Search Results (8,901)

We examined the effects of emotional intelligence (EI) and the Big Five on students’ performance in collaborative problem solving (CPS). 162 secondary-school students completed the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test and the Big Five Inventory. Divided into 54 triads (64.8% female), they then collaboratively solved a complex social problem. Based on video-recordings of the CPS sessions, we assessed four CPS processes: the team’s socio-cognitive exchange, socio-emotional interaction, task management, and relationship management. The CPS product (solution) of each team was judged by two independent raters. Using structural equation modelling (1) with team-level EI abilities as predictors, we found a small indirect effect (via CPS processes) of both understanding and managing emotions on the CPS product, and a medium-size direct effect of understanding emotions on the same criterion; (2) with team-level traits as predictors, a medium-size positive effect of neuroticism on task management, a small negative effect of extraversion on relationship management, and a small positive effect of openness on the CPS product. A model including both EI and personality confirmed their independent contributions to CPS performance, with EI abilities contributing both directly and indirectly to the CPS product, and the contribution of personality narrowed down to neuroticism positively affecting task management. Full article

B-box (BBX) transcription factors, which are specific to the plant kingdom, play a crucial role in regulating light-dependent growth, development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Despite their significance, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the BBX gene family in Ginkgo biloba. In the present study, we identified nine BBX genes within the G. biloba reference genome, distributed across seven chromosomes, and classified them into four groups based on their phylogenetic relationships with the BBX gene families of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our analysis of gene structure, conserved domains, and motifs suggests that GbBBXs exhibit a high degree of conservation throughout evolutionary history. Additionally, synteny analysis revealed that dispersed duplication events have contributed to the expansion of the BBX gene family in G. biloba. An examination of cis-regulatory elements indicated that numerous GbBBX genes contain motifs associated with light, hormones, and stress, suggesting their potential roles in responding to these signals and environmental adaptation. Expression profiles obtained from RNA-Seq data and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses of GbBBX genes across various organs, hormone treatments, and leaves with differing flavonoid content, as well as during both short-term and long-term water stress, demonstrated their potential roles in flavonoid regulation and responses to hormones and water stress. Subcellular localization studies indicated that the proteins GbBBX5, GbBBX7, GbBBX8, and GbBBX9 are localized within the nucleus. This study is the first thorough analysis of the BBX gene family in G. biloba, providing a valuable foundation for further understanding their evolutionary context and functional roles in flavonoid regulation and responses to water stress. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is a key environmental factor that limits plant growth and development. High UV-B intensity is a typical environmental feature in Turpan-Hami (Tuha) Basin in Xinjiang, China. In this study, the altitude-dependent UV-B adaptation strategies of plants in Tuha Basin were analyzed. Chlorophyll (Chl) and flavonoid (Fla) play an important role in absorbing UV-B radiation, scavenging free radicals, and maintaining photosynthetic performance under UV-B stress. Principal component analysis indicated that the total chlorophyll (Chl t), Chl a, Chl b, and Fla contents and the Chl a/Chl b ratio are important indicators for evaluating plant tolerance to UV-B. Noticeably, with increased altitudes, the roles of Chl b, Chl a/Chl b, and Fla become markedly significant. The characteristics of stomata, epidermal hair, and wax layer are closely correlated with the UV-B amount that reaches leaves. Epidermal hair density and cuticle thickness in leaves decreased with increased altitudes, whereas hydrogen oxide (H₂O₂) was significantly accumulated, but superoxide anion (O₂⁻) remained unchanged. High altitude significantly increased the stomatal apparatus area, density and specific leaf area. Moreover, plants without epidermal hair had a larger stomatal apparatus area compared with plants with epidermal hair. However, the presence or absence of epidermal hair had no effect on cuticle thickness, H₂O₂ and O₂⁻ levels. The carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and hydrogen (H) contents were high in plant leaves at high altitude, but the sulfur (S) content and C/N ratio were low. Taken together, plants in Tuha Basin could cope with UV-B radiation by synergistically regulating epidermal structures and synthesis of secondary metabolites. Meanwhile, these plants could further allocate and reconstruct organic elements to optimize their resource distribution in adaptation to UV-B radiation with different altitudes. Full article

