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Dynamic road section risk identification model based on connected in-vehicle data

To dynamically identify road section risks, the research team designed an onboard unit to collect various dynamic driving behavior data when the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are activated. To do this, we divided the roads into three categories (urban road, expressway, freeway) and established separate BN models to analyze the relationship between driving behavior and road section risk. These models were constructed based on natural driving data from 10,000 km, collected from vehicles equipped with ADAS. For road segment division, fixed-length intervals were used for freeways and urban expressways, while segments on urban roads were defined as the stretches between adjacent intersections. Using braking deceleration and time to collision, we identified near-crash events and classified them into high, medium, and low severity levels using the DBSCAN clustering algorithm. These near-crash events were then matched to the corresponding road section, assigning different weights based on their severity levels to evaluate the risk level of each segment. Additionally, driving behavior data, including velocity, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, yaw rate, accelerator position, steering angle, and steering angle velocity, were matched to the road segments. Finally, using the Netica software, Bayesian network models were constructed separately for urban roads, expressways, and freeways to identify driving risks at road segments. The models exhibited high sensitivity to observed nodes.

Environmental health management in local community isolation facilities during COVID-19 pandemic: A case study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Community isolation facilities (CIFs) were adopted as a containment strategy in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, but information on environmental health management in CIFs is unknown. This retrospective research aimed to study the preparedness and implementation of CIFs from an environmental health perspective. The study was conducted in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. A total number of 114 staff working during the establishment and operation of 57 CIFs were enrolled. Two questionnaires were collected from the founding and operating staff from 27 May to 5 October 2022. One questionnaire, designed based on the guidelines for establishing of CIFs developed by the Department of Health, was used to examine the preparedness of the founding staff. Another questionnaire was developed to investigate the implementation by the operating staff. The data was presented as the levels of preparedness and implementation of CIFs and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Local government organizations played a major role in the establishment and cooperation with local public health offices in the operation of CIFs. Two-thirds of the founding and operating staff had no experience in environmental health. However, most of the CIFs showed preparedness for the establishment of CIFs and conducted environmental health implementation at a good level in all dimensions, except for infrastructure for wastewater treatment, disinfection, and system monitoring. The decentralized governance model in Thailand facilitated the operation of small CIFs to prevent COVID-19 transmission in local communities. However, qualified personnel and appropriate infrastructure were obstacles to full environmental health implementation. The guidelines by the Department of Health suggested as fundamental for environmental health management of CIFs in this study should be appropriately adopted based on the different contexts of each country to ensure preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Nutrient synergy in wheat: Impacts of nitrogen and boron on productivity, accumulation, and soil nutrient retention

Efficient nutrient management remains a critical challenge in wheat production, particularly in optimizing productivity while maintaining soil fertility. Among essential nutrients, nitrogen (N) and boron (B) play vital roles in plant growth and grain development, yet their combined effects are not fully understood. To address this gap, a field experiment was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 in Khairahani, Chitwan, Nepal, to evaluate the effects of different N and B application levels on wheat performance and nutrient retention. The experiment followed a split-plot design, with four N levels (0, 80, 100, and 120 kg ha ⁻ ¹) as main plots and three B levels (0, 1, and 2 kg ha ⁻ ¹) as subplots, replicated three times. Results showed that 120 kg ha ⁻ ¹ of N significantly increased effective tillers (401 m ⁻ ²), 1000-grain weight (52.7 g), spike length (10.05 cm), and spike weight (2.3 g). B applied at 2 kg ha ⁻ ¹ reduced spikelet sterility (34.7%) and increased kernels spike-1 (29.6). The combined application of N and B produced the highest grain yield (6.26 t ha ⁻ ¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.34). Grain N content (14.48 g kg ⁻ ¹), N uptake (88.5 kg ha ⁻ ¹), and protein content (9.05%) were maximized with 120 kg N ha ⁻ ¹. Likewise, 2 kg B ha ⁻ ¹ significantly improved B content and uptake in both grain and straw. The nutrient treatments had no significant effect on most soil chemical properties, except for residual soil N and B content. These findings indicate that integrating B with N fertilization can substantially enhance wheat productivity and profitability. However, multi-year studies across diverse agro-climatic conditions are necessary to validate these results and develop robust, site-specific nutrient management recommendations.

