Squares-path Modeling Research Articles

Biodegradable packaging with natural colorants added to increase the consumption of eco-friendly packaging

The development of biodegradable packaging is relevant for the environment, society, and industry. In parallel, using natural colorants has also emerged as a current topic in research, for its appeal to both human and environmental health. Combining the concepts of biodegradable packaging and natural colorants in a single product presents as a strategy to increase the potential use of biodegradable packaging. In this sense, this project starts with the following hypothesis: the offer of biodegradable packaging with a natural colorant added improves the positive perception of biodegradable packaging by the consumer. To this end, using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), the present work seeks to understand the effect of the construct natural content on the importance given by consumers to foods that are packaged in an environmentally friendly way, and using Word Association (WA) technique, to investigate the influence of color, and awareness of the presence of natural colorants on biodegradable packaging. The study was designed using two approaches: (i) Developing a model using Partial Least Squares-Path modeling (PLS-PM) to explain the whole set of relationships between FCQ constructs of interest in eco-friendly packaging, being mediated by the construct natural content; and (ii) using WA technique under two conditions: blind condition (unaware) and informed condition (aware) to explore the holistic perception of colored biodegradable packaging. Results showed that Ethical concerns and Health, had positive effects on Natural Content, while “weight control” had a positive effect on Natural Content. On the other hand, Mood was found to have a negative effect on Natural Content. Natural content has a high effect on the importance given by consumers to foods packaged in an environmentally friendly way. Word Association revealed a positive perception of the presentation of colored biodegradable packaging and a more positive perception, defined by happiness, of the awareness of its being biodegradable packaging colored by natural colorants. From a practical point of view, results showed that not only the use of natural colorants by the packaging industry can serve as an incentive to consume biodegradable packaging, but that consumers' awareness that the color is from a natural colorant can increase the consumption of eco-friendly packaging.

Nitrogen fate in riparian zones: Insights from experiments and analysis of sediment porosity and surface water-groundwater exchange

Riparian zones play a vital role in the river ecosystem. Solutes in vertical riparian zones are transported being by alternating hydraulic gradients between river water and groundwater, due to natural or human activities. This study investigates the impacts of porous sediments and alternating rate of surface water-groundwater on nitrogen removal in the riparian zone through experiments based on the field sampled. The experimental results, combined with dimensionless numbers (Péclet and Damköhler) and Partial Least Squares-Path Modeling, analyze the nitrogen fate responding to hydrodynamics changes. The results show that increased sediment porosity contributes to the ammonium removal, particularly when the oxygen content of river water is low, with the removal rate up to 72.57%. High ammonium content and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in rural rivers lead to a constant low-oxygen condition (4 mg/L) during surface water-groundwater alternation, and promote denitrification. This threatens groundwater with ammonium pollution and causes accumulation at the top of vertical riparian zones during upwelling, potentially causing secondary river pollution. However, increasing the alternating rate hinders the nitrate denitrification and drastically changes in the redox environment of the riparian zone, despite contributing to ammonium removal. Rapid oxygen consumption during aerobic metabolism and nitrification in groundwater-surface water exchange created favorable conditions for denitrification. Floodplains sediment porosity is unfavorable for nitrification. This study improves understanding of coupled hydrologic and solute processes in vertical riparian zones, informing strategies for optimizing nitrogen attenuation and riparian zone construction.

Metagenomic insights into ecological risk of antibiotic resistome and mobilome in riverine plastisphere under impact of urbanization

Microplastics (MPs) are of increasing concern due to their role as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens. To date, few studies have explored the influence of anthropogenic activities on ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) within various riverine MPs, in comparison to their natural counterparts. Here an in-situ incubation was conducted along heavily anthropogenically-impacted Houxi River to characterize the geographical pattern of antibiotic resistome, mobilome and pathogens inhabiting MPs- and leaf-biofilms. The metagenomics result showed a clear urbanization-driven profile in the distribution of ARGs, MGEs and pathogens, with their abundances sharply increasing 4.77 to 19.90 times from sparsely to densely populated regions. The significant correlation between human fecal marker crAssphage and ARG (R2 = 0.67, P=0.003) indicated the influence of anthropogenic activity on ARG proliferation in plastisphere and natural leaf surfaces. And mantel tests and random forest analysis revealed the impact of 17 socio-environmental factors, e.g., population density, antibiotic concentrations, and pore volume of materials, on the dissemination of ARGs. Partial least squares-path modeling further unveiled that intensifying human activities not only directly boosted ARGs abundance but also exerted a comparable indirect impact on ARGs propagation. Furthermore, the polyvinylchloride plastisphere created a pathogen-friendly habitat, harboring higher abundances of ARGs and MGEs, while polylactic acid are not likely to serve as vectors for pathogens in river, with a lower resistome risk score than that in leaf-biofilms. This study highlights the diverse ecological risks associated with the dissemination of ARGs and pathogens in varied MPs, offering insights for the policymaking of usage and control of plastics within urbanization.

