Search Results (787)

Background: Child Development Accounts (CDAs) were introduced in the 1990s as a long-term asset-building policy aimed at supporting families in accumulating assets to achieve life goals for their children, including higher education, homeownership, and long-term economic security. Beyond their financial benefits, CDAs have been theorized to strengthen family relationships and improve children’s well-being by fostering a future-oriented mindset and increasing parental involvement in educational activities. Objective: This study investigates the impact of CDAs on parent–child educational engagement and children’s sense of hope for the future, contributing to the growing body of research on the multidimensional benefits of asset-based policies for children’s development. Methods: Data were drawn from the third wave of the SEED for Oklahoma Kids (SEED OK) study, a rigorous, longitudinal, randomized policy experiment in the United States. The analytic sample comprised 1425 families. Dependent variables were parent–child educational engagement and children’s hope. The independent variable was participation in the SEED OK CDA policy experiment. Baseline sociodemographic variables related to children, mothers, and households were controlled for in the analysis. Multivariate linear regressions and path analysis techniques were employed to assess direct and indirect effects. Results: Participation in CDAs was found to improve parent–child educational interactions and enhance children’s hope significantly in the pre-COVID-19 sample. The study’s rigorous design and consistent implementation allowed for establishing causal relationships and long-term developmental benefits. Conclusions: CDAs offer not only financial advantages but also contribute meaningfully to strengthening family dynamics and promoting positive psychosocial outcomes for children, supporting their inclusion in comprehensive social policy frameworks. Full article

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the world’s most widely grown legume crop, is not only of great commercial importance but is also a vital smallholder crop in low-to-medium-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa common bean provides consumers with a major proportion of their dietary protein and micronutrients. However, productivity is constrained by viruses, particularly those vectored by aphids and whiteflies, and problems are further compounded by seed-borne transmission. We describe common bean’s major viral threats including the aphid-transmitted RNA viruses bean common mosaic virus and bean common mosaic necrosis virus, and the whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses bean golden mosaic virus and bean golden yellow mosaic virus and discuss how high-throughput sequencing is revealing emerging threats. We discuss how recent work on indirect and direct viral ‘manipulation’ of vector behaviour is influencing modelling of viral epidemics. Viral extended phenotypes also modify legume interactions with beneficial organisms including root-associated microbes, pollinators and the natural enemies of vectors. While problems with common bean tissue culture have constrained transgenic and gene editing approaches to crop protection, topical application of double-stranded RNA molecules could provide a practical protection system compatible with the wide diversity of common bean lines grown in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can have complicated interactions with plants and soils, which play a critical role in mediating the soil carbon cycle. However, the mechanism by which AM fungi regulate soil respiration is not well documented. This study conducted a completely randomized block-design mesocosm experiment using the inoculation of AM fungi (RI: Rhizophagus intraradices; FM: Funneliformis mosseae) with Fraxinus malacophylla to identify the pathways of AM fungi controlling soil respiration in a rocky desertification habitat. We observed that the average soil respiration rates (3.78 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) were significantly higher in two AM fungi inoculation treatments than in the control (2.87 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Soil respiration rates were 1.59-fold higher in RI fungi inoculation and 1.05-fold higher in FM inoculation than in the control. Explanation rates of microbial biomass carbon, biomass nitrogen, and root biomass in RI (57.46–76.49%) and FM (44.81–62.62%) inoculation for soil respiration variation were higher than those in the control (24.51–34.32%). The direct positive pathway of soil respiration was mainly regulated by microbial biomass (59.5%) and root biomass (34.90%), while the indirect positive contributions of soil physicochemical properties (30.00%), colonization level (3.50%), soil microclimate (19.30%), and enzyme activity (3.38%) to respiration dynamics ranked second. Thus, we conclude that soil respiration dynamics can be mainly controlled by AM fungi-mediated changes in microbial and root biomass in rocky desertification areas. Full article

