Browse Articles

Iran’s great scientific divergence: The Middle-Income trap and the Political Economy of Science Policy

This study examines how the 1979 Iranian Revolution altered Iran’s long-term scientific development using publication and citation data for 1960–2024. Combining longitudinal scientometric analysis with counterfactual modeling, we identify a major structural break in Iran’s research trajectory after 1979. Iran experienced a substantial post-2000 recovery in publication volume , but this recovery was accompanied by a persistent quality gap, with Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and top-cited-paper shares remaining below those of several comparator systems. To assess the long-run opportunity cost of the disruption, we use two complementary counterfactual strategies: a comparison-based Synthetic Control Method (SCM) and a set of developmental-growth proxy scenarios. Across specifications, the qualitative conclusion is stable: the post-1979 interruption is associated with a durable loss of scientific compounding capacity. At the same time, the quantitative magnitude of the cumulative shortfall is sensitive to counterfactual specification, indicating that no single benchmark should be treated as a definitive historical forecast. We therefore interpret the SCM results as comparison-based benchmarks and the developmental-growth proxies as illustrative upper- and mid-range scenarios rather than literal one-to-one counterfactuals. We interpret these findings through the lens of the Middle-Income Trap (MIT) and the political economy of the Rentier State . We argue that Iran’s post-revolutionary science policy contributed to a quantity–quality paradox in which expansion in scientific output was not matched by comparable gains in global scientific influence, while also recognizing that observed citation-impact measures are shaped by international collaboration constraints and bibliometric coverage limitations. The findings highlight the long-run developmental cost of political disruption while emphasizing that sustained scientific catch-up depends not only on output growth, but also on institutional continuity, international integration, and incentive structures that reward impact rather than volume alone.

Attenuating Imine Bond Polarization in Covalent Organic Frameworks Accelerates Charge and Proton Transport for High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Online sexual health survey implementation: Practical lessons from a comparative, mixed-methods analysis of 30 countries

Online surveys are potentially useful for sexual and reproductive health. However, there are many persistent problems related to online sexual and reproductive health surveys. This study aims to understand online recruitment, dissemination and implementation as part of the International Sexual Health And REproductive health (I-SHARE) consortium online sexual health survey. This study used a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, multi-country design. We used survey data from the I-SHARE study and organised a separate implementation survey completed by I-SHARE country leads. A total of 24,004 participants in 30 countries responded to the I-SHARE survey. All countries implemented the I-SHARE survey online and most (n = 27, 90%) used convenience sampling. Social media promotion (n = 27, 90%), and partner organisations sharing (n = 21, 70%) were the most common recruitment methods. Twenty-nine countries responded to the implementation survey. We identified three themes related to online survey implementation: (1) Adaptation and flexibility highlighted research teams’ responsiveness to rapidly changing contexts; (2) Better together: Partnerships illustrated the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration; and (3) Same but different: the heterogeneity of countries captured the ongoing tension between creating a standardised tool while honouring countries’ unique socio-health climates and responses to the unfolding pandemic. This data demonstrates the potential for using online sexual health surveys in diverse settings. Our study suggests the need for greater consideration of bias related to communication, especially the digital divide, when designing and implementing online surveys.

