bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercropping Different Legumes in Tea Plantation Improves Soil Properties and Tea Quality Components by Regulating Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms
Authors: Chen Mengjuan , Zhou Pinqian , Bao Qiang , Wang Hua , Wang Yuanjiang , Fu Haiping
Published: February 2025

Intercropping legumes is an effective and sustainable planting pattern that has the benefit of decreasing chemical fertilizer input and improving the soil environment. However, the effects of chemical fertilizer reduction and intercropping different legumes on soil nutrients, microorganisms, and tea quality remain elusive. Hereby, compared with 100% chemical fertilizer (CK), Sesbania cannabina (SC) and Crotalaria pallida Blanco (CP) were selected as the intercropped plant with 70% chemical fertilizer to investigate its effect on soil nutrients, microorganisms, and tea quality. The results showed that compared with monocropping, intercropping legumes had greater concentrations of the soil labile organic matter, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen, and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen. Intercropping systems significantly enhanced the content of non-ester-type catechins (catechin and gallocatechin) and ester-type catechins (epicatechin gallate). In SC, the content of gallocatechin, catechin, and epicatechin gallate increased by 146.67%, 107.69%, and 21.05%, respectively, while in CP, the content of these three compounds increased by 166.67%, 84.62%, and 19.08%, respectively. Significant differences in microbial composition were also observed under different systems. Actinobacteria, Rhodoplanes, and Thaumarchaeota were obviously enhanced in SC, while Rhodanobacter, Pseudolabrys, and Pedosphaera were manifestly improved in CP compared to those in the monoculture. Moreover, intercropping legumes significantly increased the abundances of CNP cycling functional genes, such as gpmB, mch, accD6, pgi-pmi, mcr, glmS, ACOX1 and fadB (carbohydrate metabolism), nirD and narI (nitrification), pmoB-amoB and hao (dissimilatory N reduction), and phoN (organic phosphoester hydrolysis). The relationship between intercropping systems and tea qualities was mainly established by soil nutrition and the abundance of C and N cycling functional microorganisms. This study provides more information on the relationship between soil nutrients, functional genes of microorganisms, and tea quality under tea/legume intercropping systems in tea plantations and offers a basis for the higher-performance intercropping pattern.
Engineering Synthetic Microbial Communities: Diversity and Applications in Soil for Plant Resilience
Authors: Tariq Arneeb , Guo Shengzhi , Farhat Fozia , Shen Xihui
Published: February 2025

Plants host a complex but taxonomically assembled set of microbes in their natural environment which confer several benefits to the host plant including stress resilience, nutrient acquisition and increased productivity. To understand and simplify the intricate interactions among these microbes, an innovative approach—Synthetic Microbial Community (SynCom)—is practiced, involving the intentional co-culturing of multiple microbial taxa under well-defined conditions mimicking natural microbiomes. SynComs hold promising solutions to the issues confronted by modern agriculture stemming from climate change, limited resources and land degradation. This review explores the potential of SynComs to enhance plant growth, development and disease resistance in agricultural settings. Despite the promising potential, the effectiveness of beneficial microbes in field applications has been inconsistent. Computational simulations, high-throughput sequencing and the utilization of omics databases can bridge the information gap, providing insights into the complex ecological and metabolic networks that govern plant–microbe interactions. Artificial intelligence-driven models can predict complex microbial interactions, while machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify key microbial taxa and their functions. We also discuss the barriers to the implementation of these technologies in SynCom engineering. Future research should focus on these innovative applications to refine SynCom strategies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of green technologies in agriculture.
Intraoperative Effect of a Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block in Cats Undergoing Ovariectomy
Authors: Dos-Santos José Diogo , Ginja Mário , Martins João , Alves-Pimenta Sofia , Ribeiro Lénio , Otero Pablo E. , Colaço Bruno
Published: February 2025

Objective: Investigate the effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in the need for additional opioid administration in response to intraoperative nociception during ovariectomy in cats. Methods: Thirty-six feral cats were randomly allocated to group control (C) or group QLB with 0.4 mL kg−1 of 0.25% bupivacaine per hemiabdomen. Hemodynamic data were collected at five intraoperative time points. A 20% increase in pulse rate or respiratory rate was treated with fentanyl. Results: Pulse rate and respiratory rate were higher in the C group compared to the QLB group during ovarian manipulation. No differences in systolic and mean arterial pressure and hypotension were comparable in both groups. The QLB group required less administration of intraoperative fentanyl than the C group at 4/16 and 10/16, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The bilateral QLB with bupivacaine led to a reduction in opioid consumption in feral cats undergoing elective ovariectomy.
A Narrative Review of the Expression and Role of Nitric Oxide in Endometriosis
Authors: Yeo Seung Geun , Oh Yeon Ju , Lee Jae Min , Kim Sung Soo , Park Dong Choon
Published: February 2025

