bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Men’s internet sex addiction predicts sexual objectification of women even after taking pornography consumption frequency into account
Authors: Novakova Pavla , Chvojka Edita , Ševčíková Anna , Blinka Lukas , Wright Paul , Kane Steven
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Problematic online video pornography consumption is associated with sexual objectification, particularly in male consumers. However, previous studies have not considered that there is a subgroup of internet users whose consumption may become problematic due to their internet sex addiction. Such users may, in response to internet sex addiction symptoms such as craving, have increased levels of sexual objectification.

Methods

In a sample of 1,272 male consumers of online video pornography (Mage = 32.93, SDage = 9.44), we examined whether internet sex addiction is linked to sexual objectification via an online survey.

Results

We fitted a series of structural equation models and found that men who scored higher on internet sex addiction were more likely to objectify women. More importantly, this link did not cease when controlling for the frequency of online video pornography consumption.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that there are other mechanisms related to addictive symptomatology than just the link through online video pornography consumption that may contribute to sexual objectification. Addiction-related factors may have a unique role in fostering sexual objectification. Isolating internet sex addiction as a potential driver highlights the need to address objectifying behaviours in individuals struggling with this addiction.
Validating a digital depression prevention program for adolescents in Jordan: cultural adaptation and user testing in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali , Al-leimon Obada , Gladstone Tracy , Dabbas Abd Arrahman , Alammouri Insaf , Van Voorhees Benjamin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer scalable solutions for improving mental health care access in underserved settings. This study is part of a multi-phased project aimed at adapting a depression prevention DHI for Jordanian adolescents. It evaluated the feasibility, cultural acceptability, and effectiveness of the translated and culturally adapted DHI, named Al-Khaizuran, with comparisons to school-based group CBT.

Methods

A two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial with a mixed-methods design was conducted among 109 Jordanian adolescents aged 15–17 years experiencing mild to moderate depression. Participants were randomly assigned to either Al-Khaizuran DHI (n=55) or school-based group CBT (n=54). The adaptation of Al-Khaizuran DHI components was guided by the Ecological Validity Framework, while the procedural adaptation followed Barrera and Castro’s Heuristic Framework, incorporating iterative refinement based on user feedback and contextual considerations.

Results

Al-Khaizuran DHI was found to be a culturally relevant and acceptable intervention for Jordanian adolescent. Over half of the participants reported that the intervention was effective, empowering, and easy to use, with 51% expressing satisfaction and willingness to recommend it. However, challenges such as limited access to personal devices, privacy concerns, and participants’ reliance on shared family resources emerged as significant barriers to consistent engagement. Participants showed a preference for individualized, blended interventions, with a significant reduction in support for group CBT. No significant difference was found in depression scores between the two groups. However, the Al-Khaizuran DHI group demonstrated higher post-intervention resilience scores (p=0.026). Beliefs about the effectiveness of the intervention significantly predicted behavioral intention (p=0.022), while perceived difficulty was a barrier to adherence (p=0.015).

Conclusions

Al-Khaizuran DHI exemplifies the potential of culturally adapted digital interventions in bridging mental health care gaps in resource-limited settings. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon addressing barriers to access, enhancing program interactivity, and integrating hybrid support systems that combine digital tools with in-person guidance. Future implementations should consider strategies to actively engage parents to foster a supportive environment that promotes the well-being of adolescents.

Clinical trial registration

https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14751844, identifier ISRCTN14751844.
Effects of family socioeconomic status on the self-expectations of children under grandparenting in China
Authors: Hu QiXuan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The increasing expansion of grandparenting necessitates further study of the effects of grandparenting on child development. This study investigated the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and children’s self-expectations in households involving grandparenting, using data from the “China Family Panel Studies” (CFPS). The CFPS is a national, large-scale, multidisciplinary social tracking survey conducted by the Institute of Social Science Survey (ISSS) at Peking University.

Methods

The analysis drew on data from 4,946 children aged 6-16 and their families, collected from CFPS2016 to CFPS2018. To determine whether grandparenting was involved, responses from the Children’s parents’ questionnaire were used. Any caregiving arrangement involving grandparents-whether during the day, at night, or both-was classified as grandparenting. Correlational and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between family SES and children’s self-expectations.

Results

The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between family SES and children’s self-expectations, including its various dimensions, in both groups of families. Additionally, family SES was found to negatively predict children’s self-expectations. A potential explanation for this result is that children from low-income families may have a stronger desire to improve their environmental and social circumstances, fostering greater internal motivation and higher self-expectations. In comparison to families without grandparenting, those with grandparenting had significantly lower family SES, children’s self-expectations, parent-child communication, and parental marital status, with more students studying in non-elite schools. Parent-child communication and residential areas for children can positively predict children’s self-expectations in both groups of families.

