Partial Least Squares Path Modeling Research Articles

Soil Bacterial Diversity and Community Structure of Cotton Rhizosphere under Mulched Drip-Irrigation in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Northwest China

Xinjiang is situated in an arid and semi-arid region, where abundant heat and sunlight create highly favorable conditions for cotton cultivation. Xinjiang’s cotton output accounts for nearly one-quarter of global production. Moreover, the implementation of advanced planting techniques, such as ‘dwarfing, high-density, early-maturing’ strategies combined with mulched drip irrigation, ensures stable and high yields in this region. Despite these advancements, limited research has focused on the microbial mechanisms in cotton fields employing these advanced planting methods. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to investigate the diversity and composition of bacterial and phoD (Alkaline phosphatases encoding gene) communities in the rhizosphere of cotton grown under different yield levels in Xinjiang Province, China. The Mantel test, redundancy analysis (RDA) and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) were employed to explore the interactions between soil bacterial and phoD communities, their network structures, and environmental factors. The bacterial and phoD communities in the cotton rhizosphere were predominantly composed of nine bacterial phyla (i.e., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Rokubacteria, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae) and five phoD phyla (i.e., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes), respectively. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that the medium yield cotton field (MYF) exhibited higher bacterial richness and diversity indices compared to low yield (LYF) and high yield (HYF) fields. The symbiotic network analysis of LYF revealed greater values of average degree, number of edges, and modularity, suggesting a more complex network structure in both bacterial and phoD communities. The Mantel test, RDA, and PLS-PM model identified soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic phosphorus (OP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and clay content as the main driving factors influencing changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community diversity and network structure. These findings provide a theoretical basis for future research aimed at improving soil quality and cotton yield.

CO8.1 - Application of the Partial Least Squares – Path Modelling (PLS-PM) using data from an observational study on sickle cell disease: a tutorial

CO8.1 - Application of the Partial Least Squares – Path Modelling (PLS-PM) using data from an observational study on sickle cell disease: a tutorial

Fertilization Improves the Yield of Sapindus saponaria by Affecting Leaf-Soil-Microbial C-N-P Content and Stoichiometry.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization ratios on the carbon (C), N, and P contents and their ecological stoichiometric characteristics in the leaf-soil-microbial system of Sapindus saponaria and elucidate their relationship with yield. A "3414" experimental design was employed in a 6-year-old Sapindus saponaria woodland located in Fujian Province of China. Fourteen N-P-K fertilization treatments with three replicates were established. Leaf, soil, and microbial samples were collected and analyzed for C, N, and P contents. Redundancy Analysis (RDA), Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM), and the entropy-weighted technique of ranking preferences by similarity to optimal solutions (TOPSIS) were utilized to assess the relationships among variables and determine optimal fertilization strategies. It was found through research that different fertilization treatment methods have a significant impact on both the soil nutrient content and the C, N, and P contents of soil microorganisms. Compared with the control group, soil organic C, total N, and total P, and microbial C, N, and P contents increased by 14.25% to 52.61%, 3.90% to 39.84%, 9.52% to 150%, 6.65% to 47.45%, 11.84% to 46.50%, and 14.91% to 201.98%, respectively. Results from Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated that soil organic C, total N, and total P exerted a significant influence on the leaf nutrients. PLS-PM demonstrated that fertilization indirectly affected leaf nutrient accumulation and yield by altering soil properties, with soil total phosphorus and leaf phosphorus being key determinants of yield. Additionally, soil microbial entropy impacted yield by regulating microbial biomass stoichiometric ratios. The entropy-weighted TOPSIS model identified the N2P2K2 treatment (600 kg/ha N, 500 kg/ha P, and 400 kg/ha K) as the most effective fertilization strategy. Optimizing N-P-K fertilization ratios significantly enhances leaf nutrient content and soil microbial biomass C, N, and P, thereby increasing Sapindus saponaria yield. This research clarifies the underlying mechanisms through which fertilization exerts an impact on the C-N-P stoichiometry within the leaf-soil-microbial system. Moreover, it furnishes a scientific foundation for the optimization of fertilization management strategies in Sapindus saponaria plantations.

Partial substitution of rice straw with biochar alters soil microbial biomass phosphorus and turnover by regulating carbon:phosphorus stoichiometry.

Partial substitution of rice straw with biochar alters soil microbial biomass phosphorus and turnover by regulating carbon:phosphorus stoichiometry.

Manure input propagated antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soils by regulating microbial carbon metabolism.

Manure input propagated antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soils by regulating microbial carbon metabolism.

