Browse Articles

Study on underwater noise characteristics and mechanism of discharge flow from wide-crested weir

To provide theoretical guidance and technical support for mitigating underwater noise generated by discharge flow from wide-crested weirs, this study integrates physical experiments and numerical simulations. The effects of inflow, downstream static water depth, and weir height on underwater noise sound pressure level (SPL) and fluctuating pressure SPL were analyzed using correlation methods, and the time–frequency variation mechanism of underwater noise was investigated through wavelet analysis. Results show a significant positive correlation between underwater noise SPL and fluctuating pressure SPL, indicating that fluctuating pressure can be used to characterize underwater noise variation. Downstream static water depth exerts the greatest influence, with a negative correlation to SPL, whereas inflow and weir height have relatively smaller effects, both showing positive correlations. As inflow and weir height increase, and static water depth decreases, the mid-frequency range (400 ~ 600 Hz) exhibits high energy that decays rapidly. Fluctuating pressure at the measuring point is affected by the impingement of the main flow tongue on the downstream water body, vortex structure variation and breakup, and sound waves radiated from bubble collapse.

No Thesis, No Future! Exploring the associations between research inaccessibility and suicidal ideation

Background Suicidal ideation is a pressing mental health concern among university students, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, where academic pressure, research-related stress, and limited support systems heighten the risk. While mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are known predictors, the role of academic research involvement—particularly thesis engagement, supervision, and institutional support—remains underexplored and is examined in this study. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 university students and recent graduates in Bangladesh using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to examine associations between suicidal ideation and psychological, academic, and institutional factors, while QGIS was used to conduct geospatial analysis. Results The prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation was 14.0%. In the adjusted model, anxiety (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.12–5.17) and insomnia (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.24–8.73) were significantly associated, while students not engaged in thesis work (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16–0.88) and not interested in publishing their theses (AOR = 3.450, 95% CI: 1.047–11.371) had higher odds of suicidal ideation. Among students engaged in thesis work, unadjusted analyses revealed significant associations between suicidal ideation and intention to publish thesis work, poor supervisor availability, unclear academic guidance, lack of publication support, and perceptions of a non-supportive institutional research environment. Conclusion Mental health challenges and academic exclusion—particularly non-thesis status and inadequate supervisory or institutional support—are key contributors to suicidal ideation. Universities should adopt inclusive research policies, enhance mental health services, and strengthen mentorship systems to reduce suicide risk and promote student well-being, especially in resource-constrained academic environments like Bangladesh.

Health literacy assessment and healthcare access difficulties of Vietnamese migrants in Japan: A cross-sectional study

While the number of Vietnamese migrant workers in Japan has been increasing, their healthy literacy as a key concern for ensuring equitable access to healthcare is unknown. This study assessed health literacy among Vietnamese migrants in Japan and examined their access to healthcare and the difficulties they encounter. Convenience sampling was employed, with Vietnamese support organizations across Japan invited to disseminate a web-based survey via social media platforms. Using both self-reported and test-based health literacy tools, we measured health literacy levels in a sample of 137 Vietnamese migrants. We identified disparities by gender and topic area, where women were likely to score higher than men, particularly in mental health and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Our findings underscore the importance of culturally tailored health education and community-based interventions to support the health of this population. The study highlights the need for cultural and linguistically adapted educational materials to improve equitable access to healthcare. Our work contributes to the ongoing dialogue on migrant health and the development of inclusive public health strategies.

Perceptions of Saudi parents of students with autism toward the responsibilities of transition plan members in implementing transition plans

Objective This study investigates how Saudi parents of children with autism perceive the roles and responsibilities of school staff and families in implementing transition plans. It looks at how these duties are shared between home and school during the planning phase. Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was employed. A total of 469 parents of students with autism from the Riyadh (n = 243) and Makkah (n = 226) regions completed a structured survey. The instrument, developed from validated measures and based on the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) practices, used a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics (t-tests and cross-tabulations) were applied to compare perceptions across demographic variables such as gender, education level, and region. Results Parents viewed schools as more responsible than homes for most transitional skills, especially in areas like self-advocacy, vocational preparation, and study skills. Conversely, daily living and independent living skills were more often considered the family’s responsibility. Perceptions did not significantly differ based on gender, education, or location. Conclusion The results indicate a collaborative responsibility between families and schools, with schools being considered the primary partner in most skill areas. To support smooth transitions for individuals with autism, increased collaboration between educators and families and parent-led training are essential.

