Response Surface Analysis Research Articles

Characterization and Optimization of Cellulose-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Fecal Samples of Elaphurus davidianus Through Response Surface Methodology

The screening of cellulose-degrading microorganisms from herbivores and the optimization of fermentation conditions are of great significance for the utilization of cellulose resources. In this study, we initially employed a metagenomic analysis to investigate the fecal microbiota of both captive and semi-free-ranging Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) under varying environmental conditions. Subsequently, we isolated and cultured cellulase-degrading microorganisms from the fecal samples using Congo red medium. There was consistency in the dominant phyla and genera of gut microorganisms between the two groups, with only differences in abundance. Then, a cellulose-degrading strain identified as Bacillus pumilus XM was isolated after a morphological analysis and molecular identification by 16S rRNA amplicon. In addition, a series of single factor experiments and response surface analysis were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for best cellulase activity. The optimum temperature, culture time, and shaking speed for the reaction of cellulase produced by the strain Bacillus pumilus XM were 34 °C, 28 h, and 154 r/min, respectively. Under these conditions, the cellulase activity reached a maximum of 10.96 U/mL, which was relatively close to the predicted value of 10.975 U/mL. The results have enriched the existing bacterial resources and laid a foundation for the development of new enzymes, providing a theoretical basis for the rational utilization of cellulase from wild animal resources.

Empathic accuracy for a partner's negative affect is associated with couples' daily sexual well-being.

Sexual well-being contributes to satisfying relationships, yet commonly declines in long-term couples. According to theory, effective coregulation of emotions promotes couples' sexual well-being. Accurately perceiving a partner's affect (i.e., mood, emotions)-empathic accuracy-may be fundamental to coregulating emotions and promotes intimacy; thus, higher empathic accuracy might promote couples' sexual well-being. In the first test of this hypothesis, an inclusive sample of 141 cohabiting couples completed daily online measures of negative affect, perceived partner negative affect, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, and sexual distress for 28 days. We tested how daily variations in congruence/incongruence between perceived partner negative affect and a partner's (the "target's") reported negative affect were associated with each partner's sexual well-being, controlling for relationship satisfaction, using multilevel Dyadic Response Surface Analysis. For targets, sexual satisfaction was lower on days when partners were more inaccurate at perceiving their negative affect, and desire was not associated with inaccuracy but was higher on days when partners were accurate at perceiving extreme (low or high) negative affect versus midrange levels. When perceiving partners were more inaccurate, their own sexual distress was higher and, unexpectedly, their desire was higher. Finally, when perceivers overestimated (vs. underestimated) negative affect, they reported higher sexual distress and higher desire. Couples' sexual well-being may benefit from noticing daily changes in one another's negative affect. However, there may be drawbacks for perceiving partners' desire. Future work testing mechanisms such as responsiveness and intimacy would contribute to developing evidence-based approaches to support couples' emotional coregulation and sexual well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of congruent and incongruent appetitive and aversive well-being comparisons on depression, post-traumatic stress, and self-esteem

ABSTRACT Background: People compare their current well-being to different comparison standards (e.g. social or temporal comparisons). These standards are considered as aversive if perceived as threatening to self-motives or appetitive if perceived as consistent with self-motives. However, it remains unknown whether the congruence (vs. incongruence) of aversive and appetitive well-being comparisons (high levels of both vs. preponderance of aversive comparisons over appetitive comparisons) is differentially related to symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-esteem. Methods: We conducted response surface analysis (RSA) on data from a study with two-timepoints three months apart (N = 921). RSA tests whether the degree of (in-)congruence of two variables is positively or negatively related to an outcome variable. Here, baseline aversive and appetitive well-being comparisons (comparison frequency, discrepancy, and affective impact) served as the two predictor variables, while depression, PTSD, and self-esteem three months later served as outcomes. Results: Findings partially confirmed our hypotheses. Congruently high (vs. low) levels of aversive and appetitive comparison frequency and discrepancy predicted more depressive/PTSD symptoms and lower self-esteem. Some evidence indicated more pronounced depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem (but not PTSD) for the preponderance of aversive over appetitive comparisons. Conclusions: The effects of congruent and incongruent aversive and appetitive comparisons as well as a potentially more crucial role of aversive than appetitive well-being comparisons in depression and self-esteem align with comparison theory.

