to easily implement, combine, and compare these models. Here, we introduce an R package, Rsero, that implements a series of serocatalytic models and estimates the FOI from age-stratified seroprevalence data using Bayesian methods. The package also contains a series of features to perform model comparison and visualise model fit. We introduce new serocatalytic models of successive outbreaks and extend existing models of seroreversion to any transmission model. The different features of the package are illustrated with simulated and real-life data. We show we can identify the correct epidemiological scenario and recover model parameters in different epidemiological settings. We also show how the package can support serosurvey study design in a variety of epidemic situations. This package provides a standard framework to epidemiologists and modellers to study the dynamics of past pathogen circulation from cross-sectional serological survey data.
Design of field trials for the evaluation of transmissible vaccines in animal populations
Authors: Sheen Justin K. , Kennedy-Shaffer Lee , Levy Michael Z. , Metcalf Charlotte Jessica E.
Published: February 2025

Vaccines which can transmit from vaccinated to unvaccinated animals may be especially useful for increasing immunity in hard to reach populations or in populations where achieving high coverage is logistically infeasible. However, gauging the public health utility for future use of such transmissible vaccines and assessing their risk-benefit tradeoff, given their potential for unintended evolution, hinges on accurate estimates of their indirect protective effect. Here, we establish the conditions under which a two-stage randomized field trial can characterize the protective effects of a transmissible vaccine relative to a traditional vaccine. We contrast the sample sizes required to adequately power these trials when the vaccine is weakly and strongly transmissible. We also identify how required sample sizes change based on the characteristics of host ecology such as the overdispersion of the contact structure of the population, as well as the efficacy of the vaccine and timing of vaccination. Our results indicate the range of scenarios where two-stage randomized field trial designs are feasible and appropriate to capture the protective effects of transmissible vaccines. Our estimates identify the protective benefit of using transmissible vaccines compared to traditional vaccines, and thus can be used to weigh against evolutionary risks.
Step-by-step causal analysis of EHRs to ground decision-making
Authors: Doutreligne Matthieu , Struja Tristan , Abecassis Judith , Morgand Claire , Celi Leo Anthony , Varoquaux Gaël
Published: February 2025

Causal inference enables machine learning methods to estimate treatment effects of medical interventions from electronic health records (EHRs). The prevalence of such observational data and the difficulty for randomized controlled trials (RCT) to cover all population/treatment relationships make these methods increasingly attractive for studying causal effects. However, researchers should be wary of many pitfalls. We propose and illustrate a framework for causal inference estimating the effect of albumin on mortality in sepsis using an Intensive Care database (MIMIC-IV) and comparing various sensitivity analyses to results from RCTs as gold-standard. The first step is study design, using the target trial concept and the PICOT framework: Population (patients with sepsis), Intervention (combination of crystalloids and albumin for fluid resuscitation), Control (crystalloids only), Outcome (28-day mortality), Time (intervention start within 24h of admission). We show that too large treatment-initiation times induce immortal time bias. The second step is selection of the confounding variables based on expert knowledge. Increasingly adding confounders enables to recover the RCT results from observational data. As the third step, we assess the influence of multiple models with varying assumptions, showing that a doubly robust estimator (AIPW) with random forests proved to be the most reliable estimator. Results show that these steps are all important for valid causal estimates. A valid causal model can then be used to individualize decision making: subgroup analyses showed that treatment efficacy of albumin was better for patients >60 years old, males, and patients with septic shock. Without causal thinking, machine learning is not enough for optimal clinical decision on an individual patient level. Our step-by-step analytic framework helps avoiding many pitfalls of applying machine learning to EHR data, building models that avoid shortcuts and extract the best decision-making evidence.
Biofortification and fortification of wheat flour: Qualitative analysis for implementation and acceptance
Authors: Yasin Rahima , Padhani Zahra A. , Mirani Mushtaque , Jamali Muhammad Khan , Memon Mahwish , Khatoon Sana , Rai Riya , Rahman Areeba , Attaullahjan Anushka , K. Das Jai
Published: February 2025