Discussion

These findings highlight the significance of family SES and the influence of multiple factors for raising the self-expectations of children under grandparenting. Thus, to improve the quality of life for children under grandparent care and promote their physical and mental health requires a multi-level approach involving the state, society, and individuals within the family.
Utilization of preventative health checkup services in China among middle-aged and older adult population: evidence from China’s 28 provinces
Authors: Shen Jingyu , Fang Weiji , Zhu Yating , Ye Chunli , Zhu Yanhua , Tao Yanling
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Research on the utilization of outpatient and inpatient medical and health services for residents and the factors influencing them is well established, however, there are fewer relevant studies analyzing the utilization of preventive health check-up services for middle-aged and older adult people in China. In this study, we hope to understand the utilization of preventive health care services and identify the factors that influence such utilization, thereby providing insights for health policy and resource allocation.

Methods

The study uses data from the 2020 CHARLS survey, including 17,200 participants aged 45 and older.

Results

Approximately 47.3% of middle-aged and older adult individuals had at least one health checkup. Utilization was significantly influenced by age, area of residence, education level, social insurance, health insurance, personal income, presence of chronic diseases, and life satisfaction. Older adults, urban residents, and individuals with higher income or chronic conditions were more likely to utilize health checkup services.

Conclusion

There are significant urban–rural disparities in the utilization of health checkup services among middle-aged and older adult people in China. Future health policies should prioritize rural areas and disadvantaged groups to improve equity and accessibility of health services.
Universal capillary screening for chronic autoimmune, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: feasibility and acceptability of the UNISCREEN study
Authors: Angiulli Sara , Merolla Aurora , Borgonovo Elisa , De Lorenzo Rebecca , Spadoni Serena , Fontana Barbara , Manganaro Giuseppina , Rela Elena , Bongiovanni Alberto , Peracino Rita , Bellino Chiara , Pata Giulia , Bianconi Eleonora , Martinenghi Sabina , Ulivi Francesca , Renzi Cristina , Bosi Emanuele ,   UNISCREEN Study Group
Published: February 2025

Background

UNISCREEN is a general population study aiming at evaluating feasibility and acceptability of universal screening for chronic autoimmune (type 1 diabetes and celiac disease) and metabolic/cardiovascular diseases (dysglycemia, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension) across all age groups using capillary blood sampling by fingerprick to measure disease risk markers.

Methods

UNISCREEN was conducted in the Cantalupo fraction, Cerro Maggiore, Milan, Italy, counting 3,061 inhabitants between 1 and 100 years of age. Participation was voluntary, following a public call. Participants were invited to respond to feasibility and acceptability questionnaires immediately before and after the screening procedures, which included the following: capillary blood drawing for immediate measurement of metabolic parameters (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total-, HDL- and calculated LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and late autoantibody assays; blood pressure measurement; brief consultation with a physician providing feed-back on immediate results and health recommendations. The study was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05841719.

Results

The study included 1,535 participants (50.1% of local population). A single fingerprick was sufficient for all measurements in 47.1% of cases, while up to two were necessary in 86.9% of cases. Complete glucose and lipid panels were obtained in 1382 participants (90.0%). Sufficient serum for late autoantibody testing was obtained in 99.7% of participants. The questionnaires showed overall satisfaction, with over 90% of participants considering capillary sampling simple and practical, and preferring it to venous sampling. Before screening, 24.0% adults and 31.7% children’s parents were worried about the possibility of being diagnosed or identified as being at risk; worries decreased to 21.3 and 23.4%, respectively, after medical consultation. The immediacy of some result communication possibly contributed to reducing the anticipatory anxiety.

Conclusion

The UNISCREEN study shows that universal screening for chronic autoimmune, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in the general population using capillary blood testing is feasible and acceptable.
Exploring the restorativeness of different hydrodynamic landscapes in world natural heritage sites
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Tongyao , Chen Zexuan , He Qianyi , Luo Ke , Li Jinpeng , Yang Yanbin , Zhang Qingjie , Wang Xuan , Han Limin , Chen Mingze , Zhao Fupei , He Xiaoqing , Cao Saixin , Xu Xiaoqing , Wang Guangyu , Li Xi
Published: February 2025

