Specific Preferences Research Articles

Assessment of the Effect of Vehicular Emission on Air Quality in Uyo

The presence of vehicular traffic in urban city centers due to urban expansion occasioned by rapid population growth has been of immense concern for many years, as emissions from vehicle exhausts pose a major threat to both public health and environmental quality. This trend is expected to continue as ownership of vehicles keeps increasings. In this study, attempts are made to measure the concentration of traffic related emissions, with a view to assess the intricate relationships between vehicular emissions, their effect on surrounding air quality, and their impact on public health by extension, in Uyo metropolis, using USEPA air quality index. Six sampling locations were selected for this analysis. In selecting the study locations, special preference was given to accessibility, availability of open space free from shed, meteorological consideration of upward and downward directions, and areas with minimal local influence from vehicular movement. Also, consideration was given to the sensitivity and stability of the equipment, as well as its capability to reproduce results. The concentrations of the priority pollutants (i.e., CO, H2S, SO2 and O) were measured with highly sensitive digital portable meters (Crowcon Gasman Monitors) in each of the selected locations, at peak traffic periods, and compared with standard air quality ratings. The results of the study showed that locations IRJ, IPJ and NRJ recorded relatively the highest measured concentrations of the pollutants (CO, H2S and SO2) respectively, while IPJ, NRJ and IRJ recorded the lowest measured concentrations of same pollutants respectively. Continuous accumulation of these toxic gases in the air poses greater threat or may add to an already existing health burden of the residents of those locations. Therefore, further and thorough investigation is highly recommended to study the health impact of these contaminants in the residents.

Depth use of wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts migrating through fjords

Juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), known as post-smolt as they enter the sea, undergo an arduous migration from their natal rivers to their feeding grounds in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has become increasingly important to understand how post-smolts use the fjord environment as they migrate in order to properly assess the potential threats posed by large-scale salmon farming. Chief among these threats is the increased numbers of ectoparasitic salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) inhabiting the water column, which are known to have specific depth preferences based on light, temperature, and salinity. Here, we present data on the depth use of wild Atlantic salmon post-smolts migrating through fjords. We aimed to investigate to what extent depth use varied throughout the fjord and from year to year. Using acoustic telemetry, tagged fish from four rivers in two fjords in western Norway were monitored as they migrated towards the open sea during two consecutive years. We found that post-smolts predominantly migrated in the top three meters of the water column throughout the length of both fjord systems. Among 61 successful migrants and 7013 detections, 98% of detections were in the top three meters of the water column. This corresponds well with past findings showing similar depth use in hatchery-reared smolt and in adult Atlantic salmon kelts returning to their feeding grounds after spawning. We found little evidence of a consistent diel pattern in depth use. Our results support assumptions of representative sampling when trawling the upper portion of the water column for post-smolts in order to estimate sea lice infection rates and may improve the precision of efforts to model salmon lice infection risk. The results may also be valuable in evaluating other threats to wild salmon.

Nucleation‐Controlled Doping of II–VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals Mediated by Magic‐Sized Clusters

Doping quantum‐confined semiconductor nanocrystals offers an effective way to tailor their unique properties. However, the inherent challenges of nanoscale doping processes, such as the low probability of successful doping, have hindered their practical applications. Nucleation‐controlled doping has emerged as a potential solution, but a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of this process is lacking. Herein, the nucleation‐controlled doping process facilitated by magic‐sized cluster intermediates is elucidated. This approach enables the synthesis of 2D ZnSe quantum nanoribbons with two distinct doping sites. Remarkably, the identity of the dopants plays a critical role in determining the chemical pathways of nucleation‐controlled doping. Substitutional doping of magic‐sized clusters with Mn2+ ions leads to successful substitutional doping of the final 2D nanocrystals. Conversely, Co2+ ions, initially occupying substitutional positions in the magic‐sized cluster intermediates, relocate to alternative sites, such as interstitial sites, in the final nanocrystals. First‐principle calculations of dopant formation energies support these experimental findings, demonstrating the thermodynamic favorability of specific dopant site preferences. Moreover, a consistent tendency is observed in CdSe nanocrystals, suggesting that the proposed doping mechanism is generally applicable to II–VI semiconductors. This study will advance the controlled synthesis of various doped semiconductor nanocrystals using nucleation‐controlled doping processes.