Aldosterone synthase inhibitors in uncontrolled and resistant hypertension: A phenotype-stratified systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background Aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) have emerged as a mechanistically targeted strategy for resistant and uncontrolled hypertension; however, no head-to-head trials exist, and comparative efficacy and safety remain uncertain. We compared their efficacy and safety using network and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized trials. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 14, 2026, for randomized trials evaluating ASIs versus placebo or standard care. A frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis assessed systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Dichotomous safety outcomes were pooled using Hartung–Knapp random-effects models. Network consistency was evaluated using design-by-treatment interaction modeling. Prespecified subgroup analyses stratified outcomes by hypertension phenotype (resistant vs uncontrolled). Results Across 7 RCTs (n = 2,828), all ASIs significantly reduced SBP versus placebo: baxdrostat −8.63 mmHg (95% CI −10.84 to −6.42), lorundrostat −7.47 mmHg (95% CI −9.54 to −5.40), and LCI699/osilodrostat −5.63 mmHg (95% CI −9.15 to −2.12), with no significant indirect differences between agents. In resistant hypertension, lorundrostat (−9.00 mmHg; 95% CI −13.19 to −4.81) and baxdrostat (−8.77 mmHg; 95% CI −10.50 to −7.05) demonstrated pronounced reductions. In uncontrolled hypertension, LCI699/osilodrostat showed the largest point estimate (−10.55 mmHg; 95% CI −16.49 to −4.61), though this derives from a single early-phase trial and requires cautious interpretation. DBP reductions were significant for baxdrostat (−3.23 mmHg; 95% CI −4.73 to −1.73) and lorundrostat (−3.60 mmHg; 95% CI −5.43 to −1.77). Hypotension (RR 2.67), hyperkalemia (RR 7.94), and hyponatremia (RR 2.07) were significantly increased; serious adverse events, discontinuation, and network inconsistency were not detected. Conclusions ASIs provide clinically meaningful BP reduction across both hypertension phenotypes; however, short-term use is associated with hypotension and electrolyte disturbances, necessitating careful monitoring. Phenotype-specific efficacy and long-term safety require validation in outcome-driven trials. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251266257

Correction: Effects of different powers of repeated low-level red light on form-deprivation myopia inhibition in guinea pigs

Retraction: Theoretical investigations on the effect of absorbent type on carbon dioxide capture in hollow-fiber membrane contactors

Numerical analysis of diaphragm wall behavior in a jet-grouted deep excavation: a random field case study

Correction: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with self-reported post-acute neuropsychological symptoms within six months of follow-up

Learning continuous activation fields from microscopic SEM images of lycoperdioid fungi via CNN-guided neural operator modeling

Inter situ collections as a strategy to conserve an exceptional plant species from the Amazon rainforest

Ex situ conservation is essential for achieving the goals of the United Nations Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Although seed banking is the most common method of ex situ plant conservation, many ecologically and economically important species cannot be effectively conserved by this method (i.e., exceptional species). These species can be preserved through cryopreservation and ex situ living collections; however, cryopreservation is expensive and remains underdeveloped for many taxa, while ex situ living collections often have poor genetic representation and limited evolutionary potential. Inter situ collections—conservation plantings established outside the current species range under natural or semi-natural conditions—are well suited for conserving the genetic diversity of exceptional species and can complement in situ conservation. Here, we present a case study establishing and managing inter situ collections of an exceptional plant species from the Amazon rainforest, aiming to preserve its genetic diversity in the long term and establish new self-sustaining populations. In addition, the inter situ collection contributes to ecological restoration by enriching the understory layer in recovering forest areas where the collection was established. Our study provides a model for initiatives seeking to develop seed sources for further conservation actions, such as reintroduction or habitat restoration. The results highlight the importance of systematically monitoring propagule production and field establishment success at the individual level in order to continuously optimize seed harvesting and propagation strategies. Finally, we propose practical guidelines for conserving plant species through inter situ collections, intended as an entry point rather than a comprehensive framework. We hope these findings encourage stronger integration between inter situ and in situ conservation approaches for exceptional tropical plant species .

The normal distance from soft tissue nasion to the arbitrary axis-orbital plane is similar in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult samples

The magic of first impressions: Do facial displays on online platforms affect users’ offline conversion rate?

