Search Results (191)

The rapid development of digital technology is reshaping the global economic landscape. However, its impact on firms’ capacity utilization rate (CUR), particularly through technological innovation, remains unclear. This study investigates this issue by developing an endogenous growth model that connects digital technology to CUR. The empirical analysis is based on data from Chinese A-share manufacturing firms. The methods employed include quantile regression, instrumental variable techniques, and various tests to explore underlying mechanisms. CUR is calculated using a special model that looks at random variations, and digital transformation is assessed using text analysis powered by machine learning. The findings indicate that digital transformation significantly enhances CUR, especially for firms with average capacity utilization levels, but has a limited effect on low- and high-end firms. Moreover, technological innovation mediates this relationship; however, factors like “double arbitrage” (involving policy and capital markets) and “herd effects” tend to prioritize quantity over quality, which constrains innovation potential. Improvements in CUR lead to enhanced firm performance and productivity, generating industry spillovers and demonstrating the broader economic externalities of digitalization. This study uniquely applies endogenous growth theory to examine the role of digital transformation in optimizing CUR. It introduces the “quantity-quality” technology innovation paradox as a crucial mechanism and highlights industry spillovers to address overcapacity while offering insights for fostering sustainable economic and social development in emerging markets. Full article

Over the past decade, the number and diversity of identified protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) have grown significantly. However, most PTMs occur at relatively low abundance, making selective enrichment of modified peptides essential. To address this, we developed a thermodynamic model describing the free beads enrichment in suspension enrichment process and derived a theoretical relationship between material dosage and analyte recovery. The model predicts a non-linear trend, with enrichment efficiency increasing up to an optimal dosage and declining thereafter—a pattern confirmed by experimental data. We validated the model using centrifugation-based enrichment for glycosylated peptides and magnetic-based enrichment for phosphorylated peptides. In both cases, the results aligned with theoretical predictions. Additionally, the optimal dosage varied among peptides with the same modification type, highlighting the importance of tailoring enrichment strategies. This study provides a solid theoretical and experimental basis for optimizing PTMs enrichment and advancing more sensitive, accurate, and efficient mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows. Full article

Objective: Craniopharyngioma recurrence risk studies comparing gross total resection (GTR) vs. subtotal resection (STR) with radiotherapy (XRT) provide inconclusive or contradictory results. This may be an effect of the small group sizes and diversity in the approaches used. Currently, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is preferred in craniopharyngioma management. Here, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing recurrence risk after GTR vs. STR plus XRT in patients treated with the EEA regimen. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of original English language papers on craniopharyngioma management published in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to 18 October 2023. Eleven articles included data on recurrence rate after EEA: GTR vs. STR with XRT. We extracted the year of publication, number of patients, surgical approach, extent of resection, and follow-up duration. We used meta-analysis for the odds ratio (OR) in fixed and random effects models and Egger’s and Begg’s tests to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. Follow-up duration and time to recurrence were additionally included in Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank test analysis. Results: We observed a lower recurrence rate in patients after GTR (10%) as compared to STR with XRT (30%), OR = 0.299, p < 0.001. To increase data reliability, we limited our analysis to studies with at least five patients in each subgroup and also observed lower recurrence in patients after GTR (12%) as compared to STR with XRT (27%), OR = 0.376, p = 0.011. Survival analysis confirmed significant differences in recurrence-free survival percentages between these groups (p = 0.008). Conclusions: To date, this is the largest meta-analysis evaluating the recurrence risk in patients undergoing EEA for craniopharyngioma resection, comparing outcomes between those treated with GTR and those treated with STR plus XRT. The results suggest that GTR significantly reduces recurrence risk. Full article

