bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf Area Dynamics: Interactions with Vineyard Performance, Environment, and Viticultural Practices
Authors: Netzer Yishai , Ohana-Levi Noa
Published: February 2025

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a key physiological metric in viticulture, associated with vine health, yield, and responsive to environmental and management factors. This study, conducted in a Mediterranean Sauvignon Blanc vineyard (2017–2023), examines how irrigation and environmental variables affect LAI across phenological stages and its impact on yield (clusters per vine, cluster weight, total yield) and pruning parameters (cane weight, pruning weight). Results show irrigation is the primary driver of LAI, with increased water availability promoting leaf area expansion. Environmental factors, including temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and solar radiation, influence LAI dynamics, with chilling hours playing a crucial role post-veraison. Excessive LAI (>1.6–1.7) reduces yield due to competition between vegetative and reproductive sinks. Early-season LAI correlates more strongly with yield, while late-season LAI predicts pruning weight and cane growth. Machine learning models reveal that excessive pre-veraison LAI in one season reduces cluster numbers in the next. This study highlights LAI as a critical tool for vineyard management. While irrigation promotes vegetative growth, excessive LAI can hinder fruit set and yield, emphasizing the need for strategic irrigation timing, canopy management, and climate adaptation to sustain long-term vineyard productivity.
Genetic Variations of Three Kazakhstan Strains of the SARS-COV-2 Virus
Authors: Usserbayev Bekbolat , Sultankulova Kulyaisan , Burashev Yerbol , Melisbek Aibarys , Shirinbekov Meiirzhan , Myrzakhmetova Balzhan , Smekenov Izat , Zhunushov Asankadir , Kerimbaev Aslan , Nurabaev Sergazy , Chervyakova Olga , Kozhabergenov Nurlan , Kutumbetov Lesbek
Published: February 2025

Prompt determination of the etiological agent is important in an outbreak of pathogens with pandemic potential particularly dangerous infectious diseases. Molecular genetic methods allow for arriving at an accurate diagnosis, employing timely preventive measures and controlling the spread of the disease causing agent. In this study, whole-genome sequencing of three SARS-CoV-2 strains was performed using the Sanger method, which provides high accuracy in determining nucleotide sequences and avoids errors associated with multiple DNA amplification. Complete nucleotide sequences of samples KAZ/Britain/2021, KAZ/B1.1/2021 and KAZ/Delta020/2021 were obtained with sizes of 29.751 bp, 29.815 bp and 29.840 bp, respectively. According to the COVID-19 Genome Annotator, 127 mutations were detected in the studied samples compared to the reference strain. The strain KAZ/Britain/2021 contained 3 deletions, 7 synonymous mutations and 27 non-synonymous mutations, the second strain KAZ/B1.1/2021 contained 1 deletion, 5 synonymous mutations and 31 non-synonymous mutations and the third strain KAZ/Delta020/2021 contained 1 deletion, 5 synonymous mutations and 37 non-synonymous mutations, respectively. Variations C241T, F106F, P314L and D614G found in the 5' UTR, ORF1ab and S region were common to all three studied samples, respectively. According to PROVEAN data, the loss-of-function mutations identified in strains KAZ/Britain/2021, KAZ/B1.1/2021 and KAZ/Delta020/2021 include 5 mutations (P218L, T716I, W149L, R52I and Y73C), 2 mutations (S813I and Q992H) and 8 mutations (P77L, L452R, I82T, P45L, V82A, F120L, F120L and R203M), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains studied (KAZ/Britain/2021, KAZ/B1.1/2021 and KAZ/Delta020/2021) belong to different SARS-CoV-2 lineages, which are closely related to samples from Germany (OU141323.1 and OU365922.1), Mexico (OK432605.1) and again, Germany (OV375251.1 and OU375174.1), respectively. The nucleotide sequences of the studied SARS-CoV-2 virus strains were registered in the Genbank database with the accession numbers: ON692539.1, OP684305, and OQ561548.1.
Cost Efficiency and Effectiveness of Drone Applications in Bridge Condition Monitoring
Authors: Askarzadeh Taraneh , Bridgelall Raj
Published: February 2025

