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Search Results (739)

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21 pages, 1284 KB  
Article
Peer Effects of Bank Digital Transformation Through Shareholder Networks
by Liang He, Shengming Zhu, Mengmeng Zhang and Xiaolin Dong
Systems 2025, 13(10), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100918 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study examines the peer effects of bank digital transformation facilitated by shareholder networks and explores the underlying mechanisms. A time-varying network is constructed based on common shareholder connections among banks, and a corresponding measure is developed to quantify peer effects in digital [...] Read more.
This study examines the peer effects of bank digital transformation facilitated by shareholder networks and explores the underlying mechanisms. A time-varying network is constructed based on common shareholder connections among banks, and a corresponding measure is developed to quantify peer effects in digital transformation. Using the Peking University digital transformation index together with ownership and financial data from CSMAR, an empirical analysis is performed on a panel of 114 Chinese commercial banks from 2010 to 2021 to evaluate these effects. Fixed-effects estimations indicate that bank digital transformation is significantly affected by peer effects transmitted through common shareholder connections, with a one-unit increase in peers’ digitalization index associated with a 0.151-unit rise in the focal bank’s index. These findings remain robust and economically meaningful across alternative specifications, including system GMM, IV/2SLS designs, and different ownership thresholds. Further analyses indicate that the peer effects operate through mechanisms such as intensified competition, enhanced information sharing, and pooled resources. However, such peer influence also exacerbates disparities in digital progress across the industry, reflecting a Matthew Effect in which leading banks consolidate their advantages. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the peer effects are more pronounced among banks with larger workforces, more diversified operations, and higher ownership concentration. The findings of this study provide insights into how financial institutions can leverage technological innovations through network-based channels, offering practical implications for promoting industry-wide transformation in the digital economy era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)
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16 pages, 317 KB  
Article
The Non-Linear Relationship Between External Debt and Economic Growth in African Economies: The Role of Financial Stability, Investment, and Governance Quality
by Makram Nouaili
Economies 2025, 13(10), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13100300 - 17 Oct 2025
Abstract
This paper estimates a nonlinear asymmetric dynamics model in the threshold panel data framework to study the extent to which the quality of governance, investment, and financial stability affect the impact of external debt on economic growth in 47 African countries from 2002 [...] Read more.
This paper estimates a nonlinear asymmetric dynamics model in the threshold panel data framework to study the extent to which the quality of governance, investment, and financial stability affect the impact of external debt on economic growth in 47 African countries from 2002 to 2022. As a general approach, we use the first-differenced GMM estimator, which allows both threshold variables and regressors to be endogenous. The results confirm that external debt becomes a drag on growth beyond a threshold of 53.49% relative to GDP. Furthermore, the results show that external debt appears to stimulate economic growth mainly by orienting it towards productive investment. In addition, the results show that better governance quality and financial stability accentuate the positive impact of external debt on economic growth. Based on the findings, this study proposes several policy recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic Development)
22 pages, 1580 KB  
Article
Dual-Wheel Drive and Agricultural Green Development: The Co-Evolution and Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance and Green Finance
by Xuan Wang, Yanhua Li and Tingyu Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9167; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209167 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 104
Abstract
Agricultural green development cannot be achieved without effective financial support. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2023, this paper uses a coupling coordination model to measure and analyse the degree of coordination between digital inclusive finance and [...] Read more.