This paper comprehensively investigates various aspects of dietary behaviors relating to the usage of wheat flour and sociocultural preferences embedded within rural communities and aims to bridge health gaps resulting from zinc deficiency by introducing zinc bio-fortified and fortified flour in Pakistan. A household and a market study was conducted in Ghotki and Tando Muhammad Khan districts in Sindh, Pakistan. Various stakeholders involved in the wheat-flour industry including farmers, seed suppliers, owners of atta-chakkis and flour mills, grocers and flour merchants, bakers and hoteliers, consumers, and agronomists were interviewed to gauge their knowledge of bio-fortified and fortified wheat-flour. Wheat-flour is a staple food item in Pakistan, however, agricultural output in Pakistan varies across all provinces. Factors that hinder agricultural productivity include a shortfall of essential resources such as irrigation water, superior quality seeds and fertilizers, and machinery. Farmers use primitive methods of farming as they do not have access to modern technologies, information, or training. Wheat flour market vendors and consumers lack awareness of bio-fortified and fortified wheat flour products and believe the only way to create a customer-base is by ensuring that fortified wheat products are available to all and competitively priced compared to traditional options. Additionally, participants misconstrue the process of fermentation and perceive it as unhealthy. The lack of financial resources and awareness restricts adequate promotion of nutrient-rich food products amongst stakeholders involved in the wheat flour industry. Mass awareness campaigns, education and government incentives could bridge the gaps present and encourage wider adoption of bio-fortified and fortified wheat flour. Policy makers and communities can draw on the recommendations made in this paper to introduce and promote zinc bio-fortified and zinc-fortified flour in settings where zinc deficiency is prevalent.
The good, the bad, and the ugly: Compliance of e-pharmacies serving India and Kenya with regulatory requirements and best practices
Authors: Satheesh Gautam , Masibo Sammy , Tiruttani Sasi Kumar , Khayoni Irene , Palafox Benjamin , Nambiar Devaki , Joseph Jaison , Kweyu Emmanuel , Salam Abdul , Wafula Francis , Goodman Catherine
Published: February 2025

As with most technology-driven change, e-pharmacy markets have expanded faster than the pace of regulation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We developed and applied a checklist to assess compliance with best practices and regulations by e-pharmacies serving clients in India and Kenya, two countries with contrasting regulatory environments. We defined e-pharmacies as businesses selling prescription-only medicines directly to consumers through websites or apps. We identified the universe of e-pharmacies through online searches, and captured data using a structured questionnaire (Jan–May 2023). We then assessed e-pharmacies against a set of global ‘best practice’ standards, as well as national regulations (for Kenya) and ‘proposed requirements’ from local guidelines and draft bills (for India, which had no e-pharmacy-specific regulations). We identified 61 websites and 37 apps serving India, and 26 websites and 3 apps serving Kenya. Regarding best practices, a facility to upload prescriptions was provided by 90% of websites serving India and 58% serving Kenya. Only 16% (India) and 42% (Kenya) provided complete drug information. On average, websites serving Kenya met 8.9 of the 12 (74%) Kenyan regulatory requirements, while those serving India met 7.5 of the 14 (54%) ‘proposed requirements’. Only 31% serving Kenya and none serving India displayed required registration numbers. Contrary to regulations/guidelines, many e-pharmacies serving Kenya (62%) and India (34%) listed narcotic/controlled drugs for sale. In both countries, high-traffic websites and e-pharmacies located within the study country had higher mean compliance to regulation and best practices compared to the others. These findings can be leveraged to strengthen enforcement in Kenya and inform the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework in India. We recommend a risk-based regulatory approach, where regulators work with the largely compliant (“good”) e-pharmacies, improve enforcement among the partially compliant (“bad”), and eliminate the largely non-compliant (“ugly”) from the market.
Physiotherapy under pressure: A cross-sectional study on the interplay between perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout
Authors: Biggs Daniel , Blackburn Laura , Black Cameron , Shanmugam Sivaramkumar
Published: February 2025

Background

Given the escalating challenges for UK-based physiotherapists in workload pressures, budget constraints, staff shortages and patient wait times, the profession (of 65,000 registered physiotherapists) necessitates immediate attention to the health and well-being of the therapists. This pioneering study aims to examine perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout among UK-based physiotherapists across the NHS, private practice, sports, and academia.

Method

This cross-sectional study utilised an online survey and implementation of Structure Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the interplay of perfectionism (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Short Form), moral injury (Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Healthcare Professionals), and burnout (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire). Our sample size calculation represents the UK physiotherapy profession, utilising a 95% confidence interval with a 5% margin of error.

Findings

Our analysis conducted on (n = 402) UK-based physiotherapists reveals significant burnout levels, with 96% of participants presenting with moderate to high burnout scores. SEM revealed perfectionism and moral injury collectively accounted for a substantial 62% of burnout variability, highlighting their sequential impact on burnout manifestation.