In the context of global climate change and growing food security challenges, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the yields of three staple crops (wheat, corn and rice) in the Yellow River Basin of China, employing multiple quantitative analysis methods including the Mann–Kendall trend test, center of gravity transfer model and hotspot analysis. Our research integrates yield data covering these three crops from 72 prefecture-level cities across the Yellow River Basin, during 2000 to 2023, to systematically examine the temporal variation, spatial variation and spatial agglomeration characteristics of the yields. The study uses GeoDetector to explore the impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on changes in crop yields from both single-factor and interactive-factor perspectives. While traditional statistical methods often struggle to simultaneously handle complex causal relationships among multiple factors, particularly in effectively distinguishing between direct and indirect influence paths or accounting for the transmission effects of factors through mediating variables, this study adopts Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to identify which factors directly affect crop yields and which exert indirect effects through other factors. This approach enables us to elucidate the path relationships and underlying mechanisms governing crop yields, thereby revealing the direct and indirect influences among multiple factors. This study conducted an analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), classifying the intensity of influence based on the absolute value of the impact factor (with >0.3 defined as “strong”, 0.1–0.3 as “moderate” and <0.1 as “weak”), and distinguishing the nature of influence by the positive or negative value (positive values indicate promotion, negative values indicate inhibition). The results show that among natural factors, temperature has a moderate promoting effect on wheat (0.21) and a moderate inhibiting effect on corn (−0.25); precipitation has a moderate inhibiting effect on wheat (−0.28) and a moderate promoting effect on rice (0.17); DEM has a strong inhibiting effect on wheat (−0.33) and corn (−0.58), and a strong promoting effect on rice (0.38); slope has a moderate inhibiting effect on wheat (−0.15) and a moderate promoting effect on corn (0.15). Among socioeconomic factors, GDP has a weak promoting effect on wheat (0.01) and a moderate inhibiting effect on rice (−0.20), while the impact of population is relatively small. In terms of indirect effects, slope indirectly inhibits wheat (−0.051, weak) and promotes corn (0.149, moderate) through its influence on temperature; DEM indirectly promotes rice (0.236, moderate) through its influence on GDP and precipitation. In terms of interaction effects, the synergy between precipitation and temperature has the highest explanatory power for wheat and rice, while the synergy between DEM and precipitation has the strongest explanatory power for corn. The study further analyzes the mechanisms of direct and indirect interactions among various factors and finds that there are significant temporal and spatial differences in crop yields in the Yellow River Basin, with natural factors playing a leading role and socioeconomic factors showing dynamic regulatory effects. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable agricultural development and food security policy-making in the region. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant staple crop that faces constant threats from Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight (LB). The battle between Phytophthora infestans and its host is driven by the molecular interplay of RXLR-encoded avirulence (PiAvr) effectors and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors in potato. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics, functional diversity, and evolutionary dynamics of RXLR effectors and the mechanisms by which NLR receptors recognize and respond to them. The study elaborates on both direct and indirect modes of effector recognition by NLRs, highlighting the gene-for-gene interactions that underlie resistance. Additionally, we discuss the molecular strategies employed by P. infestans to evade host immunity, including effector polymorphism, truncation, and transcriptional regulation. Advances in structural biology, functional genomics, and computational modeling have provided valuable insights into effector–receptor interactions, paving the way for innovative resistance breeding strategies. We also discuss the latest approaches to engineering durable resistance, including gene stacking, synthetic NLRs, and CRISPR-based modifications. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is critical for developing resistant potato cultivars and mitigating the devastating effects of LB. This review aims to bridge current knowledge gaps and guide future research efforts in plant immunity and disease management. Full article

Predation plays a key organizational role in structuring plankton communities. However, predator diversity can lead to emergent effects in which the outcomes of predator–prey interactions are modified. The response of the plankton community to three different predator regimes at natural densities was investigated over a 10-day mesocosm experiment in a temperate, temporarily open/closed estuary in South Africa. The regimes included: (1) predation by the mysid, Mesopodopsis wooldridgei; (2) predation by larval Rhabdosargus holubi and (3) a combination of the two predators. M. wooldridgei are primarily copepod feeders, and juvenile R. holubi consume a broader diet including zooplankton, algae and invertebrate fauna. In the absence of predators, zooplankton grazing contributed to a significant decline in the phytoplankton size structure and total chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration. The presence of the predators contributed to a decline in the total zooplankton abundances and biomass which dampened the grazing impact of the zooplankton on the total Chl-a, consistent with the expectations of a trophic cascade. There were no significant differences in the size structure of the phytoplankton community, total Chl-a concentration and the total zooplankton abundances and biomass between the different predator treatments, suggesting that the increase in predator diversity did not contribute to increased prey risk. These findings highlight both the direct and indirect ecological impacts of predators on plankton dynamics. Full article