Agricultural green development cannot be achieved without effective financial support. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2014 to 2023, this paper uses a coupling coordination model to measure and analyse the degree of coordination between digital inclusive finance and green finance; this further constructs a comprehensive evaluation system for agricultural green development, and on this basis uses a fixed-effect model and a threshold regression model to systematically examine the impact of the coordination between the two on agricultural green development. The findings are as follows: first, the coordination between digital inclusive finance and green finance shows an upward trend over time, shifting spatially from a high trend in the east to a low trend in the west to regional convergence; second, the coordination between the two has a substantial and favourable impact on green agricultural development, which is a conclusion that persists after robustness tests; third, the effect is heterogeneous, with more pronounced promotion effects in non-grain-producing regions, regions with high agricultural technology levels, and low levels of financial exclusion; fourth, the effect exhibits nonlinear characteristics, with coordination and agricultural industrial agglomeration each forming a single-threshold effect. This research lays down a foundational framework for financial coordination in supporting agricultural green development. It suggests promoting a dual-wheel coordination mechanism to effectively empower agricultural green development by strengthening technological empowerment, regional linkage, and designing differentiated policies. Full article
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15 pages, 386 KB  
Review
Sepsis Biomarkers: What Surgeons Need to Know
by Gabriele Melegari, Federica Arturi, Fabio Gazzotti, Matteo Villani, Elisabetta Bertellini and Alberto Barbieri
Anesth. Res. 2025, 2(4), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/anesthres2040023 - 13 Oct 2025
Viewed by 405
Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection leading to organ dysfunction. Distinguishing sepsis from localized infection is crucial, as it guides clinical decision-making and biomarker interpretation. Biomarkers may support diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic choices, but their [...] Read more.
Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection leading to organ dysfunction. Distinguishing sepsis from localized infection is crucial, as it guides clinical decision-making and biomarker interpretation. Biomarkers may support diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic choices, but their integration into practice remains debated. Methods: This narrative review was conducted in accordance with the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL (January 2000–September 2025). Studies evaluating sepsis-related biomarkers for diagnosis, prognostication, shock assessment, antimicrobial stewardship, and post-acute follow-up were considered. Findings: Established biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate remain widely used for diagnosis, monitoring of inflammatory response, and assessment of severity. Emerging candidates include pancreatic stone protein (PSP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and monocyte HLA-DR (mHLA-DR), which may provide insights into infection dynamics, renal injury, and immune suppression, respectively. However, limitations in standardization and heterogeneous evidence hinder routine implementation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), despite extensive study, shows limited specificity and inconsistent clinical applicability. Renin has been proposed as a marker of shock severity rather than infection. Comparative evidence highlights the need for stage-specific biomarker use across prehospital, emergency, ICU, and recovery phases. Conclusions: No single biomarker is universally applicable in sepsis. Their utility depends on timing, clinical setting, and patient phenotype. Combining classical and emerging biomarkers with point-of-care technologies and dynamic monitoring may enhance personalized management. Limitations include heterogeneity of evidence and lack of standardized thresholds. Future research should validate biomarker panels, integrate them into stewardship strategies, and explore their cost-effectiveness in clinical practice. Full article
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22 pages, 1591 KB  
Article
Analytical Validation of a Genomic Newborn Screening Workflow
by Kristine Hovhannesyan, Laura Helou, Benoit Charloteaux, Valerie Jacquemin, Flavia Piazzon, Myriam Mni, Charlotte Flohimont, Corinne Fasquelle, Davood Mashhadizadeh, Tamara Dangouloff, Vincent Bours, Laurent Servais, Leonor Palmeira and François Boemer
Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2025, 11(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns11040091 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) has evolved significantly since its inception, yet many treatable rare diseases remain unscreened due to technical limitations. The BabyDetect study used gene panel sequencing to expand NBS to treatable conditions not covered by conventional biochemical screening. We present here the [...] Read more.
Newborn screening (NBS) has evolved significantly since its inception, yet many treatable rare diseases remain unscreened due to technical limitations. The BabyDetect study used gene panel sequencing to expand NBS to treatable conditions not covered by conventional biochemical screening. We present here the analytical validation of this workflow, assessing sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility using dried blood spots from newborns. We implemented strict quality control thresholds for sequencing, coverage, and contamination, ensuring high reliability. Longitudinal monitoring confirmed consistent performance across more than 5900 samples. Automation of DNA extraction improved scalability, and a panel redesign enhanced the coverage and selection of targeted regions. By focusing on known pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, we minimized false positives and maintained clinical actionability. Our findings demonstrate that gene panel sequencing-based NBS is feasible, accurate, and scalable, addressing critical gaps in current screening programs. Full article
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25 pages, 709 KB  
Article
Digital Finance and Green Technology Innovation: A Dual-Layer Analysis of Financing and Governance Mechanisms in China
by Yongpeng Ma, Rosli Mahmood, Annuar Md Nassir and Leyi Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 8982; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17208982 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
As China advances its green transition, digital finance broadens firms’ access to external financing; however, whether improved access enhances financial allocation efficiency or drives green technology innovation remains unclear. This study addresses this through a dual-layer framework examining financing mechanisms and governance conditions. [...] Read more.
