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Changing landscapes drive dietary diversification in Asian elephants

Abstract Rapid changes in land-use patterns bring significant challenges to wildlife, particularly for large herbivores, such as Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ). Despite the impact of land-use change being widely studied globally, its effect on the dietary patterns of umbrella species, such as the Asian elephant, remains limited. Therefore, this study employed high-throughput trnL DNA metabarcoding to characterise and compare the diets of Asian elephants across two distinct landscapes: (1) northeast Peninsular Malaysia, a landscape undergoing large-scale development and logging (development-logging landscapes, DLL), and (2) southern Peninsular Malaysia, an oil palm-dominated landscape with remnant forests without major logging or land-use changes (oil palm-forest landscapes, OPFL). We analysed 60 individual faecal samples, yielding 1,737,956 high-quality sequences for the DLL and 1,454,807 for the OPFL. Analysis of frequency of occurrence (FOO) and relative read abundance (RRA) revealed a significant variation in elephant diets between the two landscapes, with the DLL exhibiting higher richness and diversity than the OPFL. This study demonstrates the dietary flexibility of Asian elephants, showing their ability to adapt to environmental changes in DLL by modifying their feeding habits according to available food resources. The findings also reveal the diet-related dimensions of human–elephant conflict across contrasting landscapes and highlight the need for strategic landscape management, including habitat restoration and ecological corridors, to reduce conflict and support long-term conservation.

Extended thromboprophylaxis after hip fracture surgery: Real-world evidence of direct oral anticoagulants versus low molecular weight heparin of unfractionated heparin

Background Hip fracture surgery carries the highest postoperative risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among surgical populations. Guidelines recommend low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) over direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) due to limited evidence. However, oral administration and cost considerations have led to widespread real-world use of DOACs. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of extended thromboprophylaxis with DOACs versus LMWH or unfractionated heparin (UFH) after hip fracture surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults undergoing hip fracture surgery at Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina (January 2011–June 2025), covered by the hospital’s healthcare insurance. Eligible patients were discharged with extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (LMWH, UFH, or DOACs). Outcomes within 3 months included VTE, major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (MB/CRNMB), and all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox regression, Fine-Gray models, and propensity score adjustments were applied. Results Of 425 hip fractures, 340 cases (301 patients) met eligibility criteria. Extended prophylaxis used was LMWH/UFH in 102 cases and DOACs in 238. VTE occurred in 2.5% of DOAC and 3.9% of LMWH/UFH cases. MB/CRNMB occurred in 2.1% vs 5.9%, and mortality in 3.0% vs 3.9%, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for DOACs versus LMWH/UFH were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.16–2.49) for VTE, 0.69 (0.15–2.16) for bleeding, and 0.73 (0.22–2.37) for mortality. Conclusions In this real-world cohort, DOACs showed comparable effectiveness and safety to LMWH/UFH for extended prophylaxis after hip fracture surgery. These findings support DOACs as a potential alternative in this high-risk population, pending confirmation in prospective studies.

Experimental and microstructural investigation on the strength and frost resistance of basalt fiber reinforced steel slag foamed concrete

How digital infrastructure supports emerging forms of urban digital tourism in China

China’s ongoing digital transformation, supported by proactive government policies, is fundamentally reshaping urban tourism through strategic development of digital infrastructure. This study employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, taking the Broadband China policy as a quasi-natural experiment, to examine the driving effects and mechanisms of digital infrastructure development on emerging forms of urban digital tourism entrepreneurship. The results show that: (1) digital infrastructure development can facilitate the development of emerging forms for urban digital tourism entrepreneurship. Even after controlling for endogeneity, other policy intervention, and robustness in parallel trend testing, the outcome remains unchanged. Digital infrastructure has the potential to foster the growth of new types of urban digital tourism businesses by increasing the concentration of digital talent, the rate of technological innovation and application, and the level of government support. The driving effect is stronger in cities that have exceptional cultural value, well-allocated administrative resources, and excellent tourist resources. Coordination and information exchange in industrial chains are beneficial for nearby regions, but they pose a threat of marginalization to areas that aren’t immediately adjacent due to the impacts of resource siphoning. Therefore, the government should promote the transformation of urban tourism into intelligent and convenient, establish cross-city tourism alliances, and form a complementary mode of “technology and resources.” Simultaneously, it should make use of digital technology to accurately match the characteristics of the city and guide operators of the industry to efficiently make use of digital technology to identify market opportunities, integrate resources, and unleash the new kinetic energy of the industry’s development.

