Path Analysis Model Research Articles

Metagenomic insight into the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes in activated sludge upon exposure to nanoplastics

Activated sludge is an important reservoir for the co-occurring emerging contaminants including nanoplastics (NPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the impacts and potential mechanisms of NPs on the fate of ARGs in activated sludge are not fully understood. Herein, we used metagenomic approach to investigate the responses of ARGs, host bacteria, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and functional genes to polystyrene (PS) NPs at environmentally relevant (0.5 mg/L) and high stress concentrations (50 mg/L) in activated sludge. The results showed that 0.5 and 50 mg/L PS NPs increased the relative abundance of ARGs in the activated sludge by 58.68% and 46.52%, respectively (p < 0.05). Host tracking analysis elucidated that the hosts of ARGs were significantly enriched by PS NPs (p < 0.05), with Proteobacteria being the predominant host bacteria. Additionally, the occurrence of new ARGs hosts and the enrichment of MGEs and functional genes (i.e., genes related to SOS response, cell membrane permeability, and secretion system, etc.) indicated that PS NPs promoted horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs. Finally, path modeling analysis revealed that the proliferation of ARGs caused by PS NPs was primarily attributed to the enhancement of HGT and the enrichment of host bacteria. Our findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the spread risk of ARGs in activated sludge under NPs pollution.

Insight into the mechanism of alkyl polyglucose biosurfactants enhancing antibiotics resistance genes removal during biotransformation of waste activated sludge into medium-chain fatty acids

Enhancing the biodegradability of waste activated sludge (WAS) based on environmentally friendly biosurfactants alkyl polyglucose (APG) to promote the recovery of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) is a promising strategy. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of APG on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) removal during MCFAs production by WAS anaerobic fermentation are still unclear. This study found that APG significantly enhanced the removal of ARGs during the anaerobic fermentation to produce MCFAs, and the maximum removal efficiency of total ARGs was 95.64 % in 0.3 g APG/g TSS group, which was 46.31 % higher than the control group. The increase in extracellular lactate dehydrogenase, 16S rDNA and ARGs indicated that APG strengthened the lysis of ARGs hosts, thus suppressing the vertical transfer of ARGs caused by host proliferation. Furthermore, APG facilitated the decline in the abundance of mobile gene elements and two-component system genes, which was beneficial to reduce the horizontal transfer of ARGs. Microbial community and network analysis revealed that APG enriched functional microorganism and reduced potential ARGs hosts. Finally, partial least-squares path model analysis further demonstrated that the effectiveness of APG in ARGs removal was related to the restriction of ARGs transfer and change of bacterial community.

The influential factors of anxiety among caregivers of children with CL/P: a path analysis based on diathesis-stress theoretical model.

This study aims to validate a hypothesized model of the relationships between optimism, resilience, coping, parenting stress, perceived social support, and anxiety, as well as their influencing factors and consequences among caregivers of children diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). A hypothesized model was proposed based on diathesis-stress theoretical model and existing literature. A convenience sample of two CL/P treatment centers in China was collected between April 2019 and July 2020. Various well-validated instruments were used to collect 248 valid data points. Descriptive statistics and correlations were computed to assess model fitness and path analysis was performed to investigate direct and indirect effects. The results revealed that the average level of anxiety among caregivers of children suffering from CL/P was 3.00 (0.00,6.00). The fitness of the modified path model was evaluated using various measures, including χ2/df = 1.806, GFI = 0.989, RFI = 0.916, IFI = 0.990, CFI = 0.989, TLI = 0.960, RMSEA = 0.0570. Parenting stress had the greatest direct associated with anxiety, followed by perceived social support. Moreover, indirect relations to anxiety were observed for optimism, resilience, and coping, which were mediated through perceived social support and parenting stress. In summary, this work suggests that both parenting stress and perceived social support in caregivers of children suffering from CL/P are associated with anxiety. Therefore, developing effective intervention approaches targeting key factors might potentially instrumental to alleviate anxiety.