Harnessing Natural Language Processing (NLP) to Enhance Search Engine Performance

In the digital era characterized by an abundance of online information, efficient search engine tools are pivotal for navigating this vast ocean of content. Natural Language Processing (NLP), an offshoot of Artificial Intelligence, has emerged as a transformative force revolutionizing search engine, ensuring greater accuracy and efficacy in delivering search results. By Empowering Search Engines with NLP: NLP goes beyond the conventional keyword matching technique to unravel the genuine intent behind user queries, even when they are ambiguous or contain typos. Picture searching for the "best pizza near me" and receiving customized results tailored to your specific preferences, encompassing crust type, toppings, and individual dietary restrictions. Thanks to NLP, this is now within reach as it extracts the latent meaning concealed within apparently straightforward queries.

Using a behaviour-centred approach to successfully design with and implement new or existing technology enhanced learning (TEL) pedagogies.

Educators have come to rely on the use of technology enhanced learning pedagogies as a means of achieving better student learning. As such, the application of TEL pedagogies has grown to address a range of teaching and learning challenges, despite a mixed body of evidence documenting its effectiveness. A behaviour-centred approach can improve the likelihood of effectiveness of such pedagogies by targeting the design of TEL to the specific behaviours educators want to see their students perform during learning. This approach takes into careful consideration the nature of the challenge that TEL is destined to address, the specific preferences, motivations and needs of students, the method of implementation, as well as the measurement of impact. In this workshop, we offer a range of practical and theoretical tools drawn from the behavioural sciences and encapsulated in an evidence-informed framework of behaviour change–the BehaviourWorks Australia Method–to demonstrate that the efficacy of TEL pedagogies can be optimised via a rigorous process. The Method has been tried and tested across hundreds of industry projects, and can be applied equally as effectively in the context of education, with the purpose of successfully designing and implementing new or existing technology enhanced learning pedagogies.

Bridging disparity in knowledge and utilization of contraceptive methods among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Despite progress in national reproductive health, pastoralist regions, including the Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia, face challenges with limited contraceptive coverage due to gaps in understanding and adoption among couples. This cross-sectional study of 1496 couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 25, 2021, utilized multistage sampling. Data entered into EPI Data underwent analysis with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive knowledge. Of the 1496 couples, 93.8% (1404) participated in the survey. Significant educational disparities were observed, with 53.8% having no formal education, particularly among women (65.2%). Despite this, 80.2% of couples were aware of at least one family planning (FP) method, and 78.6% knew modern methods. The median knowledge of contraception methods was 3 for both genders. Men showed higher awareness of male (43.2%) and female condoms (17.4%) compared to women (31.8% and 6.0%). Overall, 27.4% of couples used contraception, with a significant gender difference: 41.2% of women and 13.5% of men. Modern contraceptives were used by 18.2% of couples, predominantly by women (34.8%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated positive associations between contraceptive knowledge and education, bank account ownership, occupation, proximity to healthcare, and media exposure, while a nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle and specific treatment preferences showed negative associations. The limited knowledge and utilization of family planning in the Fentale District stem from gaps in comprehension and disparities among couples. Factors influencing this situation include socio-demographic considerations, such as variations based on education, occupation, media exposure, bank account ownership, treatment preferences, and distance from healthcare facilities. This ensures that the interventions are having the desired effect and allows for adjustments as needed to promote family planning uptake.

Deciphering substrate promiscuity and specificity of indolethylamine N-methyltransferase family enzymes from amphibian toads

N-methylation is a crucial post-modification process in natural product biosynthesis and also contributes to the metabolism of various physiological substances, such as neurotransmitter, hormone, and trace elements. In this study, we identified seven indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) family enzymes from the amphibian toad Bufo gargarizan with distinct catalytic properties. Among these enzymes, BNMT 1, BNMT 5, BNMT 6 and BNMT 7 exhibited notable promiscuity, demonstrating the ability to methylate multiple derivatives of indolethylamine, phenylethylamine, phenylethanolamine, and nicotinamide. Conversely, BNMT 3 and BNMT 4 exhibited more specific substrate preferences, targeting particular phenylethylamine, phenylethanolamine, and nicotinamide-type substrates. Additionally, one enzyme, BNMT 11, exhibiting high specificity towards phenylethanolamines. By employing molecular docking and mutating key amino acids, we provided a rational explanation for the promiscuity and specificity mechanisms exhibited by these enzymes. This research offers valuable insights into the catalytic mechanisms of INMT family enzymes in B. gargarizans, as well as other organisms. Moreover, the identification of these broadly substrate-specific enzymes holds promise for leveraging synthetic biology in the production of a wide variety of naturally occurring N-methylated compounds.