Lifetime economic burden of hemophilia using a nationwide real-world healthcare data

Background Patients with hemophilia require lifelong treatment, but the real-world lifetime economic burden of hemophilia remains unclear. This study aims to estimate the lifetime economic burden of hemophilia using real-world data, accounting for cost variation by disease phase and over time. Methods Male patients with hemophilia A (PwHa) or B (PwHb) recorded in South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database from 2007 to 2022 were included. Survival was estimated using the rolling extrapolation method. A phase-specific costing approach was applied, distinguishing three phases: before hemophilic arthropathy (BH), after hemophilic arthropathy (AH), and 1 year before death (BD). Transition probabilities from BH to AH were calculated based on incidence rates of hemophilic arthropathy. Phase-specific annual costs were modeled using generalized estimating equations (GEEs), and predicted costs were multiplied by phase-specific probabilities from birth to estimated life expectancy to derive lifetime costs. Results Estimated life expectancy for PwHa (n = 2,624) and PwHb (n = 664) in South Korea between 2007−2022 was 76.13 and 77.54 years, respectively. The incidence rate of hemophilic arthropathy was 0.090 cases/person-year [95% confidence interval, 0.084–0.097] for PwHa and 0.080 [0.070–0.092] for PwHb, yielding transition probabilities from BH to AH of 0.086 (PwHa) and 0.077 (PwHb). Mean annual costs were highest in the BD phase, followed by AH and BH phases: PwHa (BH: $11,331; AH: $27,271; BD: $27,985); PwHb (BH: $15,567; AH: $38,659; BD: $55,985). Compared to PwHa, PwHb incurred 1.37 and 1.42 times higher BH and AH costs, respectively (p < 0.05). Estimated lifetime cost was 1.76 times higher for PwHb ($22.25 million) than PwHa ($12.62 million) in hypothetical patients born in 2000. Conclusions Hemophilia imposes a substantial economic burden across the lifespan, with PwHb incurring higher lifetime costs than PwHa. These real-world estimates can support more informed resource allocation and planning for hemophilia care.

Machine learning-based criminal behavior analysis for enhanced digital forensics

In an increasingly digital world, uncovering criminal activity often relies on analyzing vast amounts of online behavior. Traditional methods in digital forensics struggle to keep up with the complexity and volume of data, particularly when trying to detect subtle deviations in online activity that could signal illegal intent. This research introduces an innovative approach that leverages machine learning to analyze internet activity—specifically browser artifacts—shedding new light on criminal behaviors that would otherwise remain hidden.Using advanced machine learning techniques such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Autoencoders, this study focuses on detecting suspicious patterns and anomalies in browsing activity. By understanding the sequence and timing of a user’s online actions, this method enhances digital forensics investigations, allowing for faster and more accurate detection of criminal intent and behavior. The research aims to improve the speed and accuracy of identifying malicious online activity but also offers law enforcement and investigators a powerful tool to make sense of complex data. These findings represent an important step towards advancing digital forensics, enabling deeper insights into criminal behavior and more effective investigations, ultimately contributing to a safer digital environment.

A Photoresponsive Hybrid of Viruses and Supramolecular Peptide Fibers for Multidimensional Control of Patterning and Infection

AbstractViruses are versatile colloidal materials in their biofunctions, monodispersed and periodic structures, and high surface designability. For expanding the applicability of virus‐based materials, spatiotemporally controlled immobilization and dispersion of viruses with retained activity should be useful, though control of the dynamic nature of viruses hybridized with commonly used polymers has been difficult due to their strong interactions. Here, we report a self‐assembling peptide (A2Az) enabling photo control of adhesion and dispersion of M13 bacteriophage virus (M13 phage) and successfully demonstrate patterning of localization and infection of the virus. A2Az is a cationic peptide with amphiphilicity that consists of eight amino acid residues containing a photo‐responsive azobenzene group at the second position and self‐assembles into a helical supramolecular fiber to form a hydrogel. The helical fibrillar morphology of A2Az exhibits strong interaction with M13 phage, allowing for immobilization not only on a two‐dimensional surface but also in a three‐dimensional hydrogel with suppression of infectivity. The A2Az fiber undergoes a light‐triggered fiber‐to‐particle transition and releases the immobilized M13 phage with retained infectivity for the photo‐controlled patterning of localization and infection. This approach has potential applicability to various virus‐based biomaterials, such as structural materials and materials for photo‐selective gene transfection to cells.

