Indirect Effects Research Articles

The Influencing Factors of Self-evaluation in Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Self-evaluation, as an expression of self-concept, becomes increasingly complex in adolescence. Parental bonding, personality traits, and psychological status were the three main determining factors of adolescents’ self-evaluation. We aimed to tested associations through a systematic approach. Methods: Data were from the 2014 Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The association of parental bonding (measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument), personality traits (the Responsibility Scale), and psychological status (the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) with self-evaluation measured in three domains (the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Nowicki- Strickland Locus of Control Scale for children and the Self-Discipline Scale) were tested by the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Results: A total of 892 Chinese adolescents were included. Significant positive correlations were found among self-evaluation, parental bonding, personality traits, and psychological status. The overall (direct and indirect) effect of parental bonding on adolescents’ self-evaluation was 0.49. Personality traits and psychological status were directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation. Conclusion: The use of SEM offered a detailed analysis of the correlations between parental bonding, personality traits, and psychological status and a systematic approach to investigate their direct and indirect effects on adolescents’ self-evaluation. The three factors directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation and parental bonding indirectly affected adolescents’ self-evaluation that was mediated by both personality traits and psychological status.

Improving the adoption of a school-based nutrition program: findings from a collaborative network of randomised trials

Abstract Background Public health nutrition interventions, including school-based programs, are a recommended approach to improve child dietary behaviours. However, the adoption of effective school-based nutrition programs face numerous challenges, including the limited evidence on effective strategies to maximise implementation and adoption of such programs. This study aimed to address this evidence gap by employing a novel collaborative network trial design to evaluate a series of implementation strategies employed by three NSW Local Health Districts, to improve school adoption of an effective school-based nutrition program (‘SWAP IT’). Methods Three independent, two arm parallel group randomised controlled trials were conducted simultaneously to examine the potential effectiveness of implementation strategies on school adoption of SWAP IT. Schools were randomised to either a high intensity (various implementation strategies), or a business as usual (minimal support) group. Measures and data collection processes were harmonised across the three trials to provide individual school-level data for planned pooled analyses. The primary outcome was school adoption of SWAP IT, objectively measured via electronic registration records. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess school adoption of SWAP IT for each trial. Meta-analyses were also conducted to pool the effects of the three trials and allow the comparison of the potential relative effects of the different strategies. Results A total of 287 schools were included in the study: Trial 1 (n = 164), Trial 2 (n = 64) and Trial 3 (n = 59). Relative to control, we found increased odds of adoption in Trial 1 that employed a combination of the educational materials and local facilitation strategies (OR 8.78; 95%CI 2.90, 26.56; p < 0.001), but no significant differences in adoption in Trial 2 or 3 that employed solely the educational materials strategy. Pooled data suggests the combination of educational materials and local facilitation has a greater effect on adoption compared to educational materials alone (OR 4.18; 95%CI 1.60, 10.04; n = 3 studies; indirect effect). Conclusion Findings of this study indicate that local facilitation is an important strategy to increase school adoption of SWAP IT, and potentially other health promotion programs. Trial registration The trials were prospectively registered with Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ANZCTR, ACTRN12622000257763, Registered 11/2/2022, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383515&isReview=true ANZCTR, ACTRN12622000406707, Registered 9/3/2022 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383701&isReview=true ANZCTR, ACTRN12622000252718, Registered on 11/2/2022, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383513&isReview=true

Impact Assessment Frameworks for Nature-Based Climate Solutions: A Review of Contemporary Approaches

This study provides a comparative analysis of ecological impact assessment (EcIA) guidance for the design and approval stages of carbon sequestration and emission reduction projects, which are rapidly proliferating in response to the global need for climate change mitigation. Previous reports of negative effects on biodiversity from such projects suggest a need for more robust project design and assessment processes to improve synergies with conservation. Using a content and thematic analysis methodology, we compared four published frameworks that guide the assessment of carbon projects in natural environments. The results showed considerable variation in environmental assessment components including the level of attention to ecosystem services and the identification of areas of high conservation value that may require specific protections. There was a general lack of guidance on the inclusion of indirect and supply chain effects despite their relevance to ecological impacts. Critically, guidance in common use in the climate mitigation sector shows differing applications of the baseline and counterfactual scenarios that are used to quantify impacts. We discuss the need to focus assessment and reporting on comparisons with recent baselines to identify the contributions of individual projects and enable adaptive management and show how aligning with the concepts of Nature-based Solutions and nature-positive could be used to reimagine the role of EcIA to achieve these objectives. If these current weaknesses can be improved, EcIA has the potential to become an important implementation pathway for the conservation–climate change nexus due to its pivotal role in project design and approval processes. Conversely, a failure to reliably address these aspects will undermine the utility of EcIA as a decision support tool for sustainable development. We encourage the further exploration of EcIA practices in this direction and highlight the pressing need for reliable comparisons to support more strategic and sustainable solutions for both the conservation and climate change agendas.

