Search Results (237)

Understanding the functional mechanisms of genes influencing economically important traits in the domestic pig is essential for optimizing marker-assisted selection (MAS). This study aimed to characterize the biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and metabolic pathways of genes associated with morphological, productive, reproductive, and carcass quality traits through a functional bioinformatics approach. Genes were compiled from 116 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024, and subsequently grouped according to trait. A de novo functional bioinformatics analysis was performed on this dataset. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using DAVID and the clusterProfiler package in R, applying FDR correction (≤0.05). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were explored using STRING. No individual gene was consistently reported with high frequency. Among the most frequently reported genes were VRTN (17 studies) for teat number, HOMER1 (3 studies) for leg strength, and BMPR1B (3 studies) for litter size. Enriched GO terms included processes such as positive regulation of transcription (GO:0045944), chondrocyte differentiation (GO:0032331), and SMAD signaling (GO:0060391; an FDR = 7.34 × 10⁻⁷). The PPI networks revealed key genes involved in signaling and immune regulation. In conclusion, this bioinformatics analysis provides an integrated functional overview of the genes underlying key economic traits in pigs, identifying pleiotropic pathways such as SMAD/TGF-β signaling, which supports the development of more effective MAS strategies in pig breeding programs. Full article

Background: Moral development (MD) arises from the interaction of attachment, temperament, emotion regulation, and decision-making. Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently show impairments across these domains, suggesting increased vulnerability to disruptions in MD. However, the mechanisms linking ADHD to MD remain poorly understood. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed was searched for studies published between January 2014 and November 2024 examining MD-related constructs, including moral reasoning, fairness, aggression, bullying, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, decision-making, and reward sensitivity, in individuals aged 0–18 years with diagnosed or subclinical ADHD. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, measures, and outcomes, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: Of the 2104 records identified, 23 studies met inclusion criteria. Insecure or disorganized attachment, difficult temperament, and emotional dysregulation consistently emerged as developmental risk factors for impaired MD. Hyperactivity–impulsivity and deficient inhibitory control were strongly associated with aggressive and antisocial behaviors. Children with ADHD demonstrated a pronounced preference for immediate over delayed rewards, altered decision-making in social contexts, and reduced sensitivity to positive feedback. CU traits and aggression were frequently identified as behavioral correlates of MD impairments, particularly in interaction with family adversity and comorbid externalizing conditions. Social dysfunction, including bullying involvement, peer rejection, and interpersonal difficulties, was common and contributed to elevated long-term psychosocial risk. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with multidimensional vulnerabilities in MD through intertwined cognitive, emotional, and relational pathways. Interventions targeting attachment security, emotion regulation, reward processing, and social skills may foster MD and reduce later social difficulties. Longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform developmentally sensitive prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Background: The rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally reshaped gut microbiome research by enabling high-resolution analysis of complex, high-dimensional microbial communities and their functional interactions with the human host. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize recent methodological advances in AI-driven gut microbiome research and to evaluate their translational relevance for therapeutic optimization, personalized nutrition, and precision medicine. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between approximately 2015 and early 2025. Representative articles were selected based on relevance to AI methodologies applied to gut microbiome analysis, including machine learning, deep learning, transformer-based models, graph neural networks, generative AI, and multi-omics integration frameworks. Additional seminal studies were identified through manual screening of reference lists. Results: The reviewed literature demonstrates that AI enables robust identification of diagnostic microbial signatures, prediction of individual responses to microbiome-targeted therapies, and design of personalized nutritional and pharmacological interventions using in silico simulations and digital twin models. AI-driven multi-omics integration—encompassing metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and clinical data—has improved functional interpretation of host–microbiome interactions and enhanced predictive performance across diverse disease contexts. For example, AI-guided personalized nutrition models have achieved AUC exceeding 0.8 for predicting postprandial glycemic responses, while community-scale metabolic modeling frameworks have accurately forecast individualized short-chain fatty acid production. Conclusions: Despite substantial progress, key challenges remain, including data heterogeneity, limited model interpretability, population bias, and barriers to clinical deployment. Future research should prioritize standardized data pipelines, explainable and privacy-preserving AI frameworks, and broader population representation. Collectively, these advances position AI as a cornerstone technology for translating gut microbiome data into actionable insights for diagnostics, therapeutics, and precision nutrition. Full article

