Interactive Effects Research Articles

EQTL mapping in transgenic alpha-synuclein carrying Caenorhabditis elegans recombinant inbred lines.

Protein aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) is a genetic and neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans suggested that variation of αS aggregation depends on the genetic background. However, which genes and genetic modifiers underlie individual differences in αS pathology remains unknown. To study the genotypic-phenotypic relationship of αS aggregation, we constructed a Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) panel derived from a cross between genetically divergent strains C. elegans NL5901 and SCH4856, both harboring the human αS gene. As a first step to discover genetic modifiers 70 αS-RILs were measured for whole-genome gene expression and expression quantitative locus analysis (eQTL) were mapped. We detected multiple eQTL hot-spots, many of which were located on Chromosome V. To confirm a causal locus, we developed Introgression Lines (ILs) that contain SCH4856 introgressions on Chromosome V in an NL5901 background. We detected 74 genes with an interactive effect between αS and the genetic background, including the human p38 MAPK homologue pmk-1 that has previously been associated with PD. Together, we present a unique αS-RIL panel for defining effects of natural genetic variation on αS pathology, which contributes to finding genetic modifiers of PD.

Study on the Driving Factors of the Spatiotemporal Pattern in Forest Lightning Fires and 3D Fire Simulation Based on Cellular Automata

Lightning-induced forest fires frequently inflict substantial damage on forest ecosystems, with the Daxing’anling region in northern China recognized as a high-incidence region for such phenomena. To elucidate the occurrence patterns of forest fires caused by lightning and to prevent such fires, this study employs a multifaceted approach, including statistical analysis, kernel density estimation, and spatial autocorrelation analysis, to conduct a comprehensive examination of the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of lightning-induced forest fires in the Greater Khingan Mountains region from 2016–2020. Additionally, the geographical detector method is utilized to assess the explanatory power of three main factors: climate, topography, and fuel characteristics associated with these fires, encompassing both univariate and interaction detections. Furthermore, a mixed-methods approach is adopted, integrating the Zhengfei Wang model with a three-dimensional cellular automaton to simulate the spread of lightning-induced forest fire events, which is further validated through rigorous quantitative verification. The principal findings are as follows: (1) Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lightning-Induced Forest Fires: Interannual variability reveals pronounced fluctuations in the incidence of lightning-induced forest fires. The monthly concentration of incidents is most significant in May, July, and August, demonstrating an upward trajectory. In terms of temporal distribution, fire occurrences are predominantly concentrated between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, conforming to a normal distribution pattern. Spatially, higher incidences of fires are observed in the western and northwestern regions, while the eastern and southeastern areas exhibit reduced rates. At the township level, significant spatial autocorrelation indicates that Xing’an Town represents a prominent hotspot (p = 0.001), whereas Oupu Town is identified as a significant cold spot (p = 0.05). (2) Determinants of the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lightning-Induced Forest Fires: The spatiotemporal distribution of lightning-induced forest fires is influenced by a multitude of factors. Univariate analysis reveals that the explanatory power of these factors varies significantly, with climatic factors exerting the most substantial influence, followed by topographic and fuel characteristics. Interaction factor analysis indicates that the interactive effects of climatic variables are notably more pronounced than those of fuel and topographical factors. (3) Three-Dimensional Cellular Automaton Fire Simulation Based on the Zhengfei Wang Model: This investigation integrates the fire spread principles from the Zhengfei Wang model into a three-dimensional cellular automaton framework to simulate the dynamic behavior of lightning-induced forest fires. Through quantitative validation against empirical fire events, the model demonstrates an accuracy rate of 83.54% in forecasting the affected fire zones.

The effect of leaf leachates addition on denitrification in subsurface flow constructed wetlands is shaped by the bed substrate type

