Robust Link Research Articles

Utilization of virtual reality as a learning tool to increase students’ pro-environmental behavior at universities: A maximum likelihood estimation approach

This research explores the effect of virtual reality technology on enhancing university students’ environmental knowledge (ENK), environmental attitudes (ENAs), and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). The primary objective is to evaluate how immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences influence students’ understanding of pressing environmental issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution. A sample of 336 students from Universitas Negeri Makassar who participated in a VR-based environmental education class were surveyed through structured questionnaires distributed via Google Forms. Stratified random sampling was employed to ensure a diverse illustration of the student population. The study applies covariance-based structural equation modeling using the AMOS program to evaluate the correlations among the variables of ENK, attitudes, and behaviors. The results indicate that VR significantly enhances students’ ENK by providing an interactive and immersive learning platform that simplifies complex ecological concepts. VR was shown to positively influence students’ ENAs by simulating real-world environmental degradation consequences, fostering emotional connection and concern. A robust link was also identified between improved ENAs and increased PEBs, such as waste reduction and energy saving. These findings demonstrate that VR can be an actual tool for driving behavioral change in the context of environmental education, offering a promising approach to addressing global sustainability challenges. The analysis adds to the expanding body of literature on technology-enhanced learning, highlighting the potential of VR to promote sustainability through education and fostering a more profound commitment to environmental stewardship among students.

Associations among PTSD Symptoms, Fear of Emotion, and Couple Communication Difficulties: A Between-Person Dyadic Analysis

This study investigated between-person associations among PTSD symptoms, fear of emotion, and perceived couple communication difficulties in a dyadic context among 64 trauma-exposed, mixed gender community couples (N = 128 individuals) using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model. Individuals with higher PTSD symptoms endorsed greater fear of their emotions (βMen = .72; βWomen = .49), and those with greater fear of their emotions reported lower levels of constructive couple communication (βMen = -.19; βWomen = -.21) and higher levels of self-demand/partner-withdraw communication (βMen = .20; βWomen = .25) and partner-demand/self-withdraw communication (βMen = .26; βWomen = .33) with their partners. Additionally, women whose partners had higher PTSD symptoms endorsed greater fear of their emotions (β = .30). The most robust indirect PTSD-communication links were between (a) individuals’ PTSD symptoms and their perceptions of partner-demand/self-withdraw communication when accounting for associations with fear of their emotions and (b) men’s PTSD symptoms and women’s perceived partner-demand/self-withdraw communication accounting for associations with women’s fear of their emotions. Men with higher PTSD symptoms also reported greater self-demand/partner-withdraw communication (β = 0.28), independent of their fear of emotion. Couple-based treatments for PTSD that promote emotional tolerance and are sensitive to gender differences in how PTSD symptoms relate to each partner’s perception of the man-demand/woman-withdraw communication pattern may improve trauma survivors’ relationship functioning and increase the potential for relationships to serve as a conduit for recovery from PTSD.

Does the Productivity of SMEs Affect Poverty Within the EU27? An Empirical Investigation

ABSTRACTWe examine the relationship between small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) productivity and the living standards of low‐income groups in the EU27. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that tries to shed light on the link between SMEs’ productivity and poverty in a group of developed economies. Our results from panel estimators suggest a robust positive link between the income—in purchasing power standards (PPS) terms—of the poor population and the productivity (gap) of very small firms, small firms, and SMEs. Such effect also appears to hold true, especially for SMEs, during Covid19. Finally, we explore the same link for the high‐tech, knowledge‐intensive SMEs and confirm a strong positive relationship before Covid19.

Social psychology research in the commercial art market: challenges and opportunities

This study investigates the social psychological dynamics of the commercialized art market, employing a multifaceted approach to uncover the complex interplay of factors influencing artistic valuation and market behavior. Utilizing data from 500 top-selling artists and 1000 major collectors over a decade, we conduct quantitative analyses, including time series analysis, principal component analysis, and network structure examination. Our findings reveal the primacy of artist reputation and market demand in price formation, accounting for 45% of the variance in artwork prices. We identify cyclical market patterns aligned with major auction events and economic trends. Network analysis exposes the critical role of intermediaries and community structures in market interactions. Addressing endogeneity concerns through instrumental variable regression, we establish a robust causal link between artist reputation and market outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for artists, galleries, collectors, and investors, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the contemporary art market's complexities. Our study contributes to the growing body of literature on art market dynamics, highlighting the intersection of social psychology, economics, and cultural trends in shaping artistic value.