This study investigates how emotionally structured online interaction networks shape consumer perception of new energy vehicle (NEV) technology. Drawing on discussion forum data from two leading NEV brands, Brand_T and Brand_B, we focus on how users respond to brand technological narratives and how these responses translate into distinct patterns of peer-to-peer interaction. Using a behavioral network analysis framework, we integrate sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and Exponential Random Graph Modeling (ERGM) to uncover the psychological and structural mechanisms underlying consumer engagement. Three main findings emerge. First, users display brand-specific emotional-cognitive profiles: Brand_T communities show broader technological engagement but more heterogeneous emotional responses, whereas Brand_B communities exhibit more emotionally aligned discussions. Second, emotional homophily is a robust driver of interaction ties, particularly in Brand_B forums, where positive sentiment clusters into dense and supportive discussion subnetworks. Third, perceived technological benefits, rather than risk sensitivity, are consistently associated with higher interaction intensity, underscoring the motivational salience of anticipated gains over cautionary concerns in shaping engagement behavior. The study contributes to behavioral science and transportation behavior research by linking consumer sentiment, cognition, and social interaction dynamics in digital environments, offering an integrated theoretical account that bridges the Elaboration Likelihood Model, social identity processes, and behavioral network formation. This advances the understanding of technology perception from static individual evaluations to dynamic, group-structured outcomes. It highlights how emotionally patterned interaction networks can reinforce or recalibrate technology-related perceptions, offering practical implications for NEV manufacturers and policymakers seeking to design psychologically informed communication strategies that support sustainable technology adoption. Full article

Effective communication is essential for professional practice, yet medical curricula rarely incorporate systematic, performance-based training. The Sell Yourself!—Presentation Techniques course was developed to address this gap through a two-day, practice-oriented program integrating rhetorical training, evolutionary psychology, and structured peer feedback. We examined anonymized institutional evaluations from 450 medical students using descriptive statistics and combined inductive–deductive thematic and content coding to gauge the perceived educational utility of the course. The course received a mean satisfaction rating of 9.6/10, with approximately 74% of students assigning the maximum score. Inductive analysis identified interactivity (143 mentions), practical usefulness (76), feedback and improvement (75), positive atmosphere (51), instructor quality (47), and multimedia examples (37) as key strengths, while critiques primarily concerned breaks and scheduling (62), course length and intensity (59), and smaller concerns regarding feedback processes, content structure, and technical issues. Deductive coding indicated perceived improvements across five predefined dimensions: increased confidence, rhetorical fluency, feedback quality, peer recognition, and cultural inclusivity. Structured rhetorical training appears to be well received by learners and may provide a feasible model for embedding communication competence in medical education. These findings also offer a transferable template for integrating performance-based communication training into other programs. However, conclusions are limited by reliance on self-reported perceptions and the absence of a control group or direct assessment of applied communication outcomes. 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

Background and Objectives: Evidence on motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is scarce and inconsistent. The association of motor impairments with autism severity and intelligence remains insufficiently studied. We aimed to examine motor performance parameters in children with ASD compared with typically developing (TD) peers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 26 children with ASD, aged 4–10 years, was recruited from specialized centers in KSA, alongside 27 age- and sex-matched TD children. For the ASD group, severity (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, CARS-2) and intelligence quotient (Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale, SB5) were extracted from medical records. CARS-2 score was utilized to categorize children with ASD into two groups (mild-to-moderate and severe groups). All study children were assessed for gross and fine motor skills using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), balance, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Results: ASD groups recorded significantly lower scores in all MABC-2 component areas when compared to the TD group (p < 0.001). Aiming and catching percentile was significantly lower in the severe ASD group compared to the mild-to-moderate group (p = 0.05). Furthermore, children with ASD exhibited increased hypermobility, predominantly at the elbow joints, reduced grip strength, shorter distance in the modified 6 min walk test, and lower standing long-jump performance (p < 0.001) when compared to TD group; however, no significant difference was recorded between the ASD groups. Spearman correlation revealed that aiming and catching was negatively correlated with autism severity (CARS-2) (r = −0.38, p = 0.05) and positively with IQ (r = 0.51, p = 0.03). Aiming and catching was positively correlated with grip strength (r = 0.55, p = 0.003), endurance (r = 0.58, p = 0.002), and jump distance (r = 0.44, p = 0.03), while balance was positively correlated with grip strength (r = 0.44, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Children with ASD exhibit significant impairments in gross and fine motor performance compared with TD peers, accompanied by hypermobility, reduced strength, and diminished endurance. Notably, aiming and catching ability correlated with both IQ and autism severity as well as specific motor parameters, suggesting its potential as a clinical marker of motor–cognitive interaction in ASD. Full article