In constructed wetlands (CWs), bed substrate and leaf leachates from vegetation may correct the low C/N ratio that constrains heterotrophic denitrification and nitrate removal from irrigated agricultural drainage water. However, the interactive effects of bed substrate type and leaf leachates on denitrification are still unknown. By focusing on a CWs pilot plant, we designed a laboratory experiment to evaluate i) wether denitrification potential rates varied among bed substrates: calcareous gravel (a conventional substrate), gravel+soil from a natural wetland (silty loam Solonchak, 1.5 % of organic C) and gravel+biochar from pyrolyzed ornamental plants (75 % of organic C); and ii) the response of denitrification within each bed substrate to the addition of their respective leaf leachates. We found that denitrification potential rates were lower in gravel beds (0.011 ± 0.006 μgN2O-N gDM−1 h−1) than those observed with the addition of biochar (0.06 ± 0.03) and especially soil (0.78 ± 0.04), with soil being the most advantageous option. Besides, leaf leachates addition boosted denitrification rates in all cases. Nevertheless, the effect of leachates was relatively higher in gravel beds than in the other substrates (15 times higher vs. 2 and 4 times with soil and biochar, respectively). Our outcomes highlight limited denitrification when using gravel substrate not only by low C but also due to essential macro- and micro-elements, and support the role of plant leaves as internal and self-sustainable source of nutrients.

Integrating observational and modelled data to advance the understanding of heat stress effects on pregnant subsistence farmers in the gambia

Studies on the effect of heat stress on pregnant women are scarce, particularly in highly vulnerable populations. To support the risk assessment of pregnant subsistence farmers in the West Kiang district, The Gambia we conducted a study on the pathophysiological effects of extreme heat stress and assessed the applicability of heat stress indices. From ERA5 climate reanalysis we added location-specific modelled solar radiation to datasets of a previous observational cohort study involving on-site measurements of 92 women working in the heat. Associations between physiological and environmental variables were assessed through Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, mixed effect linear models with random intercepts per participant and confirmatory composite analysis. We found Pearson correlations between r-values of 0 and 0.54, as well as independent effects of environmental variables on skin- and tympanic temperature, but not on heart rate, within a confidence interval of 98%. Pregnant women experienced stronger pathophysiological effects from heat stress in their third rather than in their second trimester. Environmental heat stress significantly altered maternal heat strain, particularly under humid conditions above a 50% relative humidity threshold, demonstrating interactive effects. Based on our results, we recommend including heat stress indices (e.g. UTCI or WBGT) in local heat-health warning systems.

Preconception and prenatal vitamin D associations with positive behavioral health in Black children.

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with offspring behavioral problems but little is known about pre-pregnancy influences. Additionally, Black American individuals are underrepresented in studies, limiting translational impact. We tested independent and interactive effects of preconception and prenatal vitamin D in Black women in relation to positive behavioral and emotional outcomes in early childhood. Black-identifying participants (N = 156) enrolled in the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study (PGS) provided venous blood samples before and during pregnancy to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors, depression severity and life stress, and later reported on child behavioral and emotional problems and prosocial behavior between 2 and 4 years. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 15.5 ng/ml (s.d. = 7.7) before pregnancy and 18.0 ng/ml (s.d. = 9.2) during pregnancy; below the sufficiency threshold according to commonly used dietary guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, prenatal 25(OH)D was negatively related to behavior problems and positively related to prosocial behavior in children, although the association attenuated for behavior problems after accounting for preconception 25(OH)D, which may reflect patterns of stability. Maternal 25(OH)D was unrelated to child emotional problems, and no synergistic effects of 25(OH)D timing were observed for any child outcome. Findings have relevance for Black women living in the northeast U.S. Results suggest specific associations between maternal vitamin D and positive behaviors in early childhood, regardless of sufficiency levels and suggest potential opportunities for early interventions to support healthy child development.

Individual and combined effects of ionophore antibiotics monensin and lasalocid on growth, oxidative stress and antioxidant responses of Microcystis aeruginosa

ABSTRACT To assess the impact of monensin, lasalocid, and a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of monensin and lasalocid on the formation of Microcystis aeruginosa-based harmful algal blooms (HABs), laboratory experiments were conducted [temperature 20 ± 1°C, illumination PAR 30 ± 4 μmol/m2 ·s (12-h light/dark cycle), growth medium BG-11] at concentrations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 μg/L. Measurements included optical density, cell protein content, chlorophyll ‘a’ (Chl. a) content, oxidative stress, catalase activity (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase activity (GPX). Monensin treatment showed a dose-dependent positive effect on M. aeruginosa growth at concentrations ≤500 μg/L and a gradual dose-dependent growth inhibition at concentrations of 1,000 and 2,000 μg/L. The results indicated that monensin has a significant positive effect on the formation of HABs by M. aeruginosa. Lasalocid treatment showed a growth reduction of M. aeruginosa at concentrations ≤500 μg/L and a growth increase at higher concentrations (1,000 and 2,000 μg/L). The monensin and lasalocid 1:1 (w/w) mixture test showed an intermediate response, as indicated by the individual treatments signifying the potential interactive effects of these antibiotics on the growth of M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, alterations in Chl. ‘a’, oxidative stress, CAT, and GPX measurements provided evidence of the impact of these antibiotics on the existence of M. aeruginosa.

