Multidimensional Scaling Analysis Research Articles

The Development of the Two-Dimensional Model of Emotion Based on Both Architectural Emotion Words and Design Elements in China

The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate a model centered on architectural emotion, to explore the role of emotion in architectural design, and to provide theoretical support for emotion-oriented design. This study collected 614 terms related to architectural emotion, screened 30 core terms, constructed a two-dimensional architectural emotion model, and verified the scientific and practicality of the model through three measurement methods. First, the one-dimensional scale analysis identified two dimensions of pleasure and charm, which portrayed the range of word variation; second, the Principal Component Analysis confirmed the periodic ordering pattern of words, which revealed its systematic relationship; and, lastly, the Multidimensional Scaling Analysis demonstrated the distribution of emotion words based on cognitive similarity in the multidimensional space. Based on this model, this paper proposes a three-layer circular model of “architectural emotion-architectural cognition-architectural elements”, which constructs the correspondence between architectural emotion and design elements, as well as how architectural cognition and architectural elements can synergize to create a spatial experience that triggers specific emotions. The model provides theoretical support for emotion-oriented architectural design and evaluation, and helps designers to better understand the relationship between emotion and space so as to create more valuable architectural works.

Microsporogenesis, viability and pollen morphology of five species of Vochysiaceae A.St.-Hil. from a midwestern Brazilian savannah

Despite the growing interest in investigating the reproductive biology of Vochysiaceae A.St.-Hil., more in-depth descriptions of the floral details of its group are needed. Within this context, the present study was conducted to evaluate the stages of microsporogenesis, viability and pollen morphology of the Vochysiaceae species found in a fragment of the Cerrado in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. For this purpose, flower buds were collected and prepared for meiotic analysis, acetolysis and scanning electron microscopy. In all analyzed species (Qualea grandiflora Mart., Qualea multiflora Mart., Qualea parviflora Mart., Vochysia cinnamomea Pohl and Vochysia divergens Pohl), meiosis was regular, with a meiotic index greater than 90%, correlating with a high pollen viability rate (greater than 70%). The pollen grains of the five species showed similarities in terms of dispersion, symmetry, polarity and apertural pattern and varied in size between small and medium, oblate-spheroidal and prolate shapes. Based on the multivariate multidimensional scaling analysis, when including quantitative and categorical variables of pollen morphology, the species were able to be satisfactorily differentiated. This approach for the species of Vochysiaceae in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado) is novel, provides an important source of data for future research on the distribution and evolution of this family, and can be used to foster discussions regarding the delimitation of priority areas for conservation.

Stable Diversity but Distinct Metabolic Activity of Microbiome of Roots from Adult and Young Chinese Fir Trees

The tree-associated microbiome is vital for both individual trees and the forest ecosystem. The microbiome is dynamic; however, it is influenced by the developmental stages and environmental stresses experienced by host trees. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an economically important tree species in the subtropical regions of China. This study investigated the diversity of microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, in the roots and bulk soil of young (2 years old) and old (46 years old) Chinese fir. It specifically examined the functional characteristics of these microbial communities. Through a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, we examined differences in microbial community structures among root and soil samples of Chinese fir. Evaluations using α-diversity metrics (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou, etc.) confirmed significant differences in diversity and structure between soil and root samples but high similarity between young and old tree samples. A network analysis identified key bacterial and fungal genera, such as Burkholderia and Russula, which play pivotal roles in the microbiome structure. We also demonstrated significant variations in microbial metabolic functions, such as dioxin and benzoic acid degradation metabolic pathways, which might relate to stress alleviation for tree fitness. Additionally, for the detection of endophytic microorganisms in Chinese fir seeds, only small amounts (less than 10%) of fungal endophytes and bare bacterial endophytes were identified. In summary, this study revealed that the stable structure of the rhizosphere microbiome was established in the early stage of tree life in Chinese fir, which mostly originated from surrounding soil rather than seed endophytes. The associated microbial metabolic activity naturally decreased with tree aging, implicating the tree microbial dynamics and the need for the addition of an actively functional synthetic community for tree fitness.

Multiple ancestral components and complex origins of the Yugur people in Gansu province revealing by 35 Y-STR.