Background: Previous research highlights the potential of Rolfing structural integration (SI)—a force-based mobilization of fascia—in modifying postural alignment and joint mobility. This retrospective cohort study builds upon prior work to explore the influence of SI on lower limb mobility, trunk symmetry, and respiratory thoracic expansion. Methods: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of data drawn from the archive of clinical records as in our previous publication. A total of 563 subjects (aged 18–60 years, BMI 19–29) who completed 10 SI sessions were included. Outcomes evaluated included passive hip flexion (right/left), passive knee flexion mobility (right/left), trunk length symmetry, and chest diameter at normal breath as well as in full inspiration. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: All parameters showed statistically significant improvements post-intervention (p < 0.001), including increased thoracic expansion, enhanced trunk symmetry, and improved mobility in hip joint flexion and knee flexion. Conclusions: Ten sessions of SI were associated with statistically significant improvements in lower limb mobility, trunk symmetry, and respiratory thoracic mobility. These findings support the role of SI in addressing postural and mobility-related dysfunctions through fascia-oriented mobilization. Full article

This study reveals the governing mechanism of mass flow distribution within a multi-inlet, multi-outlet corotating disc cavity, providing critical insights for designing advanced gas turbine secondary air systems. An experimentally verified numerical investigation is conducted across a range of rotational Reynolds numbers $R{e}_{\varphi }=5\times {10}^6~2\times {10}^7$ and axial Reynolds numbers $R{e}_z=2\times {10}^5~5\times {10}^5$, corresponding to Rossby numbers $Ro$ from 0.01 to 0.10. Results highlight that $Ro$ governs the internal flow and outlet mass flow distribution through two distinct regimes. In the rotation-dominated regime at low $Ro$, the radial outlet mass flow ratio $MR$ decreases sharply, and a stable, dual-zone vortical structure forms. As $Ro$ increases, growing inflow inertia disrupts this structure, causing vortices to merge, which enhances swirl uniformity and slows the rate of $MR$ decrease. This transition dictates outlet performance: the radial outlet discharge steadily improves with $Ro$, while the axial outlet performance increases abruptly around $Ro=0.02$ before saturating. Full article

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as an important target protein for inhibiting and intervening in osteoporosis, is associated with cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Peptides derived from food have been shown to have a strong affinity for EGFR, thereby regulating downstream cellular-signaling pathways and participating in stimulating bone formation. However, it is still a “black box” as to how active peptides affect the conformational changes in the EGFR-binding domain when interacting with its ligand EGF. To shed light on the roles, peptides in EGFR binding, which is involved in the osteoblast differentiation, a high EGFR affinity soybean peptide (HEP) was isolated and purified from soy yogurt. Firstly, the osteogenic activity of HEP was identified through cellular alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) and calcium influx. HEP promoted ALP activity from 0.01897 ± 0.00165 to 0.04051 ± 0.00402 U/mg after 100 μM of peptide treatment, and free intracellular calcium ions and calcium deposition both increased in a dose-dependent manner at 1–100 μg/mL. Secondly, the interaction between HEP and EGFR was detected by bioinformatics, spectroscopy analysis, and Western blot. The Molecular docking results showed that HEP (VVELLKAFEEKF) exhibited high affinity among all the peptides, with -CDOCKER energy values of 184.077 kcal/mol on one EGFR. Moreover, a different loop conformation has been detected in HEP, comparing it to that of EGF, which influences HEP interactions with EGFR. GlU3, LEU4, and LEU5 (HEP) match GLU40, LEU26, and GLU40 (EGF). Moreover, the CD data showed that HEP could interact with extracellular domain protein of EGFR, but the secondary structure did not change after HEP was mixed with Mutant extracellular domain protein. Furthermore, treatment with HEP increased the expression of EGFR and the activation of the PI3K-RUNX2-signaling pathway. These results suggested that HEP may have the function of promoting bone remodeling, which could promote the binding between EGF and EGFR and may be used as a potential active factor for functional food development to prevent osteoporosis. Full article

