Search Results (51)

In this study, we investigate how corporate policies are influenced by the presence of rookie independent directors (RIDs). We hypothesize that RIDs, due to their inexperience, impact corporate policies in ways that may amplify agency problems. Specifically, firms with RIDs demonstrate higher investment in R&D and capital expenditure, increased leverage (both short- and long-term), enhanced liquidity (cash holdings and working capital), and elevated risk-taking, while their presence leads to a conservative payout policy. Using a sample of Chinese-listed firms from 2008 to 2022, our findings confirm these predictions. Additional analyses reveal that RIDs’ effects are more pronounced in high-CEO-power environments, where their limited governance capabilities may align with managerial interests, exacerbating financial risks. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by integrating upper echelon and agency theories, shedding light on the dual-edged role of RIDs in shaping corporate outcomes. Full article

Armed conflicts are at the epicentre of an information war, amplified by false claims about the motivations of the conflicts and refugees. The spread of narratives, especially in digital media, challenges the European Union to implement effective strategies to combat misinformation and to adopt measures to scrutinise and hold the main communication channels accountable, in order to prevent hostile narratives from influencing public opinion and political decision-makers. In this context, this article seeks to analyse the implications of media discourses and misinformation in the development of social representations about the Russian–Ukrainian war and refugees, as well as the use of social networks by individuals to share this type of content. The research is based on an exploratory study as part of the R&D Project MeInWar—Study on the media and social representations of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, funded by Europeia University. The study employed a survey method and an online questionnaire applied to a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 individuals aged between 18 and 38. The results revealed that media narratives influence attitudes towards refugees and migration policies, and it is clear that factors such as age and gender have an impact on content-sharing practices and the motivations behind them. Full article

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is an important pathogen that infects pigeons, which can induce multiple disorders such as immunosuppression and respiratory symptoms, posing a serious threat to the pigeon industry. In this study, we combined the RAA and CRISPR/Cas12a assay to establish a highly sensitive and accurate detection method for PiCV. This detection method amplifies the target nucleic acids through RAA; and the resultant dsDNA is specifically recognized by crRNA, the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a is activated, which further cleaves the fluorescent reporter group to generate a fluorescent signal that can be visually observed under blue light. The method established in this study exhibited high sensitivity, with a minimum detection limit of 6.08 copies/µL. It showed no cross-reactivity with non-PiCV samples, demonstrating high specificity. When 40 clinical samples were tested by this method and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) respectively, the coincidence rate was 92.5%, and the method developed herein achieved a higher positive detection rate. In conclusion, we successfully developed a rapid, on-site operable, one-step visual detection method for PiCV, which holds promising application prospects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Forensic entomology remains an underutilized discipline within forensic medicine, particularly in Poland, where it is primarily applied to post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation. Recent studies indicate that insect-derived material may also hold value in the identification of human remains. Methods: In this pilot study, we assess whether blow fly larvae fed on human blood retain amplifiable human DNA, including Y-DNA. Larvae were reared on blood obtained from four volunteers and collected at the third instar stage seven days after oviposition. Human DNA quantification, degradation assessment, and STR/Y-STR profiling were performed. Results: Despite the deliberately small, exploratory sample size, all larval samples yielded complete and concordant STR and, where applicable, Y-STR profiles matching the respective reference donors. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate the potential utility of larvae as an alternative biological substrate in forensic contexts, particularly when conventional tissues are unavailable or degraded. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously and require validation in larger, systematically controlled studies before any routine forensic application can be recommended. Full article