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule involved in cellular communication and plays a critical role in various biological processes. Given its dual role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, we conducted a systematic literature review to explore its mechanisms further. Numerous studies have investigated the expression and role of NO in various diseases, including those in the field of gynecology. However, the expression and role of NO in endometriosis remain a topic of ongoing debate. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases to evaluate the induction and role of NO in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Of the 27 papers ultimately reviewed, 22 (81.4%) reported that NO contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, 3 (11.1%) suggested that NO acts as a protective mechanism against endometriosis, and 2 studies (7.4%) found no association between NO and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The expression and levels of NO in endometriosis were associated with pregnancy, infertility, menstruation, and pelvic pain. Research conducted on rats and mice demonstrated that NO, nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS play significant roles in the development of endometriosis. Most studies suggested that increased NO levels are associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Multi-Condition Constrained Pedestrian Localization Algorithm Based on IMU
Authors: Yan Xiao-Yan , Yu Chen-Lu , Guo Xiao-Ting , Kong Hui-Hua , Li Xiu-Yuan
Published: February 2025

The MEMS inertial sensors based on the pedestrian localization system assisted by the zero-velocity update (ZUPT) algorithm has gained widespread attention, due to its effective independent localization in indoor environments. However, in the realistic pedestrian localization test, the system often appears to drift because of the long-term error accumulation of inertial sensors and the limitation of the error suppression of traditional pedestrian localization algorithms. In this article, based on full analysis of existing constraint-based methods, a multi-condition constrained pedestrian localization algorithm is proposed, which integrates zero velocity detection based on phase threshold constraint, single and dual feet fusion constraint algorithms, to suppress drift and improve localization accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that the multi-condition constraint algorithm can reduce localization errors by 59% compared to the unconstrained approach, and by 42% and 26% compared to algorithms using only single-foot or dual-feet constraints, respectively. The trajectory generated from the experiments further shows that the proposed algorithm produces a trajectory that more closely aligns with the actual walking path.
A Tolerance Type Screening Method Based on Similarity Evaluation
Authors: Liu Guanghao , Huang Meifa , Tang Zhemin
Published: February 2025

In the context of automatic generation methods for tolerance specifications, the current approach entails designers subjectively selecting geometric tolerances suitable for annotation from the tolerance types generated through automatic reasoning. This process is susceptible to the occurrence of mismatches between tolerance types and product functionality. To address this issue, this paper proposes a similarity calculation and evaluation method for screening tolerance types, which retrieves tolerance types that meet design requirements from resource cases. The proposed method commences with the establishment of a case data structure, predicated on the tolerance design problem. This structure incorporates features for similarity comparison, encompassing tolerance element characteristics that determine tolerance types, part component element characteristics, topological relationship features of component elements, and usage performance. Concurrently, past tolerance specification problems and their design solutions are defined as resource cases, while new tolerance specification problems are defined as target cases. Subsequently, analogous elements for similarity assessment are identified in both resource and target cases. Utilizing these elements, a similarity calculation method is devised, based on feature sets, to compute the similarity between the target case and previous cases. Finally, through case implementation and comparative analysis, the proposed similarity evaluation method is verified to have significant advantages in case discrimination ability.
LePB-SA4RE: A Lexicon-Enhanced and Prompt-Tuning BERT Model for Evolving Requirements Elicitation from App Reviews
Authors: An Zhiquan , Wan Hongyan , Xiong Teng , Wang Bangchao
Published: February 2025

Pre-trained language models with fine-tuning (FT) have achieved notable success in aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) for automatic requirements elicitation from app reviews. However, the fixed parameters during FT progress often face challenges when applied to low-resource and noisy app review scenarios. Although prompt-tuning (PT) has gained attention in ABSA for its flexibility and adaptability, this improved performance can sometimes reduce the generalization and robustness of pre-trained models. To mitigate these issues, this study introduces LePB-SA4RE, a novel ABSA model that integrates the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) architecture with a hard template-based PT method and embeds a lexicon-enhanced dynamic modulation layer. Specifically, the activation function of this layer incorporates weights designed with sentiment-oriented dynamic parameters to enhance the sensitivity of the model to diverse sentiment inputs, and a sentiment lexicon containing three hundred thousand word–sentiment polarity pairs is embedded into the model as additional semantic cues to increase prediction accuracy. The model retains the stability benefits of Hard-prompt methods while increasing the flexibility and adaptability necessary for ABSA in requirements elicitation from app reviews. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method surpasses state-of-the-art methods on the benchmark datasets, and the generalization of the model achieved the highest relative improvements of 72% and 36.6% under low-resource data settings and simulated noisy conditions. These promising findings suggest that LePB-SA4RE has the potential to provide an effective requirements elicitation solution for user-centric software evolution and maintenance.
Impact of Crude Oil and Dispersant Use on the Baltic Sea Blue Mussel Mytilus trossulus Microbiome
Authors: Reunamo Anna , Turja Raisa , Truu Jaak , Jørgensen Kirsten S.
Published: February 2025