Neuro-epithelial circuits promote sensory convergence and intestinal immunity

A robust E learning recommendation system based on novel interval valued bipolar fuzzy hypersoft set theory

Abstract Understanding bipolar information is crucial as it enables individuals to make informed decisions that consider both extremes of a spectrum, leading to more balanced and effective outcomes. Interval-valued bipolar fuzzy set (IVBFS) has already been introduced in the literature as a great decision-making tool that can capture interval-valued bipolar information to properly address uncertainty. In this article, we introduce a hybrid of Interval-valued bipolar fuzzy set (IVBFS) and bipolar hypersoft sets (BHSS) called interval-valued bipolar fuzzy hypersoft set $$(IVBF_{HSS})$$ , which merges the capabilities of IVBFS and BHSS. The rationale behind the design of the presented data structure is to manipulate and process information in decision-making scenarios when the data is bipolar, has multiple attributes that need to be addressed up to a sub-attributive level to get a proper representation of the data provided, and needs to be presented in the form of intervals. In $$(IVBF_{HSS})$$ , two hyper soft sets (HSSs) are used, one providing positive interval-valued membership information and the other providing negative interval-valued membership information. We outline the essential features and basic operations of $$(IVBF_{HSS})$$ in this paper, examining its commutative, associative, distributive, and De Morgan laws to ensure a comprehensive analysis. To demonstrate the significance of $$(IVBF_{HSS})$$ , we develop a preferential decision support algorithm for selecting the best alternative in e-learning, such as identifying the most suitable instructional method, which can effectively be formulated as a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) problem. This approach allows for the systematic evaluation of various alternatives based on multiple parameters and sub-parameters, enabling a rational and well-informed decision. This algorithm helps select the best alternative from a given set of options, leveraging the versatile nature of $$(IVBF_{HSS})$$ . The presented study conducts both computation-based and structural comparisons to evaluate the adaptability and reliability of the proposed framework.

Adolescent pregnancy and early gestation depressive symptoms in rural Bangladesh: Is there an association?

Background/objective Pregnancy during adolescence continues to pose a major public health concern in low-and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. Suffering from depressive symptoms during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, and adolescent pregnancy may further complicate the risks. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of early-gestation depressive symptoms in pregnant adolescents in rural Bangladesh and investigate the potential association between the two. Methodology Data for this study were extracted from the screening dataset of a community-based randomized controlled trial among pregnant women in Matlab, Bangladesh. Screening was conducted for all eligible expectant women in the study area after pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound between 5–16 weeks of gestation. This study analyzed data from 651 newly pregnant adolescents and adult women screened between January 2020 and January 2021. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the seven-item Depression subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Depressive symptom scores were calculated as the sum of the responses to the seven items, and a binary outcome, depressive symptoms, was defined as a depressive symptom score of 5 or more. Multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models were fitted to determine the independent association of depressive symptom score and depressive symptoms with adolescent pregnancy, considering adult pregnancy as the reference. Results Of the pregnant women, 136 (20.9%) were adolescents (14–19 years), and 515 (79.1%) were adults (20–34 years). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in early gestation was found to be 11.0% among pregnant adolescent girls. In adjusted model, the mean depressive symptom score was higher among the adolescents compared to the adult pregnant women (β = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.1, 1.0; P = 0.010). In multivariable model, adolescents had higher prevalence ratio of depressive symptoms than their adult counterparts (PR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.6, P = 0.025). Conclusions Our results suggest that adolescent pregnancy is associated with depressive symptoms in early gestation in rural Bangladesh. Furthermore, we found that more than one in ten pregnant adolescents experiences symptoms of depression in the early stages of pregnancy, underscoring a serious public health issue. Public health policies should aim at preventing adolescent marriage and pregnancy in the first place, and programs should be launched to mitigate depressive symptoms among pregnant adolescents.

Machine and deep learning-based forecast of Tehran’s accelerating nighttime surface heat island crisis

Supply chain stability: A study on the enabling effect of state-owned capital

Enhancing the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains is a key initiative to drive high-quality development of the real economy, yet the role of state-owned capital participation in this context remains insufficiently understood. This study empirically investigates how state-owned capital involvement affects the supply chain stability of private enterprises, addressing a significant gap in the literature on state-owned capital’s impact on supply chain management. Drawing on data from Chinese A-share-listed private enterprises spanning 2013–2022, this study adopts an empirical research design grounded in empowerment theory to construct models that assess the effect of state-owned capital participation on supply chain stability. Mechanism tests and heterogeneity analyses are conducted to identify mediating pathways and boundary conditions. The results suggest that state-owned capital participation significantly enhances the supply chain stability of private enterprises. State-owned capital influences private enterprises through two mechanisms: resource enabling and optimization of internal governance structures. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the positive effect is more pronounced among private enterprises with weaker bank-enterprise relationships, lower product competitiveness, poorer internal control systems, and higher levels of negative media coverage. By clarifying the stabilizing role of state-owned capital participation in enhancing supply chain stability, this study contributes to both supply chain management theory and the impact of state-owned capital on private enterprises. It also provides policy strategies to strengthen industrial and supply chain resilience and security, while offering actionable insights into targeted policy interventions tailored to different types of private enterprises.