Bridges are an integral and important part of road networks, but monitoring their condition using traditional methods is expensive, dangerous, and laborious. This study examines the rapidly emerging field of drone-based transportation asset monitoring, focusing on analyzing the cost efficiency and effectiveness of drone applications in bridge condition monitoring. This research innovated a multi-dimensional framework that highlights the transformative role of drone technology in enhancing inspection accuracy, safety, and cost savings. Using statistical models and Monte Carlo simulations, the framework provides an extensive cost-benefit analysis to inform drone investment decisions. A case study demonstrates the utility of the framework in quantifying costs and benefits. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis evaluates how variations in drone costs, driven by technological progress, can potentially influence adoption of the technology.
Review of Flexible/Stretchable Sensors for Soft Robot
Authors: Suzumori Koichi ,   Editorial Office, Nabae Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Flexible/stretchable sensors comprising soft structures that do not interfere with the softness of the bodies of soft robots are essential for achieving soft robots with superior operational performance. These sensors are expected to be applicable as sensing skin for humanoid robots and as interfaces for human-robot interactions. Herein, we refer to flexible/stretchable sensors investigated for soft robotics applications as “soft sensors” and review recent research trends. Specifically, we discuss optical, resistive, capacitive, and inductive soft sensors with emphasis on their materials and structures.
Development of Flexible Pneumatic Spherical Actuator for Giving Passive Exercise with Simplification of its Attitude Control System and Simple Analysis for Evaluation
Authors: Adachi Yuma ,   Editorial Office, Harada Yuto , Akagi Tetsuya , Dohta Shujiro , Cho Feifei , Shinohara Takashi , Yokota Masashi
Published: February 2025

With aging society, pneumatic soft actuators with human friendly features such as welfare support and virtual reality have been developed. In a previous study, a flexible pneumatic spherical actuator (FPSA) that could allow individuals to exercise passively while holding on to the top end of the actuator during motion was proposed. The actuator’s ability to improve the range of joints after surgery was tested. The FPSA comprises three extension-type flexible pneumatic actuators (EFPAs), shaped like a rugby ball through restraint by PET sheets. This paper introduces a non-contact bending/extension sensor composed of a Hall sensor and a ring-shaped magnet, proposed and tested as an attitude sensor. Recognizing that the FPSA’s bending direction depends on the pressurized EFPA, a simple measurement system was also proposed and tested. This system measures the bending angle and extensional displacement by measuring the displacement of the restraint plate at the center bottom of the FPSA. To simplify the attitude control system, a design reducing the number of valves from six to four was developed and tested. Results confirmed that the FPSA, equipped with this control system, could trace the desired bending angle even when the bending directional angle changed. Additionally, an analytical model was proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of passive exercise enabled by the spherical actuator. This model calculates the FPSA’s shape for various input pressures to the three EFPAs in open-loop attitude control. Results showed that the calculated attitude closely matched the actual actuator’s behavior.
Bow Force-Adjusting System by Artificial Hand with Inflatable Mechanism
Authors: Shibuya Koji ,   Editorial Office, Nishida Daiki
Published: February 2025

The goal of this research was to design an artificial hand and bow force-adjusting system for playing the violin and to validate its effectiveness. The hand had five solid fingers without rotary joints. Instead, a chamber covered with a silicone rubber membrane was placed in each finger, except for the thumb. When the air pressure in the chamber is increased using an electric pneumatic regulator, the membrane inflates, which increases the force required to push the bow stick. We fabricated a hand and installed it on our 7-degrees-of-freedom manipulator. We conducted preliminary experiments to obtain the basic characteristics of the hand and built a bow force-adjusting system. We performed an experiment to confirm that the bow force could be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the air pressure in the index and little fingers. Thus, the bow force was successfully adjusted to the target using the artificial hand.
Variable-Corner Robotic Surfaces with Minimal Area and Their Kinematics
Authors: Miyajima Masaru ,   Editorial Office, Umedachi Takuya , Iwamoto Noriyasu
Published: February 2025

Actuators and robots capable of representing surfaces can take various forms, depending on the types of actuators used and their arrangements. In traditional robotic surfaces, the corners on the boundary in the undeformed state remain unchanged, indicating that the number and position of the boundary corners do not vary during deformation. This paper introduces a ring-shaped actuator with three types of bending elements combined with a soap film, demonstrating the existence of robotic surfaces in which the number of boundary corners can change through actuation. We also propose forward and inverse kinematics applicable to such robotic surfaces and present simulation results. These findings suggest that inverse kinematics can be achieved in soft robots constructed with prestressed silicone rubber or fabric, including membrane-like components, stretched over a frame.
Development of Fins for Underwater Robots with 3D Printer and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Yunanto Bagus ,   Editorial Office, Takesue Naoyuki
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the innovative application of 3D printing technology in developing fins for underwater robots. The study delves into the design, fabrication, and optimization processes involved in creating fins using 3D printed technology, with the objective of improving the agility, performance, and overall capabilities of underwater robotics. The analyses and experimental results present the empirical findings of testing these 3D-printed fins.
Pengaruh Kualitas Audit, Prior Opinion, dan Pertumbuhan Perusahaan Terhadap Opini Going Concern
Authors: Primoso Pebrianto  , Ayatulloh Michael Musyaffi  , Tri Hesti Utaminingtyas
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the relationship between going concern audit opinion and audit quality, past opinion, and firm growth. Samples of 24 businesses and 72 sets of data were obtained from mining companies that were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2020–2022 over the course of the three-year study period. For data analysis, logistic regression was used with SPSS version 29.  The findings demonstrated that going concern opinion is not impacted by audit quality or business progress, but rather is impacted by prior opinion.
The Future of Indonesian Education: A Case Analysis on the Supply of High-Quality Teachers in Indonesia
Authors: Ferdina Khansa Filza , Isnaini Maya Hikmah , Arnoldi Muhammad Daffa Tri
Published: February 2025

