To examine direct and indirect pathways between race/ethnicity, contemporary structural racism, and obesity prevalence across census tracts in the United States. The final analytic sample consisted of 11 457 census tracts across 201 counties, within 38 states. Obesity prevalence was based on CDC PLACES data. Structural racism was defined using the structural racism effect index (SREI). Proportion of African American/Black (AAs), non-Hispanic white (NHW), Hispanic, and Asians within a census tract were based on Census data. Structural equation modelling in Stata v17 was used to investigate direct and indirect relationships between race, structural racism, and obesity. Mean prevalence of obesity was 31.8%. Structural racism was directly associated with higher obesity (0.70, p < 0.001). AA race was directly associated with higher prevalence of obesity (0.67, p < 0.001), and indirectly via structural racism (0.23, p < 0.001). NHW was directly associated with higher prevalence of obesity (0.47, p < 0.001), and was associated with lower structural racism (-0.43, p < 0.001). Hispanic race was directly associated with higher prevalence of obesity (0.32, p < 0.001) but was not associated with structural racism. Asian race was directly associated with lower prevalence of obesity (-0.06, p < 0.001), and lower structural racism (-0.29, p < 0.001). AA and NHW had a positive direct relationship with obesity, whereas Asians had a negative relationship. For AAs, there was a strong positive indirect relationship via structural racism. For NHWs and Asians, there was a negative indirect relationship via structural racism. Based on these results, structural racism and its impact on obesity are more pronounced for AA compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Continuous Real-Time Workplace Stress Among Surgeons and Surgical Trainees: A Scoping Review.

Levels and associations of borderline personality features and early maladaptive schemas in bipolar disorder: A comparative network analysis of patients with and without severe borderline personality features.

Structural rigidities and resource constraints in South Africa's agri-business sector have created uneven innovation pathways, concentrating technological progress among dominant firms and widening disparities between large- and small-scale operations. These dynamics raise concerns about resilience and equitable growth in a sector critical to food security and economic development. The study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of innovation and resilience pathways within South Africa's agri-business sector, focusing on how structural factors influence firms' innovative conduct and performance. Using secondary data from 532 firms collected through the Human Sciences Research Council's Agricultural Business Innovation Survey (2019–2021), the analysis employed Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling to examine structure–conduct–performance relationships, dimensionality reduction techniques to identify innovation clusters, and network analysis to assess connectivity and vulnerability within the sector. The findings revealed significant innovation heterogeneity, with clusters differentiated by firm size and strategic orientation. Network analysis uncovered a hub-and-spoke structure dominated by large firms, which, while efficient, exhibited low modularity and transitivity, making it vulnerable to systemic shocks. Bayesian SEM indicated a negative relationship between structural rigidity and innovative conduct, and a positive link between conduct and performance, suggesting that structural constraints hinder innovation while proactive conduct enhances turnover. Despite stable employment and rising turnover, innovation adoption remained concentrated in process improvements and soil fertility priorities, constrained by barriers such as water scarcity, limited finance, and restrictive policies. The sector thus reflects a duality between entrenched conventional practices and emerging niche innovations shaped by structural rigidities. These insights underscore the need for targeted, system-level interventions to address structural rigidities, strengthen innovation capabilities, and enhance resilience in South Africa's agri-business sector. Aligning with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, policy efforts should focus on expanding and maintaining water infrastructure, providing financial incentives for digital and climate smart technologies including artificial intelligence applications, and fostering collaborative platforms to promote inclusive innovation and resilience across firm sizes. Such measures would help reduce network fragility, broaden participation in higher-value innovation activities, and support a more inclusive, competitive, and adaptive agri-food system. • Turnover grew between 2019 and 2021, employment stable, but innovation barriers persist. • Clusters by agribusiness size show heterogeneity. • Large agribusinesses dominate hub-and-spoke networks. • Structure hinders conduct and conduct boosts performance. • Policy needs water and AI incentives.

Geographic distribution of mariculture species determines the impacts of thermal variability on growth performance and thermal resilience.

Unveiling the impact of employee-AI collaboration on help-seeking behavior among service employees in china: A social cognitive perspective.

The association between cheese consumption and chronic inflammatory skin conditions remains unclear. We used a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to investigate the genetic causality between cheese consumption and atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, and psoriasis. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods were employed for main analysis, other five approaches were employed for secondary analysis. Subsequently, replication analyses and a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted. MR analysis identified a negative genetic causal relationship between cheese consumption to AD (OR: 0.032 [0.001–0.888], P = 0.042) and psoriasis (OR: 0.007 [0.000–0.652], P = 0.032), but not to eczema ( P > 0.05). Reverse analysis showed that chronic inflammatory skin diseases did not influence cheese consumption (P > 0.05). Replication analyses and sensitivity analyses also support the primary findings. These findings suggest cheese consumption may exert significant genetic protective effects for AD and psoriasis. Our study advances understanding of cheese's role in skin health and nutrition. • Cheese consumption showed genetic protection against AD and psoriasis. • No causal link was found between cheese intake and eczema risk. • Reverse MR showed skin diseases did not affect cheese consumption. • Findings support dietary interventions for inflammatory skin disorders.

