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Adaptive reinforcement learning framework for sustainable microgrid optimization in arid urban environments
Examining the impact of growth mindset and lifelong learning on teacher performance among university faculty: The mediating role of professional development
Based on social constructivist learning theory, this study constructs a structural model with teacher growth mindset and lifelong learning as independent variables, teacher professional development as a mediating variable, and teacher performance as the dependent variable, aiming to explore how cognitive beliefs and behavioral tendencies jointly influence teacher performance. Through a questionnaire survey of 620 university teachers and empirical testing using structural equation modeling (SEM), results show that growth mindset and lifelong learning are positively associated with teacher performance. Moreover, teacher professional development functions as an associational mediator linking both growth mindset and lifelong learning with performance. Given the cross-sectional design, these findings reflect statistical associations rather than causal effects. The research findings expand the theoretical model of factors influencing teacher performance and provide practical references for optimizing teacher professional development pathways and university human resource management.
Quantum computers will finally be useful: what’s behind the revolution
Mixed-source introductions successfully enhance the genetic diversity of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii)
A comparison of dynamic balance performance between non-dancers and amateur dancers across three distinct dance genres: A cross-sectional study
There is controversy regarding whether dance training improves balance performance. This study aims to compare the dynamic balance performance of non-dancers and amateur dancers, as well as to examine whether differences in dynamic balance exist across various dance genres. Eighty-one participants, including 24 Flamenco dancers (FLA), 15 Latin dancers (LAT), 20 Chinese folk dancers (CHF), and 22 non-dancers as the control group (CG), completed the Y-Balance test. Anterior (YBant), posteromedial (YBpm), posterolateral (YBpl), and composite (YBcom) scores were calculated. All significant differences between groups were observed in YBcom, YBpl, and YBpm (p < 0.05), with no differences in YBant (p > 0.05). The CHF and FLA achieved higher scores compared to CG in both dominant leg (DL) and non-dominant leg (NDL), and to those of LAT in NDL for YBpm. The LAT scored slightly higher than CG (p < 0.05, d < 0.2), but it was not statistically significant. Dancers have better dynamic balance except for the YBant direction. FLA and CHF may be more effective in improving dynamic balance compared to LAT. This study was designed by considering previously contentious research findings that may be due to the distinct movement patterns and training methods of professional dancers, as well as the variations across different dance styles. The comparison of balance performance between amateur dancers, rather than professional dancers, and non-participants has significant practical implications for determining whether dance can improve an individual’s balance.
High-resolution forecasting of soil thermal regimes using different deep learning frameworks under climate change
Spatiotemporal patterns of soil moisture in Shandong Province, China: An analysis using ERA5-Land datasets
Understanding the spatiotemporal variations of soil moisture (SM) is crucial for the timely identification of drought and the advancement of regional water resource management. This study utilized ERA5-Land reanalysis data and employed the Mann-Kendall test, correlation analysis, wavelet transform, and Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of SM from 1951 to 2024 in Shandong Province, China. The study also examined the factors influencing these patterns. The results showed that: 1.) The mean annual soil moisture exhibited a significant decreasing trend at a rate of −0.00055 mm/year, and a significant seasonal decreasing trend has been detected. Precipitation emerged as the dominant driver of soil moisture spatiotemporal variability. 2.) Spatially, soil moisture exhibited a distribution pattern consistent with the spatial configurations of precipitation and evaporation. Relationships between soil moisture and climatic variables varied significantly among regions and seasons. 3.) Wavelet analysis revealed 8-year, 16-year, and 32-year periodicities in soil moisture that aligned with the dominant oscillations observed in precipitation and evaporation. 4.) Time-lagged cross-correlation analysis revealed that soil moisture exhibited the strongest instantaneous correlation with precipitation, while this response delay became more pronounced in deeper soil layers. These findings not only provide a basis for enhanced drought monitoring and region-specific management, but also inform the development of sustainable water resource policies aligned with identified multi-year cycles.
Isolation, characterisation and potential applications of a novel bacteriophage targeting beta-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Abstract Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a gram-positive commensal characteristically resistant to novobiocin. Clinically, it is associated with urinary tract and other opportunistic infections. But reports on phages against them are scanty, which underlines the importance of the study. We isolated a Staphylococcus saprophyticus strain from soiled socks. The strain was characterised through biochemical tests and 16S rDNA ribotyping. Furthermore, the antibiogram revealed that the strain is resistant to penicillinase-resistant beta-lactam antibiotics. A double-stranded DNA temperate phage, ØPh_SS01, was isolated against S. saprophyticus from a mixed sewage sample. The phage is stable over a wide range of temperatures, including pH and salt, with 67.08 ± 25 virions/cell following adsorption within 14 min. The potential of ØPh_SS01 was established in Mannitol Salt broth with a 7-log reduction of S. saprophyticus over a period of 24 h. Moreover, it inhibited and disrupted biofilm at efficiencies of 77% and 69%, respectively, at an MOI of 100. Studies on adherent immortalised human keratinocytes and urethral cell lines did not result in any significant change in viability. Sequence analysis of ØPh_SS01 depicted a genome size of 47 Kb with 37.36% GC content. A similarity of 91.5% to related entries indicated its novelty. The textile matrices immobilised with phages could reduce the bacterial load by about 7-log, which shows the potential of the phage in infection control.
