Individual Strains Research Articles

Physical training program of military college cadets - future commanders of assault departments (platoons) using military pentathletics

Improving the physical fitness of military personnel has always been and is one of the most important tasks of training military specialists along with professional training. This is especially relevant for elite units (reconnaissance, airborne, landing and assault units, marines and special operations forces). The results of scientific and methodological research proved that the most effective means of performing tasks to improve the physical fitness of servicemen is the use of physical exercises from sports that are closest in terms of the structure of movements and the nature of physical exertion to the military and professional activities of servicemen. Military pentathlon clearly differs not only in the content of the exercises included in it, but also in the organization and provision of the educational, training and educational process. The analysis of literary sources allowed us to determine the lack of improvement in the organization of physical training of college cadets in the specialty "Management of actions of units of mechanized troops" (future commanders of departments and platoons of assault units. The research substantiated and developed the author's program for optimizing the physical fitness of military college cadets using military p' Martial arts as a means of physical education, which was implemented in the 2023-24 school year. Despite the high number of new assault units, there is currently no clear program for improving the physical fitness of these soldiers (from the soldier to the platoon commander). a new author's program of physical training of cadets of the sergeant's military college with the use of military pentathlon (for future commanders of departments or platoons of assault units). using military pentathlon as a means of physical education. An advisor on the organization of individual physical training for young sergeants - division and platoon commanders has been developed. The prospects for using the research results will be the implementation of this program in the practice of various assault units, which should significantly improve both general and special physical fitness; study of the relationship between general and special physical fitness and the development of specific methodological instructions for conducting various forms and activities of physical training using military pentathlon as a means of physical education.

The Impact of Exercise Order on Velocity Performance in the Bench Press and the Squat: A Comparative Study

We analyzed the influence of exercise order using the bench press and squat as the first or second exercise of the session on velocity performance. Ten male trained individuals (20.9 ± 0.7 years) randomly performed two protocols of three sets of six repetitions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum with different exercise sequences: the bench press followed by the squat (BP + S) and the squat followed by the bench press (S + BP). A linear velocity transducer attached to the Smith machine barbell measured the mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and time to peak velocity. Additionally, blood lactate and heart rate were measured. Regarding the bench press, differences were found in the MPV in the first (BP + S: 0.50 ± 0.07 m·s−1 vs. S + BP: 0.42 ± 0.08 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.72) and second sets (0.50 ± 0.06 m·s−1 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.73), and in the PV in the second set (0.74 ± 0.09 m·s−1 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 m·s−1; p = 0.02, g = 0.86). Regarding the squat, although the S + BP sequence tended to show higher velocities, no significant differences were found between protocols. These results showed that squatting first decreased subsequent bench press velocity performance. On the other hand, squat velocity performance was not impaired when preceded by the bench press.

Building microbial consortia to enhance straw degradation, phosphorus solubilization, and soil fertility for rice growth

Straw pollution and the increasing scarcity of phosphorus resources in many regions of China have had severe impacts on the growing conditions for crop plants. Using microbial methods to enhance straw decomposition rate and phosphorus utilization offers effective solutions to address these problems. In this study, a microbial consortium 6 + 1 (consisting of a straw-degrading bacterium and a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium) was formulated based on their performance in straw degradation and phosphorus solubilization. The degradation rate of straw by 6 + 1 microbial consortium reached 48.3% within 7 days (The degradation ability was 7% higher than that of single bacteria), and the phosphorus dissolution rate of insoluble phosphorus reached 117.54 mg·L− 1 (The phosphorus solubilization ability was 29.81% higher than that of single bacteria). In addition, the activity of lignocellulosic degrading enzyme system was significantly increased, the activities of endoglucanase, β-glucosidase and xylanase in the microbial consortium were significantly higher than those in the single strain (23.16%, 28.02% and 28.86%, respectively). Then the microbial consortium was processed into microbial agents and tested in rice pots. The results showed that the microbial agent significantly increased the content of organic matter, available phosphorus and available nitrogen in the soil. Ongoing research focuses on the determination of the effects and mechanisms of a functional hybrid system of straw degradation and phosphorus removal. The characteristics of the two strains are as follows: Straw-degrading bacteria can efficiently degrade straw to produce glucose-based carbon sources when only straw is used as a carbon source. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can efficiently use glucose as a carbon source, produce organic acids to dissolve insoluble phosphorus and consume glucose at an extremely fast rate. The analysis suggests that the microbial consortium 6 + 1 outperformed individual strains in terms of both performance and application effects. The two strains within the microbial consortium promote each other during their growth processes, resulting in a significantly higher rate of carbon source consumption compared to the individual strains in isolation. This increased demand for carbon sources within the growth system facilitates the degradation of straw by the strains. At the same time, the substantial carbon consumption during the metabolic process generated a large number of organic acids, leading to the solubilization of insoluble phosphorus. It also provides a basis for the construction of this type of microbial consortium.