Effects of confining pressure and loading direction on the mechanical behavior of schist with high content and aggregation degree of mica

This article focuses on the mechanical anisotropy of the schist with high content and aggregation degree of mica, which are prone to causing local collapse, large deformation, and support failure in tunnel engineering. The fabric characteristics of rock and the response of mechanical properties to confining pressure and loading direction was emphatically explored by micro tests and compression tests with confining pressures ranging from 0 to 20 MPa. Micro tests reveal that the flaky micas are highly aggregated and directionally arranged in the “matrix” composed of granular minerals and directional cracks are developed along the cleavage or the boundaries of mica. Mechanical tests indicate that the peak strength and elastic modulus of schist subjected to uniaxial compression vary in a shoulder form and U-shaped form with the orientation angle α , respectively. The confining pressure σ 3 nonlinearly weakens the anisotropy of schist and the transition of rock behavior from anisotropic to isotropic occurs at a critical confining pressure. Moreover, the critical ratio has a negative correlation with the most representative uniaxial compressive strength and strength anisotropy degree under uniaxial compression. As σ 3 increases, the failure mode changes from tension and shear composite to pure shear at α  = 90° and from splitting and shear composite to plastic kinking at α  = 0°, while maintains sliding shear at α  = 30°. However, under the low σ 3 , the tested schist is different from the schist with low content and aggregation degree of mica in the failure mode at α  = 0° and 30°, which is attributed to the differences in the microstructures of two schist. These findings yield an in-depth understanding of the mechanical behavior of foliated rocks and offer important references for the stability evaluation and support design of tunnel surrounding rock.

Spatial and temporal distribution of thyroid cancer incidence in China: An ecological study based on a national registry

The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence rate of thyroid cancer in China to elucidate its spatiotemporal distribution and to provide an evidence-based foundation for prevention and control strategies. Thyroid cancer incidence data from 2005 to 2018 were obtained from the China Cancer Registry Annual Reports (2008–2021). The Joinpoint regression model was used to describe the time trend, the age-period-cohort model was employed to analyze the effects of age, period and cohort on the thyroid cancer incidence, and spatial autocorrelation was used to analyze its spatial distribution. Results showed China's age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of thyroid cancer from 2005 to 2018 was 8.69 (95% CI: 8.55, 8.83) per 100,000, exhibiting an upward trend with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 10.7% (95% CI: 9.5%, 11.9%). The ASIR was higher in urban than in rural areas, though its growth rate was lower than in rural areas; similarly, it was higher in females than males but grew slower than in males. Nationally, incidence risk initially increased and then declined with advancing age, while period effects showed an upward trend and cohort effects a downward trend. Spatial autocorrelation revealed clustered incidence patterns, with northeastern China exhibiting a high-high clustering. Although this study is limited by the lack of pathological classification, the delay in the latest data, and potential biases from the increasing number of surveillance sites, these findings also suggest that the national thyroid cancer surveillance system should be further strengthened, a registration system for high-risk populations should be established, and greater investment should be allocated to etiological research, such as through measures like controlling weight and regulating radiation to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.

Correction: Risk of ciguatoxins is shaped by Gambierdiscus community structure

What is the significance of a new breast mass in women aged 40 or above? A cross-sectional study

Background Breast lumps are the most common presentation of breast cancer, and when detected in imaging, they are assigned a BI-RADS score dependent on their characteristics. Recency of a mass is not among these features, while in our center, the new occurrence of a solid breast mass in women 40 or above is considered suspicious because common benign masses typically occur before this age. We designed this study to evaluate data from our Arash Breast Diseases Registry to explore the results of this personalized approach. Methods Women aged ≥40 with a breast mass in exam, ultrasound, or mammography that had been biopsied or followed-up for at least 2 years were included. In addition to BIRADS 4 and 5 or suspicious clinical exam, new solid masses on breast examination, mammography, or ultrasound in women 40 or above were biopsied. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and predictive values for our institutional protocol and the guideline-based protocol where the recency of the mass is not an indication for biopsy. Results Among 4865 women, 609 were eligible. The mean age was 49.06 ± 7.84 years; 135 were malignant, and 474 were benign. Our protocol showed an increase in the sensitivity (84.1% vs. 70.1%) and a decrease in specificity (40.3% vs. 95.4%) when compared to the usual protocol. Conclusions While our institutional protocol increased the sensitivity and could lead to early detection, it lowered specificity, suggesting more false positive results. Our main suggestion is to consider “recency of a solid mass” as a criterion for suspiciousness in BI-RADS assignment to breast masses. We propose further studies to achieve a protocol that maximizes both sensitivity and specificity without compromising diagnostic reliability, and to find the cut-off for age when the effect of this factor increases.

