Diversity Of Factors Research Articles

Exploring Psilocybe cubensis Strains: Cultivation Techniques, Psychoactive Compounds, Genetics and Research Gaps

Psilocybe cubensis, a widely recognized psychoactive mushroom species, has played a significant role in both historical and modern therapeutic practices. This review explores the complex interplay between genetic diversity, strain variability and environmental factors that shape the biosynthesis of key psychoactive compounds, including psilocybin and psilocin. With many strains exhibiting substantial variability in their phenotypic characteristics and biochemical content, understanding and documenting this diversity is crucial for optimizing therapeutic applications. The review also highlights advances in cultivation techniques, such as submerged fermentation of the mycelium, and innovative analytical methodologies that have improved the precision of compound quantification and extraction. Although there is limited scientific information on P. cubensis due to nearly four decades of regulatory restrictions on psychedelic research, recent developments in genetic and biochemical studies are beginning to provide valuable insights into its therapeutic potential. Furthermore, this review emphasizes key knowledge gaps and offers insights into future research directions to advance the cultivation, scientific documentation of strain diversity, regulatory considerations and therapeutic use of P. cubensis.

A generalized structured coalescent for purifying selection without recombination.

Purifying selection is a critical factor in shaping genetic diversity. Current theoretical models mostly address scenarios of either very weak or strong selection, leaving a significant gap in our knowledge. The effects of purifying selection on patterns of genomic diversity remain poorly understood when selection against deleterious mutations is weak to moderate, particularly when recombination is limited or absent. In this study, we extend an existing approach, the fitness-class coalescent, to incorporate arbitrary levels of purifying selection in haploid populations. This model offers a comprehensive framework for exploring the influence of purifying selection in a wide range of demographic scenarios. Moreover, our research reveals potential sources of qualitative and quantitative biases in demographic inference, highlighting the significant risk of attributing genetic patterns to past demographic events rather than purifying selection. This work expands our understanding of the complex interplay between selection, drift, and population dynamics, and how purifying selection distorts demographic inference.

Expanding portfolio diversification through cluster analysis beyond traditional volatility

The study reviews the application of machine learning tools in financial investment portfolio management, focusing on cluster analysis for asset allocation, diversification, and risk optimization. The paper aims to explore the use of clustering analysis to broaden the concept of portfolio diversification beyond traditional volatility metrics. An open dataset from Yahoo Finance includes a ten-year historical period (2014–2024) of 130 actively traded securities from international stock markets used. Dataset selection prioritizes top liquidity and trading activity. Python analytical tools were employed to clean, process, and analyze the data. The methodology combines classical Markowitz optimization with clustering analysis techniques, highlighting variance-return trade-offs. Various asset characteristics, including annualized return, standard deviation, Sharpe ratio, correlation with indices, skewness, and kurtosis, were incorporated into the clustering models to reveal hidden patterns and groupings among financial assets. Results show that while clustering enhances insights into asset diversity, classical approaches remain historically superior in optimizing risk-adjusted returns. This study concludes that clustering complements, rather than replaces, classical methods by broadening the understanding of diversification and addressing many diversity factors, such as metrics of the technical, graphical, and fundamental analysis. The paper also introduces the diversity rate based on clustering, which measures the variance balance by all features within and between clusters, providing a broader perspective on diversification beyond traditional metrics. Future research should investigate dynamic clustering techniques, integrate fundamental economic indicators, and develop adaptive models for effective portfolio management in evolving financial markets.

Community structure and diversity of myxobacteria in soils from Inner Mongolia, China

Myxobacteria are a special kind of Gram-negative bacteria that can slide and produce a variety of bioactive substances against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has great development and research value in medicine and agriculture. Although myxobacteria have become a research hotspot at home and abroad, there are few systematic studies on the relationship between its diversity, geographical location, and environment factors. In order to solve these problems, 133 soil samples were collected from the east to the west of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and divided into five groups. The water content, pH, organic matter, available phosphorus, hydrolytic nitrogen, and available potassium content of soil samples were determined by national standards and other methods. The quantitative assessment of the abundance of myxobacteria in the soil sample was performed by quantitative real-time PCR. The composition of myxobacteria in the soil was determined by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the differences in the community structure of myxobacteria among different groups, explore the relationship between the diversity of myxobacteria resources and the distribution and physical and chemical properties of the soil, and predict and analyze its community function. The results showed that there were abundant myxobacteria resources in the soils of Inner Mongolia, and the average relative abundance of myxobacteria in the soil samples from the central part of Inner Mongolia was higher than that in the eastern and western parts, but the richness and diversity of samples from the central to eastern regions were significantly higher than those from the western regions. The myxobacteria resources in the whole region included 10 families and 22 genera, among which the dominant genera were Labilitrix, Sandaracinus, Archangium, and Haliangium. The analysis of the species composition of myxobacteria among different groups found that the distribution of soil and soil type had an impact on the species composition of the samples. The species with significant differences in relative abundance among the five groups of samples were Labilitrix, Archangium, Sandaracinus, Minicystis, Polyangium, and Myxococcus. In addition, the latitude and longitude of the sampling point and the soil pH, water content, available phosphorus content and organic matter content had a greater impact on the myxobacteria community structure of samples, while the altitude of the soil sample and the contents of available potassium and alkaline nitrogen had a relatively small impact. Our data suggest that the distribution, type and nutrient composition of soil samples have an impact on the relative abundance and species composition of myxobacteria community. The completion of this work can provide basic data for the in-depth study of myxobacteria in the soil.

