bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of sound levels, secondary school student characteristics, sound types, and audiovisual interactions on the restorative potential of school environment soundscapes
Authors: Zheng Leyi , Ren Huanzhen , Shu Shan , Gao Haoyue , Fan Junxi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Soundscapes can significantly impact individuals’ physical and mental health. However, the factors influencing the perceived restorativeness of soundscapes among secondary school students remain unclear. This study aims to explore the effects of school environment sound levels, individual characteristics, types of sounds, and audiovisual interactions on the perceived restorativeness soundscape (PRS) of secondary school students.

Methods

The study design includes measurements of sound pressure levels at 36 locations across six secondary schools in the Yangling District, a questionnaire survey involving 500 secondary school students, and analyses using difference, correlation, and structural equation models.

Results

The school environmental sound level of 59 dB(A) serves as a turning point for PRS. Significant personal factors affecting students’ PRS include gender, stress level, attention level, and noise disruption. Additionally, the frequency of natural and artificial sounds generated by student movements showed a positive correlation with PRS. The combination of audiovisual stimuli was found to enhance PRS among students. Furthermore, the primary factors influencing PRS are the appropriateness of the auditory environment and visual landscape evaluation, followed by the frequency of natural sounds.

Conclusion

Therefore, optimizing school soundscapes requires careful consideration of the appropriateness of the auditory environment, as well as the interest, harmony, and attractiveness of the visual surroundings. It is also crucial to enhance the frequency of natural sounds by incorporating greenery and other strategies. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of secondary school soundscapes.
Feasibility and effectiveness of a group therapy combining physical activity, surf therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to treat adolescents with depressive disorders: a pilot study
Authors: Hearn Bettina , Biscaldi Monica , Rauh Reinhold , Fleischhaker Christian
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The high prevalence of depression among adolescents underlines the need for further research into effective treatment options. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing depressive symptoms. Recently, studies on surf therapy, as an innovative approach of physical activity, have shown promising results regarding the reduction of depressive symptoms in adults and the improvement of general mental health problems in adolescents. However, research in this area is still limited. The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a group therapy program that combines physical activity, including surf therapy, with cognitive behavioral therapy for treating depression among adolescents.

Methods

Thirty-two outpatients (28 female, four male) aged 13–18 years with a mean age of 15.58 years (SD = 1.52) and a primary diagnosis of depression were included. They participated in a 3-month group therapy program in groups of eight adolescents. The dropout rate was calculated as an aspect of feasibility. To evaluate effectiveness, depressive symptoms were assessed using the “Children's Depression Rating Scale–Revised” (CDRS-R) as the primary outcome measure at pre-program, post-program, and at 3-month follow-up. In addition, questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms [“Beck Depression Inventory II” (BDI-II)], emotion regulation strategies [“Fragebogen zur Erhebung der Emotionsregulation bei Kindern und Jugendlichen” (FEEL-KJ)] and self-esteem [“Selbstwertinventar für Kinder und Jugendliche” [SEKJ)] were administered as secondary outcome measures.

Results

Results showed a low dropout rate of 9.38% (n = 3). Depressive symptoms, assessed by the CDRS-R, were significantly reduced over time, with a large effect size. Symptom reductions were maintained at the 3-month follow-up.

Discussion

Study results suggest that the group therapy program is feasible and can reduce depressive symptoms. Further research that includes control groups is needed. As a clinical implication, novel treatment forms which integrate elements of physical activity, should be considered as a treatment option for depressed adolescents
The preschool strengths inventory: development and validation
Authors: Owens Rhea L. , Patterson Meagan M. , Multon Karen D.
Published: February 2025

There is a lack of research on young children’s strengths, likely in part due to limited tools available to identify individual strengths in early childhood. To help address this gap and provide a brief measure for parents, researchers, and practitioners, the 37-item Preschool Strengths Inventory (PSI) was developed. First, focus groups with parents were conducted to identify strengths in early childhood. Based on the results of the focus groups and a review of the research, items were developed, reviewed by experts, and tested through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The five factors identified were: Dynamic, Dependable, Caring, Inspiring, and Organized. Lastly, validity was tested and established with measures of personality traits and social skills, and the PSI’s test–retest reliability was examined. Results provide support for the content structure, reliability, and validity of the PSI. The PSI can provide the ability to study strengths beginning early in life and provide a foundation to develop strengths-focused interventions.
Development of a psychological frailty index: results from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Liu Justina Yat Wa , Fernández Daniel , Tyrovolas Stefanos
Published: February 2025

Objective

Psychological frailty, an emerging concept, lacks a standardized definition, measuring instrument, and empirical evidence in Asian (especially Chinese) populations. An effective instrument to measure psychological frailty should be urgently developed. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and initially validate a Psychological Frailty Index (PFI) based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The study assessed the applicability of the PFI to adverse health outcomes as a secondary aim.