SF3B1-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a distinct entity associated with a favorable prognosis. Recent data suggest that certain SF3B1 variants portend a worse prognosis. Our study aims to (1) describe SF3B1-MDS patients from a single tertiary center in Singapore and (2) determine if variant type holds prognostic value. We identified MDS patients with SF3B1 variants via next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2025 at Singapore General Hospital. Extracted genomic material from marrow or blood samples was amplified. Libraries were prepared, sequenced, and analyzed, and the hematological parameters, mutation profiles, and outcomes were evaluated. Twenty-five patients had SF3B1-MDS. Ten SF3B1 variants were found, and the three most prevalent were K700E (42%), K666N (19%), and R625C (7.7%). The median variant allele frequency (VAF) was 30% (IQR: 11–36%). Twelve patients (48%) had ≥1 co-mutations. Variant type and VAF had no impact on disease progression; only the presence of ≥1 co-mutations increased the progression chances. In our study, the analysis of SF3B1 variant type was inconclusive and showed no demonstrable statistical association with disease progression. However, the number of co-mutations affected the prognosis of patients. As SF3B1-MDS is heterogenous, further studies are needed to capture its diversity and identify features required to improve risk stratification and personalized treatment. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for the early detection of various diseases, particularly cancer, driving active development of highly sensitive and selective detection technologies. This study aims to establish a novel miRNA detection technique that utilizes image analysis to track the Brownian motion (diffusivity) of fluorescent probe-modified miRNA particles. This method identifies the presence and concentration of miRNAs by exploiting the change in particle size upon hybridization with the target. Furthermore, the use of a probe modified with a photo-crosslinkable artificial nucleic acid (CNV-D) enables the covalent capture of the target miRNA, ensuring high selectivity in biological samples even under stringent washing conditions. By integrating Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR), the complex size is significantly amplified, dramatically enhancing the detection sensitivity. Consequently, we successfully demonstrated the highly sensitive and specific detection of the cancer biomarker miR-21 in serum, achieving an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 fM. This technology holds great potential to contribute to the early diagnosis of cancer. Full article

This work presents a direct conversion transmitter (DCT) for 5G new radio (NR) that eliminates the RF driver by directly feeding a single stage cascode PA through a baseband buffer amplifier and passive up-conversion mixer. The baseband interface uses Class-AB buffers to hold the output capacitor voltage, enabling accurate sampling at the PA input. A mixer switch is selected for minimal on-resistance variation over the required baseband swing. The PA is designed with separate I and Q voltage inputs and a current summing structure. The PA operates at 2.5 V; other blocks use 1.2 V. Post-layout two-tone simulations at 5 GHz indicate 21 dBm output saturation power and −36.1 dBc of IMD3 at 9 dB PBO power while removing the driver to inter stage matching network of a two-stage design. The results validate a compact, driverless architecture for integrated transmitters. Full article

Background: Detecting low-frequency mutations is crucial for predicting prognosis and monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the presence of abundant wild-type sequences hinders the detection of rare mutant alleles. We present a highly sensitive method called ACE (Amplifying–Cleaving–Enriching) to selectively enrich mutant sequences. Methods: ACE includes three steps: (1) initial PCR amplification using biotin-labeled primers, (2) cleavage of wild-type sequences with a specific restriction enzyme, and (3) enrichment of undigested mutant alleles via streptavidin-labeled magnetic beads. Results: Using two rounds of ACE, we achieved over 80,000-fold enrichment of mutant sequences carrying FLT3-TKD, enabling the detection of mutant alleles at levels as low as 0.0001% in AML patient blood samples. Additionally, the ACE method can be adapted to nearly any driver mutation by introducing wild-type-specific restriction sites through PCR with mismatched primers, which has been validated in the IDH1 mutation. Furthermore, the ACE method can be flexibly integrated into conventional detection techniques including Sanger sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, allele-specific PCR, and even with advanced techniques like droplet digital PCR. Conclusions: ACE significantly enhances the sensitivity of existing techniques for rare mutation detection and holds potential for broad clinical applications. Full article

Inflammatory cytokines and proteins are essential indicators of immune status and disease progression; however, conventional assays rely on invasive sampling and complex processing, restricting their use in real-time monitoring. Here, we present a 3D-printed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microneedle-based biosensing platform integrated with a tyramide signal amplification–enhanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TSA–ELISA) for noninvasive and highly sensitive detection of inflammatory biomarkers in interstitial fluid. The microneedles exhibit precise geometry, adequate mechanical strength, and excellent biocompatibility, facilitating efficient skin penetration and biomarker capture. Stepwise chemical functionalization ensured stable antibody immobilization, while TSA significantly amplified detection signals. The platform achieved reliable, reproducible, and multiplex detection of cytokines and albumin in both healthy individuals and patients with inflammatory skin conditions. Notably, the measured cytokine level in lesional skin of eczema patients was 97.7 pg/mL, showing a significant difference from the 62.8 pg/mL observed in healthy subjects. This MN-based TSA–ELISA system offers a robust and minimally invasive strategy for monitoring inflammation-related biomarkers, holding great potential for clinical diagnostics and personalized healthcare applications. Full article

