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Exploring Chinese house prices affordability in the context of confucian culture
Considering the notable influence of traditional Confucian culture on China’s housing market, this study introduces an innovative index to quantify the magnitude of the real estate bubble within China, employing a familial generational iterative model. Utilizing rent-buy policy as a conceptual framework, our research constructs a difference-in-differences model to investigate the impact of macroeconomic policies on the housing bubble phenomenon. Empirical observations from 2022 reveal pronounced bubble dynamics in first and second-tier cities, while housing prices in third and fourth-tier cities, alongside select fifth-tier cities, exhibit a declining trend. On a national scale, apart from minor affordability observed during 2005–2007, no significant affordability was identified in other years, with the housing price bubble index demonstrating a downward trajectory from 2020 to 2022. Furthermore, the implementation of the rent-buy policy that equality the rights of renter and owner has directly influenced the housing market, notably mitigating the overall escalation of housing prices. Additional analysis indicates that the rent-and-buy policy has been more successful in curbing price hikes in newly constructed and smaller-sized housing units compared to second-hand and larger-scale properties.
Occurrence, exposure and health risk assessment of heavy metals in green tea samples cultivated in Hangzhou area
Retraction: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of orthopedic operating room personnel regarding the use of pneumatic tourniquets
Enhanced residual attention-based subject-specific network (ErAS-Net): facial expression-based pain classification with multiple attention mechanisms
Antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of 1,2,3,5-tetrazine derivatives linked to a benzothiazole moiety
A series of known tetrazine derivatives, containing benzothiazole scaffold, were prepared during the coupling reactions of selected diazotized 2-aminobenzo[d]thiazole derivatives with p-acetaminophen. The as-prepared compounds were characterized based on NMR and MS spectrometry. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated by microdilution method, whereas the anti-quorum sensing effect was carried out using assay for the inhibition of violacein formation. As a result, compounds 4a , 4b and 4c revealed minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 8 to 128 µg/mL and from 32 to 256 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds 4a (52–86.5%), 4b (57.7–79.4%) and 4c (59.9–80.3%) prevented biofilm formation in all the four bacteria tested with percentages of inhibition more than 50%. The concentrations of 4a , 4b and 4c that inhibited 50% of violacein production were found to be 62.71, 28.56 and 107.45 µg/mL, respectively, thus attesting that these compounds possess anti-quorum sensing activity. Noteworthy, our previous investigation attested that these compounds are non-cytotoxic on the human mammalian cells Vero. This novel contribution demonstrates the antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of tetrazine-based benzothiazoles, which might be prospected as scaffolds for the discovery of efficient antibiotics with decreased risk of microbial drug resistance.
A process-based life cycle assessment of the climate impact of a Swedish intensive care unit
Abstract About 4.4% of the global emissions of greenhouse gases can be ascribed to healthcare. Intensive care is among the most resource intensive specialties and the purpose of this study was to quantify the total climate impact of a Swedish intensive care unit (ICU) and identify modifiable elements that can lower the intensive care unit’s climate impact. A process-based life cycle assessment was conducted to estimate the climate impact per inpatient day in Sweden using the ReCiPe2016 impact assessment method. The analysis included single-use items; reusable instruments and textiles; pharmaceuticals and fluids; medical gases; and energy consumption for electronics equipment, lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Input data were collected in 2022 at a mixed surgical and medical ICU in Sweden. Swedish low-climate-impact energy mix were used in the primary analysis. Results are reported as the global warming potential of carbon dioxide equivalents for 100 years (CO2eq). The median climate impact of one inpatient day was 30 kg CO2eq (95%-reference interval: [27–31]). Approximately 63% (19 kg CO2eq [18-20] could be attributed to single-use items, 19% (5.5 kg CO2eq [4.3–7.9]) was attributed to the unit’s energy consumption, pharmaceuticals and fluids contributed 7% (1.9 kg CO2eq [1.7–2.2]), and 5% (1.5 kg CO2eq [1.2–1.9]) was attributed to medical gases. A sensitivity analysis, using a high-climate-impact energy mix increased the total climate impact to 126.5 kg CO2eq (103–154). In countries with low-climate-impact energy mixes, such as Sweden, the opportunity to reduce the climate impact of intensive case lies primarily in the reduced use of single-use items. For countries that depend on high-climate-impact energy mixes, the foremost opportunity to reduce the climate impact of intensive care is to transition to renewable energy.