Cerebrospinal fluid metabolites as potential biomarkers for epilepsy: Insights from genome-wide association studies.

While metabolic imbalances have been observed in individuals with epilepsy, the direct involvement of specific metabolites in the development of the condition remains underexplored. A comprehensive analysis of the causality between cerebrospinal fluid metabolites (CSF) and epilepsy is pivotal in discovering innovative therapeutic interventions and prophylactic approaches. Summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of CSF metabolites and epilepsy subtypes were obtained separately. A total of 338 CSF metabolites were investigated as exposures, and 11 epilepsy phenotypes were examined as the outcomes. A two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was utilized to explore the causal influence of these metabolites on epilepsy. Causality was primarily estimated through inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, complemented by a range of sensitivity analyses to ensure result stability. Additionally, reverse MR analysis was performed to explore the possibility of bidirectional causality. The IVW method, reinforced by sensitivity analyses, pinpointed 17 CSF metabolites with causal implications for six epilepsy phenotypes. After False Discovery Rate (FDR) multiple testing correction, two metabolites (Methylmalonate and Gamma-glutamyl-alpha-lysine) were found to have robust causal links to epilepsy (p < 0.05 and FDR<0.05). The other 15 metabolites exhibited suggestive evidence of a causal association (p < 0.05 and FDR>0.05). This study highlights CSF metabolites that could serve as valuable biomarkers and may be critical in developing targeted treatments and preventing epilepsy. This study explores how certain chemicals in the brain fluid might influence the development of epilepsy, aiming to find new ways to treat or prevent it. Researchers looked at the relationship between 338 cerebrospinal fluid metabolites and 11 types of epilepsy using genetic data. They found that 17 of these chemicals could potentially cause six types of epilepsy. Two of these chemicals were strongly linked to epilepsy, suggesting they could be important for creating specific treatments or prevention strategies.

Waiting for the Perfect Time: Perfectionistic Concerns Predict the Interpretation of Ambiguous Utterances About Time

Abstract Across numerous languages, individuals frequently employ two spatial perspectives – namely, the Moving Time and Moving Ego metaphors – to represent the movement of events in time. Specifically, the Moving Time perspective conceptualizes time as a dynamic entity that moves toward a stationary observer situated in a fixed location. In contrast, the Moving Ego metaphor positions the individual (the “ego”) as the one traversing through time, while time itself remains static. Previous research has established a positive association between procrastination and the adoption of the Moving Ego perspective. Drawing on findings that highlight the robust link between procrastination and perfectionistic concerns, we hypothesized that perfectionistic tendencies would correlate with a greater propensity to invoke an ego-moving representation of time. The present research tests this hypothesis and provides substantial support for this relationship. We demonstrate that a well-established measure of perfectionistic concerns is linked to an increased use of the Moving Ego perspective when interpreting ambiguous temporal utterances. Furthermore, this relationship is mediated by procrastination. This study presents the first empirical evidence that individual differences in perfectionistic concerns may influence how people perceive and interpret temporal relationships.

Abstract 4118671: Extreme ambient temperatures increase the risk of congenital heart disease mortality: insights from the national mortality surveillance system of China

Background: Climate change is intricately linked to human health, and the cardiovascular system is particularly susceptible to suboptimal temperatures, causing premature mortality. Extensive research has confirmed a robust link between non-optimal temperatures and most cardiovascular diseases; however, limited focus has been given to investigating the association between non-optimal temperatures and mortality related to congenital heart disease (CHD), one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases among children. Research question: Do extreme temperatures increase the risk of CHD mortality? Aims: We aimed to investigate the association between CHD mortality and ambient temperatures. Methods: Based on the national mortality surveillance system of China, we applied a two stage, individual level, time-stratified case-crossover design to investigate the association between CHD mortality and ambient temperatures from 2013 to 2021, with different thresholds of events. After estimation within each province of China, we pooled all the estimations using meta-analytic method. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were used to explore the stability and vulnerable population. Results: From 2013 to 2021, a total of 32168 CHD deaths were recorded. Neonates and adults constituted the primary age groups among all CHD-related deaths, with a majority of patients being male (55.2%). Cold temperatures exhibited a significant association with the risk of CHD mortality, while no significant association was observed with heat temperatures (Figure 1). Cold extremes made a significant contribution to CHD mortality in most defined events, with the highest contribution observed in P5_5d (indicating temperatures below the 5th percentile lasting for 5 days; odd ratio [OR]: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.29) (Figure 2). In comparison to male patients, female patients appeared to be more vulnerable to cold extremes, with ORs ranging from 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.16) for P10_1d to 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.43) for P5_5d. Conclusion: Extreme cold temperatures significantly increase the risk of CHD mortality. This is the first study performed to explore the relationship between ambient temperatures and CHD mortality, and it may suggest policy-adjustment in healthcare of CHD population.

