Linear Structural Equation Models Research Articles

Association between physical activity and sleep in community-dwelling older adults and the mediation of pain.

Association between physical activity and sleep in community-dwelling older adults and the mediation of pain.

PCM Selector: Penalized Covariate-Mediator Selection Operator for Evaluating Linear Causal Effects

For a data-generating process for random variables that can be described with a linear structural equation model, we consider a situation in which (i) a set of covariates satisfying the back-door criterion cannot be observed or (ii) such a set can be observed, but standard statistical estimation methods cannot be applied to estimate causal effects because of multicollinearity/high-dimensional data problems. We propose a novel two-stage penalized regression approach, the penalized covariate-mediator selection operator (PCM Selector), to estimate the causal effects in such scenarios. Unlike existing penalized regression analyses, when a set of intermediate variables is available, PCM Selector provides a consistent or less biased estimator of the causal effect. In addition, PCM Selector provides a variable selection procedure for intermediate variables to obtain better estimation accuracy of the causal effects than does the back-door criterion.

Geographical Gradient of Fungal Decay Type in Norway Spruce Logs in Europe and Its Impact on Seedling Establishment

ABSTRACTAimNorway spruce (Picea abies) is a dominant tree species across Eurasia, and is known to regenerate on decaying logs. Understanding its regeneration dynamics is crucial for predicting forest sustainability under climate change. The decay type of the logs, indicative of fungal decay capabilities of lignin and holocellulose and traditionally categorised into white rot and brown rot, markedly influences spruce seedling density on the logs, because brown rot reduces their establishment. As fungal distribution and wood decay types are affected by macroclimate, the success of spruce seedling establishment is expected to vary continentally and may be further influenced by climate change. The goal of the present study is to examine the relationship between decay type frequencies and spruce seedling densities on decaying logs, assessing effects on regeneration success along a climatic gradient.LocationFifteen sites in six European countries.TaxaNorway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.).MethodsWe collected wood samples from spruce logs naturally decaying in the forest to evaluate their decay types. Spruce seedling numbers were recorded on the logs. The occurrence of certain decay types, seedling density, and their relationships with climate, stand, and log variables were analysed using generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) and structural equation modelling (SEM).ResultsWhite rot type of decay was dominating in central Europe compared with southern and northern Europe, where brown rot was prevalent. Spruce seedling densities were positively correlated with white rot in heartwood, which was explained by high precipitation seasonality in central Europe.Main ConclusionsSpruce seedling regeneration on decaying logs may be indirectly affected by climate through its influence on fungal‐mediated wood decomposition. Despite predictions of northward shifts in Norway spruce distribution due to climate change, slower regeneration rates on brown rot logs may limit northern expansion, potentially leading to a contraction of the species' range.

Factors affecting the entrepreneurial behavior of students in Hanoi City: The role of entrepreneurial intention and innovation capacity

Recognizing the importance of startups, the Vietnamese government implements many preferential and supportive policies to encourage the development of startups and individuals, especially students, following the "Supporting Students to Start a Business until 2025" proposal. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of innovation capacity on the entrepreneurial behavior of university students in Hanoi City. It also examines entrepreneurial intention as an intermediate variable in the relationship between innovation capacity and entrepreneurial behavior. We used quantitative research methods. The research data was collected using Google Forms with 1,050 valid questionnaires from a survey of university students studying in Hanoi City. The author performed data analysis using linear structural equation modeling (SEM). Research results show a positive relationship between innovation capacity and entrepreneurial behavior through the variable of entrepreneurial intention. Thereby, the authors propose management implications to improve the entrepreneurial behavior of Vietnamese students in today's emerging economy. This study contributes to the completion of the theoretical framework on the innovation capacity and entrepreneurial behavior of students. Besides, it is also a useful reference for firms and researchers.

Spatial Variability and Driving Factors of Soil pH in the Desert Grasslands of Northern Xinjiang.

Spatial Variability and Driving Factors of Soil pH in the Desert Grasslands of Northern Xinjiang.