A total number of 300 breeder Japanese quails at 40 weeks of age were used to investigate the single and interactive impacts of vitamins D3 (0 and 6300 IU), A (0 and 23100 IU) and K3 (0, 17 and 34 mg) on tibia mineralization in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a complete randomized block experiment design. Vitamin preparations were injected subcutaneously (SC) in the back of the neck of birds weekly. Proximal epiphysis and diaphysis diameter of the right tibia bone and its ash percentage were significantly superior in the vitamin D3 injected birds by 4.3, 4.9 and 9.3 percent, respectively (P < 0.05). Parenteral administration of 6300 IU vitamin D3 increased serum level of the same vitamin by 38.5 percent and decreased serum P level (by 12.7 Percent; P < 0.05) but not that of calcium (Ca) and albumin (ALB) levels as well as ALP and PTH activity (P > 0.05). Robustness index (RI) was significantly greater in the vitamin D3 treated birds compared with the corresponding control group (P < 0.05). Tibia ash content showed a moderate positive correlation with tibia length (r = 0.43; P < 0.01) and a negative moderate relation with Robustness index (P < 0.01). Serum PTH and ALK activity showed a weak and a moderate correlation coefficient with tibia ash percentage, respectively. No significant interaction was noticed among vitamins concerned in all features assessed (P > 0.05). It was concluded that extra nutritional administration of vitamin D3 via weekly SC injection, may impose promising effects on bone strength and mineralization in aged laying quails, evidenced by greater tibia ash percentage as well as superior proximal epiphyses and diaphysis diameter.

Public perception, government support, and the formation of AI startups: An institution-based view

This study examines the relationship between menopause and women's susceptibility to energy poverty using panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The results suggest that menopausal women are at a greater risk of experiencing energy poverty compared to their non-menopausal counterparts, with reduced personal income identified as a key mediator. Although cognitive function tends to decline among menopausal women, it does not appear to mediate the relationship between menopause and energy poverty. We also find that social participation, social support, social trust, and urban living conditions moderate the negative relationship between menopause and energy poverty. These findings contribute to our understanding of the gendered dimensions of energy poverty and highlight the need for targeted policies that address the specific energy needs and vulnerabilities of menopausal women. The results are robust to a series of sensitivity checks. • Menopausal women are more vulnerable to energy poverty than non-menopausal women. • Lower personal income is a mediator between menopause and energy poverty. • Social participation, social support, social trust, and urban living moderate the relationship between menopause and energy poverty.

Funding the supply of critical materials for the transition to renewable energy (RE) is crucial to addressing climate change. For the world’s leading economies in copper and lithium mining, this paper investigates the association among foreign direct investment (FDI), governance, carbon emissions (CO2) and renewable energy consumption (REC). Using 2002–2023 panel data, a unit root test was applied to determine the stationarity of the variables and cointegration tests revealed cointegration in first differences. The variables were cointegrated at the 1% significance level, as indicated by the Kao Residual Cointegration Test. Next, the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) panel regression methods were employed. The FMOLS model findings indicated a long-term negative relationship between FDI and RE. Specifically, a 1% increase in FDI (as a percentage of GDP) reduces REC by 0.24% in the major copper- and lithium-producing economies. Governance, measured by control of corruption, has a positive effect on clean energy consumption, and CO2 emissions are significantly negatively associated with REC. Using the DOLS model, we confirmed the robustness of these long-term panel relationships. Policymakers should strengthen the quality of governance, including combating corruption and encouraging FDI in RE. This strategy should also support sustainable mining practices and responsible consumption, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 12, respectively.

The moderating role of government subsidies on the relationship between teacher stress and job satisfaction: Evidence from China.

Breaking the hunger cycle: Can women's empowerment solve Africa's undernourishment crisis?

The sodium alginate-producing gene algD reduces Pseudomonas putida strain XMS-1-mediated Cd uptake in Lactuca sativa by increasing the relative abundances of Cd stabilization-related bacterial communities and functional genes.

Exploring moral disengagement in meat consumption among Malaysian youth - A cross-sectional study.