With the rise of Internet health, online medical platforms play the key role of information bridge and convenient channel in medical service selection. Users tend to rely on doctor images and electronic word-of-mouth evaluations displayed on online medical platforms when selecting medical services. This study aims to explore the impact of facial features displayed on online platforms on users’ offline conversion rate. It will help us understand the psychological mechanism behind users’ decisions from the perspective of the first impression effect. Python was used to collect pictures and information of 7547 doctors from “haodf.com”, a well-known online medical platform in China. Then, we used commercial software to calculate their facial feature values. The results showed that: Appearance attractiveness, smile, and gender of facial displays on online platforms have a significant positive relationship on users’ offline conversion rate. Satisfaction evaluations do not significantly regulate the relationship between appearance attractiveness and smile on users’ offline conversion rate, but have a significant negative moderating effect on the effect of gender. This study emphasizes the importance of the eWOM platform in image management. It also provides a new perspective for optimizing resource allocation and improving service efficiency. It has important theoretical and practical value for further promoting the innovation of online service systems and realizing the seamless connection between online and offline.

Correction: Synergistic protective and regenerative effects of hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides against UVA-induced oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts

The impact of India-ASEAN free trade agreement on trade flows: An application of augmented gravity model

This study investigates the impact of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on bilateral trade flows through an augmented gravity model. Employing panel data from 1990 to 2022 with 330 observations, the analysis incorporates key determinants such as GDP and population of India and ASEAN countries, tariff rates, geographic distance, historical ties, and levels of democracy, trade openness, and globalization. To address heteroskedasticity and cross-sectional dependency, we utilize Generalized Least Squares (GLS) estimations. Our analysis examines both export and import volumes between India and ASEAN nations. Results from Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and GLS estimations indicate that ASEAN countries’ GDP positively influences trade volumes, while India’s GDP demonstrates mixed effects. Larger populations in both India and ASEAN countries significantly contribute to trade. Tariff rates and geographic distance are found to have a negative effect on both exports and imports. Interestingly, shared colonial history and language positively impact trade, whereas a common border yields mixed effects across the models. Control variables reveal that trade openness, democracy levels, and globalization have a positive and significant effect on India-ASEAN trade flows. The FTA dummy is positive and highly significant, confirming that AIFTA has substantially increased India’s bilateral trade with ASEAN. Based on these findings, we suggest that enhancing economic growth, mitigating geographic barriers, leveraging historical ties, and promoting trade openness and regional integration are essential strategies to bolster trade between India and ASEAN countries.

Intelligent automated essay scoring under uncertainty using type 2 neutrosophic ontologies

Abstract Computing with uncertainty has become essential across numerous domains, including decision support systems, natural language understanding, and intelligent assessment, where incomplete, imprecise, or conflicting information often arises. In the field of education, one such challenge appears in automated essay scoring (AES), where linguistic ambiguity, subjective interpretation, and vague expressions introduce significant uncertainty. Traditional ontology-based AES systems attempt to structure domain knowledge to evaluate student essays, but they often fall short in handling these uncertainties effectively, resulting in reduced scoring reliability. To address this, we propose a novel approach that integrates Type-2 Neutrosophic Sets (T2NS) into ontology-driven AES frameworks. This integration enables a more refined representation of uncertain, indeterminate, and inconsistent information in essay evaluation. Our method involves concept extraction, rule-based scoring via ontologies, the extension of the ontology using T2NS, and the application of membership functions to quantify varying levels of uncertainty. Experiments conducted on benchmark AES datasets reveal that our T2NS-enhanced framework significantly outperforms conventional methods, offering more robust and interpretable scoring decisions under uncertainty.

