Search Results (3,357)

We report the use of σ-alkynyl d⁶ electron-rich transition metal complexes as electron-releasing end-groups in octupolar molecules designed for nonlinear optical (NLO) applications, specifically, N,N′,N″-triarylisocyanurates (5,7,8,10,12) and 1,3,5-triarylbenzenes (6,9,11) functionalized by Fe(II) and Ru(II) organometallic moieties, and their NLO properties, as assessed by hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) and Z-scan. The redox properties are briefly investigated through isolation of the corresponding Fe(III) trications 5[PF₆]₃ and 6[PF₆]₃. The second-harmonic generation (SHG) or two-photon absorption (2PA) performance of the Fe(II) and Ru(II) parents is compared with the help of TD-DFT calculations performed on models. Comparison with tris-ferrocenyl isocyanurate 4 reveals that the σ-connection of the metallic centers to the π-manifold is superior to the η⁵-connection for enhancing NLO properties. The positive effect of organometallic end-groups on NLO properties relative to purely organic electron-releasing substituents is established. The mechanism by which NLO enhancement occurs is complex and possibly connected to the polarizable π-electrons in the ligands surrounding the metal alkynyl units, but in most cases, the observed NLO enhancement must arise from the transition metal centers interacting with the central π-manifold. Full article

Middle school is a critical period for science education, yet the collective impact of socialization agents on students’ longitudinal science learning trajectories and subsequent STEM careers remains underexplored. This study investigates how seventh-grade (typically aged 12–13) socialization agents—parental educational encouragement, peer academic support, constructive school learning environment, and student self-esteem—collectively shape the developmental growth trajectories of science performance throughout middle school and predict the attainment of a college STEM degree and later engagement in STEM professions in adulthood. Using five-wave longitudinal data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY, N = 3116), we employed latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) to analyze these relationships. Results indicated that all four grade-7 socialization agents significantly predicted a higher initial level of science achievement. In addition, parental encouragement and a constructive school learning environment also predicted a positive growth rate of science achievement. Furthermore, both the initial level and growth of science performance significantly predicted successful graduation with a STEM degree. These middle school science trajectories, along with obtaining a STEM degree, sequentially mediated the relationships between the grade-7 socialization agents and adult STEM career engagement. The findings underscore the necessity of educational policies and interventions that foster a synergistic pro-learning socialization context in middle school to bolster students’ science education and pave the way for long-term STEM success. Full article

The Huxu Au-dominated deposit is a representative intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit in the middle section of the Gan-Hang belt. The formation of such deposits is commonly closely related to deep magmatism. However, the specific relationship between the formation of the Huxu deposit and the magmatic rocks, and the tectonic setting of the related magmatism and mineralization in this deposit still remains unclear. In this study, we present the results of U-Pb dating, major and trace element analysis, and Nd isotope analysis of the magmatic zircon and apatite from the ore-bearing quartz diorite porphyry in the Huxu deposit. The results show that the U-Pb ages of zircon and apatite from the quartz diorite porphyry are 137.9 ± 1.3 Ma and 130 ± 16 Ma, respectively; the total content of rare earth elements (ΣREEs) in the zircons ranges from 446.66 to 2752.92 ppm, exhibiting enrichment in heavy REE and depletion in light REE, with a slightly negative Eu anomaly and a slightly positive Ce anomaly; the ΣREEs in the apatite is relatively high, ranging from 3252.02 to 13,155.92 ppm, averaged 5604.16 ppm, and exhibits a right-leaning mode with light REE enrichment and heavy REE depletion, with a moderate degree of negative Eu anomaly; the distribution of ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of the apatite is rather concentrated (0.512145–0.512271), and the εNd(t) value calculated based on the U-Pb age of apatite ranges from −8.31 to 5.79. By combining the geological characteristics and the geochemical data of the deposit and the ore-bearing magmatic rocks, we propose that the ore-bearing quartz diorite porphyry of the Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit belongs to I-type granite; the parental magma is the mixture of juvenile and ancient crustal melts; the tectonic setting of the intrusion and mineralization is the continental margin arc related to the subduction of the ancient Pacific Ocean Plate in the Early Cretaceous Epoch; and the ore-forming fluids and metals are provided by deep magma. Full article