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating complication of trauma, causing long-term disability and significant socioeconomic burden. Beyond the primary mechanical insult, secondary injury cascades involving apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation amplify tissue damage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate these processes at the post-transcriptional level, yet data on circulating miRNAs in human SCI remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize acute plasma miRNA expression patterns in isolated traumatic SCI that may indicate SCI-specific signatures. Plasma was collected from five SCI patients at admission and 48 h post-injury and five healthy controls (HCs), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on plasma RNAs. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, and selected candidate miRNAs were validated by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in an expanded cohort of SCI patients, polytrauma patients without neurotrauma (PT), and HC (each n = 8). Pathway enrichment and validated target analysis were performed to assess biological relevance of candidate miRNAs. At emergency room admission, 46 miRNAs were differentially expressed in SCI plasma (18 upregulated, 28 downregulated). By 48 h, a global downregulation was observed, with 47 miRNAs significantly decreased compared with HC. ddPCR validation revealed markedly stronger suppression of miR-182-5p, miR-190a-5p, miR-144-5p, and miR-30c-5p expression levels in SCI compared with PT. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathways, and target prediction suggested that the identified miRNAs may be linked to neuroprotective and regenerative functions. Our findings demonstrate early and profound alterations in circulating miRNAs after acute SCI. The downregulation of the identified miRNAs may reflect maladaptive changes that promote neuroinflammation and hinder axonal regeneration, although the exact functional consequences remain to be clarified. These data suggest that circulating miRNAs could hold promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and, potentially, as therapeutic targets to influence secondary injury processes. However, given the exploratory nature and limited sample size of this study, the findings should be validated in larger, sufficiently powered cohorts to robustly delineate differences between patient groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human adenovirus 55 (HAdV55) is a notable pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia; outbreaks occur frequently in military camps, hospitals, and schools, thereby posing a threat to public health security. This study aimed to develop a method for detecting HAdV55 nucleic acid by targeting the conserved region of the Hexon gene. The sequence was amplified using enzymatic recombination isothermal amplification (ERA) technology, in conjunction with CRISPR-Cas12a technology, to enhance the amplification signal. Methods: Optimized primer and crRNA sequences were selected through ERA isothermal amplification testing. The ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection method was completed within 30 min at a constant temperature of 42 °C. Results: Sensitivity was assessed by detecting standard plasmids and live strains at various dilution concentrations. The detection limits were determined to be 9 copies/reaction for standard plasmids and 2.5 copies/reaction for cultured HAdV55 strains. Specificity tests were conducted on positive samples for five common respiratory pathogens and five other adenovirus subtypes, all of which showed no cross-reactivity. Conclusions: A rapid ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a nucleic acid detection method for HAdV55 has been successfully developed, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity without the need for expensive or complex instruments. This method holds promise for on-site pathogen screening and detection. Full article

Burnout is a critical problem among healthcare professionals worldwide, but nationally representative data on psychosocial factors associated with burnout are lacking for Latvia’s hospital system. This study investigated twofold aims: first, it examined the association between job-related demands, psychosocial resources, and burnout in a representative sample of Latvian hospital staff; and second, it tested whether specific resources buffer or amplify the impact of excessive workload. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4756 healthcare workers across 30 inpatient institutions in Latvia. Participants completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III and the Burnout Assessment Tool; regression and moderation analyses were used. Burnout was positively associated with longer working hours, multiple job-holding, and psychosocial demands such as emotional strain, time pressure, and work–life conflict. Several resources, including support from colleagues, supervisor support, recognition, sense of belonging, supervisor evaluation, and especially resources for quality work, were associated with lower burnout and weakened the relationship between workload and burnout. In contrast, high autonomy, meaning at work, organizational justice, and role conflict amplified this association. These findings suggest that in resource-constrained healthcare systems, some job resources may be associated with increased risk of burnout. Effective interventions should address both structural and relational factors to mitigate burnout among healthcare workers. Full article