The Baltic Sea blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus) plays a crucial role in this brackish water ecosystem, filtering water and accumulating pollutants. This study investigated how exposure to crude oil and dispersants affects the microbiome of M. trossulus at two salinities (5.6 and 15) over 21 days. Results showed that dispersant use significantly increased the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mussel tissues, particularly at lower salinity. The microbial communities in gills and digestive glands were notably affected, with shifts towards hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria like Shewanella and Acinetobacter in samples exposed to chemically enhanced water accommodated fraction of crude oil (CEWAF). Salinity was a key factor in determining both PAH accumulation and microbial diversity, with lower salinity leading to reduced bacterial diversity in dispersant treatments. This study highlights the need for a cautious use of dispersants in sensitive environments like the Baltic Sea, emphasizing the ecological implications of altered microbial communities.
Characterization Results of Extremization Models with Interval Values
Authors: Treanţă Savin , Alsalami Omar Mutab
Published: February 2025

The present paper investigates new connections and characterization results on interval-valued minimization models. Specifically, we describe the solution set of the considered control problem with mixed constraints by employing the solution set associated with a class of controlled split variational inequalities. These equivalence results are also accompanied by suitable numerical experiments.
Objective Posterior Analysis of kth Record Statistics in Gompertz Model
Authors: Vidović Zoran , Wang Liang
Published: February 2025

The Gompertz distribution has proven highly valuable in modeling human mortality rates and assessing the impacts of catastrophic events, such as plagues, financial crashes, and famines. Record data, which capture extreme values and critical trends, are particularly relevant for analyzing such phenomena. In this study, we propose an objective Bayesian framework for estimating the parameters of the Gompertz distribution using record data. We analyze the performance of several objective priors, including the reference prior, Jeffreys’ prior, the maximal data information (MDI) prior, and probability matching priors. The suitability and properties of the resulting posterior distributions are systematically examined for each prior. A detailed simulation study is performed to assess the effectiveness of various estimators based on the performance criteria. To demonstrate the practical application of the methodology, it is applied to a real-world dataset. This study contributes to the field by providing a thorough comparative evaluation of objective priors and showcasing their impact and applicability in parameter estimation for Gompertz distribution based on record values.
Research on Group Scheduling with General Logarithmic Deterioration Subject to Maximal Completion Time Cost
Authors: Miao Jin-Da , Lv Dan-Yang , Wei Cai-Min , Wang Ji-Bo
Published: February 2025

Single-machine group scheduling with general logarithmic deterioration is investigated, where the actual job processing (resp. group setup) time is a non-decreasing function of the sum of the logarithmic job processing (resp. group setup) times of the jobs (resp. groups) already processed. Under some optimal properties, it is shown that the maximal completion time (i.e., makespan) cost is solved in polynomial time and the optimal algorithm is presented. In addition, an extension of the general weighted deterioration model is given.
An Analysis of the Continuum Hypothesis
Authors: Powell Andrew
Published: February 2025

This paper analyzes the Continuum Hypothesis, that the cardinality of a set of real numbers is either finite, countably infinite, or the same as the cardinality of the set of all real numbers. It argues (i) that the real numbers are as similar to the natural numbers as possible in the sense that the relationship between any general method of deciding membership of a set of real numbers and the cardinality of the set should be a natural generalization of the case of the same relationship in the case of a set of natural numbers; and (ii) that CH is a very strong choice principle that is maximally efficient as a principle for deciding whether a real number is in a set of real numbers in the sense that it is uniform in deciding membership for every real number in a countable number of steps. The approach taken is to formulate principles equivalent to or weaker than the Continuum Hypothesis and to use techniques from computer science (infinite binary search), information theory, and set theory to prove theorems that support theses (i) and (ii).
Evaluating the Role of Entropy Change in Lithium-Ion Battery Electro-Thermal Modelling
Authors: LeBel Félix-Antoine , Messier Pascal , Blanchard Mathieu , Trovão João Pedro F.
Published: February 2025

