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24 pages, 2676 KiB  
Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome: Potential Applications in Human Infertility Caused by Hormonal Imbalance, External Damage, or Immune Factors
by Katerina Kavaldzhieva, Nikola Mladenov, Maya Markova and Kalina Belemezova
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030586 (registering DOI) - 27 Feb 2025
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a source of a wide range of soluble factors, including different proteins, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and DNA and RNA molecules, in addition to numerous secondary metabolites and byproducts of their metabolism. MSC secretome can be formally divided [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a source of a wide range of soluble factors, including different proteins, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and DNA and RNA molecules, in addition to numerous secondary metabolites and byproducts of their metabolism. MSC secretome can be formally divided into secretory and vesicular parts, both of which are very important for intercellular communication and are involved in processes such as angiogenesis, proliferation, and immunomodulation. Exosomes are thought to have the same content and function as the MSCs from which they are derived, but they also have a number of advantages over stem cells, including low immunogenicity, unaltered functional activity during freezing and thawing, and a lack of tumor formation. In addition, MSC pre-treatment with various inflammatory factors or hypoxia can alter their secretomes so that it can be modified into a more effective treatment. Paracrine factors secreted by MSCs improve the survival of other cell populations by several mechanisms, including immunomodulatory (mostly anti-inflammatory) activity and anti-apoptotic activity partly based on Hsp27 upregulation. Reproductive medicine is one of the fields in which this cell-free approach has been extensively researched. This review presents the possible applications and challenges of using MSC secretome in the treatment of infertility. MSCs and their secretions have been shown to have beneficial effects in various models of female and male infertility resulting from toxic damage, endocrine disorders, trauma, infectious agents, and autoimmune origin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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28 pages, 6014 KiB  
Article
Impact of Combined Application of Swine Manure Liquid and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Soil Phosphorus and Microbial Communities
by Mingjun Pu, Yingyu Zhang, Santanu Mukherjee, Saif F. Alharbi, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Salah F. Abou-Elwafa, Henrique Trindade and Tao Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052037 (registering DOI) - 27 Feb 2025
Abstract
The rapid increase in pig production has become a major contributor to environmental issues due to the mismanagement of organic waste. The sustainable and effective transformation of this waste into a fertilization resource has become an urgent topic for environmental protection, and new [...] Read more.
The rapid increase in pig production has become a major contributor to environmental issues due to the mismanagement of organic waste. The sustainable and effective transformation of this waste into a fertilization resource has become an urgent topic for environmental protection, and new regulations have been imposed. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different ratios of swine manure liquid (SML) and chemical fertilizers on soil phosphorus forms and microbial communities through field experiments cultivating spring wheat (cultivar “Jinqiang 10”) in Hebei, China. The results indicated that the application of SML in portions with traditional fertilizer can enhance soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), as well as available phosphorus, particularly when the proportion of SML is high (SML ≥ 75%). Compared with CK, the available phosphorus content of group C3 increased by 22.3%. SML facilitated the transformation of stable phosphorus to unstable phosphorus, as well as the conversion of organic phosphorus to inorganic phosphorus. Additionally, SML increased the soil content of H2O-P, NaHCO3-Pi, and NaHCO3-Po, and promoted the conversion of NaOH-Po to NaHCO3-Po. Studies on bacterial diversity indicated that different fertilization treatments have no significant impact on the bacterial diversity in the 0–20 cm soil layer, whereas the dominant bacterial and fungal genera were positively correlated with the available phosphorus. The present study may facilitate the combined application of SML and chemical fertilizers for soil improvement and improve phosphorus availability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management Strategies for Circular Economy)
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23 pages, 1429 KiB  
Article
Towards Blended Learning in Primary STEM in Latvia: Four Teaching Profiles
by Ildze Čakāne, Kārlis Greitāns, Ģirts Burgmanis and Dace Namsone
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030295 (registering DOI) - 27 Feb 2025
Abstract
In the present research, the authors assessed teaching quality in the context of blended learning in primary STEM; the educational reforms in the authors’ country require a digital transformation of education and a gradual shift to blended learning; therefore, appropriate teaching should follow [...] Read more.