Sensitivity analysis of steel hole plate by utilizing computational methods and newly developed creep model

ABSTRACT The rise in operational parameters, structural elements within power plants are exposed to heightened temperatures and pressures, reaching levels conducive to creep. Considerable work has been devoted in the previous decades to understand the basic mechanism of material’s creep deformation. Specifically for stainless steel, this article presents a modified model that builds upon the Norton-Bailey and Kachanov–Rabotnov constitutive models to thoroughly characterise all three phases of creep (primary, secondary, and tertiary). The proposed model undertakes numerical calculations to simulate damage development in thin-hole steel plate. The outcomes of the study reveal the efficacy of the novel model in generating complete creep curves for stainless steel, emphasising the notable impact of stress on creep behaviour and damage progression. Sensitivity studies are carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to analyse the new creep model data both statistically and qualitatively in relation to existing models.

How leader–subordinate (In)congruence in narcissism influences leaders’ effectiveness: the mediating role of relationship conflict

Purpose Previous research on narcissism and leadership seldom takes into account the leader–subordinate dyadic relationship and ignores the role of subordinate. Drawing on the contextual reinforcement model of narcissism, the purpose of this study is to explore the joint effects of both leaders’ and their subordinates’ narcissism on the former’s effectiveness through the latter’s perceived relationship conflict with them (RCWL). Design/methodology/approach Self-report data were collected from 315 full-time employees using a three-wave survey. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were used to test the hypotheses. Findings The results of this study reveal that although RCWL is higher when leaders’ narcissism is higher along both congruence and incongruence line, RCWL is lower when leaders’ narcissism exceeds that of their subordinates than it falls short of subordinates’ narcissism when both leader’s and subordinate’s narcissism are low. Furthermore, the results of this study also demonstrate that leader–subordinate (in)congruence in narcissism has an indirect influence on the leaders’ effectiveness because of the resulting relationship conflict, and that the response surface of the total effect of joint narcissism on leader effectiveness possesses a convex surface, which demonstrates that leader effectiveness is lower at the median point when compared to the low- and high-level congruence points. Originality/value This study not only contributes to fit theory, vertical relational conflict and research on narcissistic leader by simultaneously investigating both leaders’ and subordinates’ narcissism and their joint influence on leader–subordinate relational conflict and leaders’ effectiveness but also offers several practical recommendations for companies to enhance leaders’ effectiveness.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction, characterization, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides

For the valorization of Eucommia ulmoides (EU) for the functional food industry, the process of ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction of EU polysaccharides (EUP) was optimized by response surface methodology. After response surface analysis and experimental verification, the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: the molar ratio of choline chloride to oxalic acid was 0.9:1, the water content of DES was 40.28%, the ratio of material to liquid was 1:22 g/mL, the time was 90 min, and the power was 320 W. The extraction rate of EUP was 1.71%, which was higher than the extraction rate of 0.75% by ultrasonic water extraction under the same conditions, and the optimization effect was better. After DEAE column gradient elution and Sephadex G-75 gel column chromatography, the elution curve and a refined polysaccharide (EUP-1) were obtained. The IC50 values of EUP-1 against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 0.091 and 0.011 mg/mL. The IC50 values of EUP-1 on DPPH and ABTS·+ scavenging were 0.065 and 0.065 mg/mL. The monosaccharide composition of EUP-1 was analyzed as mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid in the following molar ratio: 1.00: 1.28: 1.53: 1.88.

