Search Results (3,554)

This study leverages longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2012–2020) to examine the association between teacher support and cognitive ability among children aged 10–16 living in economically disadvantaged rural areas of China. Employing a difference-in-differences (DID) framework, we found that exposure to the Rural Teacher Support Program (RTSP) is associated with an improvement of about 0.19 standard deviations in students’ cognitive abilities after accounting for individual-, family-, and county-level characteristics. Two key mechanisms appear to underlie this association, reflected in increased teacher quantity and enhanced student satisfaction with teachers. Heterogeneity analyses further show that these benefits are more pronounced among female students and those from low-income households, suggesting that teacher-centered institutional improvements may help mitigate developmental disparities. Overall, the longitudinal results indicate that better teacher-related environments are likely to support children’s cognitive development, which in turn may help reduce educational inequality in under-resourced areas. Full article

Background:The genus Artocarpus includes about 70 species, such as the economically important jackfruit and breadfruit, which serve as vital sources of food, timber, and medicine in the tropics. However, systematic research and genetic improvement have been restricted by the scarcity and fragmentation of available genomic data. Methods: Here, we developed the Artocarpus Genome Database (ArGD), a publicly accessible, comprehensive research platform dedicated to this genus. ArGD centrally integrates high-quality genomic sequences from seven Artocarpus genomes, along with related transcriptomic data and detailed functional annotations. Results: Beyond basic data retrieval, ArGD features a suite of advanced visualization and analysis modules, including BLAST, JBrowse, expression heatmaps, volcano plots, synteny viewers, ArtocarpusCYC metabolic interface, and Gene Ontology (GO)/KEGG enrichment analyses. Additionally, ArGD provides online identification tools for gene families related to fruit aroma and secondary metabolism. Conclusions: Overall, ArGD serves as a valuable resource for functional genomics and comparative studies in Artocarpus, facilitating future research and data-driven studies of genetic improvement. Full article

The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are crucial regulators of plant development and stress responses. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of the bHLH family in Rosa roxburghii, an economically important fruit crop. A total of 89 non-redundant RrbHLHs were identified and unevenly distributed across the seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into 23 subfamilies and 7 Arabidopsis subfamilies were absent, indicating lineage-specific evolutionary trajectories. Conserved motif and gene structure analyses showed that members within the same subfamily generally shared similar architectures, yet subfamily-specific variations were evident, suggesting potential functional diversification. Notably, key residues involved in DNA-binding and dimerization were highly conserved within the bHLH domain. Promoter analysis identified multiple cis-acting elements related to hormone response, stress adaptation, and tissue-specific regulation, hinting at broad regulatory roles. Expression profiling across fruit developmental stages and in response to GA₃ treatment revealed dynamic expression patterns. Furthermore, 21 duplicated gene pairs (17 segmental and 4 tandem duplicated pairs) were identified, with most evolving under purifying selection. Detailed analysis of these pairs revealed that segmental duplication, coupled with structural variations such as exon indels, dissolution/joining, and exonization/pseudoexonization, substantially contributed to their functional divergence during evolution. Our results provide a basis for understanding the evolution and potential functions of the RrbHLHs. Full article