The prevalence of probable sarcopenia and intrinsic capacity impairment among a group of community-dwelling older people in an urban area in Cameroon

Although intrinsic capacity serves as an indirect measure of an individual’s functional reserve, whether and in which way it interacts with sarcopenia is still to be addressed in Cameroon. This study aimed to describe the relationship between probable sarcopenia and domains of intrinsic capacity among older people in Cameroon. This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling older aged ≥ 60 years from two senior citizen’s association in Cameroon. Probable sarcopenia was assessed using grip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Screening for intrinsic capacity(IC) impairment was done using the Integrated Care to Older People(ICOPE) approach. Probable sarcopenia was defined by low handgrip strength and low physical performance. We included variables with a p -value < .1 in the multivariable analysis model. The significance level was P  < .05. We included 108 participants [64.8% female, mean age (standard deviation) 70.4 (6.6) years]. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 34.3%. All participants had a positive screening for IC impairment and the main impaired domains were vision (88%), locomotion (61.1%) and cognition (50%). The probable sarcopenia group was likely to be older (72.9 ± 7.9 vs 69.6 ± 6.1 P  = .018), achieved lower education ( P  = .012) and had frequent history of stroke ( P  = .038). After adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities, participants with impaired vitality (OR3.60, 95%CI1.08–11.94) were likely to have probable sarcopenia. Participants with preserved locomotion (OR 0.12, 95%CI 0.02–0.66) and a lower number of IC domains impaired (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.29–0.95) were less likely to have probable sarcopenia. With regard to the components of sarcopenia, preserved locomotion (OR 0.01, 95%IC 0.012–0.07) was associated with a higher physical performance. Lower number of IC domains impaired was associated with higher physical performance (OR 0.29, 95%CI0.12–0.76) and higher handgrip strength (OR0.58, 95%CI 0.37–0.92).This study suggest that IC impairment is associated to probable sarcopenia in this group of older adults in Cameroon. Further research on IC trajectories monitoring and incident confirmed sarcopenia as outcome are needed to plan targeted interventions taking into account local resources.

The effect of cold ischemia time on hypoxia, EMT, and apoptosis pathways in normal colon mucosa

Cold ischemia time (CIT), the interval between tissue excision and preservation, is a critical preanalytical variable that profoundly impacts gene expression profiles. Variability in CIT can lead to inconsistent transcriptomic results, making study interpretation challenging and undermining reproducibility in biomedical research. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of CIT on the expression of cancer-related genes, particularly these involved in hypoxia, apoptosis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed RNA sequencing on 54 normal colon mucosa samples from nine patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgeries, freezing samples at predefined intervals ranging from 0 to 60 minutes. A total of 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05) were identified when comparing samples frozen immediately (T0) with those frozen after 60 minutes (T5). These DEGs were further analyzed through functional and pathway enrichment analyses and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways associated with apoptosis, hypoxia, EMT, and cancer progression, including p53 and HIF-1 signaling. WGCNA highlighted two co-expressed gene modules: ME2, which showed downregulation of apoptosis-related genes, and ME4, linked to apoptosis and cellular metabolism. Our findings highlight CIT as a critical preanalytical variable, showing that prolonged ischemia can induce transcriptomic changes that may mimic malignancy, and potentially confound research outcomes. To minimize such effects, we recommend keeping CIT under 30 minutes.