Interactive effects of employed parents' affect spin with job demands and resources on adolescent well‐being

Interactive effects of employed parents' affect spin with job demands and resources on adolescent well‐being

Application of additional dose of N could sustain rice yield and maintain plant nitrogen under elevated ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) condition

IntroductionGlobal food security is challenged by the increasing levels of air pollutants like ozone (O3) through their impacts on crop productivity. The present study was conducted to quantify the interactive effect of elevated ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2), on different rice varieties in northern India.MethodsAn experiment was conducted in Genetic H field, Environment science, IARI for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) during the kharif season, to quantify the impact of elevated O3 and CO2 interaction on productivity, and plant N in three rice varieties (Pusa basmati 1121, Nagina 22, IR64 Drt1) under different nitrogen (N) management practices. Rice crop was grown in Free Air Ozone-Carbon dioxide Enrichment rings (FAOCE) rings with two levels of O3 (elevated 60 ±10ppb and ambient) and two levels of CO2 (elevated, 550±25 ppm and ambient) concentration and their interaction with two N fertilizer treatments i.e., 100% RDN (recommended dose of N) and 125% RDN.Results and discussionElevated O3 significantly decreased physiological parameters like photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of the crop. Grain yield reduced by 7.2-7.5%, in Pusa Basmati 1121 and from 6.9-9% in IR64 Drt1 varieties in elevated O3 treatment as compared to ambient treatment. Yield reduction in Nagina 22 variety was not significant in elevated O3 treatment. Elevated CO2 concentration of 550 ppm was able to fully compensate the yield loss in Nagina 22 variety and partially compensate (3.9-8.0%) in Pusa Basmati 1121 and IR64 Drt1 varieties. Grain N concentration in rice varieties decreased by 10.8-14.7% during first year and by 7.8-20.6% during second year in elevated O3 plus CO2 interaction treatment than ambient. Grain N uptake also decreased (13.2-17.1% in first year and 4.5-22.8% in second year) in elevated O3 plus CO2 interaction treatment as compared to ambient. Application of additional 25% of recommended dose of N improved grain N concentration, grain N uptake as well as available N of soil as compared to 100% RDN treatment in elevated O3 plus CO2 interaction treatment. Additional 25% N dose could help in sustaining rice productivity and quality under elevated O3 and CO2 condition.

Experimental Study on Optimizing Hydrogen Production from Sludge by Microwave Catalytic Pyrolysis Using Response Surface Methodology.

Catalytic pyrolysis technology is a harmless and useful solid waste treatment method. Studying the catalytic pyrolysis of sludge for hydrogen production is of practical significance. Therefore, this paper prepared a bifunctional catalyst with both microwave absorption and catalytic properties from electroplating sludge through carbonization and acid modification processes and then was characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, XPS, and FTIR. An experimental study employed a conventional-then-microwave pyrolysis method to investigate the catalytic pyrolysis process of municipal sludge. Combining central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) with three factors and five levels, this paper investigated the interactive effects of the conventional pyrolysis temperature, microwave irradiation time, and catalyst addition ratio on the unit hydrogen production (UHP) of sludge. A predictive model based on a second-order polynomial regression equation was developed. The results revealed that the catalyst possesses a specific surface area and pore structure and that the second-order polynomial model fits well. The conventional pyrolysis temperature, microwave irradiation time, catalyst addition ratio, and interaction between the latter two significantly affected the UHP of sludge. The optimal operation conditions of conventional pyrolysis temperature, microwave irradiation time, and catalyst addition ratio were 462.7 °C, 8.8 min, and 12.4%, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the UHP was 13.22 mmol/g, with a relative error of only 1.12% compared to the predicted model value of 13.37 mmol/g.

The psychological mechanisms of the better-than-average effect in the moral and competence domains under self-enhancement and self-protection motives among young Japanese adults.

