Browse Articles

BDL-Net: A blended deep learning approach for pest detection in agriculture using IoT-enabled sound analysis

Maternal levels of care and association with severe maternal morbidity during birth hospitalizations

Background Maternal level of care guidelines were published to facilitate risk-appropriate care and improve outcomes, yet evidence of benefit is lacking. All birth hospitals should be equipped to provide routine childbirth care and be prepared to manage common, treatable childbirth complications. Thus, our objective was to examine the association of maternal level of care with severe maternal morbidity (SMM) without transfusion among 1) all obstetric patients and 2) obstetric patients with common, treatable childbirth complications (e.g., hemorrhage and infection). Methods Using a retrospective observational cohort of hospital-based births, we analyzed linked vital statistic and hospital administrative data from Michigan (2010–2020), Oregon (2010–2020), Pennsylvania (2010–2018), and South Carolina (2010–2020). Maternal level of care (I [basic], II [specialty], III [subspecialty], and IV [regional perinatal health centers]) were empirically assigned using administrative data based on the care provided to patients who gave birth in each hospital annually. The primary outcome was SMM without blood product transfusion. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs), accounting for covariates present prior to admission for childbirth and associated with SMM. Results Among 3,296,520 births, the SMM rate rose with increasing level (I: 0.47%, II: 0.56%, III: 0.74%, IV: 0.94%). Compared to level IV care, the SMM aRR was lower in hospitals with level I care (aRR 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.999). Whereas, among 245,604 patients with common, treatable childbirth complications the SMM aRR was higher in hospitals with level III care (aRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.40, reference level IV). Conclusion We found differential associations between maternal levels of care and SMM among all obstetric patients and those with common, treatable complications that arise during childbirth. While unmeasured differences in patient triage, referral, and transfer patterns may influence associations, these findings suggest differences in how hospitals of varying levels of care assess patient risk, manage complications, and perceive their capabilities, illustrating the ongoing need to improve risk-appropriate obstetric care and optimize patient outcomes.

DATZ-TM: Zero-Trust intrusion detection for VANETs with temporal graph neural networks

Validation of markerless human pose estimation methods for clinical assessment of elbow range of motion

Clinicians rely on the assessment of joint range of motion to determine the necessity of clinical interventions and to track rehabilitation progress. They often perform visual assessments of these joint angles due to limited time for longer but more accurate methods. Markerless monocular human pose estimation methods could help reduce the workload of physicians in clinical practice, allow patients to conduct regular assessments remotely, and be used to provide reliable assessments in the absence of expert raters, but they have not been validated extensively on clinical populations. We measured the elbow flexion and extension ranges of motion of 46 patients with shoulder and elbow pathologies. These values were assessed by RTMW and HSMR, two different monocular pose estimation methods, and an experienced physician who performed visual assessments. A state-of-the-art passive-marker optical motion capture system was used as the reference system. For elbow flexion, HSMR outperformed visual assessment. HSMR had a higher concordance correlation coefficient of 0.92 and a lower minimal detectable change of 6.74° as determined by a concordance analysis and a linear mixed-effects model. Conversely, for elbow extension, visual assessment outperformed both markerless methods. RTMW was the best-performing markerless method with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.83 and a minimal detectable change of 7.93°. Thus, HSMR represented a viable alternative to visual assessment for measuring elbow flexion range of motion in a clinical population, but neither RTMW nor HSMR offered an improvement over visual assessment for measuring elbow extension range of motion.

Mediation effect of TyG-BMI, LDL-C, and CRP on physical activity-stroke risk relationship