The protective effect of higher serum triacylglycerol (51:4) levels against Parkinson's disease.

Emerging evidence has shown a strong correlation between serum triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, the inflammatory response, and Parkinson's disease (PD) onset. However, the causal relationship between TAG levels and PD has not been well-established. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum TAG levels and risk of PD and explore the potential mediating role of circulating immune cells and inflammatory proteins. We utilised genotype data from the GeneRISK cohort, and summary data from genome wide association studies investigating PD, circulating immune cells, inflammatory proteins, and plasma lipidomes. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis, we further adjusted for phosphatidylcholine (17:0_18:1) and triacylglycerol (58:7). Our results suggested a robust causal link between higher serum TAG (51:4) levels and a decreased risk of PD, with one standard deviation genetically instrumented higher serum TAG (51:4) level leading to a 21 percent [95% CI, 0.66 - 0.96] reduction in the risk of PD (p = 0.015). Additionally, the results of the mediation analysis suggested a possible role for mediation through circulating immune cells (including IgD-CD38-B cells and resting CD4 regulatory T cells), but not circulating inflammatory proteins, in the causal relationship between the plasma lipidomes and PD. Our study confirms a causal relationship between higher serum TAG (51:4) levels and a lower risk of PD and clarifies a possible role for mediation through circulating immune cells, but not inflammatory proteins. These findings indicate that serum triacylglycerol (51:4) regulates immunity to effectively lower the risk of PD.

Exploring the dynamics of alcohol use, poverty and the role of social context in Athens, Greece

Abstract Background A body of research conducted across diverse national context, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark and Norway, shows a robust link between poverty and increased alcohol related harm, even after accounting for different drinking patterns. This paper examines the unexplored relationship between poverty and alcohol use in Athens, Greece, focusing on alcohol’s impact related to the familial and social life of individuals and whether this system is affected by poverty. Methods This is a 2021 cross-sectional study, with 300 adult participants of mean age 45.8. We administered four questionnaires. The participants were equally distributed above and below the poverty threshold, sampled randomly. The latter were beneficiaries of social services. The data analysis established two scoring variables: the level of dysfunction from alcohol use and the level of strength of family ties. We computed their correlation and multiple linear regressions to assess their relationships. Results Individuals not residing in poverty exhibit a higher frequency of alcohol use (81.9%) than their counterparts (57.1%), however, those living in poverty tend to consume greater quantities of alcohol per occasion (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and reported elevated levels of dysfunction within familial and social interactions. Conclusions This study indicates that different consumption patterns are tied to diverse socioeconomic strata, with binge drinking behaviours specifically linked to financial hardship. Also, alcohol related dysfunction and family and social dynamics are affected by poverty. Our findings show that as dysfunction attributed to alcohol use increases, participants socialize less and report lower levels of well-being. In contrast those with balanced family ties and social encounters exhibit the opposite trend. This study warrants further exploration in cities in Southern Europe. Key messages • To mitigate alcohol use, policies empowering social and familial connections are of high importance. • Uncovering poverty as a factor for binge drinking can inform prevention strategies.

Extremum Seeking-Based Radio Signal Strength Optimization Algorithm for Hoverable UAV Path Planning

For the safe autonomous operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground control stations (GCS), including autonomous battery replacement, wireless power transfer, and more, the precise landing of UAVs on GCS is essential. Accurate landing is only possible when the link capacity strength exceeds a certain threshold, but this is often disturbed due to complex terrain. To address this, we developed an extremum seeking (ES)-based radio signal strength optimization (RSSO) algorithm, ES-RSSO, designed to find the optimal positions of the UAV using radio communication signals. This ensures energy-efficient path planning while guaranteeing the minimum received signal strength indication (RSSI) capacity. This algorithm is particularly useful in obstacle-rich environments, where UAVs are limited in power resources. Simulation results demonstrate a 2.37% decrease in the mean, a 62.08% improvement in variance, and a 3.72% decrease in the integration strength of the link capacity when ES-RSSO is applied. These results confirm that the RADIO.rssi maintenance ability remains above a critical boundary level, supporting robust communication links and energy-efficient path planning. Throughout the study, we showed how, in many cases, simply moving the UAV a few meters can significantly improve the communication link.