Power, discourse, and practice: exploring athlete development as an educational discursive practice in a Norwegian lower secondary sports school

ABSTRACT Norwegian lower secondary sports schools offer athlete development programmes that have a dual focus, both on the sports development and the education of student-athletes. Critical analysis of these programmes is vital given that such offerings are shaped by multiple power relations that have both positive and problematic consequences. This qualitative study set within the context of a Norwegian lower secondary sports school seeks to offer novel insights related to how policy and coaching practices for athlete development are informed by broader discourses within a school setting. The study has two main objectives: (a) to explore the discourses that school coaches draw on in their construction of the ‘ideal’ student-athlete, and (b) to investigate the disciplinary potential of the individual-oriented practices utilised to regulate and enforce student-athletes’ adherence to the requisite norms. We have adopted a Foucauldian-inspired theoretical framework to examine the sociocultural construction of particular ‘types’ of student-athletes. The sports programme, we argue, seeks to educate responsible student-athletes who are capable of making rational decisions about their individual training and healthcare. However, this individualised responsibility can be a problematic ideal because it constitutes a form of institutional governance achieved through self-governance. As such, in a school setting, it operates as a way both to encourage and condition the ways in which student-athletes can develop and adapt in creative, meaningful, and appropriate ways.

Actual issues of improvement of types of official training of police officers

In the article, the authors provided a description of the types of service training, namely functional training, general training, tactical training, fire training, physical training. It was concluded that in order to improve the professional training of police officers, it is urgent to implement the measures of structural revision of its varieties, as well as qualitative updating of its content, taking into account the modern challenges that exist in police activity, the development of the National Police at the current stage of state formation. Taking into account the content of training on functional training, it has been proven that it would be more correct to talk about “functional and legal training”, which is proposed to be defined as a set of measures aimed at the acquisition and improvement of police knowledge, abilities and skills in the field of regulatory and legal support of official activities, features of police activity, taking into account the specifics of the functional duties of police officers, necessary for the successful performance of their official duties. It was emphasized the need to improve the name of the “life safety” component of general training, replacing it with the name “policeman’s personal safety and life safety”. The expediency of mastering tactical medicine by police officers was determined, which was proposed to be added to the component of pre-medical training. The need to include issues of improving the tactics of driving a company car in tactical training has been proven; effective use of the main varieties of special equipment, technical devices, technical means and specialized software, in particular, the tactics of using UAVs; tactics of police actions under the influence of sources of ionizing radiation. The position of scientists regarding the need to form a new model of physical training within the framework of service training of police officers with the implementation of NATO standards is supported, for which the following measures are proposed: studying the positive experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in terms of developing methodological recommendations for individual physical training of servicemen according to NATO standards; review of standards for physical training; creation of a typical program of physical training within the framework of official training of police officers. The need to introduce a new type of training in the system of police officer training – “general military training” – has been proven.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Training and Education of Emergency Medicine Doctors: A Narrative Review

Emergency medicine (EM) demands continuous adaptation and refinement of training methodologies to equip healthcare professionals with the expertise to effectively manage complex and time-sensitive patient presentations. Artificial intelligence (AI), with its remarkable ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions, holds immense promise for enhancing the advanced training and education of EM physicians. This narrative review aims to discuss the potential of AI in transforming EM training and highlight the specific applications of AI in personalized learning, realistic simulations, data-driven decision support, and adaptive assessment, along with further exploring the benefits and challenges of AI-powered EM training. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies focusing on AI applications in EM and EM training. The search terms included “artificial intelligence”, “emergency medicine”, “training”, “education”, “personalized learning”, “simulations”, “decision support”, and “assessment. Articles published in the past ten years were prioritized to ensure the inclusion of current advancements in the field. AI offers a plethora of opportunities to revolutionize EM training, including the following: Personalized learning: AI-powered systems can tailor educational content and pace to individual trainees’ needs, ensuring optimal instruction and knowledge acquisition. Realistic simulations: AI-powered simulations provide immersive experiences for trainees to practice clinical decision making under simulated pressure. Data-driven decision support: AI-powered systems analyze vast amounts of data to provide trainees with real-time recommendations and insights for informed clinical decisions. Adaptive assessment: AI-powered tools assess trainee progress dynamically, providing personalized feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Conclusions: AI integration into EM training holds immense promise for enhancing trainee learning and improving patient outcomes. By embracing AI, we can cultivate a new generation of EM physicians equipped to meet the ever-changing demands of this critical medical specialty.

