Developmental Factors Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Growth Performance, Morphological Development, and Physiological Condition in Three Romanian Cyprinus carpio Varieties and Koi: Implications for Aquaculture

This study investigates the influence of internal factors on growth dynamics in four Cyprinus carpio varieties, three Romanian strains (Frăsinet, Ineu, and Podu Iloaiei) and the Koi variety. Fish were measured for total length, maximum height, and weight at four ontogenic stages, namely 7 days post-hatch, 3 months (0⁺), 18 months old (1⁺), and 36 months (2⁺). Weight Gain (WG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Fulton’s condition factor, and the profile index were calculated and analyzed. Results revealed significant intervariety differences in growth performance and physiological condition across life stages. At the 2⁺ stage, Podu Iloaiei exhibited the highest WG (849.73 ± 4.09 g), while Koi showed the lowest (403.99 ± 14.21 g). Koi demonstrated a unique growth pattern, with the highest SGR (0.18 ± 0.00% day⁻1) and RGR (0.98 ± 0.05 g day⁻1) at the 2⁺ stage. Fulton’s condition factor varied markedly, with Frăsinet showing the highest value at 7 days post-hatch (149.57 ± 17.485) and Koi the lowest at the 1⁺ stage (0.63 ± 0.011). The profile index decreased with age in all varieties, with Podu Iloaiei showing the most dramatic change from 4.22 ± 0.149 at 7 days to 2.18 ± 0.004 at 2⁺. These findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic and developmental factors in carp varieties, offering new insights for tailored breeding programs and aquaculture practices.

Applying Cognitive Neuroscience to Juvenile Justice: The Role of Brain Development in Decision-Making

The intersection of cognitive neuroscience and juvenile justice offers profound insights into understanding the role of brain development in decision-making among adolescents. This research explores the implications of neurodevelopmental processes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which govern impulse control, risk assessment, and emotional regulation. Adolescents are at a stage of heightened neuroplasticity, which significantly influences their cognitive and emotional responses. This study examines how these developmental factors impact their decision-making and susceptibility to external influences, such as peer pressure. By integrating neuroscientific findings with legal frameworks, the research highlights the importance of adopting rehabilitative over punitive approaches in juvenile justice systems. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and policies that account for the neurobiological underpinnings of adolescent behavior, fostering a balance between accountability and the opportunity for growth and rehabilitation.

Exploring the longitudinal course of motor dexterity in first-episode psychosis: a 10-year follow-up.

This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in motor dexterity (MD) performance in first episode of psychosis (FEP), focusing on diagnosis-specific trajectories. Participants were recruited from the project PAFIP in Spain (134 FEP, 84 HC). MD was assessed using the Grooved Pegboard Test at baseline and at 10-year follow-up. Clinical and premorbid data were collected for the patients. FEP participants were classified as having schizophrenia (SCZ) or other psychosis (OP) and compared with a group of healthy controls (HC). MD correlated significantly with age and intelligence in all participants. MD in SCZ patients was additionally correlated with premorbid adjustment and negative symptoms, whereas in the OP group the association was with antipsychotic dose. SCZ patients showed a slight decline in MD at follow-up, whereas the OP and HC groups remained stable. There may be different long-term trajectories of MD across diagnoses in FEP patients. Early developmental factors such as premorbid adaptation and cognitive function, together with age-related changes, may influence a mild decline in MD specifically in schizophrenia.

Dissecting the Hippocampal Regulation of Approach-Avoidance Conflict: Integrative PerspectivesFrom Optogenetics, Stress Response, andEpigenetics.

Psychiatric disorders are multifactorial conditions without clear biomarkers, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Understanding these disorders requires identifying specific endophenotypes that help break down their complexity. Here, we undertake an in-depth analysis of one such endophenotype, namely imbalanced approach-avoidance conflict (AAC), reviewing its significant dependency on the hippocampus. Imbalanced AAC is a transdiagnostic endophenotype, being a feature of many psychiatric conditions in humans. However, it is predominantly examined in preclinical research through paradigms that subject rodents to conflict-laden scenarios. This review offers an original perspective by discussing the AAC through three distinct lights: optogenetic modulation of the AAC, which updates our understanding of the hippocampal contribution to behavioral inhibition; the impact of environmental stress, which exacerbates conflict and strengthens the stress-psychopathology axis; and inherent epigenetic aspects, which uncover crucial molecular underpinnings of environmental (mal) adaptation. By integrating these perspectives, in this review we aim to underline a cross-species causal nexus between heightened hippocampal activity and avoidance behavior. In addition, we suggest a rationale to explore epigenetic pharmacology as a potential strategy to tackle AAC-related psychopathology. This review assumes greater significance when viewed through the lens of advancing AAC-centric diagnostics in human subjects. Unlike traditional questionnaires, which struggle to accurately measure individual differences in AAC-related dimensions, new approaches using virtual reality and computer games show promise in better focusing the magnitude of AAC contribution to psychopathology.