Exploring Social Sharing Value: Effects on Customer Attitudes and Behaviors in Restaurant Livestreaming.

In China, the integration of livestreaming into restaurant marketing has transitioned from mere entertainment to a vital business tool. This study examines the influence of social sharing value (SSV) on customer attitudes and behavioral intentions within the context of restaurant livestreams, applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequences (SOBC) model. Analyzing data from 1139 livestream viewers using partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM), the results reveal that SSV significantly enhances viewers' trust, satisfaction, word of mouth (WOM), and behavioral intentions. Trust was shown to elevate satisfaction, which, in turn, positively impacts WOM and purchase intentions. Among the SSV's components, brand intimacy emerged as highly influential. Notably, behavioral intention was found to significantly influence WOM activities, underscoring the critical role of proactive customer behaviors in promoting the brand. This study extends social exchange theory by quantifying relationship quality and adapting it to digital consumer interactions in the restaurant industry. The findings highlight the importance of cultivating SSV to bolster customer trust and satisfaction, thereby enhancing loyalty and advocacy. Effective engagement through livestreaming can amplify brand intimacy, establishing it as an indispensable strategy for maintaining competitiveness in the restaurant sector.

The influence of corporate entrepreneurship strategy on SMEs’ internationalization: proposing and testing a model

Purpose This paper aims to propose and test a corporate entrepreneurship strategy (CES) model in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international activity located in Andalusia (Spain) – a peripheral region with high levels of inequality in the European Union (EU). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative analysis has been carried out with data from 101 SMEs to contrast and analyze the proposed CES model. The sample data were obtained through questionnaire-guided interviews with chief executive officers. Data processing has been done using partial least squares-path modeling, a variance-based technique for structural equation modeling. Findings The results of this study show the positive effect of environmental conditions on the development of CES actions in Andalusian SMEs (Spain) and the positive influence of CES on the results of SMEs’ international activity. In turn, environmental conditions do not directly affect the international activity. Originality/value Although previous works address the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and international enterprise activity, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is original in testing a CES model (including CE and the entrepreneurial strategic vision) in SMEs in a region that has one of the lowest levels of development in the EU. The results have important implications for SMEs and policymakers and could be extrapolated to other emerging economies.

Firm disruption orientation and supply chain resilience: understanding mechanisms to mitigate disruption impact

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the interplay between a proactive attitude towards disruptions – supply chain disruption orientation – and supply chain resilience, increasing our understanding of their influence on reducing the impact of supply chain disruptions within the B2B context.Design/methodology/approachAs unexpected disruptions are closely related to a dynamic and changing perception of the environment, this research is framed under the dynamic capabilities lens, consistent with existing resilience literature. The authors used partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM) to empirically test the proposed research model using survey data from 216 firms.FindingsResults show that a proactive approach to disruptions alone is insufficient in mitigating their negative impact. Instead, a firm’s disruption orientation plays a crucial role in boosting its resilience, which acts as a mediator, reducing the impact of disruptions.Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on the mechanisms by which firms can mitigate the effects of supply chain disruptions and offers insights into how certain capabilities are needed so that firms’ attitudes can effectively impact firm performance. This research thus suggests that dynamic capabilities, traditionally perceived as being enabled by other elements, act themselves as enablers. Consequently, they have the potential to translate strategic orientation or attitudes into tangible effects on performance, enriching our understanding of how firms combine their internal attitudes and capabilities to achieve sustained competitive advantage.

Dynamic restoration mechanism of plant community in the burned area of northeastern margin of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Forest fires play a pivotal role in influencing ecosystem evolution, exerting a profound impact on plant diversity and community stability. Understanding post-fire recovery strategies holds significant scientific importance for the ecological succession and restoration of forest ecosystems. This study utilized Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) to investigate dynamic relationships among plant species diversity, phylogenetic diversity, soil properties, and community stability during various recovery stages (5-year, 15-year, and 23-year) following wildfires on the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The findings revealed: (1) Over time, species richness significantly decreased (p< 0.05 or p< 0.01), while species diversity and dominance increased, resulting in uniform species distribution. Community stability progressively improved, with increased species compositional similarity. (2) Throughout succession, phylogenetic diversity (PD) significantly decreased (p< 0.01), accompanied by rising Mean Pairwise Distance (MPD) and Mean Nearest Taxon Distance (MNTD). Net Relatedness Index (NRI) shifted from positive to negative, indicating an increasing aggregation and dominance of plants with similar evolutionary traits in burned areas. Early succession witnessed simultaneous environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, shifting predominantly to competitive exclusion in later stages. (3) PLS-PM revealed that in the early recovery stage, soil properties mainly affected community stability, while species diversity metamorphosed into the primary factor in the mid-to-late stages. In summary, this study showed that plant diversity and phylogenetic variation were successful in revealing changes in community structure during the succession process. Soil characteristics functioned as selective barriers for plant communities during succession, and community stability underwent a multi-faceted and dynamic process. The soil-plant dynamic feedback continuously enhanced soil conditions and community vegetation structure thereby augmenting stability. Post-fire vegetation gradually transitioned towards the original native state, demonstrating inherent ecological self-recovery capabilities in the absence of secondary disturbances.