The better-than-average effect (BTAE) refers to the phenomenon where individuals perceive themselves as better than the average person. This effect has been independently examined in terms of social perception dimension and motivation. Additionally, no psychobehavioral traits have been found to be associated with the BTAE in the moral domain. However, the interactive effects of social perception dimension and motivation on the BTAE remain unclear, and its association with a broad range of psychobehavioral traits has not been extensively validated. In this study, we assess self-and average other-evaluations across four domains, based on two social perception dimensions and two motivations, to investigate their interactive effects on the BTAE (n = 678). We measured seven sets of psychobehavioral characteristics to examine their association with the BTAE, as well as self-and other-evaluations. Results indicated that the BTAE occurred only under negative moral conditions, while the worse-than-others effect was observed under two competence conditions. Furthermore, the BTAE was associated with only a few psychobehavioral characteristics in the moral domains, compared to many in the competence domains. Notably, both self-and other-evaluations were correlated with many trust-relevant characteristics in the moral domains. These findings suggest that sociocultural dynamics may influence the BTAE differently across various domains.

Interactive effects of plant litter chemistry and organic/inorganic forms of nitrogen addition on Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) soil respiration

Interactive effects of plant litter chemistry and organic/inorganic forms of nitrogen addition on Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) soil respiration

Interactive effect of nutrient and weed management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) for enhancing the productivity in Eastern India

A field experiment comprising three nutrient and six weed management practices was conducted in strip plot design with three replications during 2019 and 2020 at Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, India to assess the effect of the treatments on weed dynamics, productivity and nutrient uptake by crop and weed. Averaged over both years, among nutrient management practices, the soil test based dose (STD: 100-40-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1) + green manuring (GM) of dhaincha recorded the minimum weed density of 45.3 and 64.2 number m-2 and weed biomass of 19.2 and 37.6 g m-2 at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), respectively and the minimum N, P and K uptake of 6.4, 2.0 and 6.8 kg ha-1 by weed and the maximum N, P and K uptake of 113.6, 23.2 and 122.6 kg ha-1 by the crop, respectively. Among weed management practices, bensulfuronmethyl + pretilachlor (PE) fb HW on 35 DAT produced the minimum weed density of 25.15 and 20.66 number m-2, the minimum weed biomass of 7.70 and 8.08 g m-2 at 30 and 60 DAT, respectively and the minimum N, P and K uptake of 2.4, 0.5 and 2.6 kg ha-1 by weed and the maximum N, P and K of 117.9, 25.3 and 263.7 kg ha-1 by crop, respectively. Among nutrient management practices, the STD + GM proved to be the best with the maximum grain yield of 5562 kg ha-1. whereas the application of bensulfuronmethyl + pretilachlor (PE) fb HW on 35 DAT excelled over other weed management practices with the maximum grain yield of 5907 kg ha-1 registering 17.71 and 47.64% higher grain yield compared to the STD and the weedy check, respectively.

Examining the Independent and Interactive Carryover Effects of Cognitive and Physical Exertions on Physical Performance.

This study compared the effects of prior cognitive, physical, and concurrent exertion on physical performance. Fatiguing cognitive and physical exertions have been shown to negatively affect subsequent task performance. However, it is not clearly understood if concurrent physical and cognitive effort may exaggerate the negative carryover effects on physical task performance when compared to cognitive or physical exertion alone. Twenty-five participants completed four isometric handgrip endurance trials on different days. The endurance trials were preceded by four, 15-minute experimental manipulations (cognitive, physical, concurrent, control). Electromyography (EMG) and force tracing performance were monitored, with handgrip strength measured pre and post. Subjective ratings of mental and physical fatigue, as well as affect, motivation, and task self-efficacy, were also assessed. Handgrip strength decreased following both physical (-14.4% MVC) and concurrent (-12.3% MVC) exertion manipulations, with no changes being observed for the cognitive and control conditions. No differences were observed across conditions for endurance time, EMG, nor tracing performance. When compared to the control conditions, perceptions of mental and physical fatigue were higher following the experimental manipulation. Endurance trial self-efficacy was lower for the mental, physical and concurrent conditions compared to control. The concurrent condition resulted in similar decreases in strength as the physical fatigue condition, but otherwise resulted in similar carryover effects on endurance performance across all conditions. Further study is required at higher exposure levels, or for longer exposure durations, to further probe the influence of concurrent physical and cognitive effort on task performance. Concurrent cognitive and physical effort resulted in similar physical performance decrements to physical effort alone.