Geographic distance shapes morphological and molecular disparities in a common diatom species as revealed by geometric morphometry and metabarcoding

Abstract Diatoms, a highly diverse group, are sensitive indicators of aquatic environmental conditions, yet doubts persist regarding species distribution and distance-based factors influencing their populations. This study explores the relationship between geographical distance and the morphological and genetic differences among Achnanthidium minutissimum populations in freshwater ecosystems. Cell outlines were objectively captured by means of geometric morphometry, whereas rbcL marker was used for molecular approach. Our results indicate that the geographical factors significantly influence the morphological and molecular disparities among populations. Despite the absence of evident physical barriers, persistent spatial distance contributes to the observed differentiation among diatom populations. This emphasizes the crucial role of geographical isolation in shaping genetic divergence and morphological disparities, highlighting the need to consider spatial factors in understanding diatom diversity and distribution. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of molecular tools in revealing hidden genetic patterns and exploring evolutionary dynamics within diatom species.

Diversity, Prevalence, and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Sheep Herds Grazing in Upper Dir district, Northern Pakistan

Diversity, Prevalence, and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Sheep Herds Grazing in Upper Dir district, Northern Pakistan

Personalized Indicator Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Uncertain Constrained Many‐Objective Optimization Problem With Interval Functions

ABSTRACTIn practical engineering problems, uncertainties due to prediction errors and fluctuations in equipment efficiency often lead to constrained many‐objective optimization problem with interval parameters (ICMaOPs). These problems pose significant challenges for evolutionary algorithms, particularly in balancing solution convergence, diversity, feasibility, and uncertainty. To address these challenges, a personalized indicator‐based evolutionary algorithm (PI‐ICMaOEA) specifically designed for ICMaOPs is proposed. The PI‐ICMaOEA integrates a comprehensive quality indicator that encapsulates convergence, diversity, uncertainty, and feasibility factors, converting multiple objectives in high‐dimensional search spaces into a single evaluative metric. Each factor's weight is personalized assigned based on individual performance, objective dimension, and the evolving conditions of the population. By prioritizing individuals with excellent indicator values for mating and environmental selection, PI‐ICMaOEA effectively enhances selection pressure in high‐dimensional spaces. Comparative simulations demonstrate that PI‐ICMaOEA is highly competitive, offering a robust solution for balancing convergence, diversity, uncertainty, and feasibility in ICMaOPs.

Molecular and genetic analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to pose significant challenges in healthcare settings due to its multi-drug resistance (MDR) and virulence. This retrospective study examines the molecular and resistance profiles of MRSA isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia, providing valuable insights into regional epidemiology. A total of 190 MRSA strains were analysed to assess antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic diversity, and virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted according to CLSI guidelines, while molecular characterization involved spa typing, SCCmec typing, and DNA microarray analysis to determine clonal complexes (CCs), resistance genes, and virulence determinants. The isolates showed extensive resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, with 78% classified as MDR. Notably, resistance to fusidic acid and ciprofloxacin was detected in 70% and 55% of isolates, respectively. The most prevalent clonal complexes-CC5, CC6, and CC22-comprised over 60% of the isolates and exhibited diverse spa types. The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, linked to heightened virulence, was identified in approximately 20% of isolates, particularly within CC5, CC30, and CC80. Enterotoxin genes (sea and seb) and immune evasion genes (sak, chp, and scn) were also commonly detected, reflecting the isolates' capacity to adapt and persist within the hospital environment. These findings underscore the high burden of MDR MRSA with considerable genetic diversity and virulence potential. The study highlights the urgent need for strengthened molecular surveillance and targeted infection control measures to limit MRSA transmission and effectively manage infection risks in healthcare facilities.