Prevalence, spatial patterns and determinants of zero-dose vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in Sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel spatial analysis

Introduction Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective strategies for enhancing public health and well-being. Despite widespread immunization efforts, zero-dose vaccination among children remains a pressing public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and there exists a notable gap in research regarding its current burden, spatial distribution and determinants. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing prevalence, spatial patterns and determinants of zero-dose vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in SSA, 2025. Methods A secondary data analysis of community-based cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey data from 2015 to 2024 was conducted using a total weighted sample of 58,443 children aged 12–23 months. Descriptive statistics were summarized using texts, tables, and figures, and a multilevel spatial analysis was applied to identify the determinants of zero-dose vaccination. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to determine the level of significance, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of zero-dose vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in SSA was 13.3% with 95% CI (10.2%, 16.3%). The hot spot clusters were located in most of Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, the southern border of Mauritania, and southeastern of Mali and Mozambique. The poorest household wealth index (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.10–1.53), home delivery (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 2.39–2.83), having no media exposure (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.14–1.35), no (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 2.17–2.68) or low antenatal care visits (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.26–1.49), having no tetanus toxoid vaccination (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.49–1.79), having no (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.62–2.03) or only primary maternal education (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.16–1.43), perceived problem of distance to health facility (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.21) and rural residence (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.07–1.67) were significantly associated with zero-dose vaccination. Conclusion In SSA, zero-dose vaccintion was high compared to the global target of no tolerance for zero-dose. The distribution of zero-dose vaccination was spatially clustered with individual and community level factors significantly associated with it. Therefore, spatially targeted interventions taking these factors into account should be implemented by stakeholders in the SSA region to address zero-dose children.

Surgical outcome of unilateral recess-resect in convergence insufficiency-type intermittent exotropia: Comparison of two surgical formulae

Aim We compared the surgical outcomes of monocular lateral rectus recession–medial rectus resection (RR) for convergence insufficiency-type intermittent exotropia (CI-type IXT) using two different formulas. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent unilateral RR for CI-type IXT with at least 6 months follow-up was done. In group 1 (58 patients), RR was determined based on the average of distance and near exodeviation. In group 2 (80 patients), lateral rectus (LR) recession amount was based on the exodeviation at distance and medial rectus (MR) resection was done as the same amount of LR recession (symmetric RR). Results Group 2 showed greater esodeviation at distance and near until postoperative 1 month, however, there was no significant difference in deviation angles between the two groups from 3 to 24 months. Both groups showed significant reduction in near-distance difference up to postoperative 24 months (p < 0.05): from 8.3 PD preoperatively to 1.0 at 24 months in group 1 and from 9.3 to 3.8 in group 2. The success rate at 24 months was 72.7% and 67.6% in group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.795). Conclusion RR based on the average of distance and near exodeviation and the symmetric RR can successfully collapse the near–distance difference while achieving favorable surgical outcomes.

Livestock landscapes as ecological filters: Effects of the tree cover gradient on the taxonomic and functional diversity of granivorous birds in the Colombian Amazon

Land-use intensification in cattle-ranching landscapes of the Colombian Amazon generates continuous gradients of tree cover that modify the structure of productive mosaics and may function as environmental filters. The effects of this gradient may vary depending on the biodiversity component and the scale of analysis considered. We evaluated how tree cover is associated with the abundance, taxonomic richness, and functional diversity of the granivorous bird guild in cattle-ranching landscapes of the Colombian Amazon. A total of 100 quadrats were sampled along the continuous tree cover gradient. Abundance and local richness were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with a negative binomial distribution. Taxonomic diversity pooled by cover type was estimated using Hill numbers with explicit control of sampling completeness. Functional structure was assessed using multidimensional indices (FRic, FEve, FDiv, FDis, and RaoQ) and multivariate trait-based analyses (RLQ and fourth-corner tests). Tree cover had a significant effect on local abundance, whereas quadrat-level richness showed only a marginal response. Taxonomic diversity was higher in structurally more heterogeneous covers, consistent with greater spatial turnover. At the functional level, FDis and RaoQ varied among covers, whereas FRic and FEve did not differ significantly. RLQ analysis identified significant covariation between proportions of tree cover and traits associated with body size and bill and tarsus morphology in granivorous birds. Overall, the results describe a partial and scale-dependent reorganization of the granivorous assemblage along the structural gradient. Although consistent with theoretical expectations of environmental filtering, these patterns should be interpreted as observational associations rather than causal evidence or direct evaluations of ecosystem functions.