Circuit training intervention for cognitive function, gut microbiota, and aging control: study protocol for a longitudinal, open-label randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLong-term exercise is increasingly considered an effective strategy to counteract cognitive decline associated with aging. Previous studies have indicated that circuit training exercises integrating aerobic and resistance modalities positively affect cognitive function. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that long-term exercise alters the gut microbiota, leading to an optimal environment for cognitive enhancement. Recent empirical evidence suggests that exercise plays a significant role in modulating aging-control factors at the protein level. Although the interaction between exercise and cognitive function is multifaceted, most studies have only examined a direct pathway from exercise to cognitive function. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effects of long-term circuit training on cognitive function through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as gut microbiota and proteins related to aging control.MethodsA total of fifty-one participants will be randomly assigned to either the circuit training or waitlist control group. The intervention group will participate in a circuit training program developed by Curves Japan Co., Ltd. two to three times weekly for 16 weeks. The control group will continue their usual daily routines without participating in any new active lifestyle program. The participants will undergo cognitive assessments at baseline and after the intervention. Fecal and blood samples for protein analysis will be collected before and after the intervention. The effect of exercise on cognition will be analyzed by comparing the measured outcomes before and after the intervention. The associations among these outcomes will be assessed using a linear mixed model and structural equation modeling approaches.DiscussionThis study aims to provide the first insights into the comprehensive effects of exercise on cognitive function from the perspectives of gut microbiota and aging control. The findings are expected to contribute to improving brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings may help establish new guidelines for future studies on the relationship between exercise and cognitive function.

Analysis of the impact of multiple green space patterns and key meteorological factors on particulate matter pollution: a case study in the Zhengzhou metropolitan area.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a primary pollutant affecting urban air quality, posing increasing threats to public health and ecological environments. While urban green spaces and meteorological conditions individually influence PM pollution, the mechanisms by which meteorological indicators mediate the relationship between green space patterns and PM concentrations remain unclear. We used daily PM concentration data in the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area (ZMA) in 2021, combined with high-resolution satellite imagery and climate monitoring data. By employing Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we investigated the effects of green spaces and meteorological conditions on PM, highlighting the significant mediating role of key meteorological indicators in the process by which green spaces mitigate PM pollution. Results indicated that PM2.5 concentrations were more sensitive to green space patterns and meteorological conditions at 1-6km scales compared to PM10. Significant scale-dependent differences were observed in the coupling between PM concentrations and green spaces. PLS-SEM revealed that key meteorological indicators, particularly wind speed and humidity, significantly mediated the impact of green spaces on PM pollution, with mediation effects peaking at the 4km scale. The percentage of largest green space patches had the most pronounced mediated effect on PM2.5 and PM10 through climate factors. Conclusively, to maximize ecological benefits, it is essential to consider wind speed and humidity around green spaces. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing green space patterns at multiple scales and incorporating local microclimate considerations in future PM pollution management within the ZMA.

Integrated Community Analysis Transformation (ICAT) Model: A Tool for Community NCD Prevention and Improved Quality of Life

Purpose: To develop a model that would be used to address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in communities for the improvement of the quality of life of People with HIV living with Hypertension and Diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wakiso, Uganda, among HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and drug refills from CDDP. 219 participants completed questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation, simple linear regression, path analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to validate and assess the model. Results: Community-based NCD services, such as health promotion (β=0.58, P=0.006), community support systems (β=0.24, P=0.000), and patient monitoring systems (β=0.46, P=0.000), had a direct impact on quality of life. The moderating effect revealed both significant (marital status, education level, and NCD services) and insignificant (age and gender) direct and indirect pathways. Conclusion: The structural equation modeling and path analysis results showed that community support systems, patient factors, and patient monitoring systems as direct effects had weak loadings on patients’ quality of life. The model fitted perfectly, according to the goodness of fit test's overall indicators. Therefore, to boost service use and enhance patients' overall quality of life, the government, together with the Ministry of Health and District Health Officers, should put the ICAT model into practice.

Shaping beta diversity in arid landscape through native plant species contributions: synergy of climate, soil, and species traits.

Understanding how species traits, climate aridity, and soil resources interact to influence beta diversity is critical for predicting changes in plant community composition. This study aims to investigate how these interactions shape species contributions to spatial turnover and beta diversity, focusing on the unique dryland ecosystems of the Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP) in Egypt. To address this, we analyzed data from 84 vegetation plots, considering the direct and indirect effects of climatic aridity, soil resources, and species traits (e.g., plant height, leaf production, specific leaf area), as well as the relative abundance of C3 plants and phylogenetic diversity on species contribution to beta diversity (SCBDeff). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEMs), the results revealed complex indirect effects of aridity and soil resources on SCBDeff mediated by plant traits. SCBDeff was positively influenced by climatic aridity, particularly in species with greater phylogenetic distance, taller plants, high leaf production, and a higher relative abundance of C3 plants. Conversely, specific leaf area (SLA) had a negative effect. Phylogenetic diversity emerged as a significant driver of beta diversity, with distantly related species contributing more due to functional differentiation and niche partitioning. The findings emphasize the critical role of species traits and environmental conditions in shaping beta diversity. These insights can inform conservation strategies aimed at enhancing ecosystem stability under shifting climatic conditions, particularly in dryland environments where species adaptive traits play a pivotal role.