Mandible composition and properties in two selected praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea).

Insects process their food with their cuticle-based mouthparts. These feeding structures reflect their diversity and can, in some cases, showcase adaptations in material composition, mechanical properties, and shape to suit their specific dietary preferences. To pave the way to deeply understand the interaction between mouthparts and food and to determine potential adaptations of the structures to the food, this study focuses on the mandibles of two praying mantis species. Gongylus gongylodes feeds mainly on Diptera, and Sphodromantis lineola forages on larger prey. Employing scanning electron microscopy, the mandibular morphologies were analyzed. The degree of the cuticle tanning was tested using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the contents of transition and alkaline earth metals in the mandible cuticle were studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and the mechanical properties tested by nanoindentation. We found that S. lineola mandibles show pronounced gradients of Young's modulus and hardness from the basis to the tip, which might be an adaptation against high stresses during biting and chewing. G. gongylodes, in contrast, did not show pronounced gradients, which may indicate that there is less stress involved in feeding-necessary to test in future studies. The mechanical properties of manidibles in both species are related to the degree of cuticle tanning but also positively correlate with the content of magnesium. These findings enrich our understanding of insect cuticle biology but also present new sets of data on praying mantis structures.

Eating habits and behaviors in children with Dravet syndrome: A case-control study.

This study evaluated food preferences and eating behaviors of individuals with Dravet syndrome. Patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome were recruited, as well as a control group composed of siblings of patients with epilepsy (any form). The Food Preference Questionnaire and the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire were completed by caregivers along with two open-ended questions regarding eating challenges. Seventy-eight participants (45 with Dravet syndrome and 33 controls) were included. Compared to controls, mean scores for food preference were lower for fruits (p = .000099), meats and fish (p = .00094), and snacks (p = .000027) in Dravet syndrome. People with Dravet syndrome also had less emotional overeating (p = .0085) and food enjoyment (p = .0012), but more slowness in eating (p = .00021) and food fussiness (p = .0064). In a subgroup analysis of only pediatric (age <18 years) patients, similar results were observed for both food preferences and eating habits. In qualitative data, caregivers most commonly reported difficulties with fixation on specific foods. This study demonstrates specific food preferences and challenging eating behaviors in individuals with Dravet syndrome. These data provide potential avenues for nutritional interventions and behavioral therapies to increase the quality of life of patients and their families.

AI Impact on Hotel Guest Satisfaction via Tailor-Made Services: A Case Study of Serbia and Hungary

This study examines the level of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the personalization of hotel services and its impact on guest satisfaction through an analysis of tourists’ attitudes and behaviors The focus of the research is on how personalized recommendations for food and beverages, activities, and room services, delivered by trustworthy AI systems, digital experience, and the perception of privacy and data security, influence overall guest satisfaction. The research was conducted in Serbia and Hungary, using structural models to assess and analyze direct and indirect effects. The results show that AI personalization significantly contributes to guest satisfaction, with mediating variables such as trust in AI systems and technological experience playing a key role. A comparative analysis highlights differences between Hungary, a member of the European Union, and Serbia, a country in transition, shedding light on specific regulatory frameworks and cultural preferences in these countries.

The Faithless Analyst.

In this lecture, I wish to speak about the faithless analyst. This is an analyst without fixed religious notions, without specific preferences with regard to religious faith and practice, without religious commitments or attachments of the kind that would influence the course of the analysis. Is this possible? Analysts like everyone else grow up in specific cultures that are deeply entangled with religious traditions. Can analysts shed this formation when they enter the consulting room? Should they? Values come with religious faith and practice. Should the analyst shed such religiously based values for the sake of absolute neutrality? I want to think about such faithlessness as an impossible ideal for analytical practice and how to work with failures to remain faithless in the presence of different faiths or the absence of faith among patients.