Tracing the path to sustainable governance: CSR committees as mediators of board impact on ESG performance in the MENA region

Purpose This study aims to explore the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees in the relationship between board characteristics and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Design/methodology/approach Based on a panel of 178 firms spanning 2015–2022, the analysis uses Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation approach, supplemented by structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis for robustness. Findings The findings demonstrate that CSR committees play a significant mediating role in the impact of board size, expertise and gender diversity on ESG performance. Furthermore, the study confirms the direct, positive influence of both board characteristics and the presence of CSR committees on ESG performance, underscoring their strategic importance in fostering sustainability in this regional context. Practical implications The findings highlight the strategic importance of diversifying and enhancing board skills to improve ESG performance. Companies are encouraged to recalibrate their governance frameworks to leverage the mediating influence of CSR committees and promote sustainable business practices. Social implications By demonstrating the positive effect of CSR committees on ESG performance, this study aligns with global trends in responsible business conduct and highlights the importance of corporate governance in addressing environmental and social challenges. This alignment is critical for achieving sustainable development goals and reinforcing stakeholder trust in the region. Originality/value This research provides novel empirical insights into the mediating effect of CSR committees within the MENA region, offering a unique contribution to the discourse on corporate governance and sustainability. By highlighting region-specific governance dynamics that shape ESG outcomes, it deepens the understanding of effective governance practices.

Attitudes Toward Adoption by Transgender Adults

This study explored cisgender heterosexual adults’ perceptions of children placed in an adoptive family led by a couple with a transgender partner. Participants (n = 871) read one of five vignettes in which a couple (a cisgender different-gender couple, a cisgender same-gender male couple, a cisgender same-gender female couple, a couple with a female transgender partner, or a couple with a male transgender partner) intended to adopt two children. After reading the vignette, participants rated beliefs about children’s psychological development, willingness to support the adoption, and completed an attitude toward LGBTQ rights scale. Moderation analyses revealed that participants with low levels of support for LGBTQ rights perceived children adopted by couples with a transgender partner as being at greater risk of victimization and poor psychological adjustment compared to children adopted by either cisgender same-gender couples or cisgender different-gender couples and were less inclined to endorse adoption. A multigroup path analysis model revealed that support for LGBTQ rights impacted on agreement with adoption via the mediation of participants’ concerns for children’s psychological adjustment more strongly regarding transgender parents than cisgender same-gender couples. Our findings demonstrated that cis-heteronormativity concerns eclipsed claims to reproductive justice for transgender people seeking parenthood.

Biomechanical perspectives on college students’ psychological well-being and their impact on academic performance

Academic performance among college students is prejudiced by a complex interplay of psychological well-being, physical activity, and biomechanical health. While previous research has often focused on individual factors such as mental health or physical activity, there is a growing need for an integrative approach to understand how these elements interact and collectively impact academic performance. This study aims to explore these relationships among 126 students from four universities in China, using a comprehensive methodology that includes psychological assessments (GHQ-28, PSS, MHI), wearable activity trackers for physical activity and sleep monitoring, and biomechanical evaluations through motion capture and electromyography (EMG). The study adopts a multi-faceted analytical approach, including hierarchical regression, path analysis, and latent variable modelling. Hierarchical regression revealed that psychological factors alone explained 21.1% of the variance in GPA (R2 = 0.211), while adding biomechanical and physical activity factors increased the explanatory power to 35.0% (R2 = 0.350). Path analysis indicated that psychological well-being had a direct negative effect on academic performance (β = −0.41, p &lt; 0.001) and an indirect effect mediated through physical activity (indirect β = −0.089, p = 0.0021). Latent variable modelling demonstrated that psychological well-being, physical activity, and biomechanical health constructs collectively explained 52% of the variance in academic performance.

COVID-19 Parental Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Trust in Science and Conspiracy Beliefs

Background. Parent vaccine hesitancy is a sensitive topic despite the benefits associated with children’s vaccination. Especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, parents displayed concerns about children’s vaccination, questioning their effectiveness and security. Although several studies were conducted on the general population, few studies investigated this relationship on parents’ intentions. Methods. An online survey was advertised from May to December 2022 on social networks, collecting data from 109 participants (90% F; mean age: 41.34 years, SD: ±6.40). The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy through the Parents Attitude towards Childhood Vaccine—PAVC, trust in science through the Belief in Science Scale—BISS, and conspiracy beliefs through the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale—GCBS. Results. In our sample, 29 parents (26.6%) scored more than 50 points to PAVC and, for this reason, were considered hesitant. Moreover, more than half of parents (60.6%) declared that they did not intend to vaccinate their children in the future. The path analysis model showed that parents with low education tended to have higher conspiracy beliefs (β = −0.40). Holding conspiracy beliefs (β = 0.28) and having low trust in science (β = −0.23) was associated with higher parent hesitancy and, in turn, no future intention to vaccinate their children for COVID-19 (OR = 0.83, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion. The results of the current paper suggest that targeted campaigns should be aimed at parents with lower levels of education, mainly on social media, debunking the most common fake news or myths, independently from the type of vaccine, and highlighting the importance of scientific research for improving people’s living conditions.