Fresh claim of making elusive ‘hexagonal’ diamond is the strongest yet

A lightweight metaheuristic-driven adaptive PID approach for nonlinear conical tank regulation

Impact of sugar-based baits on midgut microbiome composition in Aedes mosquitoes: Implications for vector control

The Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of many severe diseases. Novel integrated vector management techniques like alginate hydrogel beads and appealing toxic sugar bait have strengthened control efforts. These techniques help to control mosquitoes by taking advantage of their attraction to sugar. Different types of sugar that mosquitoes ingest during feeding can affect the makeup of the microbiome in the midgut. The mosquito midgut microbiome maintains immune priming and baseline immune activity. Therefore, the current focus of this study is on utilizing microbial communities for vector control measures with a particular emphasis on how they consume various forms of sugars. Both wild and lab strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquito samples were reared, and attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) infused with Chrysanthemum , mango, mix and control solutions. Then, the impact of bacterial communities was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequences. According to our findings, the majority of the bacterial species in mango and mixed treatments belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family. A total of 24 different bacterial species were found in Aedes mosquitoes that fed on mango ATSBs. The isolates were found to be members of three phyla from Actinobacteria (4.16%), Firmicutes (54.17%), and Proteobacteria (41.67%). Data reveals that different species, strains, and diets affect the midgut bacterial diversity in the mosquitoes. In addition to strengthening our knowledge concerning the way this bacterium shapes the microbial community, a thorough investigation of the prevalence of the midgut bacterial community is essential for alerting present and future mosquito and disease control initiatives.

CAPPR-Wallet: a context-aware and recoverable wallet architecture with privacy-preserving rules for trustless blockchain ecosystems

Epidemiology of ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament injuries in youth basketball athletes in Niigata, Japan: A regional survey on injury management and healthcare professional involvement

Objective Ankle sprains are highly prevalent among youth basketball players, particularly in the under-15 age group, and inadequate post-injury management may contribute to the development of chronic ankle instability and may be associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This study aimed to determine the incidence of ankle sprains and post-injury management among under-12 and under-15 basketball players through a large-scale questionnaire survey. Additionally, we examined the prevalence of chronic ankle instability and anterior cruciate ligament injuries to assess the epidemiological impact of ankle sprains on young athletes. By examining these age groups, this study aimed to provide insights into potential preventive strategies and the need for appropriate medical intervention during early athletic development. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess ankle sprain history, medical consultation rates, prevalence of chronic ankle instability, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The study targeted school and club basketball teams in Niigata, Japan. Overall, 2,747 youth basketball players from under-12 and under-15 age groups participated. Results Ankle sprains were more common in under-15 players (61.2%) than in under-12 players (39.0%). Medical consultation rates were lower in under-15 players (56.6%) than in under-12 players (80.1%). Chronic ankle instability was found in 12.4% of the players. Among under-15 players, 0.9% underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and half of them had chronic ankle instability. Many players returned to play despite experiencing pain. Conclusions The coexistence of chronic ankle instability and anterior cruciate ligament injuries suggests a possible association between these conditions; however, causal relationships cannot be inferred because of the cross-sectional study design and the small number of anterior cruciate ligament cases.

Autonomous robots with socially-aware navigation using memory-assisted deep reinforcement learning

A remote surface loop modulates core structure and cold activity in phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase

Phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase (PPAT), a key enzyme in the universal Coenzyme A biosynthetic pathway, is essential for cellular metabolism. However, the adaptive mechanisms of PPAT in psychrophilic (cold-adapted) organisms remain poorly understood. Here, we characterize PPAT from the psychrophilic methanotroph Methylocapsa palsarum ( Mpa PPAT). Sequence analysis identified a unique five-amino-acid insertion (SCRLS) within a surface-exposed loop, a feature conserved among psychrophilic homologues. To investigate its function, we determined the crystal structures of wild-type (WT) Mpa PPAT and a loop-deletion mutant ( Mpa PPAT(Δ67–71)) and performed comparative biochemical analyses. Structurally, Mpa PPAT forms a dimer-of-trimers hexamer. Biochemically, WT Mpa PPAT maintains high catalytic activity at low temperatures (10–20 °C), whereas the Mpa PPAT(Δ67–71) mutant exhibits impaired cold activity. The mutant structure reveals that the deletion of the distant surface loop induces a long-range allosteric change, resulting in a dual impairment: 1) a stabilization and rigidification (“clamping”) of the central α-helix 4 (H4) at the hexameric core interface, and 2) a dramatic shift in the central pore’s electrostatic potential from positive (WT) to negative (mutant). Our findings reveal that the SCRLS insertion is a critical allosteric modulator that provides a sophisticated dual mechanism for enzymatic cold adaptation. It maintains the conformational flexibility of the hexameric core, preventing the “clamping” effect, and simultaneously ensures a positively charged central channel to electrostatically steer negatively charged substrates (ATP and phosphopantetheine) into the active site, thereby overcoming the kinetic challenges of a low-temperature environment.