Results

Factor analysis of the 15-item PFI extracted four factors of psychological frailty (psychological distress, cognitive decline, physical vulnerability, and memory decline). The PFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.764) and criterion validity (rho = 0.806). Psychological frailty was significantly associated with lower life expectancy (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–2.29), higher outpatient treatments (1.25, 1.03–1.51), and increased hospitalization (1.45, 1.22–1.74).

Conclusion

The PFI could be a reliable instrument for identifying psychological frailty. The PFI is a novel tool that measures health indicators of older adults at risk of increased psychological vulnerability, but it requires further validation.
Digital pathways to healthcare: a systematic review for unveiling the trends and insights in online health information-seeking behavior
Authors: Fu Yang , Han Ping , Wang Jian , Shahzad Fakhar
Published: February 2025

The importance of seeking online health information cannot be overstated when addressing public health concerns. Researchers must comprehensively review the literature on online health information seeking to fully comprehend the underlying behaviors and trends that shape this phenomenon. This systematic review utilizes bibliometric methodologies and the scientometric software CiteSpace to thoroughly analyze journals from the Web of Science core collection database (n = 2,761), providing the theoretical groundwork for future research in this field. Three main findings emerged from the analysis: first, research on online health information-seeking behavior has steadily increased, indicating that it is a hot topic in academia. Second, the convergence trend with emerging information technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and social media is changing user behavior and how people search for health information. Third, there is a growing emphasis on understanding how factors such as the digital divide, social media influence, public health initiatives, risk perception, and health anxiety affect online health information-seeking behavior. The research suggests potential areas for future investigation, such as emerging technologies, digital inequalities, social media analysis, public health implications, and psychological factors in health information-seeking. These areas have the potential to inform evidence-based interventions and advance the understanding of critical issues in healthcare.
Long-term trends in the burden of multiple myeloma in China: a Joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analysis based on GBD 2021
Authors: Zhang Yanyu , Su Quanxin , Yu Jiawen , Sun Xiuli
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy originating from plasma cells with clinical manifestations such as hypercalcemia, cytopenias (most commonly anemia) and renal failure. Here, we analyzed the disease burden and changing trends of MM in China from 1990 to 2021, aiming to provide a scientific and effective basis for the prevention and control of MM disease in China.

Methods

We extracted MM related data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021 database from 1990 to 2021. It is described according to incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs) and other indicators. Using Joinpoint regression model to analyze the long-term trends of disease burden of MM in China. Using the age-period-cohort (apc) model to analyze the impact of age, period, and birth cohort on the burden of MM.

Results

It is estimated that in 2021, there were 17,250 new cases of MM in China, with 47,004 cases and 12,984 deaths. The age-standardized incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR) and mortality rates (ASMR) per 100,000 people were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.52, 1.07), 2.19 (95% CI: 1.37, 2.90) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.81), respectively. A comparison of ASIR, ASPR and ASMR in 2021 with those in 1990 indicated an increase. The ASIR and ASMR of males are higher than those of females overall, and both were increasing with age. The ASIR exhibited a gradual upward trend, while ASPR (AAPC = 6.43, 95% CI: 5.90, 6.96) demonstrated the most substantial increase. The apc model indicated the net drift was found to be 3.70% (95%CI: 3.32, 4.08%) per year for incidence and 2.57% (95%CI: 2.24, 2.89%) per year for mortality. The effects of age, period, and cohort on the incidence and mortality rates exhibited significant variations. The incidence risk increased with age, but the mortality risk showed fluctuations.

Conclusion

The trends of MM disease burden in China continued to increase from 1990 to 2021. MM will be a major challenge for the future healthcare sector in China, where the population base is large and gradually aging.
Language writ large: LLMs, ChatGPT, meaning, and understanding
Authors: Harnad Stevan
Published: February 2025

Apart from what (little) OpenAI may be concealing from us, we all know (roughly) how Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT work (their vast text databases, statistics, vector representations, and huge number of parameters, next-word training, etc.). However, none of us can say (hand on heart) that we are not surprised by what ChatGPT has proved to be able to do with these resources. This has even driven some of us to conclude that ChatGPT actually understands. It is not true that it understands. But it is also not true that we understand how it can do what it can do. I will suggest some hunches about benign “biases”—convergent constraints that emerge at the LLM scale that may be helping ChatGPT do so much better than we would have expected. These biases are inherent in the nature of language itself, at the LLM scale, and they are closely linked to what it is that ChatGPT lacks, which is direct sensorimotor grounding to connect its words to their referents and its propositions to their meanings. These convergent biases are related to (1) the parasitism of indirect verbal grounding on direct sensorimotor grounding, (2) the circularity of verbal definition, (3) the “mirroring” of language production and comprehension, (4) iconicity in propositions at LLM scale, (5) computational counterparts of human “categorical perception” in category learning by neural nets, and perhaps also (6) a conjecture by Chomsky about the laws of thought. The exposition will be in the form of a dialogue with ChatGPT-4.
MUC5B modulation of early oral biofilm glucose metabolism
Authors: Robertsson Carolina , Davies Julia , Svensäter Gunnel , Nord Anders Bay , Norrström Niclas , Wickström Claes
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Salivary mucin MUC5B has been suggested to support eubiosis in early oral biofilms by regulating the attachment of commensals, while downregulating dysbiotic activities related to dental caries development, such as microbial carbohydrate transport and metabolism.

