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Effects of insecure attachment on fMRI resting state functional connectivity in poly drug use disorder

Background Insecure adult attachment has previously been linked to more severe psychopathology and to alterations within neuronal connectivity on a structural as well as functional level. Little is known about the resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the attachment system in patients suffering from poly-drug use disorder (PUD). Methods The present study investigated rs-FC at two measuring points (t1: ROI-to-ROI; t2: seed-to-voxel) in a sample of PUD patients (n = 33; Age: M = 30y; SD = 8y; Female = 15%). Adult attachment was measured with the German version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-RD8). Furthermore, insecure attachment was correlated with depressive symptoms (ADS), trait anxiety (STAI) and general psychopathology (BSI-53). Results More insecure attachment was associated with increased trait anxiety, depressive and general psychiatric symptom burden in patients. Furthermore, we observed time-stable links between insecure adult attachment and increased rs-FC between the left lateral parietal default mode network (DMN LP) and bilateral parts of the salience network, as well as decreased rs-FC between DMN LP and medial parts of the DMN. Discussion Implications of the present study are highlighting the association between attachment security and brain areas related to affect regulation.

Systematic evaluation of subgroup analyses of inhaled treprostinil in pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease

Background The INCREASE trial introduced a novel therapeutic option for Pulmonary Hypertension caused by Interstitial Lung Disease. Subsequently to this trial, several subgroup analyses were conducted, aiming to explore specific effects within subgroups. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the subgroup analyses performed in the INCREASE trial and to identify potentially reliable subgroup effects. Methods A methodological assessment of the subgroup analyses was performed. Claims of subgroup effect were evaluated using three different tools: Sun, X et al. 2012, Gil-Sierra, M.D et al. 2020, and Schandelmaier, S et al. 2020. Additionally, all statistically significant subgroup effects that were not claimed by the authors were evaluated. Results Five claims of subgroup effect were identified; none of them achieved statistical significance when assessed using an interaction test. The evaluation conducted with the three tools consistently yielded very low credibility for all the claims. During the assessment, a statistically significant subgroup effect of moderate credibility was identified, which the authors did not claim: iTre appeared to improve exercise capacity exclusively in patients with Pulmonary Vascular Resistance ⋝ 4 WUs. Conclusions Due to methodological limitations, the credibility of subgroup claims from the authors of the INCREASE was lacking and, therefore, should not be relied upon to inform decisions on an individual basis.

Efficient simulation of plasma physics’ time fractional modified Korteweg-de Vries equations

In many science and engineering fields, integer-order differential equations are unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for a wide range of phenomena when compared to fractional-order differential equations. The fractional modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equations are investigated in this work by employing effective analytical methods within the Caputo operator. The findings for the given problems are computed using the Elzaki transformation, the homotopy perturbation method, and the Adomian decomposition method. With these techniques, the problems were first made simpler utilizing the Elzaki transform, and the problems were then comprehensively solved by employing the decomposition and perturbation approaches. A few numerical cases with their approximate analytical solutions are considered to demonstrate the conclusions drawn from the findings. To verify these approaches, we examined two cases and compared them with the real outcomes. By using these methods, the solution to the suggested problem is represented by recurrence relations. The selected issues have series solutions that can be found and have features that more quickly approach the exact results. It is found that there is a strong correlation between the derived results and the real results of every problem when the number of terms increases in the series solution of the problem. The use of efficient techniques that provide higher levels of accuracy with less computation makes the current work innovative. To further benefit the scientific community, the proposed methods can also be used in the future to solve other fractional nonlinear problems.

Salinity patterns and local migration determine the isotopic composition of the invasive blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, along the Spanish Mediterranean coast