Abstract While physical activity (PA) is known to reduce stroke risk, the unified biological mechanisms involving metabolic, lipid, and inflammatory pathways remain unclear. This study quantified the mediating roles of TyG-BMI, LDL-C, and CRP in the PA-stroke association using nationwide longitudinal data, and explored subgroup differences. Data from 6269 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed. PA was assessed via IPAQ. Triglycerides, blood glucose, CRP, and LDL-C were measured enzymatically; TyG-BMI was calculated as log[triglycerides × fasting glucose/2] × BMI. Chi-square tests, generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM), and interaction tests were used for analyses. A total of 307 incident strokes occurred. In the crude comprehensive mediation model, the PA-stroke association was mediated by TyG-BMI (7.00%), LDL-C (2.21%), and CRP (1.32%). After full adjustment, only the TyG-BMI pathway remained statistically significant, accounting for 10.64% of the total association (OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.976–0.995), whereas the LDL-C and CRP pathways were attenuated and no longer significant. The direct effect accounted for 89.36% of the association in the fully adjusted comprehensive model. Subgroup analysis revealed more pronounced TyG-BMI mediation in adults ≥ 60 years and hypertensive patients, but not in diabetic patients. Greater PA was associated with a lower risk of incident stroke, partly mediated by TyG-BMI. LDL-C and CRP did not show significant mediation after multivariable adjustment. Personalized PA interventions for those at high metabolic risk are crucial for stroke prevention. Future research should elucidate the uncharacterized direct-effect pathways.

Detailed maps of European wetlands reveal overlooked patches of ecosystems

Increased medial meniscus extrusion on ultrasonography in highly competitive rugby players: A cross-sectional study

Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) has been shown to be associated with the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, evidence focusing on young athletes without a history of knee injury remains limited. This study aimed to determine whether MME is already increased in young competitive rugby players compared with controls. The participants comprised 94 male collegiate rugby players without a history of knee trauma or surgery (165 knees) and 42 male university students serving as controls (81 knees). MME was assessed bilaterally using ultrasonography (US) in three knee positions: supine, figure-4, and single-leg standing. Between-group comparisons were performed using linear mixed-effects models with group and side as fixed effects, body mass index as a covariate, and participant ID as a random effect. Estimated marginal means and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were derived from the models. p -values for the group effect were adjusted across knee positions using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. The rugby group exhibited significantly greater MME than the control group across all knee positions (all p  < 0.001). Greater MME was observed in young rugby players even in the absence of clinically apparent knee injury. These findings suggest an association between participation in high-intensity rugby and increased MME, which may reflect early changes related to KOA. Early identification of these alterations provides an opportunity for timely intervention aimed at preserving long-term joint health in contact sport athletes. However, because this study was cross-sectional, causality cannot be inferred. US represents a practical method for evaluating meniscal behavior under weight-bearing conditions that reflect sport-specific loading characteristics, and future longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to establish practical MME assessment approaches and effective KOA prevention strategies in rugby players.

Effect of inlet air temperature on thermodynamic combustion characteristics of a Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel–diesel HCCI engine: BO-GPR prediction

My job interviews for industry positions are going nowhere. How do I make myself stand out?

Understanding community antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A grassroots perspective from Enugu, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis, especially in low-and middle-income countries where antibiotic access is insufficiently regulated and health systems are under-resourced. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the community is often the primary site of antibiotics decision-making, shaped by informal markets, structural barriers, and cultural norms. This study investigates antimicrobial use behaviours, perceptions of AMR, and motivations for inappropriate antibiotics use and what might motivate future change, among diverse communities in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from a baseline survey (n = 1,281), 20 interviews, and 4 focus group discussions (n = 24). Antibiotic use was widespread, with 57.7% of respondents reporting use within six months, often without prescriptions and for conditions like malaria (32.3%), cough (7.6%), and fever (4.5%), many of which are non-bacterial in origin. Of those who reported antibiotic use, 48% self-medicated, sourcing antibiotics primarily from chemist shops. Misconceptions were common; only 15.7% had heard of AMR, and many confuse it with fake drugs or allergic reactions. Novel trends such as the use of antibiotics for pregnancy termination and preventive “cleansing” emerged. Structural challenges such as poverty, poor healthcare access, and lack of regulation reinforced these behaviours. Qualitative findings highlighted a deep trust in antibiotics as a “cure-all”, low health literacy, and the central role of informal drug vendors in care delivery. Participants also offered culturally embedded recommendations, including using radio jingles, community education through religious leaders, and stronger enforcement of drug regulation. This study argues that antibiotic misuse in Nigerian communities is not solely a function of ignorance but a rational response to systemic healthcare limitations, cultural logics, and informal care networks. Tackling AMR in this context requires inclusive, community-informed interventions that address both behavioural and structural determinants of misuse. The study offers actionable insights for AMR policy, communication strategies, and community engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A MW/MMW shared-aperture antenna supporting two-dimension beam steering in MMW band