Elucidating the Impact of Elevated Ozone Concentrations on Rhizospheric Carbon Pools in Relation to Methane Emission in Tropical Rice Fields

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted under Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to investigate the responses of CH4 fluxes with respect to soil C pools and microbial activity from rice soils exposed to different levels of elevated Ozone (e[O3]). The different treatments were: (i) UC = ambient [O3] under open field condition (30 ± 5 ppb), (ii) CC = ambient [O3] under OTC (30 ± 5 ppb), (iii) EO40 = elevated [O3] under OTC (40 ± 5 ppb) and (iv) EO60 = elevated [O3] under OTC (60 ± 5 ppb)]. Rice soil under EO60 conditions showed reductions of 26%, 19%, 20%, and 37% in water-soluble carbohydrate carbon, readily mineralizable carbon, potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon and microbial biomass carbon respectively over CC. Rhizospheric methanogen population was decreased by 12% under e[O3] as compared to CC. Further, CH4 emissions were decreased by 39%, under EO60 than CC on a seasonal basis. The current study employed path analysis using the Partial Least Squares-Path Modelling (PLS-PM) method to differentiate the factors influencing CH4 emissions under varying levels of e[O3]. The PLS-PM model indicated that methanogens directly impact CH4 emissions, with a more pronounced impact under e[O3] than ambient. These insights are valuable for understanding soil-plant-microbe dynamics under an O3-enriched environment for reducing CH4 emissions from rice under changing climatic conditions.

The consequences of supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning for vertical knowledge withholding: a moderated-mediation model

Purpose Based on the social exchange and affective events theories, this study aims to explore the effects of supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning on subordinates’ knowledge withholding from their supervisors (vertical knowledge withholding). The study also examines the mediating role of feelings of violation and the moderating role of benevolence. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected at two time points from Polish employees with extensive professional experience. The final sample of 444 responses was examined using partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM). Findings Supervisor bullying hiding has a positive direct impact on vertical knowledge withholding, while supervisor counter-questioning is not related to vertical knowledge withholding. Supervisor bullying hiding and counter-questioning are predictors of feelings of violation. Benevolence-caring weakens the positive relationship between feelings of violation and vertical knowledge withholding. Practical implications Managers should realize that bullying hiding may result in subordinates’ feelings of violation and retaliatory behavior in a form of reciprocated knowledge withholding. Such behavior is less likely among employees with a high benevolence-caring value, hence identifying personal values among potential and current employees might be useful for improving knowledge flow at workplace. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the relationships between two unethical and counterproductive behaviors (bullying hiding and counter-questioning), feelings of violation, benevolence and “down-top” knowledge withholding.

Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Curriculum Management in Colleges of Education in Ghana: The Nexus of Educational Leadership

This study explored the relationship between the emotional intelligence (EI) of leaders in Colleges of Education in Ghana and curriculum management. An explanatory sequential mixed method was used. The population of the study comprised principals and teaching staff. From this population, a sample of 350 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling for the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire, focused group discussion, and semi-structured interviews. The partial least-squares path modelling was used to elucidate the relationships. A path coefficient of 0.156 highlights that higher EI in leaders enhances the effectiveness of both curriculum implementation and management practices. The study concluded that educational leaders with high levels of EI can successfully manage the curriculum within Ghana's colleges of education. The study recommends the incorporation of mentorship and reflective practices of EI in leadership training programs for educational leaders.

Microbial network-driven remediation of saline-alkali soils by salt-tolerant plants.

Salt-tolerant plants (STPs) play an important role in saline-alkali soil remediation, but their interaction with soil microorganisms remain incompletely elucidated. This study explored the effects on microbial community structure, function, and soil quality in saline-alkali land of four treatments: no plant (CK), Triticum aestivum L. (TA), Tamarix chinensis Lour. (TC), and Hibiscus moscheutos Linn. (HM). The results indicated that the planting of TC, TA, and HM effectively reduced soil electrical conductivity (EC) by 82.9, 88.3, and 86.2%, respectively. TC and TA significantly decreased the pH from 8.79 to 8.35 and 8.06, respectively, (p < 0.05). Moreover, the nutrient content and enzymatic activities were enhanced. Notably, TA exhibited the most significant soil nutrient improvement. STPs also substantially altered the microbial community structure and function, with TC increasing bacterial richness (ACE and Chao1 indices) compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Moreover, TA significantly promoted the relative abundance of unclassified_Gemmatimonadaceae, unclassified_Vicinamibacterales, and Mortierella (p < 0.05). A major innovation of this study is using network analysis to explore microbial interactions, revealing how STPs enhance microbial network complexity. This approach identified Sphingomonas as a key taxon in TA soils, shedding light on the microbial dynamics of soil remediation. Additionally, partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) showed that soil quality improvements were primarily driven by shifts in bacterial composition, offering a novel mechanistic framework for understanding microbial contributions to soil restoration. This research advances the understanding of microbial-plant interactions and underscores the innovative application of network analysis in phytoremediation, offering valuable insights for future soil restoration strategies.