Interpretation

With such high levels of burnout, urgent intervention is paramount. Elevated burnout presents challenges for the physiotherapy profession as staff retention, accurate and effective patient care, and overall health are severely impacted due to burnout. Recognising and addressing perfectionism and moral injury, such as through amendment or development of policy, becomes pivotal to mitigate its impact on individual and collective health.
Simulation research on dynamic characteristics of scroll compressor with flexible clearance
Authors: Qiu Haifei , Yifan Zhang , Feiyang Li , Xiandong Chen
Published: February 2025

The scroll compressor is a rotating machinery with high-speed and high-precision characteristics. In this paper, a vector model of the kinematic pair was constructed based on two-state clearance. To confirm the adverse effects of tiny clearance (0<r≤0.1mm) on the scroll compressor, a dynamics simulation of the spindle was performed under flexible contact conditions with different clearances. The study indicates that simulation results for flexible and rigid bodies are vastly different, and the former is closer to reality. Compared with the case in an ideal state (0mm), clearance at 0.01mm and 0.04mm can cause an enormous impact on the critical bearing components of the spindle, such as the orbiting scroll, cross-slip ring, and support bearing, which results in unexpected vibration and noise. However, when the clearance increases to 0.07mm and 0.1mm, the collision amplitude and friction resistance inside the needle bearing are relatively small, which avoids violent impacts on the machine. This paper considers the effect of spindle flexibility and transmission clearance simultaneously, which helps to explore the running mechanism of a scroll compressor with clearance.
A machine learning driven computationally efficient horse shoe shaped antenna design for internet of medical things
Authors: Rasool Khan Umhara , Sheikh Javaid A. , Junaid Aqib , Ashraf Shazia , Balkhi Altaf A.
Published: February 2025

With bio-medical wearables becoming an essential part of Internet of Medical things (IoMT) for monitoring the health of workers, patients and others in different environments, antenna play a pivotal role in such wearables. In this communication, a novel Horse shoe shaped antenna (HSPA) meant for such wearables is presented. The vitals of the workers, patients etc. are collected and sent to the IoMT platform for ensuring their safety and monitoring their physical wellbeing. In this article, regression-based Machine learning (ML) techniques are used to facilitate the design of Horse shoe shaped patch antenna to predict the frequency of operation, radiation efficiency and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values to accelerate its design process for on-body applications. The HSPA designed resonates at 2.45 GHz in the frequency band of 1.75–2.98 GHz with SAR of 1.89 W/kg for an input power of 16.98 dBm, peak gain of 1.91 dBi and radiation efficiency of 62.07% when mounted on the human body. 1080 samples of data comprising of three EM parameters have been generated using a conventional EM tool by varying the physical and electrical parameters of the design. A detailed comparison of the five regression-based ML algorithms is presented, and it is observed that the ML models help in efficient use of resources while designing an antenna for bio-medical applications.
Institutional distance, trade agreements, and intellectual property trade networks: Evidence from cross-border data
Authors: Wang Yida , Wang Jiangjiao
Published: February 2025

Based on the Temporal Exponential Random Graph Models (TERGM), this paper applies global intellectual property trade data between countries to investigate the impact and mechanism of institutional distance on the intellectual property trade network. The study finds that the smaller the institutional distance between countries, the more conducive it is to build an intellectual property trade network. This conclusion remains valid after controlling for geographical adjacency, use of a common language, existence of colonial relationships, and characteristics of the intellectual property trade network. Moreover, through regression by year, it is found that this impact increases year by year. Further, after regressing on sub-indicators of institutional distance, it is found that the smaller the distance in political stability, government efficiency, and regulatory quality, the greater the probability of generating an intellectual property trade relationship. Mechanism analysis reveals that economies with smaller institutional distances are more likely to sign trade agreements, thereby generating trade relationships and promoting the establishment of intellectual property trade networks. In order to deeply participate in the intellectual property trade network, countries should actively align with international institutional norms and sign bilateral or multilateral trade agreements with countries with similar institutional levels to enhance the production level and export of intellectual property.
A matching method for elderly care service personnel with multiple types of service expectations
Authors: Yu Chao , Gao Tianxiang
Published: February 2025

With the rapid growth of the global aging population, the problem of providing for the elderly has become increasingly prominent. As a new model of providing for the elderly in China, home-based care has attracted more and more attention from all walks of life. The research on how to realize reasonable and effective matching between elderly care service personnel and the elderly under the home care model deserves attention and has important practical significance. In this paper, a matching method for elderly care service personnel considering multi-type service expectations is proposed. This approach involves first obtaining the actual values of the expectation indexes for each other, as well as the expectation requirements of the elderly and the service personnel. Next, we compute the satisfaction of the elderly and the service personnel for each other based on the elastic service expectation type, and finally, we make a decision about whom to choose based on the inelastic service expectation indexes. On this basis, the situation is considered that there are sufficient and insufficient elderly care service personnel, the two-sided matching models are constructed, respectively, and the optimal matching results are obtained by solving the models. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects of amino acid value-added urea on rice growth and nitrogen utilization
Authors: Cheng Lin , Wang Zongya , Huang Shuangshuang , Wu Hongyan , Li Ruichao
Published: February 2025