Business model innovation: harnessing big data analytics and digital transformation in hostile environments

PurposeThe literature mainly concentrates on the relationships between externally oriented digital transformation (ExtDT), big data analytics capability (BDAC) and business model innovation (BMI) from an intra-organizational perspective. However, it is acknowledged that the external environment shapes the firm's strategy and affects innovation outcomes. Embracing an external environment perspective, the authors aim to fill this gap. The authors develop and test a moderated mediation model linking ExtDT to BMI. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities view, the authors' model posits that the effect of ExtDT on BMI is mediated by BDAC, while environmental hostility (EH) moderates these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a quantitative approach based on bootstrapped partial least square-path modeling (PLS-PM) to analyze a sample of 200 Italian data-driven SMEs.FindingsThe results highlight that ExtDT and BDAC positively affect BMI. The findings also indicate that ExtDT is an antecedent of BMI that is less disruptive than BDAC. The authors also obtain that ExtDT solely does not lead to BDAC. Interestingly, the effect of BDAC on BMI increases when EH moderates the relationship.Originality/valueAnalyzing the relationships between ExtDT, BDAC and BMI from an external environment perspective is an underexplored area of research. The authors contribute to this topic by evaluating how EH interacts with ExtDT and BDAC toward BMI.

Antibiotic resistance genes in constructed wetlands: Driving indicators and risk assessment

Constructed wetlands (CWs) were responsible for the in-depth purification of wastewater, providing an ideal environment for the transport, acquisition, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). A better understanding of influencing factors and risks of ARGs in CWs was deemed indispensable. In this research, the abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was determined to be higher in summer and spring, ranging from 53.7 to 8.51 × 106 and 30.9–6.02 × 106 copies/mL, respectively. Seasonal variation significantly influenced the abundance of ARGs and MGEs, as well as the co-occurrence patterns among ARGs, MGEs and bacteria. However, the environmental gradients, from the influent (CW01) to the effluent (CW10), did not impose significant effects on the abundance of ARGs and MGEs. Furthermore, the ratios of pathogenic bacteria to ARG hosts and ARG risks index decreased by 50.4% and 88.54% along with the environmental gradients, indicating that CWs could act as barriers to the transfer of ARGs. Partial least squares-path modeling (PLSPM) revealed that temperature was the main driving factor of ARGs, followed by MGEs, stable and differential bacteria. This finding effectively and innovatively explored the driving indicators for the variations and risks of ARGs caused by spatial-temporal variations, providing new insights into the evaluation and control of ARGs in CWs.

DPSR-based study and assessment of the influence pathways of Shanghai urban development level on river methane emission potential during 2011–2020

Numerous studies have shown that urban rivers are becoming a source of methane emissions, which poses a challenge to developing a “net zero carbon city.” Most studies at this stage focus on the influence of single urban elements on river methane emissions, such as land use, water facilities, etc. It is necessary to consider the impact of urban development on river methane emissions in an integrated manner. This study aggregated relevant data sets for seven municipal districts in Shanghai during 2011–2020, collected through literature and statistical yearbooks. We constructed an “urban river methane emission” system based on the Driver-Pressure-State-Response model and used partial least squares-path modeling to verify the rationality of the system’s influence pathways. The results showed (goodness-of-fitness = 0.4446) that driver (population density, urbanization rate), pressure (annual water supply, total yearly household waste), and state (deteriorating water quality environment) all increased the methane emission potential of urban rivers (total effect = 0.1917; 0.3932; 0.1394). Response (sewage treatment rate, environmental investment) would mitigate river methane emissions (total effect = -0.2230). An “urban river methane emission potential” assessment model was then developed. Partial least squares-path modeling and generalized linear mixed model were used to calculate the “urban river methane emission potential” index in seven municipal districts of Shanghai over ten years, respectively. And the results of the two methods were similar. The results showed that (e.g., partial least squares-path modeling method) Pudong District and Putuo District maintained a high methane emission potential of urban rivers (the average index was 46.15%, and 25.94%, respectively) during this decade. The emission potential of Qingpu District and Jinshan District were significantly lower during this decade (p < 0.05, the average index was −1.28% and 0.77%, respectively). We believed that higher human activity intensities and economic levels before or in the lead-up to a transition to a “net zero carbon city” would mean a higher urban river methane emission risk. The development and quantification of the “urban river methane emission potential” assessment model would provide new assessment perspectives and methods for policymakers or urban planners to control urban greenhouse gas emissions and promote the “net zero carbon city” process. Meanwhile, the “urban river methane emission” system pointed out the carbon emission risk at the pollution end. It would provide a new idea to improve products’ full-lifecycle carbon footprint accounting.