Long-term physical performance trends across the five confederations: Evidence from the 19th to 22nd FIFA World Cup editions (2010–2022)

Background Physical performance demands in elite international football have evolved substantially in recent decades, yet longitudinal comparisons across FIFA confederations remain limited. Objective This study examined long-term changes in physical performance demands among outfield players from five confederations (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, and AFC) using tracking data from 225 matches at the 2010–2022 FIFA World Cups. Methods Generalised mixed linear models were used to estimate changes in total distance, top speed, sprint (>25 km·h ⁻ ¹), low-intensity running distance (<15 km·h ⁻ ¹), and high-intensity running distance (≥15 km·h ⁻ ¹), with confederation as the main factor and match status, location, and team and opponent strength controlled. Results Across confederations, substantial increases were observed in top speed, sprint, and low-intensity running distance from 2010 to 2022, indicating a uniform rise in speed-related demands. In contrast, changes in total distance and high-intensity running distance were confederation-specific. Total distance increased between 2018 and 2022 in AFC, CONCACAF, and UEFA, but showed no substantial change in CONMEBOL. High-intensity running distance declined in AFC, CONMEBOL, and UEFA, while changes in CAF were trivial. Conclusion These findings indicate that speed-related demands have increased globally, whereas total and high-intensity running demands remain region-specific across FIFA World Cup editions.

Non-GMO surface display of VP28 on Pediococcus pentosaceus for oral protection against white spot syndrome virus in shrimp

The science of foresight: how to future-proof your research

Effects of urban association on the movement ecology of hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) in Saudi Arabia

Human–wildlife conflict involving primates is an emerging conservation concern in rapidly urbanizing regions. The hamadryas baboon ( Papio hamadryas ), the only native non-human primate of the Arabian Peninsula, increasingly exploits anthropogenic food sources, intensifying human–baboon conflict across southwestern Saudi Arabia. To examine how human-modified environments influence baboon spatial ecology; we fitted GPS collars to ten adult males representing groups that are regarded as living in urban, natural and semi-natural environments across five regions. Over nine months, we collected 13,962 location fixes and analyzed them using empirical variograms, home range analysis, and minimum daily path length estimates. Variogram analyses indicated that baboons living in a natural environment exhibited the greatest space-use extent, semi-natural individuals showed intermediate and more variable space-use dynamics, whereas baboons living in urban areas displayed restricted movement. Hamadryas baboons living in natural environments exhibited the largest home ranges with a median of 8.79 km 2 (range: 6.19–13.86 km 2 ) and minimum daily path lengths with median 3.33 km (range 0.02–20.6 km), whereas baboons living in urban areas maintained the smallest ranges with a median of 1.31 km 2 (range: 1.24–1.79 km 2 ) and the minimum daily path lengths with a median of 2.16 km (range: 0.01–4.85 km). The proportion of daytime spent in urban areas increased along the gradient, 7.2% (natural), 40.6% (semi-natural), and 55.0% (urban). These findings support the Resource Dispersion Hypothesis, suggesting that food predictability shapes baboon space use more than resource scarcity. The study strengthens ongoing conflict-mitigation efforts by providing insights into baboon movement patterns and supporting the ecological differentiation of natural, semi-natural, and urban baboon groups, thereby informing category-specific management interventions.