Integrating Sustainability and Cultural Sensitivity: Clustering Muslim Tourist Lifestyles in the Andaman Coastal Cluster, Thailand

This study explores the integration of sustainability and cultural sensitivity in clustering Muslim tourist lifestyles in the Andaman coastal region. The Muslim tourist demographic, representing a significant portion of the global population, prioritizes halal standards and Islamic attributes in their travel experiences. This research investigates the lifestyle patterns of Muslim tourists and their alignment with sustainable tourism principles, particularly in Thailand’s Andaman coastal area, known for its marine and beach tourism. A multi-method approach was employed, utilizing the AIO (Activities, Interests, and Opinions) framework for quantitative data collection through the surveys of 836 Muslim tourists, and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local stakeholders. The study identified key lifestyle clusters: Mainstream Travelers, Experience Seekers, and Chillouts, each with specific preferences for halal services, prayer facilities, and eco-friendly accommodations. The findings underscore the importance of a tailored approach in promoting sustainable tourism that respects cultural values. Recommendations include enhancing halal-certified services, improving infrastructure for religious practices, and promoting eco-friendly tourism options. By aligning sustainability with cultural sensitivity, the Andaman coastal region can attract more Muslim tourists while preserving its environmental and cultural heritage. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism by emphasizing cultural sensitivity and provides practical guidelines for tourism stakeholders in the Andaman region to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism strategies.

Economic Growth in a Cooperative Economy

Abstract We develop and formalise an equilibrium concept for a dynamic economy in which production takes place in worker cooperatives. The concept rules out allocations of workers to cooperatives in which a worker in one cooperative could move to a different cooperative and make both herself and the existing workers in the receiving cooperative better off. It also rules out allocations in which workers in a cooperative would be made better off by some of the other workers leaving. We also provide a minimum-information equilibrium-selection criterion, which refines our equilibrium concept. We illustrate the application of our concept and refinement in the context of an overlapping-generation economy with specific preferences and technology. The cooperative economy follows a dynamic path qualitatively similar to the path followed by a capitalist economy, featuring gradual convergence to a steady state with constant output. However, the cooperative economy features a static inefficiency, in that, for a given aggregate capital stock, firm size is smaller than what a social planner would choose. On the other hand, the cooperative economy cannot be dynamically inefficient and could accumulate capital at a rate that is higher or lower than the capitalist economy. As a result, steady-state income per worker could be higher or lower in the cooperative economy. We also present an illustrative calibration, which quantitatively compares steady-state incomes and welfare in a cooperative and in a capitalist economy.

Atrial fibrillation, prevention and rehabilitation in a primary healthcare setting. A feasibility study

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) often influences daily life with symptoms like palpitations, dyspnoea, fatigue, fear and anxiety. Research show that patients with AF benefit from prevention and rehabilitation interventions. However, evidence is scarce and mainly hospital-based, and it is unknown whether the transition to the primary healthcare sector gives the same positive results. In 2019, a Danish primary care Health Center and the cardiology department at the local hospital completed a multidimensional prevention and rehabilitation intervention for patients with AF. Purpose To investigate the feasibility of delivering a multidimensional prevention and rehabilitation intervention for patients with AF in a primary care Health Center. Methods This study was a mixed-methods, non-randomized, intervention, feasibility study. A convergent mixed-methods design was used, and results were illustrated in side-by-side joint displays. Patients were included at a Hospital AF clinic referring to the Health Center. The prevention and rehabilitation intervention consisted of risk factor management, patient education, physical activity and yoga. Two patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were used, the HeartQoL measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) measuring symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data were collected at baseline (T0), at end of intervention (T1), and at two-months follow-up (T2) and analysed descriptively. Focus group interviews were analysed thematically and covered experiences of participating, needs and preferences, outcomes and feasibility of collecting PROMs. The reporting was guided by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to pilot and feasibility trials. Results 43 patients (53% women; median age 66 (range 52-81) years) completed the intervention. Table 1 shows that HRQoL increased, and symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased. These results maintained at follow-up. Figure 1 shows the qualitative themes. Patients experienced being understood and supported by health professionals and peers. They thought it difficult to know what their needs were. However, some patients had specific preferences for interventions. For changes in outcomes, the patients identified that gaining tools and knowledge about the disease from the interventions helped. It was feasible to collect PROMs during the intervention and finally, the patients had an attention to what comes next, when finishing the intervention in the primary care setting. Conclusion It was feasible to deliver a multidimensional prevention and rehabilitation intervention for patients with AF at a primary care Health Center. HRQoL increased and symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased. The patients experienced being supported and gaining tools and knowledge to handle AF. Future large randomized controlled trials must confirm these results.