Does need satisfaction reflect positive needs-supplies fit or misfit? A new look at autonomy-supportive contexts using cubic response surface analysis

Does need satisfaction reflect positive needs-supplies fit or misfit? A new look at autonomy-supportive contexts using cubic response surface analysis

Parameter influence analysis and optimization of wheel–rail creepage characteristics in high-speed railway curves

PurposeTo investigate the influence of vehicle operation speed, curve geometry parameters and rail profile parameters on wheel–rail creepage in high-speed railway curves and propose a multi-parameter coordinated optimization strategy to reduce wheel–rail contact fatigue damage.Design/methodology/approachTaking a small-radius curve of a high-speed railway as the research object, field measurements were conducted to obtain track parameters and wheel–rail profiles. A coupled vehicle-track dynamics model was established. Multiple numerical experiments were designed using the Latin Hypercube Sampling method to extract wheel-rail creepage indicators and construct a parameter-creepage response surface model.FindingsKey service parameters affecting wheel–rail creepage were identified, including the matching relationship between curve geometry and vehicle speed and rail profile parameters. The influence patterns of various parameters on wheel–rail creepage were revealed through response surface analysis, leading to the establishment of parameter optimization criteria.Originality/valueThis study presents the systematic investigation of wheel–rail creepage characteristics under multi-parameter coupling in high-speed railway curves. A response surface-based parameter-creepage relationship model was established, and a multi-parameter coordinated optimization strategy was proposed. The research findings provide theoretical guidance for controlling wheel–rail contact fatigue damage and optimizing wheel–rail profiles in high-speed railway curves.

Exploring the congruence between perceived parent-teacher achievement goals and student academic outcomes: A study using polynomial regression with response surface analysis.

The achievement goals set by parents and teachers play a crucial role in shaping students' personal goal orientation and academic performance. Previous studies have revealed discrepancies between achievement goals set by parents and teachers. However, limited research has examined how the congruence of perceived parents' and teachers' achievement goals is associated with students' academic performance. The current study sought to investigate the impact of congruence and discrepancy between students' perceptions of teachers' and parents' achievement goals, including mastery goals and performance goals, on students' academic performance in mathematics and language. Data were collected from a sample of 4944 Chinese students from Grades 3 to 8 using self-reported questionnaires. Polynomial regression with response surface analyses were employed to analyse the data. The results indicated that students' performance in both mathematics and language improved when congruence levels were high in perceived teachers' and parents' mastery goals. Conversely, the congruence level between perceptions of teachers' and parents' performance goals was only related to students' mathematics performance. The findings underscore the significance of congruence between perceived teachers' and parents' achievement goals in influencing students' academic performance.

Sustainable biodegradation of malachite green dye by novel non-pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa ED24.

Sustainable management of textile industrial wastewater is one of the severe challenges in the current regime. It has been reported that each year huge amount of textile industry discharge especially the dye released into the environment without pre-treatment that adversely affect the human health and plant productivity. In the present study, different bacterial isolates had been isolated from the industrial effluents and investigated for their bioremediation potential against the malachite green (MG) dye, a major pollutant of textile industries. The biochemical and molecular characterization of the bacterial strain showed the resemblance of most potent strain ED24 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed effective bioremediation potential against the MG dye. During response surface analysis (RSM), best MG degradation conditions have been observed at pH 7.0, 37°C, 48h, and 200mg/L dye concentration, with highest degradation efficiency of 96.56 ± 0.8622 percent. Subsequently, supplementing various carbon and nitrogen sources increases MG decolorization by 1 to 2%, with beef extract (97.23%), sodium nitrate (97.46%), and maltose (98.67%). FT-IR results revealed the disappearance of distinct peaks, namely, 3328.275cm-1, 2102.842cm-1, 1101.140cm-1,and 559.04cm-1 from MG, and the formation of major intermediate compounds like leucomalachite green, benzoic acid, diacetamide, benzeneacetic acid, hexyl ester, ethyl 4-acetoxy butanoate, butanoic acid, and 2-methyl in GC-MS analysis of degraded dye sample confirms the biodegradation by bacterial strain ED24. The phytotoxicity studies on mung bean seeds confirmed MG dye toxicity reduction up to 67.53%, 54.16%, and 67.53% in biomass accumulation, root, and shoot lengths, respectively. Also, the microbial toxicity of MG was completely reduced on soil microflora Bacillus flexus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Alternaria spp.The dual mitigation, both in microbial and plant systems, indicates the strong remediation potential of P. aeruginosa ED24 to break down MG dye ecologically sustainably.