Despite continuous efforts to improve education, Indonesia still faces challenges such as unequal access to quality education, disparities in learning outcomes, and persistent teacher shortages. While the government has introduced professional development programs like Pengembangan Keprofesian Berkelanjutan (PKB) to enhance teacher quality, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains underexplored. This study aims to discuss the effectiveness of professional development programs in improving teacher competencies and addressing teacher shortages. This qualitative case analysis examines the challenges in the supply and quality of teachers in Indonesia, highlighting systemic issues and proposing a comprehensive approach to improve teacher qualifications, resource allocation, and policy implementation. The findings indicate that professional development programs significantly enhance both pedagogical and professional competencies, with blended learning models proving to be the most effective in supporting teacher development. However, challenges related to teacher recruitment and retention persist, particularly in replacing retiring educators. These results suggest the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of teacher development programs like PKB to sustain educational quality and effectively address teacher shortages across Indonesia.
The Role of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Teaching English to Indonesian Elementary School Students within the Kurikulum Merdeka
Authors: Ramadhani Gina , Nidi Imelda Verista , Zahra Lailatu
Published: February 2025

English instruction in Indonesian elementary schools continues to face challenges, including limited resources, teacher proficiency gaps, and a reliance on traditional methods. Although Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) presents a promising alternative with its focus on student-centered, interactive learning, its effectiveness in supporting the objectives of the Kurikulum Merdeka requires further investigation. This study investigates the impact of CLT on the instruction of English to primary school children in Indonesia, specifically within the context of the Kurikulum Merdeka. This study employs a qualitative methodology to analyze recent journal articles and investigate how CLT facilitates students' exposure to authentic communication, encourages active engagement, boosts their motivation, and enhances their overall language competency. The results demonstrate that implementing CLT has a significant positive impact on students, as it enhances the relevance and engagement of their learning, aligning with the aims of the Kurikulum Merdeka. The study suggests that to improve English language teaching in Indonesia, it is important to apply the recommendations for broader adoption, integration into the curriculum, development of resources, ongoing evaluation, community involvement, and technology integration.
Health-Care Costs for Patients with a Lower-Extremity Fracture Have Increased Disproportionately Over the Past 10 Years
Authors: Raats J.H. , Chang Y. , Brameier D.T. , Ponds N. , Weaver M.J.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Increasing U.S. health-care costs raise concerns regarding the sustainability of the U.S. health-care system, with the potential for negative effects on the mental and physical health of patients. Orthopaedic injuries often impose considerable financial burdens on patients and hospitals, but the trends in, and drivers of, costs remain unclear. This study evaluated the total expenditure and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs of patients with a lower-extremity (LE) fracture in the non-institutionalized U.S. population from 2010 to 2021.

Methods:

A total of 3,016 participants with an LE fracture from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were propensity score matched with 15,080 MEPS participants with no LE fracture. Patients with an LE fracture were predominantly between 40 and 64 years old (43.2%), female (66.0%), and White (78.8%). Total expenditure and OOP costs were compared between the groups. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors that were associated with costs. Outcomes were adjusted on the basis of the 2022 Consumer Price Index.

Results:

Patients with an LE fracture had greater total expenses than the control group ($20,230 [95% confidence interval (CI), $18,916 to $21,543] versus $10,678 [95% CI, $10,302 to $11,053]; p < 0.001) as well as greater OOP costs ($1,634 [95% CI, $1,516 to $1,753] versus $1,089 [95% CI, $1,050 to $1,128]; p < 0.001). Between 2010 and 2021, total expenses increased more for patients with an LE fracture than for the control group (101.2% versus 51.4%; p < 0.001), whereas OOP costs increased to a lesser degree in both groups (61.1% versus 44.5%; p = 0.17). In the LE fracture group, total expenditure was driven by inpatient care, office-based visits, and prescription costs, whereas OOP costs were driven by office-based visits, prescription costs, and “other” sources. Femoral fracture, hospitalization, and certain comorbidities were associated with higher total expenses. Hospitalization, uninsured status, and a higher income level were associated with increased OOP costs, whereas African American or Hispanic background and a lower educational level were associated with lower OOP costs.