The Yugur people represent one of the ethnic groups residing within the Hexi Corridor, distinguishable by their small population size, linguistic diversity, intricate ancestral components, serving as a quintessential exemplar of the populations inhabiting this corridor. There are still many controversial issues in the academic community regarding the origin, migration, and formation process of the Yugur. In this study, we explored the formation process of the Yugur from the perspective of molecular anthropology, based on the paternal genetic characteristics of the Yugur people. And the study will synthesize multiple disciplines, encompassing ethnology, history and linguistics, in order to offer a thorough analysis. Within this research endeavor, a high-resolution kit comprising 35 Y-STRs was employed to examine 237 male specimens from the Yugur people in Gansu province. Y-SNP haplogroups were deduced through the utilization of Y-STR data. The paternal genetic data from diverse populations documented in published literature were merged to construct a 16 Y-STR dataset, a 25 Y-STR dataset, and a dataset detailing haplogroup frequencies. In this study, we employed haplotype network analysis, principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and genetic distance calculations to delve into the genetic structure, haplotype distribution, and genetic relationship with neighboring populations of the Yugur people. The findings of this study reveal that the Yugur people are a blend of ancestral lineages from both Eastern and Western Eurasian origins, with approximately 13% of their genetic component traced back to Western Eurasian populations. The Yugur people in Gansu province exhibits a more intimate genetic relationship with the Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian populations inhabiting nearby regions, while showing distinct genetic differences with Turkic-speaking groups like the Uyghur. Based on the merged data, we identified Q1b1a3-L330 and R1a1a-M17 shared with Turkic-speaking people, C2a1a1-F1756, C2a1a3-M504, C2a1a3a-F3796, C2a1a2-M48 and C2b1a1a1a-M407 shared with Mongolic-speaking people, D1a1a-M15 and D1a1b1-P47 shared with Tibetans, and multiple paternal lineages shared with Han people, which are the main paternal lineages of Yugur people, indicating multiple ancestral components and complex origins of Yugur. In this study, we provided a clearer genetic landscape which further supports the formation process and population characteristics of the Yugur people recorded in history, ethnology, and linguistics, and lays the foundation for more detailed studies on population genetics and forensic genetics in the future.

Towards Age-Friendly Urban Spaces: Analyzing Elderly Facility Proximity Preference Needs in Dubai

This study addresses the critical challenge of optimizing spatial arrangements for the elderly in rapidly aging societies. It investigates the proximity preference preferences among nine types of facilities frequently used by senior citizens in Dubai. The research is set against demographic shifts and policy paradigms that are shifting towards aging-in-community, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning tailored to the elderly. The study classified individuals aged 65 and above as seniors and surveyed 180 participants at Dubai’s Al Safa Park. Researchers analyzed the proximity preference, termed ‘adjacency,’ of facilities, including residential, rest, public, cultural, transportation, welfare, medical, commercial, and religious facilities. Data collection spanned nine days and employed cross-analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) to interpret the findings. The results revealed a high preference for proximity between residential spaces and parks, supermarkets, and bus stops, indicating a desire for accessible facilities. MDS analysis showed residential, rest, and transportation facilities were spatially closer, while religious facilities were distinct in location. Income levels significantly influenced facility proximity preferences, with high-income seniors preferring commercial facilities near residential areas but medical facilities farther away. This study highlights the importance of considering income levels in urban planning for the elderly. Recommendations include planning residential, transportation, and green spaces in proximity preference while acknowledging varying preferences for religious facilities. Future research should focus on diverse regions and consider individual circumstances. This study contributes to urban planning by providing insights into senior citizens’ spatial preferences, which is crucial for enhancing facility usage and satisfaction in aging societies.