δ13C and δ15N patterns of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, and its potential diets, were investigated in eleven localities within four invaded regions of the Spanish Mediterranean (Catalonia, Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia) subjected to contrasting salinities and degrees of connectivity with the open sea. These regions host blue crab fisheries of variable importance that might be regulated by availability of food resources and local environmental conditions. When present, large adults and immature, subadult sizes of each sex were captured to evaluate possible differences associated to age movement across habitats. SIBER and MixSIAR were used to assess patterns of isotopic niche and dietary contributions. Results showed significant effects for all factors and interactions (except for Sex and Sex x Size in δ15N). The effect size in Region (ηp2 = 0.82 and 0.70, respectively for δ13C and δ15N) and Locality (ηp2 = 0.53 and 0.46), was substantially greater than that of crab Size (ηp2 = 0.37 and 0.21) and Sex (ηp2 = 0.06 and 0.02), concurring with increasing levels of isotopic niche overlap (9% and 11% in Locality and Region, 32% in Size and 44% in Sex). MixSiar results indicated strongly variable contributions from food sources at each locality (TPs from 2.3 to 3.6), but with higher quantity of fish, algae, and crustaceans (27.7%, 18% and 15.1%). Dietary results showed little relation with isotopic patterns, whereas significant associations were found between local salinities and signatures in both crabs (R2 = 0.518 and 0.757, for δ13C and δ15N) and diets. Overall, our study suggests that blue crab habitat use in small Mediterranean estuaries might largely differ from native areas, with movements being mostly restricted to young individuals and/ or certain localities with higher connectivity with the open sea (e.g., the Ebro River). Salinity conditions emerge as a major variable shaping isotopic patterns of populations on a large scale.

Correlates of tuberculosis in children under the age of 15 years

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among vulnerable populations like children. This is especially true in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of TB in children is substantial. Zambia ranks 21st among the top 30 high TB endemic countries globally. While studies have explored TB in adults in Zambia, the prevalence and associated factors in children are not well documented. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic, and clinical factors associated with active TB disease in hospitalized children under the age of 15 years at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the largest referral center in Zambia’s Southern Province. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study of 700 pediatric patients under 15 years old, utilized programmatic data from the Pediatrics Department at LUTH. A systematic sampling method was used to select participants from medical records. Data on demographics, medical conditions, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests were collected. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with TB. Results The median age was 24 months (interquartile range (IQR): 11, 60) and majority were male (56.7%, n = 397/700). Most participants were from urban areas (59.9%, n = 419/700), and 9.2% (n = 62/675) were living with HIV. Malnutrition and comorbidities were present in a significant portion of the participants (19.0% and 25.1%, respectively). The prevalence of active TB cases was 9.4% (n = 66/700) among hospitalized children. Persons living with HIV (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 6.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.85, 13.89, p< 0.001), and those who were malnourished (AOR: 10.38, 95% CI: 4.78, 22.55, p< 0.001) had a significantly higher likelihood of developing active TB disease. Conclusion This study revealed a prevalence 9.4% active TB among hospitalized children under 15 years at LUTH. HIV status and malnutrition emerged as significant factors associated with active TB disease. These findings emphasize the need for pediatric TB control strategies that prioritize addressing associated factors to effectively reduce the burden of tuberculosis in Zambian children.

Reading between the lines: Novel insights on wild Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerina) social communication through narrow-band high frequency click trains

For cetaceans that produce narrow-band high-frequency click trains such as the Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerinae), social acoustic behavior is poorly understood. While harbour porpoises have a reputation of being generally non-social and often solitary, few studies have aimed to quantify acoustic social communication for this species. In the waters surrounding the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada, harbour porpoises are often seen in groups where they have been observed attempting mating and surface-active behaviors. To assess the extent of social communication amongst porpoises in this region, we analyzed a long-term passive acoustic monitoring F-POD dataset collected from two sites, coupled with a detailed social acoustic criterion for detecting patterns of non-foraging click trains. Based on these criteria, porpoises were found to be producing patterns of obvious, discrete, and repetitive click trains that were marked as social. Generalized additive models were used to identify significant temporal trends in the dataset. On average, 5.3% of click trains produced by porpoises were social. Monthly and diurnal fluctuations in social detection positive minutes (DPM) followed a similar trajectory to non-social DPM, with peak activity observed during periods of darkness and from spring to early summer with a smaller increase in the fall. At one site, 11.1% of the DPM in May were classified as social. In general, proportionally more social DPM were found during periods of more overall DPM, suggesting that porpoises were socially communicating while in proximity to one another. Notably, overall DPM significantly decreased by 53.7% over three years. This novel methodology can be replicated in other regions to gain further insight into the social acoustic behavior of harbour porpoises.