Financial Development and Foreign Direct Investment Impact on Economic Growth: Evidence from Nepal

The interplay among financial development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and economic growth has been a subject of keen interest among scholars, both from a theoretical standpoint and through empirical research. Focusing on Nepal, this study examines the distinctive connections among economic expansion, the influx of foreign capital, and the evolution of the financial sector. Given the lack of a definitive metric for financial development, this research adopts the financial development index, along with the financial institution index and financial market index, as alternative indicators. It also considers additional variables that could influence economic growth beyond financial development and FDI. Utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing method and the Error Correction Model (ECM), the analysis uncovers a robust positive link between financial development and FDI in enhancing Nepal's economic output. Furthermore, both the short-term and long-term analyses prove to be reliable, devoid of issues like heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity. Importantly, the findings indicate that in the face of short-term disruptions, the dynamics between these variables adjust back to a long-term equilibrium state.

Determinants of the factors affecting the governance structure choice of the pineapple value chain: A case study on market-based agroforestry in Bangladesh

This study examines the governance structures selected by pineapple farmers in the agroforestry system of Bangladesh and the determinants that impact their choices for these structures. To evaluate the factors influencing farmers' decisions to participate in spot markets, bilateral agreements, or association transactions, the study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including surveys of 200 farmers, 15 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 2 key informant interviews (KIIs). In order to choose individual participants, the study employed a stratified random sampling technique. Utilising a multivariate probit (MVP) model, the study reveals crucial factors like age, education, farming experience, farm size, market certainty, weather influence, market connection, and pre-delivery conditions. Analysis indicates that spot market is the most favored governance structure (GS) among the three options in the agroforestry system, followed by bilateral transactions and association agreements. Evidence suggests that younger and less educated farmers tend to favor associations, whereas more experienced farmers tend to favor bilateral partnerships. Farms of bigger size typically refrain from joining groups, and unfavorable weather circumstances decrease the probability of engaging in spot markets. The study also demonstrates that robust market links exert an impact on the selection of governance frameworks. Considering the results, the study suggests enhancing training programs to facilitate farmers' understanding and involvement in associations, motivating farmer associations to appeal to larger farms and small farmers, and enhancing market information systems to establish robust market connections.

Fatty Liver Disease and its Impaction on Insulin Resistance

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves excess liver fat accumulation without specific causes like alcohol or viral infections, categorized into simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). While simple steatosis is generally stable, NASH is linked to progressive liver disease. Diagnosis excludes secondary causes, and NAFLD, marked by hepatocyte changes, inflammation, and fibrosis, may lead to severe complications. Strongly associated with insulin resistance in liver and adipose tissues, NAFLD disrupts glucose-insulin interplay, compromising insulin's regulatory functions and contributing to metabolic disorders and disease progression. Aim of the Work The aim of the study is to investigate fatty liver disease and evaluate its impact of on insulin resistance. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted at Ain Shams University, focuses on adults with NAFLD to assess insulin resistance. Inclusion criteria involve fatty liver disease, impaired glucose tolerance, and informed consent, while exclusions include alcohol intake and hepatitis. Data collection comprises demographics, anthropometrics, metabolic syndrome assessment, ultrasound grading of steatosis, and laboratory tests for liver function, FIB-4 index, and insulin resistance using HOMA-IR. The study aims to understand the relationship between NAFLD and insulin resistance in a clinical setting. Results In this study of 98 patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), characterized by liver fat accumulation, insulin resistance (IR) was prevalent in 63.3%. The cases, predominantly females (52%), had mean age of 43 years, 50% were hypertensive, and 48% were diabetic. IR was directly related to age, and its prevalence was significantly higher in patients with diabetes and hypertension. IR correlated positively with body weight, BMI, ALT, AST, FIB-4, TG, and cholesterol. Fatty liver grading showed a significant association with IR, particularly in grade 2 cases. The optimal HOMA-IR cutoff for distinguishing between grade I and II fatty liver was &amp;gt;2.56, with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.73%). These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between NAFLD, IR, and associated metabolic factors. Conclusion The study established a robust link between insulin resistance (IR) and Non- alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), noting a 63.3% prevalence of IR in the subjects. Employing HOMA-IR, a cutoff point &amp;gt;2.56 effectively differentiated between NAFLD grades I and II, demonstrating 100% sensitivity, 88.73% specificity, and a remarkable AUC of 98. This underscores HOMA-IR's valuable role in identifying and stratifying NAFLD, especially in individuals with diabetes.

