bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Management Accounting in Raising ESG Integration
Authors: Sana Ashish Kumar , Ghosh Priyajit Kumar , Paul Biswajit
Published: February 2025

The traditional role of management accounting has diversified to include economic, social, and governance aspects as organizations increasingly recognize the critical relevance of sustainability and responsible corporate practices. This study intends to underline the crucial role played by management accounting in ESG performance as well as integration by conducting a detailed examination of existing research and studies, as well as the different ways in which management accounting facilitates initiatives related to sustainability. The results underscore how crucial management accounting tools are in promoting sustainable practices and facilitating ESG performance. Through recognition of management accounting's function in ESG performance sustainability, businesses may employ these insights to promote favourable social, environmental and financial implications.
Advancing Sustainability: The Impact of Green Logistics Technology and Smart Logistics Parks on Future Cities Development
Authors: Dutta Soumen
Published: February 2025

This article delves into the impact of logistics technology and smart logistics parks on sustainable urban development. It underscores the importance of integrating eco-practices and advanced technologies, like vehicles and IoT systems to lessen the environmental impact of logistical activities. By examining the real-world applications and benefits of these innovations through a case study on the GMR Hyderabad Airport Logistics Park in India, the article underscores the need for collaboration among Governments, businesses, and communities to foster the transition towards logistics systems that are both sustainable and effective. This collective effort aims to foster eco-conscious cities for future generations.
Cost Management and Innovation: The Dual Pillars of India's National Logistics Policy, 2022
Authors: Aman Quiser
Published: February 2025

An important initiative to revamp India's logistics industry, which has been plagued by exorbitant costs, inefficiencies, and disjointed infrastructure, is the National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022. This study examines the policy's two pillars, innovation and cost management and projects how they will affect the logistics sector in India. The main goals of the policy are to lower logistics costs, raise India's ranking in the Logistics Performance Index and Datadriven logistics ecosystem. These initiatives include the Integrated Digital Logistics System (IDLS), Logistics Data and Analytics Centre (LDAC), Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) and dedicated freight corridors. The article also emphasizes how crucial Cost and Management Accountants (CMAs) are to this change, describing how they support financial planning, performance evaluation, risk management, cost optimization, regulatory compliance, technology integration, and skill development.
Towards Viksit Bharat@2047 with Strong Footing and Long-Term Planning
Authors: Sitaraman Lalitha
Published: February 2025

Viksit Bharat@2047 is the vision of Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by 2047. Our strength in core values and prowess in modern technology are the tool kits for us to reach the goal post. Our past has given us a strong footing. The kingdom of Rama proverbially known as Rama Rajya is celebrated because it ensured health, prosperity, fairness, justice and equality for all. This article starts with the inspiration of supreme governance concepts drawn from the Ramayana literature. The later part of the article studies the contemporary issues and analyses the ways to stay alert to grab the opportunities and to guard from the threats.
Automation and AI Adoption: Catalysts to Enhance Management Accounting
Authors: Padmanabhan Arun , Khandelwal Shubham
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement in automation and AI is revolutionizing management accounting, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making. Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, while AI provides deep insights into financial trends, enabling proactive market management and risk mitigation. Real-time access to financial data ensures timely, accurate reporting and promotes transparency and collaboration through advanced data visualization tools. AI-driven decision support systems offer valuable recommendations for budget allocation, investment decisions, and cost management.
Automation reduces labor costs and errors, freeing management accountants for analytical and strategic roles. AI enhances predictive analytics, improving cash flow forecasting and resource management, and enhances accuracy and fraud detection. The integration of AI with emerging technologies like blockchain and cognitive computing holds immense promise. By embracing these transformative technologies, organizations can achieve unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and strategic foresight, ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market.
Application of scot markers for evaluation of the genetic variability of blue-grass varieties (Poa pratensis L.)
Authors: Krivopusk Ekaterina , Mavlyutov Yulian
Published: February 2025

The analysis was conducted to assess the inter-varietal genetic polymorphism of Poa pratensis based on PCR technology using nine SCoT markers. The informative primers for variety differentiation have been identified; parameters of genetic diversity were estimated: Shannon’s index, Nei’s genetic diversity index, effective number of alleles and the indicator of the information content of primers (PIC — polymorphism information content). Genetic structure of the analyzed collection was evaluated using the Neighbor-Joining dendrogram and PCoA-analysis. As a result of the research, molecular formulas were developed that can be used as the individual characteristic of the variety originality and for DNA certification.
State of seed production and agroecological assessment of the area of cultivation of annual ryegrass
Authors: Zolotarev Vladimir
Published: February 2025