Effects of ethnicity and geography on the fecal microbiota and dietary habits of Tibeto-Burman hill tribes in Northern Thailand

Numerous studies have shown that both ethnicity and geography influence gut microbiota composition; however, the effects of these parameters remain understudied in Thailand. We explored the fecal microbiota of 102 individuals, from the Tibeto-Burman-speaking hill-tribe populations (Akha, Lahu, and Lisu) residing in two provinces of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, using quantitative PCR polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate statistical analyses, including multiple factor analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, were conducted to explore associations between microbiota composition, ethnicity, geographic location, and other host variables (dietary behaviors and participant characteristics). Both ethnicity and geography were linked to gut microbiota composition and dietary patterns, with geography exhibiting a stronger association with variations in microbiota. Ethnicity, however, was primarily related to differences in dietary habits. Notably, gut microbiota profiles were more closely aligned among ethnic groups within the same location than among individuals of the same ethnicity from different regions. The relationship between diet and gut microbiota varied across ethnic and geographic groups, while host factors had a relatively minor impact on microbiota variation. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of variations in gut microbiota among ethnic groups in Northern Thailand and highlight a notable association between geographic location and gut microbiota composition.

The mechanism of seepage prevention of polymer grouting repair for longitudinal cracks in reconstructed and expanded pavement

A key challenge in highway reconstruction and expansion projects is to reduce longitudinal cracking at the junction of old and new roadbeds, which is a critical issue in the maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Polymer grouting technology, a non-excavation method for hidden subgrade defects, leverages material self-expansion properties to fill voids, enhance load-bearing capacity, and bond structural layers while providing seepage control—enabling rapid repair of longitudinal pavement joints. This study investigates the seepage characteristics of polymer-grouted longitudinal joints in reconstructed pavements by simulating post-repair infiltration behavior under rainfall conditions. The results elucidate the anti-seepage efficacy of polymer grouting, offering theoretical and practical insights for efficient longitudinal joint treatment in highway expansion projects.

A poisson flow-based data augmentation and lightweight diagnosis framework for imbalanced rolling bearing faults

Accurate diagnosis of rolling bearing faults is vital for the safe operation of rotating machinery. However, real-world fault datasets often suffer from severe class imbalance, which hinders the performance of deep learning models. To address this challenge, we propose PFRNet, a novel diagnostic framework integrating a Poisson Flow-based generative model with a lightweight residual network. Raw vibration signals are transformed into time-frequency representations via CWT to capture non-stationary fault features. The Poisson generative mechanism models sample evolution in high-dimensional latent space to synthesize realistic minority-class samples by learning statistical distributions of real data, mitigating imbalance. These augmented datasets are subsequently classified using an efficient residual network designed for robust feature extraction with minimal complexity. Experiments on the CWRU benchmark demonstrate that PFRNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods in diagnostic accuracy, robustness, and generalization across various imbalance scenarios. Quantitative evaluations further confirm that the generated samples closely resemble real data in both quality and diversity, supporting the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for reliable fault diagnosis under practical, imbalance-prone industrial conditions.

Application of enhanced benders decomposition algorithm in circular assembly line balancing problem with task splitting

The advent of the assembly line marked a significant technological innovation in the manufacturing industry, substantially enhancing production efficiency. Today, this production system is extensively adopted by numerous manufacturing enterprises. This paper introduces the Circular Assembly Line Balancing Problem with Task-Splitting (CALBP-TS), a novel NP-hard optimization challenge characterized by closed-loop topology, station revisitation, fixed-position machines, and collaborative task execution. To address its high-dimensional complexity, we propose an Enhanced Benders Decomposition (EBD) framework that decomposes CALBP-TS into a workload-balancing master problem (MP) addressing worker-process assignment and task-splitting using a rigorous linearization theorem and a feasibility-checking subproblem (SP) handling spatio-temporal constraints via dummy process encoding. Key algorithmic accelerators comprise a Heuristic Infeasibility Proof (HIP) for rapid solution screening and Enhanced Benders Cuts (EBC) derived from infeasibility analysis, both integrated with integrated with Local Branching. Validated on 60 real-world instances from Huawei, EBD achieves average runtime reductions of 97.8%, 69.2%, and 48.4% compared to MILP, GA + LP, and Greedy+LP baselines, respectively, while improving solution quality by up to 41.3%. Ablation studies confirm that HIP and EBC collectively enhance computational efficiency by 13.7%. Our methodology facilitates optimal resource utilization in space-constrained circular production systems.