Audiovisual environmental perception has been the focus of numerous empirical studies. This study employs virtual reality (VR) to explore how different hydrodynamic waterscapes in Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site affect physiological and psychological restoration in youth. According to the results, audiovisual interactions, particularly with water sounds and birdsongs, significantly enhance physiological restoration compared to visuals alone. High-intensity hydrodynamic landscapes, regardless of birdsongs, exhibit the highest physiological restoration. There is a linearly positive correlation between physiological restorativeness and hydrodynamic landscapes. Medium-intensity hydrodynamic landscapes with rich forms are most psychologically restorative. In low-medium-intensity settings, visuals contribute more to psychological restoration than soundscapes. It is further found that waterscapes rich in flora and fauna feature a higher level of biodiversity. In the waterscapes with both elements of vegetation and water, the restorativeness of plant and animal resources is greater than that of water. This work highlights the need to focus on the application of different hydrodynamic landscapes in urban areas and the conservation of World Heritage Sites.
Evaluating ChatGPT-4's performance on oral and maxillofacial queries: Chain of Thought and standard method
Authors: Ji Kaiyuan , Wu Zhihan , Han Jing , Zhai Guangtao , Liu Jiannan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Oral and maxillofacial diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide. With the continuous advancement of Artificial Intelligence technologies, particularly the application of generative pre-trained transformers like ChatGPT-4, there is potential to enhance public awareness of the prevention and early detection of these diseases. This study evaluated the performance of ChatGPT-4 in addressing oral and maxillofacial disease questions using standard approaches and the Chain of Thought (CoT) method, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities, potential, and limitations.

Materials and methods

Three experts, drawing from their extensive experience and the most common questions in clinical settings, selected 130 open-ended questions and 1,805 multiple-choice questions from the national dental licensing examination. These questions encompass 12 areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Maxillofacial Tumors and Salivary Gland Diseases, and maxillofacial Infections.

Results

Using CoT approach, ChatGPT-4 exhibited marked enhancements in accuracy, structure, completeness, professionalism, and overall impression for open-ended questions, revealing statistically significant differences compared to its performance on general oral and maxillofacial inquiries. In the realm of multiple-choice questions, the application of CoT method boosted ChatGPT-4's accuracy across all major subjects, achieving an overall accuracy increase of 3.1%.

Conclusions

When employing ChatGPT-4 to address questions in oral and maxillofacial surgery, incorporating CoT as a querying method can enhance its performance and help the public improve their understanding and awareness of such issues. However, it is not advisable to consider it a substitute for doctors.
Enjoy it! Cosmetic try-on apps and augmented reality, the impact of enjoyment, informativeness and ease of use
Authors: Micheletto V. , Accardi S. , Fici A. , Piccoli F. , Rossi C. , Bilucaglia M. , Russo V. , Zito M.
Published: February 2025

Virtual Try-On cosmetics apps based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology can improve both consumer product evaluation and purchase decisions, while also supporting companies’ marketing strategies. This study explores the factors influencing the use of AR-based cosmetics apps by administering the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and additional scales on a sample of 634 Italian consumers. Perceived Informativeness (PI) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) were hypothesized as predictors of TRUST, DOUBT, Makeup Involvement (MI), Perceived Diagnosticity (PD), and Behavioral Intention (BI), with Perceived Enjoyment (PE) acting as a mediating variable. The structural equation model (SEM) confirmed PI as a strong predictor, with PE serving as a key mediator. The findings suggest that a moderate level of PE and PEOU is ideal - excessive simplicity or playfulness increases DOUBT and decreases TRUST. Both PD and BI are positively affected by the AR experience, with their coexistence being crucial for effective app usage. Additionally, PI, mediated by PE, significantly influences BI, emphasizing the role of information in consumer decision-making. These results provide valuable insights for the cosmetics industry, offering guidance to refine user experiences and enhance consumer engagement and satisfaction.
Factors affecting the risk of gender-based violence among 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth: a scoping review of climate change-related vulnerabilities
Authors: Parzniewski Szymon , Luo Xing , Ru Siyu , Ozbilge Nevcihan , Breen Kyle , Wu Haorui
Published: February 2025

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive and growing issue that affects diverse populations worldwide. This study aimed to synthesize the factors affecting the risk of GBV among 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth. A scoping review was conducted using international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest, PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost) since 2009. The studies were independently appraised by two reviewers guided by the PRISMA approach. Ninety-nine articles focusing on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, GBV, and adolescents or youth were included for the review. The factors affecting the risk of GBV among 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth were categorized into (1) Wellbeing and mental health; (2) Disparities compared to cisgender youth; (3) Perpetration and victimization; (4) Different types of violence; and (5) Differences among 2SLGBTQIA+ subgroups. The studies further showed relevance to climate-related stressors such as displacement and resource scarcity, and how those can further amplify the vulnerabilities of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to GBV. The findings revealed the necessity for multi-level strategies that account for the compounded risks faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth, including those introduced by environmental crises. These five factors related to GBV among 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth should be considered by social work professionals when working with at-risk populations. Due to limited robust evidence (from countries outside the US) and the diverse contexts of the selected studies, future research is needed to minimize GBV among 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents and youth, especially as climate change introduces new layers of vulnerability.