To investigate the impact of amino acid value-added urea on rice growth and nitrogen utilization, this study aimed to provide insights into enhancing the quality and efficiency of traditional nitrogen fertilizers using small molecule active substances. Amino acids were added at 5‰ and 5% levels to create different levels of amino acid value-added urea (AU0.5 and AU5) by blending with urea as test materials. Pot experiments were conducted using ’Liangyouhua 6’ rice as the test crop, with four treatment groups: non-urea (CK), regular urea (U), and amino acid value-added urea (AU0.5, AU5) at two different addition ratios. All treatments, except the control, had the same application rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. After harvesting the rice, plant and soil samples were collected from various depths to analyze the nutrient composition of rice, nitrogen content of fertilizer in different soil layers, and 15N abundance. The results showed that amino acid-added urea significantly enhanced biomass accumulation in different parts of rice. Compared to U, rice straw and grain biomass increased by 25.27% to 32.74% and 21.71% to 27.77% under AU0.5 and AU5 treatments, respectively. In terms of nitrogen application, effective panicle and grain numbers per panicle in AU0.5 and AU5 rice were 17.37% to 21.05% and 8.76% to 15.33% higher than in U, with a significant difference between AU0.5 and U. Furthermore, total aboveground nitrogen and fertilizer nitrogen accumulation in rice treated with AU0.5 and AU5 increased by 3.59% to 5.09% and 3.31% to 8.49%, respectively, compared to U. The accumulation of fertilizer nitrogen in grains and leaves also showed increases of 2.86% to 6.32% and 4.38% to 16.25%, respectively, compared to U. This study found that the application of amino acid value-added urea had a significant impact on the accumulation of fertilizer nitrogen in straw. Further analysis showed that it improved both the apparent nitrogen utilization efficiency and fertilizer nitrogen utilization efficiency. Compared to ordinary urea, the apparent nitrogen utilization efficiency of AU0.5 and AU5 increased by 23.71% and 33.93%, respectively, while the utilization efficiency of 15N increased by 15.66% and 6.78%, respectively. The residual fertilizer nitrogen in soil treated with amino acid value-added urea was mainly found in the 0-30cm soil layer, reducing nitrogen leaching downwards. Additionally, the nitrogen loss rate was significantly lower (reduced by 12.39%-12.97%) compared to regular urea. The difference between AU0.5 and AU5 was not significant, but AU5 showed an 18.80% higher fertilizer nitrogen residual rate than U. Overall, the study concluded that amino acid value-added urea promoted rice growth by enhancing nitrogen absorption, improving transport to grains, increasing nitrogen fertilizer efficiency, reducing nitrogen leaching, and lowering nitrogen loss rate. The best results were observed with the addition of 5‰ amino acid.
Surgical informed consent practice and associated factors among adult postoperative patients in public hospitals of Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia 2023/2024. Cross sectional
Authors: Gebreanenia Fiseha Abadi , Kahsay Hailemarim Berhe , Belay Desta Siyoum , Tesfay Binyam Gebrehiwet , Mesele Fissha Brhane , Abirha Mamush Gidey
Published: February 2025

Background

Substantial weaknesses and omissions of surgical informed consent are evident and the current elements of the surgical informed consent process are largely neglected in daily practice. This study aimed to assess surgical informed consent practice and associated factors among adult postoperative patients in public hospitals of Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 314 adult postoperative patients in public hospitals of Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive, Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical package for social science version 27.

Result

Only 35.8% (CI 95%, 30.6, 41) of the respondents were identified to have received the recommended (6 or more) components of surgical informed consent. Educational level [AOR 5.76 (1.02, 32.6)], timing of surgical informed consent delivery [AOR 3.27 (1.5, 7.11)], qualification of counselor who took surgical informed consent them [AOR3.185 (1.21, 8.38)], hospital type [AOR 2.85 (1.26, 6.46)], and duration of counseling [AOR 6.9 (3.33, 14.3)] were statistically significant at P<0.05.

Conclusion

Majority of participants did not receive comprehensive information during the surgical informed consent process in the study hospitals. To improve the delivery it is suggested that health professionals; create rapport with patient, spend more time during counseling.
Transition of clinical biomarker status from childhood into adolescence–A prospective study in children from eight European countries
Authors: Floegel Anna , Russo Paola , Veidebaum Toomas , Tornaritis Michael , Molnár Dénes , Lissner Lauren , De Henauw Stefaan , Moreno Luis A. , Ahrens Wolfgang , Marron Manuela , Börnhorst Claudia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Understanding factors influencing clinical biomarkers is important for the prevention of chronic disease. This study aimed to estimate transitions of biomarker status from childhood to adolescence and to identify determinants of biomarker status in early life in a prospective children cohort.