Determinants of Purchase Intention for Meat-Based Chilled Ready Meals in New Zealand: A Consumer Behaviour Perspective.

The chilled ready meal market in New Zealand has witnessed substantial growth, fuelled by the increasing demand for convenient food options. This study integrates the theory of consumption value (TCV) with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore how lifestyle, consumer knowledge, sensory properties, subjective norms, consumer choice behaviour, consumption habits, and perceived behavioural control influence the purchase intention of meat-based chilled ready meals. Partial least squares path modelling (PLSPM) was used to verify the conceptual model using data from an online survey of 464 meat-based ready meal consumers from New Zealand. The results revealed that consumer attitudes towards meat-based chilled ready meals were positively influenced by lifestyle, consumer knowledge, and sensory properties, but these attitudes negatively impacted purchase intention, emphasising the complexity of consumer decision-making. Subjective norms, particularly social influences, significantly shaped consumers' intentions. Furthermore, consumer choice behaviour, including conditional value, epistemic value, and emotional value, significantly influenced purchase intentions, with consumption habits emerging as the strongest predictor. Price had the highest influence on perceived behavioural control, while packaging information had little direct effect on perceived behavioural control. The findings of this study provide actionable insights for businesses to tailor marketing strategies and enhance consumer acceptance by improving product quality and sensory appeal of meat-based chilled ready meals in New Zealand.

Temporal dynamics of soil microbial symbioses in the root zone of wolfberry: deciphering the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on bacterial and fungal ecological networks.

Long-term monoculture of Lycium barbarum significantly affects its productivity and soil health. Soil microbiota, which mediate the sustainable development of soil ecosystems, are influenced by the age of wolfberry plants. However, the comprehensive effects of long-term cultivation of L. barbarum on the soil microbial community are not yet fully understood. Here, we assessed the effects of stand age on the diversity, composition, assembly, and symbiotic networks of bacterial and fungal communities in the root zone soil of L. barbarum using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that stand age significantly affected the α-diversity of bacterial and fungal communities, as evidenced by the tendency of their Shannon and Chao1 indices to increase and then decrease. At the same time, the structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities was significantly influenced by tree age. However, Proteobacteria (28.77%-32.81%) was always the most dominant bacterial phylum, and Ascomycetes (49.72%-55.82%) was always the most dominant fungal phylum. A number of genus-level biomarkers were also identified in soils associated with roots of trees of varying ages. Additionally, stochastic processes dominated the assembly of soil bacterial communities, whereas the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in the assembly of fungal communities fluctuated with stand age. The complexity and stability of bacterial and fungal community networks were notably affected by tree age, particularly in networks from 10- and 15-year-old trees. The partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis emphasized that stand age can indirectly regulate the diversity and network complexity of both bacterial and fungal communities by influencing soil physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the bacterial community, but not the fungal community, exhibited direct and strong regulation of network complexity. The study offers valuable data for improving the soil quality and fruit yield of L. barbarum under long-term continuous cropping, which has implications for the sustainable development of the L. barbarum industry.

Biochar Co-Applied with Lime Enhances Soil Phosphorus Availability via Microbial and Enzymatic Modulation of Paddy Soil.

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in improving soil phosphorus (P) availability. However, few studies have explored the changes in microbial community structure and their underlying mechanisms for improving soil P availability with the application of biochar and lime. Three kinds of biochar, made from rice straw (SB), Chinese fir wood sawdust (WB), and pig manure (MB), alone and with lime (SBL, WBL, and MBL), were applied to paddy soil to reveal the biochemical mechanisms for enhancing soil P availability. High-throughput sequencing and real-time PCR were used to investigate soil microbial communities and P functional genes. The three biochars increased the soil's available P in the order of MB > SB > WB. Biochar co-applied with lime increased the available P (Olsen-P by 169-209%) and inorganic P (Al-P by 53.4-161%, Fe-P by 96.3-198%, and Ca-P by 59.0-154%) more than biochar alone, compared to the control (CK). Both biochar alone and co-applied with lime increased the activities of alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP), phosphodiesterase (PD), and inorganic pyrophosphatase (IPP) by 369-806%, 28.4-67.3%, and 37.9-181%, respectively, while it decreased the activity of acidic phosphomonoesterase (ACP) by 15.1-44.0%, compared to CK. Biochar, both alone and co-applied with lime, reduced the copy number of phoC gene by 5.37-88.7%, while it increased the phoD, gcd, and pqqC genes by 51.3-533%, 62.1-275%, and 25.2-158%, respectively, compared to CK. A correlation analysis and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) indicated that Olsen-P, Bray-1 P, and inorganic P were significantly positively correlated with the activities of ALP, PD, IPP, and the phoD gene. Biochar co-applied with lime increased the relative abundances of the phoD-harboring bacteria Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteria, which promoted the transformation of P to the effective state. Meanwhile, the dominant species Anaerolinea, Ascomycota, Mucoromycota, and Chaetomium provided rich effective nutrients for the soil microorganisms by accelerating the decomposition of soil organic matter, thus promoting phosphatase activity. It could be inferred that the optimized microbial community structure improved phosphatase activity by increasing the phoD gene and available nutrients, thus promoting the soil P availability. Biochar co-applied with lime had a better effect on increasing the P availability and rice yields than biochar alone.

