Search Results (6,135)

In the era of digital–real integration, open-source collaboration has become a strategic pathway for accelerating the innovation catch-up of China’s industrial software. This study employs an exploratory multi-case design, focusing on the China Automotive Operating System open-source project and the FastCAE open-source domestic CAE software integrated development platform to examine how open-source strategies shape collaborative mechanisms and innovation outcomes. The analysis reveals that firms adopt both formal (behavioral and outcome coordination) and informal (relationship and empowerment coordination) strategies, fostering high-level complementary collaboration in data, technology, institution, and human resources. These mechanisms significantly enhance R&D efficiency and quality, drive technological innovation, and create new market innovation, thereby improving collaborative performance. The study contributes to theory by linking open-source-driven digital–real integration with industrial software innovation catch-up and offers practical governance recommendations for strengthening China’s industrial software autonomy and ecosystem sustainability. Full article

Influenza A virus pandemics pose a persistent global health threat, and emerging antiviral resistance underscores the critical importance of developing novel broad-spectrum therapeutic agents. Building on licorice’s (Glycyrrhiza spp.) historical use in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory infections—as documented in the Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Influenza—and its demonstrated anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, we identified licoflavone B as a potent anti-influenza agent, bridging ethnopharmacological knowledge with mechanistic validation. In this study, we identified licoflavone B, a natural flavonoid derived from licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.), as a potent inhibitor of diverse influenza viruses, including multiple influenza A subtypes and type B virus. Mechanistic studies revealed that licoflavone B selectively targets the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), effectively suppressing viral replication. The compound exhibits a favorable selectivity index (SI = 14.9–29.9), indicating a promising therapeutic window. Molecular docking simulations identified potential binding interactions between licoflavone B and regions of the RdRp complex, which were further validated by dose-dependent inhibition of viral nucleoprotein (NP) and polymerase subunit PB2 expression in Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, licoflavone B maintained broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple influenza strains, including H1N1 (A/Puerto Rico/8/34), H3N2 (A/Darwin/9/2021), and a clinical influenza B isolate (B/Beijing/ZYY-B18/2018). These findings position licoflavone B as a promising lead compound for developing next-generation, broad-spectrum antiviral therapies against influenza and potentially other viruses. Full article

Environmental innovation represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving energy efficiency improvements, carbon footprint reduction, and ecological sustainability enhancement. The research investigates Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed on domestic stock exchanges throughout 2011–2023. The analytical framework utilizes count-based regression methodologies to explore how R&D investment intensity influences eco-innovation capabilities. Results demonstrate curvilinear associations linking R&D expenditure levels with both substantive and strategic environmental innovation achievements across industrial firms. This outcome successfully passed the turning-point test. Environmental oversight and financial incentives produce divergent moderating influences on innovation trajectories. Regulatory frameworks generate restrictive impacts through narrowing optimal investment ranges and dampening peak innovation outputs, whereas fiscal support mechanisms foster expansive effects via broadening resource availability and amplifying achievement levels. Cross-sectional examination uncovers substantial variations among ownership categories and geographical locations. State-owned enterprises demonstrate significantly lower optimal R&D intensity thresholds. Private firms require substantially elevated thresholds for optimal performance. Inland territories manifest unbalanced innovation dynamics. Coastal areas exhibit symmetric innovation patterns. The research enriches empirical knowledge in eco-innovation studies while offering context-specific strategic insights. The findings establish theoretical foundations and practical guidance for policy architects designing integrated environmental management systems that enhance innovation capabilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent data shows increasing diabetes prevalence among African Americans. Youth with a family history of diabetes are at high risk for diabetes. This study explores the multilevel risk factors associated with a family history of diabetes among African American youth in public housing. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The research team, comprising community stakeholders and academic researchers, employed respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for data collection (survey) and used univariate and bivariate analyses to examine variable relationships. A sequential logistic regression highlighted factors influencing the likelihood of having a family history of diabetes. Results: The final sample (n = 190, mean age 18.5 years, 58% female) included 35% of youth with a family history of diabetes. Forty-six percent reported medium to severe household hardships. Results suggest that reporting a family history of diabetes is correlated with maternal substance use (tau-b = 0.27 **) and alcohol problems (tau-b = 0.16 ***), paternal substance use (tau-b = 0.17 *), and eating fewer fruits (tau-b = 0.17 *). With an odds ratio (OR) of 1.70 [0.68, 4.13] and attributable fraction among the exposed at 41.3%, the final model (3) was not significant [χ² = 11.19(8)]. Thus, we fail to reject the null hypothesis that the model fits the data well. Fewer vegetable consumption (OR = 15.08, p < 0.001), higher soda consumption (OR = 0.06, p < 0.001), severe household hardships (OR = 5.82, p < 0.01), and maternal substance use problems (OR = 6.81, p < 0.05) predicted a higher likelihood of a history of diabetes. Conclusions: Our study calls attention to the need to reevaluate interventions for hardships and substance use in diabetes management, particularly in poor neighborhoods and among minority families. Full article