One of the factors for increasing the stability and efficiency of bulk feed production is the diversification of species and varieties of forage crops. In the temperate climate zone, for a balanced supply of plant materials in the green conveyor system in the structure of forage areas, it is advisable to expand the areas of annual ryegrass. This requires increasing the production volumes of varietal seeds of this crop. The solution to this problem involves organizing commercial seed production of annual ryegrass in the country. Calculations show that annually in the country, annual ryegrass can be sown for forage purposes alone on an area of up to 250–285 thousand hectares or more. The potential annual need for annual ryegrass seed for forage production, taking into account the needs of utilities and landscaping, currently amounts to about 9.6 thousand tons of seeds. One of the necessary conditions for satisfying consumer demand for domestic seed material is the allocation of zones with the most favorable agroclimatic conditions, ensuring the greatest possible realization of the potential of this crop for seed productivity. For cultivation for seeds, the values of the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) of territories are optimal within the range of 1.3–1.5. In the cultivation area, relatively sustainable production of ryegrass seeds is possible in most of the Central, Northwestern and southern areas of the Volga-Vyatka regions, as well as in the Kaliningrad region. The level and stability of obtaining high seed yields (Cv 13.3–18.5%), as well as the provision of these areas with agroclimatic resources with a probability of more than 70–80% of years, allows us to classify the selected zone as the most profitable and sustainable for commercial production of annual ryegrass seeds. In the Central Non-Black Earth Region, according to the potential of agroclimatic resources, the zone of the most effective and sustainable seed production of annual ryegrass includes the following territories: Moscow, Smolensk regions, southern areas of Yaroslavl, half of Tver, western and southern parts of Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Kaluga. In general, in these areas, the HTC values are mainly 1.3–1.4.
Morphobiological and economically valuable features of the new variety of spring rapeseed 'Svetozar'
Authors: Volovik Valentina , Sergeeva Svetlana , Shirokova Anna , Korovina Larissa , Leonidova Tatiana , Prologova Tat'yana
Published: February 2025

The morphobiological and economically valuable characteristics of the promising variety of spring rapeseed 'Svetozar' are presented. The variety was created using chemical mutagenesis: as a result of processing seeds of the 'Vikros' variety with ethylmethanesulfonate at a concentration of 0.03%, followed by the selection of lines characterized by precocity, lodging resistance, and improved biochemical composition of seeds. Distinctive morphological features: shortened internodes of the main stem, shoots of the first order are basal, located close to each other in a "whorl", which increases the resistance of plants to lodging; simultaneous flowering of shoots of the first order and the central brush, due to which the maturation of seeds on the plant accelerates and occurs amicably on all tiers; a surepic type of arrangement of pods, which increases the resistance of plants to seed shedding during overstocking on the root and adverse weather conditions during harvesting. The average seed yield over five years of testing was 2.37 t/ha, which is 0.39 t/ha higher than one hundred. The fat content is 45.4 ± 2.1%, protein — 24.2 ± 2.0%, fiber — 8.4 ± 2.9%. It guarantees the production of 28–32 t/ha of green mass with an output of up to 6 t/ha of dry matter. The low content of glucosinolates in seeds (11.6–13.9 mmol/g) will allow the use of seeds, cake and meal when feeding animals in high doses. The variety is approved for use from 2023 in five regions of Russia — Northwestern, Central, Volga-Vyatka, Ural and West Siberian.
Chemical preservation of feed from eastern goat's rue (Galega)
Authors: Abramyan Anton , Klimenko Vladimir , Malyarenko Svetlana , Miyuc Zoya
Published: February 2025

In our experiment the plants of eastern goat's rue had a high humidity of 89.3% in the phase of the beginning of budding. Biological preservatives are not effective at such humidity. In the comparative aspect, we used chemical preservatives AIV 3 and VIK 3C, in different doses. Canned feed was of good quality, without mold, rot and with sufficient active acidity of 3.90–4.05. The best sugar-saving effect was observed in the variants with AIV 3 and VIK 3C at a dose of 0.6% by weight — 1.6–2.1% of sugars in the dry matter of silage. They had a minimum gas emission of 2.53 l/kg of DM, accumulation of ammonia and acetic acid. Lower consumption of sugars led to less accumulation of lactic acid, but with a sufficient pH of 3.9, this is not negative. There was no undesirable butyric acid in the feed, but other low-molecular acids were determined — valerian, malic, formic, which indicates multi-vector fermentation processes occurring in the silage from eastern goat's rue. In all canned feeds, the percent of lactic acid from the sum of basic acids was more than 75, which indicates acceptable maturation conditions. When the storage was opened, the aerobic stability of the silage was better than that of cereals (the results of previous studies). An effective option for the preparation of bulky feed from goat's rue of the eastern variety Gale is flattening the mowed mass with withering to a dry matter concentration of 27–30% and canning with the chemical preparation VIK 3C at a dose of 0.6% of the weight. The feed obtained according to this option after 45 days of storage has good organoleptic characteristics, has the required active acidity (pH 4.45 and higher), percent of lactic acid in the total of accumulated acids is more than 84, low gas emission of 0.43 l/kg of dry matter, the best of the 5 studied options, sugar preservation — up to 1.46% of DM and minimum ammonia emission of 0.145% of DM.
Uji Aktivitas Antimikroba dari Ekstrak Metanol Teripang Asal Perairan Lampung
Authors: Untari Febriana , Rasyid Abdullah , Murniasih Tutik , Wibowo Joko Tri
Published: February 2025