Systematic review registration

10.37766/inplasy2024.4.0008
Characterizing avocado production systems for Ugandan exports: the need for consolidation and support for sustainable development
Authors: Sseruwagi Peter , Lehmann Edouard , Sigombe Paul , Ddamulira Gabriel , Van Casteren Jan Willem , De Bauw Pieterjan
Published: February 2025

Hass avocado production and trade are rapidly expanding globally, with increasing consumer demands on quality, safety and sustainability. Last decade, the contribution of East Africa has increased tremendously following several comparative advantages. However, despite substantial recent public and private investments, Uganda’s Hass production and export lags behind neighboring countries. This is mainly due to the sector’s limited organization, resulting in a fragmented market with varying socio-economic, environmental, and agronomic conditions. Consequently, the limited data and insights on these variable production systems negatively impact the effectiveness of interventions and investments in the sector. In this study, Hass avocado producers were randomly selected across Uganda. Field visits included farm and field surveys, GPS mapping of production areas, and soil sampling for wet-chemistry analysis. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression, and ANOVA were used to assess the impact of farm and field characteristics on production practices and access to advisory services and certification. Farming systems and dynamics were characterized by assessing demographics, economic data, marketing, farmer organization, and farming practices including soil and nutrient management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and post-harvest management. Results show a fragmented and immature but expanding Hass sector in Uganda. Production mostly occurs in small- to medium-sized fields with no or limited inputs (i.e., fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation), using manual labor (family or hired) under mixed cropping systems, but lacking critical infrastructure, agronomic knowledge, extension services, and access to markets. In contrast to farmer’s belief that soils are suitable and fertile for Hass avocado, soil analyses indicate the urgent need for site specific soil management interventions. Implementation of good agronomic practices and access to inputs and advisory services seem mostly related to farm and field size, and to a lesser extent influenced by farmer age, orchard age, and agroecology, while membership of farmer organizations/associations currently seem to bring limited benefits. This study highlights several comparative advantages and opportunities for the Hass sector in Uganda and identifies the priority challenges to be tackled in future investments and interventions targeting a sustainable avocado industry.
Effect of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria on the microbiome of soybean roots
Authors: de Andrade da Silva Maura Santos Reis , de Carvalho Lucas Amoroso Lopes , Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , da Silva Cleudison Gabriel Nascimento , Pinheiro Daniel Guariz , Zonta Everaldo , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The effect of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria on the microbiome of soybean roots was investigated in a field experiment. Soybean plants were inoculated with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus aryabhattai, Streptomyces sp., and Saccharopolyspora spinosa and compared to a control treatment that received mineral fertilization.

Methods

The yield parameters and endophytic microbiome of soybean roots were evaluated.

Results

No significant differences in yield were observed among the treatments, suggesting that microbial inoculation can serve as an alternative to mineral fertilization without compromising productivity. Among the most abundant genera, there was a high prevalence of members of the phylum Proteobacteria (21 of the top 25 genera). Overall, the genera of these phyla represented 88.61% of the samples on average. There were also genera in the phyla Bacteroidetes (2/25), Actinobacteria (1/25), and Firmicutes (1/25). The massive presence of Bradyrhizobium, which represented 71.22% of the sequences at the genus level, was remarkable. Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant genus in all samples, except for Saccharopolyspora spinosa (ST treatment), whose abundance was only 12.66%. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed changes in the microbial community structure and genera considered as hubs.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate the potential of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria to modulate the root microbiome and enhance the colonization of B. japonicum, which may contribute to improving the efficiency of this symbiont in promoting plant growth. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these interactions and their implications for soybean productivity.
Laparoscopic suture repair for perforated peptic ulcer disease: a meta-review and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Panin S. I. , Nechay T. V. , Sazhin I. V. , Melnikov-Makarchuk K. Yu. , Sazhin A. V. , Puzikova A. V. , Akinchits A. N. , Bykov A. V.
Published: February 2025

Background

The number of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses in surgery is growing exponentially. Meta-epidemiology, as a form of evidence synthesis, allows for the pooling of data and assessment of the diversity present in multiple and overlapping SRs.

Aim of the research

This study aimed to summarize evidence from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials and reanalyze outcome data on laparoscopic suture repair of perforated peptic ulcers using trial sequential analysis (TSA).

Materials and methods

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, eLibrary, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched before 1 June 2024. A meta-epidemiological approach and TSA were used.

Results

In total, 16 relevant Cochrane and non-Cochrane SRs that addressed laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcers (PPUs) were identified and critically appraised. Three overlapping reviews of RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Their pooled results showed a lower postoperative pain score after laparoscopic repair compared with open closure on postoperative day 1 as the only significant outcome. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes. The re-analyses of meta-analytic findings and adjustments of sample size by TSA confirmed that laparoscopic repair was associated with less postoperative pain [100% of the diversity-adjusted required information size (DARIS) was reached]. The calculated DARIS for operative time and hospital stay were 40.1% and 14.6%, respectively, and the TSA showed neither significant benefit nor harm of laparoscopic surgery in the attained information size in the meta-analysis. Further trials with regard to mortality, surgical site infection, and intra-abdominal abscess are not very promising because the DARIS did not exceed 5% after combining the results of eight RCTs.