AI can write genomes — how long until it creates synthetic life?

Robust cytoplasmic partitioning by solving a cytoskeletal instability

Abstract Early development across vertebrates and insects critically relies on robustly reorganizing the cytoplasm of fertilized eggs into individualized cells 1,2 . This intricate process is orchestrated by large microtubule structures that traverse the embryo, partitioning the cytoplasm into physically distinct and stable compartments 3,4 . Here, despite the robustness of embryonic development, we uncover an intrinsic instability in cytoplasmic partitioning driven by the microtubule cytoskeleton. By combining experiments in cytoplasmic extract and in vivo, we reveal that embryos circumvent this instability through two distinct mechanisms: either by matching the cell-cycle duration to the time needed for the instability to unfold or by limiting microtubule nucleation. These regulatory mechanisms give rise to two possible strategies to fill the cytoplasm, which we experimentally demonstrate in zebrafish and Drosophila embryos, respectively. In zebrafish embryos, unstable microtubule waves fill the geometry of the entire embryo from the first division. Conversely, in Drosophila embryos, stable microtubule asters resulting from reduced microtubule nucleation gradually fill the cytoplasm throughout multiple divisions. Our results indicate that the temporal control of microtubule dynamics could have driven the evolutionary emergence of species-specific mechanisms for effective cytoplasmic organization. Furthermore, our study unveils a fundamental synergy between physical instabilities and biological clocks, uncovering universal strategies for rapid, robust and efficient spatial ordering in biological systems.

A large tyrannosaurid from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) of North America

Abstract The Tyrannosauridae emerged as the dominant large predators in Laurasia during the Late Cretaceous. Their evolution in North America culminated with the replacement of Albertosaurinae, Daspletosaurinae, and Teratophonei, with masses of 2-3 tonnes, by the giant Tyrannosaurus in the late Maastrichtian, with a mass approaching or exceeding 10 tonnes. The origin of Tyrannosaurus remains enigmatic, but fossils suggest an origin in the Campanian—Maastrichtian of southern Laramidia. Here we describe an unusually large and robust tyrannosaurid tibia from the late Campanian aged Hunter Wash Member of the Kirtland Formation, New Mexico, ~ 74 Ma. The tibia measures 960 mm in length and 128 mm in diameter, ~84% and 78% the dimensions of the largest known Tyrannosaurus , suggesting a mass approaching 5 tonnes, larger than any contemporary tyrannosaur. The Hunter Wash tyrannosaur could potentially represent (i) an unusually large and robust Bistahieversor , (ii) a previously unknown lineage of giant tyrannosaur, or (iii) an early representative of Tyrannosaurini. The tibia’s large size, robust proportions, and shape of the distal shaft are most consistent with referral to Tyrannosaurini. The Hunter Wash tyrannosaur emphasizes the marked endemicity of Laramidian dinosaurs; while smaller Albertosaurinae and Daspletosaurini inhabited the north, giant tyrannosaurins occurred in the south.

Exploring the potential impact of medical errors research on population health

Background While most research on medical errors has focused on reducing these events within clinical settings, little is known about whether this scientific research translates into improvements in population-level health or system indicators. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of medical errors research on population health, health system, and research and development indicators. Methods A longitudinal analysis was conducted using global data from 1995 to 2024. Annual publication counts on medical errors were matched with 18 global population and structural indicators across four domains: mortality, health systems, research and development, and financial risk. Countries were stratified into income groups, and associations were analysed using fixed-effects, negative binomial, and hierarchical mixed-effects models. Results Higher research output on medical errors was associated with reductions in neonatal, infant, under-5, and adult mortality, particularly in high-income countries and upper-middle-income countries (UMICs). Significant associations were also found with reduced risk of catastrophic and impoverishing surgical expenditures in UMICs and low- and middle-income countries. Modest links were observed with hospital bed density and intellectual property flows. However, no consistent associations were found in low-income countries or in hierarchical models adjusting for income-level heterogeneity. Conclusions and implications Scientific research on medical errors shows potential to influence key population health- and structural-level indicators, particularly in countries with developing research ecosystems. These findings address a critical knowledge gap by providing quantitative evidence of research relevance beyond academic metrics. Promoting equitable research capacity and translation may enhance the real-world impact of patient safety efforts globally.