With the global surge in patent filings, accurately evaluating similarity between patent documents has become increasingly critical. Traditional similarity assessment methods—primarily based on unimodal inputs such as text or bibliographic data—often fall short due to the complexity of legal language and the semantic ambiguity that is inherent in technical writing. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel multimodal patent similarity evaluation framework that integrates weak AI techniques and conceptual similarity analysis of patent drawings. This approach leverages a domain-specific pre-trained language model optimized for patent texts, statistical correlation analysis between textual and bibliographic information, and a rule-based classification strategy. These components, rooted in weak AI methodology, significantly enhance classification precision. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept of conceptual similarity—as distinct from visual similarity—in the analysis of patent drawings, demonstrating its superior ability to capture the underlying technological intent. An empirical evaluation was conducted on 9613 patents in the manipulator technology domain, yielding 668,010 document pairs. Stepwise experiments demonstrated a 13.84% improvement in classification precision. Citation-based similarity assessment further confirmed the superiority of the proposed multimodal approach over existing methods. The findings underscore the potential of the proposed framework to improve prior art searches, patent examination accuracy, and R&D planning. Full article

Regenerative design (RD) is attracting attention as a concept that goes beyond sustainability. However, RD has been criticized as an overly theoretical and abstract approach. This study constructs a multiscale RD approach in urban areas by combining the theoretical frameworks of an adaptive planning approach based on the complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory and transformative capacities (TC) through the case study of Shimokita-Senrogai. The study’s main contribution is to materialize the process for a multiscale RD approach in urban areas, where it is difficult to reach consensus among diverse stakeholders immediately. The main finding is identifying the necessary conditions for implementing an RD approach that enhances TC by adapting to urban uncertainties from global climate change to local civic dynamics through the agency of more-than-human actor networks. Based on these, this study proposes a methodology to visualize actors, their activity ranges, bases, and ecosystemic flows across multiple territorial scales beyond the development site and its vicinity. Full article

Rising global populations, infrastructural development, and rapid urbanization have heightened the reliance on a linear economy, resulting in severe environmental and human impacts. This crisis has triggered an urgent quest for sustainable and ecologically benign innovations, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review investigates the potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a promising feedstock for advancing circular bioeconomy initiatives in South Africa. It shows how this copious bioresource can be utilized to enhance the country’s biobased value chains by producing bio-commodities, such as biofuels and platform chemicals. The review also identifies the driving forces behind the circular bioeconomy model within the South African sugarcane industry. To achieve the circular bioeconomy, it outlines essential technological prerequisites, including critical pretreatment strategies and emerging bio-innovations necessary for the effective valorization of SCB. Furthermore, it showcases the R&D and commercial strides that have been achieved in South Africa. Finally, the study covers techno-economic studies that corroborate the economic viability of this domain. In conclusion, harnessing SCB not only presents a viable biorefinery pathway towards sustainable economic growth but also contributes to environmental preservation and social well-being, aligning with global sustainability imperatives. The successful integration of these innovative approaches could play a pivotal role in transforming the South African sugarcane industry into a continental leader in circular bioeconomy innovations. Full article