The accurate estimation of lithium-ion cell internal temperature is crucial for the safe operation of battery packs, especially during high discharge rates, as operating outside the safe temperature range can lead to accelerated degradation or catastrophic failures. Heat generation in lithium-ion cells arises primarily from ohmic losses and entropy change (ΔS), yet the latter remains frequently overlooked in battery modelling. However, the impact of considering or discarding ΔS from electro-thermal modelling remains subject to debate. This research highlights the critical role of ΔS in improving the accuracy of electro-thermal models for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in high-fidelity thermal simulations. It presents a systematic integration, ΔS, into electro-thermal models, leveraging the energetic macroscopic representation (EMR) approach to enhance predictive accuracy, a methodology not previously structured in this manner. This paper addresses this issue by performing a comparative analysis of an electro-thermal model (ETM) with and without ΔS. The findings provide clear insights into the role of entropy in electro-thermal modelling, demonstrating that while entropy change has a minimal impact on electrical behaviour prediction, it plays a crucial role in accurately capturing temperature dynamics, helping define the conditions under which it must be considered in simulations. While entropy can be neglected for coarse heat generation estimation, its inclusion enhances temperature prediction accuracy by up to 4 °C, making it essential for applications requiring precise thermal management. This study offers a detailed analysis of the conditions under which ΔS becomes critical to model accuracy, providing actionable guidance for battery engineers and researchers.
Design of an Efficient Model for Psychological Disease Analysis and Prediction Using Machine Learning and Genomic Data Samples
Authors: Kumuda Alparthi , Panigrahy Saroj Kumar
Published: February 2025

There is a rapid growth in mental disorders, thus leading to a pressing demand for more sophisticated diagnosis techniques. Clinical assessments and symptomatic analyses for traditional diagnostics suffer from subjectivity, delayed diagnosis, and specificity deficiencies. Therefore, this study developed the Psychological Disorders Machine Learning Genomic (PDMLG) model as an amalgamation of genetic algorithms and machine learning techniques in a predictive analysis model using genomic data samples. The two central components of the PDMLG model include the Genomic Fusion Model, which uses ensemble learning techniques like Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Neural Networks, and Deep Learning Model of Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks in processing genomic sequence data samples. The model enhanced the disease classification and early detection where the model achieved improvement in precision, recall, and specificity by 3.5% to 9.4% compared to the baseline methods Near Neighbor-Boundary Enlargement (NNBE), Collaborative Mmatrix Factorization based on Correntropy (LDCMFC), and Microsatellite Instability (MSI). The area under the curve of this model is up to 94.95%, which reflects the model’s robust performance on a variety of diseases like Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, and Alzheimer’s. In addition, the PDMLG model can indicate important genetic markers, and this is vital for understanding the genetic basis of psychological conditions that may be diagnosed early and treatment plans prepared in advance for this process. This is a step forward in personalized medicine, which could revolutionize clinical practice in mental disorders diagnostics. This would not be substituted for the established psychological or doctor evaluations. However, it was considered a complementary tool auxiliary for the professional know-how and gives data-related insights that the professional should corroborate for this.
Different Spatial Characteristic Changes in Lumbopelvic Kinematics Before and After Fatigue: Comparison Between People with and Without Low Back Pain
Authors: Xi Xin , Zhang Ling , Yu Haixin , Qin Yifei , Jia Long , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Yu Yan , Cheng Liming
Published: February 2025

Background: The lumbopelvic region plays a pivotal role in enabling various functional activities. This study quantified and compared the kinematic changes between healthy individuals and patients with recurrent low back pain (LBP) in both rested and fatigued states to gain insight into the kinematic adaptation and mechanisms underlying kinematic variations that occur in the presence of these factors. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups: the LBP (n = 23) and healthy control groups (n = 19). Dynamic lumbopelvic measurements were taken using a biplane radiography image system while the participants performed weight-bearing forward-backward bending before and after fatigue. All lumbopelvic kinematics were described as the three-dimensional motion of the vertebra relative to the pelvis and were measured at normalized time intervals from maximum extension to approximately 45° of flexion. Results: Repetitive lifting- and lowering-induced fatigue significantly affected lumbopelvic kinematics in the anterior/posterior translation (mm) and rotation around the z-axis in both healthy individuals and patients with LBP (p < 0.05). In healthy individuals, significant differences occurred in approximately 13–83% of the forward-backward bending cycle (0–100%), whereas, in patients with LBP, significant differences mainly occurred in 61–93% of the cycle (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The lumbopelvic kinematic changes observed in both LBP patients and healthy individuals after fatigue may indicate protective compensation or vulnerability and could play a role in LBP dysfunction.
Possible Anti-Aging and Anti-Stress Effects of Long-Term Transcendental Meditation Practice: Differences in Gene Expression, EEG Correlates of Cognitive Function, and Hair Steroids
Authors: Wenuganen Supaya , Walton Kenneth G. , Travis Frederick T. , Stalder Tobias , Wallace R. Keith , Srivastava Meera , Fagan John
Published: February 2025