Teripang memiliki kemampuan dan aktivitas biologis seperti antihipertensi, antioksidan, antikoagulan, antimikroba, hemolitik, sitotoksik, dan imunomodulator. Kemampuan tersebut disebabkan oleh kandungan metabolit primer dan sekunder dalam teripang, seperti peptida, vitamin, mineral, asam lemak, saponin, steroid, karotenoid, kolagen, gelatin, kondroitin sulfat, dan asam amino. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi aktivitas antimikroba dari ekstrak metanol pada beberapa spesies teripang yang diambil dari perairan Lampung. Penelitian menggunakan metode difusi agar (agar disk-diffusion method). Hasil penelitian ekstrak metanol dari lima spesies teripang yang diujikan kepada lima spesies mikroba menunjukkan hasil yang bervariasi. Rendemen ekstrak metanol teripang tertinggi terdapat pada Bohadschia marmorata (3,88%) sedangkan terendah pada Metriatyla lessoni dengan nilai sebesar 2,68%. Pada uji potensi antibakteri tidak ditemukan adanya aktivitas antibakteri terhadap empat bakteri yang diujikan, tetapi terhadap jamur Candida albicans memperlihatkan adanya zona hambat. Empat spesies teripang memiliki potensi sebagai antimikroba jamur C. albicans yaitu B. marmorata diameter zona hambat 13,35 ± 2,76 mm, Holothuria lessoni  12,9 ± 0,71 mm, Stichopus quadrifasciatus 10,4 ± 0 mm, dan Holothuria leucospilota 8,25 ± 0,07 mm.
Facial expression recognition through muscle synergies and estimation of facial keypoint displacements through a skin-musculoskeletal model using facial sEMG signals
Authors: Shu Lun , Barradas Victor R. , Qin Zixuan , Koike Yasuharu
Published: February 2025

The development of facial expression recognition (FER) and facial expression generation (FEG) systems is essential to enhance human-robot interactions (HRI). The facial action coding system is widely used in FER and FEG tasks, as it offers a framework to relate the action of facial muscles and the resulting facial motions to the execution of facial expressions. However, most FER and FEG studies are based on measuring and analyzing facial motions, leaving the facial muscle component relatively unexplored. This study introduces a novel framework using surface electromyography (sEMG) signals from facial muscles to recognize facial expressions and estimate the displacement of facial keypoints during the execution of the expressions. For the facial expression recognition task, we studied the coordination patterns of seven muscles, expressed as three muscle synergies extracted through non-negative matrix factorization, during the execution of six basic facial expressions. Muscle synergies are groups of muscles that show coordinated patterns of activity, as measured by their sEMG signals, and are hypothesized to form the building blocks of human motor control. We then trained two classifiers for the facial expressions based on extracted features from the sEMG signals and the synergy activation coefficients of the extracted muscle synergies, respectively. The accuracy of both classifiers outperformed other systems that use sEMG to classify facial expressions, although the synergy-based classifier performed marginally worse than the sEMG-based one (classification accuracy: synergy-based 97.4%, sEMG-based 99.2%). However, the extracted muscle synergies revealed common coordination patterns between different facial expressions, allowing a low-dimensional quantitative visualization of the muscle control strategies involved in human facial expression generation. We also developed a skin-musculoskeletal model enhanced by linear regression (SMSM-LRM) to estimate the displacement of facial keypoints during the execution of a facial expression based on sEMG signals. Our proposed approach achieved a relatively high fidelity in estimating these displacements (NRMSE 0.067). We propose that the identified muscle synergies could be used in combination with the SMSM-LRM model to generate motor commands and trajectories for desired facial displacements, potentially enabling the generation of more natural facial expressions in social robotics and virtual reality.
Female social media influencers in the Arab Gulf: shaping marketing and advertising on Instagram
Authors: Alsalloum Afrah A. , Gainous Jason
Published: February 2025