Impacts of successive Chinese fir plantations on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics: Conclusive insights from metagenomic analysis.

Impacts of successive Chinese fir plantations on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics: Conclusive insights from metagenomic analysis.

The MC-LR induced neuroinflammation and the disorders of neurotransmitter system in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Oxidative stress as a key.

The MC-LR induced neuroinflammation and the disorders of neurotransmitter system in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Oxidative stress as a key.

Effects of naturally aged microplastics on arsenic and cadmium accumulation in lettuce: Insights into rhizosphere microecology.

Effects of naturally aged microplastics on arsenic and cadmium accumulation in lettuce: Insights into rhizosphere microecology.

An Inside-out Model of Retail SME Brand Orientation for an Emerging Market

Abstract Brand orientation is a management philosophy that places the brand at the centre of management decision-making and is critical for developing strong, competitive brands. This study aimed to identify the internal elements/drivers necessary for brand orientation development in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a novel, multidimensional approach to brand orientation, this study contributes towards understanding SME brand orientation in emerging markets. Building on the literature on brand orientation, brand development and SME branding, the study sought to identify the dimensions and constituents of brand orientation of SMEs in emerging economies from the perspective of owners/managers. This quantitative study relied on data obtained from a questionnaire administered to 265 owners/managers of SMEs in Tshwane, South Africa. Building on insights gained through partial least squares path modelling (PLS-SEM), the findings revealed that brand development is a significant dimension of brand orientation while brand resources, brand characteristics, brand perception and perceived advantage are not. The most transformative insight from the study was that for SMEs, brand resources are not positively related to brand orientation, hence, an SME with resource constraints can also be brand oriented. Furthermore, the findings showed that some of the proposed brand orientation dimensions are positively related to one another, indicating the need for a multi-dimensional approach to the brand-building process. From a practical standpoint, the study suggests that given how resource constraints do not hinder brand orientation, SMEs should prioritise resource-independent brand orientation by leveraging intangible assets such as their expertise, networks and commitment to quality.

Soil permeability shaping ARGs patterns by affecting soil available nutrients in paddy fields.

Soil permeability shaping ARGs patterns by affecting soil available nutrients in paddy fields.

Removal of ofloxacin and inhibition of antibiotic resistance gene spread during the aerobic biofilm treatment of rural domestic sewage through the micro-nano aeration technology.

Removal of ofloxacin and inhibition of antibiotic resistance gene spread during the aerobic biofilm treatment of rural domestic sewage through the micro-nano aeration technology.

Impact of carrier capacitance on Geobacter enrichment and direct interspecies electron transfer under anaerobic conditions.

Impact of carrier capacitance on Geobacter enrichment and direct interspecies electron transfer under anaerobic conditions.

Differentiation of soil metabolic function and microbial communities between plantations and natural reforestation.

Reforestation plays a vital role in restoring the soil degradation areas. However, the mechanisms by which different restoration approaches affect the soil properties and microbial communities remain unclear. Aiming to understand the interactions between plant species, soil properties, and microbial communities in different restoration approaches, we investigated the soil microbial community using nontargeted metabolomics to explore how the reforestation approach affects soil physicochemical properties, soil metabolites, and soil microbial communities. The results showed that the reforestation approach, soil layer, and their interactive effects significantly affected soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, available phosphorus concentrations, and root traits. The diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities in natural reforestation (NR) were different from those in artificial mono-plantations, and their network interactions were more significant in NR than in artificial plantations. A clear separation of metabolites between the artificial plantations and NR was observed in the soil metabolite analysis. Two pathways, linoleic acid metabolism, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, were significantly regulated between the artificial mono-plantations and NR. Different soil traits were significantly correlated with dominant microbial taxa in the four reforestation approaches. 13-L-hydroperoxylinoleic acid, 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, homovanillin, and 9,10-epoxyoctadecenoic acid showed the highest correlation with the microbial taxa in the network. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) shows that root-mediated soil physicochemical properties were the primary factors affecting the bacterial community among the reforestation approaches. The soil fungal community is directly regulated by plant roots in the subsoil and indirectly regulated by the root-mediated physicochemical properties in the topsoil. We conclude that different reforestation approaches affect the soil microbial community through root and soil physicochemical properties rather than soil metabolites.