Trends of wealth-related inequality in stunting and its contributing factors among under-five children in Ethiopia: Decomposing the concentration index using Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys 2011–2019

Background Childhood stunting is a critical public health agenda that affects physical and cognitive development, leading to long-term health problems. Understanding its wealth related trends and contributing factors is essential for effective prospective interventions. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the trends of childhood stunting inequality using Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHS). Methods This study employed the three consecutive EDHS datasets collected in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Socioeconomic disparity of stunting among under-five children was estimated through concentration index (CIX). Moreover, Wagstaff approach was used to decompose the relative CIX to assess the contribution of explanatory variables for the overall wealth inequality in childhood stunting. Results The overall weighted prevalence of childhood stunting in Ethiopia was 40.76% (95%CI: 40.14%, 41.37%). The trend in the magnitude of childhood stunting decreased from 44.52% in 2011 to 37.08% in 2019. The magnitude of childhood stunting was higher (14.30%) among the poorest households than the richest households (4.70%). Moreover, the CIX of wealth inequality decreased from -0.064 in 2011 to -0.089 in 2019. Wealth index(103.38%), place of residence(34.55%), mother’s education(26.73%), place of delivery(12.16%) and utilization of recommended antenatal care(12.02%) were high contributor variables in increasing the inequality, whereas administrative regions (-7.15%) and number of under-five children in the household (-4.63%) were variables contributed in the reduction of wealth inequalities in childhood stunting. Conclusion This study revealed that children in the poorest households were more likely to experience childhood stunting than the children in the richest households. Factors such as wealth index, mothers education, place of residence, place of delivery, number of under-five children in the household were the contributing variables for the childhood stunting inequality. Therefore, the health decision makers better to improve the access and quality of nutritional services for the children in the poorest households in Ethiopia.

Two new species of the Entoloma quadratum–murrayi complex in Japan

We describe two new species, Entoloma . kermesinum sp. nov. and E . flavescens sp. nov., which are confused with E . quadratum and E . murrayi , respectively. We sequenced the large subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and 22 single-copy genes for 51 specimens of E . kermesinum , E . flavescens , E . album , and related species. Species boundaries were assessed using the molecular phylogenetics and population genetics approaches. Specimens of E . kermesinum , E . flavescens , and E . album formed independent clades, which were phylogenetically distinct from the specimens of E . quadratum and E . murrayi collected around the type locality (i.e., New England). Although the phylogenetic distance between E . flavescens and E . album was small, gene flow between them was restricted in areas where they coexisted, suggesting reproductive isolation. Therefore, these five species can be treated as independent species. We found characteristics useful for identifying E . kermesinum and E . flavescens . In particular, E . kermesinum is characterized by a crimson to brown-red and fibrillose pileus, finely covered by whitish fibrous scales; E . flavescens is characterized by a lemon-yellow to tan and shiny-to-silky pileus. In addition, relatively large basidiospores and clamp connections are diagnostic features of these two species.

Genetic and geographical insights call for early conservation of Mae Hong Son’s blue mahseer to prevent population crisis

Ecosystems are being disrupted by climate change and habitat fragmentation, which affect species survival through altered mating, feeding, and migration patterns. Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, harbors a unique hydrological network that supports rich freshwater fish biodiversity. Blue mahseer (Neolissochilus stracheyi), which is restricted to headwater streams in Mae Hong Son, is particularly sensitive to habitat disturbances and has experienced population decline. Despite their vulnerability to climate change and habitat fragmentation, information on the genetic diversity, population structure, and environmental drivers of their distribution remains limited. In this study, microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial DNA displacement loop sequence analysis were used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of five blue mahseer populations in Mae Hong Son, with the aim of identifying reliable conservation units for effective management. Low genetic diversity levels across populations were identified (expected heterozygosity = 0.452 ± 0.037; allelic richness = 3.150 ± 0.506) with no evidence of inbreeding or outbreeding. A forecasted drop in heterozygosity below 0.1 within 50 years indicated the urgency of conservation attention. The five blue mahseer populations were clustered into three evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) based on historical isolation, phylogenetic distinctness, and significant genetic differentiation. Habitat suitability was assessed using MaxEnt species distribution modeling, which identified distance to rivers and annual mean total precipitation as significant environmental variables. The correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distance suggested that habitat conditions primarily influence population genetic structure. Stocking between ESUs with differing genetic stocks is discouraged to avoid negative genetic effects. A comprehensive understanding of blue mahseer population dynamics, informed by the integration of genetic and ecological data, is needed to inform conservation strategies for resource management in Mae Hong Son.