Background: Our previous comparison of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from long-term Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) practitioners and matched non-practitioner controls found 200 differentially expressed (DE) genes. Bioinformatics analyses of these DE genes suggested a reduced risk of diseases associated with stress and aging in the TM group. Here we assessed additional signs of reduced stress and aging. Methods: A sample of 15 of the 200 DE genes was studied using qPCR in PBMCs from 40-year TM practitioners (“Old TM”, n = 23) compared to a “Young Control” group (n = 19) and an “Old Control” group (n = 21) of non-meditators. In these three groups, plus a “Young TM”, 12-year practitioner group (n = 26), we also studied EEG-based parameters of cognitive function (the Brain Integration Scale (BIS), and latency of three components of the event-related potential (ERP)). Finally, using LC/MS/MS, we compared persistent levels of cortisol (F) and its inactive congener, cortisone (E), in hair. Results: qPCR analysis showed that 13 of the 15 genes were more highly expressed in Old Controls than in Young Controls. In the Old TM group, 7 of these 13 were lower than in Old Controls. Both TM groups had higher BIS scores than their age-matched controls. The Old TM group had shorter N2, P3a, and P3b latencies than the Old Control group, and latencies in the Old TM group were not longer than in the Young Control group. The Hair F/Hair E ratio was higher in the control subgroups than in their age-matched TM subgroups, and Hair F was higher in the Young Control and combined control groups than in the Young TM and combined TM groups. Conclusions: These results are consistent with reductions in biomarkers of chronic stress and biological age in long-term TM meditators. They are also consistent with results from the previous study suggesting that TM practice lowers energy consumption or leads to more efficient energy metabolism.
A Perceived Dissociation Between Systemic Chronic Inflammation, Age, and the Telomere/Telomerase System in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sater Mai S. , AlDehaini Dhuha M. B. , Malalla Zainab H. A. , Ali Muhalab E. , Giha Hayder A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortening and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The latter is also associated with LTL shortening, while the three variables are associated with aging. Objective: It is tempting to test whether inflammation, age, or both are behind the telomere system aberrations in diabetic patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, blood samples collected from 118 T2D patients were analyzed via ELISA to estimate the plasma levels of four inflammatory markers, IL6, IL8, TREM1, and uPAR, and the telomerase enzyme (TE). Moreover, the extracted DNA was used for the LTL estimation via qPCR and for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyping of TE genes (TERT, TERC, and ACYP2) via rtPCR. Results: The results showed no correlation between the levels of all tested inflammatory markers and the LTL, TE level, and age. There were no significant differences between the marker levels in diabetic patients in the four quartiles of the LTL and TE levels. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the levels of the markers between carriers of the different TE genotypes. Conclusions: There were no associations between the tested inflammatory markers’ levels and the LTL, TE plasma levels, or age in T2D. Explanations for the dissociation between the above-known associations in T2D were proposed; however, the subject is worth further investigation.
The Causal Relationship Between Dietary Factors and the Risk of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Li Longyuan , Li Jiaxuan , Chang Mei , Wu Xin , Yin Ziqian , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: February 2025

Background: Some studies have shown that dietary factors can influence the occurrence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). This study aimed to investigate whether dietary factors and habits are associated with intracranial aneurysms using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: A two-sample MR study was conducted to evaluate the association of dietary factors with IAs. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test, and horizontal pleiotropy was assessed through MR-Egger regression and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO). Results: Fresh fruit intake (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: [0.13, 0.59]) was related to a decreased risk of IAs. Lamb/mutton intake may be associated with IAs, although the meta-analysis results were not significant (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: [0.27, 7.67]). Furthermore, MR analyses based on two aneurysm databases showed that alcoholic intake was not associated with IAs (alcoholic drinks per week: OR: 1.057, 95% CI: [0.788, 1.42]; OR: 0.509, 95% CI: [0.1665, 1.56]; alcohol intake frequency: OR: 1.084, 95% CI: [0.909, 1.29]; OR: 1.307, 95% CI: [0.814, 2.1]). Our results showed no causal relationship between coffee intake and IAs (OR: 1.149, 95% CI: [0.575, 2.3]; OR: 0863, 95% CI: [0.2979, 2.5]). Other dietary intakes were also found to have no causal relationship with IAs. Conclusions: This study found that fresh fruit intake was associated with a reduced risk of IAs. Lamb/mutton intake may be associated with IAs. However, other dietary factors, including alcohol intake and coffee intake, were found not to be associated with IAs.
Examining the Roles of Problematic Internet Use and Emotional Regulation Self-Efficacy on the Relationship Between Digital Game Addiction and Motivation Among Turkish Adolescents
Authors: Çelikkaleli Öner , Ata Rıdvan , Alpaslan Muhammet Mustafa , Tangülü Zafer , Ulubey Özgür
Published: February 2025

Digital game addiction and problematic internet use have emerged as significant issues, attracting growing attention from educators, psychologists, and policymakers. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotional regulation self-efficacy and the moderating role of problematic internet use in the effect of digital game addiction on academic motivation in Turkish adolescents. A correlational research method was utilized to address research questions. A total of 1156 high school students voluntarily participated in the study. Self-report questionnaires (the Short Academic Motivation Scale, Digital Game Addiction Scale, Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale and Young’s Internet Addiction Scale Short Form) were used to collect data in 2024. In the analysis of the data, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, mediator and moderator analyses were conducted using statistical software. The analysis provided evidence of the negative effect of digital game addiction on academic motivation. Additionally, emotional regulation self-efficacy was found to partly mediate the relationship between digital game addiction and academic motivation. Furthermore, problematic internet use moderated the relationship between digital game addiction and academic motivation in adolescents. The results suggested enhancing adolescents’ emotional regulation self-efficacy and reducing problematic internet use are crucial steps towards mitigating the negative effects of digital game addiction on academic motivation.
The Impact of Spatial Dimensions, Location, Luminance, and Gender Differences on Visual Search Efficiency in Three-Dimensional Space
Authors: Wang Wenheng , Zhang Mingyu , Wang Zhide , Fan Qing
Published: February 2025