Biochar application improves maize yield on the Loess Plateau of China by changing soil pore structure and enhancing root growth

Biochar application emerges as a valuable soil management strategy for enhancing crop yield; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between soil and plants remain unclear after biochar application. In this study, soil pore characteristics and maize yield were assessed in a five-year biochar-application experiment on the Loess Plateau of China, including four treatments: Control (no biochar), low-dose biochar application (LB, 3 t ha−1), moderate-dose biochar application (MB, 6 t ha−1), and high-dose biochar application (HB, 9 t ha−1). Root growth traits were evaluated by cultivating maize in intact soil cores collected from field conditions using X-ray computed tomography. Our findings indicate that, compared to the Control, the HB treatment enhanced macroporosity (> 0.1 mm in diameter), porosity of 0.1–0.5 mm pores, and saturated water content, while reducing macropore connectivity and penetration resistance. However, biochar application treatments did not alter the water retention characteristics from field capacity to permanent wilting point or the plant-available water content (PAWC). Furthermore, the mean angle of primary and seminal roots as well as the length and surface area of entire roots increased in the HB treatment, showing a positive correlation with the porosity of 0.1–0.5 mm pores. The mean diameter of primary and seminal roots, leaf fresh and dry weights, and maize yield also increased in the HB treatment compared to the Control. Partial least squares path modeling analysis indicated that biochar application rates positively impacted on root growth and plant productivity through an indirect influence of soil pore size distribution, with 0.1–0.5 mm pores being particularly crucial for facilitating deeper root penetration and root elongation. These findings demonstrate that biochar application primarily augmented 0.1–0.5 mm pores, rather than affecting smaller pores capable of retaining plant-available water or larger macropores, enhancing deeper rooting and root elongation, thus improving plant productivity and crop yield.

Enhancement of stress resistance of electroactive biofilms against hypersaline shock via exogenous electron mediator addition

Unexpected hypersaline shock from saline wastewater poses a common challenge in the biological treatment processes of WWPTs. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) possess an inherent advantage for treating hypersaline wastewater. The elevated salinity enhances the wastewater’s conductivity, which in turn significantly accelerates the electron and proton transfer within the system. However, excessive increases in salinity can impede electron transport capacity, potentially resulting in cell plasmolysis and system failure in severe instances. Here, we investigated the impact of electron mediator (EM) addition on the resilience of electroactive biofilms (EB) to hypersaline environments in BESs. The EB developed under anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonic disodium salt (AQDS) addition obtained preferable electrochemical properties (e.g., current output, redox peak current, conductivity, electron transfer capacity) under hypersaline shock and showed superior recovery post-hypersaline stress. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis indicated that the enhanced secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the elevated ratio of proteins to polysaccharides are likely pivotal in the formation of EB with high electrochemical activity. Meanwhile, AQDS addition constructed more complex microbial network and enriched halotolerant bacteria (e.g., Solibacillus). Higher mean function abundance of replication & repair, stress tolerance, and biofilm formation were achieved by EM addition. The results of this study present a promising approach to augment the pressure tolerance of EBs, thereby broadening the practical applications of BESs.

The Financial Risks in Toll Road Development in Indonesia: Challenges and Development Strategies for the Probowangi Toll Road

Probolinggo-Banyuwangi toll road, which crosses mountainous areas in East Java. Toll road construction in areas with varying topography often faces significant technical and environmental challenges, which can affect costs, completion time, and project sustainability. This study uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive method to evaluate risk factors that impact project finances, such as construction costs, dependence on funding sources, interest rate fluctuations, and traffic volume predictions. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from financial planning documents and related project topography. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression with a path analysis model. The results of this study are expected to identify key variables that influence financial risk and provide recommendations for effective mitigation strategies. This research is expected to contribute to the development of policies and financial risk management practices for similar infrastructure projects in the future.