Correction: Identification of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and South American crops introduced during early settlement of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), as revealed through starch analysis

On-Surface Synthesis and Characterization of Pentadecacene and Its Gold Complexes

Starve a cold or feed a fever? Identifying cellular metabolic changes following infection and exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Viral infections induce major shifts in cellular metabolism elicited by active viral replication and antiviral responses. For the virus, harnessing cellular metabolism and evading changes that limit replication are essential for productive viral replication. In contrast, the cellular response to infection disrupts metabolic pathways to prevent viral replication and promote an antiviral state in the host cell and neighboring bystander cells. This competition between the virus and cell results in measurable shifts in cellular metabolism that differ depending on the virus, cell type, and extracellular environment. The resulting metabolic shifts can be observed and analyzed using global metabolic profiling techniques to identify pathways that are critical for either viral replication or cellular defense. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that can exhibit broad tissue tropism and diverse, yet inconsistent, symptomatology. While the factors that determine the presentation and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unclear, metabolic syndromes are associated with more severe manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 disease. Despite these observations a critical knowledge gap remains between cellular metabolic responses and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using a well-established untargeted metabolomics analysis workflow, we compared SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung carcinoma cells. We identified significant changes in metabolic pathways that correlate with either productive or non-productive viral infection. This information is critical for characterizing the factors that contribute to SARS-CoV-2 replication that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions to limit viral disease.

The influence of erotic camsites on improving men’s body comfort: A qualitative analysis of mechanisms

A significant portion of U.S. men experience body dissatisfaction, which can be harmful and limiting to their overall quality of life and well-being. Positive interactions, especially those occurring in the context of sexual behavior, have the potential to enhance men’s body self-perceptions. In this study, we explored the impact of engagement with erotic camsites on men’s comfort with their own bodies via web-based survey. A sample of 5,828 predominantly heterosexual, cisgender men recruited from LiveJasmin.com reported their demographics, camsite behaviors, and whether camsite use increased their body comfort. Our findings revealed that 19% of participants (n =  1,088) reported increased body comfort. We thematically coded qualitative responses to identify mechanisms for increased comfort. Key mechanisms included receiving positive feedback from models (i.e., performers), engaging in self-exposure on video, discussing body and sexual preferences with models, and experiencing perspective shifts. These results provide preliminary evidence that camsites are interactive environments in which feedback and self-expression might positively influence body comfort. While these findings suggest potential benefits, they also raise questions about the broader implications of such digital interactions for body image, highlighting the need for further research to understand the complexities of these technologically-mediated spaces.

Caesarean section delivery and its associated factors in Ghana: A multilevel analysis

Background Even if the ideal rate for caesarean section (CS) is considered 10–15%, worldwide CS rates have been steadily increasing, without significant additional benefit to women’s health. Its overuse was associated with maternal and fetal complications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the rate of CS delivery and associated factors among women delivered in health facilities in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2022 DHS datasets from Ghana. A total of 5231 weighted samples were included. STATA.16 was used for analysis. A multilevel logistic regression was applied. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI and a p-value <  0.05 was used to declare significantly associated factors. Result The prevalence of CS in Ghana was 20.29% [95% CI = 19.23–21.41%]. Age 25-34 [AOR = 1.32, CI: 1.04, 1.68] and 35 + [AOR = 1.57, CI: 1.16, 2.11], primary [AOR = 1.58, CI: 1.21, 2.07], secondary [AOR = 1.36, CI: 1.07, 1.73], and higher [AOR = 2.24, CI: 1.58, 3.17] education, richer [AOR = 1.45, CI: 1.06, 1.99] and richest [AOR = 2.35, CI: 1.63, 3.39] wealth index, employment [AOR = 0.77, CI: 0.64, 0.92], primiparous [AOR = 1.33, CI: 1.07, 1.67], giving first birth after the age of 35 [AOR = 4.58, CI: 1.88, 11.19], multiple pregnancy [AOR = 5.53, CI: 4.02, 7.62], large birth size [AOR = 1.25, CI: 1.06, 1.48], 4–6 kg birth weight [AOR = 2.13, CI: 1.55, 2.92], as well as residing in Volta [AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.22, 3.22] and Bono East [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.19] regions were significant factors associated with CS delivery in Ghana. Conclusion The rate of CS was higher than previous studies in Ghana and the WHO recommended level, making it a public health concern. Age, education, wealth, employment, parity, age at first birth, pregnancy type, birth size, birth weight, and region were significantly associated with CS. Therefore, strategies aimed at examining guidelines for proper indications and uses of CS may lead to an improvement CS rate.