Establishment and validation of an interactive web-based calculator for predicting postoperative functional recovery in metatarsal fracture patients: A LASSO regression model approach
Background Metatarsal fractures rank among the ten most common fractures.Comprehensive studies on postoperative functional recovery remain limited. A reliable predictive model for recovery outcomes is essential for optimizing patient care. Objective To develop and validate a predictive model for postoperative functional recovery in metatarsal fracture patients and implement it as an interactive web-based calculator. Methods This retrospective study included 555 metatarsal fracture patients (2018–2022), with 425 in the training cohort and 130 in the validation cohort. The outcome variable was postoperative recovery as assessed by the AOFAS midfoot scoring system. LASSO regression identified significant predictors of recovery,the selected variables underwent binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors. A prediction model was constructed using the training cohort and visualized through a nomogram. Model validation was performed internally through bootstrapping and externally using the validation cohort. The model was implemented as an interactive web calculator using R Shiny. Results At final follow-up, 71.71% of patients achieved good recovery (AOFAS score >80). The model identified ten independent risk factors, including residence location, smoking status, obesity, rehabilitation training, educational level, age, injury mechanism, infection, and anemia. The model demonstrated robust discrimination (c-index: 0.832 training, 0.838 validation) and calibration (H-L test: P = 0.994 training, P = 0.648 validation). DCA showed optimal clinical utility within 0.72–1.00 threshold probability. Protective factors included hilly areas (OR = 0.183), smoking (OR = 0.4), obesity (OR = 0.270), and undergoing rehabilitation training (OR = 0.237),while risk factors included low educational level (OR = 3.884), advanced age (OR = 2.751), high-energy injury (OR = 3.003), residence in mountainous regions (OR = 4.671), infection (OR = 16.946), and anemia (OR = 5.787). The interactive web calculator is accessible at https://metarecoverypredictor.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/. Conclusions The validated prediction model effectively identifies risk factors for postoperative recovery in metatarsal fractures. This tool can aid clinicians in developing personalized treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. The web-based calculator provides easy access for clinical application.
Optimizing load demand forecasting in educational buildings using quantum-inspired particle swarm optimization (QPSO) with recurrent neural networks (RNNs):a seasonal approach
Short communication: Timber harvesting impacts small mammal foraging behavior and larval tick infestation
Small mammals are important blood-meal hosts for the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and reservoirs for the pathogens it transmits. Timber harvesting, a widespread forest management practice within I. scapularis’s endemic range, may impact tick densities and infection prevalence via effects on rodent communities. We compared rodent population size, activity patterns, tick burdens, and tick-borne pathogen infection rates in forests under different timber harvesting regimes. We found that harvest intensity correlates negatively with rodent foraging intensity and positively with tick burdens. Thus, host behavior may mechanistically link forest structure to tick densities in managed forests.