Conclusions:

An LE fracture was associated with considerable total expenditure and OOP costs, which increased disproportionately compared with general health-care costs over the past decade. Post-hospitalization care was the biggest driver of both total expenses and OOP costs. Due to limitations inherent to the MEPS database, the impact of financial burden on not only payers but also individuals and their medical decision-making remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Level of Evidence:

Economic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Exploring the convergence of resilience processes and sustainable outcomes in post-COVID, post-Glasgow economies
Authors: Keenan Jesse , Trump Benjamin , Hynes William , Linkov Igor
Published: February 2025

Resilience and sustainability have each offered a path forward for post-COVID economic recovery and a post-Glasgow global financial order. Yet, the relationships between these two concepts are largely unexplored in economic policy and investment strategies. In light of emerging systemic risks and global demands for more resolute investments in resilience and sustainability, this perspective article took the position that policymakers must begin to draw greater conceptual, empirical, and practical linkages between sustainability and resilience. This perspective article provided a simplified framework for understanding the positively reinforcing, negatively conflicting, and neutral relationships between different types of resilience and sustainability consistent with two propositions. The Reinforcement Proposition argues (i) that various resilience processes may drive sustainable outcomes, and/or (ii) that an allocation of sustainable resources may reinforce resilience processes, as well as the transformative adaptation of markets. Conversely, the Conflict Proposition argues (i) that certain resilience processes may perpetuate stability features that may thwart an economic transition toward sustainability, and/or (ii) that certain sustainability outcomes associated with reorganized economic structures and relationships may undermine resources for resilience. This framework provides policymakers with an opportunity to evaluate the convergent and conflicting trade-offs of resilience processes and sustainable outcomes.
Do Factors Affecting Firms' Cash Holdings Differ Across Sectors?: Evidence from Turkiye
Authors: Çam İlhan , Gümrükçü Boğaçhan Sertuğ
Published: February 2025

We examine whether the determinants of firms' cash holdings differ across different sectors, such as basic materials, consumer cyclicals, consumer non-cyclicals, energy, healthcare, industrials, real estate, technology, and utilities. Firm-level factors include market-to-book ratio, size, cash flow, net working capital, capital expenditures, leverage, cash flow volatility, R&D expenses, and dividend payment. External factors include periods of economic uncertainty, that is, times of financial crisis. The study's dataset includes 385 firms listed on Borsa Istanbul, Turkiye and 4,375 firm-year observations from 2001 to 2022. Data analysis was conducted using the Driscoll-Kraay robust standard errors panel data estimation method, which ensures unbiased and consistent results despite heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence. The findings indicate that variables such as cash flow, net working capital, capital expenditures, leverage, R&D expenses, and dividends are key determinants shaping cash holding behavior in firms within Turkiye as a developing country, regardless of the sector in which these firms operate. Firms increased their cash reserves during the economic uncertainty. Additionally, the market-to-book value ratio and firm size influence cash holding levels differently depending on the sector. In conclusion, although some factors have a consistent impact across various sectors, sector-level analyses reveal unique characteristics and dynamics within each sector that shape the factors influencing firms' cash management strategies.
Micro-credentials for recognition of workplace learning
Authors: Martinez-Marroquin Elisa , Male Sally
Published: February 2025

In this provocation paper, we argue that designing micro-credentials for alignment with formal qualifications in terms of volume of learning and learning outcomes may leave employers’ needs unmet and continue the disconnect between employers’ and education providers’ perceptions on graduates’ work-readiness. We encourage the design of micro-credentials for greater recognition and portability of on-the-job learning, be it for credit into formal qualifications or not. We argue also that micro-credentials give an opportunity to better embed workplace informal learning into formal qualifications. This differs and complements previous calls for standardization of micro-credentials in terms of learning outcomes and duration of learning activities. Micro-credentials could be described in terms of other outcomes related to employability rather than traditional learning outcomes and duration of learning activities.  The paper refers to the engineering discipline as an illustrative example to demonstrate the need that micro-credentials could address.
Credentialing micro credentials
Authors: Moodie Gavin , Wheelahan Leesa
Published: February 2025

The core purpose of accrediting educational credentials is to establish their conformity with standards established for educational credentials in general, particularly those offered by other institutions and in other fields. Educational accreditation integrates educational credentials within a network of all other educational credentials and their processes for assuring standards and quality. These processes are essentially conservative, being designed to minimise the risk of a failure of standards or quality. There are also pragmatic obstacles to recording multiple credentials from different sources within education’s accreditation system.
In contrast, the recognition of expertise in employment is embedded within employment. The core criterion for the recognition of expertise in employment is the practitioner’s integration within a specific field of practice if not a site of employment. Comparability and still less similarity of practice with other fields and sites is irrelevant to the recognition of expertise in employment.
Inasmuch as micro credentials seek to develop employability they are markedly different from programs that develop educational knowledge and skills. While such micro credentials may be recognised in employment, they seem incompatible with educational accreditation. The little evidence available is that micro credentials do not have strong employment outcomes.
Micro credentials seem unlikely to address inequality in higher education which reflects deep and pervasive inequalities in society, and seem unlikely to strengthen links between education and work which depends as much on the structure of work and the labour market, and the cognitive content of jobs.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for N-acetyl-leucine production from glucose
Authors: Wang Qiuli , Yang Jin , Guo Wei , Li Yongdong , Pan Hong , Guo Daoyi
Published: February 2025