Methods

To investigate how the metabolism of glucose, a potential driver for dental caries, in early mono- and dual-species biofilms of oral Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus gordonii clinical isolates was affected by the presence of the complex salivary mucin MUC5B, this study employed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics with the interpretation of network integration.

Results and discussion

MUC5B reduced early attachment in the presence of glucose compared with uncoated surfaces but maintained even species distribution. This suggests that MUC5B may represent an innate mechanism to regulate biofilm eubiosis by supporting early coadhesion while regulating total biomass. All annotated metabolites were intermediates in either carbohydrate metabolism, pyruvate conversion, or amino acid metabolism, which was not unexpected in biofilm glucose metabolomes from two saccharolytic species since pyruvate conversion represents a junction point between glycolysis and amino acid metabolic chains. The 10 metabolites present in all early biofilms represent a core metabolome shared by A. naeslundii and S. gordonii. Such core metabolomes can be used to detect deviations in future studies. Significant differences in metabolite abundance elicited by the presence of MUC5B were also detected. In early biofilms where they were each present, pyruvate, ethanol, and metabolite 134 were present in significantly higher abundance in the presence of 25% MUC5B with 20 mM glucose (MUC5B + G) compared with a physiologic buffer with 20 mM glucose (PBS + G), while metabolites 84, 97, and sarcosine were present at significantly lower abundance. Metabolite 72 was unique to biofilms grown in MUC5B + G, and eight unannotated metabolites were unique to biofilms grown in PBS + G. A pathway enrichment analysis of the metabolites that were differently expressed in early A. naeslundii, S. gordonii, and dual-species biofilms grown with 20 mM glucose with or without MUC5B showed that pyruvate metabolism was significantly over-represented. Studying the metabolic interactions between commensal members of oral biofilms and modulatory effects of host factors such as glycoproteins in saliva during the metabolism of substrates that are potential drivers of dysbiosis, such as glucose, is essential to understand the roles of oral microbial ecosystems in oral health and disease.
ICEEMDAN–VMD denoising method for enhanced magnetic memory detection signal of micro-defects
Authors: Ji Shouhong , Yan Jie , Liu Yang , He Guojun
Published: February 2025

Ferromagnetic materials are extensively utilized in industrial settings where the early detection and repair of defects is paramount for ensuring industrial safety. During the enhanced magnetic memory detection of micro-defects, many interference signals appear in the detection signal, which makes it difficult to accurately extract the characteristics of the micro-defect signals, significantly affecting detection effectiveness. When improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) is employed independently for signal denoising, the noise and feature signals of the transition components are retained or removed. When variational mode decomposition (VMD) is employed independently for signal denoising, the denoising effect is restricted because of the difficulty in determining the penalty factor α and the number of decomposition layers m. To solve these problems, a denoising method for enhanced magnetic memory detection signals based on ICEEMDAN and VMD, called ICEEMDAN–VMD, is proposed in this paper. First, a comprehensive index (CI) combining information entropy (IE) and the correlation coefficient R is proposed, then the signal components obtained by performing decomposition with the ICEEMDAN method are divided into noise-dominant components, transition components, and useful signal components based on the CI. Subsequently, VMD is employed to perform secondary decomposition on the transition components obtained from the ICEEMDAN method and calculate the correlation coefficients. Ultimately, the optimal VMD components and useful signal components obtained by the ICEEMDAN method are selected for signal reconstruction to obtain a denoised signal. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the denoising effects of the ICEEMDAN–VMD, ICEEMDAN, and VMD methods were compared based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and fuzzy entropy (FE). The comparison indicated that the ICEEMDAN–VMD denoising method significantly enhanced the denoising effect, and the SNRs of the components of the magnetic field signal could be increased by up to 69.426%. The SNR of each gradient component of the magnetic field signal could be improved by up to ten times, and the FEs of the signal components and their corresponding gradient components could be reduced by 24.198%–81.011%, respectively.
Learning how to swim in 5- to 12-year-old children: a scoping review of evidence-based motor learning methods
Authors: Minkels Carola , van der Kamp John , de Vries Ralph , Beek Peter J.
Published: February 2025

Background

Swimming is widely acknowledged for its safety and health benefits. Across the world children are receiving swimming lessons in which a variety of learning methods are employed. However, little is known about the effectiveness of those methods, and a comprehensive overview of pertinent research is lacking. Such an overview is needed for both researchers and instructors seeking to improve swimming skill acquisition in children.