Mapping Indonesian Provinces Based on Leading Plantation Commodities with Export Potential Using Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

Mapping Indonesian Provinces Based on Leading Plantation Commodities with Export Potential Using Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

Research on image design of Fujian paper-cut pattern based on Kansei engineering and WOA-BP neural network

Abstract In order to design Fujian paper-cut patterns that meet the perceptual needs of consumers and better inherit and develop them in modern society, a Fujian paper-cut pattern image design method based on perceptual engineering and the Whale Optimization Algorithm optimized BP neural network (WOA-BP) neural network is proposed. First, based on the theory of Kansei engineering, six representative paper-cut pattern samples and their main modeling features were determined through questionnaire survey, multi-dimensional scaling analysis, cluster analysis, and analytic hierarchy process. Second, the semantic difference method is used to obtain the perceptual image evaluation value of the representative paper-cut pattern, and combined with the principal component analysis method, the representative image vocabulary is extracted. Finally, the WOA-BP neural network is used to construct the mapping relationship between consumers' perceptual images and paper-cut pattern modeling features, and calculate the paper-cut pattern modeling code combinations corresponding to consumers' image needs. At the same time, the paper-cut pattern design using the image vocabulary ‘modern-traditional’ as an example verifies the feasibility of the method in this article. Compared with the existing method of designing paper-cut patterns based solely on the subjective experience of the designer, the method of this article can correlate the perceptual needs of consumers with the corresponding modeling characteristics of paper-cut patterns, making the design of paper-cut patterns targeted, precise and intelligent.

Sustainability of Palm Sugar Home Industry Management in Rambah District, Rokan Hulu Regency

The palm sugar industry in Rokan Hulu Regency, Indonesia, is a prominent agro-industry operating at a household level and mainly relies on raw palm sap. This study assesses the sustainability of the industry by analyzing its ecological, economic, social, legal/institutional, and technological dimensions. Using Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) and participatory prospective analysis, findings indicate moderate sustainability in all dimensions except for legal/institutional aspects, which require improvement. Practical recommendations focus on institutional support, adoption of agroforestry, digital literacy, and women empowerment to enhance the industry’s resilience and adaptability. These recommendations aim to facilitate long-term sustainability by strengthening community involvement and integrating modern technology. The outcomes contribute to broader insights on managing small-scale agro-industries sustainably within rural communities.

Diversity of Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Communities Associated with Tuber koreanum in Korea

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) are crucial for the formation of Tuber fruiting bodies, including the newly discovered T. koreanum, in Korea. This study explores the diversity and distribution of EMF communities associated with T. koreanum across various regions in Korea and assesses the effects of soil physicochemical properties on these communities. Soil analysis indicated that T. koreanum habitats have a lower pH compared to T. melanosporum habitats documented in other studies, with sandy loam texture being optimal for fruiting body development. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the relative abundances of certain EMF genera and exchangeable potassium and calcium. These findings offer valuable insights into the ecological requirements of T. koreanum and support future conservation and cultivation strategies for truffle species in Korea.

Reactions to a hypothetical reduced nicotine content cigarette policy among sexual- and gender-minoritized communities: a concept mapping study.

People who identify as sexual- and/or gender-minoritized (SGM) individuals have high prevalence of cigarette smoking. This study used concept mapping to examine anticipated reactions to a hypothetical cigarette nicotine reduction policy among SGM individuals in the United States. In 2022, SGM individuals who reported past-month cigarette smoking (mean age=33.3) were recruited from 44 U.S. states through Craigslist advertisements to complete an online study. Participants brainstormed statements completing the prompt, "If all cigarettes sold in the United States only had half the nicotine in them that they do now, a specific action I would take or a specific reaction I would have is..." Participants sorted statements by theme and rated statements based on how likely each reaction would be for them. Ninety participants completed at least one part of the study (56, 64, and 73 participants completing brainstorming, sorting, and rating respectively). Participants generated 100 statements that were organized into 7 thematic clusters using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. The clusters fell into three broad categories: 1) Thoughts and Reactions to the Ban, 2) Positive Preparations and Action Strategies, and 2) Maintaining Substance Use. The highest-rated clusters among participants were Questioning and Wondering (M=4.63), Negative Reactions (M=4.38), and Increasing Intake (4.30), while the lowest-rated cluster was Improving Public Health (M=3.56). A policy reducing nicotine content in cigarettes may have a positive impact on SGM individuals who smoke. Health communication campaigns highlighting the purpose and goals of the policy may increase receptiveness to a policy. People who identify as sexual- and gender-minoritized (SGM) individuals have higher prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to those who do not identify as SGM individuals. A policy reducing the nicotine content in cigarettes may promote smoking cessation or prevent cigarette initiation, and thus may have a greater impact on SGM people who smoke. However, data from the current study indicate that SGM individuals may be suspicious of the intentions of a policy setting a reduced nicotine content cigarette product standard. This study demonstrates that, while a reduced-nicotine content cigarette policy may have positive public health impacts, regulators should consider how the policy will be communicated to the public to increase the acceptability and effectiveness of the policy.