Conclusion

Summarization of evidence from systematic reviews and reanalysis using TSA confirmed sufficient evidence for only one outcome, namely, that laparoscopic suture repair of PPUs is accompanied by lower pain scores at 24–72 h. Regarding the issues of postoperative complications and mortality, achieving DARIS through additional studies seems unpromising.
Comparative biomechanical analysis of monocortical and bicortical polyaxial screw rod fixation in canine lumbar vertebral stabilization
Authors: Guevar Julien , Voumard Benjamin , Bergman Robert , Precht Christina , Forterre Franck
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical properties of polyaxial screws-rod fixation (PSR) in stabilizing a single vertebral motion unit (VMU) fracture model and to compare the effectiveness of different stabilization techniques such as monocortical and bicortical.

Methods

A total of 12 thoracolumbar vertebral column specimens were harvested from canine cadavers. These specimens were divided into two groups based on the stabilization technique applied: a monocortical group and a bicortical group. Each group underwent biomechanical testing to assess flexion/extension and lateral bending motions. The range of motion (ROM), neutral zone (NZ), and stiffness were measured for each lumbar VMU in three conditions: intact, fractured with unilateral stabilization, and fractured with bilateral stabilization.

Results

In the 3-column fracture model, PSR was unable to restore the ROM of an intact spine in flexion/extension. In lateral bending, only bilateral PSR successfully approached the ROM of the intact spine. Notably, PSR failures were observed in four specimens when applied as monocortical and unilateral stabilization.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that even bilateral PSR does not fully restore the intact spine's ROM in canine fracture models, highlighting the need for further research to optimize stabilization techniques. The current study demonstrates that a single 3-column lumbar fracture model VMU cannot be adequately stabilized using PSR in a canine model, suggesting potential limitations in both monocortical and bicortical approaches.
Case report: In vivo detection of neutrophil extracellular traps in a dog with thrombosis induced by bacterial vasculitis
Authors: Kim Ju-Yun , Han Hyun-Jung
Published: February 2025

This case report describes NETosis as a cause of thrombosis in an 18.3 kg, 8-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog with bacterial vasculitis. The dog presented with sudden paresis of the thoracic limb, characterized by cyanosis, absent arterial pulse, and decreased peripheral blood glucose levels. Doppler ultrasound confirmed thrombosis in the dorsal common digital artery. Histopathology post-amputation revealed bacterial vasculitis, thrombosis, and infarction, with immunohistochemical staining identifying extracellular citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), indicative of NETs involvement. Treatment included antibiotics, pentoxifylline, and anticoagulants, showing transient improvement before disease progression and euthanasia due to respiratory signs. These findings suggest NETs as a potential therapeutic target for bacterial vasculitis in similar cases.
Exhaled propofol monitoring for plasma drug prediction in rats
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Chang Pan , Liu Xing , Kang Yi , Zhao Zhongjun , Duan Yixiang , Zhang Wensheng
Published: February 2025