Many children with cancer referred to physical therapy (PT) do not attend the service. We conducted a pilot study, comprising a cross-sectional survey and interviews with parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The survey explored parents’ (1) views on PT service delivery for their child, (2) perspectives on barriers and facilitators, (3) preferred timing to introduce PT, and (4) views on virtual services. Questions were designed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, and responses were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior Change Model. Twenty parents participated in the survey. Although all parents would consider their child accessing PT if deficits were present, access depended on a convenient location (70%) and availability of virtual delivery (45%). While half of the parents preferred PT treatment to be introduced during the maintenance phase of chemotherapy, findings also support earlier introduction during the consolidation phase when services are framed as part of standard care. While most parents perceived that it would be manageable to support home-based PT, barriers included a lack of child’s motivation without therapist support. Seven parents participated in semi-structured interviews. They identified time constraints, distance, and costs as common barriers. Most parents responded positively to hybrid PT models and connections with community locations to mitigate these challenges. Full article

In order to screen high-quality processed tomato germplasm resources, the present research measured the content of quality indicators—lycopene, soluble solids, total acidity, total sugar, and vitamin C—in mature fruits of 113 processed tomato high-generation inbred lines. Comprehensive evaluations of germplasm quality were conducted through genetic diversity analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. The results indicated that the variability of the five quality traits in the materials under test was relatively high, with a range of variation from 12.21% to 39.04%. Total sugar exhibited the greatest variation, while soluble solids content showed the least variation. The genetic diversity index ranged from 1.899 to 2.064, with total sugar, vitamin C, and lycopene showing high genetic variation. Soluble solids content was significantly positively correlated with lycopene, total sugar, and total acidity, while lycopene content was significantly positively correlated with total sugar. Vitamin C showed weaker correlations with other traits, but exhibited a significant negative correlation with total sugar. Total acidity had relatively simple correlations with other traits, being significantly correlated only with soluble solids. The three principal components extracted from the principal component analysis all had eigenvalues above 0.8%, contributing to a cumulative contribution rate of 77.435%. Through cluster analysis, the tested materials were divided into six major groups at an Euclidean distance of 15. Group I serves as candidate materials for breeding varieties with good basic quality and high vitamin C content. Group II stood out in terms of high sugar and lycopene content, suitable for developing tomato sauce or juice products with high vibrancy and sweetness. Group III had a high nutritional value and vibrant color, serving as core germplasm resources for breeding high-end processing-specific varieties. Group IV had high soluble solids content, making it a parent source for improving the viscosity and flavor of sauce tomatoes. Group V was suitable for specific formulations requiring high acidity or as breeding materials for high-acidity characteristics. Group VI had limited processing potential and should be used cautiously in breeding. The comprehensive evaluation results showed that the top five germplasm resources in terms of score were W119, 61, 82, 83, and W144. This study enriched the high-quality processed tomato germplasm resources and provided parental resources for quality breeding of processed tomatoes. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period for psychological, academic, and social development, and sports participation has been described as a potential protective factor for academic performance and psychological well-being. However, limited research has examined the combined influence of sports involvement, sport type, and family background on adolescents’ academic and psychological outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between organized sport participation, sport type (football vs. judo), psychological well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, academic performance, and family socioeconomic background among adolescent boys. Methods: The sample consisted of 52 boys aged 11–14 years from a rural school, divided into football players (n = 13), judo athletes (n = 13), non-athletes (n = 13), and a contextual subgroup of students with special educational needs (SEN; n = 13), with the latter included for exploratory purposes only. Data included school-record-based academic performance and validated self-report measures of life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, psychosomatic complaints, perceived physical fitness, and socioeconomic background. Results: Athletes demonstrated significantly higher academic achievement than non-athletes in overall grade point average (p < 0.001), mathematics (p < 0.001), Romanian (p < 0.001), English (p = 0.03), and Hungarian (p < 0.001). They also reported higher life satisfaction (p < 0.001) but simultaneously showed slightly elevated depressive symptom scores (p < 0.001), indicating a paradoxical pattern of concurrent psychosocial benefits and psychological strain. Parental education (p < 0.001), parental occupational status (p = 0.01), and fathers’ occupational position (p = 0.02) were significantly higher among athletes’ families. Perceived physical fitness was also rated higher by athletes (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in body mass index, family structure, or most psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Sport participation was associated with more favorable academic and psychological indicators, yet also with elevated depressive symptoms, highlighting the dual nature of organized sport during adolescence. Future research should apply longitudinal designs, include female participants, and incorporate objective indicators of training load. Full article