Leaf nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) is critical for plant nutrient conservation, yet its relationship with leaf and root economic traits remains poorly understood in mangroves. We quantified nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption across ten mangrove species (five trees and five shrubs) in Hainan, China, and related NuRE to key leaf (leaf mass per area, LMA; leaf dry mass content, LDMC; and green leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents, N_gr and P_gr, respectively) and root (specific root length, SRL; root tissue density, RTD; root diameter, RD; and root nitrogen content, N_root) traits. We found that species with a lower leaf structural investment (LMA = 103–173 g m⁻², LDMC = 19–27%) presented a 6–45% greater N and P resorption efficiency than those with a higher structural investment (LMA = 213–219 g m⁻², LDMC = 26–31%). Contrary to global meta-analyses, higher green leaf N and P contents also predicted a greater NuRE, implying enhanced internal recycling under chronic nutrient limitation. Root traits (SRL, RTD, RD, and N_root) had no significant influence on NuRE, indicating decoupled above- versus belowground strategies. Trees and shrubs diverged in size but converged in NuRE–leaf trait relationships. These findings refine plant economics theory and guide restoration by prioritizing species with acquisitive, high-NuRE foliage for nutrient-poor coasts. Full article

A methodology is proposed to predict the daily river discharge (RD) to estuaries from rivers draining in similar temperate zones. Multiple regression models are proposed to estimate RD using only available meteorological data. The models are based on monthly air temperature (T) and recent (P_R) and non-recent (P_NR) atmospheric precipitation (rainfall). They consist of the linear and nonlinear terms of T, P_R, and P_NR, without interaction terms between them. Four rivers located in the north and centre of Portugal (flowing to the Atlantic Ocean) are used in this study—Vouga, Antuã, Neiva, and Mondego. The optimal period used to compute the recent precipitation history is between 4 and 7 days for Vouga, Antuã, and Mondego and is 11 days for Neiva. The recommended lag to compute the non-recent precipitation history is between 50 and 90 days. The optimisation of the lengths of recent and non-recent periods improved the model performance, compared with previously proposed models with interaction terms between the meteorological variables. The obtained models provide a clear interpretation of the impact that meteorology has on RD. All rivers showed similar responses, but the flows of bigger rivers (Vouga, Mondego) were more significantly affected by precipitation and temperature. The proposed models are useful for analysing biogeochemical processes in rivers and estuaries, as well as for assessing flood and drought risks in sensitive areas. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the digital business transformation across EU countries and its relationship with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The Digital Business Transformation Index, developed from eleven digital technology indicators related to e-business and e-commerce, is constructed using Principal Component Analysis to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing digitalization at the enterprise level. The results reveal substantial disparities among member states, with northern and western countries leading, while southern and eastern countries are lagging behind. Regression analyses show a strong positive relationship between digital business transformation and SDG 9 and a negative association with SDG 13. Cluster analysis identifies six groups of countries with varying levels of digital and sustainability performance and emphasizes the need for tailored policy responses. Evidence confirms a digital–green trade-off in many EU countries; however, strategic policy integration can mitigate this challenge. The findings underline the importance of targeted investments in R&D, digital infrastructure, and ICT training, particularly in underperforming regions. Tailored measures are essential to ensure that digital business transformation aligns with inclusive and sustainable development across the EU. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and hearing outcomes of patients with cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media using the ChOLE classification system and to assess its utility in predicting recurrence, guiding surgical approach, and anticipating hearing recovery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 130 patients (141 ears) who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma between 2011 and 2020. Data were collected from surgical notes, imaging studies, and audiological evaluations. Patients were classified according to the ChOLE criteria, which incorporate cholesteatoma extension (Ch), ossicular chain status (O), and life-threatening complications (L). Surgical procedures and functional outcomes were compared across different stages and classification groups. Hearing outcomes were assessed in the early (3rd month) and late (2nd year) postoperative period. Results: Among the 130 patients (141 ears) evaluated, Stage II was the most common ChOLE stage (74.4%), followed by Stage I (17.7%) and Stage III (7.8%). The most frequently observed cholesteatoma extent was Ch3. A statistically significant association was found between surgical technique and ChOLE stage (p = 0.001): canal wall-down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy was performed in 91% of Stage III cases and 84% of Stage II cases, whereas 76% of Stage I cases underwent canal wall-up (CWU) procedures. The overall recurrence rate was 29.5% in the CWU group and 16.4% in the CWD group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.792). However, ossicular chain status (O) showed a strong association with both early and late hearing outcomes. At 2 years, conductive hearing success was achieved in 90.9% of O0 patients, compared to 14% of O3b and 0% of O4 patients (p = 0.001). With regard to cholesteatoma extent (Ch), a statistically significant correlation was observed with early air–bone gap (ABG) closure success (p = 0.008) and late air conduction thresholds (p = 0.015). Similarly, ChOLE stage was significantly associated with early conductive hearing success (p = 0.012) and late ABG closure (p = 0.015). Overall, long-term hearing outcomes were superior to early results. Hearing success increased from 19.1% to 24.8% for air conduction thresholds and from 23% to 31.2% for hearing gain when comparing early and late follow-up periods. Conclusions: The ChOLE classification proved useful in guiding surgical strategy and predicting functional outcomes in cholesteatoma surgery. Advanced stage and greater cholesteatoma extension were associated with more extensive surgical procedures and poorer hearing results. Long-term audiological follow-up provided more accurate insights into surgical success. The standardized ChOLE system facilitates consistent reporting and meaningful comparison across institutions and studies. Full article