Considerations in Pursuing Reaction Scope Generality

AbstractThe term “generality” has recently been popularized in synthetic chemistry, owing largely to the increasing use of high‐throughput technology for producing vast quantities of data and the emergence of data science tools to plan and interpret these experiments. Despite this, the term has not been clearly defined, and there is no standardized approach toward developing a method with a diverse (general) scope. This minireview will examine different emerging strategies toward achieving generality using selected examples and aims to give the reader an overview of modern workflows that have been used to expedite this pursuit.

Volcano‐Shaped Relationship Between Interfacial K⁺‐H₂O Ratio and CO₂ Reduction Activity in Tandem Electrocatalysts

AbstractModulating surface‐active hydrogen (*H) supply represents a critical strategy to boost the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECRR), yet the mechanistic interplay between *H dynamics and catalytic behavior remains ambiguous. Herein, we construct tandem catalysts (M4/Ni1NC, M = Fe, Co, Cu, or Mn) by coupling tetranuclear metal clusters (M4) with single‐atom Ni sites on N‐doped carbon (Ni1NC) to regulate *H supply. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the *H supply is governed by both thermodynamics and kinetic factors. The M4 clusters provide the thermodynamic feasibility for *H supply for CO2 activation. The *H supply rate in kinetic perspective is tuned by the K+‐H2O ratio of interfacial water, determined by work function of the decorated M4 clusters. The increased K+‐H2O ratio can promote water dissociation to maintain optimal *H coverage for intermediate hydrogenation, whereas excessive *H accumulation triggers competitive hydrogen evolution. Therefore, a volcanic relationship was observed between the K+‐H2O ratio and ECRR performance. Among these samples, Cu4/Ni1NC with moderate *H supply rate in kinetic exhibits exceptional ECRR performance, achieving >95% Faradaic efficiency for CO across a 0.8 V potential range (−0.2 to −1.0 V versus RHE) and industrial‐relevant current densities (∼385 mA cm−2 at −1.0 V) in a flow cell.

Correction: Temporal trends in the disease burden of osteoarthritis from 1990 to 2019, and projections until 2030

Assessing metabolic health in a general population: A comparative analysis of three definitions in the Tromsø Study 2015–2016

Background The concept of metabolically healthy individuals with obesity (MHO) has gained considerable interest. Nevertheless, the lack of a standardized definition for metabolic health complicates the comparison of the prevalence and health implications of MHO. Aim To compare three definitions of metabolic health in terms of their prevalence, overlap, and frequency with which criteria are met within a general population. Methods We used data from 20 581 women and men aged 40–99 years attending the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø7) in 2015–2016. Participants were classified as metabolically healthy (MH) by definitions A) resembling metabolic syndrome (MetS) requiring ≤1/4 MetS components; B) strict requiring fulfillment of 0/4 MetS components, and C) empirically derived definition requiring fulfillment of 0/3 components including diabetes, elevated blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. Prevalence of MH was assessed descriptively in categories of normal weight, overweight and obesity based on body mass index (BMI). We used Venn diagrams to present the overlap between the three definitions applied to identify MH individuals, and the frequency of fulfilled components in metabolically unhealthy (MU) individuals (not classified as MH). All analyses were stratified by sex. Results Prevalence of MH was higher in women and participants in lower BMI categories. Using definition A, 50% of women and 38% of men with obesity were classified as MH. Under definition B, 18% of women and 10% of men with obesity were considered MH. Definition C resulted in prevalences of 29% and 18%, in women and men with obesity, respectively. Blood pressure was the most common component in MU individuals, met by 76%−89% of MU women and 81%−93% of MU men, depending on the definition. Conclusion The considerable variation in MH prevalence across different definitions underscores the need for a consensus definition, to further establish public prevention and clinical treatment strategies.

Root application of Bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at environmental doses impacts tomato growth and production

The escalating decline in biodiversity in agroecosystems is a growing concern. Chemical pollutants such as plasticizers are increasingly implicated in this decline, with potential implications for both food production and quality. Among these pollutants, the endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are particularly widespread and well documented in agricultural environments. Previous studies have reported the bioaccumulation of BPA and DEHP in crop plants, resulting in impaired growth and productivity. However, these findings were based on contaminant concentrations thousands of times exceeding those typically found in the environment. This raised critical questions about the real effects of BPA and DEHP on crop plants at environmentally relevant doses, particularly under conditions of single or combined exposure. This study investigated the effects of environmental doses of BPA and DEHP on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most important crops in the world. Plants were exposed via root application to low and intermediate environmental concentrations (0.05 µg.L-1 BPA and 0.5 µg.L-1 DEHP or 50 µg.L-1 BPA and 10 µg.L-1 DEHP, respectively), under both mono- and co-exposure. The results revealed disruption in plant growth and productivity, which varied based on the specific EDC, concentration and exposure conditions.