Differing conceptual maps of skills for implementing evidence-based interventions held by community-based organization practitioners and academics: A multidimensional scaling comparison.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are critical for delivering evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to address cancer inequities. However, a lack of consensus on the core skills needed for this work often hinders capacity-building strategies to support EBI implementation. The disconnect is partly due to differing views of EBIs and related skills held by those typically receiving versus developing capacity-building interventions (here, practitioners and academics, respectively). Our team of implementation scientists and practice-based advisors used group concept mapping to engage 34 CBO practitioners and 30 academics with experience addressing cervical cancer inequities implementing EBIs. We created group-specific maps of skills using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, then compared them using Procrustes comparison permutations. The 98 skills were sorted into six clusters by CBO practitioners and five by academics. The groups generated maps with statistically comparable underlying structures but also statistically significant divergence. Some skill clusters had high concordance across the two maps, e.g. "managing funding and external resources." Other skill clusters, e.g. "adapting EBIs" from the CBO practitioner map and "selecting and adapting EBIs" from the academic map, did not overlap as much. Across groups, key clusters of skills included connecting with community members, understanding the selected EBI and community context, adapting EBIs, building diverse and equitable partnerships, using data and evaluation, and managing funding and external resources. There is a significant opportunity to combine CBO practitioners' systems/community frames with the EBI-focused frame of academics to promote EBI utilization and address cancer and other health inequities.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation based on seasonal monsoon impact in benthic macroinvertebrates of Korean streams.

This study investigates the influence of seasonal monsoon flooding on heavy metal contamination and bioaccumulation in benthic macroinvertebrate communities within a stream ecosystem. We analyzed sediment and benthic macroinvertebrate samples for eight heavy metals [zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)] ) before (BF) and after (AF) a major flooding event. Significant spatial and temporal variations in heavy metal concentrations were observed, with generally higher levels detected after the flood. Chironomidae consistently exhibited high bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for several metals, highlighting their role as bioindicators. Notably, elevated Cu accumulation was observed in multiple species, including Radix auricularia (R. auricularia), Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata (C. c. malleata), and Palaemon spp. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis revealed shifting correlations between environmental variables and bioaccumulation patterns before and after flooding. Pre-flood, total nitrogen (TN) showed a strong positive correlation with Hg bioaccumulation, while post-flood, large sand content emerged as a more influential factor for Zn, Cr, Ni, and Pb bioaccumulation. Our findings emphasize the complex interplay between seasonal flooding, environmental factors, and heavy metal dynamics, with potential implications for ecological risk assessment and water quality management.