Expressed and Perceived Honesty Benefits Relationships Even When Couples Are Not Accurate

Honesty is a highly valued virtue, yet it can be challenging to enact when it may compromise our most valued relationships. We tested preregistered hypotheses examining the distinct effects of expressed, perceived, and accurate perceptions of honesty on well-being and change. Romantic partners ( Ncouples = 214; Nindividuals = 428) discussed a desired change in the lab and reported on outcomes concurrently and three months later. Honesty was self-reported and rated by observers, with correspondence between these measures observed. Results of multilevel response surface analyses showed that greater expressed and perceived honesty—but not accurate perceptions of honesty—predicted greater well-being, relationship satisfaction, and target motivation to change concurrently, with some benefits emerging over time. The current results indicate that honesty can benefit relationships even when the truth may hurt, with more expressed and perceived honesty fostering better relationships regardless of whether couples share in that perception of honesty.

FSW Optimization: Prediction Using Polynomial Regression and Optimization with Hill-Climbing Method.

This study presents the optimization of the friction stir welding (FSW) process using polynomial regression to predict the maximum tensile load (MTL) of welded joints. The experimental design included varying spindle speeds from 600 to 2200 rpm and welding speeds from 100 to 350 mm/min over 28 experimental points. The resulting MTL values ranged from 1912 to 15,336 N. A fifth-degree polynomial regression model was developed to fit the experimental data. Diagnostic tests, including the Shapiro-Wilk test and kurtosis analysis, indicated a non-normal distribution of the MTL data. Model validation showed that fifth-degree polynomial regression provided a robust fit with high fitted and predicted R2 values, indicating strong predictive power. Hill-climbing optimization was used to fine-tune the welding parameters, identifying an optimal spindle speed of 1100 rpm and a welding speed of 332 mm/min, which was predicted to achieve an MTL of 16,852 N. Response surface analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the identified parameters and demonstrated their significant influence on the MTL. These results suggest that the applied polynomial regression model and optimization approach are effective tools for improving the performance and reliability of the FSW process.

Social support, fear of cancer recurrence and sleep quality in breast cancer: A moderated network analysis.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) contributes to sleep problems and social support is a buffering factor in the literature. However, the moderating effect of social support between FCR and sleep quality is unclear. The moderating role of social support was examined in a cohort of 460 breast cancer patients from the 2024 Be Resilient to Breast Cancer (BRBC) program from a microscopic perspective using moderated network analysis, and then assessed macroscopically by Johnson-Neyman and response surface analysis. The Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Perceived Social Support Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale were employed in this study. Social support significantly moderated the relationship between general anxiety and sleep efficiency. General anxiety was positively correlated with sleep efficiency at high levels of social support (t=3.774, P<0.001). Patients with high social support and low FCR experienced better sleep (F=6.166, P<0.01). Our study deepens the understanding of the association between FCR, social support, and sleep quality, and emphasizes social support as a positive strategy for cancer patients to improve their physical and mental health.

Design and Testing of a Whole-Row Top-Loosening Stem-Clamping Seedling Extraction Device for Hole Tray Seedlings

A combined seedling extraction device was developed that operates by first top loosening and then clamping the stem in order to solve the current issues with automated transplanting technology, such as low seedling extraction efficiency and a high rate of substrate loss. The pepper plug tray seedlings were selected as the experimental subjects for testing the mechanical properties of the stems. The tensile and compressive mechanical properties of the stems were obtained, and the kinematic model of the seedling spacing process and the mechanical model of the seedling clamping process were established. Key parameters of the seedling extraction device were analyzed and calculated, and an automated seedling extraction system was constructed. Using substrate moisture content, seedling age, and extraction frequency as experimental factors, orthogonal tests were conducted. Through variance analysis and 3D response surface analysis, the optimal rounded parameter values were determined: 48% substrate moisture content, 38-day-old seedlings, and a seedling extraction frequency of 60 plants/min. Under these conditions, the seedling extraction success rate was 94.44%, the substrate loss rate was 6.07%, and the seedling damage rate was 4.17%, meeting the requirements for automated seedling extraction.