Spatial distribution patterns and driving factors of understory vegetation species diversity on northeastern Tibetan Plateau

Spatial distribution patterns and driving factors of understory vegetation species diversity on northeastern Tibetan Plateau

Ecological analysis of plant community structure and soil effects in subtropical forest ecosystem

BackgroundSubtropical forest plant diversity, characterized by a wide range of species adapted to seasonal variations, is vital for sustaining ecological balance, supporting diverse wildlife, and providing critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and soil stabilization. The Changa Manga Forest, an ecologically rich area with varied vegetation, was analyzed to understand the intricate relationship between plant diversity and environmental factors. This study investigates the diversity patterns, vegetation structure, and environmental influences on forest biodiversity.MethodsA comprehensive survey was conducted across 127 stands within the Changa Manga Forest to document plant species and classify vegetation communities. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, while multivariate statistical methods, including hierarchical clustering and ordination, were applied to examine the relationships between vegetation structure and environmental factors. Diversity indices and beta diversity components were calculated to assess variations across plant communities.ResultsThe species were classified into six distinct vegetation communities: Neltuma-Ziziphus-Malvestrum (NZM), Broussonetia-Lantana-Morus (BLM), Dalbergia-Lantana-Solanum (DLS), Morus-Abutilon-Ricinus (MAR), Eucalyptus-Vachellia-Sorghum (EVS), and Bombax-Leucaena-Croton (BLC). Analyses using hierarchical clustering and ordination methods revealed significant differences in species composition among these communities, with NZM and DLS exhibiting the highest dissimilarity. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that environmental factors such as soil pH, available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter percentage (OM%) are crucial in shaping plant distribution, though the total explained variation remained relatively low. Diversity indices varied significantly among communities, with the NZM community showing the highest Shannon and Simpson diversity, while EVS exhibited the lowest. The beta diversity analysis revealed a high species turnover between certain communities, indicating complex ecological interactions. Our results indicate significant variability in plant community composition and diversity patterns, influenced by edaphic factors and environmental gradients. We anticipate that future environmental changes, such as shifts in soil properties, precipitation patterns, and increased human activity, may exacerbate declines in local plant species richness and disrupt community structures. To preserve the invaluable biodiversity of the study area for future generations, it is essential to implement timely and effective conservation and management strategies.

Genotypic diversity and virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a North Indian tertiary care hospital

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen of concern worldwide can be classified as classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (HvKp). In health care settings, genotyping and identification of hypervirulent strains enables better clinical management. The present study was conducted in a north Indian tertiary care hospital which receives both Indian and foreign patients. During the study period (September –December 2022), 29 isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected from Out Patients department (OPD), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and wards. Genotypic profiling was based on Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and wzi type. Virulence was determined by PCR based screening of genes (RmpA, iucB, ybts, iroN) as well as phenotypic tests: string test, biofilm formation and serum neutralization assay. We identified 17 Sequence Type and 14 wzi strain. The most common Sequence Type was ST231 (6/29) followed by ST 6260 (3/29)0.15 (51.7%) isolates were carbapenem resistant (CR). Eleven isolates carried the aerobactin gene iucB and/or rmpA genes. The results of the study show the presence of diverse genotypes and virulence genes of K. pneumoniae, stressing the need for stricter surveillance. We also observed a significantly higher average length of stay in patients carrying hypervirulent or carbapenem resistant strains (p < 0.05).

Distinct spatiotemporal patterns between fungal alpha and beta diversity of soil-plant continuum in rubber tree.

Plants harbor diverse microorganisms in both belowground and aboveground compartments, which play a vital role in plant nitrogen supply and growth promotion. Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of microbial communities is a prerequisite for harnessing them to promote plant growth. In this study, we show that the alpha and beta diversity of soil-plant continuum in rubber tree exhibited distinct spatiotemporal pattern. Alpha diversity is highly dependent on seasonal changes, while beta diversity only showed a geographical variation pattern. Climatic factors were the most important factors in shaping fungal alpha diversity. Leaf phosphorus (P) and soil available potassium (AK) were major drivers to induce geographical variation.

