Search Results (14,679)

A comprehensive analysis of the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka from November 2020 to March 2022 was conducted to address the limited genomic surveillance data available across the country. The study investigated the circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, their temporal dynamics, and the associated mutational profiles in the study area. A total of 280 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples were selected, and 252 complete genomes were successfully sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology. Lineage classification was performed using the EPI2ME tool, while phylogenetic relationships were inferred through maximum likelihood and time-scaled phylogenetic trees using IQ-TREE2 and BEAST, respectively. Amino acid substitutions were analyzed to understand lineage-specific mutation patterns. Fifteen SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified, and of those B.1.411 (36%) was the most prevalent, followed by Q.8 (21%), AY.28 (9.5%), and the Delta and Omicron variants. The lineage distribution showed a temporal shift from B.1.411 to Alpha, Delta, and finally the Omicron, mirroring the global trends. Time to the most recent common ancestor analyses provided estimates for the introduction of major variants, while mutation analysis revealed the widespread occurrence of D614G in the spike protein and lineage-specific mutations across structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins.Detection of the Epsilon variant (absent in other national-level studies) in November 2020, highlighted the regional heterogeneity viral spread. This study emphasizes the importance of localized genomic surveillance to capture the true diversity and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, to facilitate containment strategies in resource-limited settings. Full article

This study presents the first application of a deep-towed transmitter–receiver marine controlled-source electromagnetic (TTR-MCSEM) system for gas hydrate exploration in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. High-resolution electromagnetic data were acquired along a 13 km transect using dynamic source–receiver offsets and a 500 A transmitter. The results reveal the following: (1) unprecedented near-seafloor resolution (20~100 m) for the precise delineation of hydrate-bearing caprock, surpassing conventional ocean-bottom electromagnetic systems; (2) laterally continuous high-resistivity anomalies (~10 Ω·m) extending from the base of the gas hydrate stability zone to the seafloor, which correlate with seismic bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) distributions and suggest heterogeneous hydrate saturation; and (3) fault-controlled fluid migration pathways that supply hydrate reservoirs and lead to seabed methane seepage at structural highs. Through 2D inversion, we show that the inverted resistivity values (~10 Ω·m) are slightly higher than those obtained from resistivity logs (~5 Ω·m). Saturation values derived from inverted resistivity exhibit remarkable consistency with well-log-based measurements. The high efficiency of the system confirms its potential for the transformative quantitative assessment of hydrate systems, seafloor massive sulfides, and marine geohazards. Full article

Exploring the effects and mechanisms of spatial agglomeration of construction land resources on economic resilience across Chinese provinces will provide theoretical support for governments to optimize the allocation of productive forces and enhance economic resilience through rational distribution of construction land quotas. Based on the “Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP)” analytical framework, this paper identifies spatial agglomeration through the share of the largest city and draws on the microeconomic concept of “elasticity” that reflects the relationships between variables to construct economic resilience with spatial relationship attributes. On this basis, it utilizes China’s provincial panel data gathered since 2000 and employs fixed-effects models, mediation models, moderation models, quantile regression, and subsample regression to examine the impact mechanisms of the spatial agglomeration of construction land on economic resilience. The research finds the following: the spatial agglomeration of construction land has a positive empowering effect on economic resilience; innovation and technical efficiency are important transmission paths for the spatial agglomeration of construction land to empower economic resilience; and further research shows that the empowering effect has an inverted U-shaped process, with the promoting effect being predominant. The empowering effect increases with rising quantiles and exhibits regional heterogeneity, showing an ascending gradient from eastern to western regions. The basic law in the western region is consistent with that of the whole country, and the scale of provincial construction land will strengthen the empowering effect. The research findings can provide decision-making references for the implementation and deepening of the main functional area strategy, as well as for strengthening the concentrated allocation of construction land quotas to advantageous regions. Full article

Amid growing demands for urban regeneration, metro station areas (MSAs) have emerged as critical spatial units for assessing renewal potential. However, their highly heterogeneous functional and spatial attributes pose challenges to precise classification and targeted strategy development. This study introduces the RFM (recency, frequency, and monetary) model—originally used in marketing—to the urban renewal domain. By mapping POI (point of interest) data, population density, and land price to the RFM dimensions, a three-dimensional evaluation framework is constructed. Using QGIS to process multi-source data for 118 MSAs in Beijing, we apply an improved five-quantile stratification method to classify station areas into eight renewal potential types. The results reveal a concentric spatial gradient: 24% of core-area MSAs are identified as Key-Value MSAs, while 23% of peripheral MSAs are categorized as General-Retention MSAs. Based on the classification, differentiated renewal strategies are proposed: high-potential MSAs should prioritize public space enhancement and walkability improvements, whereas low-potential MSAs should focus on upgrading basic transit infrastructure. The study provides a replicable method for classifying MSAs based on spatial and economic indicators, offering new theoretical insights and practical tools to guide evidence-based urban regeneration and station–city integration in high-density metropolitan areas such as Beijing. Full article