Objective

This scoping review aims to provide an overview of studies examining the effectiveness of motor learning methods for the acquisition of swimming skills by 5- to 12-year-old children, including an evaluation of their theoretical underpinnings, methodological quality, and core findings.

Methods

This scoping review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and followed Tricco et al.'s framework for conducting and reporting scoping reviews. Five bibliographic databases were systematically searched. Peer-reviewed studies in all languages published before 2025 were considered. Studies focusing on children with water-related fear were included. Gray literature, non-peer-reviewed studies and studies on specific groups (e.g., young, competitive swimmers or children with disabilities), or cognitive/motivational outcomes were excluded. Review selection and characterization were performed by three independent reviewers using pretested forms.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included, which were classified into three main categories: traditional motor learning methods (n = 4), contemporary methods (n = 1), and atheoretical methods (n = 18). Traditional methods focused on video-based instruction and feedback (n = 4). Contemporary methods involved a single study on a non-linear swimming program (n = 1). Atheoretical methods were further classified into learn-to-swim programs (n = 12), learning environments (n = 3), and assistive devices (n = 3). Most studies (87%) reported a positive effect of the motor learning method under investigation during practice. However, significant methodological limitations were identified. Specifically, 87% of studies did not incorporate retention or transfer tests, 35% lacked control or comparison groups, and 48% did not provide detailed descriptions of the investigated intervention(s). Additionally, 83% of studies were not explicitly grounded in theoretical frameworks, except for the video-based studies and the study on a non-linear swimming program.

Conclusion

The literature on this topic is scarce, generally atheoretical and of questionable methodological quality. Addressing these shortcomings in future research will improve the evidence-base for the effectiveness of theoretically inspired learning methods for the acquisition of swimming skills in children, and their long-term retention and transfer, which in turn might result in evidence-based innovations in swimming lessons.

Systematic Review Registration

PRISMA (RRID:SCR_018721).
Analysis of convergence trends and driving factors of environmental efficiency of pig farming in China
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhao Chang'e , Chen Silin
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aims to clarify the development characteristics, differences, and convergence trends of environmental efficiency in China’s pig industry, which helps promote the sustainable development of the pig industry.

Methods

Based on the data of 30 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2008 to 2020, this article used the super-SBM model, log (t) test, and ordered probit model to estimate the environmental efficiency and convergence trend of pig farming in China and analyzed the driving factors affecting the convergence trend.

Results

The results showed that: (1) In recent years, the environmental efficiency of pig farming in China did not reach the optimal state, and the environmental efficiency of the potential growth region was the highest, reaching 71.6%. Scale efficiency is still the key to improving the environmental efficiency of pig farming, and in the future, it is necessary to focus on improving pure technical efficiency. (2) The environmental efficiency of pig farming across China’s 30 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) converges to four clubs. Most provinces within constrained development regions and potential growth regions converge to the high-level club, while the disparities in environmental efficiency of pig farming are most pronounced in key development regions. (3) The research results of driving factors show that scale level exhibits a “U-shaped” effect on the convergence of environmental efficiency in pig farming toward high-level clubs in China, and most provinces have surpassed the inflection point. The scale level of pig farming should be appropriately improved. In addition, improving the quality of the labor force can help the environmental efficiency of pig farming converge to a high-level club.

Discussion

We propose suggestions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of pig farming, promoting the scale processes of pig farming, and strengthening regional cooperation.
Septoplasty: defining a desirable clinical outcome according to baseline symptom scores
Authors: Haye Rolf , Døsen Liv Kari , TarAngen Magnus , Gay Caryl , Pripp Are Hugo , Shiryaeva Olga
Published: February 2025

Objective

The results of septoplasty are usually reported as statistically significant improvements in baseline scores, but these may be difficult to interpret clinically. A measure called the desirable clinically important difference (DCID) has been developed to serve as a guideline to assist in clinically interpreting improvement in scores. So far, DCID has only been calculated for whole cohorts. As individual patients have different baseline and improvement scores, such measures are not helpful to individuals. Our aim was to establish a DCID according to baseline scores, which should help assess individual results.