Subjects and methods

Our sample comprised 1295 children participating in the baseline (2007/08) and second follow-up examination (2013/14) of the multi-center IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS)/I.Family study. Clinical blood biomarkers including glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6, ferritin, leptin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were repeatedly measured in 2007/2008 (age range: 3.0 to <10.0 years) and in 2013/2014. Latent transition analysis was used to estimate biomarker statuses and transition probabilities; determinants of biomarker status were estimated using mixed-effects models.

Results

Four distinct biomarker statuses were identified: (1) “normal” (all biomarkers low/medium; except HDL-cholesterol; reference), (2) “low leptin/IGF-1/HbA1c”, (3) “dyslipidemia/high leptin” and (4) “inflammation”. Children classified as “low leptin/IGF-1/HbA1c” at baseline were most likely to stay in this status (89.8%) or to change to the “normal” status (10%) during follow-up. Compared to “normal” children, children classified as “low leptin/IGF-1/HbA1c” were less likely to have a family history of diabetes (0.26 [0.08;0.86]; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval) or hypertension (0.53 [0.29;0.99]) and the children (0.32 [0.27;0.38]) as well as their mothers (0.93 [0.88;0.98]) had a lower BMI. Children from families with low/medium education had a 55% [9%-119%] higher risk of being in the “dyslipidemia/high leptin” and 49% [1%-121%] higher risk of being in the “inflammation” status as compared to children in the “normal” status. Membership in a sports club reduced the latter risks by 28% [2%-47%] and 40% [17%-56%], respectively.

Conclusions

European children showed distinct phenotypes for the investigated biomarkers. Especially parental characteristics like a family history of diabetes or hypertension, a high maternal BMI, or low/medium education were associated with unfavorable biomarker status in children.
Innovative strategies for pollution assessment in Northern Bangladesh: Mapping pollution areas and tracing metal(loid)s sources in various soil types
Authors: Al Yeamin Abdullah , Mia Md. Yousuf , Khan Shahidur R. , Rahman M. Safiur , Senapathi Venkatramanan , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia
Published: February 2025

This study assessed the risks of soil pollution by heavy metals in Chilmari Upazila, northern Bangladesh, using the static environmental resilience (Pi) model of soil. Geostatistical modeling and self-organizing maps (SOM) identified pollution areas and spatial patterns, while a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model revealed pollution sources. The results showed that the average concentrations of Cr, Pb and As were well above background levels. Agricultural and industrial soils were mainly contaminated with Cr, Pb and As according to the Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI), Ecological Risk (ER) and Pi Index. Over 70% of the sites were contaminated with Pb and Cr, while co-contamination was particularly high. A one-way ANOVA showed significant correlations between Pb, Cu and Zn levels and human activities. The PMF analysis revealed that industrial effluents, agrochemicals and lithogenic sources were the main contributors to soil contamination with 16%, 41% and 43%, respectively. The SOM analysis revealed three distinct spatial patterns (Pb-Zn, Cr-Cu-Ni and Co-Mn-As), which are consistent with the PMF results. These results emphasize the need for stringent measures to reduce industrial emissions and remediate soil contamination in order to improve soil quality and food security.
Intelligent manufacturing policy, ESG performance, and total factor productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Haiyue , Ren Jianwu
Published: February 2025

Under the global wave of intelligence, intelligent manufacturing has become a crucial means of transforming and upgrading China’s manufacturing industry. Accurate evaluation of the implementation effects of intelligent manufacturing industry policies is an urgent issue. This study uses the introduction of the “Made in China 2025” policy as a quasi-natural experiment and employs the difference-in-differences method to investigate the impact of intelligent manufacturing policies on firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) and its mechanisms. These results indicate that implementing intelligent manufacturing policies significantly enhances firms’ TFP. Mechanism analysis reveals that intelligent manufacturing policies can improve firms’ ESG performance by enhancing green technology innovation capabilities, increasing capital market attention, and reducing internal control costs, thereby enhancing firms’ TFP. Heterogeneity analysis finds that intelligent manufacturing policies have a more pronounced effect on promoting TFP in large-scale enterprises, labor-intensive enterprises, firms with higher technical employee levels, companies in highly competitive industries, and enterprises in regions with higher levels of digital infrastructure development and lower economic development as compared to their counterparts. This study provides evidence of how intelligent manufacturing policies drive the high-quality and sustainable development of enterprises and offers insights for future policy formulation and implementation.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation and the salinity of land and water in the United States
Authors: Limodio Nicola , De Marco Filippo , Dal Barco Ilaria
Published: February 2025