This study examines the growing influence of female social media influencers in the Arab Gulf, particularly focusing on how they shape marketing strategies through Instagram. These influencers leverage a blend of emotional and rational marketing, effectively engaging audiences by emphasizing three core elements: authenticity, confidence, and interactivity. By building trust, projecting authority, and fostering two-way communication, these influencers connect with followers both on a personal level and through practical product endorsements. This dual approach not only enhances brand perceptions but also drives consumer behavior. Using a qualitative analysis of five prominent female influencers, the study highlights how emotional appeals like storytelling and self-expression are complemented by rational strategies emphasizing product attributes and benefits. The findings contribute to understanding how these integrated marketing tactics influence consumer attitudes, brand loyalty, and purchasing decisions in the digital era.
Characterizing the deformation, failure, and water-conducting fractures evolution of shallow weakly cemented overburden under coal mining
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Zhang Yandong , Gao Xuefeng , Ma Dan , Fan Limin , Li Guodong , Li Xiaolei , He Min , Cheng Zheng
Published: February 2025

Understanding the collapse mechanisms of shallow, multi-layered, weakly cemented overburden is key to safe and efficient coal mining in central and western China. Hence, we conducted a meter-scale similar physical model experiment using high-resolution digital speckle technology to replicate the deformation and failure patterns of shallowly buried, weakly cemented overburden under mining activities, and to determine the initiation, development, and stability of water-conducting fractures. Additionally, a site-scale numerical model was developed to allow for the examination of the stress-displacement evolution within the weakly cemented overburden. The results indicate that the maximum vertical displacements at key locations such as the basic roof, the weakly cemented critical layer, and the surface were 8.9 m, 8.65 m, and 8.2 m, respectively. The collapse step distance of the basic roof was 22.4 m, and the maximum collapse height reached 48 m. After the weakly cemented critical layer failed, the overlying strata collapsed accordingly, with the actual water-conducting fracture zone reaching a maximum height of 96.3 m. After the completion of coal mining, the overburden experienced four periodic collapses. As the working face advanced, the overburden in the center of the mined-out area showed a state of stress release, while the overburden on both sides exhibited stress concentration. The maximum vertical stresses in the siltstone and sandstone were 6.7 MPa and 1.9 MPa, with stress concentration factors of 2.2 and 0.6, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into the safety management of weakly cemented overburden.
Overcoming language barriers in film production: the role of VR-based learning in English proficiency
Authors: Piayura Orathai , Boonmas Thidarat , Wongphongkham Niyom , Sae-joo Phongthanat , Narongchai Wanichcha , Wongphongkham Hava , Promphakping Buapun , Rahman Md Ahbabur
Published: February 2025

Virtual Reality (VR) has promptly transformed educational practices, presenting immersive environments that boost learning experiences. However, it must be noted that even though earlier research highlights the possible role of VR in language learning as a viable medium, it still stands as a largely unexplored area due to lack of understanding of its potential and limitations. This research is fueled by the shift toward using digital educational resources during the time of the corona virus pandemic and it focuses on the contribution of VR toward the improvement of English skills within the context of the film industry in Thailand. The study created a VR App called “EngLab for Film” that has 10 interactive units related to film making. Using structured questionnaires, quantitative data were collected and analyzed with SPSS to assess engagement, motivation, and independent learning outcomes. Findings reveal that VR-based learning fosters motivation and enhances vocabulary acquisition, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional methods. However, technical limitations, such as video clarity, require further refinement. This study underscores VR's transformative potential in language education, providing actionable insights for its integration into specialized professional contexts. The findings indicate that VR can significantly enhance language skills and motivation, though technical and content-related improvements are needed.
Conceptual model of sustainable development of pedagogical staff competences in quality assurance of higher education
Authors: Biloshchytskyi Andrii , Kuchanskyi Oleksandr , Andrashko Yurii , Mukhatayev Aidos , Kassenov Khanat
Published: February 2025