As China advances its green transition, digital finance broadens firms’ access to external financing; however, whether improved access enhances financial allocation efficiency or drives green technology innovation remains unclear. This study addresses this through a dual-layer framework examining financing mechanisms and governance conditions. Using panel data from 2165 Chinese A-share firms (2011–2022) with two-way fixed-effects models, the analysis yields three key findings: First, digital finance significantly enhances green technology innovation. Second, financial mismatch partially mediates this relationship. Third, governance moderates these effects. Equity incentives exhibit threshold effects, where positive impacts emerge only above certain levels. Cash incentives, however, vary by period: they are positive in 2011–2018 and negative in 2019–2022. These results underscore that financial reform must accompany governance improvements, especially equity incentives. The Chinese experience also provides insights for emerging economies navigating digital finance expansion and green transition. Full article
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43 pages, 1429 KB  
Article
Is Digital Development the Answer to Energy Poverty? Evidence from China
by Yaofeng Yang, Xiuqing Li, Luping Li, Lan Fang, Yajuan Chen and Nde Ivo Zama
Energies 2025, 18(20), 5330; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205330 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Energy poverty is one of the major challenges to global sustainable development, while digital development, as a significant trend of the current era, is considered a key pathway to transcend traditional energy governance frameworks. Anchored in provincial panel data spanning 30 regions across [...] Read more.
Energy poverty is one of the major challenges to global sustainable development, while digital development, as a significant trend of the current era, is considered a key pathway to transcend traditional energy governance frameworks. Anchored in provincial panel data spanning 30 regions across China from 2003 to 2023, this study systematically examines the impact and heterogeneity of digital development on energy poverty and further explores the underlying mechanisms and nonlinear characteristics. The findings show that digital development can significantly alleviate energy poverty, and this conclusion remains valid after addressing endogeneity issues and conducting a series of robustness tests. However, the poverty reduction effect of digital development exhibits significant regional heterogeneity: the mitigation effect in central and western regions is significantly stronger than that in eastern regions, the effect in northern regions is higher than that in southern regions, and the effect in energy-disadvantaged regions is better than that in advantageous regions. Additionally, digital development alleviates energy poverty through mediating pathways such as promoting non-agricultural employment, improving human capital levels, and driving technological innovation. Notably, digital development demonstrates threshold effects and quantile heterogeneity in relation to energy poverty, characterized by diminishing marginal returns as digital development progresses; regions with higher levels of energy poverty experience more significant poverty reduction effects from digital development. This research provides a theoretical basis for energy poverty governance under the global energy crisis and offers empirical references for other countries to achieve energy sustainability goals (SDG7) through context-specific digital transformations. Full article
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14 pages, 732 KB  
Article
Association of Preoperative Imaging and Surgical Delay with Hemorrhagic Mortality in Abdominal Trauma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
by Juhong Park, Youngmin Kim, Hangjoo Cho, Giljae Lee and Junsik Kwon
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 7020; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14197020 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 428
Abstract
Background: Surgical delay in abdominal trauma with hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death, yet the precise time threshold for adverse outcomes remains uncertain. This study examined the association between emergency department (ED)-to-operating room (OR) time and hemorrhagic mortality and evaluated the [...] Read more.