The Global Burden of Emerging and Re-Emerging Orbiviruses in Livestock: An Emphasis on Bluetongue Virus and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) are vector-borne orbiviruses that pose an emerging threat to livestock, including cattle and sheep. This review summarizes the global distribution, genetic diversity, and key factors driving their spread along with the existing knowledge gaps and recommendations to mitigate their impact. Both viruses cause hemorrhagic disease in susceptible ruminants and are commonly reported in tropical and subtropical regions including North America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and some parts of Europe. The geographical distribution of these viruses, encompassing 27 BTV and 7 EHDV serotypes, has shifted, particularly with the recent invasion of BTV-3, 4, and 8 and EHDV-8 serotypes in Europe. Several factors contribute to the recent spread of these viruses such as the distribution of virulent strains by the movement of temperature-dependent Culicoides vectors into new areas due to rapid climate change, the reassortment of viral strains during mixed infections, and unrestricted global trade. These diseases cause significant economic impacts including morbidity, mortality, reduced production, high management costs, and the disruption of international trade. Effective prevention and control strategies are paramount and rely on vaccination, vector control using insecticides, and the destruction of breeding sites, husbandry practices including the isolation and quarantine of infected hosts, restriction of animal movement, prompt diagnosis and identification of circulating strains, and effective surveillance and monitoring plans such as the pre-export and post-import screening of semen used for artificial insemination. However, challenges remain with intercontinental virus spread, live vaccines, and the failure of inactivated vaccines to produce protective immunity against dissimilar strains. Significant knowledge gaps highlight the need for a better scientific understanding and a strategic plan to ensure healthy livestock and global food security.

Genomic Diversity and Virulence Factors of Clostridium perfringens Isolated from Healthy and Necrotic Enteritis-Affected Broiler Chicken Farms in Quebec Province.

Avian necrotic enteritis due to the Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium perfringens has re-emerged following the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in many poultry producing countries. The limited number of previous studies has left important gaps in our understanding of the genetic diversity and virulence traits of the pathogen. To address these knowledge gaps, in this study, we sequenced the genomes of 41 Clostridium perfringens isolates recovered from commercial broiler chicken flocks in Quebec, Canada, including isolates from healthy birds and those affected by necrotic enteritis. We sought to understand the pangenome diversity and interrogated the genomes for key virulence factors involved in necrotic enteritis pathogenesis. On average, the genomes had a GC content of 28% and contained 3206 coding sequences. A variable presence of toxins, degradative hydrolytic enzymes, and collagen-binding proteins was also found. Through pangenome analysis, we revealed a total of 10,223 genes, 652 (6.4%) of which formed the core genome. Additionally, we identified 17 different plasmids, 12 antibiotic resistance genes, and nine prophage regions. Overall, our results demonstrated a relatively high genetic diversity among chicken Clostridium perfringens isolates collected from the same geographical location, offering new insights into potential virulence mechanisms and adaptation of the pathogen within poultry populations.

Gender dysphoria and incongruence - neurophysiological diversity and genetic factors

Gender dysphoria and incongruence - neurophysiological diversity and genetic factors

Exploring the driving factors of bird diversity in mangrove natural protected areas in Guangdong Province, China

IntroductionUnder the impacts of high intensity human activities, mangrove natural protected areas are pivotal strategies for biodiversity conservation and play a significant role in preserving bird diversity. Mangrove natural protected areas in Guangdong Province, China, lie along the migratory path of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, serving as breeding, feeding, and resting grounds for birds. Variations in bird responses to environmental factors are significant.MethodsTo comprehensively understand these variances, redundancy analysis was employed, focusing on bird diversity surveys conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 in natural protected areas of Guangdong to examine how driving factors such as mangrove habitat landscape, community structure, water quality, and soil sedimentation affected the diversity of avian species.ResultsThe findings were as follows: (1) A total of 193 bird species spanning 17 orders and 53 families were documented, including 74 songbirds, 60 wading birds, 27 swimming birds, 17 climbing birds, 10 raptors, and 5 terrestrial birds. (2) Regarding the impact of simple effects on all bird species, aquaculture pond area, mangrove extent, and mudflat area emerged as significant factors driving bird diversity, with explanatory rates of 31.0%, 28.9%, and 20.3%, respectively. Notably, the aquaculture pond area was the main driver of bird diversity, with an explanatory rate of 31.0%. (3) Mangrove extent has emerged as a pivotal factor shaping the songbird diversity, climbing birds, raptors, and terrestrial birds, whereas the aquaculture pond area was pivotal for wading birds, swimming birds, and others.DiscussionTo enhance mangrove bird diversity protection, management agencies overseeing natural mangrove protected areas should adopt science-based approaches when managing mangrove, mudflats, and aquaculture pond areas in mangrove forest protection and restoration plans. This would prevent extensive mangrove planting, which encroaches on non-mangrove habitats. Additionally, the scientific management of aquaculture ponds should accommodate diverse bird habitats through measures, such as water level adjustments.