Creating strategies to improve the quality of higher education is the key task of higher education institutions in the conditions of rapid changes in the content of competencies, in particular IT-competencies, as well as in the conditions of turbulence in the external environment, in particular epidemics, military conflicts, etc. The article describes the conceptual model of sustainable development of teachers’ competences in ensuring the quality of higher education in higher education institutions. The sustainability of the development of teachers’ methodological competences is ensured by monitoring their activities based on the results of professional development and acquisition of the appropriate level of competence, as well as on the results of teaching by these teachers of relevant educational components in academic groups of higher education students. In order to reduce the risks of failing to pass the course, some participants of the competence project proposed to form a pool of potential project participants. Methods of optimization theory were used to solve the problem of selecting participants in the competence project. Also, the methodology of project management and pedagogical modeling was used to form the structure of the competence project and to plan its implementation. The assessment of methodological competences of university lecturers is crucial for building sustainable inter-university scientific and educational communities. Based on the results of the pilot implementation of the first stage of the competence project, project participants were selected on the basis of this conceptual model and training was organized to improve the level of competence in the field of education quality management. The results of training of teachers according to the described conceptual model allow to increase the level of their methodological competence. The obtained result requires clarification after completing the second stage of the competency-based project. Thus, the authors proposed an innovative approach to improving the level of competence of teachers of higher education institutions, which is focused on the effective assimilation of learning outcomes not only directly by teachers, but also by students of academic groups in which these teachers teach.
Effectiveness and safety of PD-1/L1 inhibitors as first-line therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Weiming , Wang Zhijing , Huang Zhilong , Huang Yanping , Li Chunyan , Liang Yiwen , Huang Miaoyan , Zhang Duo , Li Chenchen
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 or its ligand (PD-1/L1) inhibitors as first-line therapy in advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who are ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Method

A systematic search was conducted in four databases (Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) to find articles that evaluate the effectiveness of first-line PD-1/L1 inhibitors for mUC, from the establishment of the databases to 22 November 2023. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the frequencies of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (trAEs).

Results

Totally six studies were included for meta-analysis. The CR, PR, SD, PD, ORR, DCR, and grade ≥ 3 trAEs rate were 0.06 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04 to 0.07], 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.30), 0.27 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.31), 0.31 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.44), 0.28 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.37), 0.57 (95% CI, 0.47 to 0.67) and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.40), respectively. The median PFS and OS were 4.5 months and 13.7 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that PD-1/L1 inhibitors monotherapy had an ORR rate of 0.25 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.29) and a DCR rate of 0.50(95% CI, 0.44 to 0.56), while PD-1/L1 dual immunotherapy had a better ORR rate of 0.33 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.52) and a DCR rate of 0.65 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.80). However, there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the two groups.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that PD-1/L1 inhibitors could be used as a safe and viable first-line treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who were not suitable candidates for platinum-based chemotherapy. Specifically, the combination of Enfortumab vedotin (EV) and pembrolizumab (Pembro) showed more effectiveness in treating patients compared to trials using the current standard treatment, suggesting that it could be a promising alternative treatment option.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024510152.
Prognostic value of body adipose tissue parameters in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Yean , Lv Kun , Ge Rongjuan , Xie Xie
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to explore the relationship between body adipose tissue characteristics and clinical outcomes in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

Methods

We conducted an extensive literature search across three major online databases—Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library—to identify studies examining the link between body adipose tissue and treatment outcomes in cancer patients undergoing ICI therapy, from the inception of each database until February 20, 2024. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcomes analyzed were hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as odds ratios (ORs) for disease control rate (DCR). Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included, encompassing 2741 cancer patients. The analysis revealed that patients with higher levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) exhibited significantly improved OS (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.89, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.96, p = 0.015), along with a higher DCR (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.26–2.60, p = 0.001), compared to those with lower VAT levels. Additionally, increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) levels were associated with significantly better OS (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58–0.82, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–1.00, p = 0.049), and a higher DCR (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.15–3.44, p = 0.014). Elevated total adipose tissue (TAT) levels were also linked to longer OS (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55–0.97, p = 0.028). However, a higher visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VSR) was associated with a shorter OS (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.09–1.87, p = 0.010). No significant relationship was found between TAT (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.54–1.23, p = 0.332) and VSR (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.95–1.51, p = 0.131) with PFS in ICI-treated patients.

Conclusion

This study highlights the prognostic relevance of VAT and SAT in predicting treatment response and survival outcomes in cancer patients receiving ICIs. These findings suggest that assessments of VAT and SAT should be incorporated into prognostic evaluations for this patient population.
Text leads, images and videos follow: the impact of processing paths and input modalities on metaphorical competence in Chinese foreign language learners
Authors: Li Siyun , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Metaphorical competence is crucial in the accurate and authentic use of a second language. Processing paths (rational processing verses contextual guessing) and input modalities (unimodal verses multimodal) are major factors that may influence learners' metaphorical acquisition. This study explored how these variables relate to influence Chinese foreign language (CFL) learners' metaphorical competence.