Supporting prescriber progression: a group concept mapping study

Abstract Introduction Education reforms allow pharmacists to become prescribers earlier in their career and from 2026, new registrants will be independent prescribers.1 In NHS Scotland, an operational framework supports the development of pharmacist independent prescribing.2 We wanted to supplement the operational framework by identifying our core areas of prescribing to articulate prescribing progression and inform education and training provision. Aim To develop a core prescribing framework to support safe prescribing and a spiral approach to expanding scope of practice. Methods We conducted a participatory mixed-method approach using group concept mapping methodology.3 Phase 1 (brainstorming): all hospital pharmacists working in a patient-facing clinical role were invited to enter statements on a cloud-based platform (Padlet®) using the prompt ‘In my day-to-day practice I prescribe and/or make prescribing recommendations about the following medicines / conditions …’. The statements were triangulated with electronic inpatient pharmacist prescribing data over the previous three months. Phase 2 (sorting and rating): a project group comprised of pharmacists with different levels of practice and areas of clinical expertise, individually sorted the statements into groups based on the statements’ conceptual similarity and rated each statement by level of practice (post-registration foundation, advancing, advanced) and importance for including in a core framework (5-point Likert scale). R software applied multidimensional scaling to sorting data to create a similarity matrix, cluster map and Go-Zones. ChatGPT generated cluster titles. The project group discussed the results and following a few revisions, consensus was achieved on the content of the prescribing framework. This study was not considered research and was approved by the pharmacy quality improvement team in line with local governance process. Results Forty-three pharmacists participated in the brainstorming phase and generated 158 statements. Fourteen pharmacists participated in the sorting and rating phase. Multidimensional scaling analysis identified three clusters of prescribing activities: initiating, adjusting and deprescribing. The data identified activities involving initiating medicines and autonomous decision making rated at advancing/advanced level practice while adjusting/deprescribing medicines (often with the caveat of within guidelines, protocols or team decisions) was rated at post-registration foundation level. The prescribing framework includes the activities considered important and is organised by cluster and level of practice. Discussion / Conclusion This study provides a structured conceptualisation of prescribing across the levels of practice. The prescribing framework reflects the needs of our patients and hospital inpatient service and provides a scaffolded approach to progressing from inexperienced to more advanced prescribing roles. Post-registration foundation prescribing activities focus on processes or types of prescribing, whilst advanced are more autonomous and complex. Limitations we didn’t collect clinical area of practice as part of the demographic information for the brainstorming phase and some specialities may not be represented. Further work includes a training needs analysis and developing entrustable professional activities for core and higher risk areas of prescribing (e.g. post-operative pain).

Strengthening healthcare providers’ leadership capabilities, interprofessional collaboration, and systems thinking: a conceptualization of the Clinical Scholars program impact

BackgroundHealthcare provider leadership programs represent an intervention opportunity to support advancement of the national system of care and an evaluation of their program impacts is needed. Between 2016 and 2023, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded Clinical Scholars (CS), a three-year equity-centered leadership training program for US healthcare providers. CS recruited participants (referred to as Fellows) in cohorts and engaged them as members of interprofessional teams to transform their careers and the health of their communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on the success of CS, specifically the program elements and their importance for community well-being and sustainability.MethodsWe used the mixed methods group concept mapping (GCM) approach to evaluate Fellows’ perspectives on program success. First, we conducted the qualitative phases of brainstorming, sorting, and rating with Fellows. Secondly, we conducted the quantitative phases using multi-dimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis and integrated the sorting and rating information from each Fellow to develop a series of concept maps. Finally, we conducted the interpretation phase to synthesize findings. Fellows (N = 177) across five cohorts were invited to participate in the study.ResultsFifty-seven Fellows (32%) completed one or more GCM phases. A conceptual map emerged, consisting of seven thematic clusters, which showed that program value could be attributed to the following elements: “Resources”, “Wicked Problem Impact Project (WPIP) Support”, “Curriculum”, “Thinking Bigger”, “Leadership Training”, “Networking”, and “Teamwork.” The pattern match showed that all seven clusters were highly rated by Fellows across the Community Well-being Impact and Sustainability domains.ConclusionStudy findings support the value of the RWJF-CS program strategy of long-term investment in the development of healthcare leaders with applied skills in interprofessional collaboration who will be prepared to continue addressing complex, multi-faceted challenges in the system of care.

Iron-bound organic carbon declined after estuarine wetland reclamation into paddy fields