Background: Surgical delay in abdominal trauma with hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death, yet the precise time threshold for adverse outcomes remains uncertain. This study examined the association between emergency department (ED)-to-operating room (OR) time and hemorrhagic mortality and evaluated the impact of preoperative computed tomography (CT). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients ≥15 years old who underwent emergency laparotomy for abdominal trauma at two Level I trauma centers in South Korea (2016–2023). The primary outcome was hemorrhagic death, adjudicated by a multidisciplinary review panel. Multivariable and segmented logistic regression was used to assess the association between ED-to-OR time and mortality. The effect of preoperative CT was evaluated using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Results: Among 414 patients, 71 (17.1%) died from hemorrhage. Each 1-min increase in ED-to-OR time was associated with 1.8% higher odds of hemorrhagic death (adjusted OR = 1.018; 95% CI, 1.007–1.030). Segmented regression identified a changepoint at 91 min (bootstrap 95% CI, 62.0–97.6), beyond which mortality risk rose sharply. Preoperative CT was performed in 27.5% of patients and was associated with a mean surgical delay of over 30 min. After IPTW adjustment, CT use was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic death (14.3% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.542). Conclusions: Longer ED-to-OR intervals were associated with increased hemorrhagic mortality, particularly beyond approximately 90 min. Although preoperative CT contributed to procedural delay, it was not independently associated with worse outcomes when selectively used in stable patients. These findings represent observational associations in current practice rather than causal effects, underscoring the importance of minimizing surgical delay while cautiously considering CT in appropriate patients. Full article
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23 pages, 3020 KB  
Article
Experimental Evaluation of UAV Energy Management Using Solar Panels and Battery Systems
by Pedro Fernandes, Ricardo Santos and Francisco Rego
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10689; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910689 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 240
Abstract
Solar-electric propulsion offers a practical way to lengthen the endurance of small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles while removing the noise, emissions, and upkeep that come with combustion engines. This work describes and tests a lightweight platform that couples a flexible thin-film photovoltaic array, [...] Read more.
Solar-electric propulsion offers a practical way to lengthen the endurance of small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles while removing the noise, emissions, and upkeep that come with combustion engines. This work describes and tests a lightweight platform that couples a flexible thin-film photovoltaic array, a high-efficiency power-tracking controller, and a lithium–polymer battery to an electric brushless drivetrain. A ground-based flight emulator reproducing steady cruise allows continuous logging of the electrical flows between panel, battery, and motor. The results show that the solar subsystem can sustain most of the cruise demand, so the battery is called on only sparingly and is even able to recharge when sunlight is higher than a specific threshold. This balance translates into a clear endurance gain without upsetting the aircraft’s weight or handling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control Systems and Control Engineering)
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20 pages, 513 KB  
Article
Nonlinear Impact of Digital Service Innovation on Value Creation in Manufacturing Firms: Based on TOE Framework
by Yongtao Peng and Zheng Li
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040263 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
This study employs data from Chinese A-share manufacturing firms listed between 2018 and 2024 to examine the nonlinear effects of digital service innovation on corporate value creation and its threshold mechanisms, using a two-way fixed-effects model and a panel threshold model. The results [...] Read more.
This study employs data from Chinese A-share manufacturing firms listed between 2018 and 2024 to examine the nonlinear effects of digital service innovation on corporate value creation and its threshold mechanisms, using a two-way fixed-effects model and a panel threshold model. The results indicate that (1) digital service innovation exhibits a nonlinear relationship with value creation—its impact is initially suppressed at low innovation levels but rises markedly once a certain inflection point is exceeded; (2) ecosystem embedding presents a double-threshold effect: when embedding is high, it substantially strengthens the efficacy of digital service innovation; (3) organizational dynamic capability shows a single-threshold effect: moderate dynamic capability enhances value creation, whereas overly strong capability may inhibit innovation benefits; and (4) digital technology adoption does not display significant threshold characteristics. This research enriches the theory of digital service innovation and offers empirical evidence and practical insights for manufacturing firms in crafting differentiated innovation strategies. Full article
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11 pages, 1905 KB  
Article
A Psychophysical Methodology for Determining Manufacturing Tolerance of Feature Lines on Automotive Outer Panels
by Yunchan Chung and Mi-Sun Bang
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(10), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9100324 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
This paper presents a methodology for determining manufacturing tolerances of feature lines on automotive outer panels using visual sensory tests. Feature lines—narrow and long curved surfaces on automotive panels—play a critical role in the visual appeal of vehicles. However, achieving precise feature lines [...] Read more.