As a key component of new infrastructure, smart logistics is becoming an essential driver for reducing foreign trade costs and risks and promoting the sustainable development of foreign trade. Using panel data from 286 prefecture level and above cities from 2014 to 2023, this article attempts to refine the measurement of smart logistics level from provincial to municipal levels, construct a two-way fixed effect model and a mediation effect model, and deeply explore the inherent relationship between smart logistics, industrial structure upgrading, and sustainable development of foreign trade. The results reveal that: (1) smart logistics significantly promotes the sustainable development of foreign trade. (2) Rationalization and advancement of industrial structure play an intermediary role between the two. (3) Market integration has a positive moderating effect on the path of “smart logistics—industrial structure rationalization”, but the moderating effect is not significant in other paths. It has been confirmed that there is a “siphon effect” in the advantageous regions. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of smart logistics on foreign trade promotion is more significant in the central and inland regions. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical inspiration for optimizing regional smart logistics layout and deepening industrial structure adjustment. Full article

Background and Objective: Thyroid cancer (TC) represents the most common group of endocrine tumors, and its incidence has increased over the last four decades. The imbalance of trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), has been investigated due to the thyroid’s sensitivity to these elements. Zn is essential for thyroid hormone action and may be involved in the pathogenesis of TC. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to contribute to the discussion on the association between low serum Zn concentrations and the occurrence of TC. Materials and Methods: The search was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, LILACS and Web of Science databases, including observational studies published until December 2024. The primary outcome was low serum Zn concentration and the occurrence of TC. Three independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data from the original publications. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Data analysis was performed using R software (V.4.3.1), and heterogeneity was calculated using the I² statistic, with results based on random effects models. Results: A total of 10 studies (n = 7 case–control and n = 3 cross-sectional) with sample sizes ranging from 44 to 294 individuals were included. The results indicated that serum Zn levels were not significantly lower in patients with TC compared with healthy controls (mean difference: −251.77; 95% confidence interval: −699.09, 195.54; I² = 100%, very low certainty). Conclusions: Further investigations, including rigorously designed observational studies with representative samples and improved control of potential confounding variables are indispensable. Full article

Background: Traditional morphology-based classification of the Oriental Plover (Anarhynchus veredus) is inconsistent with molecular evidence, underscoring the necessity of incorporating molecular data to elucidate its evolutionary relationships within Charadriidae. Methods: Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of A. veredus by Illumina NovaSeq Sequencing and explore its evolutionary implications within Charadriidae. Results: The mitogenome spans 16,886 bp and exhibits conserved structural features typical of Charadriidae, including gene order, overlapping coding regions, and intergenic spacers. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed a GC content of 44.3%, aligning with other Charadriidae species (44.5–45.8%), and hierarchical GC distribution across rRNA, tRNA, and protein-coding genes (PCGs) reflects structural and functional optimization. Evolutionary rate heterogeneity was observed among PCGs, with ATP8 and ND6 showing accelerated substitution rates (Ka/Ks = 0.1748 and 0.1352) and COX2 under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks = 0.0678). Notably, a conserved translational frameshift in ND3 (position 174) was identified. Phylogenetic analyses (ML/NJ) of 88 Charadriiformes species recovered robust topologies, confirming that the division of Charadriidae into four monophyletic clades (Pluvialis, Vanellus, Charadrius, and Anarhynchus) and supporting the reclassification of A. veredus under Anarhynchus. Conclusions: This study resolves the systematic position of A. veredus and highlights the interplay between conserved mitochondrial architecture and lineage-specific adaptations in shaping shorebird evolution. Full article