Design and Optimization for Straw Treatment Device Using Discrete Element Method (DEM)

Due to the dense crop residue in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, challenges such as large resistance, increased power consumption, and straw backfilling arise in the process of no-till seeding under the high-speed operations. This paper presents the design of a straw treatment device to address these issues. The cutting edge of a straw-cutting disc is optimized using an involute curve, and the key structural parameters of the device are designed by analyzing the process of stubble cutting and clearing. In this study, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was employed to construct models of compacted soil and hollow, flexible wheat straw, forming the foundation for a comprehensive interaction model between the tool, soil, and straw. Key experimental variables, including working speed, rotation speed, and installation centre distance, were selected. The power consumption of the straw-cutting disc (PCD) and the straw-clearing rate (SCR) were used as evaluation metrics. Response surface methodology was applied to develop regression models linking the experimental factors with the evaluation indexes using Design-Expert 12 software. Statistical significance was assessed through ANOVA (p &lt; 0.05), and factor interactions were analyzed via response surface analysis. The optimal operational parameters were found to be a working speed of 14 km/h, a rotation speed of 339.2 rpm, and an installation centre distance of 100 cm. Simulation results closely matched the predicted values, with errors of 1.59% for SCR and 9.68% for PCD. Field validation showed an SCR of 86.12%, improved machine passability, and favourable seedling emergence. This research provides valuable insights for further parameter optimization and component development.

Partner (in)congruence in gender role attitudes and relationship satisfaction.

The societal shift toward greater gender equality has led to increased variability in people's gender role attitudes, or the belief that men and women should occupy distinct family roles (i.e. men as breadwinners and women as homemakers). Existing evidence on the association between gender role attitudes and relationship well-being remains inconclusive with mixed findings, likely because past research has not adequately considered the direction and degree of (in)congruencies between partners within the relationship. Using longitudinal samples of 1,327 couples from the United States and 5,856 couples from Germany tracked over 2 and 13 years, respectively, we employed dyadic response surface analysis to examine how different patterns of partner (in)congruencies in gender role attitudes predict relationship well-being in mixed-gender relationships. The results showed that, for US men and German men and women, the direction of incongruence between partners' gender role attitudes mattered: relationship satisfaction was higher when men adopted more egalitarian attitudes than women (or conversely, when women adopted more traditional attitudes than men) compared with the reverse. Relationship satisfaction was also higher when both partners showed congruence in extreme gender role attitudes (either strongly traditional or egalitarian) than when either partner endorsed more neutral attitudes. US women reported higher relationship satisfaction only when either partner endorsed more egalitarian attitudes. Although past research emphasizes the benefits of partner similarity for relationship well-being, our findings highlight the importance of both similarity and complementarity in gender role attitudes, potentially subject to cultural and contextual factors.

Is it all in the eye of the beholder? Examining the affective consequences of direct and indirect measures of counterdispositional extraversion

Although a majority of studies show that acting in a more extraverted way is beneficial for one’s well-being, there are also indications that acting counterdispositionally is emotionally draining. In the current study, we try to explain these discrepancies by comparing indirect measures of counterdispositional extraversion (one relative to the trait level and one relative to the average state level) and we introduce a novel direct measure that taps into perceived counterdispositional extraversion. By using Multilevel Polynomial Regression and Response Surface Analysis in a large ESM dataset ( N = 187 individuals and N = 17,547 repeated observations), we found that for both direct and indirect measures of counterdispositional extraversion, higher state levels of extraversion related to higher levels of positive affect (PA), and this effect appears to be stronger for individuals high on average state and trait extraversion. Findings for negative affect (NA) were less consistent, with perceived deviations from one’s typical behavior relating to higher levels of NA. Altogether, our findings show that acting in a more extraverted way is better for increasing PA, on the understanding that subjective experiences of atypical behavior can be experienced as harmful.