Methods

Advanced CFL participants (N = 60) were divided into four groups using combinations of various processing paths (rational processing and contextual guessing) and input modalities (unimodal and multimodal), and subsequently completed three posttests. The data were subjected to correlation analysis using SPSS software.

Results

Rational processing excelled in metaphor comprehension competence (MCC), particularly with unimodal input, although metaphor production competence (MPC) showed an overall decline, especially in multimodal conditions; the rational processing path significantly outperformed the contextual guessing path in the immediate posttest in the three delayed posttests, but the effect diminished over time; Using the rational processing path, test times significantly affected MCC, whereas, MPC was affected by input modality and test times; Using the contextual guessing path, test times significantly affected MCC; With unimodal input, processing paths and test times significantly affected MCC, whereas processing paths affected MPC; With multimodal input, test times significantly affected MCC. MCC increased with time, whereas MPC decreased.

Discussion

This research confirms the applicability of Depth-of-processing Theory, Cognitive Load Theory, and spaced learning strategies in enhancing metaphorical competence through different processing paths and input modalities, thereby expanding their relevance in the domain of CFL acquisition.
Numerical modelling of the impact of coral reef degradation and sea level rise on coastal protection at The Buccoo Reef, Tobago: implications for reef restoration and management strategies
Authors: Boodoo Avinash , Villarroel-Lamb Deborah
Published: February 2025

Coral reefs provide natural coastal protection through depth-induced wave breaking and frictional dissipation on the fore reef, the reef crest, and the back reef. The coral reef roughness is a significant factor in wave attenuation through frictional dissipation and is directly linked to the reef’s health. The influence of reef roughness on frictional dissipation under representative conditions, and the extent to which coral reef degradation and Sea Level Rise (SLR) reduces this coastal protection service remains underexplored, especially at coastal sites in Caribbean Small Island Developing States. A numerical modelling approach using a coupled depth-averaged (2DH) hydrodynamic and spectral wave model in Delft3D was used to evaluate the coastal protection effectiveness of a fringing reef under varying scenarios of coral reef degradation and SLR at The Buccoo Reef, Tobago. Using near present day conditions as the baseline scenario, assessed wave conditions showed 100% and 96.45% reductions at low and high tides respectively. Under modelled degraded reef conditions on the reef flat, wave heights increased by an average of 21.74% compared to baseline conditions, while for modelled healthier reefs, there was an 18.9% decrease in wave heights from the baseline scenario. Using various SLR scenarios, wave heights showed increases over baseline conditions between 160.5% and 388.4% for increases in sea level from 0.25 m to 1.00 m. The results highlight the importance of the frictional dissipation provided by healthy coral reefs, with degraded corals and rising sea levels leading to substantial increases in nearshore wave heights which could exacerbate issues such as coastal erosion and flooding. Management strategies such as Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and innovative approaches such as the deployment of artificial reefs which are specifically designed to replicate the complex structure and roughness of natural reefs can contribute to wave attenuation by frictional dissipation.
Protein and metabolite acclimations to temperature variability in a calcareous green macroalga Halimeda macroloba
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Yuyu , Zhang Lingshuai , Wang Zhiqin , Zhu Zejun , Long Lijuan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Coral reef ecosystems are undergoing significant restructuring due to climate-driven marine heatwaves. Understanding how calcareous macroalgae, the important primary producers and reef-builders, respond to temperature fluctuations is crucial.

Methods

In our study, we investigated the physiological and molecular responses of the green macroalga Halimeda macroloba to different temperatures (25, 28, 31°C) through quantitative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics analyses.

Results and discussion

H. macroloba showed an optimal growth at 28°C, with the highest levels of Chl a, calcium content, and photosynthetic efficiency. At the sub-optimal temperature of 25°C, the alga modulated its fatty acid composition to maintain membrane fluidity and accumulated selenium-containing metabolites to mitigate oxidative stress. At the supra-optimal temperature of 31°C, despite reduced photosynthetic performance, the alga maintained high metabolic activity to facilitate growth and calcification by increasing the abundance of proteins involved in light-harvesting, photosystems, and carbon fixation, while redistributing substantial carbon into sugars and fatty acids. Enhanced nitrogen reserves, shown by increased levels of nitrogen uptake and assimilation proteins and amino acids such as pyroglutamic and N-Methyl-D-aspartic acids, likely contributed to its high-temperature tolerance. These findings highlight the resilience of H. macroloba to moderate thermal stress and suggest its important implications for reef conservation and potential applications in aquaculture as ocean temperatures rise.
Association between red cell distribution width to albumin ratio and all-cause mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to the intensive care unit: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Chen Xuan , Luo Yuchen , Liu Side
Published: February 2025

Background

Red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW) and albumin (Alb) have been proved to be predictors of mortality in various diseases, such as acute pancreatitis (AP). However, until now the relationship between RDW to Alb ratio (RAR) and mortality in AP has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between RAR and all-cause mortality in AP.