Effects of Predation-Induced Emigration on a Landscape Ecological Model

Predators impact prey populations directly through consumption and indirectly via trait-mediated effects like predator-induced emigration (PIE), where prey alter movement due to predation risk. While PIE can significantly influence prey dynamics, its combined effect with direct predation in fragmented habitats is underexplored. Habitat fragmentation reduces viable habitats and isolates populations, necessitating an understanding of these interactions for conservation. In this paper, we present a reaction–diffusion model to investigate prey persistence under both direct predation and PIE in fragmented landscapes. The model considers prey growing logistically within a bounded habitat patch surrounded by a hostile matrix. Prey move via unbiased random walks internally but exhibit biased movement at habitat boundaries influenced by predation risk. Predators are assumed constant, operating on a different timescale. We examine three predation functional responses—constant yield, Holling Type I, and Holling Type III—and three emigration patterns: density-independent, positive density-dependent, and negative density-dependent emigration. Using the method of sub- and supersolutions, we establish conditions for the existence and multiplicity of positive steady-state solutions. Numerical simulations in one-dimensional habitats further elucidate the structure of these solutions. Our findings demonstrate that the interplay between direct predation and PIE crucially affects prey persistence in fragmented habitats. Depending on the functional response and emigration pattern, PIE can either mitigate or amplify the impact of direct predation. This underscores the importance of incorporating both direct and indirect predation effects in ecological models to better predict species dynamics and inform conservation strategies in fragmented landscapes.

Sustainability Strategy in the Development of Msmes by Bank Indonesia in Increasing Economic Growth by Using Green Economic Policy as an Intervening Variable

Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of Bank Indonesia's MSME Development program on economic growth, with a specific focus on the role of green economic policies as an intervening variable. This research seeks to identify key factors that contribute to the sustainability and growth of MSMEs in Indonesia. Theoretical Framework: This study draws upon theories of sustainable economic development, focusing on the role of green economics in business sustainability. The framework integrates concepts from corporate sustainability, economic growth, and environmental policy, exploring how MSMEs can leverage green practices to boost economic performance. Method: A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of survey data and statistical tests with qualitative methods such as interviews and case studies. The quantitative analysis examines the direct and indirect effects of the MSME development program, while the qualitative analysis provides deeper insights into the processes and challenges faced by MSMEs in adopting green economic policies. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that MSMEs that implement Bank Indonesia's MSME development program experience significant positive effects on economic growth. These effects are further enhanced when green economic policies are incorporated into MSME practices. Specifically, the research identifies several key factors contributing to growth 1.Corporate Structuring: Positive impact on economic growth through the establishment of stronger business foundations, 2.Capacity Building: Expansion of business capabilities leads to improved performance and sustainability,3. Market Expansion: Broader market access fosters economic resilience and growth, 4.Outboarding: The adoption of outboarding strategies leads to improved international competitiveness, 5.Intervening Role of Green Economic Policies: Green policies significantly enhance the effects of MSME development initiatives, contributing to greater economic stability and growth. Research Implications:. This research highlights the importance of integrating green economic policies in MSME development programs, providing a roadmap for policymakers to design sustainable growth strategies. By focusing on sustainability, MSMEs can not only contribute to economic growth but also support broader environmental and social goals.. Originality/Value: This study is one of the first to explore the intersection of MSME development, economic growth, and green economic policies in the context of Indonesia. It contributes valuable insights into how sustainable practices can be integrated into MSME strategies to foster long-term economic resilience..