Trauma, Resilience, and Substance Use in Adolescents: A Review Article

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive phase of human life featuring changes in physical, emotional, and social characteristics. Many teens experience stressful events and trauma, which can affect their mental health and increase their risk of initiating and continuing substance use. Genetic vulnerabilities impact this relationship. In the face of trauma, while some adolescents are vulnerable, others navigate similar experiences differently, show resilience, and generally fare better without developing substance use problems. Understanding the multiple contributory factors that impact this relationship is critical in informing clinical approaches and program development. Objective: To describe the intricate dynamics between trauma, resilience, and substance abuse among adolescents. This review attempts to offer a synopsis that clarifies existing perspectives on trauma and substance use in adolescents while indicating areas for future research, clinical, and intervention programs in this critical area of adolescent well-being. Methods: A literature review was conducted to reveal available studies related to trauma, adolescent substance use, and resilience. Synthesis of findings from empirical studies, a detailed discussion on trauma and developmental factors while also addressing resilience elements alongside patterns of substance use is presented. Conclusion: Trauma, resilience, and substance use are linked in a tri-directional relationship, which is complex and dynamic. Adolescents with trauma are at higher risk of initiating and continuing substance. Resilience impacts treatment-seeking and engagement and may reduce relapse risk. Future research recommendations include improving the cultural sensitivity of interventions, studying the effects of marginalized identities, and ensuring rigorous evaluation of and progressive development of intervention programs. Results: The review highlights the bidirectional connections between trauma and substance use in adolescents. We include the consideration of resilience in adolescent responses to trauma. Resilience may reduce the risk of substance use, improve treatment-seeking and engagement in the treatment of SUD in adolescents, and reduce the risk of relapse, thereby suggesting it is a third dimension in the relationship between trauma and substance use. This review also provides evidence-based interventions and policies that are tailored to the specific needs of a diverse population of adolescents. We uncover the gaps in research, especially regarding cultural specifics and intersectionality among marginalized identities.

Investigating the Impact of Technology Addiction on Early Literacy Skills: A Study of First Graders

This study explores the impact of gadget addiction on the reading abilities of Grade 1 learners, focusing on how technology dependence affects early literacy development. Using a quantitative descriptive correlational approach, the study examined the relationship between gadget addiction and reading proficiency. The findings indicate a minimal and statistically insignificant negative correlation between gadget addiction and reading skills, suggesting that technology use does not significantly impede children's reading development. Despite notable indicators of gadget addiction, such as technology interference in family activities and difficulties in avoiding social media, most learners displayed strong reading and comprehension abilities. The results imply that factors beyond technological dependency, such as educational practices, parental involvement, and individual learner characteristics, may have a more substantial influence on early literacy skills. Consequently, the study concludes that addressing gadget addiction alone may not be sufficient to improve reading abilities. Instead, a comprehensive approach considering various educational and developmental factors should be prioritized. Efforts to enhance early literacy should focus on broader educational strategies, parental guidance, and individualized learner support. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about the balance between technology use and traditional literacy practices in early education, advocating for more holistic approaches to foster reading development in young learners. Future research should explore other contributing factors to literacy achievement, moving beyond the narrow focus on digital device usage.

Developmental Patterns and Risk Factors of Scoliosis After Hemipelvectomy for the Pelvic Bone Tumor.