The Role of Social Support and Depressive Symptoms in Mediating the Association Between Hearing Loss and Self-neglect Among Older Adults in China.

Hearing loss is highly prevalent among the older population, and elder self-neglect will become a prominent issue worldwide as the population ages. The purpose of this study was to examine if hearing loss is associated with self-neglect in old adults. Data are from the wave 3 (2494 participants) of the Ma'anshan Healthy Aging Cohort (MHAC) in China. Multiple linear regression models and structural equation models were adopted to examine the relationship between hearing loss, social support, depressive symptoms, and the self-neglect. The results showed that hearing loss, social support, depression, and self-neglect were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). Hearing loss could not only have a direct positive impact on self-neglect older adults (β = 0.046; 95% CI, 0.036, 0.056), but also indirectly affect self-neglect through three pathways: an independent mediating effect of social support (β = - 0.014; 95% CI, 009, 0.019), an independent mediating effect of depression (β = 0.029; 95% CI, 0.022, 0.037), and a chain mediating effect of social support and depression (β = 0.003; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.004). Hearing loss is associated with self-neglect, in which social support and depressive symptoms partly mediate the association. The findings suggest that the measures such as preventing and controlling hearing loss are crucial for reducing the severity of self-neglect in older adults.

Effects of DOM Chemodiversity on Microbial Diversity in Forest Soils on a Continental Scale.

Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a critical reservoir of carbon and nutrients in forest ecosystems, playing a central role in carbon cycling and microbial community dynamics. However, the influence of DOM molecular-level diversity (chemodiversity) on microbial community diversity and spatial distribution remains poorly understood. In this study, we used Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and high-throughput sequencing to analyze soil DOM and microbial diversity along a ~4,000 km forest transect in China. We found that soil DOM chemodiversity varies significantly across sites, initially increasing and then decreasing with latitude. Additionally, we observed that the biogeographic distribution of DOM components has differential effects on bacterial and fungal diversity: lipid-like compounds are strongly associated with bacterial diversity, while aromatic-, carbohydrate-, and lipid-like compounds primarily influence fungal diversity. Linear models and structural equation modeling both reveal that DOM acts as a key intermediary, mediating the effects of temperature and soil properties on microbial spatial distribution. Our findings emphasize the importance of DOM molecular characteristics in shaping microbial community structure and functioning, providing new insights into how environmental factors influence microbial ecosystems and soil carbon cycles in forest ecosystems.

Self-Compassion and Medical Coping Modes of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mediating Role of Personal Mastery.

To test the mediating role of personal mastery in the relationship between self-compassion and medical coping modes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered. We enrolled a convenience sampling of patients with RA from a Class A tertiary hospital. Date were collected from May 2023 to April 2024. Using self-compassion, medical coping modes, and personal mastery self-reported questionnaires. The data were analysed using correlation analyses, multiple linear regression analysis and structural equation modelling. A total of 245 participants were included in this study. Personal mastery was an independent predictor of medical coping modes (β=0.15, SE=0.07, 95% CI [0.01, 0.30]). Significant correlations were identified between self-compassion, personal mastery, and medical coping strategies among these patients. Personal mastery was found to mediate the relationship between self-compassion and confrontation (β=0.724, 95%CI: 0.367-1.081, p<0.05) and avoidance coping strategies (β=-0.179, 95%CI: -0.336 to -0.022, p<0.05). Additionally, self-compassion was directly linked to resignation coping (β=-0.309, 95%CI: -0.515 to -0.136, p<0.05), with no mediation effect observed. Personal mastery mediates the impact of self-compassion on the adoption of medical coping strategies among RA patients. Self-compassion is shown to have a direct influence on personal mastery. It is imperative for healthcare providers to consider the self-compassion and personal mastery of their patients, encouraging adaptive coping mechanisms to enhance life quality.