Impact of Perceived Internationalization of Higher Education on Student Outcomes

Given the multitude of international education options available to students, academic institutions need to understand better how international students perceive their internationalization efforts and how these perceptions influence student outcomes. Employing quantitative and qualitative methods, this study investigated how student satisfaction and performance are impacted by perceived internationalization. Primary data were collected from 124 international students enrolled in a state university in Thailand using a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were assessed for validity and reliability through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Bottom of Form The predicted relationships were examined using path analysis and mediation analysis. Results indicated neutrality in students' perceptions of their international educational environment and experience. Perceived internationalization was directly related to satisfaction. However, the path modeling analysis showed a negative mediating effect of satisfaction on the relationship between perceived internationalization and performance. This finding suggests that international students may still perform well academically even in non-satisfying educational contexts. The implications for higher education institutions present opportunities to align policies, strategies, and actions toward developing a truly international learning environment that will be beneficial for students.

Synergy Between Woody Peat and Bentonite Alters Stability of Soil Organic Carbon in Coarse Soil by Enhancing Capacity for Soil Aggregation and Hydro‐Physical Properties

ABSTRACTCoarse soil has a poor structure and is susceptible to wind and water erosion, thereby making it difficult to maintain the soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Woody peat (WP) is an organic material that can increase the SOC content of the soil, while clay materials can rapidly enhance the capacity for soil aggregate formation. In order to explore the synergistic effects of WP and clay materials (bentonite and red clay) on the aggregate structure and hydro‐physical properties of coarse soil, as well as the mechanism associated with SOC mineralization (ΔSOC), we conducted an incubation study using lou soil (L0) and loessial soil (H0) with three treatments: addition of WP alone (LW, HW), mixture of WP and bentonite (LWB, HWB), and mixture of WP and red clay (LWR, HWR). The three treatments enhanced the proportion of macroaggregate (&gt; 2 mm) and aggregate stability of the two soils, and optimized the water retention and ventilation performance. The highest aggregate stability of LWB and HWB can be attributed to the positive synergistic effect of WP and bentonite, and bentonite was more effective than red clay due to its crystal structure. The results also showed that the ΔSOC values were significantly lower under LWB and HWB than those under WP addition alone and adding the mixture of WP and red clay (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, partial least squares path modeling analysis showed that the hydro‐physical properties of the two improved soils inhibited SOC mineralization (p &gt; 0.05), whereas particulate organic carbon (POC) content significantly accelerated SOC mineralization (p &lt; 0.01). The synergistic effect of clay materials increased mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC), which was beneficial to maintain the long‐term effectiveness of WP. Overall, our results demonstrated that the synergistic use of WP and bentonite enhanced the aggregate stability and hydro‐physical properties of coarse soil and improved SOC storage capacity. These results provide scientific and theoretical guidance to facilitate the rapid improvement of coarse soil through engineering measures in arid and semi‐arid areas with water and fertilizer limitations.

Impacts of the coexistence of polystyrene microplastics and pesticide imidacloprid on soil nitrogen transformations and microbial communities

The pollution of agricultural soils by microplastics (MPs) and pesticides has attracted significant attention. However, the combined impact of MPs and pesticides on soil nitrogen transformation and microbial communities remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a 28-day soil incubation experiment, introducing polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) at concentrations of 0.1% and 10% (w/w) and pesticide imidacloprid at concentrations of 0.1 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg. Our aim was to investigate the individual and combined effects of these pollutants on nitrogen transformations and microbial communities in agricultural soils. Imidacloprid accelerated the decline in soil pH, while PS-MPs slowed the process. Imidacloprid hindered soil nitrification and denitrification processes, however, the presence of PS-MPs mitigated the inhibitory effects of imidacloprid. Based on microbial community and functional annotation analyses, this is mainly attributed to the different effects of PS-MPs and imidacloprid on soil microbial communities and the expression of key nitrogen transformation-related genes. Variance partitioning analysis and partial least squares path modeling analyses revealed that PS-MPs and imidacloprid indirectly influenced the microbial community structure, primarily through changes in soil pH. This study elucidates the mechanism through which the combined stress of MPs and pesticides in agricultural soils influence soil nitrogen transformation and microbial communities. The findings offer valuable insights for the systematic evaluation of the ecological risks posed by the coexistence of these pollutants.

Improvement of Saline–Alkali Soil and Straw Degradation Efficiency in Cold and Arid Areas Using Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.

