Browse Articles

Tie1 derived from cervical cancer promotes the invasion and metastasis by Ang1 mediating Tie2/PI3K/Akt signaling axis and angiogenesis

Treadmill training or caloric restriction delays aging-associated increase in urocortin 2-induced hyperthermia in middle-aged male Wistar rats

Argument centric causal intervention for cross document event coreference resolution

Forecasting cashew production in India using a hybrid machine learning framework with STL decomposition, ensemble methods, and global trade network analysis

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analytical framework to examine and forecast the dynamics of India’s cashew production and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) exports. The analysis comprises two integrated components: a machine learning-based production forecasting system and a network topology analysis of India’s global CNSL trade relationships. For production forecasting, we develop a hybrid pipeline that integrates rolling Seasonal-Trend Decomposition using Loess (STL) with ensemble machine learning methods, specifically Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Machines, benchmarked against regularized linear models (Ridge and ElasticNet). To prevent data leakage, we implement a novel rolling STL decomposition approach that performs signal decomposition iteratively using only historical data available at each forecast origin. The methodology incorporates robust data preprocessing steps such as missing value imputation and normalization, along with temporal feature engineering involving lagged values, moving averages, rolling statistics, and year-on-year growth rates. To ensure reliable performance evaluation, we adopt an expanding window cross-validation strategy tailored for time series data across three temporal folds spanning 1999–2020. Among the models evaluated, Gradient Boosting demonstrates superior performance with an $$\hbox {R}^{2}$$ of 0.988 ( $$\pm 0.016$$ ), MAPE of 3.6% ( $$\pm 2.3\%$$ ), and RMSE of 45.8 MT ( $$\pm 35.2$$ ), achieving 72% lower MAE compared to Ridge regression and outperforming Random Forest by 72% in mean absolute error. In the second component, we construct India’s global CNSL trade network spanning 1999–2020 and apply five centrality measures Degree, Closeness, Betweenness, Eigenvector, and PageRank to characterize its structure and identify key trading nodes. To further assess concentration and dependency, we introduce a novel Source-Importer Ratio metric, revealing pronounced disparities in trade influence, with differences of over 50-fold in degree centrality and 43-fold in PageRank across countries. The network analysis identifies India as the dominant hub with maximal degree centrality (1.0) and PageRank (0.461), while all importer countries exhibit uniformly low centrality scores (0.0196), confirming a star-like network topology with 52 nodes and 51 edges. By combining high-accuracy forecasting with network-driven diagnostics, this integrated approach provides a decision-support framework tailored to the needs of policymakers, exporters, and agri-business strategists. The study concludes with policy suggestions aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience, mitigating trade risks, and promoting export diversification. All code, data, and trained models are made publicly available to support reproducibility and adaptation to other perennial crop systems. Future work will extend the framework by integrating exogenous drivers such as climatic indicators and global price trends, and by updating the network analysis with post-2020 data to capture pandemic-induced structural changes in global trade patterns.

Rumen metabolic environment of dairy cows varying in susceptibility of subacute ruminal acidosis modifies in vitro bacterial composition and fermentation

Arginine shapes growth and mTOR pathway gene expression in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

Entomopathogenic fungi disrupt the feeding behavior of Euschistus heros in soybean

Mixture of checkpoint experts for explainable seizure detection using wearable devices

Gender disparities in complex association of metabolic syndrome with dietary habits and lifestyle risk factors in Chinese population

Eye-tracking context formality effects in German and Japanese sentence processing

Abstract Context information can rapidly affect language processing. Yet, whether this holds for social information like respect and formality (e.g., talking to a teacher vs. student), and across languages adhering differently to social hierarchy (German vs. Japanese) is unclear. We manipulated (in)congruence of formality (match vs. mismatch) in German and formality-style (matching or mismatching social respect) in Japanese. Participants encountered context-target sentence pairs (mis)matching in formality (German), or within-sentence formality-style (mis)match (Japanese). For Japanese, another factor ‘style’ (exalted vs. humble) created this mismatch (e.g., exalted style matches actions by a teacher but not student). For German, (in)congruence between subject and verb inflection served as a morphosyntactic baseline: we expected rapid effects. Longer first-pass times for mismatches than matches at the first mismatching word would indicate immediate formality processing. In German, formality mismatch effects emerged later, and in later measures, compared to first-pass morphosyntactic mismatch effects. In Japanese, formality-style effects emerged at the first mismatching word in a “late” measure (only for exalted style), in first fixation duration, post-verbally. Our results contribute to characterizing formality effects across languages that differ in their adherence to social hierarchy, and in which social markers in language are (Japanese) versus are not (German) part of grammar.