Genetic contributions to the educational inequalities in coronary heart disease incidence: a population-based study of 32 000 middle-aged men and women

BackgroundThe background of educational disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is still not well understood. We used a polygenic score for education (PGSEDU), socioeconomic indicators and indicators of CHD...

The mediating role of behavioral systems in linking physical activity and anxiety symptoms in college students

Data show that the detection rate of anxiety symptoms among college students has risen from 16.6 to 34.8% over the past 10 years, and that college students are gradually becoming a high prevalence group for anxiety symptoms.This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity, behavioral inhibition and activation, and anxiety symptoms in college students. Specifically, it seeks to identify the mediating role of individual subcomponents of behavioral inhibition and activation in the association between physical activity and anxiety symptoms. A total of 5125 college students were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System Scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. ANOVA, linear regression analysis and structural equation modelling were used to analyse the data and subcomponents of each variable (physical activity, anxiety symptoms, BIS/BAS) were analysed. Anxious college students demonstrated significantly lower scores in reward responsiveness, drive, and fun seeking, while exhibiting higher scores in behavioral inhibition. Additionally, these students engaged in physical activity at lower intensities, for shorter times, with reduced frequency, and overall less total exercise (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between levels of physical activity and anxiety (r= − 0.145, p < 0.001), while a weak correlation was identified between physical activity levels and the behavioral inhibition system (r= − 0.020, p = 0.156). Conversely, physical activity levels were significantly positively correlated with the behavioral activation subcomponents of reward responsiveness (r = 0.062, p < 0.001), drive (r = 0.122, p < 0.001), and fun seeking (r = 0.067, p < 0.001). Physical activity, behavioral inhibition, and behavioral activation were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms among university students. Among male students, exercise intensity (Beta= − 0.088, p = 0.001) and reward responsiveness (Beta= − 0.255, p < 0.001) showed the strongest correlations with anxiety levels, while among female students, exercise time (Beta = − 0.084, p < 0.001) and behavioral inhibition (Beta = 0.291, p < 0.001) were the most highly correlated. Physical activity levels had a direct effect of 84.37% on reducing anxiety symptoms (Beta= − 0.286, p < 0.001), with 15.63% of the effect mediated by the behavioral inhibition and activation system (Beta= − 0.053, p < 0.001). The mediating effects of the behavioral inhibition and activation system were stronger in females (29.92%, Beta= − 0.076, p = 0.001) compared to males (15.76%, Beta= − 0.061, p < 0.001). Factor loadings indicated that exercise time (male: 1.81, female: 2.71) and drive (male: 1.01, female: 1.04) were more effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms, particularly in the dimensions of uncontrollable worrying (1.07), worry too much (1.03), trouble relaxing (1.00), and nervousness (1.00). Physical activity exerts a direct influence on anxiety, with its anxiolytic effects partially mediated by the behavioral inhibition and activation system. This mediating effect is most pronounced in the female college student population.

Deeper Effects of fiscal multidimensional poverty reduction: household characteristics, financial lags and elite capture.

The governance of multidimensional relative poverty is a key challenge in rural poverty alleviation in the new era, as well as an important practice of the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in China. Based on provincial fiscal and financial data as well as data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this article employs multilevel linear regression and structural equation modeling to empirically examine the impact and mechanisms of fiscal investment in agriculture on multidimensional relative poverty among farmers. The research results indicate that fiscal investment in agriculture can effectively alleviate multidimensional relative poverty among rural households, and this conclusion still holds after the robustness and endogeneity tests of traditional measurement and Double Machine Learning. However, differences in household characteristics affect the performance of fiscal poverty alleviation. Households in the central and western regions, with larger family sizes, younger members, and lower levels of education, exhibit higher policy responsiveness. In terms of mechanisms, digital inclusive finance and social capital serve as important channels for fiscal multidimensional poverty reduction. However, attention should be paid to the positive lag effect of digital inclusive finance and the risk of "elite capture" in households with low levels of social capital. Accordingly, the article recommends that fiscal spending should be increased and made more efficient, with precise policy measures, strengthened institutional coordination, and efforts to cultivate optimal levels of social capital. While the article is limited by data availability to allow for a more in-depth and complex discussion, it still provides insights for fiscal strategies aimed at building high-quality shared prosperity.