Synergistic and antagonistic drug interactions are prevalent but not conserved across acute myeloid leukemia cell lines
Critical biblical studies via word frequency analysis: Unveiling text authorship
The Bible is the product of a complex process of oral and written transmissions that stretched across centuries and traditions. This implies ongoing revision of the “original” or oldest textual layers over the course of hundreds of years. Although critical scholarship recognizes this fact, debates abound regarding the reconstruction of the different layers, their date of composition and their historical backgrounds. Traditional methodologies have grappled with these challenges through textual and diachronic criticism, employing linguistic, stylistic, inner-biblical, archaeological and historical criteria. In this study, we use computer-assisted methods to address the question of authorship of biblical texts by employing statistical analysis that is particularly sensitive to deviations in word frequencies. Here, the term “word” may be generalized to “n-gram” (a sequence of words) or other countable text features. This paper consists of two parts. In the first part, we focus on differentiating between three distinct scribal corpora across numerous chapters in the Enneateuch, the first nine books of the Bible. Specifically, we examine 50 chapters labeled according to biblical exegesis considerations into three corpora: the old layer in Deuteronomy (D), texts belonging to the “Deuteronomistic History” in Joshua-to-Kings (DtrH), and the Priestly writings (P). For pragmatic reasons, we chose entire chapters, in which the number of verses potentially attributed to different authors or redactors is negligible. Without prior assumptions about author identity, our approach leverages subtle differences in word frequencies to distinguish among the three corpora and identify author-dependent linguistic properties. Our analysis indicated that the first two scribal corpora — (D, the oldest layers of Deuteronomy, and DtrH, the so-called Deuteronomistic History) — are much more closely related to each other than they are to the third, (P). This observation aligns with scholarly consensus. In addition, we attained high accuracy in attributing authorship by evaluating the similarity of each chapter to the reference corpora. In the second part of the paper, we report on our use of the three corpora as ground truth to examine other biblical texts whose authorship is disputed by biblical experts. Here, we demonstrate the potential contribution of insights achieved in the first part. Our paper sheds new light on the question of authorship of biblical texts by offering interpretable, statistically significant evidence of the existence of linguistic characteristics in the writing of biblical authors/redactors, that can be identified automatically. Our methodology thus provides a new tool to address disputed matters in biblical studies.
The correlation analysis of weight and blood pressure during the pregnancy and its influencing factors: a retrospective study
Evaluating rural sports tourism competitiveness: A framework applied to Shandong province
Rural sports tourism performs a crucial role in developing the rural sports industry and promoting rural revitalization. We investigate the competitiveness of rural sports tourism in Shandong Province through niche theory, developing a five-tier index system in the context of resource base, industrial development, location conditions, fundamental guarantees, and construction management. A least squares optimization model is used to identify both subjective and objective weights for the indicators. In detail, we evaluate the niche intensity and overlap of 16 cities, suggesting significant disparities in competitiveness. Higher niche overlap correlates with enhanced competition, emphasizing the need for better resource development, diversified economic formats, as well as stronger location conditions, basic guarantees, marketing management, and city-level cooperation. These findings not only offer practical recommendations for enhancing competitiveness, but also provide theoretical guidance for the high-quality development of regional rural sports tourism.
Deep learning-assisted attribute prediction of chalcogenide glasses based on graph classification
Structural determinants of inequalities in untreated dental caries in the Global Burden of Disease Study
Introduction Untreated dental caries remains a significant global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and highlighting inequalities in health systems worldwide. Examining its distribution across diverse contexts is essential for guiding targeted interventions, informing public policies, and allocating resources more effectively. This study aims to provide a comprehensive global assessment of the distribution of untreated dental caries in 204 countries and territories, spanning the years 2000, 2010, and 2019, by dimensions of structural determinants of health. Methods This study employs an ecological design. This analysis describes the incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to untreated dental caries in permanent and deciduous teeth by structural determinants of health (dimensions of governance, macroeconomic policy, social policy, public policies and culture/societal values), for 204 countries and territories. Estimates of untreated caries in deciduous teeth by structural determinants were reported for children under 5 years of age, whereas estimates in permanent teeth were described for adolescents and adults aged between 15 and 49 years. Estimates were retrieved from the Global Health Data Exchange. Results There was a gradient of inequality between countries in terms of prevalence, YLDs, and the incidence of overt untreated caries. Countries that had better structural indicators had lower mean prevalence of untreated caries in primary teeth. In the permanent dentition, between-countries inequalities were not identified. Additionally, the mean prevalence was stable from 2010 to 2019. Conclusions This study revealed possible cross-country inequalities in the burden of untreated caries in deciduous teeth that persisted over one decade. More developed countries experienced less disease burden. These findings show the need for targeted interventions to address the uneven burden of untreated dental caries worldwide. Clinical significance This study underscores the need for targeted global health policies to reduce untreated dental caries, especially in countries with lower structural health determinants, highlighting cross-country inequalities in disease burden and the importance of addressing these disparities in both primary and permanent dentition.