In the present research, the authors assessed teaching quality in the context of blended learning in primary STEM; the educational reforms in the authors’ country require a digital transformation of education and a gradual shift to blended learning; therefore, appropriate teaching should follow in STEM classrooms. This research investigates the following research questions: how can we conceptualize teaching and learning in the context of blended learning in order to determine teaching quality? What teaching profiles are characteristic in the analyzed primary STEM lessons and what do the profiles indicate about student opportunities for blended learning? Through the analysis of existing reports about blended learning in STEM, the authors set three categories as important for blended learning to happen, namely opportunities for (1) learning with information and communication technologies (ICTs); (2) self-regulated learning; and (3) deep learning. To answer the research questions, the authors used a quantitative rubric-based evaluation approach. The selected criteria in tandem with level descriptors (from previously developed and validated framework) were used to analyze primary STEM lesson transcripts to determine teaching performance across eight criteria. Furthermore, a profiling approach was developed to uncover patterns in the data describing teaching quality; data analysis revealed four different teaching profiles. The use of ICT in the majority of the 187 analyzed lessons remains at the surface level or is non-existent. Teaching profiles were observed, in which students had various opportunities for self-regulated and deep learning. The student use of ICT was observed in 11% of samples’ lessons and all of those at the surface level. In addition to analyzing primary STEM lessons through a previously validated framework, this study contributes a novel profiling approach that systematically uncovers patterns of teaching performance in a blended learning context. By integrating categories of ICT use, self-regulated learning, and deep learning, the research provides an original lens on teaching quality that can guide both educators and policymakers in implementing effective blended learning strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Teaching Quality, Teaching Effectiveness, and Teacher Assessment)
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27 pages, 4855 KiB  
Article
Metagenomic Characterization of the Maerua crassifolia Soil Rhizosphere: Uncovering Microbial Networks for Nutrient Acquisition and Plant Resilience in Arid Ecosystems
by Sumayah M. Alharbi, Nadiah Al-Sulami, Hadba Al-Amrah, Yasir Anwar, Ola A. Gadah, Lina Ahmed Bahamdain, Mohammed Al-Matary, Amnah M. Alamri and Ahmed Bahieldin
Genes 2025, 16(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16030285 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives:Maerua crassifolia, a threatened medicinal species endemic to drylands, exhibits a pronounced drought sensitivity. Despite the critical role of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, the microbial consortia in M. crassifolia’s rhizosphere remain underexplored. Methods: Metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) was [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives:Maerua crassifolia, a threatened medicinal species endemic to drylands, exhibits a pronounced drought sensitivity. Despite the critical role of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, the microbial consortia in M. crassifolia’s rhizosphere remain underexplored. Methods: Metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) was employed to elucidate the taxonomic composition of bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting the soil rhizosphere of M. crassifolia. Results: The data revealed a marked predominance of bacterial genomes relative to fungal communities, as evidenced by non-redundant gene analysis. Notably, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), specifically Rhizophagus clarus, Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis geosporum, are key rhizosphere colonizers. This study confirmed the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), such as Sphingomonas spp., Cyanobacteria and Pseudomonadota, underscoring the critical role of these microorganisms in the phosphorus cycle. Additionally, the study uncovered the presence of previously uncharacterized species within the phylum Actinobacteria, as well as unidentified taxa from the Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla, which may represent novel microbial taxa with potential plant growth-promoting properties. Conclusions: Findings suggest a complex, symbiotic network where AMF facilitate phosphorus uptake through plant–root interactions. In a tripartite symbiosis, PSB enhance inorganic phosphorus solubilization, increasing bioavailability, which AMF assimilate and deliver to plant roots, optimizing nutrition. This bacterial–fungal interplay is essential for plant resilience in arid environments. Future investigations should prioritize the isolation and characterization of underexplored microbial taxa residing in the rhizosphere of M. crassifolia, with particular emphasis on members of the Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla to uncover their roles in nutrient acquisition and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genes & Environments)
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23 pages, 2071 KiB  
Article
Strategic Approaches to Sustainable Rural Development by Harnessing Endogenous Resources to Improve Residents’ Quality of Life
by Romulus Iagăru, Nicolae Concioiu, Anca Șipoș, Pompilica Iagăru, Achim Daniel Băluță and Andrei Vasile
Land 2025, 14(3), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030491 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
The sustainable development of the Romanian countryside follows strategies outlined in the Common Agricultural Policy. This policy aims to ensure the sustainability of agricultural and non-agricultural businesses, improving inhabitants’ quality of life. Achieving sustainable development is the objective of every rural locality in [...] Read more.