This paper presents a methodology for determining manufacturing tolerances of feature lines on automotive outer panels using visual sensory tests. Feature lines—narrow and long curved surfaces on automotive panels—play a critical role in the visual appeal of vehicles. However, achieving precise feature lines in mass production is challenging due to material spring-back during the stamping process. Conventional tolerance determination methods are unsuitable for these esthetic elements. To address this, we employed psychophysical sensory tests to find the visual difference thresholds for feature lines. By creating geometric models and conducting controlled sensory tests, we identified the minimum radius variations perceptible to the human eye. Thirty-four participants were tested using the method of constant stimuli, resulting in psychometric functions for feature lines with radii of 8, 10, and 12 mm. The findings suggest manufacturing tolerances of ±1.2 mm, ±1.3 mm, and ±1.5 mm, respectively. This approach provides a quantitative foundation for setting tolerances that balance visual quality with production feasibility. Full article
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30 pages, 741 KB  
Article
Import Competition, Labor Market Flexibility, and Skill Premium-Evidence from China Based on the Dynamic Threshold Model
by Mingrong Wang and Longnan Ma
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100381 - 28 Sep 2025
Viewed by 423
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of import competition on skill premium and the moderating effect of labor market flexibility on it, using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019. A dynamic panel threshold model with instrumental variables is employed [...] Read more.
This paper examines the impact of import competition on skill premium and the moderating effect of labor market flexibility on it, using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019. A dynamic panel threshold model with instrumental variables is employed to address the endogeneity problem and to identify the nonlinear moderating effect of labor market flexibility. The results show the following: (1) Import competition has a promoting effect on skill premium, and this effect declines from eastern to western regions in China. (2) The import competition increases the skill premium through the channels of enhancing regional innovation capacity and promoting industrial upgrading and rationalization. (3) There exists a significant threshold effect in the moderating effect of labor market flexibility. When labor market flexibility surpasses the threshold value of 1.330, the enhancing effect of import competition on the skill premium is alleviated, facilitating labor reallocation and wage adjustment. The integration of labor market flexibility into the globalization–inequality debate extends the existing literature for providing a new understanding of the mechanisms behind the skill premium. The policy implications are that targeted labor market reforms are essential for mitigating wage differentials between skilled and unskilled workers arising from intensified import competition. Full article
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10 pages, 716 KB  
Article
Assessing Artificial Intelligence-Powered Responses to Common Patient Questions on Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoanalgesia for Chronic Pain
by Giuliano Lo Bianco, Marco Cascella, Silvia Natoli, Francesco Paolo D’Angelo, Emanuele Sinagra, Maurizio Marchesini, Emanuele Piraccini, Andrea Tinnirello, Felice Occhigrossi, Cesare Gregoretti and Christopher L. Robinson
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6814; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196814 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoanalgesia are minimally invasive procedures used when conservative medical management fails and there are positive diagnostic blocks. Although both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoanalgesia are straightforward techniques, the increasing workload of physicians is leading to less time available [...] Read more.
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoanalgesia are minimally invasive procedures used when conservative medical management fails and there are positive diagnostic blocks. Although both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoanalgesia are straightforward techniques, the increasing workload of physicians is leading to less time available for patient interaction, including addressing questions about indications, feasibility, long-term effectiveness, and potential complications. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have the potential to reduce physician burden and enhance patient education. Methods: An expert panel compiled thirteen frequently asked questions about RFA and cryoanalgesia, which were subsequently submitted to ChatGPT-4.0. The AI-generated responses were evaluated by 41 participants, including pain physicians, healthcare professionals, and non-healthcare individuals. The Likert scale was used for evaluating the responses, focusing on reliability, accuracy, and comprehensibility using predefined acceptability thresholds. Results: Across all 13 questions, ChatGPT’s responses demonstrated high overall reliability, with a mean score of 4.9 ± 0.7. The mean accuracy score was 2.6 ± 0.3, suggesting alignment with evidence-based standards. Comprehensibility was rated at 2.7 ± 0.2 on average. Pre-procedural questions achieved the highest scores, while post-procedural questions posed more challenges for ChatGPT. Conclusions: ChatGPT demonstrated potential as an adjunct tool for patient education on RFA and cryoanalgesia. Improvements in procedural specificity and medical accuracy are needed before routine clinical implementation. Full article
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13 pages, 903 KB  
Article
A Validation Approach for Determining Fetal Blood Groups Non-Invasively by High-Sensitive Next-Generation Sequencing
by Sandra Wienzek-Lischka, Marion Soelter, Annika Froelich, Marion Ernst-Schlegel, Stefan Gattenloehner, Andreas Braeuninger and Ulrich J. Sachs
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6812; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196812 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Introduction: For pregnant women with a history of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), prenatal intervention in subsequent pregnancies may be necessary to prevent complications for the fetus. A non-invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure (NIPD) [...] Read more.