While propofol can be detected in exhaled breath in rats, robust evidence supporting its correlation with plasma concentrations or its use in predicting plasma levels remains lacking. In this study, eighteen mechanically ventilated rats were divided into three groups and injected with low (Group BL, n = 6), medium (Group BM, n = 6), or high (Group BH, n = 6) doses of propofol. The propofol concentration in exhaled breath (Ce-pro) was determined online using vacuum ultraviolet time-of-flight mass spectrometry (VUV-TOF MS), while the propofol concentration in plasma (Cp-pro) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatograph. The results indicated that after propofol injection, the peak Ce-pro was 5.87 ± 1.67 ppbv, 16.54 ± 7.22 ppbv, and 25.40 ± 3.68 ppbv, respectively. Across the different dose groups, Cmax of Ce-pro and Cp-pro were linearly correlated (PBL = 0.032, PBM = 0.031, PBH = 0.049). Tmax of Ce-pro was 1.22 ± 0.17 min, 1.28 ± 0.13 min, and 1.33 ± 0.01 min, respectively (P = 0.341), similar to the Tmax of Cp-pro (1.00 ± 0.00 min). After natural logarithm transformation, the correlation between LN(Ce-pro) and LN(Cp-pro) was well fitted by a linear model, with RBL2 = 0.94, RBM2 = 0.95, RBH2 = 0.98, and RALL2 = 0.96. Using the obtained regression equation LN(Cp-pro) = 1.42*LN(Ce-pro)-1.70, the predicted Cp-pro values showed excellent agreement with the actual values within groups (ICCBL = 0.92; ICCBM = 0.97, ICCBH = 0.99, all P < 0.001). This study demonstrates a strong correlation between exhaled and plasma propofol concentrations in rats, indicating that exhaled concentrations can be effectively used to estimate plasma levels.
A Levelized Multiple Workflow Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time Allocation Model for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Cloud Environment
Authors: Bano Farheen , Ahmad Faisal , Shahid Mohammad , Alam Mahfooz , Hasan Faraz , Sajid Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Cloud computing, a superset of heterogeneous distributed computing, allows sharing of geographically dispersed resources across multiple organizations on a rental basis using virtualization as per demand. In cloud computing, workflow allocation to achieve the optimum schedule has been reported to be NP-hard. This paper proposes a Levelized Multiple Workflow Heterogeneous Earliest Finish Time (LMHEFT) model to optimize makespan in the cloud computing environment. The model has two phases: task prioritization and task allocation. The task prioritization phase begins by dividing workflows into the number of partitions as per the level attribute; after that, upward rank is employed to determine the partition-wise task allocation order. In the allocation phase, the best-suited virtual machine is determined to offer the lowest finish time for each task in partition-wise mapping to minimize the workflow task’s completion time. The model considers the inter-task communication between the cooperative workflow tasks. A comparative performance evaluation of LMHEFT has been conducted with the competitive models from the literature implemented in MATLAB, i.e., heterogeneous earliest finish time (HEFT) and dynamic level scheduling (DLS), on makespan, flowtime, and utilization. The experimental findings indicate that LMHEFT surpasses HEFT and DLS in terms of makespan 15.51% and 85.12% when varying the number of workflows, 41.19% and 86.73% when varying depth levels, and 13.74% and 80.24% when varying virtual machines, respectively. Further statistical analysis has been carried out to confirm the hypothesis developed in the simulation study by using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and the Kruskal–Wallis test.
The Impact of Land Use Types on the Soil Erosion Resistance in the Arid Valley Region of Southwest China
Authors: Li Jinhuan , Liu Shoujiang , Yang Dan , Suo Fei , Yu Yushou , Wang Zihao , Liao Qihua
Published: February 2025

Changes in land use can alter the physicochemical properties of soil, thereby leading to variations in soil erosion resistance. In the past few decades, land use has changed very rapidly in the arid valley region in the Anning River Basin of Southwest China, but the impact of these changes on soil erosion resistance is still not yet clear. Thus, five typical land use types in this region, namely woodland, cropland, orchard land, abandoned land, and grassland, have been selected to explore the impact of land use types on soil erosion resistance, including factors such as the mean weight diameter (MWD), dispersion rate (DR), clay ratio (CR), soil organic carbon cementing agent index (SCAI), soil structure stability index (SSSI), K-factor, and comprehensive soil erosion resistance (CSER). The results showed that the land use type had a significant effect on soil erosion resistance, but the intensity of its influence varied across each soil erosion resistance index. Generally, woodland, abandoned land, and grassland demonstrated higher erosion resistance compared to cropland and orchard land. Additionally, surface soil exhibited stronger erosion resistance compared to subsoil, with the impact of land use types primarily concentrated in the surface soil layers. Moreover, soil organic matter content (SOM) emerged as the primary factor influencing soil erosion resistance. The research results can provide valuable guidance for regional land-use planning, aiming to reduce soil erosion and enhance the ecosystem’s service capacity, and can provide a theoretical basis for trade-offs between ecosystem services and food security.
Disentangling Taxonomic Complexity in the Native Range: Morphological and Genetic Differentiation Among Subspecies of Taeniatherum caput-medusae (Poaceae)
Authors: Hinkle Morgan L. , Sforza René F. H. , Smith James F. , Serpe Marcelo D. , Novak Stephen J.
Published: February 2025

The timely and accurate identification of invasive species is a critical first step in recognizing the threats that they present in their new habitats. The accurate identification of an invasive species, however, can prove difficult if that species displays taxonomic complexity in its native range, i.e., it consists of morphologically similar subspecies. Across its native range, the grass Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead) exhibits taxonomic complexity: three subspecies have been recognized. As part of our ongoing research to better understand the invasion of T. caput-medusae in the western United States, the accurate identification of these three subspecies is a requisite first step. Plants from each native population were grown in a greenhouse common garden, harvested at maturity, and measured using five previously described morphological characteristics. Three characteristics, glume length, glume angle, and palea length, were found to be statistically significant, and are diagnostic in differentiating the three subspecies. The results for the two other characteristics were not significantly different, although conical cell prominence was only slightly non-significant (p = 0.0532). Genetic differentiation among native populations of T. caput-medusae was assessed using allozymes as molecular markers. Results of an UPGMA cluster diagram based on allozyme data indicate that subspecies crinitum is genetically differentiated from the other two, some populations of subspecies caput-medusae and asperum co-occur within a cluster, and subspecies asperum is the most variable. Results of the analysis of multilocus genotypes are generally consistent with the UPGMA diagram (e.g., subspecies caput-medusae and asperum share six multilocus genotypes). Our findings confirm the need for a better understanding of the taxonomic complexity that can be found within the native ranges of invasive species.
Impact of Polymer-Coated Controlled-Release Fertilizer on Maize Growth, Production, and Soil Nitrate in Sandy Soils
Authors: Morrow Morgan , Sharma Vivek , Singh Rakesh K. , Watson Jonathan Adam , Maltais-Landry Gabriel , Hochmuth Robert Conway
Published: February 2025

Polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers’ (CRFs) unique nutrient release mechanism has the potential to mitigate the leaching of mobile soil nutrients, such as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N). The study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a polymer-coated CRFs to maintain maize (Zea mays L.) crop growth/health indicators and production goals, while reducing NO3-N leaching risks compared to conventional (CONV) fertilizers in North Florida. Four CRF rates (168, 224, 280, 336 kg N ha−1) were assessed against a no nitrogen (N) application and the current University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommended CONV (269 kg N ha−1) fertilizer rate. All CRF treatments, even the lowest CRF rate (168 kg N ha−1), produced yields, leaf tissue N concentrations, plant heights, aboveground biomasses (AGB), and leaf area index (LAI) significantly (p < 0.05) greater than or similar to the CONV fertilizer treatment. Additionally, in 2022, the CONV fertilizer treatment resulted in increases in late-season movement of soil NO3-N into highly leachable areas of the soil profile (60–120 cm), while none of the CRF treatments did. However, back-to-back leaching rainfall (>76.2 mm over three days) events in the 2023 growing season masked any trends as NO3-N was likely completely flushed from the system. The results of this two-year study suggest that polymer-coated CRFs can achieve desirable crop growth, crop health, and production goals, while also having the potential to reduce the late-season leaching potential of NO3-N; however, more research is needed to fully capture and quantify the movement of NO3-N through the soil profile. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that CRF performance was significantly influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. In 2022, temperature-driven nitrogen release aligned with crop uptake, supporting higher yields and minimizing NO3-N movement. In 2023, however, rainfall-driven variability led to an increase in NO3-N leaching and masked the benefits of CRF treatments. These analyses provided critical insights into the relationships between environmental factors and CRF performance, emphasizing the importance of adaptive fertilizer management under varying climatic conditions.
Comparative Effects of Fertilizer Efficiency Enhancers on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Wang Lingli , Wei Zhanbo , Zhang Lei , Gao Qiang
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer incorporation of efficiency enhancer is a well-established practice aiming at reducing N loss while enhancing crop yield. However, the effect of different kinds of fertilizer efficiency enhancer on N use efficiency (NUE) and gas loss are rarely compared and poorly comprehended. Here, we conducted a field experiment involving the combination of urease and nitrification inhibitor (NI), the biological inhibitor eugenol (DE) and the bioploymer poly-glutamic acid (PG) and their combinations (NI + PG, NI + DE, PG + DE) to evaluate their effects on crop yield, NUE, NH3 volatilization and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Results indicated that NI, DE, PG and their combinations significantly enhanced the crop yield, N uptake and NUE. NI, DE and PG are all effective in reducing NH3 volatilization and N2O emission, averagely decreased by 11.13%, 6.83%, 8.29%, respectively, and by 11.15%, 4.32%, 8.35%, respectively, while have no significant effects on CO2-C and CH4-C fluxes, except PG significantly increases CO2-C emission and thus global warming potential. The combination of these three efficiency enhancers has no multiply effect on maize yield, NUE and gas loss. These findings help to screen the fertilizer efficiency enhancer that can be more effectively utilized in agricultural practices and contribute to their application strategies within agricultural systems.
Challenges in Poultry Production Systems and Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Choi Janghan
Published: February 2025

Chicken is the most produced and consumed meat in the world [...]
Multidose Dalbavancin Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis for Prolonged Target Attainment in Patients Requiring Long-Term Treatment
Authors: Baiardi Giammarco , Cameran Caviglia Michela , Boni Silvia , Di Paolo Antonello , Marini Valeria , Cangemi Giuliana , Cafaro Alessia , Pontali Emanuele , Mattioli Francesca
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Dalbavancin (DAL) is a long-acting lipoglycopeptide active against Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant isolates. A growing body of evidence supports its efficacy in various difficult-to-treat infections. DAL shows time-dependent bactericidal activity in vitro at free drug concentrations equal to 4×MIC values. However, the optimal dosing scheme for achieving the PK/PD target in multidose treatment has not been fully established. Methods: Pharmacokinetic analysis was based on a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach performed in NONMEM v7.5/Pirana, while R was used for data management and graphical summaries. Final model parameters were used to simulate the plasma disposition of DAL by Monte Carlo simulations to determine the multidose DAL regimen associated with a 90% target attainment of 100% fT > 4×MIC. Results: A two-compartmental model with first-order elimination and allometric-scaled bodyweight best described DAL disposition in patients with CLcr > 30 mL/min. Monte Carlo simulations showed that two 1500 mg DAL doses 7 days apart granted an optimal PTA > 90% of 100% fT > 4×MIC up to 5, 4, and 3 weeks in patients weighting from 40–80 kg, 80–120 kg and 120–200 kg, respectively. An additional third 1500 mg dose at the above time points by weight bands may extend the optimal PTA up to 9, 7, and 6 weeks of total treatment. Conclusions: Two 1500 mg DAL doses administered 7 days apart could be a valuable starting strategy for patients of all weight classes with CLcr > 30 mL/min. In patients requiring long-term DAL treatment, the optimal timing of additional administrations should be guided by routine TDM or empirically through patients’ total body weight when TDM is unavailable.
AI-Enabled Compact and Efficient Dynamic Light Scattering System for Precise Microparticle Sizing
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Fu Shijie , Zhang Qian , Chen Xinyi , Feng Jiyu , Cui Jin , Ai Bin
Published: February 2025