Exploring the roles of genes associated with leukocyte transendothelial migration in liver cirrhosis development

Background Individuals with liver cirrhosis (LC) have an exceptionally high mortality rate. We aim to discover new biomarkers or new therapeutic targets for LC early diagnosis and treatment. Methods The human LC microarray datasets were obtained from the NCBI-GEO database. Firstly, differentially expressed analysis and WGCNA were performed to detect LC key genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) hubs revealed new regulatory mechanisms for LC-related genes. Functional enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were employed to reveal underlying mechanisms of LC progression. Then, key genes were further screened for constructing diagnostic nomogram for LC and predicting the prognosis of LC. CB-Dock-2 was employed to explore potential therapeutic agents for LC based on the identified key genes.Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression levels of the key genes in liver tissues from patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy controls. Results The integrated LC dataset identified 749 LC key genes by intersecting WGCNA and differential expression analyses. PPI analysis identified 15 genes as key regulators in LC development, predominantly enriched in inflammatory and immune regulatory pathways. We conducted an in-depth analysis of two leukocyte transendothelial migration (LTM)-associated genes (MMP2 and ITGB2) among these 15 hub genes, revealing their involvement in the construction of the immune microenvironment in LC. A nomogram based on MMP2 and ITGB2 had favorable diagnostic performance for LC, and ITGB2 showed potential in predicting LC prognosis. Through molecular docking approaches, this study further identified several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents with therapeutic potential for LC. Immunohistochemical staining revealed significantly elevated protein levels of MMP2 and ITGB2 in liver tissues from cirrhotic patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusions LTM-associated genes, namely MMP2 and ITGB2, are associated with LC and may represent candidate biomarkers or potential targets requiring further experimental validation.

Children’s learning preferences for platforms and human informants

Abstract As independent learning becomes increasingly important in digital contexts, understanding how children choose and evaluate information sources has become a key aspect of learning research. This study examined children’s reported information seeking behaviors, and how they evaluate and choose sources for learning in hypothetical scenarios. We interviewed 4th- and 5th-graders, inquiring how they would approach learning a novel versus a partially-known concept, and how these choices relate to their epistemic and motivational evaluations of those sources. Children also described what they would do if they felt stuck during the learning process. Overall, considerably more children (73.62%) chose platforms (both printed and digital) rather than human sources. Interestingly, this preference coexisted with higher perceived trustworthiness and anticipated enjoyment associated with human sources. Learning expectations were similar across sources, regardless of concept novelty. When feeling stuck, children who initially chose platforms were more likely to report switching strategies than those who initially chose human sources. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how children integrate epistemic evaluations, motivational expectations, and perceived uncertainty when making information-seeking decisions in digital learning contexts. Such insights may inform educational practices to better support students’ information-seeking and self-regulated learning, skills that are relevant beyond the classroom in lifelong personal and professional contexts.

Examining the uptake, retention, and effectiveness of a national online type 2 diabetes self-management intervention in England (Healthy Living): A retrospective cohort study

Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing rapidly in the UK and worldwide and is linked to adverse outcomes including premature death. Previous studies have shown that developing self-management skills in this population can lead to health improvements. The National Health Service in England has implemented Healthy Living (HL), an online Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) intervention, offering information about T2DM and help with adopting healthy behaviours. Aims To examine the uptake and retention of people living with T2DM registered with Healthy Living and how its use is associated with changes in 1-year clinical outcomes (effectiveness) compared with people with T2DM who did not register (controls). Methods Anonymised linked patient-level Healthy Living and National Diabetes Audit (NDA) data were used to identify adults with T2DM in England. Multivariable logistic regression models identified predictors of participation in Healthy Living (uptake). Using 1-to-5 case-control propensity score matching (on age, sex, baseline HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, ethnicity, deprivation) and multivariable linear and logistic models, we examined how Healthy Living use was related to 1-year HbA1c, BMI, BP, new insulin use, and completion of eight care processes recommended for people with diabetes (effectiveness). Several sensitivity and sub-group analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Results A total of 21,820 people with T2DM activated a Healthy Living account. Compared with non-participants, account activators (cases) were more likely to be female (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.85, 1.96), less likely to be Asian (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.37) or Black (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.60) compared with white people. Assessing effectiveness, 4,940 Healthy Living cases were matched to 24,685 NDA controls. Compared with controls, at 1-year, Healthy Living cases had lower HbA1c (by −1.3 mmol/mol (95% CI: −1.7, −0.8) or −0.1% (95% CI: −0.2, −0.1)); BMI (−0.2 kg/m 2 ; 95% CI: −0.3, −0.1), systolic BP (−1.2 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.6, −0.7), and diastolic BP (−0.6 mmHg; 95% CI: −0.9, −0.3); higher odds of completing care processes (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.5, 1.8), but non-significant for insulin use (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.2). The results of the sensitivity and sub-group analyses were consistent with the main findings. Conclusions People who activated a Healthy Living account experienced, on average, moderate health benefits compared with non-participants. These benefits would be expected to reduce risks for diabetes-related complications at a population level.