Visual searching is a key cognitive process for acquiring external information, involving the identification of specific stimuli in complex environments. This study, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technology and eye-tracking devices, systematically explores the mechanisms by which spatial dimensions, location, luminance, and gender differences affect visual search efficiency in three-dimensional space. The experiment assessed visual search efficiency across three aspect ratios (0.5, 1, 2) of spatial configurations, different icon locations (top, bottom, left, right, center), and under different luminance conditions. Experiment A found that spatial dimensions and target location significantly influenced search efficiency. Targets located on the central plane were searched most quickly, followed by those on the right and bottom planes. Experiment B revealed that the difference in luminance between targets and distractors enhanced the search speed, but this effect diminished as the target depth increased, suggesting that luminance is a key factor in optimizing visual search. Regarding gender differences, both Experiments A and B showed that males generally exhibited a higher visual search efficiency than females in three-dimensional spaces, with the male advantage becoming more pronounced as the difficulty of recognition increased.
Finite Element Modeling with Sensitivity and Parameter Variation Analysis of a Deep Excavation: From a Case Study
Authors: Arslan Eylem , Akmaz Emre , Çakır Utku Furkan , Öztürk Özlem , Pir Hamza , Acartürk Sena , Akça Nisanur Çağlar , Karakuş Yasin , Sert Sedat
Published: February 2025

Current deep excavation applications, which pose risks for constructing high-rise buildings and infrastructures, are increasing. Therefore, the increasing urbanization, underground infrastructure requirements, and time and cost constraints in construction projects have led to a growing demand for rapid, economical, and safe deep excavation designs. Although numerical modeling tools enable rapid analyses, the reliability of soil engineering parameters remains a challenge due to natural variability, sample disturbances, and differences between laboratory and field test conditions. In this study, PLAXIS 2D (Version 24) was used to model a deep excavation, allowing for the assessment of soil–structure interaction and excavation-induced deformations. The objectives are to compare field data with the numerical model and identify which soil parameters are critical for excavation. Through the sensitivity analysis, the study highlighted that the variations in shear strength parameters, such as cohesion and internal friction angle, are crucial and shall be precisely determined. The performed analyses revealed that even minor changes in the internal friction angle can dramatically impact displacements by doubling them and highlight the significant disparity between the minimum and maximum margins. The numerical analysis underscores the need for precise parameter measurement and careful analysis to achieve reliable results and ensure safer, more effective designs. The comparison of numerical results with field measurements confirmed the model’s accuracy.
Assessing Pedestrian Exposure to Heat via the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Using Mobile Phone Location Data and Urban Thermal Simulations
Authors: Ashie Yasunobu , Kumakura Eiko , Ueno Takahiro
Published: February 2025

The recent rise in temperatures in urban areas has raised concerns about various health problems, such as heat-related illnesses. This study quantified the number of individuals exposed to outdoor heat during the daytime in the summertime waterfront area of Tokyo. Conventional meteorological observation and administrative data are insufficient for high-resolution analyses of people flow and heat conditions in urban environments. Therefore, this study introduced a new methodology combining urban computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mobile phone global positioning system (GPS) data. A numerical simulation was performed to estimate the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) by analyzing fluid dynamics and radiation models. The WBGT in parks was determined to be approximately 27 °C, while the on-road temperature exceeded 29 °C. Simultaneously, pedestrian density was assessed by collecting high-resolution mobile phone GPS data, revealing that pedestrians concentrated near stations, office areas, and shopping districts within a 5 km × 5 km area. Furthermore, a review of heat stroke cases (2010–2020) indicated that combining heat and people flow yielded stronger correlations with the number of heat stroke cases than considering heat alone. Finally, a new heat risk index was established, integrating heat, people flow, and aging rate, which more accurately predicted the heat stroke cases.
What Personality Dimensions May Influence the Risk of Smartphone Addiction in Children?
Authors: Conte Stella , Ghiani Carla , Casati Lorenzo , Truzoli Roberto , Nicotra Eraldo Francesco
Published: February 2025