The deep carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China, are widely developed with multi-scale complex reservoir spaces such as fractures, pores, and karst caves under the coupling of abnormal high pressure, diagenesis, karst, and tectonics and have strong heterogeneity. Among them, fracture–cavity carbonate reservoirs are one of the main reservoir types. Revealing the petrophysical characteristics of fracture–cavity carbonate reservoirs can provide a theoretical basis for the log interpretation and geophysical prediction of deep reservoirs, which holds significant implications for deep hydrocarbon exploration and production. In this study, based on the mineral composition and complex pore structure of carbonate rocks in the Tarim Basin, we comprehensively applied classical petrophysical models, including Voigt–Reuss–Hill, DEM (Differential Effective Medium), Hudson, Wood, and Gassmann, to establish a fracture–cavity petrophysical model tailored to the target block. This model effectively characterizes the complex pore structure of deep carbonate rocks and addresses the applicability limitations of conventional models in heterogeneous reservoirs. The discrepancies between the model-predicted elastic moduli, longitudinal and shear wave velocities (Vp and Vs), and laboratory measurements are within 4%, validating the model’s reliability. Petrophysical template analysis demonstrates that P-wave impedance (Ip) and the Vp/Vs ratio increase with water saturation but decrease with fracture density. A higher fracture density amplifies the fluid effect on the elastic properties of reservoir samples. The Vp/Vs ratio is more sensitive to pore fluids than to fractures, whereas Ip is more sensitive to fracture density. Regions with higher fracture and pore development exhibit greater hydrocarbon storage potential. Therefore, this petrophysical model and its quantitative templates can provide theoretical and technical support for predicting geological sweet spots in deep carbonate reservoirs. Full article

Carya dabieshanensis is a species of significant economic value due to its unique flavor and nutritional properties as a snack food, as well as its durable wood, which is highly suitable for furniture production. Known for its remarkable adaptability to environmental stress, this species serves as a valuable genetic resource for enhancing hickory cultivars. However, its restricted distribution and limited availability of high-quality germplasm have impeded large-scale cultivation and hindered industry development. While the genetic diversity and genomic basis of its environmental adaptation hold great promise for future breeding programs, no studies to date have utilized SNP markers to explore its genetic diversity or the genomic mechanisms underlying environmental adaptability. In this study, we analyzed 60 samples from 12 natural populations of C. dabieshanensis, representing its global distribution. Using the Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh. and K. Koch) genome as a reference, we employed Specific Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) to generate high-quality SNP data. By integrating population and landscape genomics approaches, we investigated the genetic structure and diversity of wild populations and identified key environmental factors driving genetic differentiation. Our population genomics analysis revealed 9,120,926 SNP markers, indicating substantial genetic diversity (π = 1.335 × 10⁻³ to 1.750 × 10⁻³) and significant genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST = 0.117–0.354). Landscape genomics analysis identified BIO3 (Isothermality), BIO6 (Min Temperature of Coldest Month), and BIO14 (Precipitation of Driest Month) as critical environmental factors shaping genetic diversity. This study provides essential insights into the genetic resources of C. dabieshanensis, facilitating the development of climate-resilient cultivars and offering a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable management of its wild populations. Full article

This paper proposes a low-power 10-bit 20 MS/s pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for the burgeoning needs of low-data-rate communication systems, particularly within the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. To reduce power usage, multiple power-saving techniques are combined, such as sample-and-hold amplifier-less (SHA-less) architecture, capacitor scaling, and dynamic comparators. In addition, this paper presents a novel operational amplifier (op-amp) with gain boosting, featuring a dual-input differential pair that enables internal pipeline stage switching, effectively alleviating the crosstalk and memory effects inherent in conventional shared op-amp configurations, thereby further reducing power consumption. A prototype ADC was fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process and the core size was 0.333 mm². The ADC implemented operated at a 20 MHz sampling rate under a 1.8 V supply voltage. It achieved a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 61.83 dB and a signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 54.15 dB while demonstrating a maximum differential non-linearity (DNL) of 0.36 least significant bit (LSB) and a maximum integral non-linearity (INL) of 0.67 LSB. Notably, the ADC consumed less than 5 mW of power at the mentioned sampling frequency, showcasing excellent power efficiency. Full article