CleaveSmart: deciphering the puzzle of rational 10–23 DNAzyme selection through interpretable AI insights

White matter micro- and macrostructure brain charts for the human lifespan

Abstract The human brain relies on a complex network of connections to function, with white matter acting as the primary communication highway between different brain regions 1,2 . Disruptions in these critical communication pathways are linked to several neurological, psychiatric and developmental disorders 3,4 . Although clinicians have long used standard growth charts to track physical development 5 , with more recent work translating these to whole-brain and grey matter measurements 6–9 , there has been no equivalent reference standard for white matter. Establishing a readily available normative reference is an imperative first step if we hope to utilize these white matter structural biomarkers clinically. Here we present lifespan reference charts for human brain white matter. By processing and standardizing 35,120 brain scans from diverse global studies, we mapped the typical growth, maturation and age-related decline of specific brain pathways from birth to 100 years of age. These reference charts establish a fundamental benchmark for healthy brain development and ageing, allowing researchers and clinicians to quantify how an individual’s brain deviates from typical patterns and highlighting disorder-related alterations. Furthermore, the accompanying open access charts enable the scientific and clinical communities to evaluate new patient and research data against these normative baselines, facilitating future clinical and neuroscience studies.

Vibration response of blue honeysuckle branches based on mathematical model

For vibratory harvesting of blue honeysuckle, excitation must generate sufficient inertial force to detach the fruit, but the vibration energy is always absorbed by the trunk and root system, which decreases the inertial force. This study investigated the vibration response of fruit branches under excitation to achieve efficient harvesting. A simplified Y‑shaped branch model was established, and then dynamic equations of this branch system were derived. Based on branch angle characteristics, the dynamic equations were simplified. When the angle between a branch axis direction and the excitation direction is small, a specific excitation frequency induces parametric resonance in the branch system, leading to unstable vibration of the branch system. Under weak coupling conditions, the relationship among excitation amplitude, frequency, and geometric parameters of the branch that produce unstable vibration was derived, and the influence of variations in branch geometric parameters on the instability region was found. By establishing a finite element model of the branch system, the natural frequencies were calculated, and vibration amplitudes under different excitation frequencies were obtained through numerical simulation, which clarified the response characteristics of the branch during parametric resonance. To verify the theoretical and finite element analyses, branch vibration experiments were conducted. The maximum vibration amplitude of the branch under different excitation frequencies was measured, and the parametric resonance behavior was analyzed accordingly. The finite element calculations and experimental results agreed well with the theoretical model predictions, indicating that the theoretical model can provide a reliable basis for the design of vibratory harvesting machinery for blue honeysuckle.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and improved prognosis in critically Ill patients: insights from a retrospective cohort study

Platelet membrane biomimetic nanoparticle-based targeted delivery system of simvastatin for the treatment of ischemic stroke

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and excessive neuroinflammation are pivotal drivers of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Although simvastatin (SV) possesses potent pleiotropic effects in promoting BBB repair and attenuating inflammation, its clinical translation for ischemic stroke is severely hampered by poor BBB penetration, low lesion accumulation, and the need for high systemic doses that increase the risk of off-target toxicity (e.g., myopathy). To address these barriers, herein, we developed a platelet membrane–biomimetic nanoparticle system (pmPLGA@SV) designed to leverage the innate affinity of platelets for injured vasculature for lesion-targeted SV delivery at a lower effective dose. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful cloaking of platelet membranes onto SV-loaded PLGA cores. In vitro, pmPLGA@SV demonstrated superior therapeutic versatility: it effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species in oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-treated PC12 cells and orchestrated microglial repolarization from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype toward an anti-inflammatory M2 state in BV2 cells, significantly modulating the secretion of IL-1β and IL-10. In vivo, pmPLGA@SV treatment dramatically reduced the cerebral infarct volume, exhibiting significant superiority over free SV. Furthermore, longitudinal behavioral assessments over 21 days demonstrated that pmPLGA@SV markedly accelerated motor and sensory-motor functional recovery, accompanied by consistent body weight regain and improved neurological scores. Mechanistically, pmPLGA@SV facilitates a synergistic therapeutic approach by mitigating neuronal oxidative stress and remodeling the inflammatory microenvironment. This study demonstrates that pmPLGA@SV serves as a robust biomimetic platform for the integrated treatment of neurovascular unit damage, offering a promising strategy for long-term neuroprotection and functional rehabilitation following ischemic stroke.