Iron-bound organic carbon (Fe-OC) is a main pathway for the long-term maintenance of soil organic carbon (SOC), but research on its mechanism is still relatively weak. We investigated the coupling relationships among iron (Fe), carbon (C) and Fe-reducing bacteria (FeRB) in the soil of a reclaimed paddy field in comparison with natural Phragmites australis wetland in the Minjiang River estuary in southeastern China. The results showed that conversion of P. australis wetland to paddy cultivation changed the soil redox process. After reclamation, soil Fe(II), Fe(III), HCl-Fet, free iron oxide (Fed) and amorphous iron (Feo) contents and Fe(III)/Fe(II) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the content of complexed iron (Fep) increased. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) demonstrated variability in FeRB across soil types (r = 0.900, p = 0.001). The lower Fe-OC concentration in soil after wetland reclamation may be the result of Fe reduction by dissimilatory FeRB (e.g., Bacillus, Anaeromyxobacter). On average, both Fe-OC and SOC contents decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the contribution of Fe-OC to total SOC (fFe-OC) increased significantly (p < 0.05), after conversion to paddy cultivation. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that SOC, dissolved organic C, and Fe-OC were affected by FeRB and the speciation of Fe. In addition, Fe (III) concentration affected SOC concentration (r = 0.60, p < 0.05) and DOC concentration (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), and Fed affected DOC concentration (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). We conclude that after rice field reclamation in estuarine wetlands, Fe-reducing bacteria can mediate iron-bonded organic C decoupling, affecting SOC stabilization.

Exploring facets of student motivation using a Bass Ackward strategy and the conceptual lens of self-determination theory

Motivational constructs have proliferated in educational psychology, reflecting the complexity of what moves people to engage and learn. In this exploratory research, we focused on students’ motivation for higher education. Our goal was to understand how a wide range of motives are empirically and conceptually related. We also examined how this diversity of motivational content relates to the motivational typology postulated by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). In Study 1, we extracted items from a broad collection of measures, formatted them with a common set of instructions, and administered them to multiple samples of current and former U.S. college students. Using Goldberg’s (2006) Bass Ackward factor-analytic method, we distilled twenty-six distinct facets that capture a wide variety of motivational contents. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) suggested a dimension that resembled SDT’s continuum of relative autonomy, with some facets similar to amotivation and others falling along a range from less to more autonomous or volitional forms of motivation. In Study 2, we administered these provisionally labelled motivational facets alongside SDT’s regulatory styles and a set of external criteria covering multiple outcomes of interest in higher education. MDS analyses replicated the general pattern found in Study 1, recovering a dimension resembling SDT’s continuum of autonomy. Motivational facets were also associated with external criteria in a theoretically coherent manner. We discuss the implications of these exploratory findings for understanding the structure of self-reported motivation and for theory and measurement of student motivation.

Plant Species Diversity and Composition Differ Significantly Between the Boundaries of Kettle Holes and Field Borders.

The boundaries around habitat islands in agricultural fields are rather unexamined, although they may be an important part of agroecosystems in some regions. In this study, we surveyed field boundaries in northeastern Brandenburg both at outer field borders and around kettle holes, which are typical habitat islands in the region. We examined, described, and compared the plant species diversity and composition at both the inner and outer field boundaries in the arable fields (crop edge) as well as in permanent vegetation (field margins). Diversity was assessed and compared with Hill diversity values, using the iNext framework. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational analysis of variance were used to compare species composition at different field boundaries and to search for variables that drive species composition at the local scale. The results revealed that both species diversity and composition differed significantly between the inner and outer boundary along the crop edges and at the field margins. Local site conditions, namely a moisture gradient, influenced the species composition of the field margins, resulting in differences between the inner and outer field margins. Mitigated through crop growth and cover, the moisture gradient influenced also the species composition of the inner and outer crop edges, despite the management practices on the fields were the same.

Gut microbiota alterations and associations with nutrients in children with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that is not well understood in relation to the microbiome. Our objective was to demonstrate changes in the microbiota and the relationships between nutrients in children with celiac disease (CD) who followed a gluten-free diet (GFD). A group of 11 children who were recently diagnosed with CD, ranging in age from 3 to 12, were monitored for a period of 6 months. GFD is designed based on the individual's specific energy and nutrient needs, with strict control over dietary adherence. Food consumption, blood, and fecal samples were taken. Fecal samples were put through 16s rRNA sequencing. Microbial modifications were demonstrated using alpha diversity, beta diversity, nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NDMS), t-test, and metastats. Mean age was 6.4 ± 2.66 years and 54.5% were male participants. Serological parameters were negative after 6 months. Both unweighted (p = .019) and weighted (p = .021) Unifrac distances were higher before GFD, and differences were reliable according to NDMS analysis (stress = 0.189). The abundance of Bacteroides ovatus was increased (p = .014), whereas unidentified Lachnospiraceae, Paeniclostridium, Paraclostridium Peptostreptococcus, and Dielma were decreased after GFD (p < .001). Associations between nutrients and several genera and species were identified. The presence of genus Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium adolescentis was inversely associated with fat intake after GFD (p < .01). Microbiota changes became evident over a period of 6 months. The presence or absence of small bacteria may play a role in the development of CD. Modifying the children's dietary intake can potentially influence the microbial composition.