Electronic health record in military healthcare systems: A systematic review

Introduction The immediate access to detailed patient data is vital for effective medical care in military and emergency scenarios, enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of military personnel. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is urgently needed in military healthcare systems, despite the distinct hurdles involved. Current literature on EHR use in military healthcare is lacking and disjointed. This study aims to bridge this gap through a systematic review, offering a thorough examination of the advantages, obstacles, and recommended strategies for implementing EHRs in military healthcare environments. Materials and methods According to the PRISMA guideline, a comprehensive electronic search of all relevant literature on the topic was carried out across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE, ProQuest, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, SID, and ISC up to July 20, 2024. The inclusion criteria involved choosing English-language articles that were available in full text and closely aligned with the study’s objectives. The data extraction sheet for each study included information including the authors, publication year, country, research goals, architecture and components, context, processes involved, standards utilized, platform and technology, level of implementation, interoperability issues, challenges faced, information resources, and significant findings. Results A total of 9,618 titles were retrieved from different databases. After removing duplicates, 6,051 titles were left. Upon evaluation, 29 articles were chosen for inclusion in the review. The results show that most of the studies were carried out at the United States Department of Defense (DoD) level with the aim of improving the quality of care and patient safety, as well as integrating healthcare delivery. Additionally, the studies covered various processes such as clinical documentation, appointment scheduling, research, telemedicine, decision support, and computerized physician order entry. Health level seven fast healthcare interoperability resources (HL7 FHIR), clinical document architecture (CDA), health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA), international classification of diseases 10th and 9th revision (ICD 10, ICD 9), international organization for standardization technical committees (ISO TC), software development kits (SDKs), and web-based architecture are some of the most important requirements for implementing EHR. The most significant challenges reported in the implementation of EHR included concerns about privacy and security, the sensitive military deployment environment, infrastructure limitations, and interoperability concerns. Conclusions Policymakers and practitioners can get insight from the findings regarding the standards that must be met, the challenges that must be overcome, and the requirements for EHR implementation in military healthcare settings. It could be a useful starting point when implementing EHRs in military healthcare systems, especially in nations where e-health development and planning are still in their early stages.

Pressure dependence of the structural and optoelectronic properties of Pb-free perovskites LiSnX3 (X = Br and Cl): A DFT approach

In this study, the structural, electronic and optical properties of cubic lead-free halide perovskites LiSnX₃ (X = Br and Cl) under hydrostatic pressure are investigated. The first-principle approach based on density functional theory (DFT) is employed. The exchange-correlation functional is treated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), specifically a variant of the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) method. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of pressure on the properties of LiSnX₃ (X = Br and Cl), with a maximum pressure limit of 6 GPa. The results show a decreasing tendency in the energy band gap as pressure increases. In addition, a prominent reduction in the energy band gap is observed when the halogen atom is changed from Cl to Br under constant pressure. The calculations also investigate the density of states (DOS), showing variations in energy levels near the Fermi level under different pressures. For optical properties, density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) is used in conjunction with the Kramers-Kronig relation. Optical parameters such as the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, refractive index, absorption coefficient, and wavelength are computed under different pressures to understand the optical response of the perovskites to the electromagnetic spectrum. The insights from this study highlight the fundamental properties of LiSnX₃ (X = Br and Cl) under different pressures, which could influence advancements in optoelectronic devices, photonic applications, and solar cell technologies. Moreover, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on lead-free halide perovskites, encouraging further developments in the field.

Quantification of droplet and contact transmission risks among elementary school students based on network analyses using video-recorded data