Corn straw is an important renewable resource, which could improve the quality of saline–alkali cultivated land. However, the slow decomposition of crop residues in cold, arid, and saline–alkali soils can lead to serious resource waste and ecological crises. The use of beneficial microorganisms with degradation functions could solve these problems. In this study, three types of saline–alkali soil with low, medium, and high salinity levels were used in the straw-returning experiment. The experiment was conducted with four treatments: GF2 (Klebsiella sp.), GF7 (Pseudomonas sp.), GF2+GF7, and CK (control without bacteria). Microbial characteristics, straw degradation efficiency, element release rate, and soil factors were compared, and random forest linear regression and partial least squares path modeling analysis methods were utilized. The results indicated that the degradation of bacterial metabolites, the efficiency of corn stover degradation, the efficiency of component degradation, and the release rates of elements (C, N, P, and K) initially increased and then decreased with the increase in salinity. At the maximum value of moderately saline–alkali soil, the effect of GF2+GF7 treatment was significantly better than that of other treatments (p &lt; 0.05). Given the interactive effects of saline–alkali soil and microbial factors, the application of exogenous degrading bacteria could significantly increase soil enzyme activity and soil available nutrients, as well as regulate the salt–alkali ion balance in soil. The cation exchange capacity (9.13%, p &lt; 0.01) was the primary driving force for the degradation rate of straw in saline–alkali soil with different degrees of salinization under the influence of exogenous degrading bacteria. Straw decomposition directly affected the soil chemical properties and indirectly affected soil enzyme activity. The results of this study would provide new strategies and insights into the utilization of microbial resources to promote straw degradation.

“That’s How We Do Things Here”: An Investigation into Athlete Perceptions of Coach and Peer Leadership Behaviors, and Team Culture

Team culture can be considered essential for the success of any sport team, and it is known that leaders of all kinds play a unique role in making team success a reality. Utilizing survey tools developed by industrial/organizational psychology, this study investigated how athlete perceptions of head coach and peer leadership behaviors are predictive of athlete perceptions of team culture. A sample of 155 current collegiate athletes representing 17 NCAA teams across three divisions participated in an online survey. A path model analysis found that perceptions of leadership behaviors of both head coaches and peer leaders were significantly predictive of athlete perceptions of team culture. Further, perceptions of head coach leadership behavior were predictive of perceptions of group communication, while perceptions of peer leadership were more significantly related to the social aspects of team culture. The results of this study provide insight into the unique ways in which athletes’ perception of leadership can influence team culture and can aid in the understanding of how team culture works within a sport context.

Assessing Unmet Social and Medical Needs among Latinx in Arizona throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time-Varying Patterns by Social Determinants of Health.

The pandemic exacerbated unmet social and medical needs, disproportionately impacting Latinx communities. This article examines how unmet needs varied from February 2021 to April 2023 among 428 Latinx individuals. Multiple-to-multiple path analysis models of cross-sectional surveys showed significant increases in unmet social (β = 0.17, p = .001) and medical (β = 0.12, p = .001) needs over time, with variations by age, language, and health insurance. Initially, older adults reported more unmet medical needs, but later, younger adults reported higher needs (β=-0.16, p = .001). Among Spanish speakers, both social (β = 0.24, p = .001) and medical (β = 0.20, p = .003) needs increased significantly. Uninsured individuals had significant increases in unmet social (β = 0.20, p = .001) and medical (β = 0.16, p = .013) needs, while those with public insurance experienced decreased social needs (β=-0.12, p = .017) compared to privately insured. These findings highlight growing disparities within the Latinx community, underscoring the need to prioritize vulnerable populations in public health responses and monitor program impacts for equitable access to essential services.

Objectives pursued by European football clubs: compete for income through victories and media exposure

PurposeThe paper aims to revisit the debate on the priorities of football clubs in talent hiring with respect to maximizing sporting performance or economic profitability. Based on the degree of media exposure of the clubs, we examine whether the clubs’ objectives include, in addition to the classic twofold choice, the aspiration of club managers to gain popularity through media exposure.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies structural equation modelling (path analysis) techniques to re-examine what is the more realistic description of football club owners’ decisions when hiring talent. Our database comprises teams from the first division of four top European football leagues: 80 observations per season during the pre-COVID period spanning from 2009/10 to 2017/18.FindingsThe results suggest that, when recruiting players, in addition to considering the two classic objectives (wins and profits), club owners also seem to aim expanding the media exposure and popularity of their clubs. Our study reveals that, to explain talent-hiring decisions in football, the ability to attract media attention is as crucial as sporting performance could be. Furthermore, by examining the direct, indirect and total effects on annual revenue, we found that our media visibility index performs a mediation effect connecting sports performance and revenue.Originality/valueAn innovative feature of our analysis is the use of the MERIT media visibility index, which jointly captures the on-field and off-field players’ skills. The consistency and robustness of the results derive from the various specifications of the estimated models.