Core mathematics courses are fundamental to the academic success of engineering students in higher education. These courses equip students with skills and knowledge applicable to their specialized fields. However, first-year engineering students often face significant challenges in mathematics due to a range of factors, including insufficient preparation, mathematics anxiety, and difficulty connecting theoretical concepts to real-life applications. The transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics remains a key area of educational research, with ongoing discussions about effective pedagogical approaches for teaching engineering mathematics. This study utilized a belief survey to gain general insights into the attitudes of first-year mathematics students towards the subject. In addition, it employed the activity theory framework to conduct a deeper exploration of the experiences of first-year engineering students, aiming to identify contradictions, or “tensions,” encountered within a flipped-classroom learning environment. Quantitative data were collected using surveys that assessed students’ self-reported confidence, competence, and knowledge development. Results from Friedman’s and Wilcoxon’s Signed-Rank Tests, conducted with a sample of 20 participants in 10 flipped-classroom sessions, statistically showed significant improvements in all three areas. All of Friedman’s test statistics were above 50, with p-values below 0.05, indicating meaningful progress. Similarly, Wilcoxon’s Signed-Rank Test results supported these findings, with p values under 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The qualitative data, derived from student questionnaire comments and one-to-one interviews, elucidated critical aspects of flipped-classroom delivery. The analysis revealed emerging contradictions (“tensions”) that trigger “expansive learning”. These tensions encompassed the following: student expectation–curriculum structure; traditional versus novel delivery systems; self-regulation and accountability; group learning pace versus interactive learning; and the interplay between motivation and anxiety. These tensions are vital for academic staff and stakeholders to consider when designing and delivering a first-year mathematics course. Understanding these dynamics can lead to more effective, responsive teaching practices and support student success during this crucial transition phase. Full article

As low-altitude transportation becomes essential to global integrated transport systems, developing extensive and well-structured networks in urban agglomerations is crucial for fostering regional synergy and enhancing three-dimensional transport. Focusing on the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, this study integrates multi-source data within a three-stage research framework: (1) node suitability assessment, (2) route optimization, and (3) network structure evaluation. It systematically evaluates the suitability of county-level general aviation airports and township-level vertiports. Building on the suitability analysis, a hierarchical route network is constructed using a modified gravity model augmented by spatial correction mechanisms. Finally, spatial syntax analysis, supplemented with equity and robustness assessments, is applied to evaluate network accessibility, topological efficiency, and resilience. The key findings are as follows: (1) The suitability classification identifies 43 Class A, 86 Class B, and 71 Class C general aviation airports, revealing a spatial pattern characterized by higher density in the east, lower density in the west, and a multi-nodal clustering structure. Township-level vertiports markedly increase terminal-node coverage. (2) The optimized hierarchical network includes 114 primary, 180 secondary, and 366 tertiary routes, bridging previous regional connectivity gaps. (3) High values of network integration, choice, spatial intelligibility, and equity-adjusted accessibility indicate robust performance, fairness in service distribution, and resilience under potential disruptions. This study offers a methodological paradigm for the systematic development of low-altitude transport networks and provides valuable references for evidence-based planning of urban agglomeration air mobility systems and the strategic development of regional low-altitude economies. Full article

The lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of the marine bacterium Kangiella japonica KMM 3897 was structurally characterized using chemical analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The oligosaccharide core consists of a monophosphorylated trisaccharide containing 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose, D-glycero-D-manno-heptose, and 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid. The penta-acylated lipid A moiety features a glucosamine disaccharide backbone with phosphate groups and amide- and ester-linked primary fatty acids [i11:0 (3-OH)], along with a secondary acyl chain (i11:0 or 11:0). Immunostimulatory assays revealed that K. japonica KMM 3897 LOS induced significantly weaker cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) compared with E. coli LPS. Notably, it exhibited potent antagonistic activity against E. coli LPS-mediated toxicity and suppressed caspase-4 activation in LPS-treated PBMCs. These findings highlight its anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Full article