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, yet optimal intrapartum management remains debated. The contraction stress test (CST) has been proposed as a tool to assess fetal tolerance to labor, but its prognostic value in FGR pregnancies is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of CST in predicting perinatal outcomes among term fetuses with FGR and to compare these outcomes with those of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of term singleton deliveries at a tertiary care center over a two-year period. FGR was defined as birthweight below the 3rd percentile or, prenatally, below the 10th percentile with abnormal Doppler findings. SGA fetuses were defined as birthweights between the 3rd and 10th percentiles. Participants were stratified into the following three groups: (1) FGR with a negative CST result, (2) FGR without CST, and (3) SGA without FGR. The primary outcome was the rate of emergency cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included a composite of neonatal adverse events (Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, umbilical cord pH < 7.1, NICU admission, prolonged neonatal hospitalization, intubation, or intraventricular hemorrhage) and a combined metric of neonatal and maternal adverse events. Results: A total of 1688 term singleton pregnancies were included in this analysis, comprising 33 cases of FGR with negative CST results, 275 cases of FGR without CST, and 1123 cases classified as SGA. Emergency cesarean delivery rates were comparable between FGR with negative CST (15.2%) and FGR without CST (14.9%), both were significantly higher than in the SGA group (9.7%, p = 0.025). Composite neonatal adverse events did not differ significantly between the FGR groups (21.2% vs. 24.7%) but were more frequent than in the SGA group (8.1%, p < 0.001). Similarly, the incidence of combined neonatal and maternal adverse events was not different between the FGR groups (30.3% vs. 33.5%) yet exceeded that of the SGA group (15.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this cohort, a negative CST performed prior to labor induction did not reduce the risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by FGR. These findings indicate that routine use of CST may offer limited prognostic benefit in the evaluation of term FGR, highlighting the necessity for further studies to establish evidence-based surveillance and management strategies for this high-risk group. Full article