The sustainable development of the Romanian countryside follows strategies outlined in the Common Agricultural Policy. This policy aims to ensure the sustainability of agricultural and non-agricultural businesses, improving inhabitants’ quality of life. Achieving sustainable development is the objective of every rural locality in Romania. This is accomplished by determining the state of endogenous resources and identifying potential conservation and sustainable exploitation alternatives by developing relevant strategic options. The purpose of this research is to develop relevant strategic options for the sustainable rural development of Gușoeni Commune, Vâlcea County, by using the case study methodology and involving stakeholders and community members. In this study, we develop an integrated and dynamic model based on information from a secondary analysis of statistical data and the specialized literature, with the help of the PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, ecological, legislative), SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), problem tree, objective tree, and DFPSIR (drivers, pressure, status, impact, response) diagnostic models. Full article
14 pages, 647 KiB  
Article
How Does Cultural Sustainability Promote Fashion Consumers’ Purchase Intention?
by Vanessa Effendy and Zengrui Xiao
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052034 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Sustainable action of brands has become an essential force in cultural sustainability, but there is still a gap in knowledge about how it contributes to brand performance. This study aims to compare the different effects of creative social enterprise and sustainable campaigns on [...] Read more.
Sustainable action of brands has become an essential force in cultural sustainability, but there is still a gap in knowledge about how it contributes to brand performance. This study aims to compare the different effects of creative social enterprise and sustainable campaigns on consumers’ purchase intention and examine the mediating role of brand hypocrisy and the moderating role of sustainable communication. A quasi-experiment was conducted with 499 participants. Hypotheses were tested using the bootstrapping method. The results demonstrated that creative social enterprise (versus sustainable campaign) has lower brand hypocrisy and thus results in higher purchase intention. In addition, when brands use explicit communication (versus implicit communication), the direct effect of creative social enterprise (versus sustainable campaigns) on purchase intention is stronger, while the mediating effect of brand hypocrisy remains the same. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended to integrate sustainable campaigns with implicit communication and creative social enterprise with explicit communication. Full article
10 pages, 1554 KiB  
Communication
Laser Linewidth Measurement Using an FPGA-Based Delay Self-Homodyne System
by Fanqi Bu, Zhongan Zhao, Longfei Li, Cunwei Zhang, Tie Li, Yaoyao Qi, Jie Ding, Bingzheng Yan, Chen Zhao, Yulei Wang, Zhiwei Lu, Yu Ding and Zhenxu Bai
Photonics 2025, 12(3), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030203 - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Narrow-linewidth lasers play a crucial role in nonlinear optics, atomic physics, optical metrology, and high-speed coherent optical communications. Precise linewidth measurement is essential for assessing laser noise characteristics; however, conventional methods are often bulky, costly, and unsuitable for integrated applications. This paper presents [...] Read more.
Narrow-linewidth lasers play a crucial role in nonlinear optics, atomic physics, optical metrology, and high-speed coherent optical communications. Precise linewidth measurement is essential for assessing laser noise characteristics; however, conventional methods are often bulky, costly, and unsuitable for integrated applications. This paper presents a compact and cost-effective delay self-homodyne system for laser linewidth measurement, leveraging a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based data acquisition circuit. By employing fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis, the system achieves high-precision linewidth measurement in the kHz range. Additionally, by optimizing the fiber length, the system effectively suppresses low-frequency and 1/f noise, providing an integrated and efficient solution for advanced laser characterization with enhanced performance and reduced cost. Full article
20 pages, 2040 KiB  
Article
Top-k Shuffled Differential Privacy Federated Learning for Heterogeneous Data
by Di Xiao, Xinchun Fan and Lvjun Chen
Sensors 2025, 25(5), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25051441 - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising framework for training shared models across diverse participants, ensuring data remains securely stored on local devices. Despite its potential, FL still faces some critical challenges, including data heterogeneity, privacy risks, and substantial communication overhead. Current [...] Read more.
Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising framework for training shared models across diverse participants, ensuring data remains securely stored on local devices. Despite its potential, FL still faces some critical challenges, including data heterogeneity, privacy risks, and substantial communication overhead. Current privacy-preserving FL research frequently fails to tackle complexities posed by heterogeneous data adequately, hence increasing communication expenses. To tackle these issues, we propose a top-k shuffled differential privacy FL (TopkSDP-FL) framework tailored to heterogeneous data environments. To address the model drift issue effectively, we design a novel regularization for local training, drawing inspiration from contrastive learning. To enhance efficiency, we propose a bidirectional top-k communication mechanism that reduces uplink and downlink overhead while strengthening privacy protection through double amplification with the shuffle model. Additionally, we shuffle all local gradient parameters at the layer level to address privacy budget concerns associated with high-dimensional aggregation and repeated iterations. Finally, a formal privacy analysis confirms the privacy amplification effect of TopkSDP-FL. The experimental results further demonstrate its superiority over other state-of-the-art FL methods, with an average accuracy improvement of 3% compared to FedAvg and other leading algorithms under the non-IID scenario, while also reducing communication costs by over 90%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Federated and Distributed Learning in IoT)
15 pages, 424 KiB  
Article
Bulwark Effect of Response in a Causal Model of Disruptive Clinician Behavior: A Quantitative Analysis of the Prevalence and Impact in Japanese General Hospitals
by Manabu Fujimoto, Mika Shimamura and Hiroaki Miyazaki
Healthcare 2025, 13(5), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050510 - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Disruptive clinician behavior (DCB) negatively affects patient safety by impairing healthcare team communication. In Japanese hospitals, hierarchical structures and traditional leadership styles contribute to its persistence. This study examines the prevalence and impact of DCB in two general hospitals and evaluates the [...] Read more.
Background: Disruptive clinician behavior (DCB) negatively affects patient safety by impairing healthcare team communication. In Japanese hospitals, hierarchical structures and traditional leadership styles contribute to its persistence. This study examines the prevalence and impact of DCB in two general hospitals and evaluates the role of response strategies in mitigating its effects. Methods: A quantitative web-based survey was conducted among 256 healthcare professionals from two general hospitals (751 and 661 beds). The survey included demographic data, a validated DCB scale, and a structured questionnaire assessing triggers, responses, and impacts. Statistical analyses included principal component analysis (PCA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and moderated mediation analysis. Results: Among participants, 79.3% reported experiencing or witnessing DCB. Psychological/social impact partially mediated the relationship between DCB and hospital management issues (β = 0.19, p = 0.001). Response strategies reduced the psychological/social impact of DCB (β = −0.20, p < 0.001) but did not mitigate its direct effect on hospital management. Conclusions: While prompt responses can alleviate the psychological burden on victims, they do not prevent broader institutional damage caused by DCB. Effective interventions should focus on both individual and organizational measures to reduce the occurrence of DCB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety)
29 pages, 7704 KiB  
Article
Physical Appearance Design Evaluation of Community Emotional Healing Installations Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process–Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
by Tanhao Gao and Phillip Bernstein
Buildings 2025, 15(5), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050773 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 22
Abstract
An increasing number of residents are burdened with psychological pressure, and the majority of them refuse to seek professional mental help, falling to a “silent majority” of the untreated. This “silent majority” lives in every corner of cities, and public installations scattered in [...] Read more.
An increasing number of residents are burdened with psychological pressure, and the majority of them refuse to seek professional mental help, falling to a “silent majority” of the untreated. This “silent majority” lives in every corner of cities, and public installations scattered in various spaces have the potential to become community emotional healing touchpoints. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for emotional healing installations. This research establishes a physical appearance evaluation system for healing installations based on affinity analysis, thereby combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) to construct data matrixes and quantitative analysis. The AHP results revealed some trends, including that placing environment is the most critical design indicator for healing installations, saturation is more closely associated with healing than color temperature, and small-scale installations have better healing efficacy. FCE ranked the combined weights of design indicators and revealed preference differences between Western and Eastern scholars regarding emotional healing. Eastern scholars show a clear preference for low-saturation colors and place significant emphasis on the multifunctionality of healing installations. Meanwhile, Western scholars have a stronger inclination toward healing shapes. Furthermore, this research conducts cross-category analysis and sensitive analysis to provide rigorous foundations for future healing research and offer guidance to future designers in healing installation design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
18 pages, 1379 KiB  
Article
Identifying Rural Hotspots for Head and Neck Cancer Using the Bayesian Mapping Approach
by Poornima Ramamurthy, John Adeoye, Siu-Wai Choi, Peter Thomson and Dileep Sharma
Cancers 2025, 17(5), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17050819 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 11
Abstract
Background: The Bayesian mapping approach has not been used to identify head and neck cancer hotspots in Australia previously. This study aims to identify rural communities at risk of head and neck cancer (HNC) for targeted prevention programs. Methods: This study [...] Read more.