Development and validation of the SuPr-10 questionnaire for suicidality assessment in primary care patients with depressive symptoms

Abstract Suicidal ideation affects 10% of primary care patients. Although guidelines recommend screening, few tools are suitable for use in this setting, and protective factors are often overlooked. This study aimed to develop a brief questionnaire to assess suicidality in primary care. The Suicide Prevention for Primary Care Questionnaire (SuPr-10) was validated in 521 participants with a PHQ-9 score ≥ 6 across six subsamples. Its structure was analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, item analysis, and psychometric evaluation. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed via logistic regression and ROC analysis, and patient acceptance was measured in a follow-up survey. A two-factor structure with ten items was identified: I. protective scale (ω = .817) and II. risk scale (ω = .928), showing strong correlations with suicidality (r = –.529, .854) and depression (r = –.736, .626) scales. SuPr-10 showed acceptable discriminatory ability for identifying individuals with a history of suicide attempts (AUC = .765; 83% sensitivity, 56% specificity). It provides a structured assessment of suicidal tendencies and protective factors in primary care patients with depressive symptoms, supporting clinical decision-making and resource-focused communication. These findings are based on a clinically enriched, German-speaking sample, do not imply prospective prediction of suicidal behavior, and require validation in broader primary care populations.

Differences in life expectancy with and without disease using reported, measured, and combined estimates for hypertension and diabetes among older adults in Colombia

Background In Colombia, estimates of diabetes and hypertension prevalence differ substantially depending on the source of measurement. These differences have important implications for understanding disease burden in later life, particularly as the population ages and chronic conditions become more prevalent. Methods This study uses nationally representative data from SABE-Colombia 2015 to estimate the prevalence and diseased life expectancy (DLE) with diabetes and hypertension among adults 60 and older. Prevalence was calculated using three measures: reported diagnosis, measured high-risk and a combined estimate that includes both indicators. We further disaggregated each disease into three categories: controlled, uncontrolled, and unaware. DLE was estimated using the Sullivan method. Results For diabetes prevalence, the widest range between measures among men was at ages 80–84: 22.5% combined, 21.5% reported, and 6.7% measured. Among women the widest range occurred at ages 75–79: 34.4% combined, 32.0% reported, and 13.4% measured. An average man at age 60 was expected to live 3.8 years with diabetes using the combined measure, 3.5 years using reported diagnosis, and 1.5 years using measured data. An average women, at age 60,  had a DLE with diabetes of 5.0 years using the combined measure, 4.6 years using reported measure, and 2.0 years using measured data. For hypertension prevalence, the widest range between measures among men occurred at ages 65–69: 64.8% combined, 47.3% reported, and 32.6% measured. Among women, the widest range also occurred at ages 65–69: 74.0% combined, 63.6% reported, and 28.2% measured. At age 60, men were expected to live 13.9 years with hypertension using the combined measure, compared with 10.5 years using reported diagnosis and 8.3 years using measured data. For women, DLEat age 60 was 16.7 years combined, 14.4 years reported, and 8.0 years measured. Conclusion We found relatively high diabetes awareness and treatment. In contrast, for hypertension, reported diagnosis underestimated both prevalence and DLE compared to combined measures.