Give a Fish or Teach to Fish? Poverty Alleviation Effect of Government Support Policies and Self-Help Commercial Activities

This study explores the interactive effect of self-help efforts, specifically through household decisions to engage in commercialisation, and external supports provided via government antipoverty policies, on poverty reduction among poor households in northern Vietnam. With observational data from 1383 surveyed households, we use an estimation strategy combining inverse probability weighting, regression adjustment, and two-stage least squares to address selection bias and omitted variable bias in two variables of interest. We find that while these two interventions are individually effective in alleviating poverty, their combination is not necessarily as effective. Our results show that commercialisation only reduces poverty among non-supported households, while government supports are more effective among non-commercial households. This substitution of effects comes from the nature of support targeting and commercialisation. Households receiving supports often have lower capacity, making commercialisation ineffective or even impossible. Furthermore, current support policies are insufficient to enhance the impact of commercialisation. These results suggest that there could be more effective ways to combine external interventions and self-help efforts to better alleviate poverty.

Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations with cyanobacteria, yeast, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), with or without K-Humate and reducing Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers application rates to crop quality of wheat and faba bean. In preliminary laboratory experiments, the interactive effects of these microbiomes on plant antioxidant and soil enzyme production were examined under salinity stress. Results showed that co-inoculation, especially with K-Humate, yielded superior outcomes compared to individual inoculations. These findings were validated by a field trial conducted in saline-alkaline soil in the Northeastern Nile Delta region. All biological treatments 25% of recommended doses, and enhancing salinity tolerance, increasing yield, and improving enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, including soil enzyme activity, AMF colonization, spore density, and the total numbers of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and yeast. These effects were further amplified by K-Humate and were more pronounced with combined inoculations than with individual ones, leading to improved soil fertility and significant increases in both crop quantity and quality compared to control treatments. The triple treatment, combining cyanobacteria, yeast, and mycorrhizae in the presence of K-Humate while reducing the mineral NPK rate by 75%, achieved superior increases in the productivity of wheat grains and faba bean seeds, reaching 54.72% and 128.92%, respectively, compared to the 100% NPK mineral control. This treatment also significantly improved crop quality, with notable increases in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and protein percentages in wheat grains and faba bean seeds. Microbiomes-interaction increased potassium uptake over sodium, enhancing the plant’s potassium/sodium ratio and improving salt stress tolerance. This approach reduces reliance on costly mineral fertilizers, enabling bio-organic farming in marginal lands, optimizing resource utilization, and preserving natural resources.

Drought mediates Sphagnum defense response to herbivory.

The expected concomitant increase in multiple stressors such as herbivory and drought may threaten peatland ecosystems. How Sphagnum, the ecological engineers of peatlands, responds to combined stressors remains largely unexplored. Here we aimed to clarify resource allocations in Sphagnum during concomitant herbivory and drought. S. magellanicum and S. fuscum were exposed to drought and herbivory together or separately in laboratory experiments and analyzed for growth (biomass production and net photosynthetic rate), defense (phenolics in leachates and phenolics in extraction) and nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch) in relation to untreated controls. Herbivory and drought had significant interactive effects on Sphagnum growth and defense. In both species, drought without herbivory reduced the phenolics in leachate, but with herbivory increased phenolics, indicating a synergistic effect between herbivory and drought on Sphagnum defense. Both stressors significantly decreased biomass production, with the combined stress having a more negative effect. Interestingly, a growth-defense trade-off was found in the drought treatment of both Sphagnum species, but disappeared in the wet treatment. Conversely, a trade-off between soluble sugars and phenolics was found in the wet but not in the drought treatment, suggesting that soluble sugars may play a role in inducing the defense and hence mask the growth-defense trade-off in peat mosses. Our results emphasize that predicting the impact of combined stressors on peat moss traits is complex and challenging. Future models should account for the effects of multiple environmental stressors to guide peatland conservation under climate warming.