A cost-effective and efficient AI-DLS framework integrating dynamic light scattering (DLS) with artificial intelligence (AI) enables precise microparticle size characterization. A compact DLS system was developed using a helium–neon laser, high-frequency photodetectors, and optimized optical components, achieving significant miniaturization—4.5% volume, 16.7% weight, and 25% cost of conventional systems. Advanced signal processing, such as Kalman filtering, improved data quality, while deep learning models (deep neural network (DNN), one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), and 2D-CNN with Gramian angular field transformations) enhanced prediction accuracy. The 2D-CNN model achieved exceptional results, with a mean absolute error of 10 nm and 99% accuracy. The AI-DLS system matched the stability and accuracy of traditional instruments, reducing test time by 80%. This scalable, low-cost solution overcomes traditional DLS limitations, offering broad accessibility for scientific and industrial microparticle characterization.
The Implications of Fremont Pottery in Montana
Authors: Loendorf Lawrence , Rodrigues Kathleen
Published: February 2025

Fremont pottery was recovered at the Valley of the Shields rock art site in Montana and dated by luminescence at circa A.D. 1500. The Fremont archaeological culture of northern Colorado and Utah is thought to have dispersed circa A.D. 1350, meaning that Montana Fremont pottery appeared late in time. Recent research suggests that the Fremont spoke a Tanoan language, and when they disbanded, major groups moved east to join the Rio Grande Pueblos, while another group, the Kiowa, who spoke a Tanoan language are believed to have moved north to the region around Yellowstone National Park. Importantly, artifacts found with Montana Fremont pottery are made of the same material type that was found in an excavation beneath a panel of Castle Gardens-style rock art figures at Valley of the Shields. These combined discoveries suggest that Montana Fremont pottery is the product of the proto-Kiowa, and they are the most likely group to have made Castle Gardens-style rock art shields.
Assessment of BTEX, PM10, and PM2.5 Concentrations in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, and the Health Risks for Security Guards and Copy Shop Employees
Authors: Kanjanasiranont Navaporn
Published: February 2025

Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and the BTEX chemical group were studied in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The occupational health risk for workers (security guards and printing machine operators) was estimated against exposure to these pollutants. The average levels of PM10, PM2.5, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) were 67.32, 40.21, and 80.93 µg/m3, respectively. Among the BTEX group, toluene was the most prevalent at all the sampling sites, with mean levels of 55.71 µg/m3. The measured toluene/benzene ratios (T/B) indicated that the potential sources of BTEX at EG, CP1, and CP2 sites were influenced by vehicular or traffic sources. The level of benzene was utilized for evaluating the risk of cancer, whereas toluene and PM2.5 were estimated for non-cancer health risk. According to the health risk assessment (at the 95% CI), security guards tended to have higher cancer risk values due to benzene (4.04 × 10−5) when compared to printing machine operators (2.41 × 10−5) due to their frequent exposure to particular sources of high concentration. Meanwhile, the non-cancer risk values were at an acceptable level for security guards and copy center employees. In order to lower the overall cancer risk levels of workers, the most effective method is to reduce the chemical concentration.
Interaction Between Atoms and Structured Light Fields
Authors: Ramakrishna Shreyas , Fritzsche Stephan
Published: February 2025

Structured light encompasses a vast variety of light fields. It has unique properties such as non-uniform transverse intensity and a polarization pattern across their beam cross-sections. In this contribution, we discuss the photoexcitation of a single ionic target system driven by different sets of structured light modes. Specifically, we provide a compilation of transition amplitudes for various structured light modes interacting with atomic systems based on the first-order perturbation theory. To illustrate this, we will choose an electric quadrupole transition (4sS1/22→3dD5/22) in the target Ca+ ion driven by a structured light field. For this particular interaction, we examine how the beam parameters affect the population of magnetic sub-levels in the atomic excited state.