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a periodic climate phenomenon with important consequences for weather and socioeconomic variables worldwide. This paper investigates the effect of El Niño on the concentration of salts in soils and fresh water. Our analysis shows effects that are statistically significant and large in magnitude. In particular, in response to El Niño events, soil salinity increases by 21% in the northern region of the United States, where average temperatures are positively affected, while it decreases by 29% on average in the southern tiers of the country, where temperatures decline. Similarly, fresh water salinity increases by 9% in warmer counties, while it is 53% lower in cooler counties.
Parental mediation and the use of social networks: A systematic review
Authors: Sevilla-Fernández David , Díaz-López Adoración , Caba-Machado Vanessa , Machimbarrena Juan Manuel , Ortega-Barón Jessica , González-Cabrera Joaquín
Published: February 2025

Social networks are used daily by almost all adolescents and young people. They are used extensively, and their positive aspects are well-known, but they present multiple risks. Parents’ mediation (PM) in their children’s use of social networks (SNs) to prevent numerous problems has been recently researched. This systematic review analyzed works published since 2012 about online PM strategies concerning the use of SNs by children/adolescents aged between 9 and 18 years old. Following the PRISMA protocol, this review was submitted to Prospero (ID: CRD42022345033), five electronic databases were examined (WOS, SCOPUS, ERIC, ProQuest Psychology, and PubMed), and to assess the risk of bias the ROBIS tool was used. 32 papers were selected. The results indicate that PM strategies (especially the restrictive strategies over the enabling ones) effectively reduce the time spent on SNs and their associated risks. However, it is unclear whether one type of strategy is more effective or whether a combination of the different strategies, depending on the problem to be addressed, is most effective. Finally, no studies have been found that have analyzed the relationship between PM strategies and the benefits associated with the use of SNs. Possible lines of action for future programs and research are proposed.
Estimation of supply and demand for public health nurses in Japan: A stock-flow approach
Authors: Taira Kazuya , Horikawa Masanao , Itaya Takahiro , Hosokawa Rikuya , Shiomi Misa
Published: February 2025

Public health nurses (PHNs) play a central role in community health in Japan, and the number of certified PHNs has decreased since 2011. However, thus far, no study has estimated the supply and demand of PHNs in the coming years. The present study aimed to estimate the future balance between supply and demand for PHNs in Japan. This simulation study adopted a stock-flow approach using data from a survey of local governments, log data from a recruitment information website, and government statistics. The supply was estimated by adding up the numbers of newly hired PHNs and job changers to that of PHNs from the human resource pool. The demand was estimated from the number of PHNs needed in the future calculated by demographics assumed to affect the demand for PHNs. At the current job change rate to PHNs, the gaps between future supply and demand of PHNs were expected to be −494 to −50 in 2025, −1,007 to −435 in 2030, and −772 to −330 in 2035. If the job change rate would be 1.5 times, the gaps were estimated to be 285 to 729 in 2025, −431 to 141 in 2030, and −182 to 260 in 2035. If the job change rate would be 2.0 times, the supply was sufficient for all estimated years. The number of PHNs working in Japanese local governments is estimated to decline until 2035, resulting in a shortage. Policy makers should consider early measures to adjust the future number of PHNs.
Does the digital transformation of enterprises affect capital mismatch? evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Yang Tianshan , Wu Kedong , Du Xinming , Yuan Gonglin
Published: February 2025

In this study, based on the data of the Chinese listed firms, the effect of digital transformation on capital mismatch was examined. And the potential mechanism was also further discussed. It was found that digital transformation can significantly suppress capital mismatch, especially for non-state-owned enterprises, mature enterprises, and regions with high marketization and financial technology level. In addition, management capability and information environment are potential influencing mechanisms of digital transformation to suppress capital mismatch. These findings have important implications for revealing the relationship between enterprise digital transformation and capital mismatch, provides new ideas for improving the efficiency of capital allocation, and also provides important insights for enterprises to accelerate digital transformation and promote the high-quality development of enterprises.
Hydrodynamic performance assessment of emerged and sub-merged semicircular breakwaters under random waves: An experimental and empirical study
Authors: Al-Towayti Faris Ali Hamood , Teh Hee Min , Ma Zhe , Jae Idris Ahmed , Syamsir Agusril
Published: February 2025