Research on the Interactive Effects of Parenting Advertising Under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the different effects of advertising interactive experiences, and explore effective advertising interactive methods, to provide effective parenting advertising training for abusive parents. Theoretical Framework: Refers to the multi-sensory advertising interaction model based on the studies before, such as the AIEDA tourism advertising effects model, schema congruence theory, and a spiral brand experience concept. Method: This study conducted the distinct "Systematic Literature Review Synthesis Process", a stand-alone literature review typology that helps make sense of a chosen body of current literature and helps determine the theoretical framework at the early stages of research ideation. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that visual, auditory, and multi-sensory interactions all have different elements and characteristics and could cause different levels of attention, memory, and emotions for audiences. Research Implications: The results are expected to guide the development of a theoretical framework for combining advertising and user experience interaction. Originality/Value: The research helps to identify interactive sensory experience characteristics in advertisements, guide the effective dissemination of parenting public service advertisements, and create a happier family atmosphere for children, to promote SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lifestyles and promoting the well-being of people of all ages.

Interplay between Network Position and Knowledge Production of Cities in China Based on Patent Measurement

The urban knowledge network in China has undergone in-depth development in recent decades, intimately connecting the position characteristics of cities in the knowledge network to their knowledge production performance. While existing research focuses predominantly on the unidirectional relationship between network position and the knowledge production of cities, there is a notable dearth of studies exploring the bidirectional relationship between the two constructs. By proposing a conceptual framework, this paper empirically examines the interplay between network position and knowledge production of cities through simultaneous equation models. The results revealed a mutually reinforcing relationship between network position and knowledge production, and this relationship exhibits heterogeneous characteristics and spillover effects. Specifically, cities in the periphery block and the central-western region benefit more from the effect of network position on knowledge production, while cities in the core block and the eastern region benefit more from the effect of knowledge production on network position. Moreover, the interactive effect between network position and knowledge production of cities is significantly affected by the network position characteristics and knowledge production performance of their neighboring cities in geographically adjacent regions and relationally adjacent regions. These findings enhance the understanding of urban network externalities and the connotations of the knowledge production function.

The Interactive Effect of Extrinsic Controls and Public Service Motivation on Blame Avoidance

Extrinsic and intrinsic systems of control are two prominent determinants of bureaucratic behavior. An exploration of the respective effects of the two forms of control may overlook that they often interact to exert impacts on bureaucrats. Drawing on a dataset of 870 civil servants in China, this study examines the interactive effect of extrinsic controls and intrinsic public service motivation (PSM) on blame avoidance. Three extrinsic interventions are explored: contingent rewards, punishment, and peer influence. The results show that contingent rewards may inhibit blame avoidance, and civil servants with higher PSM are more likely to be incentivized by reward contingency to contain their blame-avoiding propensity. Furthermore, extrinsic punishment may provoke bureaucrats’ intention to avoid blame, but PSM can inhibit this propensity. Finally, bureaucrats with higher PSM are more inclined to be invigorated by their peers’ industriousness, whereas those low in PSM tend to shift responsibilities to their more hard-working associates.

Living in a multi-stressor world: nitrate pollution and thermal stress interact to affect amphibian larvae.

The interaction of widespread stressors such as nitrate pollution and increasing temperatures associated with climate change are likely to affect aquatic ectotherms such as amphibians. The metamorphic and physiological traits of amphibian larvae during the critical onset of metamorphosis are particularly susceptible to these stressors. We used a crossed experimental design subjecting Rana temporaria larvae to four constant rearing temperatures (18, 22, 26, 28 °C) crossed with three environmentally relevant nitrate concentrations (0, 50, 100 mg×L-1) to investigate the interactive and individual effects of these stressors on metamorphic (i.e., growth and development) and physiological traits (i.e., metabolism and heat tolerance) at the onset of metamorphosis. Larvae exposed to elevated nitrate concentrations and thermal stress displayed increased metabolic rates but decreased developmental rate, highlighting interactive effects of these stressors. However, nitrate pollution alone had no effect on either metamorphic or physiological traits, suggesting that detoxification processes were sufficient to maintain homeostasis but not in combination with increased rearing temperatures. Furthermore, larvae exposed to nitrate displayed diminished abilities to exhibit temperature-induced plasticity in metamorphosis timing and heat tolerance, as well as reduced acclimation capacity in heat tolerance and an increased thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate to higher temperatures. These results highlight the importance of considering the exposure to multiple stressors when investigating how natural populations respond to global change.