Burnout and professional fulfillment: Associations with interprofessional communication skills and climate among clinical health professionals

Abstract Objective Effective communication in interprofessional settings is a key modifiable factor in addressing burnout among healthcare professionals. Previous research has paid less attention to the multi-level nature of interprofessional communication. This paper proposes a model explaining how individual-level factors (communication skills and uncertainty tolerance) and group-level factors (teamwork and response to errors) are linked to burnout via professional fulfillment. Methods Survey data were gathered from clinical health professionals in a tertiary teaching hospital in the United States. Multivariate linear regression and structural equation models were used to test our hypotheses. Results Individual-level communication skills and uncertainty tolerance and group-level teamwork and response to error were positively associated with professional fulfillment, which in turn tempered burnout among clinical professionals. Conclusions Enhancing individual communication skills and organizational communication climate are likely to mitigate burnout and enhance fulfillment among clinical professionals.

Green strategy orientation and competitiveness: an optimal distinctiveness perspective

PurposeImplementing a green strategy to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises is a hot topic in current research. Although most enterprises have formed a green strategy orientation (GSO), it has not been transformed into green competitiveness (GC). Prior studies have not thoroughly studied the effect and mechanism of GSO on GC. To fill this research gap, based on optimal distinctiveness theory, this paper discusses the mediating role of two kinds of green innovation (GI) in the GSO–GC relationship and the moderating role of big data capability (BDC).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the quantitative research methods of multiple linear regression, Bootstrap and structural equation modeling (SEM). Data were collected through a questionnaire and a random sampling method was used to survey middle and senior managers and professionals in manufacturing enterprises. About 400 questionnaires were distributed, and 342 valid questionnaires were collected.FindingsThe conclusions show that GSO significantly positively affects GI and GC. Still, it turns out that only strategic green innovation (SGI) mediates the GSO–GC relationship. BDC can positively moderate the mediation effect of SGI between GSO and GC, thus supporting the moderated mediation model.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used a survey questionnaire from Chinese manufacturing enterprises to collect data, but the sample size was limited. Furthermore, the mediating mechanism by which GSO affects GC requires further exploration. This study directly establishes the GSO–GC relationship based on the optimal distinctiveness theory, making an essential contribution to the literature on GSO and GC. At the same time, this paper uses GI as a bridge to connect the relationship between GSO and GC, enriching the literature on GI. In addition, we consider BDC to be a moderator, expanding the boundaries of the GSO–GC relationship.Practical implicationsThis study provides new knowledge and insights for manufacturing enterprises to construct and implement green strategies to achieve GC. More importantly, managers should attach great importance to the critical role of SGI and BDC.Originality/valueThis study understands the importance of GSO, SGI and BDC to GC in theory and practice.

Dotears: Scalable and consistent directed acyclic graph estimation using observational and interventional data.

New assays such as Perturb-seq link parallel CRISPR interventions to transcriptomic readouts, providing insight into gene regulatory networks. Causal regulatory networks can be represented by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), but lack of identifiability and a combinatorial solution space complicate learning DAGs from observational data. Score-based methods have improved the practical scalability of inferring DAGs, but are sensitive to error variance structure. Furthermore, correction for error variance is difficult without prior knowledge of structure. We present dotears [doo-tairs], a continuous optimization framework leveraging observational and interventional data to infer causal structure, assuming a linear Structural Equation Model. dotears exploits structural consequences of hard interventions to estimate and correct for error variance structure. dotears is a provably consistent estimator of the true DAG under mild assumptions and outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in varied simulations. In real data, differential expression tests and high-confidence protein-protein interactions validate dotears-inferred edges with higher precision and recall than others.

Correction: Learning distribution-free anchored linear structural equation models in the presence of measurement error

Correction: Learning distribution-free anchored linear structural equation models in the presence of measurement error

Internet use and attitude toward aging among Chinese older adults: the mediating role of health.

This research seeks to explore the relationship between Internet use and attitudes toward aging among older adults in China, with a particular emphasis on the mediating role of health in this correlation. A national survey of 10,858 Chinese adults aged 60 and above was conducted, employing multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling to analyze the impact of Internet use on aging attitudes with health as a mediator. The research found a significant positive association between Internet use and positive aging attitudes (β = -1.420, p < 0.001). Health indicators-self-rated, physical, and mental health-were identified as key moderators, with healthier adults benefiting more from Internet use. This research reveals a positive association between Internet use and attitudes toward aging among older adults in China. These findings hold substantial implications for encouraging active and healthy aging in the digital era, underscoring the value of advocating for digital engagement among seniors as a means to improve their quality of life.