Do Institutional Efforts Help?: The Impact of Diversity Factors on the Chinese International Student Experience

Do Institutional Efforts Help?: The Impact of Diversity Factors on the Chinese International Student Experience

Enhancing soil quality in soybean cultivation: Mycorrhizal technology combined with intercropping under high cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination presents a serious challenges for sustainable agriculture. This study evaluated the combined impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and intercropping with Solanum nigrum on soil microbial diversity, enzyme activity, and environmental factors in soybean cultivation under high Cd stress. The combined treatment effectively reduced bioavailable Cd in soil, with the acid-soluble Cd fraction at 19.57 mg/kg and the reducible Cd fraction at 61.35 %, resulting in safe soybean grain Cd levels (2.63 mg/kg, below the 3 mg/kg organic standard). Illumina NovaSeq sequencing analysis revealed that key bacterial taxa, including Bradyrhizobium and PMMR1, were correlated with reduced Cd uptake in grains. Although bacterial α diversity increased, microbial network stability decreased in response to Cd, AMF inoculation, and intercropping. The combined treatment also enhanced soil enzyme activity by regulating the relative abundance of dominant or key genera such as Subgroup_6, Rokubacteriales and Pseudarthrobacter. Notably, catalase activity was 97.25 % higher in the combined treatment compared to monoculture without AMF colonization under high Cd conditions. These findings demonstrate the synergistic potential of AMF inoculation and S. nigrum intercropping as a sustainable approach to mitigate Cd contamination in crops while improving soil health in Cd-contaminated environments.

Disentangling the response of species diversity, forest structure, and environmental drivers to aboveground biomass in the tropical forests of Western Ghats, India

Tropical forests are crucial to the global carbon cycle, but a significant knowledge gap in the precise distribution patterns of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) hinders our ability to formulate effective conservation efforts. A key unresolved issue is the lack of understanding of how forest AGB interacts with biotic and abiotic factors on large spatial scale. To address this, we used Structural Equation Modeling to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of environmental, anthropogenic, structural diversity species diversity and edaphic factors on AGB of trees, lianas and regenerating communities using the data from 96 1-ha plots in the central Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India. We hypothesized that the effect of structural attributes overrides AGB distribution, with relative contributions varying among plant communities. The landscape-level mean AGB was 245.12 ± 19.74 Mg ha−1, with SEM explaining 68–85 % of variations across the three vegetation communities. Structural diversity emerged as the primary mediator of the positive effects of taxonomic diversity on AGB in the regeneration community, whereas canopy cover and stem density linked diversity to AGB in adult tree and liana communities. Further, AGB showed a positive association with soil organic carbon in adult tree and regeneration communities, underscoring the significance of belowground resource availability on AGB. The results indicate that structural features were consistently the strongest AGB predictors at all levels of data aggregation, indicating the predominant role of niche complementarity and efficient space utilization in driving AGB, albeit differently across the plant communities. Our study emphasizes the importance of maintaining high structural features and managing taxonomic diversity while promoting soil fertility and minimizing disturbances to support AGB in tropical forests. We recommend testing the effects of predictor variables on biomass of vegetation communities independently to better understand the ecological principles of forest functioning.

An Empirical Study of Key Strategy Factors of Diversity and Inclusion and its Impact on Employees performance in ITES Sector

In this research study the researcher indentify the factors of key strategies of diversity and inclusion at the workplace which significantly enhance the organizational activities such as Leadership Commitment, Training and Education, Inclusive, Policies, Flexible Work Arrangements, Regular Feedback, Diverse Recruitment, Employee Resource Group, Accountability and Measurement. The researcher used the 400 data sample based on the structured questionnaire from the various ITES sectors at different level of employees. This research study is designed with the help of primary and secondary data which are collected through the different research articles and structured questionnaires. For data analysis and interpretation researcher used the SPSS software and Chi-square hypothesis testing tool to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significant levels. The statistical analysis shows that Strongly Disagree 3.8% ,Disagree 11.3% , Neutral 8.8%, Agree 33.0%, Strongly Agree 41.5% are supported to the key strategies for diversity and inclusion at the workplace which significantly enhance the organizational activities. The probability of statistics P-Value is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 significant levels, so the null hypothesis is rejected and result is significant. At this level the researcher concluded that attributes of key strategies for diversity and inclusion at the workplace which significantly enhance the organizational activities.