Background: Smartphone usage in school-aged children has increased over the last two decades. This overuse interferes with emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this work was to analyze the relationship between smartphone addiction risk and personality dimensions in primary school children. Methods: The aim of this research is to verify the percentage of Smartphone Addiction (SA) in a sample of primary school children and to explore the relationship between personality dimensions and SA. The Smartphone Addiction Risk Children Questionnaire (SARCQ) and the Big Five Children (BFC) questionnaire were administered to a sample (N = 94) of children. Results: We found that, in our sample, the percentage of children matching the definition of emotional addiction to smartphones was 16% and that a subgroup of children using smartphones as a transitional object represented 15% of the sample. The correlations between the SARCQ and BFC questionnaire factors showed a significant negative correlation between the “I’m not afraid with you” (INAWY) factor and Friendliness, Conscientiousness, and Openness, showing that children with low socialization capacities are prone to use smartphones as a means to handle negative internal states. In contrast, a positive correlation between the INAWY and the Emotional Instability factors has been observed. For the “Linus’s Blanket” (LB) factor, a significant negative correlation with the Friendliness and Conscientiousness factors was observed. Conclusions: The risk of SA, with the use of smartphones as “emotion-handling tools” or as “transitional objects”, was observed in children with personality dimensions associated with higher risk.
Finite Element Analysis of Thermal and Stress Fields of Diesel Engine Piston with GZO/YSZ Dual-Ceramic Layer Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Qian Zuoqin , Hu Yuchong , Fei Chunguang , Shu Zihao , Zhu Siwei , Du Yuxuan
Published: February 2025

Thermal barrier coating can effectively reduce the temperature of engine piston substrates. However, traditional YSZ coating materials are prone to sintering under high-temperature conditions, resulting in coating failure. To address this issue, finite element simulation of a type of new coating was conducted. Gd2Zr2O7 (GZO), a material with strong anti-sintering properties, was selected as a potential candidate for the design of a dual-ceramic layer thermal barrier coating. A GZO/YSZ-coated piston of a diesel engine was designed, and its mechanical/thermal behavior was simulated by a finite element model. A piston surface temperature experiment was conducted to validate the finite element model. The temperature and the thermal stress of the GZO/YSZ dual-ceramic layer coated piston were analyzed by finite element simulation software ANSYS 2023. The results showed that the GZO/YSZ dual-ceramic layer coating effectively reduced the substrate temperature and showed potential for improving the thermal efficiency of the engine. However, due to the properties of GZO and the structure of the coating, the surface stress of the GZO/YSZ dual-ceramic layer coating was relatively high, requiring further studies to verify its reliability.
Trapiche Garnets in Chun’an, Zhejiang Province, China: New Constraints from Their Gemology, Geochemistry, and Geochronology
Authors: Wang Yingzhao , Zhao Siyi , Zhao Yi , Wang Zisheng
Published: February 2025

The trapiche garnet, a gemstone of unparalleled beauty, boasts a rare structure comprising one core, six radiating arms, and a main body. The occurrence of garnet within the trapiche structure elevates it beyond the species, granting it significant scientific and gemological value. In this study, we conducted the first systematic investigation of trapiche garnets from the Chun’an area, Zhejiang Province, China. These samples were proven grossular through the analysis of spectroscopy and major elements. The trace element features are consistent with the distribution patterns of garnet in hydrothermal metasomatic skarn. Microscopic observation and Raman spectroscopy revealed that dark inclusions within the core and arms consist predominantly of amorphous carbon. The in situ U-Pb dating of the trapiche garnets revealed a crystallization age of 120.7 ± 4.7 Ma, corresponding to the late Yanshanian movement. It is speculated that the contact metasomatism between magma enriched in Al and surrounding rock led to the formation of calcareous skarn. This study provides insights into gemological, geochemical, and chronological characteristics, broadening the research on trapiche structures, and enhancing the understanding of gemstone mineralization timing and local tectonic activity.
Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles in Conserved Forests and Disturbed Areas: A Comparison in Southern Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-López Keila Estefani , Martín-Regalado Cintia Natalia , Gómez-Ugalde Rosa María , Martínez-Ramírez Emilio
Published: February 2025

Increasingly, conserved forests have become disturbed areas due to activities such as agriculture and livestock grazing. Landscape transformation leads to changes in biodiversity. Therefore, in this study, we compared the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in conserved areas (pine forest, oak-pine forest, and pine-oak forest) and disturbed areas in the Mixteca Oaxaqueña, southern Mexico. Fieldwork was conducted between July 2016 and June 2017, covering both the rainy and dry seasons. A total of eight amphibian species included in 5 families and 6 genera and 28 reptile species were recorded, distributed across 11 families and 21 genera. The pine-oak forest and the disturbed area exhibited the highest species richness of herpetofaunal, with 22 species each (4 amphibians and 18 reptiles), and were the most similar to each other with 14 species in common. Twelve amphibian and reptile species are classified in some risk category according to national and international standards. Twelve amphibian and reptile species are classified in some risk category according to national and international standards. The minimal difference in diversity observed in disturbed areas compared to that in pine forest and pine-oak forest suggests that the impact of changes in vegetation cover on amphibian and reptile diversity is relatively minor and not severe. However, the presence of 22 species in the disturbed areas (nine species considered in the risk category by Mexican environmental legislation) highlights the importance of implementing restoration strategies and monitoring the species that persist in disturbed areas. This study represents a significant contribution to the knowledge of amphibians and reptiles in both conserved and disturbed areas in the Mixteca Oaxaqueña, a region with limited available information on this biological group.
Novel Ultrasound Examination and Guided Intervention of Peri-Oral Musculature and Fascia in Wind Players with Embouchure Problems: Technical Note
Authors: Su Daniel Chiung-Jui , Yeh Mei-Chen , Lam King Hei Stanley
Published: February 2025