A Study on Work Environment and its Impact on Employees Performance at Boston Business Solutions

This research presents a thorough examination of the supermarket's sales data, focusing on customer behaviour, regional performance, and payment preferences. The supermarket has successfully cultivated a diverse customer base, with a nearly equal split between normal customers and members. This balanced customer distribution suggests a stable foundation for growth, particularly through strategic initiatives aimed at increasing membership and enhancing customer loyalty. The supermarket's regional presence is well-balanced across major cities, including Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and Yangon. Sales are dispersed equally among these regions, indicating that the supermarket has established a strong foothold in each market. This balanced distribution provides an opportunity to tailor strategies to the specific characteristics and preferences of each city, potentially driving increased market share and customer satisfaction through localized approaches. Analysing supermarket sales data is necessary for selecting wisely in business situations and ensuring long-term success. Sales data can also uncover issues in the supply chain, helping supermarkets run more smoothly and efficiently. By examining sales in different regions, supermarkets can adjust their products and promotions to better fit local preferences, improving sales in specific areas. Financially, analysing sales data helps with accurate budgeting and pricing strategies, leading to higher profits. Additionally, it allows supermarkets to evaluate their performance in relation to rivals and quickly adapt to changes in the market, helping them stay ahead. Analysing sales data helps supermarkets understand their customers, operate more efficiently, tailor strategies to different regions, and make better financial decisions, all of which contribute to their growth and success

Deciphering the cleavage sites of 3C-like protease in Gammacoronaviruses and Deltacoronaviruses

Coronaviruses replicate by using the 3C-like protease (3CLpro) to cleave polyprotein precursors and host proteins. However, current tools for identifying 3CLpro cleavage sites are limited, particularly in Gammacoronaviruses (GammaCoV) and Deltacoronaviruses (DeltaCoV). This study aims to fill this gap by identifying 3CLpro cleavage sites in these viruses to provide deeper insights into their pathogenic mechanisms. By integrating sequence alignments and structural model comparisons, we developed a position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) based on self-cleavage motifs, revealing specific preferences for each residue. Utilizing AlphaFold2's predicted alignment error (PAE) and predicted local distance difference test (pLDDT), we found that most cleavage sequences are located in regions with high PAE and low pLDDT values. KEGG pathway analysis showed that potential host protein cleavage targets are mainly concentrated in pathways related to nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and endocytosis. Through in vitro cleavage experiments and mutational analysis, we identified and validated three high-scoring proteins—nucleoporin 58 (NUP58), cell division cycle 73 (CDC73), and signal transducing adaptor molecule 2 (STAM2). These findings suggest that 3CLpro not only plays a vital role in viral replication but may also influence host cell functions by cleaving host proteins. This study provides an effective tool for identifying 3CLpro cleavage sites, revealing the pathogenic mechanisms of coronaviruses, and offering new insights for developing potential therapeutic targets.

Consumer Support for Climate Policies Driven by Political Ideologies

Consumer support for climate policies is essential for new sustainable consumption patterns, which may face challenges considering the left-right political spectrum. This study aims to understand how different types of climate policies receive different levels of support from Liberals (Left), Moderates (Center), and Conservatives (Right). We analyzed data from an online panel with 1000 Brazilians through linear (ANOVA, MANOVA, and Correspondence Analysis) and non-linear predictive (Artificial Neural Networks) methods. Although Liberals are more concerned about overall global warming and climate change than Conservatives, both groups are more prone to support than to oppose climate change public policies. Moreover, while Moderates and Conservatives are getting more concerned about climate change, Liberals are becoming more pessimistic about mitigation strategies. Policies based on opportunity-facilitating or constraining using regulatory or economic instruments are associated differently with Liberals, Moderates, and Conservatives, indicating specific preferences for each political ideology.

