Search Results (3,117)

Rabies remains a significant global public health concern, causing an estimated 59,000–69,000 human fatalities annually. Despite being entirely preventable through vaccination, rabies continues to impose substantial economic burdens worldwide. This study presents a scoping review of the economic research on rabies to determine overlaps and gaps in knowledge and inform future research strategies. We selected 150 studies (1973–2024) to analyze. The review categorizes the literature based on geographic distribution, species focus, and type of study. Findings indicate that economic studies are disproportionately concentrated in developed countries, such as the United States and parts of Europe, where rabies risk is low, while high-risk regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, remain underrepresented. Most studies focus on dog-mediated rabies, reflecting its dominant role in human transmission, while fewer studies assess the economic impacts of wildlife and livestock-mediated rabies. Case studies and modeling approaches dominate the literature, whereas cost–benefit and cost–effectiveness analyses—critical for informing resource allocation—are limited. The review highlights the need for more economic evaluations in rabies-endemic regions, expanded research on non-dog reservoirs, and broader use of economic methods. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for optimizing rabies control and supporting global initiatives to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mumps remains a relevant vaccine-preventable disease globally, especially in settings where immunization coverage fluctuates or vaccine-induced immunity wanes. This study aimed to assess long-term trends in mumps incidence, vaccination coverage, clinical outcomes, and demographic characteristics in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (AP Vojvodina), Serbia, over a 47-year period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using surveillance data from the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina. Analyses included annual mumps incidence rates (1978–2024), coverage with mumps-containing vaccines (MuCVs; 1986–2024), monthly case counts, and individual-level case data for the 1997–2024 period. Variables analyzed included age, month of notification, gender, vaccination status, presence of clinical complications, and the method used for case confirmation. Results: Following the introduction of MuCV in 1986, the mumps incidence markedly declined, with limited resurgences in 2000, 2009, and 2012. Between 1997 and 2024, a total of 1358 cases were reported, with 62.7% occurring in males. Over time, the age distribution shifted, with adolescents and young adults being increasingly affected during the later (2011–2024) observed period. In 2012, the highest age-specific incidence was observed among individuals aged 10–19 and 20–39 years (49.1 and 45.5 per 100,000, respectively). Vaccination coverage for both MuCV doses was suboptimal in several years. The proportion of unvaccinated cases decreased over time, while the proportion with unknown vaccination status increased. Mumps-related complications—such as orchitis, pancreatitis, and meningitis—were rare and predominantly affected unvaccinated individuals: 84.2% of orchitis, 40.0% of pancreatitis, and all meningitis cases. Only two pancreatitis cases (40.0%) were reported after one MMR dose, while fully vaccinated individuals (two doses) had one orchitis case (5.3%) and no other complications. Laboratory confirmation was applied more consistently from 2009 onward, with 49.6% of cases confirmed that year (58 out of 117), and, in several years after 2020, only laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, indicating improved diagnostic capacity. Conclusions: Despite substantial progress in controlling mumps, gaps in vaccine coverage, waning immunity, and incomplete vaccination records continue to pose a risk for mumps transmission. Strengthening routine immunization, ensuring high two-dose MuCV coverage, improving vaccination record keeping, and enhancing laboratory-based case confirmation are critical. Consideration should be given to booster doses in high-risk populations and to conducting a seroepidemiological study to estimate the susceptible population for mumps in AP Vojvodina. Full article

In this study, we investigate the return propagation mechanism, hedging effectiveness, and portfolio performance across several common agricultural commodities, crude oil, and S&P 500 index, ranging from July 2000 to June 2024 by using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach and three common multiple assets portfolio optimization strategies. The empirical results show that, the total connectedness peaked during the 2008 global financial crisis, followed by the European debt crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, while it remained relatively lower at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the transmission mechanism, commodities and S&P 500 index exhibit distinct and dynamic characteristics as transmitters or receivers. Portfolio analysis reveals that, with exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, all three dynamic portfolios outperform the S&P 500 benchmark across major global crises. Additionally, the minimum correlation and minimum connectedness strategies are superior than transitional minimum variance method in most scenarios. Our findings have implications for policymakers in preventing systemic risk, for investors in managing portfolio risk, and for farmers and agribusiness enterprises in enhancing economic benefits. Full article