Method

Patients with AP in the Critical Care Medical Information Market (MIMIC-IV) database who met criteria were included in this retrospective study. Associated baseline data was obtained, cleaned and analyzed. Kaplan Meier (K-M) survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression model were utilized to evaluate the relationship between RAR and all-cause mortality. Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) was used for exploring how hazard ratio (HR) changes as RAR varied. Additionally, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to assess the predictive value and to explore the significance of RAR in different populations.

Results

499 patients were included in this study. Survival curve showed that patients with RAR > 5.14 had higher mortality rate at 7-day (d), 14-d, 21-d, 28-d, 90-d, 180-d and 1-year (y). The univariate and multivariate Cox models revealed an independent association between high-level RAR and all-cause mortality at 28-d, 90-d and 1-y. RCS showed that RAR became a risk factor when exceeding 5.14. RAR only had linear relationship with mortality at 1-y after adjusting for the potential confounders. Subgroup analysis suggested that increased RAR caused higher risk of death in male, non-white people or those patients without respiratory failure (RF). ROC analysis indicated that compared with other parameters such as SOFA score, RAR exhibited higher efficiency in predicting in-hospital and all-cause mortality at 14-d, 21-d, 28-d, 90-d. Combined RAR with BISAP, RAR-modified BISAP showed superiority in predicting short-term mortality (28-d).

Conclusion

For patients with AP in ICU, RAR has a strong association with short- and long-term prognosis. Especially, RAR is a promising indicator for short-term all-cause mortality in patients with AP. For males, non-white patients and those without RF, elevated RAR may be a more dangerous signal of mortality.
Age-stratified analysis of the BMI-kidney stone relationship: findings from a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Liuliu , Gu Wei , Jiang Yufeng , Zhang Haimin
Published: February 2025

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and kidney stone formation may vary across different age groups and follow nonlinear patterns.

Methods

This study analyzed data from NHANES 2009–2018, including 14,880 participants aged ≥20 years, to evaluate the association between BMI and the risk of kidney stones. BMI was categorized as normal weight (<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2). Weighted logistic regression models were employed to adjust for multiple confounders, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, education level, smoking history, alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and physical activity. Interaction effects between BMI and key variables such as sex, race/ethnicity and other factors were also analyzed. Age-stratified analyses were performed for the groups aged 20–39 years, 40–59 years, and ≥ 60 years. A restricted cubic spline model was used to explore the non-linear relationship between BMI and the risk of kidney stones.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, participants with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 had a significantly higher risk of kidney stones compared to those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.48–2.34; p < 0.001), with the association being most pronounced in the 40–59-year age group (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.36–3.02; p < 0.001). The interaction analysis did not reveal significant interactions between BMI and sex or other factors. Non-linear analysis indicated that the relationship between BMI and kidney stone risk differed across age groups. In the 40–59-year group, the risk of kidney stones peaked and then plateaued as BMI increased beyond a certain threshold. In the ≥60-year age group, risk initially increased with BMI but then slightly declined. This non-linear relationship suggests that the impact of BMI on kidney stone risk varies by age and should be considered in clinical strategies.

Conclusion

High BMI is significantly associated with an increased risk of kidney stones, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The relationship between BMI and kidney stones is non-linear, highlighting the need to develop age-specific BMI management strategies to reduce the occurrence of kidney stones.
Development of machine learning models for predicting non-remission in early RA highlights the robust predictive importance of the RAID score-evidence from the ARCTIC study
Authors: Li Gaoyang , Kolan Shrikant S. , Grimolizzi Franco , Sexton Joseph , Malachin Giulia , Goll Guro , Kvien Tore K. , Paulshus Sundlisæter Nina , Zucknick Manuela , Lillegraven Siri , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Achieving remission is a critical therapeutic goal in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite methotrexate being the cornerstone of early RA treatment, a significant proportion of patients fail to achieve remission. This study aims to predict 6-month non-remission in 222 disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD)-naïve RA patients initiating methotrexate monotherapy, using baseline patient characteristics from the ARCTIC trial.

Methods

Machine learning models were developed utilizing twenty-one baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory features to predict non-remission according to ACR/EULAR Boolean, SDAI and CDAI criteria. The model employed a super learner algorithm that combine three base algorithms of elastic net, random forest and support vector machine. The model performance was evaluated through five independent unseen tests with nested 5-fold cross-validation. The predictive power of each feature was assessed using a composite measure derived from individual algorithm estimates.