Recognizing cervical cancer as a major public health concern, Romania was among the first EU countries to introduce human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination in 2008. Despite multiple strategies implemented over the past 17 years, HPV vaccine coverage remains one of the lowest in the EU, while cervical cancer mortality rates are among the highest. To explore the underlying factors, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 209 family physicians at the national level. The study assessed their attitudes, practice, knowledge, and training needs related to HPV vaccination. The majority of physicians (90%) reported that they provide HPV vaccination services, and 88.5% considered themselves to have good and very good knowledge about HPV, which they routinely share during consultations with patients. However, respondents noted that both physician and public attitudes toward HPV vaccination are only moderately positive, which limits vaccine uptake and the success of prevention efforts. Parental hesitation was the main barrier, mentioned by 81.8% of respondents. The majority (71.3%) of doctors indicated that they were able to adequately respond to patients’ questions, but 81.4% of respondents expressed the view that additional training is needed for healthcare professionals on HPV infection and vaccination. These findings highlight the need for coordinated efforts to increase demand and trust in HPV vaccination. Recommended strategies include targeted professional training, public information campaigns, and the development of strong cross-sector partnerships to support vaccination efforts. Full article

A significant body of research worldwide has examined how parents who set high expectations may increase adolescents’ risk of developing perfectionistic traits. However, studies exploring this relationship in the Global South are almost nonexistent. This study investigated how adolescents perceived parental expectations related to perfectionism and depressive symptoms among Nigerian adolescents. Participants completed the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), the Living Up to Parental Expectation Scale—Academic (LPE), and Beck’s Depression Inventory. Parental academic expectations were positively associated with personal standards and concern over mistakes, but parental expectations were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Further analysis revealed that personal standards fully mediated the negative relationship between parental academic expectations on adolescents’ depressive symptoms. In contrast, concern over mistakes partially mediated the relationship between parental academic expectations and depressive symptoms. In contrast to previous research, parental academic expectations were associated with fewer depressive symptoms among Nigerian adolescents through indirect relationships with perfectionistic traits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Flavonoids are widely used as lead structures in drug discovery, and their pharmacological and metabolic properties are strongly influenced by structural features such as positional isomerism. This study aimed to compare the metabolic profiles and underlying mechanisms of two isoflavone-based positional isomers, ACF-02 (2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one) and ACF-03 (2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one). Methods: The metabolic pathways of synthetically prepared ACF-02 and ACF-03 were investigated using an in vitro incubation system with human liver microsomes (HLMs) supplemented with an NADPH-regenerating system, followed by liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS) analysis. Metabolites were identified based on LC–HRMS/MS data and molecular networking-based node connectivity with the parent compounds. Major metabolites were further characterized by CYP phenotyping using recombinant CYP450 isoforms, and the potential for drug–drug interactions of ACF-03 was evaluated using a CYP probe substrate cocktail approach. Results: HLM incubation of ACF-02 and ACF-03 produced both hydroxylated and O-demethylated metabolites, with O-demethylation as the predominant pathway; notably, the most abundant O-demethylated metabolite differed in an isomer-dependent manner, occurring at the B₂ ring for ACF-02 and at the A ring for ACF-03, with distinct CYP isoform involvement. Molecular networking supported the relationships between the parent compounds and their metabolites, and both compounds exhibited relatively high metabolic stability with limited CYP inhibition. Conclusions: Despite differing only in the position of a single methyl substituent, ACF-02 and ACF-03 exhibited distinct isomer-dependent metabolic profiles. These findings demonstrate that even subtle positional isomerism can significantly influence metabolic behavior and should be carefully considered during lead optimization and drug design. Full article