Terahertz (THz) communication is regarded as a key technology for achieving high-speed data transmission and wireless communication due to its ultra-high frequency and large bandwidth characteristics. In this study, we focus on a single-carrier THz communication system and propose a two-stage deep learning-based time-domain equalization method, specifically designed to mitigate the nonlinear distortions in such systems, thereby enhancing communication reliability and performance. The method adopts a progressive learning strategy, whereby global characteristics are initially captured before progressing to local levels. This enables the effective identification and equalization of channel characteristics, particularly in the mitigation of nonlinear distortion and random interference, which can otherwise negatively impact communication quality. In an experimental setting at a frequency of 230 GHz and a channel distance of 2.1 m, this method demonstrated a substantial reduction in the system’s bit error rate (BER), exhibiting particularly noteworthy performance enhancements in comparison to before equalization. To validate the model’s generalization capability, data collection and testing were also conducted at a frequency of 310 GHz and a channel distance of 1.5 m. Experimental results show that the proposed time-domain equalizer, trained using the two-stage DL framework, achieved significant BER reductions of approximately 92.15% at 230 GHz (2.1 m) and 83.33% at 310 GHz (1.5 m), compared to the system’s performance prior to equalization. The method exhibits stable performance under varying conditions, supporting its use in future THz communication studies. Full article

With deepening global higher education reforms, outcome-based education has emerged as the core paradigm for teaching model innovation. This study investigates the structural dependencies and teaching effectiveness of the Environmental Design curriculum at Hubei Engineering University in medium-sized cities, China, addressing challenges of enrollment decline and market contraction critical for urban sustainability. Using network analysis, we construct curriculum support and contribution networks and course temporal networks to assess structural dependencies and teaching effectiveness, revealing structural patterns and optimizing the OBE-based Environmental Design curriculum to enhance educational quality and student competencies. Analysis reveals computer basic courses as knowledge transmission hubs, creating a course network with a distinct core–periphery structure. Technical course reforms significantly outperform theoretical course reforms in improving student performance metrics, such as higher average scores, better grade distributions, and reduced performance gaps, while innovative practice courses show peripheral isolation patterns, indicating limited connectivity with core curriculum modules, which reduces their educational impact. These findings provide empirical insights for curriculum optimization, supporting urban sustainable development through enhanced professional talent cultivation equipped to address environmental challenges like sustainable design practices and resource-efficient urban planning. Network analysis applications introduce innovative frameworks for curriculum reform strategies. Future research expansion through larger sample validation will support urban sustainable development goals and enhance professional talent cultivation outcomes. Full article

SARS-CoV-2 undergoes frequent mutations that drive viral evolution and genomic diversity, influencing transmissibility, immune escape, and disease severity. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing on SARS-CoV-2 isolates from patients in New York City and identified several globally rare mutations across multiple viral lineages. The isolates analyzed for rare mutations belonged to three lineages: B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.526 (Iota), and B.1.623. We identified 16 rare mutations (global incidence <1000) in non-structural protein genes, including nsp2, nsp3, nsp4, nsp6, nsp8, nsp13, nsp14, ORF7a, and ORF8. Three of these mutations—located in nsp2, nsp13, and ORF8—have been reported in fewer than 100 individuals worldwide. We also detected five rare mutations in structural proteins (S, M, and N), including two—one in M and one in N—previously reported in fewer than 100 cases globally. We present clinical profiles of three patients, each infected with genetically distinct viral isolates from the three lineages studied. Furthermore, we illustrate a local transmission chain inferred from unique mutation patterns identified in the Omicron genome. These findings underscore the importance of whole-genome sequencing for detecting rare mutations, tracking community spread, and identifying emerging variants with clinical and public health significance. Full article