The impact of physical exercise on primary school teachers’ professional ethics: the mediating role of self-control

BackgroundPhysical exercise has been shown to positively impact psychological and behavioral outcomes, yet its influence on professional ethics in educators remains underexplored. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this relationship is essential for developing interventions to promote ethical behavior in educational contexts.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and professional ethics among elementary school teachers, with a specific focus on the mediating role of self-control.MethodsA sample of 380 elementary school teachers was recruited from Guangxi and Shandong provinces in China. Data on physical exercise, self-control, and professional ethics were collected using validated scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of physical exercise on professional ethics.ResultsThe findings revealed a significant positive correlation between physical exercise, self-control, and professional ethics. Self-control was found to partially mediate the relationship, with physical exercise having both a direct positive effect (β = 0.25, p < 0.01) and a stronger indirect effect (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) on professional ethics through self-control. The indirect effect accounted for 57.3% of the total effect.ConclusionThis study highlights the dual-pathway mechanism through which physical exercise enhances professional ethics, directly and indirectly via self-control. Practical implications include promoting physical activity and self-regulatory training as strategies to foster ethical behavior in educators. These findings provide a foundation for future research and interventions in educational settings.

Dyadic effects of illness perception and maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies on the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients and spouses: an actor-partner interdependence mediation model

PurposeBreast cancer, as a stressful event, profoundly impacts the entire family, especially patients and their spouses. This study used a dyadic analysis approach to explore the dyadic effects of illness perception on the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and whether maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies acted as a mediator in breast cancer patient-spouse dyads.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, and 202 dyads of breast cancer patients and their spouses were enrolled. Illness perception, maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies, and FCR were assessed by the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF), respectively. Data were analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model.ResultsThis study found that, for patients and spouses, maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies mediated the actor effects of illness perception on FCR. That is, illness perception was positively related to their maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies, which increased the risk of FCR. Another important finding was that patients’ illness perception had significant direct and indirect effects on spouses’ FCR through spouses’ maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies.ConclusionsNegative illness perception perceived by patients and spouses can increase their FCR by adapting their maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies. Furthermore, illness perception perceived by patients can also increase spouses’ FCR through spouses’ maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies. Medical staff should identify vulnerable patients and spouses with higher illness perception and maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies and make focused interventions to decrease the risk of FCR of both breast cancer patients and their spouses.

Cotinine, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and nicotine metabolite ratio indicate association between smoking and tooth loss.

Previous research has indicated a potential connection between smoking and tooth loss, but it remains unclear how the metabolites of nicotine, cotinine (COT) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (HC), and the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) affect the occurrence and progress of tooth loss. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and smoking metabolites, then verify how the systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) or monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) levels mediate this process. The cross-sectional study data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). After screening and comparing the baseline data, regression models were utilized to evaluate the relationship between serum COT+HC level and tooth loss, as well as COT+HC and SII/MHR and tooth loss. Furthermore, bootstrapping was applied to test the mediation effect of SII and MHR in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss. A total of 9036 subjects were included in the study, with 2795 individuals in the COT/HC- group and 6241 in the COT/HC+ group. In the models with covariates adjusted, COT+HC level was found to be positively correlated with tooth loss (Model 3: odds ratio [OR]=1.001, 95% CI=1.001-1.001), especially in the fourth quartile (Q4) of COT+HC level (Model 3: OR=2.647, 95% CI=2.645-2.649) as compared to Q1. Furthermore, NMR was found to be negatively associated with tooth loss after adjustments (Model 3: OR=0.803, 95% CI=0.802-0.803). For mediation analysis, COT+HC level was significantly correlated with SII score, and SII was proved to be positively associated with tooth loss; meanwhile, COT+HC level was significantly correlated with MHR, and MHR was positively associated with tooth loss. SII and MHR played a partial mediating role in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss, and the indirect effect was 0.0001 (SII; 95% CI=0.0000-0.0002) and 0.0002 (MHR; 95% CI=0.0001-0.0004), respectively. The mediating effect of both SII and MHR was 0.0003 (95% CI=0.0001-0.0004). This study revealed that the level of nicotine metabolites (COT+HC) was a risk factor, while higher NMR was a protective factor for tooth loss, and further demonstrated the partial mediating role of SII and MHR in the association between COT+HC and tooth loss. Prior studies have suggested a possible link between smoking and tooth loss, but how certain nicotine byproducts and their ratios impact tooth loss is unclear. This research aimed to explore how these smoking metabolites influence tooth loss. Data from national health surveys were used for a cross-sectional study to assess the connection between cotinine levels in the blood and tooth loss, as well as to understand if immune and cholesterol markers mediate the link between smoking metabolites and tooth loss. The results showed a positive relationship between cotinine levels and tooth loss. The immune and cholesterol markers were found to partially mediate the relationship between smoking metabolites and tooth loss. Higher levels of nicotine byproducts were linked to an increased risk of tooth loss.