Online reviews increasingly shape experiential travel decisions. This study investigates how structural and linguistic features of user-generated content influence peer endorsement in wine tourism. While prior research has explored review valence and credibility, limited attention has been paid to how micro-level textual and identity cues affect social approval metrics such as likes. Grounded in the Elaboration Likelihood Model, the analysis draws on 7942 TripAdvisor reviews using automated web scraping, readability metrics, and multivariate regression. Results indicate that location disclosure significantly increases likes, while higher textual complexity reduces endorsement. Title length and reviewer contributions function as peripheral cues, with an interaction between complexity and title length compounding cognitive effort. Findings refine dual-process persuasion theory and offer practical insights for content optimization in post-pandemic tourism engagement. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are becoming one of the most serious environmental threats worldwide. They have been shown to induce male reproductive toxicity in animal studies. However, evidence of their adverse effects on male reproductive health in human is still lacking. In this study, we evaluated the presence of MPs in human semen and explored their associations with semen quality. A total of 45 semen samples from men attending a fertility center were collected. MPs in the semen samples were analyzed by laser direct infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy. MPs were found in 34 out of 45 semen samples, with an average abundance of 17.0 (42.0) particles/g. The size of MPs ranged from 20.3 μm to 189.7 μm and the majority (57.8%) were smaller than 50 μm. A total of 15 distinct MPs polymers were identified, and polyethylene (PET) accounted for 35.9% of the total amount of MPs, followed by butadiene rubber (BR, 26.4%) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE, 12.2%). Analysis of the association of MP exposure with semen quality showed that participants exposed to PET MPs experienced a reduction in sperm progressive motility (20.6% ± 12.8% vs. 34.9% ± 15.9%, p = 0.056). However, no significant association was found between MP exposure and sperm concentration or total sperm count. Our findings confirmed the presence of MPs in human semen and suggested that MP exposure might have adverse impacts on male reproductive health. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Formaldehyde is illegally applied to vegetables by vendors as a preservative to extend their shelf life, and it poses health risks to consumers. Herein, a series of WO₃ with different morphologies were synthesized and employed as the sensing material in gas sensors to detect formaldehyde in vegetables rapidly. Among all the samples, the WO₃ nanoplate sensor exhibited the best sensitivity (16.5@200 ppm), a rapid response/recovery time (10/12 s), superior selectivity, and a low limit of detection (500 ppb). This was mainly attributed to its abundant mesopores and large specific surface area, which enhanced the formaldehyde adsorption capacity and adsorption/desorption rates while providing more active sites, thereby improving the sensor’s response speed and resistance variation range. The WO₃ nanoplate sensor also achieved reliable formaldehyde detection in actual vegetable samples (baby cabbage). This study provides systematic guidance for optimizing the gas-sensing performance of functional materials. It establishes a foundation for developing rapid, non-destructive formaldehyde detection technologies applicable for vegetable quality control. Full article

Objectives: The anticancer effects of PI3Kα inhibitors (PI3Ki) are constrained by their hyperglycemic side effects, while the efficacy of conventional hypoglycemic agents, such as insulin, metformin, and SGLT-2 inhibitors, in mitigating PI3Ki-induced hyperglycemia remains suboptimal. Dorzagliatin, a novel glucokinase activator, has been approved in China for the management of hyperglycemia, offering a promising alternative. This study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties and potential mechanisms of drug interactions of dorzagliatin in the regulation of PI3K-induced hyperglycemia. Methods: Plasma concentrations of WX390, BYL719, and Dorz in mice were measured using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and PK/PD models were derived by using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.3.5 software. Blood glucose levels at various time points and tumor volume changes over a four-week period were assessed to explore the interactions when PI3Ki were combined with dorzagliatin. Results: The results indicated that, compared to the Dorz group, the combination groups (Dorz + BYL719, Dorz + WX390) exhibited increases in ${\mathrm{A}\mathrm{U}\mathrm{C}}_{0\to t}$ of dorzagliatin by 41.65% and 20.25%, and in C_max by 33.48% and 13.32%, respectively. In contrast, co-administration of these PI3Ki with dorzagliatin resulted in minimal increase in their plasma exposure. The combination therapy group (Dorz+BYL719) exhibited superior antitumor efficacy compared to the BYL719 group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between dorzagliatin and multiple PI3Ki (including WX390 and BYL719) may partially account for the enhanced antitumor efficacy observed in the combination therapy group compared to PI3Ki monotherapy. This interaction may be explained by the inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the pharmacological mechanism of dorzagliatin regarding the activation of insulin regulation. Full article

The intrinsic hazards associated with high-pressure hydrogen, combined with electromechanical interactions in hybrid architectures, pose significant challenges in predicting potential system risks during the conceptual design phase. In this paper, a risk analysis methodology integrating systems theoretic process analysis (STPA), D-S evidence theory, and Bayesian networks (BN) is established. The approach employs STPA to identify unsafe control actions and analyze their loss scenarios. Subsequently, D-S evidence theory quantifies the likelihood of risk factors, while the BN model’s nodal uncertainties to construct a risk network identifying critical risk-inducing events. This methodology provides a comprehensive risk analysis process that identifies systemic risk elements, quantifies risk probabilities, and incorporates uncertainties for quantitative risk assessment. These insights inform risk-averse design decisions for hydrogen–electric hybrid powered aircraft. A case study demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness. The approach bridges theoretical risk analysis with early-stage engineering practice, delivering actionable guidance for advancing zero-emission aviation. Full article