Working capital operation (WCM) is a critical motoristof establishment profitability, balancing liquidity and functional effectiveness. This paper examines the relationship between WCM factors primarily the Cash Conversion Cycle(CCC), Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO), Days Deals Outstanding (DSO), and Days Outstanding (DPO) — and establishment profitability measured by Return on means (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Using panel data from named Indian manufacturing and FMCG enterprises over 2015 – 2025, the study employs fixed- goods retrogression and correlation analysis. Results indicate a significant negative relationship between CCC, and profitability shorter cash conversion cycles enhance ROA and gross operating profit by perfecting cash overflows and reducing backing costs. Aggressive WCM programs (lower force and receivables ages) generally boost profitability, though exorbitantlytight programs threatliquidity dearth’s. Findings align with arising request substantiation and offer counteraccusations forIndian enterprises aiming to optimize WCM amid rising interest rates and force chain volatility. The study contributes to the literature by incorporating recent post-pandemic data and policy recommendations for Indian commercial finance. Keywords Working capital operation, Cash Conversion Cycle, Profitability, ROA, ROE, Indian enterprises, Panel retrogression, Liquidity- profitability trade- off . preface Working capital represents the short- term coffers used in day- to- day operations, encompassing current means (cash, force, receivables) minus current arrears(payables, short- term debt). Effective WCM ensures sufficient liquidity for smooth operations while minimizing idle coffers that erode profitability. In arising husbandry like India, where enterprises face capital constraints, high borrowing costs, and unpredictable demand, optimal WCM becomes vital for survival and growth.

Peer norms play a key role in shaping adolescents' sexuality. While research has focused primarily on adolescents' sexual experiences, little is known about how peer norms influence emotional responses to these sexual experiences. This study examined the longitudinal associations between three types of (perceived) sexual peer norms: descriptive norms (sexual peer behavior), injunctive norms (peer sexual approval), and peer pressure (to have sex), and adolescents' positive (happy, proud, loved) and negative (ashamed, guilty, dirty) emotional responses to sexual experiences, across gender and age. Data were drawn from Project STARS, a Dutch longitudinal study on adolescent sexuality, which followed 240 sexually experienced adolescents (12-18 years old, Mage = 14.73, SD = 1.24) over 18 months. Results showed that descriptive norms were associated with less negative emotions over time, while injunctive norms and peer pressure showed no such relationship. None of the three peer norms were significantly related to positive emotions. Although no significant differences emerged between adolescent boys and girls, the relation between sexual peer behavior and positive emotions differed by age: a negative relation was found for younger adolescents (13-15 years at T4), and a positive one for older adolescents (16-19 years at T4). These findings highlight the importance of acknowledging both positive and negative emotional responses to sexual experiences, as well as developmental differences in peer norm influence, to better support adolescents' emotionally healthy sexual development.

This study examined Latino children's daily experiences of sibling relational aggression as predictors of mood, physical health symptoms, and peer relations. Participants were 279 Latino older (Mage = 10.68; SD = 0.39; 47% female) and younger (Mage = 8.28; SD = 1.07; 48% female) siblings from predominantly immigrant families. Data were collected from siblings during seven daily calls and teachers rated peer relations. Daily average levels of and day-to-day variability in experiences of sibling relational aggression were associated with less positive and more negative mood and with more physical health symptoms for older and younger siblings. Sibling relational aggression also was associated with negative peer relations for siblings in mixed-sex dyads. Implications for prevention of sibling relational aggression are offered.

Verbal and nonverbal scaffolding in parent-child interactions: links to mathematics ability in middle childhood.

Challenging working conditions for fitness club trainers may reduce job satisfaction and trigger negative behaviors such as quiet quitting, withdrawal, and burnout, underscoring the critical importance of examining job satisfaction and organizational support to protect trainers’ well-being and ensure customer retention and organizational sustainability. The purpose of this study is to examine fitness trainers’ quiet quitting tendencies and to investigate the preventive role of job satisfaction in these tendencies. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a correlational survey design. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 315 fitness trainers selected using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed measurement instruments with established validity and reliability, including the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS) and the Quiet Quitting Scale (QQS). After testing the assumptions required for parametric analyses, descriptive statistics, Independent Samples T-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses were conducted. The results indicated that male trainers demonstrated significantly higher levels of quiet quitting compared to female trainers. In addition, trainers with higher income levels reported higher job satisfaction, whereas trainers with lower income levels exhibited higher levels of quiet quitting. Trainers who were satisfied with fitness club management demonstrated higher job satisfaction, while those who were dissatisfied reported higher quiet quitting levels. Furthermore, a moderate and negative relationship was found between job satisfaction and quiet quitting tendencies. These findings indicate that enhancing job satisfaction by improving working conditions, strengthening recognition and rewards, increasing managerial support, promoting work–life balance and addressing psychological needs effectively reduces quiet quitting behaviors.