Background: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus in the Pneumoviridae family. HMPV is an enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus encoding three surface proteins: SH, G, and F. The highly immunogenic fusion (F) protein is essential for viral entry and a key target for vaccine development. The F protein exists in two conformations: prefusion and postfusion. The prefusion form is highly immunogenic and considered a potent vaccine antigen. However, this conformation needs to be stabilized to improve its immunogenicity for effective vaccine development. Specific mutations are necessary to maintain the prefusion state and prevent it from changing to the postfusion form. Methods: In silico mutagenesis was performed on the C-terminal domain of the pre-F protein, focusing on five amino acids at positions 469 to 473 (LVDQS), using the established pre-F structure (PDB: 8W3Q) as the reference. The amino acid sequence was sequentially mutated based on hydrophobicity, resulting in mutants M1 (IIFLL), M2 (LLIVL), M3 (WWVLL), and M4 (YMWLL). Increasing hydrophobicity was found to enhance protein stability and structural rigidity. Results: Epitope mapping revealed that all mutants displayed significant B and T cell epitopes similar to the reference protein. The structure and stability of all mutants were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and secondary structure analysis. Based on the lowest RMSD, clash score, MolProbity value, stable radius of gyration, and low RMSF, the M1 mutant demonstrated superior structural stability. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the M1 mutant of the pre-F protein could be the most stable and structurally accurate candidate for vaccine development against HMPV. Full article

Sparkling wine production involves secondary alcoholic fermentation, during which carbon dioxide is trapped, creating effervescence and enhancing sensory complexity. This study evaluated the impact of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Lachancea thermotolerans yeast species using free and immobilized cells in secondary fermentation of sparkling wine, in comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Immobilized S. cerevisiae enabled faster refermentation compared to free cells, while immobilization resulted in a slower process in non-Saccharomyces strains. Biomass monitoring showed stable viable cells for immobilized S. cerevisiae during fermentation, while non-Saccharomyces strains showed a consistent reduction. Volatile profiles were positively influenced by immobilization using S. cerevisiae strains, which produced a constant increase in key aroma compounds, such as geraniol and ethyl acetate, throughout fermentation. Non-Saccharomyces strains contributed to enhanced fruity and floral aromas with variations in volatiles during refermentation. Sparkling wines fermented with immobilized L. thermotolerans were noted for ripe fruit aromas, while T. delbrueckii increased floral notes. S. cerevisiae fermentations showed higher acidity and balanced structure. These findings highlight the influence of yeast species and the yeast immobilization procedures in secondary fermentation, modulating fermentation dynamics and aroma development, and offer a promising strategy to tailor sparkling wine quality and sensory complexity. Full article