Methods

Patients (n = 934) rated their nasal obstruction using a visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. A global rating of outcome (categorized as completely, much, or somewhat improved, unchanged, or worse) served as the anchor for postoperative evaluation. The improvement in VAS score corresponding to the “much improved” rating was defined as the borderline value between “much” and “somewhat improved.” Receiver operating characteristics were used to establish this borderline value. The DCID is the difference between the borderline and baseline VAS scores. The relative DCID is calculated by dividing the numeric DCID by the baseline VAS score. The cohort was divided into three subgroups (moderate, severe, very severe) according to preoperative severity of nasal obstruction (VAS score) for assessing the relation between DCID and baseline obstruction severity.

Results

The DCID increased with increasing severity of baseline nasal obstruction: 27.5 (moderate), 44.5 (severe), and 56.0 (very severe), as did the relative DCID: 49.6% (moderate), 56.8% (severe), and 61.3% (very severe).

Conclusion

The relative DCID can be a guide for assessing improvement following septoplasty according to baseline scores of nasal obstruction and for planning surgery. A 49% improvement from baseline is indicative of clinical success for a patient with moderately obstructed nasal breathing, whereas patients with very severe obstruction require a 61% improvement.
Collision/Obstacle Avoidance Coordination of Multi-Robot Systems: A Survey
Authors: Yang Guanghong , An Liwei , Zhao Can
Published: February 2025

Multi-robot systems (MRSs) are widely applied in the fields of joint search and rescue, exploration, and carrying. To achieve cooperative tasks and guarantee physical safety, the robots should avoid inter-robot collisions as well as robot–obstacle collisions. However, the collision/obstacle avoidance task usually conflicts with the given cooperative task, which poses a significant challenge for the achievement of multi-robot cooperative tasks. This paper provides a review of the state-of-the-art results in the collision/obstacle avoidance cooperative control of MRSs. Specifically, the latest developments of collision/obstacle avoidance cooperative control are summarized according to different planning strategies and classified into three categories: (1) offline planning; (2) receding horizon planning; and (3) reactive control. Furthermore, specific design solutions for existing reference/command governors are highlighted to demonstrate the latest research advances. Finally, several challenging issues are discussed to guide future research.
Stiffness Optimization of a Robotic Drilling System for Enhanced Accuracy in Aerospace Assembly
Authors: Xu Haiyang , Xue Jixiao , Guo Gaojie , Liu Yankai , Liu Mingqi , Zhang Deyuan
Published: February 2025

The low stiffness of robots significantly limits their applicability within the aerospace assembly and manufacturing sectors. The majority of existing research focuses on optimizing robot posture; however, the efficacy of these approaches is constrained in situations with minimal posture variation. To address this challenge, this study examines a robotic drilling system designed for use in confined spaces. An in-depth analysis of its stiffness model is conducted, and the system’s stiffness limitations are identified using the stiffness ellipsoid evaluation method. Based on the mechanical analysis of the drilling state, a stiffness enhancement method grounded in the local force closure of the end effector is proposed. This method involves locking the end effector’s expansion module with the substrate during the drilling process, thereby enabling the axial drilling forces to be jointly borne by the expansion module and the robot’s base joints. Consequently, the system’s stiffness, particularly in the axial direction, is substantially improved. A series of experiments rigorously validate the effectiveness of the proposed stiffness enhancement method. The experimental results demonstrate that the stiffness-optimized robot reduces axial deformation during drilling by a factor of ten and significantly improves hole quality and exit burr height.
Passivity-Based Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Series Elastic Actuators
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Jilong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zirong
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a passivity-based twisting sliding mode control (PBSMC) approach for series elastic actuators (SEAs). To address the time-varying position trajectory tracking control problem in SEAs, a fourth-order dynamic model is developed to accurately characterize the system. The control framework comprises an internal loop and an external loop controller, each designed to ensure precise trajectory tracking. The internal loop controller manages the second derivative of the joint trajectory position error, while the external loop focuses on the error itself. Both controllers are based on the PBSMC methodology to reduce complex nonlinear disturbances and minimize tracking errors. The finite-time convergence of the proposed method is rigorously analyzed. The performance and advantages of the method are evaluated and compared through various simulations.
Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of Rotating Trapezoidal Flexible Plate System with Large Deformation
Authors: Guo Yongbin , Guo Xian , Li Ming , Zhang Jing , Zhang Dingguo , Wu Jiajun
Published: February 2025