Stem mustard (Brassica juncea var. tumida Tsen et Lee) is an important economic vegetable in China. Premature bolting induced by temperature fluctuations has become a major cultivation constraint. Photoreceptors (PHRs) serve as critical photosensor proteins that interpret light signals and regulate physiological responses in plants. In this study, five core PHR families, namely F-box-containing flavin binding proteins (ZTL/FKF1/LKP2), phytochrome (PHY), cryptochrome (CRY), phototropin (PHOT) and UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) were identified in Brassica species. RNA-seq analysis revealed their expression patterns during organogenesis in B. juncea. Seven candidate PHRs were validated by qRT-PCR in B. juncea early-bolting (‘YA-1’) and late-bolting (‘ZT-1’) cultivars. Agrobacterium-mediated BjuFKF1_1 overexpression (OE) lines resulted in significantly earlier flowering under field conditions. Histochemical GUS staining indicated that BjuFKF1_1 was expressed in seedlings, leaves, flower buds and siliques. Transcript analysis revealed that the expression level of BjuFKF1_1 was up-regulated in all tissues at both the vegetative and reproductive stages, whereas the expression of BjuFKF1_1 interacting protein-encoding genes were down-regulated in flowers. Under blue light, genes encoding interacting proteins (BjuCOL5, BjuSKP1, BjuCOL3, BjuAP2, BjuAP2-1 and BjuLKP2) were up-regulated in flower buds, whereas BjuCOL and BjuPP2C52 were down-regulated in flowers. Developmental stage analysis revealed the up-regulation of five (BjuAP2, BjuCOL3, BjuCOL5, BjuAP2-1 and BjuLKP2) and four (BjuCOL, BjuCOL5, BjuAP2 and BjuLKP2) interaction protein-encoding genes during the reproductive stage under white and blue light, respectively. These findings elucidate the role of BjuFKF1_1 in flowering regulation and provide molecular targets for B. juncea bolting-resistant variety breeding. Full article

Intergenerational trauma significantly affects the health and mental health of African American families, particularly women whose lives are shaped by systemic inequities and historical oppression. This scoping review examines how trauma and resilience are transmitted across generations in African American communities, with a focus on dyads such as mother–child and mother–daughter relationships and a conceptual grandmother–mother–daughter triad. The review aims to identify mechanisms of trauma transmission and resilience and to inform culturally responsive, multigenerational interventions. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2025 were identified that included African American caregivers and children and addressed biological, psychological, social, cultural, and resilience dimensions of intergenerational processes. Data were synthesized using a dimensional conceptual analysis approach. Findings indicate that intergenerational trauma is perpetuated through chronic stress and discrimination, maternal mental health challenges, family structure and caregiving strain, and cultural narratives about strength and self-reliance. At the same time, resilience is transmitted through sensitive caregiving, spirituality and faith, social and kin support, racial socialization, and economic survival strategies that draw on cultural and historical knowledge. These results underscore the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma holistically by integrating dyadic evidence within a broader conceptual triadic framework. Culturally responsive, multigenerational interventions that leverage family and community strengths and make space for emotional vulnerability are essential for interrupting cycles of trauma and fostering healing within African American families. Full article

Expanding longevity, together with a decrease in mortality, leads to an increase in the older population worldwide. In this review, ageing and older adults, as well as psychosocial and advanced technological interventions, will be discussed. Older adults are associated with an increased incidence of multimorbidity and disability; thus, they have a higher demand for health services than younger individuals. Challenges in welfare services and inadequate family and community-based care support negatively impact the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of older people. Active ageing and successful ageing are crucial aspects for a better quality of life in this age group, as there is a complex interplay of different domains and disease types that influence quality of life in older adults. Additionally, promoting the social participation of older adults is vital for improving their quality of life. Furthermore, the use of technology in older adults has a positive impact on their quality of life; however, aside from the promotion and implementation of technological interventions, challenges persist at all levels of acceptance and use. A better understanding of these challenges and implementing measures to overcome them will have a significant impact on the technological acceptance of older adults and their use in daily life activities, resulting in more favourable quality of life outcomes. Full article

Household food waste remains a significant barrier to sustainable consumption goals. This study investigates the impact of sociodemographic characteristics influence self-reported food waste levels in Poland. A cross-sectional CAWI survey (N = 1000), based on the HFSSM, was conducted among adults responsible for purchasing household food. Associations between food waste and structural factors were analysed using χ² tests, Spearman rank correlations, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Age appears as the strongest determinant: younger respondents consistently report higher food waste, while older adults indicate markedly lower levels. Household composition is equally important—the presence and number of children significantly increase waste. Economic status is also relevant: pensioners and disability-benefit recipients report substantially less waste than employed and self-employed individuals. Net household income shows no significant effect. Education does not necessarily reduce food waste; in some comparisons, higher-educated respondents report slightly higher levels, suggesting that formal education does not automatically translate into effective food management routines. The findings highlight that food waste is primarily influenced by life stage, household structure, and daily habits rather than income or education. Interventions should focus on younger adults and families with children, emphasising practical skills such as meal planning, inventory management, appropriate storage, and the use of leftovers. Full article

While striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is an economically important aquaculture species, its genomic resources remain limited. To date, linkage maps, QTL (quantitative trait loci) analyses, and the identification of candidate genes associated with disease resistance traits are very limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to construct a high-density linkage map and identify candidate genes for this species. Our analysis was conducted on a pedigree population consisting of 560 individuals (490 offspring and 70 parents for 40 families), whose genomes were analyzed using a genotyping-by-sequencing platform. After stringent filtering, 9882 high-quality SNPs were retained for linkage analysis. Linkage analysis placed 8786 markers onto 30 linkage groups (LGs), with an average density of 0.43 SNPs per cM. Recombination rates varied across the 30 linkage groups (LGs), averaging of 3.6 cM/Mb in males, 6.7 cM/Mb in females, and 5.1 cM/Mb when sex-averaged. Using the linkage map, our QTL analysis identified three significant QTLs for disease resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of Bacillary Necrosis of Pangasius (BNP). The QTLs were located on LG1, LG9 and LG29, and their peak markers explained 17.03% of the phenotypic variance. An LD-based interval of approximately ±25 kb surrounding the QTL peak was identified as the putative candidate region. However, subsequent genome-wide association analysis did not identify significant SNP effects within these regions, suggesting that the QTLs may represent polygenic or small-effect loci that are detectable only in linkage-based analyses. In summary, this study presents the first high-density SNP-based linkage map for striped catfish and reports significant QTL and associated candidate genes related to disease resistance and growth traits. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of economically important traits in P. hypophthalmus. Nevertheless, further validation in independent populations is required before incorporating these markers into selective breeding programs. Full article

Cognitive diagnosis serves as a key component in personalized intelligent education, designed to accurately evaluate students’ knowledge states by analyzing their historical response data. It offers fundamental support for various educational applications such as adaptive learning and exercise recommendation. However, when leveraging student data, existing diagnostic models often incorporate sensitive attributes like family economic background and geographic location, which may lead to bias and unfairness. To address this issue, this paper introduces a Fairness-Aware Cognitive Diagnosis model (FACD) based on counterfactual graph representation learning. The approach builds student-centered causal subgraphs and integrates a graph variational autoencoder with adversarial learning to mitigate the influence of sensitive attributes on node representations. It further employs both central-node and neighbor-node perturbation strategies to generate counterfactual samples. A Siamese network is utilized to enforce representation consistency across different counterfactual scenarios, thereby deriving fair student contextual embeddings. Experimental results on the PISA 2015 dataset show that FACD outperforms conventional cognitive diagnosis models and their fairness-aware variants in terms of ACC, AUC, and RMSE. Ablation studies confirm the effectiveness and synergistic nature of each module. This work provides a viable pathway toward more reliable and equitable cognitive diagnosis systems. Full article

Migration through Central America continues to rise, yet limited research examines how people make migration decisions, especially among those traveling in transit. This study addresses that gap by analyzing the motivations of migrants passing through Casa del Migrante San José in Ocotepeque, Honduras, to examine how long-term pressures interact with immediate triggers during migration. A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating two data sources: 3934 registration records from the Human Mobility Pastoral database (2021–2022) and 75 semi-structured interviews conducted in December 2022. The Push-Pull Plus (PPP) framework was applied to interpret how persistent conditions, immediate triggers, and available support networks influence decisions to migrate. Quantitative results show a marked increase in arrivals during 2022, especially among Venezuelan migrants, with a peak in October following a U.S. policy announcement. Most participants were men aged 21–40 with incomplete secondary education, and economic hardship was the most frequently cited reason for leaving. However, interviews indicate that financial motives were often intertwined with insecurity, family obligations, and unexpected opportunities to travel. Overall, the findings suggest that migration decisions are complex, dynamic, and timing-sensitive, underscoring the need for policies that address the root causes while providing support for migrants in transit. Full article