Estimation of district-level fertility using age-structured census data and assessment of spatial–socioeconomic differentials in Botswana, 2022
Background Reliable subnational fertility estimates are critical for evidence-based demographic policy and planning. While Botswana’s national fertility decline is well documented, less is known about district-level fertility variation and the demographic and socioeconomic mechanisms underlying these patterns. This study aims to: (i) produce district-level fertility estimates using standard direct demographic procedures applied to census data; (ii) assess the consistency of direct estimates with established indirect and model-based fertility estimation techniques; and (iii) examine how women’s age structure, child mortality, socioeconomic status, and marital patterns shape spatial fertility differentials across districts. Methods The analysis uses data from the 2022 Botswana Population and Housing Census for women aged 15–49. Direct fertility estimation was conducted through the calculation of age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) and total fertility rates (TFRs). These estimates were systematically compared with indirect and model-based approaches, including Rele (1967), Hauer et al. (2013), Ponnapalli and Soren (2018), and Hauer and Schmertmann (2020), to assess robustness and internal consistency. Data quality was evaluated using parity distributions and reports of recent births, with attention to potential biases arising from recall error, proxy reporting, and reference-period misclassification. Descriptive demographic analysis was used to assess the influence of age structure, child mortality, women’s socioeconomic characteristics, and marital composition on district-level fertility variation. Results Direct and model-based fertility estimates were closely aligned, with national TFR values ranging between 2.6 and 3.0 children per woman, confirming Botswana’s advanced stage of fertility transition and the reliability of census-based estimation. However, substantial subnational heterogeneity was observed. Urban districts (e.g., Gaborone, Francistown, Jwaneng) exhibited below-replacement fertility, associated with higher female educational attainment, delayed entry into childbearing, and greater labour market participation. In contrast, predominantly rural districts (e.g., Ngamiland West, Barolong, Central Mahalapye) maintained higher fertility levels (approximately 3.5–4.5), linked to elevated child mortality, lower levels of women’s empowerment, and persistent traditional reproductive norms. Districts undergoing socioeconomic transition displayed intermediate fertility profiles. Differences in age structure and child survival emerged as key demographic mechanisms reinforcing spatial fertility inequalities. Conclusion By integrating standard direct demographic techniques with indirect and model-based validation, this study demonstrates the robustness of census data for subnational fertility estimation in Botswana. Persistent spatial and socioeconomic disparities highlight the need for differentiated policy responses: rural districts require intensified investments in child health, female education, and reproductive health services to sustain fertility decline, while urban areas must plan for the social and economic implications of sustained below-replacement fertility. Addressing these divergent trajectories is essential for achieving balanced and equitable demographic development in Botswana.
Editorial Expression of Concern: En passant neurotrophic action of an intermediate axonal target in the developing mammalian CNS
Semi-supervised multi-class pneumonia classification using a CNN-cascade forest framework
A biologically constrained agent-based model of cancer stem cell dynamics with reinforcement learning-guided adaptive radiotherapy
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a rare but critical subpopulation within tumors, driving recurrence, resistance to therapy, and aggressive growth. To better understand CSC behavior in solid tumors, we developed a biologically constrained agent-based model (ABM) that simulates tumor progression initiated from a single CSC. The model incorporates essential microenvironmental factors—including oxygen diffusion, spatial limitations, stochastic migration, and cell cycle dynamics—allowing for high-resolution simulation of tumor development and intra tumoral heterogeneity. While this work does not aim to fully optimize therapy for clinical application, it provides a flexible, scalable simulation environment where adaptive treatment strategies can be tested. To extend a biological model toward intelligent treatment, we integrated a reinforcement learning (Q-learning) component that adaptively adjusts radiation dosage based on real-time CSC localization and microenvironmental feedback. This component is currently presented as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate feasibility, and its optimization and convergence analysis will be explored in future studies. Our results suggest that reinforcement learning, when integrated with a biologically grounded ABM, can guide adaptive and more personalized radiotherapy strategies.
Nonlinear dynamics of a non-stationary rotor-disk-bearing system with rub-impact and geometric nonlinearity under non-ideal excitation
TGF-β1 relieves burn injury induced pain by alleviating inflammation in mouse
Burn injuries are severe traumas characterized by tissue damage and inflammation, and pain is the common symptom of burn patients. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in organ development, immune response, tumor biology and injury repair. This study investigates the effects of TGF-β1 on the burn injury induced pain and explore the underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of second degree burn injury was established, and spinal intrathecal injection with lentivirus was used to knockdown or overexpress TGF-β1. The assessment of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia was adapted to evaluate the impact of TGF-β1 on the burn injury induced pain. The expressions of inflammatory factors were measured by using RT-qPCR, while immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect the effects of TGF-β1 on macrophage infiltration in the burned plantar skin. Western blot was used to analyze the effects of TGF-β1 on microglia, astrocytes and signal pathway. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that lentiviruses injection could knockdown or overexpress TGF-β1 in ipsilateral spinal cord, and reduce pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) expression and promote anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) expression. The behavioral assessments revealed that TGF-β1 overexpression alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot revealed that TGF-β1 reduced the macrophage infiltration in the plantar skin, inhibited expressions of marker proteins of microglia and astrocyte, and promoted the phosphorylation of smad2. These findings suggested that TGF-β1 mitigated burn injury induced pain by attenuating inflammatory response via TGF-β1/smad2 pathway. This study provides an experimental and theoretical basis supporting the potential use of TGF-β1 as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for burn injury.