Results

The model demonstrated a mean AUC-ROC of 0.75-0.76, with mean sensitivity of 0.77-0.81, precision (also referred to as Positive Predictive Value) of 0.77-0.79 and specificity of 0.63-0.66 across the criteria. Predictive power analysis of each feature identified the baseline Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) score as the strongest predictor of non-remission. A simplified model using RAID score alone demonstrated comparable performance to the full-feature model.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential utility of baseline RAID score-based model as an effective tool for early identification of patients at risk of non-remission in clinical practise.
Correlation between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Qiu Haifan , Wang Jianping , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Suipeng , Li Baoqing
Published: February 2025

Objective

To establish the reference interval for the serum lipid index in pregnant women and to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes.

Design and methods

Data were derived from 446 pregnancy women and 317 healthy non-pregnant women. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in both groups. The mean and standard deviation of each index were calculated to establish the reference range of normal serum lipid levels in pregnant women in mid-to-late pregnancy. The associations between serum lipid levels and perinatal outcomes were assessed statistically.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, pregnancy, or parity between the adverse outcome and normal delivery groups, but the caesarean section rate was significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. The levels of hs-CRP, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoA1 were significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. Elevated hs-CRP, TG, and HDL-C levels were risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal threshold of the combined diagnosis of these three indicators to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes was 0.534, and the area under the curve was 0.822.

Conclusion

The establishment of lipid reference intervals in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can effectively evaluate lipid metabolism in pregnant women, and the measurement of lipid metabolism in pregnant women is helpful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The association between cognitive frailty and the risk of fall occurrence in older adults: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Liu Jian , Wu Yu , Long Zongke , Zhang Simeng , Wu Shicai
Published: February 2025

Background

Cognitive frailty increases the risk of fall occurrence. However, previous studies have shown inconsistent correlations between cognitive frailty and the risk of fall occurrence.

Objective

To systematically review studies and explore the association between cognitive frailty and the risk of fall occurrence.

Methods

Databases were systematically searched. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software after evaluation of the quality of the included studies by 2 researchers.

Results

A total of five studies including 16,962 patients were included. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the cognitive frailty group increased the risk of occurrence of falls in older adults [OR = 1.38, 95% CI (1.09, 1.73), p = 0.006]. Subgroup analyses showed that cognitive frailty in older adults increased the risk of fall occurrence using different cognitive frailty assessment tools, study participants from the community, different regions, and different sample sizes.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that cognitive frailty in older adults is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of falls, and it is recommended that caregivers strengthen the assessment of cognitive aspects of older adults admitted to the hospital.
Antagonism of Eucalyptus endophytic fungi against some important crop fungal diseases
Authors: Aleahmad Parmida , Ebrahimi Leila , Safaie Naser , Etebarian Hassan Reza
Published: February 2025

Endophytic fungi colonize plants without causing symptoms, throughout or at least a significant part of their life cycle, forming a plant-fungal association. In this study, endophytic fungi were isolated from Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees, and their antifungal activity was evaluated against four significant plant pathogens namely Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Rhizoctonia solani. For this aim, 754 fungal isolates were obtained from 44 healthy fruit, leaf, and branch samples collected from five provinces of Iran. Subsequently, 27 fungal genera were identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular data of ITS region, with Neofusicoccum, Cladosporium, Didymosphaeria, and Chaetomium being the most commonly found genera. Based on the morphological characteristics, 170 isolates were chosen and their antifungal activities were assessed against the aforementioned pathogens in vitro through dual culture and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) tests. Based on the results, five isolates comprising Trichoderma sp. KL1, Trichoderma sp. 8S1, Chaetomium sp. DL4, Phaeophleospora sp. XL4, and Pseudosydowia sp. VL3 were selected for further investigation, which included examining their chitinase and cellulase secretion capabilities as potential antagonism mechanisms and their ability to solubilize phosphate as a growth-promoting mechanism. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the selected isolates was evaluated against plant pathogens on tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. Their impact on plant growth parameters was also assessed. In vitro and greenhouse experiments demonstrated that each selected isolate exhibited varying levels of control against different pathogens. Among the isolates, Trichoderma sp. isolates KL1 and 8S1 consistently exhibited the strongest inhibition of disease severity for all four pathogens under greenhouse conditions. Lastly, the selected isolates were identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum KL1, T. longibrachiatum 8S1, Chaetomium globosum DL4, Phaeophleospora eucalypticola XL4, and Pseudosydowia eucalypti VL3 based on their morphological features and molecular data of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and tef-1α genomic regions.