Pengaruh Latihan Individual Tactical Options With the Ball terhadap Menyerang Tim Futsal Putra UNJ

This research aims to determine the effect of individual tactical options training with the ball on attacking the UNJ men's futsal team. This research uses quantitative research with experimental methods. Data collection was carried out at the 2024 Invitational Games Sports Championship and the 2024 Trofeo KSBF by providing treatment at FIK UNJ. The research population was 80 men's futsal athletes from KOP Soccer and UNJ Futsal. The sample taken using a purposive sampling technique was 14 people who competed in the 2024 Invitational Sports Games and Trofeo KSBF 2024 championships. The research instrument used was successful and failed research forms. The data analysis technique used is an observation technique using video recordings of UNJ futsal team matches. The results of Pre-test and Post-test data calculations in this study show that the Individual tactical options with the ball training has an effect on the level of attacking success in the UNJ men's futsal team with a tcount value of 6.88 which is greater than ttable 2.61 at a significant level. 0.05.

The impact of individual factors and training on intrapreneurship

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The paper identifies both individual factors and training-related factors that foster the development of intrapreneurship within organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Dyadic Training of Communication Partners for Autistic Students: A Feasibility Study

Access to communication is a primary challenge affecting the education of Autistic students who use augmentative and alternative communication devices. This is compounded by potential communication partners (e.g., teachers and classroom paraeducators) who have insufficient training and skills to meaningfully engage these students in communication. To address these deficits in skills and training, this feasibility study used a multiple probe across participants design to test the effects of using behavioral skills training on dyads of teachers and paraeducators in increasing teacher-delivered opportunities to respond and student communication responses. The results show that after training, teachers’ opportunities to respond and use student-specific strategies increased. Following the teachers’ implementation of the strategies, students’ prompted and unprompted communication increased. These results provide evidence that supports the use of behavioral skills training to support communication partner skill development and student communication needs. These methods showed positive social validity with participants and demonstrate a professional development method that is more feasible for use by school staff than individual training. The results of this study provide initial evidence of the effectiveness of these methods with dyads of participants as well as with licensed teachers, extending the extant research, which often focuses on the individual training of paraeducators.

Effectiveness of e-learning platforms for cardiopulmonary resuscitation training by age group: a cluster randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prompted a shift from face-to-face cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to e-learning platforms. This study assessed the efficacy of fixed e-learning (FeL) and adaptive e-learning (AeL) courses across all age groups. Self-efficacy, knowledge, and willingness to perform CPR were evaluated before and after e-learning. Participants were categorised into three age groups: <30, 30-49, and ≥50 years old. Differences in course effectiveness were compared. Overall, 380 learners participated, with 203 and 177 in the FeL and AeL groups, respectively. Learners had similar median self-efficacy scores before training, which increased after training as did the median knowledge score. Among learners aged 50 years, the mean improvement in all assessments was higher with the FeL method than with the AeL method, with significant improvements in self-efficacy and willingness to perform CPR. CPR e-learning increased self-efficacy and willingness to perform CPR in all age groups and was more effective for older learners. As e-learning continues to play an important role in education, balancing innovation and inclusivity will ensure effective CPR training for individuals of all ages.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of moderate intensity interval training in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea overlap syndrome who have excessive daytime sleepiness

BackgroundThe term “Overlap Syndrome” (OS) describes the presence of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a single individual. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common symptom of OS shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that could be reduced through exercise. Thus, we propose to investigate a novel exercise intervention in individuals with the EDS-OS phenotype as they are at highest risk of CVD yet have the greatest barriers to exercise. MethodsWe will conduct a single-site, randomized, two-arm, parallel group-controlled exercise trial in individuals with EDS-OS. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) will be assessed at baseline. Individuals with OS and the EDS-OS phenotype (ESS >10) (n = 46) will be randomized to a moderate intensity interval training (MIIT, i.e. intervals of 5 min at 50% VO2peak followed by 3 min of active recovery at 10% VO2peak) or a control group of standard of care. We will investigate if MIIT intervention decreases the risk of CVD in EDS-OS, which will be assessed by: 1) quality of life, measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey; 2) physical activity, measured by daily step counts; and 3) cardiovascular health, assessed as VO2peak, flow-mediated dilation and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipids, and glucose. ConclusionOur findings will guide future development and implementation of exercise interventions that could reduce the risk of CVD in the understudied EDS-OS phenotype.