Aim: Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ) plays important anti-inflammatory roles, including in periodontitis. This systematic review with a meta-analysis compiles evidence on the transcriptional and translational levels of PPAR-γ in clinical and experimental periodontitis studies, alongside functional enrichment and PPAR-γ interaction network analyses. Method: Electronic searches were conducted in six databases for publications up to February 2024. For the meta-analysis of experimental studies of periodontitis, PPAR-γ levels in the periodontal tissues were assessed through gene expression (RT-qPCR) or protein expression (Western blotting). In the clinical periodontitis studies, PPAR-γ levels in the gingival tissues were evaluated through protein expression (immunohistochemistry). A risk of bias (RoB) assessment was performed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) and Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) tools for experimental and clinical studies, respectively. The enrichment analysis was performed using the g:Profiler tool, and gene interaction networks were analyzed using GeneMANIA. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated significantly lower PPAR-γ protein levels in the periodontal tissues from animals with periodontitis. PPARG mRNA and PPAR-γ quantification through immunohistochemistry remained inconclusive. The bioinformatics analyses indicated direct or indirect PPAR-γ-associated molecules involved in the immune response to periodontitis. The PPAR-γ protein expression was higher in periodontal tissues from healthy animals compared to that from those with periodontitis. Conclusions: Given the inconclusive findings of RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, further PPARG mRNA and PPAR-γ protein evaluations are needed to clarify their levels in the periodontal tissues. Full article

With the development of the power system, the ability to present a comprehensive and reasonable evaluation of its coordination level has become important for the collaborative optimization of source-grid-load-storage. By identifying uncertain risk factors fully, the present work develops a multi-level coordination-level evaluation of source-grid-load-storage based on AHP-entropy weighting. Building on previous studies, the present work reflects interactive characteristics of the collaborative optimization of source-grid-load-storage. Meanwhile, to determine the indicator weighting more reasonably, AHP-entropy weighting is adopted; this method combines the advantages of subjective AHP weighting and objective entropy weighting. Firstly, the multi-level coordination-level evaluation of source-grid-load-storage is introduced and includes both direct factors and indirect factors. Next, based on AHP-entropy weighting, the indicator weighting of the multi-level coordination-level evaluation is determined. Lastly, a case study is conducted that involves evaluating the coordination levels of the power systems of three regions. Additionally, the effectiveness of the multi-level coordination-level evaluation of source-grid-load-storage is validated. Full article

The direct relationship between aerosols and clouds strongly influences the effects of clouds on the global climate. Aerosol particles act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), affecting cloud formation, microphysics, and precipitation, as well as increasing the reflection of solar radiation at the cloud tops. Processes such as gas-to-particle conversion and new particle formation (NPF) control aerosol properties that, together with meteorological conditions, regulate cloud droplet nucleation through Köhler theory and related effects. The indirect aerosol effects described by Twomey and Albrecht demonstrate how changes in aerosols impact droplet number, cloud lifetime, and precipitation efficiency. Cloud microphysical processes, including droplet growth, collision-coalescence, and solid-phase mechanisms such as riming, vapor diffusion, and aggregation, shape precipitation development in warm, cold, and mixed-phase clouds. Ice nucleation remains a significant uncertainty due to the diversity of aerosol types and nucleation modes. This work synthesizes these physical interactions to better understand how the chemical and physical properties of aerosols influence cloud and precipitation processes, supporting improvements in weather and climate prediction models despite numerical challenges arising from the complexity of aerosol–cloud interactions. Full article