Postoperative scoliosis is often seen after hemipelvectomy for malignancies involving the pelvic area, but the details remain unclear. The objectives were to investigate the development patterns and risk factors of scoliosis after hemipelvectomy. We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients who underwent hemipelvectomy at our hospital between 1998 and 2020. The risk factors of scoliosis with a Cobb angle of ≥10° were investigated. The postoperative Cobb angle significantly increased in all patients compared with the preoperative one (p < 0.001), and the change ratio of the Cobb angle was significantly higher during the first postoperative year than thereafter. The external hemipelvectomy (EH) group demonstrated a larger Cobb angle and a higher change ratio than the internal hemipelvectomy group. Nine patients developed scoliosis with a final Cobb angle of ≥10°, and the risk factors were EH (p = 0.017), P1+2+3+4 resection according to the Enneking classification (p = 0.005), iliac crest resection (p = 0.004), L5/S resection (p = 0.020), and no pelvic ring reconstruction after hemipelvectomy (p = 0.004). Approximately 30% of patients who underwent hemipelvectomy developed scoliosis with a Cobb angle of ≥10°, and this angle increased rapidly during the first postoperative year. Hence, careful follow-up of scoliosis is required after hemipelvectomy.

Moving in L2 Chinese from childhood to adulthood: Developmental and crosslinguistic factors in bilingual event construal

Moving in L2 Chinese from childhood to adulthood: Developmental and crosslinguistic factors in bilingual event construal

Mindfulness in Higher Education: Conceptual Perspectives for Self-Leadership and Optimism

Mindfulness can be regarded as a significant factor in transforming the educational landscape in higher education institutions (HEIs) because its integration into educational settings can offer several benefits such as promoting emotion regulation, reducing stress and anxiety, and developing self-control, well-being, and resilience among students and faculty in HEIs. It can foster a more positive learning and work environment in HEIs by enhancing self-leadership and optimism in individuals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate mindfulness in HEIs concerning self-leadership and optimism in the existing literature. Designed as a conceptual exploration of the literature across multiple theoretical perspectives in mindfulness, self-leadership, and optimism in the context of HEIs, this study theoretically examined these concepts in the literature in terms of their definitions and relationships in the existing eligible sources. According to the synthesized results, mindfulness is a transformative factor in HEIs that addresses cognitive, emotional, and social aspects, which promotes comprehensive growth and well-being among students and faculty. Its integration enhances self-leadership skills by improving self-regulation, stress management, and emotional satisfaction among both students and faculty. Furthermore, mindfulness fosters optimism in individuals and contributes to a positive academic environment characterized by resilience and enhanced performance. Despite its benefits, the careful consideration of ethical, cultural, and developmental factors is essential in implementing mindfulness practices to ensure their effectiveness. With the support of policymakers and educational leaders, mindfulness can significantly enhance the quality of HEIs and create a thriving academic community.

Depot-specific mRNA expression programs in human adipocytes suggest physiological specialization via distinct developmental programs.

Adipose tissue is distributed in diverse locations throughout the human body. Not much is known about the extent to which anatomically distinct adipose depots are functionally distinct, specialized organs, nor whether depot-specific characteristics result from intrinsic developmental programs, as opposed to reversible physiological responses to differences in tissue microenvironment. We used DNA microarrays to compare mRNA expression patterns of isolated human adipocytes and cultured adipose stem cells, before and after ex vivo adipocyte differentiation, from seven anatomically diverse adipose tissue depots. Adipocytes from different depots display distinct gene expression programs, which are most closely shared with anatomically related depots. mRNAs whose expression differs between anatomically diverse groups of depots (e.g., subcutaneous vs. internal) suggest important functional specializations. These depot-specific differences in gene expression were recapitulated when adipocyte progenitor cells from each site were differentiated ex vivo, suggesting that progenitor cells from specific anatomic sites are deterministically programmed to differentiate into depot-specific adipocytes. Many developmental transcription factors show striking depot-specific patterns of expression, suggesting that adipocytes in each anatomic depot are programmed during early development in concert with anatomically related tissues and organs. Our results support the hypothesis that adipocytes from different depots are functionally distinct and that their depot-specific specialization reflects distinct developmental programs.

Research progress on the association between occupational dust and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global public health problem. Risk factors for COPD include smoking, occupational dust, air pollutants, and genetic, developmental, and social factors. The list of occupational diseases of the International Labour Organization, the European Union and Taiwan, China all includes COPD caused by occupational dust. At present, there is no diagnostic standard for COPD caused by occupational dust in the mainland of China. In order to promote the full protection of workers' rights and interests and better prevent occupational COPD, this paper reviewed the association between occupational dust and COPD, so as to draw public attention to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational dust.

Integrated multi-omics analysis of PBX1 in mouse adult neural stem- and progenitor cells identifies a transcriptional module that functionally links PBX1 to TCF3/4.