In the current digital age, children are exposed to electronic media at an increasingly early age. The issue of excessive electronic media use has become a significant risk factor affecting the healthy development of young children. To examine the association between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ excessive electronic media use, as well as the underlying mechanism—mediating roles of parent–child attachment and self-control, 758 parents of preschoolers were recruited to complete a set of scales. The results show that: (1) Parental phubbing was positively associated with preschoolers’ excessive electronic media use; (2) Parent–child attachment and self-control significantly mediated this relation, which contains three mediating pathways—the mediating effects of parent–child attachment and self-control, as well as their chain mediating effect. The study revealed the psychological mechanisms between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ excessive electronic media use, providing suggestions for the prevention and intervention of excessive electronic media use among preschoolers. Full article

This mixed methods study explored perspectives from volunteer coaches and team parents involved in one sport-based youth development program, Junior Giants. The purpose was to (a) compare multiple perspectives on program impact and (b) investigate processes behind program impact and intentions to return. The sample (N = 11,638) included 1541 volunteer coaches, 861 team parents, and 9236 caregivers who completed an online survey assessing perceptions of players’ character development, antibullying, and league organization. Coaches and team parents also responded quantitatively and qualitatively about attending the initial training, use of practice plans, and intentions to return. Coaches reported significantly higher perceptions of participant change in character development and antibullying compared to caregivers (effect sizes were small), and team parents’ perceptions were not significantly different from coaches or caregivers. Perceptions of program outcomes did not differ by sport type (baseball v. softball), binary gender, age, or years in Junior Giants. For process variables, coaches were significantly more likely to attend the training and use the practice plans than team parents (small effects). Several themes emerged from open-ended questions, including not attending the initial team meeting due to schedule conflicts or signing up late to coach, not using practice plans due to limited time or needing modifications, and not intending to return due to child aging out or time commitment. Results suggest Junior Giants is perceived to have a positive impact and offer advice for supporting volunteers in sport-based youth development programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: To analyze the parent-perceived quality of life (QoL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to study the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical factors and this perception, under the perspective of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 95 participants (ages 5–19 years) with CP. Participants’ parents were asked about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and compiled Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life (CP-QoL) and Pediatric Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). Participants were assessed and classified into the following functional domains: gross motor function (GMFM-88, GMFCS), manual ability (MACS), eating and drinking abilities (EDACS), and communication function (CFCS). Correlations between CP-QoL domains and variables were investigated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and multivariate predictive models were used to investigate the variables predicting CP-QoL scores for each domain. Results: A total of 95 children with a mean age of 12.4 ± 3.5 years (range 5–19 years) were included. Participants demonstrated moderate-high GMFM-88 level (228.8 ± 44.7) and high functional performance across PEDI-CAT domains: Activity (57.2 ± 5.1), Mobility (63.1 ± 5.6), and Social/Cognitive (70.2 ± 4.3). Parent-perceived QoL was significantly higher when children did not require AFOs, botulinum toxin, or recent hospitalizations, and lower among children who attended physical therapy >2 h/week. Moderate correlations were consistently found between the ‘Feelings about Functioning’ domain and functional variables, being positive for GMFM-88 and all PEDI-CAT domains, and negative for GMFCS, MACS, EDACS and CFCS. That domain of CP-QoL was best explained by the regression model (R² = 0.619, p < 0.001), with the combination of three variables: GMFM-88, PEDI-CAT Activity and PEDI-CAT Social/Cognitive. Among them, PEDI-CAT Activity was the strongest predictor (β = 0.1436). Conclusions: In children with CP, to enhance family well-being, interventions should prioritize social participation and carefully balance the intensity and frequency of therapy against family burden and daily life demands, as QoL is primarily driven by manual ability and functional performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic stressors, such as financial strain, rising living costs, and perceived price burden, have gained relevance in the post-pandemic period and may adversely affect adolescent mental health. This study examined the association between subjective financial stress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotional/behavioral difficulties among adolescents in Northern Italy. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2025 Corona and Psyche South Tyrol (COP-S) population survey. A total of 2554 adolescents aged 11–19 years and their parents participated; 1598 adolescents provided complete data for analyses of socioeconomic stressors (parent-reported Family Affluence Scale III, adolescent self-reported and parent proxy and self-reported burden due to price increases). Mental health outcomes included depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), generalized anxiety (SCARED-GAD), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (SDQ). Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, Kendall’s tau correlations, and two-factor ANOVA models. Results: Elevated depressive symptoms were present in 10.7% of adolescents, emotional/behavioral difficulties in 13.9%, and anxiety symptoms in 27.9% of adolescents. Female adolescents consistently showed higher symptom levels in all domains. Self-reported financial burden was the strongest and most consistent correlate of mental health problems, demonstrating small-to-moderate positive correlations with depressive symptoms (τ = 0.20, p < 0.001), emotional/behavioral difficulties (τ = 0.14, p < 0.001), and anxiety (τ = 0.25, p < 0.001). Parent-reported burden showed weaker and less consistent associations, and the Family Affluence Scale III was not significantly related to any of the mental health outcomes. ANOVA models indicated that adolescents’ own perception of financial burden significantly predicted anxiety levels in both age groups (11–14 and 15–19 years), whereas discrepancies between adolescent and parent burden perceptions were particularly relevant among younger adolescents. Conclusions: In this affluent European region, subjective financial strain, especially adolescents’ perception of burden due to rising prices, is a stronger determinant of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and psychosocial difficulties than parental burden reports or structural affluence indicators. Adolescents, especially females, appear to be particularly vulnerable. These findings underscore the importance of addressing subjective financial stress in adolescent mental health and public health strategies. Full article