Mangrove ecosystems and other coastal protection structures are essential barriers protecting coastal populations from the damaging effects of wave energy and increasing sea levels. This study uses a semicircular breakwater (SBW) model in an effort to develop coastal protection measures. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the SBW under random wave conditions, including the transmission coefficient, reflection coefficient, and energy loss coefficient, were thoroughly investigated using physical model experimentation. The main objectives encompass understanding the behavior of the SBW model, developing empirical equations to estimate hydraulic characteristics, and enhancing coastal protection structures to facilitate the preservation and expansion of mangrove ecosystems. Hydrodynamic features of the SBW model were assessed across a spectrum of wave conditions. Experimental testing in a wave flume encompassed a range of relative water depths (d/h), including d/h = 0.667 for an emerged SBW, d/h = 1.000 for an alternatively submerged SBW, and fully submerged conditions for d/h = 1.333 and 1.667. Wave steepness (Hi/L) varied from 0.02 to 0.06, and wave periods ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 seconds. Notably, analysis of an emerged SBW with d/h = 0.667 revealed superior wave attenuation compared to d/h = 1.000, 1.333, and 1.667 configurations.
Human-environment interaction during the Holocene in Eastern South America: Rapid climate changes and population dynamics
Authors: Araujo Astolfo G. M. , Correa Letícia Cristina , Perez Glauco Constantino , Di Gregorio Enrico Dalmas , Okumura Mercedes
Published: February 2025

About 15 years ago, we suggested that the low frequency of archaeological sites dating from the mid-Holocene in several regions of Lowland South America (which was then called the “Archaic Gap”) was due to an increase in the magnitude of dry periods related to the mid-Holocene hypsithermal. Since then, data regarding paleoenvironmental reconstructions for this vast area, coupled with an increase in the archaeological knowledge, allow us to reassess the idea of the “Archaic Gap” and redefine both the spatial extent of the phenomenon and its possible causes. Our present analysis aims to present a broader picture of the relations between humans and the environment in Eastern South America since the Late Pleistocene. The obtained results suggest that the extent of the areas that were somewhat depopulated during the mid-Holocene is larger than previously thought; not only Central Brazil, but parts of the Amazon and the Pantanal (close to the Bolivian border) seem to show the same pattern. However, as expected when larger datasets are available, it is possible to perceive oscillations in the archaeological signal that suggest reoccupation of some areas. Although we maintain that the main reasons underlying these patterns are related to climate, they are most probably related to an increase in climatic variability, and not necessarily to an increase in dryness. These observations are of interest to the current debate about the effects of the global warming on human populations.
Neuronal oscillations and functional connectivity of paced nostril breathing: A high-density EEG study
Authors: Frohlich Anita B. , Frohlich Flavio , Sklerov Miriam
Published: February 2025

Controlling nostril airflow through hand manipulations is an ancient yoga technique that has been suggested to provide targeted modulation of neuronal excitability and regulation of autonomic function, which is known to be lateralized in the brain. Here, we examined if unilateral and alternate nostril breathing differentially impacts brain network oscillations measured by high-density EEG in healthy control participants with no prior experience in breathing techniques. We found that paced nostril breathing both decreased alpha/mu oscillations over central and parietal areas and increased frontal midline and occipital theta oscillations when comparing to spontaneous breathing. Alternate nostril breathing suppressed alpha/mu oscillation more than left nostril breathing. Unilateral nostril breathing resulted in an ipsilateral increase in alpha connectivity while left nostril breathing increased anterior-posterior midline theta connectivity. In contrast to the EEG results, heart rate, heart rate variability, and cognitive performance assessed with a working memory task did not differ significantly by breathing condition. Our results add to the existent literature on nasal breathing by demonstrating changes in cortical oscillations and connectivity during a task that combined slow breathing with manual nasal pathway modulation.
The RNA-binding protein Puf5 and the HMGB protein Ixr1 regulate cell cycle-specific expression of CLB1 and CLB2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sato Megumi , Rana Varsha , Suda Yasuyuki , Mizuno Tomoaki , Irie Kenji
Published: February 2025