Psychoneurological Links Contributing to Body Mass Index and Eating Disorder Severity

Background-objectives: Multiple dynamic interacting factors contribute to the presence and progression of eating disorders (ED). Empirical research has provided mixed findings regarding the mechanisms explaining the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the diverse ED endophenotypes. The present study aims to evaluate the underlying processes (direct and indirect effects) contributing to BMI and ED severity, considering the contribution of multiple neuropsychological constructs. Method: Path analysis, implemented through structural equation models (SEM), was applied to a sample of N = 193 ED patients, men and women, aged 17 to 50 years old, and diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, night eating syndrome, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding. Results: BMI was directly associated with ED severity level. The ED symptom level was also a mediational link into the relationship between BMI with emotion regulation strategies, decision-making capacity, stress levels, and impulsiveness. Multigroup SEM revealed invariance of the structural coefficients by sex, but differences according to the ED subtype. Conclusions: This study provides new empirical evidence on predictors of ED severity, focusing on the role of impaired decision-making and BMI. Our results could contribute to new intervention plans with techniques specifically aimed at improving emotional regulation capacity, decreasing impulsivity levels, and improving reasoning skills. Nutrition education plans may also play a key role for preventing the onset and progression of ED, helping patients understand how food affects their physical and emotional health and how to manage anxiety and fears related to food.

Prey dynamics as a buffer: Enhancing copepod resilience to Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

Abstract Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) aims to counteract climate change by increasing the ocean's carbon storage capacity through the addition of alkaline substances into seawater. However, this process alters seawater chemistry, increasing total alkalinity (TA) and pH, which can directly influence marine organisms’ metabolic activities or indirectly impact them through changes in prey availability and quality. This study disentangled the OAE-driven factors that might influence zooplankton physiology. We assessed the direct effect of altered chemistry on the copepod, Temora longicornis, and the indirect effect through changes in the phytoplankton prey, Rhodomonas salina. We cultured the prey in OAE conditions and used it to feed copepods to investigate the indirect effect. We found that OAE negatively impacted prey growth but improved its nutritional quality, offsetting the direct negative impact of OAE on the copepod. These findings regarding OAE’s impact on prey-predator dynamics contribute to a deeper understanding of how OAE might influence zooplankton communities.

Multifaceted impacts of double-aging neighborhood’s built environments on SAIP: a deep dive into Chinese rapidly aging urban society

IntroductionThe healthy aging of older adults in dual-older adult communities is influenced by multiple factors, and understanding its underlying mechanisms can promote healthy aging among the older adults in a wide range of developing countries. This comprehensive study delves into the intricate interplay between multifaceted built environmental factors, and their direct and indirect effects on the successful AIP residing in double-aging neighborhoods.MethodsApplying a series of HLM, the research meticulously explores the intricate links between SAIP and multi-scale aging spaces, including home space, community social participation, and built environments.ResultsThe results show that: (1) Older adults people’s need for spiritual comfort derived from home space exceed the need for financial support and family care, becoming a major positive factor for SAIP; (2) The neighborhood based on acquaintance society, partly replace the role of home-based care in influencing SAIP. Especially, community participation has a positive impact, serving as an extension of the home space, such as college for senior citizens and outdoor activity space; (3) The built environment of double-aging neighborhoods has a significant positive effect, with a sense of place identity replacing the reliance on family members and acquaintances to facilitate SAIP; (4) In high-density old district, the distribution of public facilities is saturated, and the proper utilizes of these facilities becomes an important factor affecting SAIP.DiscussionWe provide a multi-factorial perspective of SAIP, demonstrating the compensatory and substitutional roles of community-based older adults care services and friendly neighborhood relationships in fulfilling home-based older adults care functions. This approach better promotes the construction of age-friendly communities and supports SAIP.