Molecular characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii Mre11 reveals unique structural features and potential as a therapeutic target

A validated workflow for the design and certification of below-the-hook lifting devices integrating finite element analysis and physical proof testing

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive, standardized workflow for the design, analysis, fabrication, and validation of a 30-ton capacity spreader beam as a case study. The methodology integrates computational engineering with rigorous physical testing to ensure compliance with international safety standards, including ASME BTH-1 and OSHA. The process begins with defining requirements and proceeds through preliminary design, material selection, and detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Ansys. An iterative approach was employed to optimize the design, transitioning from an initial 6-inch pipe concept to a finalized 8-inch ASTM A106 Grade B pipe main beam with ST37 plate lugs. The optimized design achieved a safety factor exceeding 2.0, with a maximum von Mises stress below 100 MPa. The physical prototype was fabricated under strict quality control, including weld inspection via Liquid Penetrant (PT) and Magnetic Particle Testing (MT). Final validation was achieved through a successful 40-ton (133% of Safe Working Load) proof load test. The beam was subsequently certified for operational use, with recalibration required every six months. This work provides a validated, step-by-step guide for engineers, demonstrating a critical balance between analytical prediction and experimental verification in lifting equipment design.

Damage mechanism investigation on fiber reinforced recycled cement aggregate concrete in a cold region

The mitigating effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the cytotoxic, genotoxic, biochemical and phytotoxic effects of omethoate in roots of Allium cepa bulbs

Hospital information system based psychological nursing improves maternal and neonatal outcomes in cesarean section patients

Bioinspired Fe Single-Atom Nanozyme Synergizes with Natural NarGH Dimer for High-Efficiency Photobiocatalytic Nitrate Conversion

CH4 and N2O emissions increased following the conversion of aquaculture ponds to rice monoculture and rice–shrimp coculture fields in southeast China

Deep learning and TOPSIS-based multi-criteria decision-making framework for urban road defect detection and sustainable maintenance planning

Advanced soliton structures and elliptic wave patterns in a sixth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation using improved modified extended tanh function method

Abstract In this work, a sixth–order extension of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) within its integrable hierarchy is investigated to model higher–order nonlinear and dispersive effects relevant to optical fiber systems and nonlinear wave propagation. By employing the Improved Modified Extended Tanh Function Method, a comprehensive family of exact analytical solutions is derived, encompassing bright and dark solitons, singular soliton structures, and singular periodic solutions. In addition, solution families expressed in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions, Weierstrass doubly periodic elliptic functions, and exponential profiles are obtained. The novelty of this study lies in extending the analytical framework of the NLSE hierarchy to its sixth–order integrable form and in uncovering new soliton and elliptic wave structures. The obtained results reveal rich nonlinear dynamics associated with higher–order dispersion and nonlinearity and clarify the transition between periodic and localized behaviors. Two– and three–dimensional graphical simulations further illustrate the spatiotemporal evolution of the derived solutions. Overall, the findings deepen the understanding of advanced nonlinear wave mechanisms and offer potential implications for ultrafast optical and nonlinear waveguide systems.

Effect of core stability exercises and Russian electrical stimulation on nonspecific low back pain: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a predominant contributor to disability worldwide. Core stability exercises (CSEs) serve as a common intervention; however, their therapeutic effects may be augmented through the incorporation of adjunct modalities such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate whether the addition of Russian current (RC) stimulation to a CSE regimen enhances improvements in pain, functional capacity, muscle thickness, and spinal stability among patients diagnosed with NSLBP compared with a regimen comprising CSE alone. This single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient clinic of Deraya University over a six-week intervention period. A total of fifty patients aged between 20 and 25 years with chronic NSLBP were recruited. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups via a closed-envelope. Group 1 (the study group, n = 25) received CSE and RC three times a week for six weeks, whereas Group 2 (the control group, n = 25) received CSE only. The primary outcomes assessed included pain intensity, measured via the visual analog scale (VAS), and functional disability, evaluated via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The secondary outcomes included the muscle thicknesses of the transversus abdominis (TrA) and lumbar multifidus (LM), which were measured via ultrasonography, and lumbar spine stability, which was assessed via a Spinal Mouse device. The data were analyzed via mixed-model MANOVA for group and time effects, accompanied by post hoc Bonferroni correction. Between-group comparisons were performed via independent t tests, whereas within-group analyses were performed via paired t tests. There was a significant decrease in the VAS score and ODI and a significant increase in the stability score, TrA, and LM thickness, especially in group 1. The demographic characteristics of the groups were comparable at baseline (p > 0.05). Compared with Group 2 (CSE alone), Group 1 (CSE + RC) exhibited significantly greater improvements in the VAS score (MD: -1.04, 95% CI: -1.79–0.29, p = 0.008), ODI (MD: -9.76%, 95% CI: -12.13–7.39, p < 0.001), stability score (MD: 7.53%, 95% CI: 0.95–14.12, p = 0.02), and muscle thickness (e.g., right TrA: MD: 0.08 cm, 95% CI: 0.02–0.12, p = 0.004). There was a significant decrease in the VAS score and ODI and an increase in the stability score, TrA, and LM thickness, especially in group 1. Compared with core stability exercises alone, the Russian current accompanied by core stability exercises results in greater decreases in pain and disability and greater increases in functional ability, TrA and LM thickness, and lumbar spine stability. Trial registration:  The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06495099) on 02/07/2024.