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), its deep integration into corporate operations has become the key driver for firms to reconfigure factor resources, boost green total factor productivity, and achieve green transformation. This analysis empirically investigates the influence of AI on corporate green transformation using panel data of China’s listed companies from 2015 to 2022. This research employs a multidimensional fixed effects linear model to analyze the relationship, finding that AI significantly enhances corporate green transformation. Mechanism analysis reveals that AI promotes green transformation by enhancing firm research and development (R&D) and firm green innovation capabilities. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of AI on corporate green transformation is more significant in the eastern region, post-COVID−19, and in low-pollution industries. The impact is also significantly and positively moderated by the development of the non-state-owned economy and the development degree of product markets. These findings suggest that AI is a critical tool for promoting sustainable economic growth and green transformation in businesses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous meta-analyses on vitamin D (VitD) supplementation for fall prevention have mixed different populations and doses. This study aimed to evaluate whether VitD supplementation reduces fall risk in community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Methods: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) including adults ≥65 years living in the community and receiving supplemental VitD were identified through the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 2005–July 2024), and independent reviewers selected studies reporting fall risk, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes were pooled using the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed with I², Egger’s test, and the trim-and-fill method. Results: The analysis dataset was 23,211 participants from 10 RCTs. Most studies had minimal risk of bias. Overall, VitD supplementation was not associated with a reduction in fall risk, as no statistically significant or consistent trend was observed (OR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.95–1.03; I² = 31%). In women, no significant association was found (OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.92–1.02; I² = 31.2%), and in men, no significant association was observed (OR = 1.08; 95%CI: 0.98–1.20; I² = 0%) when analyzed separately. Supplementation with doses ≤1000 IU/day showed no significant association with fall risk (OR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.90–1.02; I² = 39.5%), as did durations ≤12 months (OR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.90–1.02; I² = 56.2%) and daily administration (OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.92–1.03; I² = 37.2%). Doses >1000 IU/day, intermittent dosing (both OR = 1.02; 95%CI: 0.96–1.09; I² = 0%), and durations >12 months (OR = 1.01; 95%CI: 0.96–1.07; I² = 0%) all showed no significant association. Although evidence of publication bias was detected, adjustment did not alter the results. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that VitD supplementation has no effect on the risk of falls in community-dwelling adults ≥65 years, yet its main interest lies in ensuring population homogeneity found in previous analyses of mixed settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mental health and emotional well-being are critical yet often overlooked in older adults. Immersive virtual reality (VR) may offer novel strategies for promoting relaxation in this population, but the diversity of intervention designs and underlying mechanisms remains insufficiently mapped. This scoping review aimed to systematically examine head-mounted display (HMD) VR interventions for relaxation in older adults, focusing on core scenarios, mechanisms, and conceptual paradigms. Methods: Following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were conducted for empirical studies of HMD-based VR relaxation interventions in adults aged 60 and older. Data on study characteristics, hardware, intervention scenarios, and reported physiological and psychological mechanisms were extracted and categorized into conceptual paradigms. Results: Twenty-four studies were included, covering diverse clinical and community samples. Four main VR relaxation paradigms emerged: environmental relaxation, guided meditation, psychotherapy integration, and interactive gamified relaxation. Reported mechanisms included parasympathetic activation, multisensory immersion, attentional distraction, positive affect induction, mindfulness, cognitive engagement, and reminiscence activation. Considerable heterogeneity was found in intervention design and outcomes, with mechanisms often inferred rather than directly described. Conclusions: Similar relaxation mechanisms were engaged across paradigms, including hybrid interventions combining multiple approaches, highlighting the adaptability of VR to meet diverse needs. Identifying these four paradigms provides a foundation for future research and development of targeted VR-based relaxation for older adults. Further studies should clarify mechanisms, use standardized physiological outcome measures, and assess long-term benefits of VR relaxation interventions in geriatric populations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Early ambulation and timely detection of postoperative complications are cornerstones of colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes, yet the traditional bedside checks performed every 4–8 h may miss clinically relevant deterioration. The consumer wearables boom has spawned a new generation of wrist- or waistband-mounted sensors that stream step count, heart-rate and temperature data continuously, creating an opportunity for data-driven early-warning strategies. No previous systematic review has focused exclusively on colorectal surgery. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were searched (inception—1 May 2025) for prospective or retrospective studies that used a consumer-grade or medical-grade wearable to collect objective physical-activity or vital-sign data during the peri-operative period of elective colorectal resection. Primary outcomes were postoperative complication rates, length-of-stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission. Two reviewers screened records, extracted data and performed risk-of-bias appraisals with ROBINS-I or RoB 2. Narrative synthesis was adopted because of the heterogeneity in devices, recording windows and outcome definitions. Results: Nine studies (n = 778 patients) met eligibility: one randomised controlled trial (RCT), seven prospective cohort studies and one retrospective analysis. Five studies relied on step-count metrics alone; four combined step-count with heart-rate or skin-temperature streams. Median wear time was 6 d (range 2–30). Higher day-1 step count (≥1000 steps) was associated with shorter LOS (odds ratio 0.63; 95% CI 0.45–0.84). Smart-band–augmented ERAS pathways shortened protocol-defined LOS by 1.1 d. Pre-operative inactivity (<5000 steps·day⁻¹) and low “return-to-baseline” activity on the day before discharge independently predicted any complication (OR 0.39) and 30-day readmission (OR 0.60 per 10% increment). A prospective 101-patient study that paired pedometer-recorded ambulation with daily lung-ultrasound scores found fewer pulmonary complications when patients walked further (Spearman r = –0.36, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous, patient-worn sensors are feasible and yield clinically meaningful data after colorectal surgery. Early postoperative step-count trajectories and activity-derived recovery indices correlate with LOS, complications and readmission, supporting their incorporation into digital ERAS dashboards. Standardised outcome definitions, open algorithms for signal processing and multicentre validation are now required. Full article