GLP-1 Therapy in Cancer and Its Mechanism

L-advocating cells generate the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is important for weight loss and the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Recent studies have shown that it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduces high blood pressure and other effects. In addition, it also has the effect of improving fatty liver, polycystic ovary syndrome. But when it comes to cancer, there are still gaps in its biological effects and mechanisms of action. In order to determine the indirect inhibitory effect of GLP-1RA on cancer as well as the metabolic regulation mechanisms of the cancer microenvironment by directly acting on the PI3K/AKT and ERK/MARK pathways, this paper analyzed studies on GLP-1 and its receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) in lowering cancer prevalence and inhibiting cancer. In turn, it effectively inhibits prostate cancer (PCa), ovarian cancer (OC) and other cancers. This study provides a reference for the indirect and direct mechanisms of GLP-1 and GLP-1RA in reducing cancer prevalence and inhibiting cancer. However, there are still gaps in other synergistic mechanisms that cannot be solved. It is hoped that future studies can focus on the anticancer mechanisms of other GLP-1 drugs.

Promoting inclusion of peers with special educational needs: effects of a curriculum-based diversity awareness program

Abstract Students with special educational needs (SEN) often face rejection from peers. Research suggests that intervention programs can enhance students’ attitudes and social participation of peers with SEN. However, many teachers lack the resources or time to implement comprehensive programs. The extent to what easy-to-implement teaching units have positive effects is less clear. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study assessed the effect of a series of classroom lessons based on the teaching resource Prinzip Vielfalt on students’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and their intentions to include peers with SEN. In a cluster-controlled trial, 51 elementary school classes (3rd–6th grade) were assigned to either the experimental or waiting-control group based on the timing of teachers’ registration for a continuing education course. The experimental group consisted of 34 classes (652 students), where teachers implemented a standardized 12-lesson plan over a 6-week period, while the control group continued with their regular curriculum. Data were collected at three points: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up three months later. Student self-report measures were analyzed using mixed-effects and mediation models in R. Analyses indicated no significant long-term effects for PBC or inclusion intentions. However, attitudes and subjective norms toward peers with disabilities improved significantly. Further, mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of attitudes and subjective norms on inclusion intentions. Thus, while the intervention did not directly influence intentions, it had a positive effect on attitudes and subjective norms, which could enhance inclusive behavior over time. Thus, carefully constructed, accessible, and easy-to-implement teaching resources such as Prinzip Vielfalt demonstrate promising effects on inclusive peer behavior.

The Relationship between Noise Pollution and Depression and Implications for Healthy Aging: A Spatial Analysis Using Routinely Collected Primary Care Data.

Environmental noise is a significant public health concern, ranking among the top environmental risks to citizens' health and quality of life. Despite extensive research on atmospheric pollution's impact on mental health, spatial studies on noise pollution effects are lacking. This study fills this gap by exploring the association between noise pollution and depression in England, with a focus on localised patterns based on area deprivation. Depression prevalence, defined as the percentage of patients with a recorded depression diagnosis, was calculated for small areas within Cheshire and Merseyside ICS using the Quality and Outcomes Framework Indicators dataset for 2019. Strategic noise mapping for rail and road noise (Lden) was used to measure 24-h annual average noise levels, with adjustments for evening and night periods. The English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) was employed to represent neighborhood deprivation. Geographically weighted regression and generalised structural equation spatial modeling (GSESM) assessed the relationships between transportation noise, depression prevalence, and IMD at the Lower Super Output Area level. The study found that while transportation noise had a low direct effect on depression levels, it significantly mediated other factors associated with depression. Notably, GSESM showed that health deprivation and disability were strongly linked (0.62) to depression through the indirect effect of noise, especially where transportation noise exceeds 55dB on a 24-h basis. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing noise mitigation strategies. This research offers new insights into noise, deprivation, and mental health, supporting targeted interventions to improve quality of life and address health inequalities.

Executive function, limbic circuit dynamics and repetitive and restricted behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