The durability of mechanical properties of flexible waterproofing membranes used on ventilated terraces under long term exposure to high temperatures
Abstract The paper analyses the influence of high temperatures (70 °C for three months) on the durability of the mechanical properties of waterproofing membranes used on ventilated terraces. The test kits consisted of a concrete substrate, waterproofing membrane (reinforced bitumen sheet or EPDM membrane), and the top layer spot-supported by plastic pedestals. The stress transferred by the pedestals to the substrate was determined through calculations. The changes after ageing were evaluated in the areas between the pedestals and in their locations for their ability to maintain the mechanical load-transferring function, including but not limited to resistance to continuous or instant spot loads. The action mechanism of the ageing processes was investigated by analysing the microstructure of the cross-sections of the tested samples using SEM. After three months of exposure to + 70 °C, the resistance to spot loads of a reinforced bitumen sheet was higher than that of a flexible EPDM sheet. Simultaneously, the tensile values are more favourable for the first sheet type. The impact resistance of the reinforced bitumen sheet increased by 36%, whereas that of the EPDM membrane decreased by 25%. The static puncture resistance of the reinforced bitumen sheet before and after ageing remained at the same level; for the EPDM membrane, the value dropped by 20%. In both cases, microscopic images of the cross-sections of the tested items revealed structural changes in the form of microcracks.
Virtual serious games for women’s health education: A scoping review
Background Virtual serious games (VSGs) offer an engaging approach to women’s health education. This review examines the state of research on VSGs, focusing on intended users, design characteristics, and assessed outcomes. Methods Following JBI methodology guidance for the scoping review, searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases from inception to April 22, 2024. Eligible sources included participants: women or females aged 18 years and older, with no restrictions based on health condition or treatment status; concept: VSGs; context: settings where health education is provided. Sources were restricted to English language and peer-reviewed articles. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using eligibility criteria. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer and verified by another using a custom tool. Quantitative (e.g., frequency counting) and qualitative (content analysis) methods were employed. The findings were organized into figures and tables accompanied by a narrative description. Results 12 studies from 2008 to 2023, mostly in the U.S. (66.7%), explored various age groups and women’s health, focusing on breast and gynecological cancer (67%). Half (50%) of the VSGs were theory-informed; 41.7% involved users, and 58.3% had partnerships. Game types included tablet (41.7%), mobile (25%), and web (33.3%). Gameplay dosage varied from single session (50%) to self-directed (25%) and specific frequency (25%). Gameplay duration was self-directed (50%) or fixed lengths (50%). Outcomes included knowledge (50%), skills (16.7%), satisfaction (58.3%), health-related metrics (41.7%), and gameplay analysis (16.7%). Conclusions Studies show increased interest in VSGs for women’s health education, especially regarding breast and gynecological cancer. The focus on theoretical frameworks, user involvement, and collaborations highlights a multidisciplinary approach. Varied game modalities, dosage, and assessed outcomes underscore VSG adaptability. Future research should explore long-term effects of VSGs to advance women’s health education.
Tailored role specific training program improves knowledge attitudes and practices in medical waste management among dental professionals
Diversity analysis of oral and gut microbiota in osteoporotic rats
The oral and gut microbiota had been shown to control bone metabolism and have a strong correlation with osteoporosis. However, to reveal the oral and gut bacteria characteristics in osteoporosis, further studies are still needed to investigate the relationship between oral and gut microbiota diversity and bone health in OVX-induced osteoporotic rats versus Sham-operated (Sham) rats. This study analyzed the oral and gut microbiota in OVX and Sham rats using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We compared microbial diversity and composition between the two groups. There was an inverse association found between the number of bacterial taxa and bone mineral density (BMD) readings. The OVX group had considerably higher estimated diversity of both oral and gut microbiota than the Sham group. Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla in both groups. The OVX group had a reduced ratio of Firmicutes in oral and gut microbiota compared to the Sham group (p < 0.05). OVX rats had a higher proportion of oral Bacteroidota but a lower proportion of gut microbiota. They also had a substantial drop in Lactobacillus in both oral and gut microflora (p < 0.01). The crosstalk between oral and gut microbiota may be important in the development of osteoporosis. Identifying novel biomarkers in the oral and gut microbiota could provide more information in osteoporosis and the intricate oral-gut-bone health interaction.