Min‐Jae Choi

Appeals to shared suffering in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Shared suffering can bond groups together and motivate fighting and even dying for the group leading to vicious cycles of violence while the suffering of the outgroup is routinely overlooked. But could the power of shared suffering also be harnessed to reduce tensions? Here we present evidence that a speech appealing to suffering shared by both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict delivered by a professional politician in December 2023 can foster identity fusion, trust and openness to friendship towards the outgroup – Palestinians or Israelis – in a sample of Muslim and Jewish Americans (n = 159). Effects partially persisted three days after exposure to the speech. In a follow-up study we found that the same speech also increased positive attitudes towards Israelis and Palestinians in a sample of the general US population (n = 361).

The Polish adaptation of the work role performance questionnaire

The cultural transferability and relevance of work performance constructs across various cultures remain crucial for global human resources research. This paper investigates the cultural adaptation of the Work Role Performance Questionnaire (WRPQ) for the Polish work environment. Originating from the work role theory, WRPQ encapsulates nine distinct work roles derived from two dimensions: behavior type (proficiency, adaptivity, proactivity) and exhibition level (individual, team, organization). We proposed two hypothesis series addressing the questionnaire’s structure and differential predictions by various work-related traits and attitudes. A multidisciplinary team proficiently translated the questionnaire, which was then tested in a pilot study (n = 276) followed by two primary studies involving supervisors (n = 698) and employees (n = 534). The analytical approach integrated confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and psychometric evaluations. The findings reinforce the questionnaire’s reliability within the Polish cultural context, validate its nine subdimension structure, and elucidate distinct relations with predictors. The successful cultural adaptation of the WRPQ showcases the potential for broader applications in diverse cultural settings, underscoring the importance of context-specific measurement tools in work performance and human resources research.

Spin Frustration Determines the Stability and Reactivity of Metal–Organic Frameworks with Triangular Iron(III)–Oxo Clusters

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) is the standard approach for modeling MIL‐101(Fe) and related Fe‐based metal–organic frameworks, typically assuming a ferromagnetic high‐spin configuration. However, this widely adopted approach overlooks a key electronic feature: Spin frustration in the triangular ‐O) nodes. Using flip‐spin, broken‐symmetry DFT, we identify the true ground state as an antiferromagnetic state that standard DFT fails to capture. We demonstrate that neglecting spin frustration in MIL‐101(Fe) leads to structural distortions, incorrect energetics, and misleading predictions of stability and reactivity. By explicitly accounting for spin frustration, we recover the correct structure and rationalize the temperature‐dependent and CO binding. Spin frustration enhances fixation at room temperature, while its loss upon partial reduction suppresses this activity but promotes CO adsorption via ‐backbonding. These findings challenge current computational conventions and highlight spin frustration as a critical electronic feature in these frameworks.

Stability analysis of slope based on the coupling of well-point dewatering and chemical improvement slope stabilization

This study investigates the impact of coupling well-point dewatering with chemical improvement slope stabilization configurations on slope stability. Targeting two slope stabilization types—toe-fixed pier and equidistant borehole configurations—the variation patterns of slope stability coefficients under different dewatering depths, pier parameters, and borehole parameters were analyzed using Geo Studio software. The results demonstrate that dewatering depth significantly enhances slope stability, with an optimal depth of 10 meters effectively reducing pore water pressure at the slip surface and improving stability. For the pier-type configuration, increasing pier height and width within a specific range notably enhances stability, though marginal benefits diminish gradually. In the borehole-type configuration, when the borehole depth is within the range of 2–4 meters, the reinforcement effect on shallow areas is particularly significant, and the slope stability coefficient can be increased by approximately 8.7%. Appropriately reducing the borehole spacing helps to further enhance stability; however, when the spacing is less than 1 meter, the improvement in slope stability is limited. These findings provide a theoretical basis and engineering guidance for optimizing slope stability designs under coastal complex geological conditions.