This research examines the relationship between capital structure, intellectual capital, and financial performance among insurance companies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Anchored in a positivist paradigm, the study employed descriptive and quantitative methodologies, leveraging secondary panel data spanning from 2010 to 2022 across 122 insurance firms sampled from a population of 178 companies across 46 SSA countries. Utilizing a Panel Vector Error Correction Model (P-VECM), the analysis explored long-term equilibrium relationships and dynamic interactions among variables, including return on assets (ROAs), debt-to-equity ratio (DER), long-term debt (LTD), short-term debt (STD), Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™), and firm size (SIZE). Optimal lag lengths were determined through robust statistical criteria, ensuring model precision. The impulse response analysis revealed significant findings: variations in ROA negatively impacted intellectual capital (VAIC), leverage indicators (DER, LTD, and STD), and positively influenced firm size over a ten-period horizon. Specifically, decreases in ROA were consistently associated with reduced intellectual capital effectiveness and adverse financial liquidity conditions, while increased firm size correlated positively with improved financial performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low semen quality and male infertility are critical global health issues. Emerging research highlights that nutritional factors could play a significant role in determining reproductive outcomes. Understanding and optimizing these dietary influences, including the role of polyphenols, is crucial for developing targeted strategies to improve male fertility. We aimed to explore the relationship between the intake of different classes of polyphenols and semen quality indicators in a cohort of healthy young males. Methods: This is a secondary analysis involving 106 male individuals, aged 18–35 years, from the FERTINUTS trial. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day dietary records, and semen quality parameters were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the associations between dietary polyphenol consumption and semen quality indicators. Results: Our findings revealed both positive and negative associations between polyphenol consumption and sperm morphology parameters. A higher intake of total polyphenols was associated with a lower percentage of abnormalities in sperm heads but a higher rate of abnormalities in the principal piece. Similar results were observed for lignan and flavonoid intake. Additionally, a higher intake of flavonoids was also associated with a greater percentage of normal sperm forms. In contrast, a higher dietary intake of stilbenes was associated with a higher percentage of combined abnormalities. Conclusions: Higher intake of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and lignans, was associated with improved sperm head morphology but also with increased tail abnormalities, although no associations with motility or vitality were observed. These results suggest that specific polyphenol classes may have both beneficial and adverse effects on sperm structure, warranting consideration of compound type and dosage in dietary recommendations. Further studies are needed to determine whether these morphological changes impact fertilization outcomes and reproductive potential. Full article

This study investigated the structure, interfacial properties, and digestibility of resveratrol (Res)-loaded soybean lipophilic protein (LP) nanoparticles using a urea-induced disassembly–reassembly approach. Structural analysis confirmed that LP partially restored its secondary to quaternary structures during dialysis, verifying the reversibility of structural reassembly. Analysis of LP–Res nanoparticles showed that increasing urea concentration ([U]) led to the highest encapsulation efficiency (88.32%) and loading capacity (15.91 μg/mg) at 8 M urea. Meanwhile, characterization of interfacial properties indicated that Res-loaded LP–Res nanoparticles improved interfacial features and foam stability, especially under 8U-Res conditions. Furthermore, dynamic in vitro digestion results demonstrated that 8U-Res nanoparticles exhibited sustained release and the highest digestibility (77.8%). These findings reveal the close relationship between LP structural recovery and interfacial functionality, supporting its application as a nanocarrier in nutritional delivery systems. Full article

Waste drilling fluids represent a complex gel–colloidal system containing structurally stable polymeric networks and heavy-metal ions that can cause tremendous damage to the ecosystem. The current disposal methods, like solidification/landfills, formation reinjection, and chemical treatment, commonly suffer from high secondary pollution risks, poor resource recovery, and incomplete detoxification. This paper developed a photocatalytic approach to complex gel system treatment by hydrothermally synthesizing a novel sulfur-doped, oxygen-vacancy-modified 3D flower-like xS-BiOBr₀.₅Cl₀.₅ structure which effectively narrowed the bandgap of BiOX and thus significantly enhanced its catalytic activity. The chemical composition, morphology, specific surface areas, and bandgaps of the materials were characterized. The photocatalytic performance and cyclic stability of the materials were measured, and 0.5S-BiOBr_0.5Cl_0.5 showed the best photocatalytic performance. The rhodamine B(RhB) degradation and polymer degradation efficiencies of 0.5S-BiOBr_0.5Cl_0.5 were up to 91% and 79%, respectively, while the Hg(II), Cr(VI), and Cr(III) reduction efficiencies of the material were up to 48.10%, 96.58%, and 96.41%, respectively. The photocatalytic mechanism of the xS-BiOBr_0.5Cl_0.5 materials was evaluated through an oxygen vacancy analysis, active species capture experiments, and density functional theory (DFT) computations. Overall, the xS-BiOBr_0.5Cl_0.5 materials can provide a low-cost and harmless treatment method for waste drilling fluids and promote the “green” development of oil and gas. Full article