Background: The Bayesian mapping approach has not been used to identify head and neck cancer hotspots in Australia previously. This study aims to identify rural communities at risk of head and neck cancer (HNC) for targeted prevention programs. Methods: This study included data from 23,853 cases recorded in the Queensland Cancer Register between 1982 and 2018. Outcomes for mapping included incidence, overall mortality, 3-year mortality, and 5-year mortality. Local government areas (LGAs) with a general population aged 15 years and above (according to 2016 census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics) were utilized for mapping. Results: Of the 59 LGAs with higher-than-average risk, 22 predominantly rural and remote LGAs showed statistically significant higher risks of head and neck cancer occurrence. Estimated median standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) ranged from 0.57 to 3.44 and were higher than the state average in 38 LGAs. Four LGAs had the highest mortality—the Shires of Quilpie, Yarrabah, Murweh, and Hinchinbrook. Conclusions: Whilst reasons for some LGAs exhibiting higher HNC are unknown, Bayesian mapping highlights these rural and remote regions as worthy of further investigation. In conclusion, the Bayesian disease mapping approach is effective in identifying high-risk communities for HNC. Findings from this study will aid in designing targeted screening and interventions for the prevention and management of head and neck cancer in regional and remote communities through support services such as a cancer navigator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biostatistics in Cancer Research)
39 pages, 705 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Development of Teamwork at the Organizational Level—Case Study of Slovakia
by Martin Holubčík, Jakub Soviar, Miroslav Rechtorík and Paula Höhrová
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052031 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 4
Abstract
This research focused on the organizational level of teamwork in companies in the Slovak Republic. The study helped to reveal the possibilities of sustainable management of team cooperation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews, the study examined four key [...] Read more.
This research focused on the organizational level of teamwork in companies in the Slovak Republic. The study helped to reveal the possibilities of sustainable management of team cooperation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews, the study examined four key areas: (1) team system and work positions in the team, (2) division of tasks in the team and tasks management, (3) team communication (external, internal), and (4) team training activities. The findings reveal a widespread use of teamwork, with a significant proportion of tasks performed by teams and many organizations exhibiting high reliance on teamwork. However, the study also highlights a dominance of traditional management practices, where team formation is primarily driven by capacity constraints, with limited support for organic team emergence. Moreover, management often retains significant control over team decision-making. The research further indicates that many employees lack adequate training in teamwork skills and principles. While teamwork is prevalent, reliance on traditional communication methods, such as face-to-face meetings and phone calls, persists, despite the potential of ICT tools to enhance collaboration. Furthermore, the effective use of ICT tools is hindered by challenges such as incompatibility between different systems and limited data accessibility. These findings underscore the need for organizations to embrace more agile and flexible team structures, invest in comprehensive teamwork training for all employees, leverage ICT tools effectively to improve communication and collaboration, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and feedback within teams. By addressing these areas, organizations can enhance teamwork effectiveness, improve employee engagement, and ultimately achieve better organizational outcomes so that they can implement sustainable approaches for organizing team collaboration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
28 pages, 1151 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Impact of Brand Ritual on Online Word-of-Mouth Communication
by Tao Wen, Ziwei Wang and Shuang Wang
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030278 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 10
Abstract
The study aims to explore the impact mechanism of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, introducing the mediating variable—flow experience—and the moderating variable—consumer–brand relationship norms. The study uses the approach of the experimental research. In Experiment 1, with the watch as the experimental [...] Read more.