Exercise and training in sickle cell disease: Safety, potential benefits, and recommendations.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by complex pathophysiological mechanisms leading to vaso-occlusive crisis, chronic pain, chronic hemolytic anemia, and vascular complications, which require considerations for exercise and physical activity. This review aims to elucidate the safety, potential benefits, and recommendations regarding exercise and training in individuals with SCD. SCD patients are characterized by decreased exercise capacity and tolerance. Acute intense exercise may be accompanied by biological changes (acidosis, increased oxidative stress, and dehydration) that could increase the risk of red blood cell sickling and acute clinical complications. However, recent findings suggest that controlled exercise training is safe and well tolerated by SCD patients and could confer benefits in disease management. Regular endurance exercises of submaximal intensity or exercise interventions incorporating resistance training have been shown to improve cardiorespiratory and muscle function in SCD, which may improve quality of life. Recommendations for exercise prescription in SCD should be based on accurate clinical and functional evaluations, taking into account disease phenotype and cardiorespiratory status at rest and in response to exercise. Exercise programs should include gradual progression, incorporating adequate warm-up, cool-down, and hydration strategies. Exercise training represents promising therapeutic strategy in the management of SCD. It is now time to move through the investigation of long-term biological, physiological, and clinical effects of regular physical activity in SCD patients.

Exploring strain-level diversity in the gut microbiome through mucin particle adhesion.

Metabolism of mucin glycans by gut bacteria represents a crucial strategy for accessing nutrient reservoirs. The efficacy of mucin glycan utilization among gut bacteria hinges on the metabolic capabilities of individual strains, necessitating meticulous strain-level characterization. In this investigation, we used glass beads chemically immobilized with mucins to selectively enrich bacteria from fecal fermentation cultures, based on their superior adhesion to and metabolism of mucin glycoproteins. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the physical interactions between bacteria and mucin glycoprotein components directly correlate with their capacity to utilize mucins as nutrient sources. Furthermore, our study implies that physical proximity may significantly influence bacterial nutrient acquisition within the ecosystem, facilitating gut bacteria's access to carbohydrate components.

Analysis of Indonesian Students Scientific Literacy Ability in Chemistry Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

This study aims to examine the results of the analysis of scientific literacy abilities of Indonesian students in chemistry learning. The method used is Systematic Literature Review (SLR), which consists of five stages, namely question formulation, locating studies, study selection and evaluation, analysis and synthesis, reporting and using the results. Based on a study of 15 reputable journals indexed scopus (International Journal) and sinta (National Journal), the scientific literacy abilities of Indonesian students at the high school level and the education of prospective teachers are in the sufficient category, but there are still many who are in the low category. This is because students are not familiar with scientific literacy questions and learning which rarely trains individuals to make arguments based on observations or investigations, making it difficult for them to work on questions that require an analysis of existing scientific evidence or facts. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to improve scientific literacy skills through the application of learning models that train the ability to apply scientific knowledge that has been obtained in solving problems in everyday life. Problem-based learning models, ethnoscience-based learning, contextual-based guided inquiry learning, and also project-based learning.

Effectiveness of Biological Approaches for Removing Persistent Organic Pollutants from Wastewater: A Mini-Review.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans, pose significant hazards to the environment and living organisms. This concise review aims to consolidate knowledge on the biological processes involved in removing POPs from wastewater, an area less explored compared to conventional physico-chemical methods. The focus is on the potential of various aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria for efficient bioremediation, mitigating or eradicating the deleterious effects of these chemicals. The review scrutinizes individual bacterial strains and mixed cultures engaged in breaking down persistent organic pollutants in water, highlighting promising results from laboratory investigations that could be scaled for practical applications. The review concludes by underscoring the opportunities for exploring and advancing more sophisticated bioremediation techniques and optimized bioreactors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the efficiency of microbial-based strategies, implicitly reducing the environmental impact of persistent chemicals.