Diversity Patterns of Bacteria in the Root Zone of Davidia involucrata Along an Altitudinal Gradient

Davidia involucrata has an ancient origin, representing a remnant from the paleotropical flora that thrived during the Tertiary period. Altitudinal gradient acts as a natural testing ground for studying climate change, and research on the distribution patterns of microorganisms along altitudinal gradients is crucial in understanding the adaptability of D. involucrata to climate change. In our study, we examined sample sites ranging from 1600 to 2200 m in elevation, which are part of the primary habitat zone for Davidia involucrata within the Xuebaoding National Nature Reserve. In 2021, field surveys were conducted across four altitudinal gradients (1600 m, 1800 m, 2000 m and 2200 m) of the D. involucrata distribution in the nature reserve. The sampling plots were set in each altitudinal gradient, and three representative and healthy mature trees were selected as sample trees for each plot. Rhizosphere soils were used to test the soil stoichiometry characteristics and root zone microbial communities. Our findings indicated pronounced differences in soil total carbon (TC) and total phosphorus (TP) content and C:P and N:P ratios between the four altitude sites (p &lt; 0.05). Analysis of the bacterial communities revealed higher richness (PD and Chao1 indexes) at ASL2000 and ASL2200 (high altitude) compared to ASL1600 and ASL2000 (low altitude) (p &lt; 0.05). Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis demonstrated a distinct clustering of bacterial communities between the high and low altitudes (p &lt; 0.01). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were predominant at high altitudes, while Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi dominated at low altitudes. The core microbiome, shared among all altitudes, comprised 377 genes. The analysis of differential abundance revealed notable disparities in the prevalence of certain bacterial genera with altitude, with Arthrobacter and Acidothermus experiencing the most pronounced shifts (p &lt; 0.05). This confirmed that environmental factors significantly influenced bacterial community structure and abundance. Spearman’s rank correlations revealed that both Chao1 and PD indices were positively correlated with elevation, TC, and TN, with Chao1 showing stronger relationships. Both indices were negatively correlated with MAT, while only Chao1 exhibited a significant negative correlation with pH. Linear regression analysis further confirmed the significant associations between Chao1 index and elevation, TN, MAT, and pH. Furthermore, redundancy analysis demonstrated that altitude (ASL) and TN were the primary factors shaping soil bacterial community composition, explaining 21.32% and 30.70% of the variance, respectively. Altitude significantly influenced microbial community structure (p = 0.003). Distinct microbial taxa showed specific associations with environmental gradients, suggesting niche specialization in response to soil conditions. These findings suggest that altitude influences soil nutrient characteristics and microbial community composition in the D. involucrata habitat, offering insights into the ecological factors affecting this endangered species.

Jazz hands and jitters: Exploring valence and arousal dimensions with multidimensional scaling techniques

Utilizing the two-dimensional plane of valence and arousal with multi-dimensional scaling (MDS), the current study sought to better understand the structure of affect and the relationship between emotion items. The positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) is the most frequently applied self-report measure of affect but has been criticized for only including high arousal emotions. A between-subjects, two-part experimental study was conducted. Participants (N = 548) were recruited online and asked to rate the similarity between one of two target words (anger: n = 271; calm: n = 277) and 143 emotion words. Our results provided evidence for the two-dimensional plane of valence and arousal, indicating that all four quadrants are important when studying affect. Overall, the current study found support for the activation-arousal theory of affectivity with MDS analyses. Emotion words clustered in all four quadrants of the two-dimensional plane, demonstrating the necessity of an affect measure that encompasses all four quadrants. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the PANAS does not include items in the positive valence/low activation quadrant, however, a newly published measure was found to have increased item dispersion, with items included in all four quadrants of affect. Limitations and proposed future directions are discussed.