Origami-derived space-deployable structures have a broad application prospect in the aerospace field owing to their excellent morphology transformation performance, and they are usually large-scale and lightweight. However, their deformation increases greatly under high-speed and extreme-temperature conditions, which affects their motion and performance and possibly causes losses. So, it is crucial to perform a dynamic analysis considering key factors for the large deformation of flexible structures. In this paper, the Nodal Coordinate-based Floating Frame of Reference (NCFFR) formulation is used to build a rigid–flexible coupling dynamic model of the rotating trapezoidal flexible plate with a Miura angle. NCFFR can not only accurately describe the large deformation of flexible structures but also decouple the overall motion and flexible deformation motion naturally, and it has a potential application in vibration control and large deformation problems for flexible systems. Finally, the key structural parameters (such as Miura angle, trapezoidal plate height, and trapezoidal plate length) are adopted to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the flexible plate system. The simulations reveal that the Miura angle significantly affects the dynamic characteristics of the trapezoidal flexible plate system. The complex “loci veering” phenomenon is captured, with mode shifts between different modal frequencies. As the Miura angle increases, the peak acceleration when the Miura angle is 95° is notably larger than the others, and when the flexible plate is in the stage of uniform rotation, the peak velocity at which the Miura angle is 80° is significantly greater than that of 85° and 75°. The structural parameters (bottom length, height, thickness) have diverse influences on the modal characteristics of the trapezoidal flexible plate.
Decoding the Secrets of Agricultural Light, Heat, and Water Resources in Beijing Under Climate Change: Spatio-Temporal Variations on a Small Scale and Future Prospects
Authors: Liu Hongrun , Tian Yanan , Zhao He , Liu Song , Zhu Ning , Wang Yanfang , Li Wei , Sun Dan , Wang Tianqun , Li Lifeng , Wu Shangjun , Wang Fudong , Lei Xihong
Published: February 2025

As an international metropolis, Beijing still plays a key role in the development of national agricultural production technology despite its small regional scale. Climate change has a great impact on agricultural production. Previous studies often focus on a single short-term meteorological factor and lack a more systematic analysis of climate resources in Beijing. Based on the daily temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed and sunshine hours of 17 meteorological stations in Beijing in the past 42 years, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of agro-climatic resources and predicted the future climate change trend under different climate scenarios. The climate resource tendency rate is calculated on a time scale of every ten years (10a). The results showed that (1) the light resources are decreasing at a rate of 44.9~156.3 MJ m−2 10 a−1, and the downward trends in light resources in the northeastern plain areas as well as in June and July are more significant; (2) the thermal resources are increasing at a rate of 34.2~176.4 °C·d 10 a−1, and the upward trends in thermal resources in the southeastern plain areas and in March are more remarkable; (3) the water resources represented by the soil humidity index are changing at a rate of −1.6~6.1% 10 a−1. The situation is complex, and the fluctuations of water resources in the central and western regions as well as in July, August and September are more significant; and (4) compared with the low-emission “dual carbon” scenario, the decrease in water volume and the overall increase in temperature in the high-carbon scenario are larger, and this trend is particularly obvious in the long run. This study provides a basis for Beijing’s agricultural layout and response to climate change, and its methods and results are also valuable for other regions to promote green, high-quality and sustainable agricultural development.
The Effects of Dried Apple Pomace on Fermentation Quality and Proteolysis of Alfalfa Silages
Authors: Dai Tongtong , Long Jiangyu , Zhang Guanjun , Yuan Xianjun , Dong Zhihao
Published: February 2025

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of dried apple pomace (DAP) on the fermentation characteristics and proteolysis of alfalfa silages. The alfalfa was ensiled with (1) no additives (control), (2) 5% DAP, (3) 10% DAP and (4) 15% DAP based on fresh weight (FW) for 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, respectively. With the increasing proportion of DAP, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, lactic acid (LA) and dry matter (DM) content linearly (p < 0.05) increased, while the pH, the content of acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) linearly (p < 0.05) decreased during ensiling. The 10% and 15% DAP silages had significantly (p < 0.05) lower aerobic bacteria (AB), yeast and enterobacteria counts than the control during ensiling. The contents of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), peptide nitrogen (peptide-N) and free amino acid nitrogen (FAA-N) and activities of carboxypeptidase, aminopeptidase and acid proteinase linearly (p < 0.05) decreased as DAP proportion increased during ensiling. On day 60, the addition of DAP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the contents of tryptamine, phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine, spermine and total biogenic amines compared with the control. As the DAP ratio increased, the contents of threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic, total amino acids, crude protein (CP) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) linearly (p < 0.05) increased, while the contents of glycine, alanine, cysteine, and proline linearly (p < 0.05) decreased on day 60. Overall, the addition of 15% DAP was optimal as indicated by better fermentation quality and less proteolysis than other treatments.
Cumulative Ecological Impact of Cascade Hydropower Development on Fish Community Structure in the Main Stream of the Xijiang River, China
Authors: Zhu Yuansheng , He Jiayang , Xiong Fangyuan , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Jiajun , Li Yusen , Lin Yong , He Anyou , Wang Dapeng , Han Yaoquan
Published: February 2025