Emotional clarity in daily life is associated with reduced indecisiveness and greater goal pursuit.

Affect-as-information theory posits that understanding of one's emotions (i.e., emotional clarity) can be leveraged to make decisions and attain goals. Furthermore, recent work has emphasized the dynamic nature of emotional clarity and its fluctuations in daily life. Therefore, we sought to test how momentary emotional clarity, experienced in everyday life, would be associated with levels of indecisiveness and goal pursuit. Following affect-as-information, we hypothesized that emotional clarity would be associated with lower indecisiveness but greater goal pursuit. We also hypothesized that indecisiveness would be associated with less goal pursuit with momentary emotional clarity being a potential moderator of this association. Adults (N = 215, Mage = 44.3) experiencing a range of depression, a disorder characterized by indecisiveness, completed a self-report measure of indecisiveness and 2 weeks of experience sampling assessing momentary emotional clarity, goal pursuit, and negative affect. Momentary emotional clarity showed robust links to lower indecisiveness and greater goal pursuit that were not accounted for by negative affect. We did not observe a link between indecisiveness and goal pursuit. Emotional clarity appears to play a role in motivational and cognitive processes that unfold in daily life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Navigating the College Students' Adversities: The Role of Academic Buoyancy and Motivation on Learning Achievement

Understanding the predictor of learning achievement among college students is crucial to adopting the appropriate learning strategy. Academic buoyancy is one of the predictors of learning achievement, playing a vital role in helping students navigate academic setbacks and adversities. However, the previous studies failed to reveal a robust link between the two variables. Therefore, this study aims to explain the nexus between academic buoyancy and students’ learning achievement more clearly by introducing the mediating variable, motivational constructs, which include self-efficacy, persistence, and anxiety. This study involved 493 college students in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the research hypotheses. The results show that academic buoyancy directly affects learning achievement. Furthermore, motivational constructs (self-efficacy, persistence, and anxiety) significantly mediate the relationship between academic buoyancy and learning achievement. This study contributes to the literature by explaining how academic buoyancy affects learning achievement through motivational constructs as a mediating variable. Furthermore, the university must promote students’ academic buoyancy and motivational constructs by providing counseling services and encouraging students to recognize and address the adversities during lecture activities.

The Impact of Chronic Exercise on Cognitive Function: An Overview of Reviews

Objective: Understanding the associations between cognitive function and chronic exercise has gained significant attention in the last decade. This overview aims to consolidate current knowledge and shed light on potential benefits of long-term exercise on cognitive abilities. Method: Relevant databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched through predefined keywords related to chronic exercise and cognitive function. We included all relevant systematic-reviews and meta-analysis in our data-synthesizing. Results: We identified 74 references across PubMed (33), Scopus (35), and Web of Sciences (6). After deduplication, 52 unique references remained. Screening by title and abstract yielded 28 relevant studies. Full-text review based on inclusion criteria resulted in nine eligible articles. Most were meta-analyses, examining 10 to 71 randomized controlled trials on executive functions across various age groups and health statuses. Both acute and chronic exercises demonstrated small to moderate positive effects on cognitive functions, with chronic exercise outcomes influenced by type, duration, frequency, session length, age, and cognitive status. Conclusion: Extensive research underscores a robust and compelling link between involving in regular, long-term physical exercise and enhancement of cognitive functioning. This connection emphasizes the critical role that consistent physical activity plays in safeguarding mental well-being and maintaining sharp cognitive abilities throughout various life stages. Positive effect of sustained physical exercise on cognitive functioning serves as a compelling reason to integrate exercise as a fundamental component of a holistic approach to mental wellness and cognitive longevity.

The onset and the development of cardiometabolic aging: an insight into the underlying mechanisms.

Metabolic compromise is crucial in aggravating age-associated chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, increased LDL and triglycerides, and elevated blood pressure. Excessive adiposity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance due to aging are associated with elevated levels of damaging free radicals, inducing a proinflammatory state and hampering immune cell activity, leading to a malfunctioning cardiometabolic condition. The age-associated oxidative load and redox imbalance are contributing factors for cardiometabolic morbidities via vascular remodelling and endothelial damage. Recent evidence has claimed the importance of gut microbiota in maintaining regular metabolic activity, which declines with chronological aging and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Genetic mutations, polymorphic changes, and environmental factors strongly correlate with increased vulnerability to aberrant cardiometabolic changes by affecting key physiological pathways. Numerous studies have reported a robust link between biological aging and cardiometabolic dysfunction. This review outlines the scientific evidence exploring potential mechanisms behind the onset and development of cardiovascular and metabolic issues, particularly exacerbated with aging.