Reproductive inefficiency remains a major constraint in Penaeus vannamei hatcheries due to high rates of non-spawning females. This study presents the first two-generational quantitative genetic analysis of female reproductive performance under standardized SPF (Specific Pathogen-Free) conditions. A total of 986 females across two generations (2021–2022) from 198 full-sib and 68 half-sib families were evaluated. Traits analyzed included spawning frequency (SF), mean spawning interval (MSI), number of eggs laid for the first time (NE1), average spawning (AS), total spawning (TS), and spawning success (SS). Heritability estimates for SF, SS, and TS were moderate (0.30 ± 0.06, 0.23 ± 0.06 and 0.28 ± 0.07, respectively), while MSI, NE1, and AS showed low heritability (0.10–0.16). When analyzed separately by year, heritability estimates declined substantially for most traits in the second generation. Strong positive genetic correlations were observed between SF, MSI, NE1, AS, and TS, with pairwise estimates ranging from 0.82 to 0.99, indicating that these traits are under shared genetic control. Despite not being direct selection objects, all reproductive traits exhibited relative genetic progress (246–488% per generation), which is attributable to the high selection intensity applied to the parental generation. Our findings provide a robust foundation for integrating reproductive performance into breeding programs for P. vannamei, particularly under biosecurity and commercial feed-dominated conditions. Full article

Social–emotional development in early childhood lays the groundwork for school readiness, healthy relationships, and long-term well-being. Parents play a pivotal role in this process, shaping children’s emotional awareness, regulation, and social competence through everyday interactions. This literature review synthesizes evidence from 74 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate nine evidence-based parenting interventions targeting parents of preschool-aged children. The programs were analyzed with respect to their objectives, theoretical foundations, components, and the resulting outcomes for both parents and children. Across interventions, consistent benefits emerged in children, including improved emotion recognition, regulation, empathy, and prosocial behavior, as well as reductions in internalizing problems. Parents also gained in confidence and positive discipline practices. Key elements linked to effectiveness included active parent skill-building (such as modeling, role play, and guided practice), structured parent–child interactions, multi-component designs integrating home and school contexts, and flexible delivery formats that adapt to family needs. These findings underscore the critical role of parenting interventions as an evidence-based method to enhance preschoolers’ social–emotional development. Full article