Graphene in Medicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare through Advanced Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based structures like graphene nanostructures, have revolutionized science and technology, offering groundbreaking advancements in bioengineering and medicine. These developments have enhanced our ability to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases, leading to significant innovations in therapy methods. The evolving field of graphene synthesis, with its less complex and more effective strategies, has captured the scientific community's interest. This review seeks to delve into the latest progress in the creation and application of graphene-based nanomaterials, especially their role in biomedical applications, with a primary focus on drug delivery systems. Graphene has emerged as a versatile material in the medical field. Its application as a sensor in monitoring vital parameters such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as nitric oxide levels in oxygen, has been noteworthy. In dentistry, graphene, combined with specific peptides, can identify individual bacterial strains, aiding in accurate disease diagnosis. Its role as an immunosensor is also significant, enabling the detection of trace amounts of substances like growth hormones. In the battle against cancer, graphene has shown promising results. It is actively being researched for broader medical applications including cancer therapy, diagnostic tools for diseases, tissue engineering, implants, DNA sequencing, biomarker identification, genetic material transfer, and in the combined fields of biomedical imaging and neuroscience. This review underscores the potential of graphene in medical science. As research continues, it is anticipated that graphene-based technologies will significantly contribute to personalized therapies, enhancing healthcare quality. The conclusion of this review emphasizes the need for ongoing research to explore and refine graphene-derived smart therapeutics. Such advancements will not only improve patient care but also drive us towards the zenith of human welfare, showcasing the transformative impact of nanotechnology in healthcare.Keywords: Graphene, Biomedical Applications, Drug Delivery Systems, Diagnostic Innovations and Personalized Therapeutics

Skin Conformal Force Myography Based on Laser Induced Graphene Strain Sensors

Myography – the measurement and recording of muscular activity – finds applications across diverse fields, such as biomechanics, clinical neurophysiology or electrodiagnostic medicine, rehabilitation, sports science, and human-machine interaction.1 Non-invasive myography methods include surface EMG (sEMG, where electrodes are placed on the skin to measure electrical signals during muscle actuation) and force myography (FMG). While sEMG is more broadly explored than FMG, it suffers from limited resolution, signal crosstalk, and skin impedance issues.2 sEMG requires proper skin preparation and electrode placement in order to reduce skin impedance and collect accurate data, making it difficult for home use by general public.3 Furthermore, if one is interested in translating the sEMG signal to muscle forces applied or actions done, as most applications are, the signal needs to be of high quality collected at high sampling rates and needs to be heavily processed.4 On the other hand, FMG measures the position or movement of a limb based on changes in stiffness of the corresponding musculotendinous complex against the default state.5 It offers an attractive alternative to sEMG due to direct measurement of force, user-friendly and less sensitivity to skin impedance, reduced cross talk and robustness in dynamic environments, and high compatibility with prosthetics and exoskeletons.6 While there has been significant progress in FMG devices, existing platforms are still bulky and restrictive to the user.5 A highly flexible and skin conformal sensor system is needed to improve the system's wearability and its integration into other components such as prosthetics. To achieve skin conformality in wearable devices, laser induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a suitable material owing to its ease of fabrication, cost-effective materials, and tunable properties.7 To the best of our knowledge, skin conformal FMG sensors, especially based on LIG have not been explored. In this work, we developed a skin conformal FMG wearable device based on LIG, capable of continuous strain measurement across the circumference of the forearm for gesture recognition. LIG writing parameters are optimized to obtain a 100-micron highly fibrous film enabling easier transfer. After creating LIG on polyimide, it is transferred onto medical grade polyurethane (MPU) to obtain highly skin conformal and stretchable devices. The sensor system consists of an array of nine individual strain sensors, designed to be placed along the circumference of the forearm. Each strain sensor is connected to an integrated wireless readout system which constantly measures their resistance. Different gestures are performed by the user with the sensor system worn on the forearm. Gestures include individual finger flexions, wrist movements, wrist clenches, and forearm pronation/supination. Upon muscle actuation, each sensor experiences a different strain profile depending on its location with respect to the actuated muscle group. The temporal data associated with each action is analyzed to extract features for training a machine learning (ML)-based classifier. Using the ML model, the system can successfully distinguish among various gestures with a high accuracy (> 97%). Further performance improvement can be achieved by increasing the density of sensors and integrating other piezoresistive materials with LIG to enhance the strain sensitivity. Future work also includes integration with other wearable sensors for simultaneous recording of temperature, pH, and metabolites to achieve a multisensory system for improved health monitoring. References 1 D. F. Stegeman, J. H. Blok, H. J. Hermens and K. Roeleveld, Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2000, 10, 313–326.2 A. Ranavolo, M. Serrao and F. Draicchio, Front Neurol, 2020, 11, 572069.3 M. L. Delva, K. Lajoie, M. Khoshnam and C. Menon, Biomed Eng Online, 2020, 19, 1–18.4 D. Staudenmann, K. Roeleveld, D. F. Stegeman and J. H. van Dieen, Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2010, 20, 375–387.5 Z. G. Xiao and C. Menon, Sensors 2019, Vol. 19, Page 4557, 2019, 19, 4557.6 A. Radmand, E. Scheme and K. Englehart, 2016, 53, 443–456.7 R. Ye, D. K. James and J. M. Tour, , DOI:10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00084.