Quantitative analysis of spectral properties and composition of primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, lodranites and winonaites)

The establishment of robust meteorite-asteroid links has been a major focus of planetary exploration, and a major driver of asteroid sample return missions. Reflectance spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool for this purpose. For the meteorites dominated by silicate minerals, quantitative analysis of spectral absorption features caused by the Fe2+-bearing minerals (mainly olivine and pyroxene) is a common method to determine mafic silicate mineralogy and end member abundances, and establish the relationship between them and possible parent bodies. In this study, the reflectance spectra of 22 primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, lodranites and winonaites) from NASA RELAB database were analyzed to determine their positions in the plot of the band area ratio (BAR) and 1 μm band center (Band I center). We found that Band I center and BAR of acapulcoites and lodranites are in roughly the same range. Acapulcoite-lodranite partially overlap with the field of H chondrites in the plot of the BAR and Band I center. This overlap means that spectral calibrations (also referred to as mineralogical formulas) based on the two types of meteorites needs to be applied with caution. The 2 μm band center of acapulcoite–lodranite is significantly lower than that of H chondrites, which is consistent with the conclusion of previous studies and provides a means to separate these two groups. In addition, the choice of spectral parameter analysis techniques may be a potential error source in similar studies. We provide generalized spectral fields of primitive achondrites in the plot of the BAR and Band I center derived from two widely used technologies.

Peering into the team role kaleidoscope: the interplay of personal characteristics and verbal interactions in collaborative problem solving.

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between personality and peer-rated team role behavior on the one hand and team role behavior and verbal behavior on the other hand. To achieve this, different data types were collected in fifteen professional teams of four members (N = 60) from various private and public organizations in Flanders, Belgium. Participants' personalities were assessed using a workplace-contextualized personality questionnaire based on the Big Five, including domains and facets. Typical team role behavior was assessed by the team members using the Team Role Experience and Orientation peer rating system. Verbal interactions of nine of the teams (n = 36) were recorded in an educational lab setting, where participants performed several collaborative problem-solving tasks as part of a training. To process these audio data, a coding scheme for collaborative problem solving and linguistic inquiry and word count were used. We identified robust links and logical correlation patterns between personality traits and typical team role behaviors, complementing prior research that only focused on self-reported team behavior. For instance, a relatively strong correlation was found between Altruism and the Team builder role. Next, the study reveals that role taking within teams is associated with specific verbal interaction patterns. For example, members identified as Organizers were more engaged in responding to others' ideas and monitoring execution.

Causality of Genetically Determined Metabolites on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study In Silico.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with metabolic disorders. However, the evidence for the causality of circulating metabolites to promote or prevent CKD is still lacking. Methods: The two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to evaluate the latent causal relationship between the genetically proxied 486 blood metabolites and CKD. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for exposures were derived from 7824 European GWAS on metabolite levels, which have been extensively utilized in the medical field to elucidate the mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression. The random inverse variance weighted (IVW) is the primary analysis for causality analysis while MR-Egger and weighted median as complementary analyses. For the further identification of metabolites, reverse MR and linkage disequilibrium score regression were performed for further evaluation. The drug target for N-acetylornithine was subsequently supplemented into the analysis, with MR and colocalization analysis being utilized. Key metabolic pathways were identified via MetaboAnalyst 4.0 (https://www.metaboanalyst.ca/) online website. Results: N-acetylornithine was identified as a reliable metabolite that increases the susceptibility to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease (β = 0.047; 95% confidence interval: -0.068 to -0.026; PIVW = 1.5E-5). The "glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism" pathway showed significant relevance to CKD development (P = 6E-4), whereas the "glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism" pathway was also recognized as associated with CKD by general practitioners (P = 7E-4). Colocalization analysis revealed a robust genetic link between N-acetylornithine and both CKD and eGFR, with 85.1% and 99.4% colocalization rates, respectively. IVW-MR analysis substantiated these findings with a significant positive association for CKD (odds ratio = 1.43, P = 4.7E-5) and a negative correlation with eGFR (b = -0.04, P = 1.13E-31). Conclusions: MR was utilized to explore the potential causal links between 61 genetic serum metabolites and CKD. N-acetylornithine and NAT8 were further explored as a potential therapeutic target for CKD treatment.