N-acetyl-L-leucine is recognized as an effective and safe medication for managing vertigo and related symptoms. It has also been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for GM2 gangliosidoses, Niemann-Pick disease type C, and traumatic brain injuries. Up to now, there has been no documentation on its biological production. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the development of a N-acetyl-L-leucine biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli. Firstly, we verified an N-acetyltransferase capable of efficiently acetylating L-leucine to produce N-acetyl-L-leucine in vivo. Subsequently, we developed a modified E. coli strain capable of synthesizing N-acetyl-L-leucine from glucose. Then, we further increased the production of N-acetyl-L-leucine to 496 mg/L by enhancing the availability of 2-ketoisovalerate precursor. Finally, the titer of N-acetyl-L-leucine reached 1516 mg/L under fed-batch fermentation in shake flasks.
Mapping needles, reducing harm: Findings from a geospatial, community-based needle collection and naloxone training initiative in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Pang Nelson , Varghese Shiny Mary , Reddy Vidya Dhar , Acoose Tashia , Hidlebaugh Erin , Kwan Sandra , Rowe Megan , Medeiros Priscilla , Shuper Paul , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Grace Daniel , Eaton Andrew
Published: February 2025

Background
The opioid crisis is a major public health issue in Canada, with prairie provinces such as Saskatchewan experiencing particularly high rates of opioid-related harms. Factors contributing to this crisis include an unstable drug supply, limited access to harm reduction services, and structural challenges such as poverty and housing instability. The rise of fentanyl has further exacerbated overdose risks, particularly among people who use drugs. Harm reduction programs, such as opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution, have proven effective in reducing overdose fatalities and improving community health. While geospatial analysis has shown promise in identifying areas of high need for targeted harm reduction interventions, its integration into harm reduction strategies remains underexplored.
Methods
This study utilized data from 44 participants who completed pop-up naloxone training sessions in Regina, Saskatchewan, between August 2023 and September 2024. Additionally, data sources include geospatial information on discarded needles from the ReportNeedles.ca platform and survey responses evaluating opioid overdose and naloxone administration using a modified Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale. Naloxone training sessions were targeted to areas with a high number of discarded needles determined by the ReportNeedles.ca platform. Geospatial analyses were conducted using ArcGIS to map needle prevalence and assess the accessibility of harm reduction services based on walk-time buffers.
Results
Between August 2023 and August 2024, 315 reports on ReportNeedles.ca led to the disposal of 2,836 needles. Geospatial analysis revealed clustering of discarded needles in Regina's city center, with some seasonal variation. Pop-up training sites expanded the accessibility of naloxone services, with 70% of participants reporting living within a 15-minute walk to pop-up Naloxone trainings. However, geospatial analysis revealed gaps in service accessibility specifically in suburban areas. Participants in pop-up naloxone trainings demonstrated strong knowledge of overdose recognition and naloxone administration.
Conclusions
This study the potential benefit in integrating geospatial analysis with harm reduction interventions to address the opioid crisis. By identifying needle prevalence hotspots and utilizing pop-up naloxone training service providers can improve service accessibility.
Sampling Intensification for Forest Inventories within a specific domain
Authors: Duong Trinh H.K. , Chauvet Guillaume , Bouriaud Olivier
Published: February 2025

National Forest Inventories (NFIs) are large-scale surveys that typically employ low sampling intensity, sufficient for national-level estimations. However, this low sampling intensity can make it difficult to produce reliable estimates for specific domains of interest under a design-based approach due to limited sample sizes.NFIs use models (model-assisted or model-based approaches) for small area estimation to make estimations in the domain of interest with minimal or no sample.However the reduced sample size can also be challenging for fitting models.Increasing the sampling intensity would represent resolve these issues.In this paper, we propose solutions to complement an existing NFI sample in order to improve estimation.We compare several sampling designs of intensification.This intensification poses the issue of integrating two dependent and non-overlapping samples with varying sampling intensities: the regular NFI sample and the intensified sample.We provide estimators of totals and ratios, and associated variance estimators for the domain of interest and the entire territory using a conditional approach.Our results show that intensification reduces the variance for an estimation at the level of both the domain of interest and the whole territory, that the choice of sampling designs considered has a limited impact on the estimation of the outcome.
Acceptability and safety of a probiotic beverage supplementation (Bio-K+) and feasibility of the proposed protocol in children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gaougaou Ghizlane , Zahra Riham , Morel Sophia , Bélanger Véronique , Knoth Inga Sophia , Cousineau Dominique , D’Arc Baudouin Forgeot , Grzywacz Kelly , Rousseau Guy , Déziel Eric , Godbout Roger , Lippé Sarah , Millette Mathieu , Marcil Valérie
Published: February 2025