Clb1 and Clb2 are functionally redundant B-type cyclins, and the clb1Δ clb2Δ double mutant is lethal. In normal mitotic growth, Clb2 plays the central role in the G2-M progression. We previously demonstrated that the RNA-binding protein Puf5 positively regulates CLB1 expression by downregulating expression of the repressor Ixr1. The decreased expression of CLB1 by the puf5Δ mutation caused a severe growth defect of the puf5Δ clb2Δ double mutant. On the contrary, CLB2 expression was unchanged between wild-type strain and puf5Δ mutant in unsynchronized cultures, and the puf5Δ clb1Δ double mutant did not show growth retardation. Therefore, we assumed that CLB1 is the main target of Puf5 in the previous study. However, considering that CLB1 and CLB2 reportedly undergo a similar expression pattern during the cell cycle, we re-examined CLB2 expression in the puf5Δ mutant in cell cycle-synchronized cultures and found that CLB2 expression was decreased in the puf5Δ mutant strain. Deletion of IXR1 restored the decreased expression of CLB2 caused by the puf5Δ mutation. Moreover, we clarified that the decreased expression of CLB2 caused by the puf5Δ mutation resulted in the growth defect in the S-phase cyclin deficient condition: the puf5Δ clb1Δ clb5Δ clb6Δ quadruple mutant grew worse than clb1Δ clb5Δ clb6Δ triple mutant, and the slow growth of the puf5Δ clb1Δ clb5Δ clb6Δ quadruple mutant was suppressed by CLB2 overexpression. Moreover, the ixr1Δ mutation is known to be synthetically lethal with deletion of the DUN1 gene encoding the checkpoint kinase. We found that the clb2Δ mutation restored the lethality of ixr1Δ dun1Δ double mutant. Our results suggest that Puf5 and Ixr1 regulate the cell cycle-specific expression of both CLB1 and CLB2, that Clb5 and Clb6 have overlapping roles with Clb1 and Clb2, and that the regulation of CLB1 and CLB2 expression by Puf5 and Ixr1 is related to the function of Dun1 kinase.
4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal causes nuclear accumulation of p62 by inhibiting Xpo1 and promoting the proteolytic pathway in the nucleus
Authors: Kayama Emi , Baoshuo Ning , Tatsuno Rinna , Nishi Kanako , Mohammed Elsayed S. I. , Abiko Yumi , Yanagawa Toru , Takahashi Satoru , Warabi Eiji
Published: February 2025

p62, an adapter protein involved in selective autophagy, is mainly found in the cytoplasm under normal conditions. Because p62 has nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a nuclear export signal, it has been suggested that p62 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. We studied the effect of 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE), an endogenous lipid peroxidation product, on intracellular p62 distribution in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We found that treatment of 4-HNE causes p62 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Further analysis revealed that 4-HNE directly binds to exportin-1 (Xpo1), essential protein for nuclear export of various proteins. Further analysis 4-HNE enhanced intranuclear EGFP-NLS-CL1 degradation in a p62-dependent manner. Our results suggest that 4-HNE changes p62 localization to the nucleus by inhibiting Xpo1 and might affect intranuclear protein quality control.
The Interfaces Twitter Elections Dataset: Construction process and characteristics of big social data during the 2022 presidential elections in Brazil
Authors: Iasulaitis Sylvia , Valejo Alan Demétrius Baria , Greco Bruno Cardoso , Perillo Vinicius Gonçalves , Messias Guilherme Henrique , Vicari Isabella ,   with the Interfaces—Center for Sociopolitical Studies of Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence
Published: February 2025

The main objective of this study is to describe the process of collecting data extracted from Twitter (X) during the Brazilian presidential elections in 2022, encompassing the post-election period and the event of the attack on the buildings of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches in January 2023. The work of collecting data took one year. Additionally, the study provides an overview of the general characteristics of the dataset created from 282 million tweets, named “The Interfaces Twitter Elections Dataset” (ITED-Br), the third most extensive dataset of tweets with political purposes. The process of collecting and creating the database for this study went through three major stages, subdivided into several processes: (1) A preliminary analysis of the platform and its operation; (2) Contextual analysis, creation of the conceptual model, and definition of Keywords and (3) Implementation of the Data Collection Strategy. Python algorithms were developed to model each primary collection type. The “token farm” algorithm, was employed to iterate over available API keys. While Twitter is generally a “public” access platform and fits into big data standards, extracting valuable information is not trivial due to the volume, speed, and heterogeneity of data. This study concludes that acquiring informational value requires expertise not only in sociopolitical areas but also in computational and informational studies, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of such research.
The evolution of food security in Japan—Based on an indicator evaluation system including climate change indicators
Authors: Li Caixia
Published: February 2025

As climate change intensifies, food security has received widespread attention. This study examines the development of Japan’s food security index and its relationship with climate change. From these findings, a food security indicator system for Japan was established. The food security system has six dimensions: availability, nutrition, climate change, society, economics, and fertilizer. The factors affecting food security are complex and variable, and this paper adds the Fertilizer Security Index (FSI) to the previous studies. The overuse of fertilizers directly contributes to soil and atmospheric pollution, which can indirectly lead to issues of food quality insecurity. Including this factor within the food security system is fully justified. This enhances the precision of the food security index system to some degree. The results showed that Japan’s overall food security index exhibited a slight downward trend from 0.113 in 1980 to 0.099 in 2022. Food security reached its lowest point of about 0.067 in 1993. In addition, all five indicators, except the fertilizer index, put pressure on the food security index. Due to the uncertainty inherent in climate change, specifically its ambiguous positive and negative impacts on food security, the Climate Change Security Index provides detailed evidence in this paper supporting whether climate change contributes to or undermines food security. Finally, the study put forward recommendations to ensure food security.