Effects of a peer-led educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on alcohol use intention and behavior among secondary school students in Northeast Ethiopia

Background Adolescent alcohol use is a growing public health concern in Ethiopia. Theory-driven, peer-led educational interventions may modify psychosocial determinants of drinking behavior. This study assessed the effectiveness of a peer-led educational intervention grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in changing alcohol-related intentions and self-reported alcohol consumption among secondary school students in Dessie and Kombolcha town, Northeast Ethiopia, high adolescent school enrollment. Methods A quasi-experimental pretest-post test control study with class-level allocation was conducted in four public secondary schools in Northeast Ethiopia between February and June 2021. A total of 1,496 students aged 15–24 years were assigned to intervention (n = 748) or control (n = 748) groups. Full randomization at the individual student level was not feasible due to the risk of contamination within classrooms, so intact classes were used as units of allocation. The intervention consisted of four 60-minute peer-led sessions targeting TPB constructs and knowledge. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention using validated self-administered questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) accounting for class-level clustering were used to estimate adjusted effects. Results At three months, intervention students demonstrated significantly higher alcohol-related knowledge (β = 4.76, 95% CI: 4.27–5.25), lower behavioral intention to drink (β = −1.03, 95% CI: −1.30 to −0.76), and reduced self-reported current alcohol use (adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.72; p < 0.001) compared with controls. Significant improvements were also observed in attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Conclusions The TPB-based peer-led school intervention was associated with short-term improvements in alcohol-related knowledge, psychosocial determinants, and reductions in intention and self-reported alcohol use. These findings are limited by the three-month follow-up, self-reported outcomes, and urban-only study sites. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up across diverse settings are warranted to assess sustainability and causal effects.

Population genetic variation characterised through serial independent pool-seq: the Cyprus Genome Project

Incidence and risk factors of calcium channel blocker–related edema in hypertensive patients: A Multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are commonly used to lower blood pressure because they are effective and affordable. However, CCBs can cause vasodilatory adverse effects, including peripheral edema, which may lead to additional therapy and affect adherence. This study assessed the incidence and risk factors of CCB-related edema among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. Methods This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved interviews and reviews of medical records of adults (aged ≥18 years) with essential hypertension who were prescribed calcium channel blockers (CCBs) between July 15 and August 14, 2025. A total of 292 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Descriptive statistics summarized baseline characteristics. Time-to-event analysis with the log-rank test assessed the duration from CCB initiation to edema onset. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with CCB-related edema, and a p -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among 292 participants (mean age 58.2 years; 53.4% female), 20.9% had diabetes mellitus and 16.8% had dyslipidemia. Amlodipine was the most frequently prescribed CCB (94.8%). Peripheral edema developed in 38.7% of patients, with a mean onset time of 8.3 weeks. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only longer daily standing duration was significantly associated with edema (AOR = 1.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–3.58; p  = 0.041). Time-to-event analysis showed a progressive increase in edema risk with continued CCB use. Patients receiving amlodipine 10 mg daily had a greater (42.5% vs. 33%) and earlier risk of edema than those on 5 mg amlodipine daily (log-rank p  = 0.003). Conclusions Calcium channel blocker–related peripheral edema is common among Ethiopian patients with hypertension and is more likely with higher doses and prolonged daily standing. Clinicians should be aware of its high prevalence to provide effective patient counseling and avoid unnecessary investigations or treatments, such as diuretics.

Everybody gets a CAR! But do they need it?

A CNN-transformer dual-branch network with structure-aware loss for high-resolution edge detection

Beyond wind speed: Integrating oceanic indices and time-lagged features for superior wind energy prediction

Accurate wind energy forecasting is critical for integrating wind power into electrical grids due to its inherent variability and uncertainty. This study introduces a systematic framework that integrates large-scale oceanic climate indices and time-lagged features with advanced machine-learning models to enhance short-term wind power prediction. We evaluate four experimental configurations: (A) a baseline using only wind speed; (B) wind plus contemporaneous indices; (C) the addition of 1–12 month lags for both wind and index variables; and (D) MRMR-based feature selection applied to the full lagged set. A comprehensive benchmark using 25 state-of-the-art models is conducted on monthly data from the Pawan Danavi wind farm in Sri Lanka (2015–2019). Results reveal that raw indices alone can degrade forecast accuracy, while incorporating lagged features significantly reduces RMSE and enhances R 2   . MRMR pruning of the 156 lagged predictors distills the set to three key variables: current wind speed, a nine-month lag of the Atlantic Meridional Mode, and a six-month lagged wind speed. This yields a minimum RMSE of ≈ 50   M W h   and R 2 ≈ 0.99   . The proposed approach delivers robust, computationally efficient forecasts, supporting more reliable grid operations and informing future integration of climate teleconnections in renewable energy forecasting.

A WHIM of the marrow: myelokathexis as a cytological clue to a rare blood disorder