ObjectiveRepetitive and restricted behaviors (RRBs) are a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but effective treatment approaches are still lacking. Executive function (EF) has been identified as a promising target, as research increasingly shows a link between EF deficits and the occurrence of RRBs. However, the neural mechanisms that connect the two remain unclear. Since the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a role in both EF and RRBs, its functional connectivity dynamics could offer valuable insights into this relationship.MethodsThis study analyzed data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) II database to explore brain function in 93 boys with ASD and 110 typically developing (TD) boys. Time-varying functional connectivity was analyzed between eight OFC subregions and other brain areas. By employing linear regression, the study assessed how atypical connectivity dynamics and EF influence RRBs. Additionally, mediation analysis with bootstrapping was used to determine how EF mediates the relationship between atypical connectivity and RRBs.ResultsWe found significant differences in the variance of FC between ASD and TD groups, specifically in the OFC subregion in L-prefrontal and the left amygdala (t = 5.00, FDR q < 0.01). Regression analyses revealed that increased variance of this FC and EF significantly impacted RRBs, with inhibition, emotional control, and monitor showing strong associations (standardized β = 0.60 to 0.62, p < 0.01), which also had significant indirect effects on the relationship between the above dynamic FC and RRBs, which accounted for 59% of the total effect.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical role of EFs as a key mechanism in addressing RRBs in ASD. Specifically, it points out that EFs mediate the influence of atypical time-varying interactions within the OFC-amygdala circuit on RRBs.

Peer rejection and internet gaming disorder: the mediating role of relative deprivation and the moderating role of grit

BackgroundInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a new behavioral addiction. A large number of empirical studies have shown that Internet Gaming Disorder has a high level of comorbidity with other diseases, including depression, anxiety, obesity, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, however, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The current study adopted a three-time longitudinal study investing the mediating effect of relative deprivation on the association between peer rejection and IGD, and whether this mediating effect was moderated by the grit.MethodsA total of 1,065 students in China anonymously completed three-time longitudinal study questionnaires. The average age was 10.19 years (SD = 0.75) and the interval between measurements was 6 months.PROCESS for SPSS proposed by Hayes was used to test a moderated mediation model, with gender, age as covariates.ResultsT1 peer rejection positively predicted T3 Internet Gaming Disorder. Relative deprivation at T2 plays a complete mediating role between peer rejection at T1 and Internet gaming disorder at T3. At the same time, it was found that the personality trait of T3 grit plays a moderating role in the relationship between T2 relative deprivation and T3 Internet gaming disorder. This suggests that peer rejection is an important predictor of Internet Gaming Disorder, and that individuals with high levels of grit are less likely to become addicted to Internet games even if they experience relative deprivation.LimitationsMeasures of study variables were self-reported. Affected by factors such as social desirability, the research results may be biased.ConclusionThese findings emphasize relative deprivation as a potential mechanism linking peer rejection IGD. Grit was an important protective factor to weaken this indirect effect. Intervention programs aimed at reducing IGD may benefit from the current research.

Composition of soil fungal communities and microbial activity along an elevational gradient in Mt. Jiri, Republic of Korea

Approximately 64% of the Republic of Korea comprises mountainous areas, which as cold and high-altitude regions are gravely affected by climate change. Within the mountainous and the alpine-subalpine ecosystems, microbial communities play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycling and partly regulate climate change through such cycles. We investigated the composition and function of microbial communities, with a focus on fungal communities, in Republic of Korea’s second tallest mountain, Mt. Jiri, along a four-point-altitude gradient: 600-, 1,000-, 1,200-, and 1,400-m. Soil pH and elevation were negatively correlated, with soils becoming more acidic at higher altitude. Of the five soil enzyme activities analyzed, cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase, and β-1,4-xylosidase activity showed differences among the elevation levels, with lower activity at 600 m than that at 1,400 m. Soil microbial biomass correlated positively with increasing elevation and soil water content. The decrease in β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase suggests a reduction in fungal biomass with increasing altitude, while factors other than elevation may influence the increase in activity of the cellobiohydrolase, β-1,4-glucosidase and β-1,4-xylosidase. Fungal alpha diversity did not exhibit an elevational trend, whereas beta diversity formed two clusters (600–1,000 m and 1,200–1,400 m). Community composition was similar among the elevations, with Basidiomycota being the most predominant phylum, followed by Ascomycota. Conversely, among the fungal communities at 1,000 m, Ascomycota was the most dominant, possibly due to increased pathotroph percentage. Elevational gradients induce changes in soil properties, vegetation, and climate factors such as temperature and precipitation, all of which impact soil microbial communities and altogether create a mutually reinforcing system. Hence, inspection of elevation-based microbial communities can aid in inferring ecosystem properties, specifically those related to nutrient cycling, and can partly help assess the oncoming direct and indirect effects of climate change.