This systematic review critically evaluates and synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of biostimulants in enhancing soybean seed yield and quality. A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the PRISMA approach using the Web of Science (WoS) database, focusing on peer-reviewed studies from 2014 to 2025 reporting on the effects of biostimulants applied alone or in combination with other agro-inputs on soybean performance. Over 500 publications were retrieved from the database, of which 72 were included in this review. Extracted data were used to calculate changes in yield (kg ha⁻¹), percentage yield increase (%), oil content (%), and protein concentration (%). Our synthesis demonstrated that the sole application of biostimulants, including seaweed extracts, humic acids, amino acids, and beneficial microbes (Bradyrhizobium, PGPR, AMF), consistently enhanced soybean yield by 4% to 65%, while their interaction with other agro-inputs was shown to be capable of increasing yield by more than 150% under abiotic stress conditions, indicating strong synergistic effects. These improvements are mediated through various physiological mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient uptake, improved root growth, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and elevated stress tolerance. Furthermore, biostimulant application positively affects seed quality, increasing oil and protein content by 0.4–5.5% and 0.5–7.3%, respectively, by optimizing source–sink relationships and metabolic pathways. Overall, the greatest benefits are frequently observed through synergistic combinations of biostimulants with one another or with reduced rates of mineral fertilizers, highlighting a promising pathway toward sustainable crop intensification in soybean systems. Full article

This study reports findings from a nationwide replication and the second randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI), a linguistically responsive framework for teaching writing to deaf students. A total of 50 teachers and their 294 students in grades 3–6 were randomly assigned to either SIWI or business-as-usual (BAU) instruction. Writing outcomes were assessed with trait-based rubrics and the Structured Analysis of Written Language (SAWL) in two genres (recount and information report), along with the Woodcock–Johnson IV broad written language composite and genre-specific motivation surveys administered at the beginning and end of the school year. Students receiving SIWI outperformed peers in the BAU group on writing traits across both genres, with effect sizes ranging from moderately large (d = 0.70) for informational reports to very large (d = 1.11) for recounts. On the SAWL, SIWI students demonstrated significantly greater gains in grammatical clarity on recount writing, as measured by the word efficiency ratio, with a moderate effect size (d = 0.64), although this effect was not observed for information reports. Students in the treatment group also reported significantly higher motivation for both genres. Unlike the prior RCT, no statistically significant differences emerged on the broad written language measure (d = 0.27). This may reflect spurious findings in the previous study or limitations in this study caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the effect size observed suggests some practical importance that warrants further investigation. Findings provide robust evidence that SIWI positively impacts deaf elementary students’ writing development and motivation, particularly for recount genres, while underscoring the importance of replication for understanding the generalizability of intervention effects. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and dimensions of emotional intelligence (EI) in Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 16 years, controlling for variables such as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 171 students (92 boys; mean age = 13.73 ± 1.34 years) were analyzed, measuring MVPA using the PACE + Adolescent PA Measure and EI using the TEIQue-SF, which includes well-being, self-control, emotionality, and sociability. Physically active adolescents (>4 days/week with ≥60 min of MVPA) showed significantly higher scores in well-being and sociability compared to their inactive peers (p < 0.05), with no differences in emotionality or self-control. Regression analyses confirmed that weekly MVPA was positively associated with well-being and sociability, independent of gender, age, and BMI. These findings suggest that regular MVPA is associated with emotional balance and social competence in adolescents, highlighting the importance of integrating structured PA programs in and out of school. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of digital and gamified interventions, such as exergames and mobile apps, as promising tools to support the emotional and social correlates of PA by promoting motivation, social interaction, and emotional regulation, offering innovative approaches to support adolescents’ social-emotional development. Full article

Background: Schools play a central role in child development and socialization and can function as protective environments that mitigate the effects of adversity. Building on the Social Ecological Model and Community School Transformation, we propose a “Schools-as-Neighborhoods” framework that conceptualizes schools as intentionally designed microenvironments capable of generating social capital, promoting positive childhood experiences, and buffering harmful neighborhood exposures through trauma-informed programming. Methods: We conducted a convergent mixed-methods study across four public and charter schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving grades five through nine. STRYV365’s peak team and Brain Agents gamified intervention were implemented between 2022–2024. Quantitative surveys and qualitative data assessed students’ lived experiences, exposure to adversity, emotional awareness, coping skills, and school connectedness/climate across multiple waves. Results: Across the four schools (n = 1626 students), baseline academic proficiency was low, and exposure to adversity was high among surveyed participants (n = 321), including bereavement (74%) and family incarceration (56%). Despite these challenges, qualitative findings revealed strengthened emotional regulation, empathy, motivation, and goal setting among students engaged in trauma-informed programming. Teachers reported improved peer interaction and community building during sustained implementation. Conclusion: The Schools-as-Neighborhoods framework highlights the value of trauma-informed, relationship-centered school environments in promoting student well-being. By positioning schools as cohesive ecosystems that foster belonging and cultivate social capital, this approach offers educators and policymakers a pathway for mitigating the effects of hostile lived environments and supporting students’ mental health, social development, and engagement in learning. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of social skills and peer relationships in the association between mindfulness and spiritual well-being (SWB) among adolescents. Drawing on the mindfulness-to-meaning theory, the research sought to clarify how mindfulness supports adolescents’ spiritual well-being through social and relational mechanisms. Method: A correlational research design was employed with a sample of 761 adolescents attending high schools in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Social Skills Scale, Peer Relations Scale, and the Three-Factor Spiritual Well-Being Scale. The hypothesized serial mediation model was tested using PROCESS Macro Model 6 with 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: Mindfulness was positively associated with SWB. Both social skills and peer relationships showed significant mediating effects. The serial indirect effect through social skills and peer relationships was also significant. Conclusions: Findings highlight mindfulness as a key psychosocial resource that enhances adolescents’ spiritual well-being through improved social skills and supportive peer relationships. School-based mindfulness programs should integrate peer interaction and social skills components to promote adolescents’ holistic development. Full article