In elementary schools, immunologically immature students come into close contact with each other and are susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases. To analyze pathogen transmission among students, it is essential to obtain behavioral data. Questionnaires and wearable sensor devices were used for communication behavior and swab sampling was employed for contact behavior. However, these methods have been insufficient in capturing information about the processes and actions of each student that contribute to pathogen transmission. Therefore, in this study, actual behavioral data were collected using video recordings to evaluate droplet and contact transmission in elementary schools. The analysis of communication behavior revealed the diverse nature of interactions among students. By calculating the droplet transmission probabilities based on conversation duration, the risk of droplet transmission was quantified. In the contact behavior, we introduced a novel approach for constructing contact networks based on contact history. According to this method, well-known items, such as students’ desks, doors, and faucets, were predicted to be potential fomite. In addition, students’ shirts and shared items with high contact frequency and high centrality metrics in the network, which were not evaluated in swab sampling surveys, were identified as potential fomites. The reliability of the predictions was demonstrated through micro-simulations. The micro-simulations replicated virus transmission scenarios in which virus-carrying students were present in the actual contact history. The results showed that a significant amount of virus adhered to the items predicted to be fomites. Interestingly, the micro-simulations indicated that most viral copies were transmitted through single items. The analysis of contact history, contact networks, and micro-simulations relies on video-recorded behavioral data, highlighting the importance of this method. This study contributes significantly to the prevention of infectious diseases in elementary schools by providing evidence-based information about transmission pathways and behavior-related risks.

Gender differences in dictator giving: A high-power laboratory test

We gather information from a large laboratory sample comprising 1,161 subjects and study gender differences in altruism using a dual-role dictator game. We control for factors potentially affecting the role of gender in dictator giving, such as the subject’s age, cognitive ability, and personality traits, together with the dictator’s self-reported emotions motivating the decision, and response time. We find that women behave in a significantly more generous way than men: after controlling for the factors mentioned above, females transfer 7.5 percentage points (about 40%) more of their endowment than males, on average. Moreover, we find that gender differences in giving are mediated by reasoning ability, personality traits and emotions.

Research on digital empowerment, innovation vitality and manufacturing supply chain resilience mechanism

As global manufacturing competition increasingly emphasizes supply chain resilience, enhancing the risk resistance of manufacturing supply chains through digital empowerment has become a critical priority. This study leverages the opportunities of the digital economy to deeply investigate the mechanisms that enhance supply chain resilience. Using data from China’ s A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2012 to 2020, a research framework is constructed based on information asymmetry and transaction cost theories. Employing text analysis and factor analysis, the study develops indicators for digital empowerment and supply chain resilience and examines their relationship through both theoretical analysis and empirical testing. The findings reveal that: (a) Digital empowerment significantly enhances supply chain resilience in the manufacturing sector, and this conclusion is robust across various robustness checks. (b) Mechanism analysis demonstrates that digital empowerment drives supply chain resilience primarily by enhancing innovation vitality within enterprises. (c) The moderating analysis shows that environmental uncertainty positively influences the resilience of digitally empowered manufacturing supply chains. (d) Further analysis indicates that the effects of digital empowerment on supply chain resilience vary depending on factor intensity, supply chain position, and industry competition levels. These results validate the positive role of digital empowerment in promoting supply chain resilience and explore the ’black box’ mechanism from the perspective of innovation vitality. The study also highlights the moderating influence of environmental uncertainty. By advancing the understanding of how the digital economy fosters high-quality development in manufacturing, this research provides actionable insights for strengthening supply chain resilience, achieving greater control over supply chain dynamics, and promoting deeper integration between digital technologies and the real economy.

Impact of perceived factors of coronavirus infection on COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Ghana—Evidence from a cross-sectional analysis

Introduction Ghana faced acute COVID-19 vaccine uptake rejection after the rollout of the initial dose, thus, posing a risk of not reaching herd immunity as necessary to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. Objective In this study, we analysed the impact of perceptions of the COVID-19 infection on COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in the Mampong district of Ghana. Methods The study was conducted between April 2022 and June 2023 and interviewed 260 respondents using a closed-ended electronic questionnaire in a Google form format. We then analysed for association using a composite outcome response of healthcare workers in Ghana using a multiple logistics regression model. The alpha value was set at p <  0.05 for statistical significance employing statistical software, IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The analysis adjusted for independent covariates using respondent medical history, COVID-19 infection status, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Out of the total respondents, 219 (84.2%) took at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of those who took a vaccine, 61.9% took AstraZeneca, followed by Johnson and Johnson (8.5%) and Pfizer BioNTech (6.2%). Vaccine uptake was significantly associated with positive previous vaccination history (p <  0.001), perceived vaccine safety (p <  0.001), perceived seriousness of COVID-19 infection (p < 0.008), and trust in COVID-19 vaccine based on recommendations by experts (p <  0.015). Conclusion Previous vaccination history and perceived factors such as vaccine safety, the seriousness of the COVID-19 infection, perceived risk of infection, and trust in expert recommendations influenced vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Ghana.