Structural equation modeling analysis of factors influencing decisional conflict between dialysis modality among end-stage kidney disease patients in Wuhan

ObjectivesTo explore the influencing factors and relationships associated with decisional conflict of dialysis modality in End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients.MethodsThis study was a survey-based cross-sectional investigation conducted on 150 ESKD patients in a third-class hospital in Wuhan. The general information questionnaire, decisional conflict scale, Montreal cognitive assessment, frail scale, perceived social support scale, and brief health literacy screen were used for investigation. SPSS 25.0 was used to compare the differences between the decisional and non-decisional conflict groups, and AMOS 23.0 was used to construct a structural equation model to explore the influencing factors.ResultsThe incidence of decisional conflict in 150 ESKD patients was 33.3% (50/150). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for decisional conflict of dialysis modality in ESKD patients included monthly household income (OR = 0.184), cognitive function (OR = 7.0), social support (OR = 0.891), health literacy (OR = 0.608), the level of eGFR (OR = 1.488), and the level of cTnI (OR = 9.558). The constructed path analysis model had a good fit (x2/df = 1.499, GFI = 0.957, AGFI = 0.911, NFI = 0.906, CFI = 0.967, RMSEA = 0.055). The path analysis showed that health literacy (0.577) had the greatest impact on the decisional conflict, with a direct effect of 0.480 and an indirect effect of 0.097 through cognitive function and monthly household income. Next was social support, with an effect value of 0.434.ConclusionsIn clinical practice, it is important to enhance the health literacy of patients and their families and to provide advanced education on dialysis plans. Additionally, in managing and planning chronic kidney disease progression and dialysis, it is recommended to regularly and systematically assess cognitive function, particularly before the patient’s cognitive impairment worsens or the severity of the disease progresses. Advanced care planning can be established through collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients to ensure appropriate decision-making and management.Implications for the profession and patient careThis paper finds that the factors that influence and relate to dialysis methods in end-stage renal disease patients help nurses exercise autonomy better, assist patients in reducing their decisional conflict, and improve clinical outcomes.Patient or public contributionPatients received a relevant questionnaire survey, and caregivers assisted in conducting the study.

Relationship between root system-soil C:N:P and soil microbial diversity at different evolutionary stages of Caragana tibetica scrub in arid desert grassland, Northern China.

Scrub root systems play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and nutrient loss. However, the effects of the root system configuration on soil nutrient dynamics and microbial changes at various evolutionary stages remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between soil physical and chemical properties and the diversity of bacteria and fungi throughout the evolutionary stages of the scrub root systems. This was achieved through a combination of whole-root excavation and root tracing techniques. The results indicated that root diameter was the main factor contributing to the continuous increase in carbon (C): phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N): P ratios as the scrub sand pile developed. The soil organic carbon (SOC), total soil nitrogen (TN), and total soil phosphorus (TP) contents in the soil in the four evolutionary stages were the highest during the developmental stage, but the change in TP content was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Partial least squares path modeling and redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that root system stoichiometric C and N contents were positively correlated with microbial diversity (R2 = 0.85). There was no correlation between the evolutionary stage and soil nutrient TN, whereas soil nutrient TN was negatively correlated with microbial diversity (R2 = -0.92). These findings elucidate the relationship between the evolutionary stage of root chemical measurement characteristics, soil elements and microorganisms, and their subsequent effects on root elemental composition and microbial diversity. This study enhances the current understanding of plant-soil interactions in desert steppe ecosystems.

Analysis of the Use of E-Money, Money Supply, and Gross Domestic Product on Interest Rate

This research aims to examine the effect of a direct relationship between the use of e-money and the circulation of money on interest rates, as well as an indirect effect, namely through the intervening variable gross domestic product. This research method uses a statistical model of path analysis. The sample used was secondary data fetched from the Website of Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), since regulation on electronic payment method was officially issued by Bank Indonesia in May 2009-March 2023. The test results shows that e-money and money supply each, have a significant positive effect on gross domestic product variables. Gross domestic product variables had a negative effect on interest rates. E-money and money supply variables has a negative effect on interest rates, both directly or indirectly through the intervening variable of gross domestic product. Increasing e-money user and money supply, preponderant to gross domestic product, can decrease the interest rate. The results of this research are expected to provide benefits as a prediction of the Indonesian economy in the future, as a result of the issuance of electronic payment instruments. So for the regulators, they can set the right interest rate policy to be able to maintain stable economic conditions. Keywords: electronic money, money supply, gross domestic bruto, interest rate