Actinidia deliciosa is a globally important economic fruit crop, and its fruit quality and yield are profoundly influenced by light and environmental conditions. Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), a key rate-limiting enzyme in the sucrose biosynthesis pathway, plays a central role in regulating carbon metabolism and sucrose accumulation in plants. However, comprehensive studies of the SPS gene family in A. deliciosa are still lacking, particularly regarding its expression in response to different light qualities. In this study, genome-wide identification of the SPS gene family in A. deliciosa was conducted using bioinformatics approaches. A total of 31 SPS genes were identified and named AdSPS1 to AdSPS31 on the basis of their chromosomal positions. The encoded proteins were predicted to be acidic, hydrophilic, and primarily localized in the chloroplast. All the AdSPS proteins contained the conserved domains Sucrose_synth, Glyco_trans_1, and S6PP, indicating potential roles in sucrose metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 31 AdSPS members into three subfamilies, A, B, and C, comprising 20, 5, and 6 members, respectively. Collinearity analysis revealed extensive syntenic relationships among AdSPS genes across different chromosomes, suggesting that gene duplication events contributed to the expansion of this gene family. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed that light-responsive elements were the most abundant among all the detected elements in the upstream regions of the AdSPS genes, implying potential regulation by light signals. Different light qualities significantly affected the contents of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as SPS activity in kiwifruit leaves, with the highest activity observed under the R3B1 (red–blue light 3:1) treatment. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that AdSPS3 was significantly negatively correlated with sucrose, fructose, glucose, and SPS activity, suggesting a potential role in negatively regulating sugar accumulation in kiwifruit leaves, whereas AdSPS12 showed positive correlations with these parameters, implying a role in promoting sucrose synthesis. To further explore the light response of the AdSPS genes, eight representative members were selected for qRT‒PCR analysis under red light, blue light, and combined red‒blue light treatments. These results demonstrated that light quality significantly influenced SPS gene expression. Specifically, AdSPS6 and AdSPS24 were highly responsive to R1B1 (1:1 red‒blue light), AdSPS9 was significantly upregulated under R6B1 (6:1 red‒blue light), AdSPS21 was strongly induced by blue light, and AdSPS12 expression was suppressed. This study systematically identified and analyzed the SPS gene family in A. deliciosa, revealing its structural characteristics and light-responsive expression patterns. These findings suggest that AdSPS genes may play important roles in light-regulated carbon metabolism. These results provide a theoretical foundation and valuable genetic resources for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sucrose metabolism and light signal transduction in kiwifruit. Full article

Background/Objectives: The extent to which patients with cancer discontinue dental treatment for financial reasons remains unclear. This study compared the prevalence of financially driven dental treatment discontinuation between patients with cancer and without cancer (controls) and identified factors associated with discontinuation among patients with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted in November 2024 comprised 500 patients who had one of five common cancers in Japan and 500 non-cancer participants allocated to reflect the cancer group age distributions, sex, and household income. Only patients who received cancer treatment within the past 5 years and had a family dental clinic were included. Discontinuation was assessed from self-reported dental treatment cessation for economic reasons. Univariate analyses were employed for group comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: Dental treatment discontinuation for financial reasons occurred in 3.4% (95% CI 2.1–5.4%) of patients with cancer and 5.8% (95% CI 4.1–8.2%) of controls (p = 0.096). Among the patients with cancer, those who discontinued were younger (58.8 vs. 66.1 years, p = 0.010) and frequently reported physical or psychological barriers to dental care and discontinuation being financially driven (all p < 0.001). They also had poor oral health-related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14: 17.4 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001) and greater financial toxicity (Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity: 24.6 vs. 29.3, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Oral health-related quality of life was lower among participants reporting dental treatment discontinuation. Early identification of financial barriers and support may warrant further study. Full article