Developmental transcription factors act in networks, but how these networks achieve cell- and tissue specificity is still poorly understood. Here, we explored pre-B cell leukemia homeobox 1 (PBX1) in adult neurogenesis combining genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches. ChIP-seq analysis uncovered PBX1 binding to numerous genomic sites. Integration of PBX1 ChIP-seq with ATAC-seq data predicted interaction partners, which were subsequently validated by mass spectrometry. Whole transcriptome spatial RNA analysis revealed shared expression dynamics of Pbx1 and interacting factors. Among these were class I bHLH proteins TCF3 and TCF4. RNA-seq following Pbx1, Tcf3 or Tcf4 knockdown identified proliferation- and differentiation associated genes as shared targets, while sphere formation assays following knockdown argued for functional cooperativity of PBX1 and TCF3 in progenitor cell proliferation. Notably, while physiological PBX1-TCF interaction has not yet been described, chromosomal translocation resulting in genomic TCF3::PBX1 fusion characterizes a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Introducing Pbx1 into Nalm6 cells, a pre-B cell line expressing TCF3 but lacking PBX1, upregulated the leukemogenic genes BLK and NOTCH3, arguing that functional PBX1-TCF cooperativity likely extends to hematopoiesis. Our study hence uncovers a transcriptional module orchestrating the balance between progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in adult neurogenesis with potential implications for leukemia etiology.

Cicchetti's organizational-developmental perspective of Down syndrome: Contributions to the emergence of developmental psychopathology and the study of persons with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dante Cicchetti's earliest work, his studies of social-emotional development in infants and children with Down syndrome, set the stage for the emergence of the larger field of developmental psychopathology. By applying basic developmental principles, methodologies, and questions to the study of persons with Down syndrome, Dante took on the challenge of searching for patterns in atypical development. In doing so, he extended traditional developmental theory and introduced a more "liberal" approach that both continues to guide developmentally based research with persons with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), including Down syndrome. We highlight five themes from Dante's work: (1) appreciating the importance of developmental level; (2) prioritizing the organization of development; (3) examining whether developmental factors work similarly in those with known genetic conditions; (4) rethinking narratives about ways of being; and (5) examining the influence of multiple levels of the environment on the individual's functioning. We highlight ways that these essential lessons anticipated present-day research with persons with a variety of NDCs, including Down syndrome, other genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability, and autism. We conclude with visions to the future for research with these populations as well as for the field of developmental psychopathology more generally.

Trauma Exposure Checklist: Preliminary Results Show Promising Psychometric Properties to Assess Subjective Perceptions of Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events.

Most individuals in the general population will be exposed to potentially traumatic situations at some point in their lifespan. There is a strong body of research focusing on the clinical implications of exposure to potentially traumatic situations, but less attention has been given to psychological adjustment following these events. Very few available instruments assess trauma exposure while considering subjective perceptions of both positive and negative features. In this study, 304 adults from the general population, mostly women of middle and high socioeconomic status (mean age = 43), filled in a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and an adapted version of the Trauma Exposure Checklist, which was originally developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that most participants have experienced a potentially traumatic event, most prevalently related to violence and/or criminality and to the severe illnesses and deaths of close relatives. Principal components and reliability analyses lent support to a three-factor structure that considers perceptions of internal and external losses and a positive factor that addresses resources and social support. This study is a first step towards advancing our knowledge on the impact of developmental and sociodemographic factors on subjective experiences of psychological crises and, consequently, psychological adjustment throughout the lifespan.