Background. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by stereotyped behavior and challenges in social communication and social interaction. ASD is associated with various comorbidities, including anxiety, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and sleep disorders. Evidence supports an association between intestinal dysbiosis and the severity of ASD-related symptoms. Probiotic intake was suggested to restore microbial homeostasis and decrease neurobehavioral, GI and sleep symptoms in individuals diagnosed with autism.
Methods. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and safety of a Bio-K+ probiotics beverage in autistic children aged 4 to 11 years and the feasibility of the proposed research protocol to measure its impact on behaviors and comorbidities. The 30-week study consisted of daily supplementation with Bio-K+ probiotics for 14 weeks. Acceptability and safety were monitored throughout the study. Feasibility was assessed by comparing recruitment and completion rates to pre-established thresholds. Preliminary impact of supplementation on behaviors (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) score), GI symptoms and sleep disorders was evaluated.
Results. Of the 23 children recruited (mean age 6.7 ± 2.2 years, 70% males), 65% had GI problems and 91% had sleep disorders. Probiotic supplementation was accepted by all participants and no product-related adverse event was reported. Feasibility rates exceeded pre-established thresholds for almost all study outcomes including recruitment rate, compliance, electroencephalography, actigraphy and completion of questionnaires. Preliminary data suggest an improvement in behaviors associated with autism assessed with the total ATEC score, and in GI symptoms and sleep disorders.
Conclusion. This study demonstrates probiotic beverage acceptability and safety and protocol feasibility in autistic children. It supports the need for placebo-controlled studies to determine its efficacy.
The Role of Academic Challenge and Support in Promoting Sustainable Student Development in Higher Education
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhu Ruijie , He Yuqi
Published: February 2025

The reconciliation between the academic challenge students face and the academic support they receive within a university environment has been identified as a significant factor in their sustainable development. This study sought to explore the pathways through which academic support and academic challenge affect the sustainable development of college students in China. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted on undergraduate learning and development among 1,104 students at a comprehensive, research-oriented, key national university in China, and the data were analysed using the challenge–support theory as a framework. The results indicated that the academic challenges posed by learning strategies and academic expectations positively affected student sustainable development. Academic support was also found to have a positive effect on student sustainable development and mediate the relationship between academic expectations and student sustainable development, as well as between learning strategies and student sustainable development. The study’s results can be used as a practical guide for higher education institutions to promote student sustainable development based on the challenge–support theory.
Fasciitis-panniculitis syndrome with autoantibodies reacting to adipocyte pericellular fibers: A case report
Authors: Uehara Yu , Enya Takuji , Miyazaki Kohei , Hakata Yoshiyuki , Kawahara Sachiyo , Miyazawa Masaaki , Sugimoto Keisuke
Published: February 2025

Background: Fasciitis-panniculitis syndrome (FPS) typically presents with swelling and skin hardening. Its histopathological characteristics include inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous thickening of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. Panniculitides in children are rare and only a small number of juvenile FPS cases have been reported. We encountered a case of a 10-year-old boy in which autoantibodies reactive to adipocyte pericellular fibers were detected in relapsing FPS.
Case presentation: The patient developed a high fever and skin swelling with pain and erythema on the right side of his body following an abrasion injury on his right wrist at the age of 5 years, and was suspected of having streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome, for which he received antimicrobials, immunoglobulin therapy, debridement, and plasma exchange. The same manifestations with similar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of high signal on short tau inversion recovery showing the spread of inflammation in the fat tissue and fascia was observed twice at the age of 6 years. Serological analyses for conventional autoantibodies, bone marrow aspiration, and whole-exome sequencing examination were non-remarkable. Prednisolone was effective in ameliorating the above putative autoinflammatory syndrome. The patient was admitted at the age of 10 years with similar clinical and MRI findings indicative of recurrence of the same disease. En bloc biopsy from the skin to the fascia showed thickening of collagen fibers, infiltration of inflammatory cells composed mainly of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and necrotizing vasculitis in the fat tissue and fascia. Immunohistochemical staining of the en bloc biopsy sections indicated infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the perivascular connective tissue and fibrinoid necrosis, supporting the diagnosis of FPS.Induction therapy with prednisolone resulted in a remission. IgG purified from the patient's serum reacted with pericellular basement membranes in the subcutaneous fat tissue by immunohistochemistry. The patient is currently taking famotidine to prevent relapses and is making good progress in his recovery.
Conclusions: Although pathogenic autoantibodies have not been described in FPS, our results suggest that fat-tissue-reactive autoantibodies may be involved in the pathogenesis of FPS.
Low-temperature molten salt enabled synthesis of solid-state emissive carbon dots with high endurance and >99% quantum yields
Authors: Lou Qing , Lan Yu , Zheng Guangsong , Song Run-Wei , Hao Jing-Nan , Liu Jia-Lu , Shen Cheng-Long , Zhu Jinyang , Cao Sheng , Zhao Jialong , Shan Chongxin
Published: February 2025