More skill than trait, or more trait than skill? Relations of (mis)matches between personality traits and social, emotional, and behavioral skills with adolescent outcomes

Personality traits and social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills are closely related but incrementally predict life outcomes. This implies that although tightly connected, what a person tends to do (personality traits) and what they are capable of doing (skills) are not always perfectly aligned. In this study, we investigated whether matches and mismatches between traits and skills predict important life outcomes. We studied a diverse sample of high school students ( N = 840) who self-reported their Big Five personality traits, five SEB skill domains, and an array of academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Using response surface analysis, we found that matching trait/skill levels did not confer a unique benefit for adolescents over the additive effects of traits and skills. In contrast, we found that trait/skill mismatches predicted outcomes, and in some cases, adolescents with mismatching trait/skills had the best and worst outcomes. Specifically, youth with higher skill levels relative to their traits reported better outcomes, and those with lower skills relative to their traits reported worse outcomes. Our findings provide insights into functioning that are missed by solely focusing on direct effects and show that SEB skills can enhance youth’s personality strengths and buffer against shortcomings.

Academic Pressure and Psychological Imbalance in High School Students: Predictors of Depression via Polynomial Regression and Response Surface Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to explore how the congruence between academic pressure and psychological imbalance affects depressive symptoms in adolescents and to further explore grade-level differences in these effects among high school students. The study population consisted of 29,975high school students from 20 schools in Liuyang City, Hunan Province. The Mental Health Scale for Secondary School Students (MSSMHS) and Self-Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess academic pressure, psychological imbalance and depressive symptoms. The effects of academic pressure and psychological imbalance were examined by polynomial regression and response surface analysis. The results showed that the lowest level of academic pressure (F = 35.99, p < 0.001), psychological imbalance (F = 54.50, p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (F = 9.36, p < 0.001) was found in repeaters, while the highest level was found in twelfth graders. Academic pressure was positively associated with psychological disequilibrium, and both were positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Furthermore, when academic pressure and psychological imbalance are aligned, adolescent depressive symptoms increase with the first two. In addition, adolescent depressive symptoms decreased as the difference between academic pressure and psychological imbalance increased. This study elucidates the non-linear relationship between academic pressure, psychological imbalance and depressive symptoms, and that adopting appropriate strategies to reduce academic pressure and adjust psychological balance is crucial for the prevention of depression in adolescents.

Optimal sandwich panel's core design for an enhanced impact resistance.

Despite the extensive literature revealing various core structures that can enhance the impact resistance of composite panels, a comparative study illustrating the difference in performance of the various cores under same loading conditions is missing. The aim of this study is to determine the optimal core structure and design in terms of energy absorption under low-velocity impact using both numerical simulations and experimental testing for validation. Response surface analysis was used to design the experiments and analyse the panel's behaviour. A total of 160 numerical simulations were conducted by varying the core shape, density, number of layers and panel's thickness. Drop tower tests were performed to experimentally validate the results. Additive manufacturing was used to 3D print the tested structures which simplified the manufacturing process. Results provided insights on time to perforation, stiffness of the panels showcasing an inverse relationship between recoverable strain energy and equivalent plastic strain. The number of layers within the panels were identified as a pivotal factor in the energy distribution and tendency for localized plastic deformation to occur. Both numerical and experimental results revealed the superior energy absorption capabilities of the X-frame core shaped structure. Regression models developed shed light on the relationships between core height, volume fraction, number of layers, and core topology revealing the extent of damage. Multi-objective optimization was used to yield optimal configuration for sandwich panels with highest impact resistance.