Coordinated influence of Funneliformis mosseae and different plant growth-promoting bacteria on growth, root functional traits, and nutrient acquisition by maize.

Rhizospheric interactions among plant roots, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can enhance plant health by promoting nutrient acquisition and stimulating the plant immune system. This pot experiment, conducted in autoclaved soil, explored the synergistic impacts of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae with four individual bacterial strains, viz.: Cronobacter sp. Rz-7, Serratia sp. 5-D, Pseudomonas sp. ER-20 and Stenotrophomonas sp. RI-4A on maize growth, root functional traits, root exudates, root colonization, and nutrient uptake. The comprehensive biochemical characterization of these bacterial strains includes assessments of mineral nutrient solubilization, plant hormone production, and drought tolerance. The results showed that all single and interactive treatments of the mycorrhizal fungus and bacterial strains improved maize growth, as compared with the control (no fungus or PGPB). Among single treatments, the application of the mycorrhizal fungus was more effective than the bacterial strains in stimulating maize growth. Within the bacterial treatments, Serratia sp. 5-D and Pseudomonas sp. ER-20 were more effective in enhancing maize growth than Cronobacter sp. Rz-7 and Stenotrophomonas sp. RI-4A. All bacterial strains were compatible with Funneliformis mosseae to improve root colonization and maize growth. However, the interaction of mycorrhiza and Serratia sp. 5-D (M + 5-D) was the most prominent for maize growth improvement comparatively to all other treatments. We observed that bacterial strains directly enhanced maize growth while indirectly promoting biomass accumulation by facilitating increased mycorrhizal colonization, indicating that these bacteria acted as mycorrhizal helper bacteria.

Fungal primary and opportunistic pathogens: an ecological perspective.

Fungal primary pathogenicity on vertebrates is here described as a deliberate strategy where the host plays a role in increasing the species' fitness. Opportunism is defined as the coincidental survival of an individual strain in host tissue using properties that are designed for life in an entirely different habitat. In that case, the host's infection control is largely based on innate immunity, and the etiologic agent is not transmitted after infection, and thus fungal evolution is not possible. Primary pathogens encompass two types, depending on their mode of transmission. Environmental pathogens have a double life cycle, and tend to become enzootic, adapted to a preferred host in a particular habitat. In contrast, pathogens that have a host-to-host transmission pattern are prone to shift to a neighboring, immunologically naive host, potentially leading to epidemics. Beyond these prototypical life cycles, some environmental fungi are able to make large leaps between dissimilar hosts/habitats, probably due to the similarity of key factors enabling survival in an entirely different niche, and thus allowing a change from opportunistic to primary pathogenicity. Mostly, such factors seem to be associated with extremotolerance.

Executive functions and divergent thinking in young adults: Evidence from individual differences and cognitive training studies

The interplay between executive functions and divergent thinking remains a debated question in creativity research. To address this issue, two studies were conducted from different perspectives. The first study explored which of the executive functioning components—namely working memory, inhibition, and shifting—predicted divergent thinking. A sample of 203 college students performed a battery of tasks assessing divergent thinking, executive functions, and related cognitive variables (fluid intelligence, verbal fluency, and processing speed). After statistically controlling for these variables, only working memory emerged as a significant predictor of creativity scores in the Alternative Uses Task, while inhibition and shifting did not. In the second study, a cognitive training approach was employed to further elucidate the potential efficacy of working memory training in fostering divergent thinking. The results found that the experimental group, which received a 15-day dual n-back task training, demonstrated greater improvements in the creativity score of the Alternative Uses Task compared to the control group, suggesting a transfer effect from working memory training to divergent thinking. This research underscores the plasticity of divergent thinking and highlights a plausible avenue for enhancing creativity through targeted cognitive training.