Introduction: For pregnant women with a history of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), prenatal intervention in subsequent pregnancies may be necessary to prevent complications for the fetus. A non-invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure (NIPD) is recommended for fetal blood group genotyping. RT-PCR is used for fetal RHD determination as a reliable screening method with high sensitivity and specificity. For other antigens with variants involving single-base substitutions, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are recommended to reduce the risk of false-negative results. Only NGS offers the possibility of determining the cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) fraction in maternal plasma by sequencing additional gene fragments in parallel, but no standard exists for assay validation. Material and Methods: A custom-made primer panel was designed to target the common platelet and red cell antigens involved in fetal red cell and platelet incompatibilities, as well as additional anonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) targets for use as an internal control. Amplicon-based NGS was carried out using semiconductor sequencing. For HPA-1a (HPA*1A, ITGB3) and K (KEL*01.01, KEL) assay validation, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were estimated, as were false-positive antithetic alleles, linearity, and inter-assay variation, using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from the blood samples of healthy blood donors. An additional analysis was performed using 23 diagnostic samples from 21 pregnant women. Results: Regression analysis of dilution series using HPA-1a- and K-positive cell-free plasma samples in antigen-negative donor plasma showed that recovery is definitely feasible up to an HPA*1A and KEL*01.01 allele frequency of 1%. Base calls of false-positive antithetic alleles were detected with a maximum of 0.25% using 21 healthy blood donors. The LOD was estimated to be 0.2057% (mean + 3 SD) for HPA*1A with a LOQ of 0.6298% (mean + 10 SD). For KEL*01.01, the LOD was 0.1706% (mean + 3 SD) and the LOQ was 0.5314% (mean + 10 SD). The analysis of 15 of 21 cases with diagnostic samples from pregnant women with neonatal blood available for confirmatory testing resulted in 100% concordant results. The fetal fraction of these samples was calculated with a median of 11.03% (95% CI: 8.89, 13.20). Conclusions: NGS for non-invasive fetal blood group genotyping is an accurate and reliable method. In-house validation of the used assays can be performed using healthy donors to determine the LOD, LOQ and sensitivity. The threshold for paternally inherited fetal HPA*1A and KEL*01.01 alleles could be set at 1% (i.e., 2% fetal fraction) to obtain reliable test results. Internal controls for assessing the fetal fraction are essential to avoid false-negative test results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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27 pages, 2158 KB  
Article
Threshold Effects of PM2.5 on Pension Contributions: A Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design and Machine Learning Approach
by Bingxia Wang, Zailan Siri and Mohd Azmi Haron
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198620 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Air pollution risk significantly impacts social and economic systems. Given the critical role of the pension system in socioeconomic stability, it is crucial to explore the impact of air pollution on pension contributions. Utilizing panel data from eight Chinese provinces between 2014 and [...] Read more.
Air pollution risk significantly impacts social and economic systems. Given the critical role of the pension system in socioeconomic stability, it is crucial to explore the impact of air pollution on pension contributions. Utilizing panel data from eight Chinese provinces between 2014 and 2024, this study quantifies the impact of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) on pension contributions and explores its nonlinear and lagged effects through a fuzzy regression discontinuity design (FRDD) coupled with double machine learning (DML) techniques. Through the application of the FRDD, we found that pension contributions are significantly reduced when the PM2.5 concentration exceeds the standard annual threshold of 35 µg/m3, and the effects differ between the Urban Employees Basic Pension Insurance (UEBPI) and the Urban and Rural Residents’ Pension Scheme (URRPS). Further, the DML approach validated these findings and suggested that a complex hysteresis response mechanism exists in relation to air pollution. Additionally, it indicated that when PM2.5 concentrations do not exceed the threshold, this similarly has a negative effect on pension contributions. These findings emphasize the need for policymakers and pension fund managers to integrate environmental considerations into pension sustainability strategies to increase resilience to ongoing environmental risks. Full article
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