Beyond bedwetting: How successful treatment is observed in sleep macrostructure

IntroductionSleep enuresis (SE), commonly known as bedwetting, refers to involuntary urination during sleep. It is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 15 % of children at age 5, 10 % by age 7, and 5 % by age 10. This condition can significantly impact both children and their families. The pathophysiology of SE is complex and not yet fully understood. There are several established treatment methods, but limited information on their sleep dynamics. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate differences in sleep structure before and after treatment in patients with monosymptomatic SE (MSE), focusing on alarm therapy, desmopressin, and a combination of both. The analysis compared pre- and post-treatment differences within each treatment arm. The analysis was conducted for both successful and unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Methods/resultsThis was a prospective study with MSE patients, aged 6–16 years, diagnosed by multidisciplinary assessment. Of the 140 initial applicants 75 were initially included in the study and randomized for therapeutic intervention in three treatment arms, namely: alarm, desmopressin and alarm + desmopressin. Therapeutic response was evaluated 12 months after treatment discontinuation. Polysomnographic evaluation pre and post treatment was carried out. 51/75 completed the entire protocol. 42/51 were successfully treated and had a median age of 10 [8–12] and the non-success, 8 [7–10]. Among the successful patients, the percentage of N2 sleep decreased from a median of 55.7 %–48.5 % (p = 0.0004) in the alarm arm, from 58.8 % to 50 % (p = 0.002) in the desmopressin arm, and from 54.7 % to 50.9 % (p = 0.044) in the combined arm. The percentage of N3 sleep increased from 25.7 % to 30.1 % (p = 0.004) in the alarm arm, from 21.6 % to 26 % (p = 0.032) in the desmopressin arm, and from 23.7 % to 28.3 % (p = 0.014) in the combined arm. The arousal index significantly increased from pre-to post-treatment in all arms: in the alarm arm, from 1.25 to 2.8 (p = 0.002); in the desmopressin arm, from 1.3 to 2.7 (p = 0.019); and in the combined treatment arm, from 1 to 4 (p = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in the non-successful arm or among those who experienced complete resolution of the enuresis without treatment. ConclusionThe observed increase in N3 sleep and arousal and decrease in N2 sleep following successful treatment, regardless of the specific interventions, underscores the role of sleep in the pathophysiology of enuresis. Conversely, the lack of sleep differences in the non-successful arm further highlights the importance of sleep, beyond developmental factors, in influencing the clinical outcomes of enuresis, especially since all children were assessed 12 months after the start of treatment.

How Climate Change May Impact Plant Reproduction and Fitness by Altering the Temporal Separation of Male and Female Flowering.

The temporal separation of male and female flowering-known as dichogamy-is a widespread adaptation across the plant kingdom that increases reproductive success and enhances plant fitness. Differences in timing between male and female flowering can be highly sensitive to environmental variation-and with widespread evidence of shifts in seasonal timing of flowering (i.e., phenology) due to anthropogenic warming-climate change may alter the sequences of male and female flowering for a diversity of taxa around the globe. However, we currently lack a broad understanding of both the extent to which climate change may alter patterns of dichogamy and the potential implications of these shifts for plant reproduction. Here I present evidence that links variation in dichogamy to variation in temperature for a variety of plant taxa. I synthesize the limited number of studies that have investigated shifts in dichogamy specifically in the context of climate change, and detail the physiological, genetic, and developmental factors that control the relative timing of male and female flowering. The literature indicates that dichogamy is highly plastic and sensitive to temperature variation. Plasticity in dichogamy is observed across species with different sexual systems and growth habits, and in both female-first and male-first flowering taxa, but at present, no clear patterns of dichogamy shifts related to these associated traits are discernible. Together, these lines of evidence suggest that sequences of male and female flowering are likely to shift with climate change. However, more research is needed to better understand and predict the ecological consequences of shifting patterns of dichogamy in the context of global change.

Developmental Predictors of Suicidality in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs). This systematic review synthesizes current research on the developmental predictors of SI in individuals with SZ, aiming to delineate the multifactorial etiology of suicide within this population. Methods: A comprehensive search across Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases identified 23 eligible studies, emphasizing the varied methodological approaches and the global distribution of research efforts. Results: These studies demonstrate a robust association between early life adversities, particularly childhood trauma such as physical neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, and the increased prevalence of SI and SAs in SZ. This review also highlights the significant genetic factors associated with the development of suicidality in SZ, raising the possibility that polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities may influence susceptibility to SI. Notably, family history of psychiatric conditions may exacerbate the risk of SI through both hereditary and environmental mechanisms. Environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and social support, are also implicated, underscoring the role of broader socio-environmental conditions influencing outcomes. Conclusions: This review supports the integration of biopsychosocial models in understanding SI in SZ, advocating for interventions addressing the complex interplay of risk factors and the need for longitudinal studies to elucidate the dynamic interactions between risk factors over time. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for developing targeted preventive strategies and enhancing the clinical management of SZ, aiming to reduce suicidality in this vulnerable population.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health-Related Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