Lymph node metastases are common in advanced ovarian cancer and are associated with poor prognosis. Accurate intraoperative identification of lymph node metastases remains a challenge in ovarian cancer surgery due to the lack of tumor-specific intraoperative imaging tools. Here, we developed a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR)-targeted near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, GnRHa-PEG-Rh760, through conjugation of a GnRH analog peptide with the Rh760 fluorophore and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A non-targeted probe (PEG-Rh760) served as control. In mouse models of subcutaneous xenografts, peritoneal and lymph node metastases derived from ovarian cancer cells, GnRHa-PEG-Rh760 showed superior tumor-specific accumulation. NIR fluorescence imaging revealed strong fluorescence signals localized to primary tumors, peritoneal lesions, and metastatic lymph nodes with no off-target signals in normal lymph nodes. The spatial co-localization between the NIR fluorescence of GnRHa-PEG-Rh760 and tumor-derived bioluminescence clearly confirmed the probe’s target specificity. GnRHa-PEG-Rh760 mainly accumulated in the tumor and liver and was gradually cleared at 96 h post-injection. The retention of fluorescence signals in normal ovary tissue further validated GnRHR-mediated binding of the probe. Notably, GnRHa-PEG-Rh760 exhibited excellent biocompatibility with no observed systemic toxicity as evidenced by hematologic and histopathologic analyses. These data demonstrate the potential of GnRHa-PEG-Rh760 as an intraoperative imaging agent, providing real-time fluorescence imaging guidance to optimize surgical precision. This study highlights the value of receptor-targeted molecular imaging probes in precision cancer surgery. Full article

Background: Over the past decade, Shanghai primary and middle schools have installed and updated direct-drinking water facilities in compliance with local policies, but few studies have assessed the schools providing direct-drinking water access. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 167 public primary, middle, and high schools across Pudong New Area, Shanghai during Autumn 2024. The type, location, and working condition of all direct-drinking water facilities throughout each school were documented by trained research staff using a direct observation protocol. Information on school direct-drinking water quality was obtained from the routine monitoring program. Data were analyzed for comprehensive assessment of direct-drinking water facilities in the schools. Results: On average, each school had one faucet of direct-water facility per 41 students; 70% of the schools met the requirement for minimum direct-drinking water access, and >90% placed facilities in high-traffic areas. In addition, 83% of the schools selected water facilities with nanofiltration and a hot water system, and most only provided hot water (above 50 degrees Celsius). For school direct-drinking water quality, the concentrations of hardness, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS), as well as pH values, were improved significantly, but the total bacteria count was prone to not meeting the requirement for standards in middle and high schools, which could be caused by insufficiency of chlorination in pumping stations or neglecting to clean facilities promptly. Conclusions: Wide usage of school direct-drinking water facilities could help most public schools to meet local policies for minimum student drinking water access in Shanghai, but microbial contamination was the potential threat. Water temperature is the key factor affecting students’ drinking water, providing an optional water temperature for students’ preferences and concerns. National sanitary standards of direct-drinking water quality and relevant additional regulations should be established and implemented in China. Full article

Based on the data of the non-central districts in Shanghai, this paper investigates the determinants of the commercial land leases of district governments from the government–market perspective and how these determinants affect the price and area of commercial land leasing. A kernel density analysis is used to analyze the agglomeration degree and density distribution of commercial land leasing. The variables are considered as the factors impacting commercial land leases based on a literature review and land development in Shanghai. The mathematical models used for multiple linear regression for the leased price and area of the influencing factors of commercial land leases from the perspective of the government and market are proposed. The results show that Shanghai’s multi-center development strategy aims to optimize the city’s commercial layout by developing the key areas of non-central districts. The construction area and plot ratio of land; the distances from the land to the city center, district center, airports, the nearest middle schools, the nearest park, and the nearest industrial zone; and the quantity of subway stations and highways affect commercial land leases. Policies are proposed to improve commercial land lease efficiency, make more suitable land planning strategies, and optimize urban spatial structures. Full article