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptoms, relatively poor clinical outcome, and widespread disruptions in neural connectivity and oscillatory dynamics. This article attempts to review current evidence linking genomic and proteomic alterations with aberrant neural oscillations observed in SZ, including aberrations in all oscillatory frequency bands obtained via human EEG. The numerous genes discussed are mainly involved in modulating synaptic transmission, synaptic function, interneuron excitability, and excitation/inhibition balance, thereby influencing the generation and synchronization of neural oscillations at specific frequency bands (e.g., gamma frequency band) critical for different cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes in humans. The review highlights how polygenic influences and gene–circuit interactions underlie the neural oscillatory and connectivity abnormalities central to SZ pathophysiology, providing a framework for future research on common genetic-neural function interactions and on potential therapeutic interventions targeting local and global network-level neural dysfunction in SZ patients. As will be discussed, many of these genes affecting neural oscillations in SZ also affect other neurological disorders, ranging from autism to epilepsy. In time, it is hoped that future research will show why the same genetic anomaly leads to one illness in one person and to another illness in a different person. Full article

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally, linked to severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. In the Brazilian Amazon, socioeconomic vulnerability and the absence of screening policies exacerbate risks, particularly among female sex workers (FSWs). Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibodies among FSWs in five municipalities of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon, and identify epidemiological factors associated with infection. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study (2005–2007) included 348 FSWs recruited via convenience sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected through questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed by ELISA for anti-C. trachomatis IgG. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact tests, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using SPSS 21.0. Results: Overall seroprevalence was 93.9% (327/348; 95% CI: 83.1–90%). Significant associations included a household income of 1–3 minimum wages (98.4%; p = 0.0002), sexual partners from the same region (98.8%; p = 0.0421), and age >42 years (96.3%). Most reported inconsistent condom use (43.7%), multiple monthly partners (54.6%), and illicit drug use (53.4%). Discussion: The extremely high seroprevalence reflects chronic C. trachomatis exposure, driven by socioeconomic deprivation and limited healthcare access. Comparisons with global data underscore the urgent need for screening policies, absent in Brazil for FSWs, and highlight the vulnerability of this population. Conclusions: The findings reveal an alarming burden of C. trachomatis exposure among Amazonian FSWs. Integrated strategies, including routine screening, sexual health education, and inclusion of FSWs in priority health programs, are critical to reduce transmission and associated complications. Full article

Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse environmental conditions theoretically limit the survival of Leptospira, high livestock density and synanthropic reservoirs (e.g., rodents) may compensate, facilitating transmission. In this cross-sectional study, blood sera from 445 dairy cows (28 herds: 12 intensive [MI], 16 semi-intensive [MSI] systems) were analyzed via microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) against 10 pathogenic serovars. Urine samples were cultured for active Leptospira detection. Risk factors were assessed through epidemiological surveys and multivariable analysis. This study revealed an overall apparent seroprevalence of 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8–31.1), with significantly higher rates in MSI (54.1%) versus MI (12.2%) herds (p < 0.001) and an estimated true seroprevalence of 56.3% (95% CI: 50.2–62.1) in MSI and 13.1% (95% CI: 8.5–18.7) in MI herds (p < 0.001). The Sejroe serogroup was isolated from urine in both systems, confirming active circulation. In MI herds, rodent presence (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.6–7.9) was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity, while first-trimester abortions (OR:10.1; 95% CI: 4.2–24.2) were significantly associated with infection. In MSI herds, risk factors associated with Leptospira seropositivity included co-occurrence with hens (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.3) and natural breeding (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), whereas mastitis/agalactiae (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.2) represented a clinical outcome associated with seropositivity. Despite semi-arid conditions, Leptospira maintains transmission in La Laguna, particularly in semi-intensive systems. The coexistence of adapted (Sejroe) and incidental serogroups underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as rodent control in MI systems and poultry management in MSI systems, to mitigate both zoonotic and economic impacts. Full article

Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pss) is a Gram-negative bacterium first documented in North America, and is the causal agent of Stewart’s disease in maize (Zea mays), especially in sweet corn. First identified in North America, it is primarily spread by insect vectors like the corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema Pulicaria) in the United States. However, Pss has since spread globally—reaching parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe—mainly through the international seed trade. Although this trade is limited, it has still facilitated the pathogen’s global movement, as evidenced by numerous phytosanitary interceptions. Recent studies in Italy, as indicated in the EFSA journal, reported that potential alternative vectors were identified, including Phyllotreta spp. and the invasive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys); the latter tested positive in PCR screenings, raising concerns due to its broad host range and global distribution. This information has prompted studies to verify the ability of Halyomorpha halys to vector Pss to assess the risk and prevent the further spread of Pss in Europe. In this study, we explored the potential transmission of Pss by the brown marmorated stink bugs in maize plants, following its feeding on Pss-inoculated maize, as well as the presence of Pss within the insect’s body. Full article

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a growing global health threat, particularly for immunocompromised populations, with mortality exceeding 1.5 million deaths annually. Despite their clinical and economic burden—costing billions in healthcare expenditures—fungal infections remain underprioritized in public health agendas. This review examines the current landscape of antifungal therapy, focusing on advances, challenges, and future directions. Key drug classes (polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and novel agents) are analyzed for their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications, alongside emerging resistance patterns in pathogens like Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. The rise of resistance, driven by agricultural fungicide use and nosocomial transmission, underscores the need for innovative antifungals, rapid diagnostics, and stewardship programs. Promising developments include next-generation echinocandins (e.g., rezafungin), triterpenoids (ibrexafungerp), and orotomides (olorofim), which target resistant strains and offer improved safety profiles. The review also highlights the critical role of “One Health” strategies to mitigate environmental and clinical resistance. Future success hinges on multidisciplinary collaboration, enhanced surveillance, and accelerated drug development to address unmet needs in antifungal therapy. Full article

Amid intensifying global ESG regulations and the expanding influence of green finance, China’s digital economy policies have emerged as key institutional instruments for promoting corporate sustainability. Leveraging the implementation of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as a quasi-natural experiment, this study utilizes panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2023 and applies multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Spatial DID models to rigorously identify the policy’s effects on corporate ESG performance. Empirical results indicate that the impact of digital economy policy is not exerted through a direct linear pathway but operates via three institutional mechanisms, enhanced information transparency, eased financing constraints, and expanded fiscal support, collectively constructing a logic of “institutional embedding–governance restructuring.” Moreover, disruptive technological innovation significantly amplifies the effects of the transparency and fiscal mechanisms, but exhibits no statistically significant moderating effect on the financing constraint pathway, suggesting a misalignment between innovation heterogeneity and financial responsiveness. Further heterogeneity analysis confirms that the policy effect is concentrated among firms characterized by robust governance structures, high levels of property rights marketization, and greater digital maturity. This study contributes to the literature by developing an integrated moderated mediation framework rooted in institutional theory, agency theory, and dynamic capabilities theory. The findings advance the theoretical understanding of ESG policy transmission by unpacking the micro-foundations of institutional response under digital policy regimes, while offering actionable insights into the strategic alignment of digital transformation and sustainability-oriented governance. Full article