Background: Embouchure problems in wind players can severely affect musical performance. The complexity of the embouchure involves peri-oral musculature, which is essential for controlling airflow and tone production but is prone to injuries from overuse or misuse. The current literature lacks guidance on utilizing ultrasound for diagnosing embouchure-related injuries. Methods: This technical note presents a scanning method for wind players that presented with embouchure problems, with common pathological sonographic findings and ultrasound-guided interventions. Results: A comprehensive overview of the sonoanatomy of the peri-oral musculature relevant to the embouchure and a scanning protocol for the embouchure in wind players are described. This technical note also highlights common pathological sonographic findings associated with embouchure problems and describes ultrasound-guided interventions addressing these issues. Conclusions: This technical note emphasizes the potential of ultrasound in diagnosing and treating embouchure problems, contributing to effective therapeutic strategies for wind players.
The Role of I-FABP, REG3α, sCD14-ST, and LBP as Indicators of GI Tract Injury in MODS Patients
Authors: Turgunov Yermek , Ogizbayeva Alina , Assamidanova Sofiko , Matyushko Dmitriy , Mugazov Miras , Amanova Dana , Nuraly Shynggys , Sharapatov Yerzhan
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate potential biomarkers of bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST)) and intestinal wall damage (intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), Zonulin, and regenerating islet-derived protein-3α (REG3α)) in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: The study involved 327 patients divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 227 patients with MODS (main group), while Group 2 comprised 100 patients with identical pathologies but without MODS (control group). To examine these biomarkers in the blood, venous blood was taken in the control group on the day of admission to the hospital, in patients with MODS on the first day of MODS staging, and later on Days 3 and 7 of its development. Levels of these markers in blood serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Results: In the control group, values of all the investigated markers were lower than in the group of MODS patients (p < 0.0001). In the main group, the mortality rate was 44.9% (n = 102). The values of sCD14-ST on Day 1 and of I-FABP and REG3α on Days 1 and 3 were higher in deceased MODS patients (p < 0.05), while LBP levels on Day 7 were conversely lower in the deceased patients (p = 0.006). SOFA and APACHE II scores were higher in the deceased patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In MODS patients, the increased I-FABP, REG3α, and sCD14-ST but decreased LBP levels may indicate increased intestinal wall permeability and bacterial translocation, which may exacerbate the course of multiple organ dysfunction and increase the risk of mortality. Despite the limitations of this study, the studied potential biomarkers can be considered noteworthy candidates for identifying MODS patients at high risk of mortality.
Optimizing Endodontic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Guided Tissue Regeneration, Grafting, and Platelet Concentrates vs. No Intervention
Authors: Sabeti Mohammad , Black Natalie , Ramazani Mohsen , Zarenejaddivkolahei Nafiseh , Moosazadeh Mahmood
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and the use of various grafting materials and platelet concentrates have emerged as promising adjunctive techniques in endodontic surgery to enhance bone regeneration and improve healing outcomes, although evidence regarding their consistent effectiveness remains inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical trials to determine the efficacy of bone grafts, membranes, or platelet concentrates on outcomes in endodontic periapical surgery, employing a robust evidence-based approach. Methods: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and gray literature databases from their inception until March 2024. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical trials underwent critical appraisal for risk of bias and quality of evidence and were subjected to meta-analysis to determine treatment effects. Results: Twelve studies were included. The pool success rate for periapical surgery using any regenerative material (bone graft, membrane, or platelet concentrate) was 2.48 (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.42–4.34). Multiple subgroup analyses based on the type of regenerative material used during treatment were performed, presenting high certainty of evidence. The subgroup analysis, which examined bone graft only, bone graft with membrane, membrane only, concentrated growth factor only, and concentrated growth factor with bone graft, yielded significant results only for concentrated growth factor with bone graft (OR: 15.01, 95% CI: 1.12–271.70). While the success rate of periapical surgery with other regenerative materials did not reach statistical significance, the effect size was substantial. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate that utilizing a concentrated growth factor with a bone graft significantly improves the success of bone regeneration procedures over a 12-month follow-up period compared to interventions without these components. However, more research will be needed with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times.