Amid fossil-fuel depletion and worsening environmental impacts, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are pivotal to the energy transition. Energy management in BEVs relies on accurate motor efficiency maps, yet real-time onboard control demands models that balance fidelity with computational cost. To address map inaccuracy under real driving and the high runtime cost of 2-D interpolation, we propose a driving-cycle-aware, physically interpretable quadratic polynomial-surface framework. We extract priority operating regions on the speed–torque plane from typical driving cycles and model electrical power $P_e$ as a function of motor speed $n$ and mechanical power $P_m$. A nested model family (M3–M6) and three fitting strategies—global, local, and region-weighted—are assessed using $R^2$, RMSE, a computational complexity index (CCI), and an Integrated Criterion for accuracy–complexity and stability (ICS). Simulations on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle, the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, and the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule show that region-weighted fitting consistently achieves the best or near-best ICS; relative to Global fitting, mean ICS decreases by 49.0%, 46.4%, and 90.6%, with the smallest variance. Regarding model order, the four-term M4 $\left(+P_m^2\right)$ offers the best accuracy–complexity trade-off. Finally, the region-weighted fitting M4 $\left(+P_m^2\right)$ polynomial model was integrated into the vehicle-level economic speed planning model based on the dynamic programming algorithm. In simulations covering a 27 km driving distance, this model reduced computational time by approximately 87% compared to a linear interpolation method based on a two-dimensional lookup table, while achieving an energy consumption deviation of about 0.01% relative to the lookup table approach. Results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly alleviates computational burden while maintaining high energy consumption prediction accuracy, thereby providing robust support for real-time in-vehicle applications in whole-vehicle energy management. Full article

This study examines the relationship between Wasta—a social network based on family, lineage, tribe, and extended family ties—as practiced by senior HRM employees, and its effects on entrepreneurial creativity, innovation, and sustainable development in the MENA region. The study also explores why entrepreneurs and countries in the MENA region are not ranked among the top 100 innovators in the Global Innovation Index. Additionally, it addresses why Wasta, as practiced by HRM employees, can impede sustainable development. The author drew on Amabile’s Componential Theory of Organizational Creativity and Model of Creativity and Innovation in Organizations. Evidence was gathered from articles on Wasta, secondary data from the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2023, and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM NECI) in 2024. Secondary datasets were analyzed using constant comparative analysis of documents. These datasets included accessible online indices, the Global Innovation Index in 2023, the World’s Most Innovative Companies Index by Forbes, and the Top 100 Global Innovators 2024 Rankings by Clarivate. The study develops a theoretical framework for the link between Wasta and sustainable development. It concludes that Wasta, when practiced by senior HRM employees, is likely a reason why MENA entrepreneurs fall short in achieving sustainable development and why the region’s countries are not among the top 100 innovative countries globally. The study answers why Wasta hinders sustainable development among MENA entrepreneurs. This study recommends that entrepreneurs recognize the importance of fair HRM practices in hiring, supervisor selection, candidate selection, and promotions to foster innovation and sustainable development. The conclusions may also encourage policymakers to create and enforce new rules to reduce Wasta if they aim to stimulate innovation, sustainable development, and economic advantage in the MENA region. Full article

Worldwide the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is recognized as a key strategy for reducing transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a major contributor to global warming and climate change. The objective of this pilot study is to examine the key variables that might have influenced electric vehicle (EV) purchase decisions among current EV owners and how they are aligned or different for the prospective EV owners in North Carolina (NC). By adopting a web-based survey for data collection, the study specifically aims to identify economic, demographic, environmental, and commuting behaviors, along with existing government policies and incentives that might motivate consumer choices regarding EV adoption. Most existing EV owners who participated in the survey identified themselves as college-educated White men with USD 100 K or higher income, have more than two cars, commute more than 30 min, and live in single-family homes with EV charging. In contrast, among non-EV owners who plan to adopt an EV within the next three years, a significant proportion are non-White, women, and earn USD 50,000 or less annually. While home charging is important to both current EV owners and non-EV owners, EV incentive policies and proximity to public changing stations are found to be more important to non-EV owners’ decision to adopt EVs. A reasonable conclusion from this research is that expanding EV-friendly policies, incentives, and infrastructure will encourage first-time EV ownership in NC while providing deeper insights into the dynamics of sociodemographic among both EV owners and non-EV owners. Full article