While blended learning facilitates digital literacy development, the specific design models and student factors contributing to this process remain underexplored. This study examined the relationship between various blended learning design models and digital literacy skill acquisition among 106 upper-secondary Vocational Education and Training (VET) students. Relationships among student activities, digital competencies, and prior blended learning experience were analyzed. Engagement in collaborative, task-based instructional designs—specifically collaborative projects and regular quizzing supported by digital tools—was positively associated with digital competence. Conversely, passive participation in live sessions or viewing pre-recorded videos exhibited a comparatively weaker association with competence development. While the use of virtual/augmented reality and interactive video correlated positively with digital tool usage, it did not significantly predict perceptions of online safety or content creation skills. Students with prior blended learning experience reported higher proficiency in developmental competencies, such as content creation and research, compared to their inexperienced peers. Cluster analysis identified three distinct student profiles based on technical specialization and blended learning experience. Overall, these findings suggest that blended learning implementation should prioritize structured collaboration and formative assessment. Full article

Background: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a significant threat to poultry production in China. Layer specialized households (LSHs)—characterized by medium-scale operations (1000–15,000 birds)—are particularly vulnerable due to frequently suboptimal biosecurity measures. Cooperative prevention and control (CPC) strategies, including unified disinfection and joint monitoring, present a viable method for reducing HPAI risks. However, participation among LSHs remains low. Objectives: This study seeks to identify the key determinants influencing LSHs’ willingness to participate in CPC measures against HPAI, and further compare these driving factors across villages with versus without a documented history of HPAI outbreaks. Methods: A survey of 130 LSHs was conducted in two Chinese villages: Village A (with HPAI history) and Village B (without HPAI history). Data on socio-economic characteristics, production practices, and attitudes were collected via structured questionnaires. An Ordered Probit model was employed to analyze determinants of willingness to participate, measured on a 5-point ordinal scale. Results: Full-sample regression analysis demonstrated that older age, higher educational attainment, risk-tolerant attitudes, larger household scale, and higher annual household income exerted a significantly positive impact on the willingness to participate in the program. Surprisingly, greater knowledge of avian influenza exerted a significant negative effect. Regional subgroup analyses identified distinct drivers: in Village A (with HPAI history), prior experience of bird deaths positively influenced willingness, whereas longer breeding experience had a negative effect. In Village B (no HPAI history), frequent social interaction and greater breeding experience emerged as positive determinants. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of regional context and specific household characteristics in shaping LSHs’ willingness to cooperate. Policy interventions to promote CPC should be regionally tailored: in previously affected areas, leveraging past outbreak experiences and ensuring equitable compensation is essential; in unaffected areas, fostering social networks and demonstrating CPC benefits through peer influence are more effective. Full article

Following and imitating others’ digital innovation decisions is not always grounded in rational judgment; it may also arise from blind conformity, reflecting a “herding behavior”. Drawing on a panel dataset of Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2022, this study takes firms in the same industry as the reference group to investigate the existence, driving mechanisms, and economic consequences of corporate digital innovation convergence. The findings show that both breakthrough and incremental digital innovation exhibit convergence at the firm level and are jointly driven by information transmission, market competition, and resource dependence. However, the economic consequences of these two types of innovation convergence differ significantly. The convergence of breakthrough digital innovation enhances firms’ total factor productivity, return on equity, and capital market value, representing a positive peer effect, whereas the convergence of incremental digital innovation weakens these core indicators, reflecting a herding behavior. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that breakthrough digital innovation convergence is more pronounced in regions with stronger intellectual property protection and in industries with higher technology intensity, while incremental digital innovation convergence is more pronounced among private firms and in industries with lower technology intensity. Our findings provide valuable insights into the interactive dynamics of corporate digital innovation decisions and carry important implications for both theory and practice. Full article