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have garnered significant attention for their unique optoelectronic properties and applications, but their practical employment is hampered by the excessive synthesis temperature, tedious post-processing and limited solid-state luminescence efficiency. Herein, we develop a facile molten salt method to achieve the one-step synthesis of full-color CDs with efficient solid-state emission. Comprehensively, kilogram-scale solid-state CDs with a quantum yield of 90% can be readily synthesized via a salt-assisted approach under mild conditions (100–142°C) within 10 minutes. The spectral characterization and density functional theory calculation confirm that zinc ion coordination can occur in liquated environment, which facilitates the polymerization of precursors at lower temperatures, suppresses the formation of non-radiative recombination channels on their surface, and further enhances luminescence in solid. The machine learning is further used to optimize CDs’ luminous efficiency up to 99.86%, evoking excellent performance CDs-based light-emitting diodes with a maximum luminous efficiency of 156.29 lm W–1 to drive backlit display with a long-persistent lifetime (T95 at 100 cd m–2 = 45108.7 h). This work provides a pathway for the design and fabrication of advanced carbon-based solid-state luminescent materials, significantly contributing to the advancement of next-generation lighting and display technologies.
Evaluation of vestibular and sleep disturbances after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake
Authors: Hepkarsi Sevinc , Karataş Mehmet , Özmercan Yunus Emre
Published: February 2025

Objective
Major earthquakes are linked to a higher prevalence of dizziness and sleep disturbances. The impact of an earthquake on balance can disrupt individuals' daily activities. Dizziness and sleep disorders are frequently observed after traumatic events. This study aimed to examine the effects of significant earthquakes and recurring aftershocks on the human vestibular system and sleep patterns.
Methods
This study is cross-sectional and prospective. All participants were evaluated using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The patients were categorized into two groups: those who had experienced vertigo, dizziness, or balance disorders at least once prior to the earthquakes (Group 1), and those who developed these issues after the earthquake (Group 2).
Results
The mean VAS scores of patients in group 2 were significantly lower than those of patients in group 1 (p = 0.004). DHI scores of 167 total patients were 50.16 ± 21.21. The DHI scores of the patients were divided into three categories (mild, moderate and severe). Total ESS value of 167 patients was 6.79 ± 4.99. ESS values of the patients were divided into 5 categories (low normal, high normal, mild, moderate, severe). There were significant differences between ESS categories and VAS scores (p = 0.000). There were also significant differences between ESS categories and DHI scores (p = 0.000).
Conclusion
The results showed that the prevalence of balance disorder and sleep disturbance increased significantly after the major earthquakes.
Exploring intrinsic capacity assessment-driven patterns and its influence on unplanned readmission in patients after PCI: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Tang Leiwen , Jiang Yueying , Guo Yunyu , Wanya Pan , Tian Wenhao , Feng Xiuqin
Published: February 2025

Introduction:
Intrinsic capacity is a new concept driven by functional medicine. Unplanned readmission is one of the most common and expensive adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and its predictors are complex. Whether the baseline intrinsic capacity level or longitudinal intrinsic capacity trajectories could predict unplanned readmission remains unclear.
Methods
Intrinsic capacity was assessed at discharge, 1 month, and 6 months after PCI. Latent class growth analysis was used to determine heterogeneous intrinsic capacity trajectories. We used logistic regression to explore the effect of intrinsic capacity on unplanned readmission.
Results
A total of 300 participants (mean ± SD age: 67.02 ± 9.42 years; 226 [75.3%] male) were included in the analysis. The unplanned readmission incidence was 24%. Unplanned readmission could be predicted by the baseline intrinsic capacity level (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.23–2.39), NT-proBNP (OR = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.10–0.54), LVEF% (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91–0.98), CRP (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07), Ty-G index (OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.16–3.74) and chronic disease resource utilization (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.11). At the prospective level, two intrinsic capacity trajectory classes were identified: “low then drop” and “high and stable”. Patients in the “low then drop” group have a higher risk of unplanned readmission (OR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.10–4.10).
Conclusions
The findings capture two intrinsic capacity trajectories in middle-aged and older patients after PCI. Both the baseline intrinsic capacity level and intrinsic capacity trajectories could effectively predict unplanned readmission. The longitudinal association between cardiovascular markers and unplanned readmission requires further evidence.
Noise-resilient solid host for electron qubits above 100 mK
Authors: Jin Dafei , Li Xinhao , Wang Christopher , Dizdar Brennan , Huang Yizhong , Wen Yutian , Guo Wei , Zhang Xufeng , Han Xu , Zhou Xianjing
Published: February 2025