In recent decades, dams worldwide are increasingly constructed in a row along a single river or basin, thus forming reservoir cascades, and in turn producing cumulative ecological effects along these areas. The use of multimetric indices (MMI) based on fish assemblages to assess the ecological health status of rivers and lakes has also been extensively developed. However, to date, there are no studies that employ MMI for the identification of the cumulative effects of reservoir cascades. The aim of this study was to develop a new Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (F-IBI) that can effectively identify the cumulative effects of reservoir cascades on fish assemblages in two important habitats (the free-flowing reach between reservoirs and the transition zone in the reservoir). Fish assemblages from 12 sites were sampled along the cascade reservoirs in the Xijiang River, China. First, through screening for redundancy, precision, and responsiveness of the candidate metrics, a new F-IBI based on ecological trait information of fish species composition was developed to estimate the ecological status of all sites. F-IBI scores exhibited an obviously downward trend from upstream to downstream in a reservoir cascade, and the transition zones in the reservoir displayed significantly lower F-IBI scores than the free-flowing reaches between reservoirs. Secondly, using Random Forest models, it was shown that the F-IBI can effectively identify the cumulative effects of the reservoir cascades on fish assemblages. Furthermore, we also demonstrated metric-specific responses to different stressors, particularly the multiple reservoir cascades, which showed the following: (1) The F-IBI index system developed based on the Random Forest model can effectively identify the superimposed effects of cascade power stations on fish integrity changes, with the cumulative time effect and the GDP index of river segments playing a key role; (2) To effectively protect the fish resources in the main stream of the Xijiang River, where priority should be given to the habitat of the natural flowing river sections between the reservoirs. At the same time, environmental regulatory policies should be formulated accordingly based on the human development status of each river section.
Comparison Between Strain and 2D Shear Wave Elastography of Testes in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Del Signore Francesca , Bucci Roberta , Vignoli Massimo , Russo Marco , Smoglica Camilla , De Bonis Andrea , Rubini Andrea , Rosto Martina , Carluccio Augusto , Robbe Domenico , Parrillo Salvatore
Published: February 2025

Sonoelastography is a rapid and non-invasive ultrasound-based technique to assess tissue elasticity. Interest in this technique’s application in veterinary medicine is progressively increasing, with preliminary reports also available to assess canine testicular parenchyma abnormalities. Since elastographic techniques are different and it is of paramount importance to standardize procedures, this work aimed to compare two different elastographic techniques, SE and 2D SWE, on the same testes and compare the data with the current literature. Thirty healthy canine testes were included, and complete B-mode, color and power Doppler examinations were performed on each one. SE was performed qualitatively through an elastogram evaluation and semiquantitatively comparing the parenchyma with peripheral skin. 2D SWE was performed and m/s measurements were taken. Each measurement was collected in the cranial, middle and caudal portions, considering the sections above and below the mediastinum separately. The healthy testes appeared to be intermediate in stiffness with differences in the various portions for SE and expressed a mean value from 1.3 m/s to 1.4 m/s for 2D SWE, consistent with the previous literature. Considering the technical specifics of the software for the two elastography methods, both of them are valuable in assessing canine testis stiffness and are potentially clinically appliable.
Whole Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals miRNAs and ceRNA Networks in Duck Abdominal Fat Deposition
Authors: Wang Zhixiu , Yang Chunyan , Dong Bingqiang , Chen Anqi , Song Qianqian , Bai Hao , Jiang Yong , Chang Guobin , Chen Guohong
Published: February 2025

Excessive deposition of abdominal fat will cause a waste of resources. In order to explore the key miRNAs and circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network involved in regulating abdominal fat deposition, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed on abdominal fat tissues of ducks in the high abdominal fat rate group (HF) and low abdominal fat rate group (LF) at 21 and 42 days of age, and whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on abdominal tissues of ducks in the HF and LF groups at 42 days of age. The results showed that the number of adipocytes in ducks in the HF group was significantly higher than that in the LF group at 21 days of age (p < 0.001), while the number of adipocytes in ducks in the HF group at 42 days of age was significantly lower than that in the LF group (p < 0.001). In addition, transcriptome sequencing screened out a total of 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (10 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated, and 4 miRNAs were significantly down-regulated). By predicting the target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs, a total of 305 target genes were obtained. Further analysis of miRNA target genes using GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses revealed that these target genes were significantly enriched in the GnRH signaling pathway, the PPAR signaling pathway, insulin resistance, the mTOR signaling pathway, the AMPK signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, and other pathways related to adipose development. In addition, miRNA-205-x, miRNA-6529-x, miRNA-194-x, miRNA-215-x, miRNA-3074-x, miRNA-2954-x, novel-m0133-3p, and novel-m0156-5p were found to be important candidate miRNAs for abdominal fat deposition in ducks. These miRNAs were related to the expression of FOXO3, LIFR, Pdk4, PPARA, FBN1, MYH10, Cd44, PRELP, Esrrg, AKT3, and STC2. Based on these eight candidate miRNAs, a ceRNA regulatory network of circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulating abdominal fat deposition was successfully constructed. The results of this study will provide a useful reference for accelerating the understanding of the molecular mechanism of duck abdominal fat deposition.
Correction: Roson-Calero et al. Cyclic Peptide MV6, an Aminoglycoside Efficacy Enhancer Against Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics 2024, 13, 1147
Authors: Roson-Calero Natalia , Lucas Jimmy , Gomis-Font María A. , de Pedro-Jové Roger , Oliver Antonio , Ballesté-Delpierre Clara , Vila Jordi
Published: February 2025