Urbanization profoundly alters environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, artificial light at night (ALAN), and precipitation) that strongly influence vegetation phenology. However, the rate and extent of vegetation phenological responses to urbanization, as well as their underlying mechanisms, remain underexplored, particularly the roles of CO₂ emissions and PM₂.₅ concentrations, as well as the interactions among environmental conditions. We first used road network density (RND) to represent urbanization effects and quantified the phenological response rate and extent across 31 cities in China (2014–2022) using slope and range metrics derived from linear regressions of phenostages (start of season (SOS), end of season (EOS), length of season (LOS)) against RND. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied to assess the direct and indirect effects of RND on phenology via all five key environmental factors. Our results identified substantial differences in the urban phenological responses across latitudinal, hydrothermal, and land−cover gradients. And the impact of urbanization on phenology was most pronounced during early expansion (at a RND threshold of 2.02 ± 0.41 km/km²) but diminished with continued growth. Environmental factors distinctly affected phenological response rate and extent through RND; temperature, ALAN, and CO₂ emissions were the dominant drivers of slope, negatively affecting SOS (β = −0.37 to −0.69) but positively affecting EOS and LOS (β = 0.31 to 0.68). PM₂.₅ played a crucial role in determining the range of SOS (β = −0.31), and precipitation had the largest impact on the range of EOS (β = −0.37). Our study innovatively uses RND to quantify urbanization intensity and improve understanding of the combined effects of multiple drivers, especially PM₂.₅ and CO₂, on phenological responses, which may offer a useful reference for future urban planning strategies that aim to balance development with ecosystem functioning. Full article

This study investigates the spatial heterogeneity of carbon pools in young Betula sp. stands on former arable lands in the southern Moscow region, Russia. The findings could be useful for the current estimates and predictions of the carbon balance in such forest ecosystems. The research focuses on understanding the interactions between plant cover and the environment, i.e., how environmental factors such as stand density, tree diameter and height, light conditions, and soil properties affect ecosystem carbon pools. We also studied how heterogeneity in edaphic conditions affects the formation of plant cover, particularly tree regeneration and the development of ground layer vegetation. Field measurements were conducted on a permanent 50 × 50 m sampling plot divided into 5 × 5 m subplots, in order to capture variability in vegetation and soil characteristics. Key findings reveal significant differences in carbon stocks across subplots with varying stand densities and light conditions. This highlights the role of the spatial heterogeneity of soil properties and vegetation cover in carbon sequestration. The study demonstrates the feasibility of indirect estimation of carbon stocks using stand parameters (density, height, and diameter), with results that closely match direct measurements. The total ecosystem carbon stock was estimated at 80.47 t ha⁻¹, with the soil contribution exceeding that of living biomass and dead organic matter. This research emphasizes the importance of accounting for spatial heterogeneity in carbon assessments of post-agricultural ecosystems, providing a methodological framework for future studies. Full article

Phubbing, a relatively new phenomenon in the field of digital risks, refers to the act of ignoring someone in favor of focusing on a smartphone during face-to-face interactions. Parental phubbing, a specific form of this behavior, is a prevalent negative parenting practice that can affect parent–child relationships and child development. However, the impact of parental phubbing on the emotional and behavioral development of preschool children remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ behavioral problems, as well as test whether parents’ mindful attention awareness (MAA) acts as a mediator between them. Method: A questionnaire was administered to 138 Italian parents (mean age = 38.5, SD = 6.2) of 138 kindergarten preschoolers (mean age = 3.9, SD = 1.03). Questionnaires included the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: Analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between the MAAS and SDQ total scores, a positive correlation between the GSP total score and the SDQ total score, and a negative correlation between the GSP total score and the MAAS total score. The mediation analysis did not show a direct effect of GSP on SDQ, suggesting that parental phubbing did not directly predict children’s behavioral difficulties. Nevertheless, the indirect effect measured by bootstrapping was significant, indicating that parental MAA fully mediated the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ problematic behaviors. Conclusions: Although further research is needed, parental mindfulness may influence phubbing behaviors in parents providing valuable insights for early interventions aimed at reducing problem behaviors in young children. Full article

Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoid pigments, impart vivid red, purple, and blue coloration to horticultural plants, playing essential roles in ornamental enhancement, stress resistance, and pollinator attraction. Recent studies have identified B-box (BBX) proteins as a critical class of transcription factors (TFs) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Despite these advances, comprehensive reviews systematically addressing BBX proteins are urgently needed, especially given the complexity and diversity of their roles in regulating anthocyanin production. In this paper, we provide an in-depth overview of the fundamental structures, biological functions, and classification of BBX TFs, along with a detailed description of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities. Furthermore, we emphasize the diverse molecular mechanisms through which BBX TFs regulate anthocyanin accumulation, including direct activation or repression of target genes, indirect modulation via interacting protein complexes, and co-regulation with other transcriptional regulators. Additionally, we summarize the known upstream regulatory signals and downstream target genes of BBX TFs, highlighting their significance in shaping anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. Understanding these regulatory networks mediated by BBX proteins will not only advance fundamental horticultural science but also provide valuable insights for enhancing the aesthetic quality, nutritional benefits, and stress adaptability of horticultural crops. Full article

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is one of the world’s most prominent biodiversity hotspots. Understanding the spatial patterns of ecological uniqueness in its plant communities is essential for uncovering the mechanisms of community assembly and informing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we analyzed data from 758 plots across 338 sites on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. For each plot, the vegetation type was classified, and all plant species present, along with their respective abundance or coverage, were recorded in the database. To assess overall compositional variation, community β-diversity was quantified, while a plot-level approach was applied to determine the influence of local environmental conditions and community characteristics on ecological uniqueness. We used stepwise multiple regressions, variation partitioning, and structural equation modeling to identify the key drivers of spatial variation in ecological uniqueness. Our results show that (1) local contributions to β-diversity (LCBD) exhibit significant geographic variation—increasing with longitude, decreasing with latitude, and showing a unimodal trend along the elevational gradient; (2) shrubs and trees contribute more to β-diversity than herbaceous species, and LCBD is strongly linked to the proportion of rare species; and (3) community characteristics, including species richness and vegetation coverage, are the main direct drivers of ecological uniqueness, explaining 36.9% of the variance, whereas climate and soil properties exert indirect effects through their interactions. Structural equation modeling further reveals a coordinated influence of soil, climate, and community attributes on LCBD, primarily mediated through soil nutrient availability. These findings provide a theoretical basis for adaptive biodiversity management on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and underscore the conservation value of regions with high ecological uniqueness. Full article

Introduction: The gut microbiota is vital for human health, and its modulation through dietary and pharmaceutical compounds has gained increasing attention. Among gut microbes, Akkermansia muciniphila has been extensively researched due to its role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, regulating energy metabolism, and influencing inflammatory responses. Subject: To analyze and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the influence of various bioactive compounds, including prebiotics, polyphenols, antioxidants, and pharmaceutical agents, on the abundance and activity of A. muciniphila, considering underlying mechanisms, microbial context, and its therapeutic potential for improving metabolic and intestinal health. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, SciFinder-n, and Google Scholar were searched for publications from 2004 to 2025. Experimental studies in animal models or humans that evaluated the impact of bioactive compounds on the abundance or activity of A. muciniphila were prioritized. The selection process was managed using the Covidence platform. Results: A total of 78 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. This review compiles and analyzes experimental evidence on the interaction between A. muciniphila and various bioactive compounds, including prebiotics, antioxidants, flavonoids, and selected pharmaceutical agents. Factors such as the chemical structure of the compounds, microbial environment, underlying mechanisms, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and mucin interactions were considered. Compounds such as resistant starch type 2, GOS, 2′-fucosyllactose, quercetin, resveratrol, metformin, and dapagliflozin showed beneficial effects on A. muciniphila through direct or indirect pathways. Discussion: Variability across studies reflects the influence of multiple variables, including compound type, dose, intervention duration, experimental models, and analytical methods. These differences emphasize the need for a contextualized approach when designing microbiota-based interventions. Conclusions: A. muciniphila emerges as a promising therapeutic target for managing metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Further mechanistic and clinical studies are necessary to validate its role and to support the development of personalized microbiota-based treatment interventions. Full article