Two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM reveals unperturbed energy metabolism of Ascaris suum larvae, in contrast to host macrophages upon artemisinin derivatives exposure

Abstract Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are widespread, with Ascaris lumbricoides infecting millions globally. Malaria and STH co-infections are common in co-endemic regions. Artemisinin derivatives (ARTs)—artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin—are standard malaria treatments and are also known to influence the energy metabolism of parasites, tumors, and immune cells. Herein, we explore the potential of ARTs to influence ascariasis either by directly targeting larvae or indirectly by modifying macrophage responses. Ascaris suum third-stage larvae and porcine IL-4 polarized (M2-like) macrophages were exposed to ARTs in vitro, and their metabolism was evaluated using two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM. Both larvae and M2-like macrophages exhibited a steady-state bioenergetic profile of high oxidative phosphorylation and low anaerobic glycolysis. In A. suum larvae, two metabolically distinct regions were identified, with particularly high DUOX activity in the pharynx compared to the midgut; however, ARTs did not alter these profiles. In contrast, exposure of M2-like macrophages to ARTs induced a metabolic shift towards high anaerobic glycolysis and reduced metabolic activity, suggesting a possible indirect effect of ARTs on the helminth infection. Overall, two-photon NAD(P)H-FLIM proved to be a powerful tool for studying specific metabolic pathways in Ascaris larvae and host macrophages, offering valuable insights into the metabolic mechanisms of drug action on both parasite and host.

Giving a little to many or a lot to a few? Examining the role of firms’ strategy and capital in industrial era 4.0

Purpose This study aims to advance and analyze the influence that firms’ diversification approach brings to the businesses’ performance via competitive advantage (CA) and access to capital in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach Using primary mode, the present study uses the sample of 104 diversified manufacturing firms to analyze the conditional indirect effect of firms’ diversification approach on efficient resource allocation using SAS process macros. Findings This study corroborates that in the era of uncertainty (when businesses are struggling to survive), a diversification approach can help the firms to build resilience against uncertainties to achieve resource allocation efficiency. Furthermore, findings also reveal that for successful strategic implementation firm’s access to capital (tangible and intellectual capital) play a critical role. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, this study has made a sizeable contribution to the resource-based theory of a firm’s literature with a new compositional-based theoretical perspective and also by providing an insight into the relationship between strategic approaches, access to capital and resource allocation efficiency. However, the current study’s ability to provide a deep understanding of the phenomenon was restricted by the lack of data availability and a self-reporting questionnaire approach. Practical implications Potential applications of the current research exist for manufacturing industry managers and policymakers to achieve efficiency and CA. This study provides evidence of the obstacles to diversification discounts while allocating resources. At the same time, it provides a crucial connotation for maintaining distinctive tangible and intangible capital for value addition. Originality/value The current study fills out by investigating the conditional indirect effect of access to capital in industrial era 4.0. Moreover, according to researchers’ knowledge, this study is the first to establish and empirically investigate a comprehensive model that involves a strategic approach, access to tangible and intellectual capital and performance outcome obtained through the integration of all these crucial factors.

How and when workplace bullying detriments job performance: roles of affect-based trust and moral disengagement

Purpose The study aims to explore the negative relationship between workplace bullying and job performance by considering the mediating role of affect-based trust and the moderating role of moral disengagement, drawing on the attribution theory and social cognitive theory. Design/methodology/approach A data set of 196 samples was collected from office workers who witnessed workplace bullying in Vietnamese enterprises by administering a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis and the process module generated by SmartPLS4 to test the conditional indirect effect. Findings The findings confirm the negative relationship between workplace bullying and job performance, and this negative relationship is partially mediated by employees’ perceived affect-based trust. In addition, moral disengagement moderates the indirect effect of workplace bullying on job performance through affect-based trust in such a way that the negative indirect effect is weaker when moral disengagement is lower. Research limitations/implications The research has limitations because of the small sample size, cross-sectional design and omission of cultural factors. Practical implications The research findings provide valuable insights into establishing workplace bullying prevention policies and practical implementations to increase job performance by enhancing employees’ trust in organizations. The paper also suggests practices to promote employees’ awareness of moral values and introduce interventions or training to reduce the tendency to disengage morally. Originality/value This study is part of a limited number of research efforts delving into the underlying mechanism and contextual factors surrounding the detrimental effects of workplace bullying on job performance in a developing country. The findings have confirmed the conditional indirect effect, demonstrating that the influence of workplace bullying on job performance through affect-based trust hinges on the degree of moral disengagement present.