Cryogenic solid neon has recently emerged as a pristine solid host for single electron qubits. At ~10 mK temperatures, electron-on-solid-neon (eNe) charge qubits have exhibited exceptionally long coherence times and high operation fidelities. To advance this platform towards a scalable quantum information architecture, systematic characterization of its noise feature is imperative. Here, we show the remarkable resilience of solid neon against charge and thermal noises when eNe qubits are operated away from the charge-insensitive sweet-spot and at elevated temperatures. Without optimizing neon growth, the measured charge (voltage) noise on solid neon is already orders of magnitude lower than that in most stringently grown semiconductors, rivaling the best records to date. Up to 400 mK, the eNe charge qubits operated at ~5 GHz can maintain their echo coherence times over 1 microsecond. These observations highlight solid neon as an ideal host for quantum information processing at higher temperatures and larger scales.
China’s aerosol cleanup has contributed strongly to the recent acceleration in global warming
Authors: Samset Bjørn , Wilcox Laura , Allen Robert , Stjern Camilla , Lund Marianne , Ahmadi Sharar , Elling Maxwell , Fraser-Leach Luke , Griffiths Paul , Keeble James , Koshiro Tsuyoshi , Kushner Paul , Lewinschal Anna , Makkonen Risto , Merikanto Joonas , Nabat Pierre , Narazenko Larissa , O'Donnell Declan , Oshima Naga , Rumbold Steven , Takemura Toshihiko , Tsigaridis Kostas , Westervelt Daniel
Published: February 2025

Global surface warming has accelerated since around 2010, relative to the preceding half century1-3. This has coincided with China’s efforts to reduce air pollution through restricted atmospheric aerosol and precursor emissions4,5. A direct link between the two has, however, not yet been established. Here we show, using a large set of simulations from eight Earth System Models, how a time evolving 75% reduction in Chinese sulfate emissions partially unmasks greenhouse driven warming and influences the pattern of surface temperature change. We find a rapidly evolving global, annual-mean warming of 0.07 ± 0.05 ºC, sufficient to explain a majority of the uptick in global warming rate since 2010. We also find North-Pacific warming and a top-of-atmosphere radiative imbalance that are consistent with recent observations. China’s aerosol cleanup is thus likely a key contributor to recent global warming acceleration, and to Pacific warming trends.
Association between the dietary index for gut microbiota and constipation in American adults
Authors: Song Chunyan , Zhang Zhulin , Zhu Shanxiang , Tong Huacheng
Published: February 2025

Constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder, significantly impacts quality of life. Its relationship with gut microbiota has garnered attention. Dietary factors play a crucial role in the development and management of constipation. The recently introduced dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM), a measure of gut microbiota diversity, offers insights into this connection. The relationship between dietary gut microbiota index and constipation is a critical public health issue. This study investigated the association between DI-GM and constipation prevalence in the American population using data from 11,819 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2010. Constipation was defined using Bristol stool form scale types 1 and 2. Dietary recall information was used to determine the DI-GM score, indicating the dietary influence on the gut microbiome. Multivariate weighted logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, was performed to analyze the association between DI-GM scores and constipation prevalence. Further analyses included a subgroup analysis and restricted cubic splines to explore this relationship [restricted cubic spline(RCS)]. An increased DI-GM index, indicating a healthier gut microbiome, was linked to a decreased risk of constipation. A similar association was observed with a more favorable score for beneficial gut microbiota. Non-linear relationships between DI-GM scores and constipation were identified through RCS analysis, and subgroup and interaction analyses confirmed the consistency of these findings across strata, suggesting no significant heterogeneity. These findings suggest that dietary adjustments may be an important method for preventing constipation.
HADOCR: A Hierarchical Attention-Driven Framework with Dynamic Sampling for Ancient Chinese Medical Literature Recognition
Authors: He Jia
Published: February 2025

The digitization of ancient Chinese medical literature faces significant challenges due to its complex typefaces, irregular layouts, degraded documents, and varied writing styles across dynasties. This research addresses the limitations of existing scene text recognition (STR) methods, which perform poorly on historical texts, especially medical manuscripts. The primary research question is how to design a robust and effective method for ancient Chinese medical text recognition.We propose HADOCR, a novel end-to-end framework for ancient Chinese medical text recognition. The model leverages a Vision Transformer (ViT) for visual feature extraction, followed by a Feature Fusion Block (FFB) to mix local and global features. Two innovative modules are introduced: Dynamic Ratio Sampling (DRS), which adapts to multi-scale sampling while preserving aspect ratios and structural features, and Dual-Attention Feature Rearrangement (DAFR), which applies hierarchical attention to improve handling of character deformation and irregular text arrangements.We propose HADOCR, a novel end-to-end framework for ancient Chinese medical text recognition. The model leverages a Vision Transformer (ViT) for visual feature extraction, followed by a Feature Fusion Block (FFB) to mix local and global features. Two innovative modules are introduced: Dynamic Ratio Sampling (DRS), which adapts to multi-scale sampling while preserving aspect ratios and structural features, and Dual-Attention Feature Rearrangement (DAFR), which applies hierarchical attention to improve handling of character deformation and irregular text arrangements.HADOCR demonstrates superior performance in ancient Chinese medical text recognition, significantly improving feature preservation and handling spatial deformations. The introduction of the ACML dataset, containing over 100,000 instances, provides a valuable resource for future research in historical document recognition. Our work paves the way for better digital preservation and knowledge mining of traditional Chinese medical literature and has broader applications in historical document recognition.