A method for configuration synthesis of a reconfigurable decoupled parallel mechanical leg is proposed. In addition, a configuration evaluation index is proposed to evaluate the synthesized configurations and select the optimal one. Kinematic analysis and performance optimization of the selected mechanism’s configuration are carried out, and the motion mode of the robot’s reconfigurable mechanical leg is selected according to the task requirements. Then, the robot’s gait in walking mode is planned. Firstly, based on bionic principles, the motion characteristics of a mechanical leg based on a mammalian model and an insect model were analyzed. The input and output characteristics of the mechanism were analyzed to obtain the reconfiguration principle of the mechanism. Using type synthesis theory for the decoupled parallel mechanism, the configuration synthesis of the chain was carried out, and the constraint mode of the mechanical leg was determined according to the constraint property of the chain and the motion characteristics of the moving platform. Secondly, an evaluation index for the complexity of the reconfigurable mechanical leg structure was developed, and the synthesized mechanism was further analyzed and evaluated to select the mechanical leg’s configuration. Thirdly, the inverse position equations were established for the mechanical leg in the two motion modes, and its Jacobian matrix was derived. The degrees of freedom of the mechanism are completely decoupled in the two motion modes. Then, the workspace and motion/force transmission performance of the mechanical leg in the two motion modes were analyzed. Based on the weighted standard deviation of the motion/force transmission performance, the global performance fluctuation index of the mechanical leg motion/force transmission is defined, and the structural size parameters of the mechanical leg are optimized with the performance index as the optimization objective function. Finally, with the reconfigurable mechanical leg in the insect mode, the robot’s gait in the walking operation mode is planned according to the static stability criterion. Full article

Satellite communications are pivotal to global Internet access, connectivity, and the advancement of information warfare. Despite these importance, the open nature of satellite channels makes them vulnerable to eavesdropping, making the enhancement of interception resistance in satellite communications a critical issue in both academic and industrial circles. Within the realm of satellite communications, polarization modulation and quadrature techniques are essential for information transmission and interference suppression. To boost electromagnetic countermeasures in complex battlefield scenarios, this paper integrates multi-parameter weighted-type fractional Fourier transform (MP-WFRFT) with directional modulation (DM) algorithms, building upon polarization techniques. Initially, the operational mechanisms of the polarization-amplitude-phase modulation (PAPM), MP-WFRFT, and DM algorithms are elucidated. Secondly, it introduces a novel variable polarization-amplitude-phase modulation (VPAPM) scheme that integrates variable polarization with amplitude-phase modulation. Subsequently, leveraging the VPAPM modulation scheme, an exploration of the anti-interception capabilities of MP-WFRFT through parameter adjustment is presented. Rooted in an in-depth analysis of simulation data, the anti-scanning capabilities of MP-WFRFT are assessed in terms of scale vectors in the horizontal and vertical direction. Finally, exploiting the potential of the robust anti-scanning capabilities of MP-WFRFT and the directional property of antenna arrays in DM, the paper proposes a secure transmission technique employing directional variable polarization modulation with MP-WFRFT. The performance simulation analysis demonstrates that the integration of MP-WFRFT and DM significantly outperforms individual secure transmission methods, improving anti-interception performance by at least an order of magnitude at signal-to-noise ratios above 10 dB. Consequently, this approach exhibits considerable potential and engineering significance for its application within satellite communication systems. Full article

Transmission towers are particularly vulnerable to extreme wind events, which can lead to structural damage or collapse, thereby compromising the stability of power transmission systems. Enhancing the wind-resistant capacity of these towers is therefore critical for improving the reliability and resilience of electrical infrastructure. This study utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the structural response of a 220 kV transmission tower subjected to fluctuating wind loads, effectively capturing the dynamic characteristics of wind-induced forces. A comprehensive dynamic analysis is conducted to account for uncertainties in wind loading and variations in wind direction. Through this approach, this study identifies the most critical wind angle and local structural weaknesses, as well as determines the threshold wind speed that precipitates structural collapse. To improve structural resilience, a concurrent multi-scale modeling strategy is adopted. This allows for localized analysis of vulnerable components while maintaining a holistic understanding of the tower’s global behavior. To mitigate failure risks, the traditional perforated plate reinforcement technique is implemented. The reinforcement’s effectiveness is evaluated based on its impact on load-bearing capacity, displacement control, and stress redistribution. Results reveal that the critical wind direction is 45°, with failure predominantly initiating from instability in the third section of the tower leg. Post-reinforcement analysis demonstrates a marked improvement in structural performance, evidenced by a significant reduction in top displacement and stress intensity in the critical leg section. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the wind-induced fragility of transmission towers and offer practical reinforcement strategies that can be applied to enhance their structural integrity under extreme wind conditions. Full article