Bacterial functional responses to environmental variability: a case study in three distinct mountain lakes within a single watershed

The utilization of carbon substrates (CSs) is crucial for the functioning of heterotrophic bacterial communities and aquatic ecosystems. This study used the Biolog EcoplateTM technique to explore spatial and temporal community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs) of bacteria in three eutrophic-dystrophic mountain lakes in Bulgaria. Bacterial metabolic activity varied among the lakes, being highest in the lake dominated by phytoplankton and lowest in the lake dominated by macrophyte primary producers. CLPP highlighted specific bacterial metabolic preferences to certain carbon guilds (CGs), showing a higher affinity for carbohydrates and polymers and lower preferences for amino acids and amines. The overall metabolic dissimilarity among the lakes was approximately 32%, primarily driven by the CGs of amino acids and amines. The most preferred CSs included the carbohydrates D-Mannitol and N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine, and the carboxylic acid D-Galacturonic acid. Bacterial functional diversity was high (H′: 3.18 − 3.33) due to the high evenness of CS utilization. Multidimensional analyses revealed significant influences of lake-specific characteristics, sampling month, and the interaction between these factors on CLPP patterns. Nutrients and water temperature were identified as the most influential environmental factors affecting bacterial communities. This study enhances our understanding of bacterial functional responses to changing environments, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Biolog EcoplateTM technique in providing insights into these changes.

Exploring the Link Between Social Media Engagement, Social Anxiety, and Environmental Preferences in University Students

As mental health issues become increasingly prominent, social anxiety is prevalent among university students and significantly affects their social behaviors and environmental preferences. With the increasing reliance on social media, understanding how these behaviors shape preferences for physical social environments is crucial for designing supportive campus spaces. This study investigates the relationship between social anxiety, social media usage, and environmental preferences in campus settings. We aim to identify the key environmental factors that can promote healthier social interactions for students with varying levels of social anxiety and social media use. Data were collected from university students through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, online and offline behavior, social media usage intensity, social anxiety level, and environmental preferences. Using K-means clustering, participants were grouped into four clusters based on their social media usage and social anxiety levels. ANOVA and Multivariate Multiple Regression (MMR) were conducted to examine differences in environmental preferences across these clusters. Significant differences in environmental preferences were observed across the four clusters. Gender and grade influenced social anxiety levels, with females and undergraduate students reporting greater anxiety. Individuals with high social media use, regardless of their anxiety levels, generally exhibited stronger preferences for various environmental dimensions, including openness, convenience, facility provision, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape. However, individuals with higher social anxiety tended to prefer enclosed, facility-rich, and more controlled environments. The relationship between social anxiety and preferences for convenience, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape was minimal or non-significant. This study highlights the importance of considering both behavioral and psychological factors when designing university social environments. By identifying specific environmental preferences of students with high social anxiety, the findings offer evidence-based recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive campus spaces that promote positive social interactions and well-being.

The heat shock response of plants: new insights into modes of perception and signaling and how hormones contribute.

Plants have evolved specific temperature preferences, and shifts above this range cause heat stress with detrimental effects such as physiological disruptions, metabolic imbalances, and growth arrest. To reduce damage, plants utilize the heat shock response (HSR), signaling cascades that activate the heat shock factors (HSFs), transcription factors that control the heat stress-responsive transcriptome for activation of protective measures. While the core HSR is well-studied, we still know relatively little about heat stress perception and signal integration or cross-talk with other pathways. In the last few years, however, significant progress has been made in this area, which is summarized here. It has emerged that the plant hormones brassinosteroids (BRs) and abscisic acid (ABA) contribute to heat stress tolerance by impacting HSF modes of activity. Also, we began to understand that heat stress is sensed in different cellular compartments and that events in the nucleus, such as nuclear condensate formation via liquid-liquid phase separation, play a key role. In the future, it will be important to explore how these multilayered perception and signaling modes are utilized to understand how environmental context and developmental stage determine the outcome of heat stress effects on plant growth and development.