Germination is an effective strategy for enhancing functional and processing characteristics of whole grains. This research aimed to explore the changes of nutritional components, physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and microstructural characteristics of black rice flour (BRF) during 0–48 h germination. The results showed that germination significantly induced α-amylase activation of BRF, from 1.02 U/g to 4.46 U/g, leading to a 3.2-fold increase in reducing sugar content through starch hydrolysis. The content of apparent amylose was down-regulated during germination. The contents of free amino acids and minerals were markedly augmented in BRF. Specially, the GABA content was remarkedly enhanced, from 40.73 mg/kg to 258.35 mg/kg. Compared with BRF, the ratio of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and resistant starch (RS) of germinated black rice flour (GBRF) increased by 12.04% and 0.43%, respectively, while the ratio of slowly digestible starch (SDS) decreased by 12.47% at 48 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis observed a more porous and loose surface structure in GBRF. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis illustrated that the relative crystallinity of GBRF was reduced with the prolonging of germination time. The dissociation of starch granules in GBRF ultimately led to a decrease in characteristic viscosity parameters, including peak, trough, final, and setback viscosity. In conclusion, germination improved the nutritional value and digestive characteristics of BRF, and altered its structure and physicochemical properties, which provides a reference for the development of whole grain-based products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent condition with many cases remaining undiagnosed, although early detection is essential. Adipose tissue distribution—particularly perirenal fat thickness (PrFT)—has recently been linked to renal pathophysiology. This study assessed the association between CT-derived parameters of fat distribution and kidney morphology with CKD. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 237 patients (117 subjects, 120 controls) who underwent abdominal CT and had serum creatinine data. The dataset was randomly split (70% training, 30% test) to develop and evaluate a logistic regression model. CKD was defined as estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². PrFT was measured as the distance from the posterior renal capsule to the posterior abdominal wall; renal hilum fat was segmented using a −195 to −45 HU range. Additional parameters (measured using automated segmentation tools) included kidney volume (KV), visceral/subcutaneous fat areas, skeletal muscle area and attenuation, and liver attenuation. Bilateral measurements were averaged. Results: KV (OR = 0.249, 95% CI: 0.146–0.422, p < 0.001) and PrFT (2nd tercile: OR = 7.720, 95% CI: 2.860–20.839; 3rd tercile: OR = 16.892, 95% CI: 5.727–49.822; both p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of CKD. These variables were used to construct a simplified model, which demonstrated moderate clinical applicability (AUC = 0.894) when evaluated on the test subset. Conclusions: KV and PrFT emerged as independent predictors of CKD, forming the basis of a simplified model with potential for opportunistic clinical application. This approach may facilitate earlier detection of CKD in patients undergoing CT imaging for unrelated clinical reasons. These imaging parameters are not intended to replace serum creatinine or eGFR but may serve as complementary predictors in specific clinical contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal acid α-1,4-glucosidase (GAA) encoded by the GAA gene, leading to muscular dysfunctions due to pathological accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscles. PD has been reported in several animals and Japanese quails (JQ; Coturnix japonica), but a causative mutation has yet to be found in JQs with PD. Here, we aimed to identify a pathogenic mutation in JQs associated with PD. Methods: Paraffin-embedded skeletal muscle blocks from four JQs stored since the 1970s were used in this study. After confirming the histopathological phenotypes of PD, Sanger sequencing was performed to identify a pathological mutation in the GAA I gene of JQs. A genotyping survey was conducted using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting a candidate mutation using DNA samples extracted from 70 new-hatched JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms. Results: Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of the PD phenotype in three affected JQs based on abnormal histopathological changes and accumulated glycogen in the affected muscles, while one JQ was unaffected and served as a control. Sanger sequencing revealed that the three affected JQs were homozygous for the deletion of guanine at position 1096 in the open reading frame (c.1096delG). A genotyping survey of 70 JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms showed that none carried this deletion mutation. Conclusions: This study identified c.1096delG as the pathogenic mutation for PD in JQs. This mutation induces a frameshift and substitution of amino acids at position 366 (alanine to histidine), resulting in premature termination at the 23rd codon (p.A366Hfs*23). This suggests that this mutation causes the deficient activity of GAA in JQs with PD. The identification of the c.1096delG mutation enabled the systematic maintenance of the flock colony in the PD model. Furthermore, this PD model can be used to clarify unknown aspects of PD pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies. Full article