In the original publication [...]
Difficult-to-Treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Critically Ill Patients: A Comprehensive Review and Treatment Proposal
Authors: Vidal-Cortés Pablo , Campos-Fernández Sandra , Cuenca-Fito Elena , del Río-Carbajo Lorena , Fernández-Ugidos Paula , López-Ciudad Víctor J. , Nieto-del Olmo Jorge , Rodríguez-Vázquez Ana , Tizón-Varela Ana I.
Published: February 2025

The management of infections caused by difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa in critically ill patients poses a significant challenge. Optimal antibiotic therapy is crucial for patient prognosis, yet the numerous resistance mechanisms of P. aeruginosa, which may even combine, complicate the selection of an appropriate antibiotic. In this review, we examine the epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, risk factors, and available and future therapeutic options, as well as strategies for treatment optimization. Finally, we propose a treatment algorithm to facilitate decision making based on the resistance patterns specific to each Intensive Care Unit.
Bactofencin A Displays a Delayed Killing Effect on a Clinical Strain of Staphylococcus aureus Which Is Greatly Accelerated in the Presence of Nisin
Authors: O’Connor Paula M. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: February 2025

Background/objectives: Bacteriocins can be considered a novel source of natural alternatives to antibiotics or chemical food additives with the potential to fight against clinical and food pathogens. A number have already been commercialised as food preservatives, but they also have the potential to treat drug-resistant clinical pathogens and can play a role in immune modulation. To achieve their full potential, an understanding of their mode of action is required. Methods: Bactofencin A and nisin A were purified to homogeneity by reversed-phase HPLC and their effect on the mastitis pathogen Staphylococcus aureus DPC5246 was assessed by cell viability assays and flow cytometry. Results: We report that bactofencin A displays a delayed inhibitory effect against the mastitis pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus DPC5246, suggesting an unusual mode of action. This characteristic was clearly visible on BHI plate media, where formation of inhibition zones against the staphylococcal strain took 23 h compared to 6 h for the well-characterised nisin. This delayed killing and injury was also demonstrated using flow cytometry, where damage was evident 4 h after bacteriocin addition. Treatment with 2 μM bactofencin A resulted in approximately 20-fold higher numbers of injured and 50-fold higher numbers of dead cells when compared to untreated cells. Combining bactofencin A with the lantibiotic nisin A resulted in faster killing at lower bacteriocin concentrations. When combined in an equal ratio, the combination exhibited a 4-fold increase in inhibition compared to nisin A alone. These results demonstrate that the combination may be very effective in therapeutic applications against pathogenic staphylococci.
Crosstalk Between Antioxidants and Adipogenesis: Mechanistic Pathways and Their Roles in Metabolic Health
Authors: Fu Minghao , Yoon Kyung-Sik , Ha Joohun , Kang Insug , Choe Wonchae
Published: February 2025

The interplay between oxidative stress and adipogenesis is a critical factor in the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupt key transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), impairing lipid metabolism, promoting adipocyte dysfunction, and exacerbating inflammation and insulin resistance. Antioxidants, classified as endogenous (e.g., glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and exogenous (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E), are pivotal in mitigating these effects by restoring redox balance and preserving adipocyte functionality. Endogenous antioxidants neutralize ROS and safeguard cellular structures; however, under heightened oxidative stress, these defenses are often insufficient, necessitating dietary supplementation. Exogenous antioxidants derived from plant-based sources, such as polyphenols and vitamins, act through direct ROS scavenging, upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and modulation of key signaling pathways like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and PPARγ, reducing lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and adipocyte dysfunction. Furthermore, they influence epigenetic regulation and transcriptional networks to restore adipocyte differentiation and limit lipid accumulation. Antioxidant-rich diets, including the Mediterranean diet, are strongly associated with improved metabolic health, reduced obesity rates, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Advances in personalized antioxidant therapies, guided by biomarkers of oxidative stress and supported by novel delivery systems, present promising avenues for optimizing therapeutic interventions. This review, “Crosstalk Between Antioxidants and Adipogenesis: Mechanistic Pathways and Their Role in Metabolic Health”, highlights the mechanistic pathways by which antioxidants regulate oxidative stress and adipogenesis to enhance metabolic health.