Racial and ethnic differences have been observed across patterns of substance use and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The goal of this review was to summarize the current evidence on ACE and health outcomes across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. A scoping review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analysis for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guideline was performed. Using predetermined search terms and parameters, an electronic database search of peer-reviewed literature between 1997 and 2022 was performed. Forty-five articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirteen articles focused on health behavior and education outcomes, fifteen reported on physical health outcomes, and eighteen reported on mental health outcomes. Relatively to mental health outcomes, race/ethnicity appeared to play a less significant role in the relationship between ACE and behavioral outcomes or physical health outcomes. There was stronger evidence that race/ethnicity may moderate relationships between ACE exposure and mental health outcomes. Across health behavior, physical health, and mental health domains, the evidence suggests that the relationship between ACE exposure and health outcomes is not uniform across different racial and ethnic groups. These findings highlight the need for future research to uncover how cultural, societal, and developmental factors interact to shape health in the context following exposure to childhood adversity.

The correlation between embryo rescue and hormonal changes in seedless grapes.

After normal pollination and fertilization of pseudoparthenocarpic seedless grapes, their embryos often stop developing due to certain developmental factors, resulting in embryo abortion. Hybrid breeding using seedless grapes as the maternal parent requires embryo rescue breeding technology. This technology plays a crucial role in seedless grape breeding. Although previous studies have extensively explored this technology, knowledge regarding its impact on embryo abortion and the effectiveness of rescue techniques remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between embryo rescue and hormonal changes in seedless grapes. Four Eurasian seedless grape cultivars, "Thompson Seedless," "Flame Seedless," "Heshi Seedless," and "Ruby Seedless," were selected for examination. We investigated endogenous hormone levels, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA), in both berries and in vitro ovules during the most suitable embryo rescue time for these cultivars. Based on the observed fluctuations in endogenous hormone levels and previous research findings, appropriate doses of exogenous hormones, such as IAA, GA3, and ABA, were applied during seedless grape embryo rescue. The results indicated significant differences in endogenous hormone levels between berries with varying ovule counts of the same cultivar and ovules cultured in vitro, suggesting a hormonal influence on ovule abortion and embryo development in seedless grapes. Further research has identified effective ratios of exogenous hormones: 30 mg·L-1 IAA + 30 mg·L-1 ABA for berry ovule development, 1.0 mg·L-1 IAA + 2.0mg·L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) + 1.0 mg·L-1 GA3 + 1.0 mg·L-1 ABA for in vitro ovule development, and 1.0 mg·L-1 IAA + 2.0 mg·L-1 6-BA + 1.0 mg·L-1 GA3 for embryo germination and seedling formation. In summary, hormonal changes significantly influence ovule and embryo development and are closely related to seedless grape embryo rescue breeding. This study deepened our understanding of the correlation between seedless grape embryo rescue and hormonal changes. It also resulted in the successful production of a batch of embryo rescue seedlings, further improving embryo rescue breeding technology and providing new germplasm materials for developing new seedless grape cultivars.

Environmental awareness and sustainable behavior of respondents in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland: A qualitative focus group study

The diverse European landscape of climate consciousness is shaped by political values, financial constraints, and country-specific point of view. The aim of the study was to unravel age-specific ecological awareness, forms of engagement, and perceptions, contributing to a nuanced understanding of climate dynamics.Selected regions: Germany (Rheinisches Revier), the Netherlands (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area), and Poland (Upper Silesia/Metropolis GZM) present different states regarding recycling/Circular Economy principles, and different environments.The research design incorporates an inductive qualitative approach to investigate environmental awareness and attitudes toward ecologically friendly behaviors. Six FGIs (Focus Group Interviews) were conducted across three European regions, involving participants from diverse age groups (20–39 years and 40–60 years) in each region.The study shows that ecological awareness varies between countries and generations, reflecting distinctive environmental strategies shaped by cultural and developmental factors. Participants in each region and age group exhibit diverse levels of engagement in sustainable activities, and highlight issues such as the need for tailored strategies, concerns related to eco-labelling, greenwashing, and inadequate waste treatment, as well as information gaps.These variations in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors across age groups and regions underscore the need for tailored strategies and regional policies. Transparency in waste management, eco-labelling, and sustainable transportation alternatives should be prioritized. Educational initiatives addressing information gaps, especially regarding lifestyle choices, are crucial. Collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for fostering positive change and a sustainable future across the European Union. Transparent communication, regulatory measures, and accessible eco-friendly options encourage widespread adoption of pro-environmental behaviors.