Point cloud segmentation underpins various applications in geospatial analysis, such as autonomous navigation, urban planning, and management. Kernel Point Convolution (KPConv) has become a de facto standard for such tasks, yet its fixed geometric kernel limits the modeling of fine-grained contextual relationships—particularly in heterogeneous, real-world point cloud data. In this paper, we introduce the adaptation of a Local Contextual Attention (LCA) mechanism for the KPConv network, with reweighting kernel coefficients based on local feature similarity in the spatial proximity domain. Crucially, our lightweight design preserves KPConv’s distance-based weighting while embedding adaptive context aggregation, improving boundary delineation and small-object recognition without incurring significant computational or memory overhead. Our comprehensive experiments validate the efficacy of the proposed LCA block across multiple challenging benchmarks. Specifically, our method significantly improves segmentation performance by achieving a 20% increase in mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) on the STPLS3D dataset. Furthermore, we observe a 16% enhancement in mean F1 score (mF1) on the Hessigheim3D benchmark and a notable 15% improvement in mIoU on the Toronto3D dataset. These performance gains place LCA-KPConv among the top-performing methods reported in these benchmark evaluations. Trained models, prediction results, and the code of LCA are available in a GitHub opensource repository. Full article

This critical review synthesizes findings from quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) to bridge the gap between systems-level neurophysiology and the underlying cellular pathology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD diagnosis is challenged by symptomatic heterogeneity, creating an urgent need for objective biological indicators. Analysis of QEEG data reveals consistent neurophysiological patterns in ADHD, primarily an excess of Theta-band activity and a deficit in Beta-band activity. These findings have led to the proposal of specific biomarkers, such as the Theta/Beta Ratio (TBR), and serve as the basis for neurofeedback interventions aimed at modulating brainwave activity. While not a standalone diagnostic tool, this review posits that QEEG-based biomarkers and Neurofeedback responses are systems-level manifestations of putative cellular and synaptic dysfunctions. By outlining these robust macro-scale patterns, this work provides a conceptual framework intended to guide future molecular and cellular research into the fundamental biology of ADHD. Full article

This study examines the impact of public data openness on environmental welfare performance using a quasi-natural experimental approach based on the establishment of prefecture-level city public data openness platforms. Our findings reveal that public data openness significantly improves urban environmental welfare performance. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis highlights that public data openness can play a more positive role in cities in eastern China, cities with greater fiscal autonomy, and cities where local governments place greater emphasis on environmental protection. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that public data openness enhances environmental welfare performance through stricter environmental regulatory constraints, industrial structure upgrading, increased public participation and supervision, and advancements in innovation and entrepreneurship. Extensive analysis shows that public data openness within a spatial framework can significantly enhance environmental welfare performance in the region. However, this process will generate a triple “siphon effect” that inhibits improvements in urban environmental welfare performance in surrounding areas. Additionally, this effect exhibits a certain degree of geographical attenuation influenced by economic interdependence, with an attenuation boundary of 1000 km. This study injects internet and big data thinking into ecological civilization construction, endowing it with new models, new scenarios, and new momentum, and providing a brand-new approach to sustainable development practices. Full article

The shift toward sustainable and efficient agricultural production has become a global imperative. Rural digital intelligence, which integrates advanced technologies into agricultural practices, emerges as a pivotal driver for advancing green transformation. Based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, this study explores how rural digital intelligence drives agricultural eco-efficiency. Drawing on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2013–2023), this study applies dynamic qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to unravel the complex causal pathways influencing agricultural eco-efficiency. Key findings demonstrate that (1) no single element of rural digital intelligence suffices to improve agricultural eco-efficiency; the combination of various factors can affect agricultural eco-efficiency. (2) Four distinct pathways achieve high agricultural eco-efficiency, categorized into three archetypes: application-driven pathway, synergy-robust pathway, and policy-driven pathway. (3) Temporal analysis indicates time-dependent effects in these pathways, influenced by fragmented policy implementation and technological constraints. (4) Spatial heterogeneity is pronounced; western China primarily follows the application-driven pathway, while eastern China and central China align with the synergy-robust pathway. This research explores configurational pathways through which rural digital intelligence enhances agricultural eco-efficiency, offering theoretical and empirical foundations for regionally tailored sustainable agricultural policies. Full article