Formaldehyde, a pervasive indoor air pollutant posing significant health risks, has driven extensive research into advanced mitigation strategies to ensure safer living environments. Herein, this study presents a synthesis method for the large-scale production of hydrogenated TiO₂ (P25) loaded with PtAu nanoalloys (P25(H)-PtAu), using a combination of ball milling and high-temperature annealing. Hydrogenation-induced defect-rich TiO₂ efficiently improves visible light absorption, enhancing the utilization of visible light in photocatalytic reactions. Mechanochemical ball milling was employed to prepare ultrasmall PtAu nanoalloys with a size of 3.7 ± 0.1 nm, which were uniformly dispersed on the surface of P25(H). Density functional theory (DFT) results indicate that PtAu nanoalloys synergistically enhance charge separation via Schottky junctions and surface reaction kinetics by optimizing reactant adsorption. As a result, P25(H)-PtAu achieves industrially relevant formaldehyde removal efficiency (97.8%) under ambient light conditions while maintaining scalability (10 g batches). This work provides a scalable framework for developing manufacturable photocatalysts, with immediate applications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and air purifiers. Full article

With the rise of the sharing economy and the concept of the sharing city, the field of urban renewal is facing new opportunities and challenges. This paper innovatively explores built heritage renewal in central Shanghai from the perspective of the sharing economy, focusing on the evolution of plot morphology and associated design strategies. Six representative cases, selected within the framework of three urban renewal policies from 1999 to the present, are analyzed using a diachronic method based on the Conzen school and the street frontage index. Combined with historical maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images, the paper analyzes the changes in plot morphology from 1999 to 2024. The paper highlights how the introduction of sharing city principles significantly impacted plot morphology, facilitating the expansion and diversification of space use and driving the restructuring of plot boundaries, including physical, property, and activity boundaries. The study further reveals how the shared city concept has led to the emergence of privately owned public spaces. Additionally, the paper discusses the pursuit of flow, openness, and sharing in urban renewal, noting how these factors have shifted the focus from purely rentable and sellable areas to more efficient space resource allocation, optimizing spatial configurations. Finally, the paper introduces the concept of “sharing by transfer”, proposing that adjustments to plot boundaries under the sharing economy framework can foster more equitable, efficient, and sustainable urban renewal, providing new perspectives and strategic recommendations for built heritage renewal. Full article

As society evolves and technology advances, increasing transportation demands have heightened safety risks near schools and on mixed-traffic roads. While traditional studies on pedestrian evasive behavior have mainly focused on general traffic environments and used image-based features to predict trajectories, few have specifically addressed the behavior of pedestrians in school zones. This study fills that gap by analyzing pedestrian evasive actions near school zones in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, using real-time video data. In contrast to previous approaches, our research leverages key traffic variables—such as vehicle speed, pedestrian proximity, and traffic density—to predict whether pedestrians will engage in evasive behavior. We independently apply three predictive models: the traditional BP (Backpropagation) neural network, an improved GA-BP(genetic algorithm–backpropagation) neural network, and the XGBoost (Extreme Gradient Boosting) ensemble learning method. Our findings show that the improved GA-BP model outperforms the others, achieving an accuracy of over 79%. Furthermore, this study identifies crucial traffic factors influencing pedestrian behavior, offering valuable insights for road safety decision-making in school zones. This research demonstrates the potential of advanced predictive models for forecasting pedestrian evasive behavior. It enhances safety in school zones by highlighting the key traffic variables affecting pedestrians. Full article

In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of 2-(4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene) malononitrile (DPAM) via a piperidine-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Two distinct crystal forms (A-1 and A-2) of this product were obtained by controlling the crystallization conditions, exhibiting orthorhombic and monoclinic crystal systems, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that both forms exhibited highly twisted benzene rings, which suppressed exciplex or excimer formation, enhancing luminescence. Crystal A-1, with a higher density, showed stronger hydrogen bonding and more rigid molecular packing, while A-2, with a lower density, exhibited weaker π–π interactions. Both crystals demonstrated high thermal stability. Notably, the A-2 crystal displayed a mechanochromic behavior: grinding or applying pressure induced a structural transformation into A-1, accompanied by a fluorescence shift from red to yellow. This transformation was attributed to increased steric hindrance and changes in molecular packing. This study highlights the relationship between crystal structure and optoelectronic properties, offering insights into the design of organic crystalline materials for applications in pressure sensing, anti-counterfeiting, and information encryption. Full article