The study aims to explore the impact mechanism of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, introducing the mediating variable—flow experience—and the moderating variable—consumer–brand relationship norms. The study uses the approach of the experimental research. In Experiment 1, with the watch as the experimental product and the advertisement as the online scene, 62 subjects in the pre-experiment and 132 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the main effect of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication. In Experiment 2, with the tea bag as the experimental product and the online press conference as the online scene, 73 subjects in the pre-experiment and 185 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the mediating role of flow experience in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication. In Experiment 3, with the scented candle as the experimental product and the promotional video of the e-commerce store as the online scene, 81 subjects in the pre-experiment and 269 subjects in the formal experiment are recruited to verify the moderating role of consumer–brand relationship norms in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication/flow experience. The results show that brand ritual is more effective in promoting online word-of-mouth communication than random action, flow experience plays a completely mediating role in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, and consumer–brand relationship norms play a moderating role in the impact of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication/flow experience. The study not only reveals the impact mechanism of brand ritual on online word-of-mouth communication, but also provides strong guidance for companies to utilize brand ritual, flow experience, and consumer–brand relationship norms to promote online word-of-mouth communication. Full article
24 pages, 5142 KiB  
Article
Effects of No-Till Seeding and Fertilization on Vegetation Restoration and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Alpine Degraded Grazing Grasslands
by Xiaojing Hu, Qunce Sun, Shuzhen Zhang, Weisi Li, Xuerui Wang, Runzhou Long, Guili Jin and Bo Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030578 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 11
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of no-till seeding and fertilization on the restoration of degraded grazing grasslands in Bayinbuluke. Poaceae species were selected for no-till replanting, with Elymus dahuricus, Puccinellia distans, and Festuca ovina mixed in a 2:1:1 ratio. Four sowing [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of no-till seeding and fertilization on the restoration of degraded grazing grasslands in Bayinbuluke. Poaceae species were selected for no-till replanting, with Elymus dahuricus, Puccinellia distans, and Festuca ovina mixed in a 2:1:1 ratio. Four sowing rates were applied: 0 g/m2 (A0), 2 g/m2 (A1), 4 g/m2 (A2), and 6 g/m2 (A3). Diammonium phosphate (N 18%, P2O5 46%) was used as fertilizer, with four fertilization rates: 0 g/m2 (B0), 7.5 g/m2 (B1), 15 g/m2 (B2), and 22.5 g/m2 (B3). A total of 16 treatments were applied. The study assessed the changes in grassland productivity, species diversity, and soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that no-till replanting significantly increased the aboveground biomass by 81%, species richness by 55.8%, and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index by 64.2%. Fertilization significantly increased productivity, with dry hay yield rising by 60.9% to 81%. When 22.5 g/m2 of fertilizer was applied, the contents of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and organic matter in the soil increased by 43.4%, 50.6%, 66%, and 31.2%, respectively. Fertilization also improved the stability of soil aggregates, with the proportion of large aggregates increasing by 18.2%. The findings suggest that no-till seeding and fertilization significantly promote grassland restoration, with soil moisture and nutrient availability being key drivers of vegetation growth and community diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability — 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 1805 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Nitrogen Removal Through Coupled Simultaneous Nitrification-Denitrification and Sulfur Autotrophic Denitrification: Microbial Community Dynamics and Functional Pathways in Mariculture Tailwater Treatment
by Shuaifeng Jiang, Haoran Huang, Yongli Chen, Jianhua Xiong, Ziyuan Lin and Shuangfei Wang
Water 2025, 17(5), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17050683 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 6
Abstract
This study investigates the nitrogen removal pathways and microbial community dynamics in a novel system coupling simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) with sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) for the treatment of mariculture tailwater. High-throughput sequencing and predictive functional analysis were employed to examine microbial [...] Read more.
This study investigates the nitrogen removal pathways and microbial community dynamics in a novel system coupling simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) with sulfur autotrophic denitrification (SAD) for the treatment of mariculture tailwater. High-throughput sequencing and predictive functional analysis were employed to examine microbial compositions and their functional roles across varying carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The results revealed that SND occurred in the aerobic stage, with Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira facilitating nitrification, while Denitromonas and Paracoccus drove denitrification. In the anaerobic stage, SAD was the primary nitrogen removal process, with sulfur metabolism supported by Thiobacillus and Desulfobacteria. Increasing C/N ratios enriched denitrifying bacteria, enhancing nitrogen removal performance, but reduced nitrifying activity. Functional gene analysis demonstrated the upregulation of denitrification genes (napAB, nirS, norBC, nosZ) with higher carbon inputs, while sulfur metabolism genes (sqr, soxB, dsrAB) confirmed the critical role of sulfur cycling in SAD. The integration of SND and SAD pathways, supported by carbon addition, achieved efficient nitrogen removal, while promoting sulfur bioavailability. Under C/N ratios of 1.2, the nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) removal efficiencies reached 93.48%, respectively, while the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies were 95.06%.Ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal efficiency consistently exceeded 95%, stabilizing at 99.00% in the steady-state operation.This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the microbial and functional mechanisms underlying SND–SAD systems, offering an innovative solution for sustainable mariculture tailwater management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Technologies for Wastewater Treatment)
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