Assessing the integrity of the marketing policy promoting the country’s green brand as a catalyst for green investment

Introduction. In the modern globalized world, with a particular emphasis on environmental issues, countries increasingly recognize the importance of positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable development and attracting green investments. Marketing policies and strategies employed by countries to promote their green brand play a crucial role in shaping perceptions, attracting investors, and stimulating inclusive economic growth.The paper aims is to determine the impact of greenwashing on a country’s green brand using a scientific and methodological approach based on the utilization of Google tools and content analysis. This approach allows for the consideration of stakeholders’ perception of misleading information about the country’s green brand and its achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.Research Methods. The evaluation of the impact of greenwashing on a country’s green brand was conducted using a two-stage approach that integrates Google tools, content analysis, and Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM).Results. The calculations revealed that the countries with the lowest greenwashing index values during 2006-2020 were Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Ukraine fell into the group with an average level of greenwashing index, along with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy.The research results indicate that in order to avoid the greenwashing trap, Ukraine needs to implement a system of measures for the formation of the “socially responsible business” institution, which, in turn, requires significant investment capital.Perspectives. One of the directions for further research is to study the impact of regulatory policies and incentives on the integrity of marketing policies, which can serve as a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of approaches to promoting green investment through green brand promotion. Furthermore, it is advisable to expand the sample of countries and study the impact of ethical marketing policies on sustainability, encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Mechanism for combined application of biochar and Bacillus cereus to reduce antibiotic resistance genes in copper contaminated soil and lettuce

The remediation of agricultural soil contaminated by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is of great significance for protecting food safety and human health. Reducing the availability of copper in soil may control coresistance to ARGs. However, the feasibility of applying nano-biochar and Bacillus cereus to mitigate the spread of ARGs in Cu contaminated soil remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the use of biochar with different particle sizes (2 % apple branch biochar and 0.5 % nano-biochar) and 3 g m−2B. cereus in a 60-day pot experiment with growing lettuce. The effects of single and combined application on the abundances of ARGs in Cu-contaminated soil (Cu = 200 mg kg−1) were compared, and the related mechanisms were explored. Studies have shown that the addition of biochar alone is detrimental to mitigating ARGs in soil–lettuce systems. The combined application of 3 g m−2B. cereus and 0.5 % nano-biochar effectively inhibited the proliferation of ARGs in Cu-contaminated soil, and 3 g m−2B. cereus effectively inhibited the proliferation of ARGs in lettuce. Partial least squares-path modeling and network analysis showed that bacterial communities and mobile genetic elements were the key factors that affected the abundances of ARGs in rhizosphere soil, and Cu resistance genes and bioavailable copper (acid extractable state Cu (F1) + reducing state Cu (F2)) had less direct impacts. The bacterial community was the key factor that affected the abundances of ARGs in lettuce. Rhodobacter (Proteobacteria), Corynebacterium (Actinobacteria), and Methylobacterium (Proteobacteria) may have been hosts of ARGs in lettuce plants. B. cereus and nano-biochar affected the abundances of ARGs by improving the soil properties and reducing the soil bioavailability of Cu, as well as directly or indirectly changing the bacterial community composition in soil and lettuce, thereby impeding the transport of ARGs to aboveground plant parts.

Effect of entrepreneurial behavior on performance with mediation of affective commitment in vocational schools throughout West Kalimantan

The quantitative approach, survey technique, analysis of statistical test data Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-SEM) Wrappls version 7, questionnaire data collection tool and documentation, the population of 3,999 and sample of 254 teachers, 29 public and private SMKs, research locations (3) hinterland districts: Sanggau, Sekadau, Landak districts; (3) coastal districts: Sambas, Mempawah and Kuburaya districts; (2) the city of Pontianak and the city of Singkawang. From the results of the study it was found that entrepreneurial behavior towards affective commitment has a positive and significant effect, the hypothesis is in a unidirectional relationship and can enhance each other; Entrepreneurship on achievement is positive and significant, the hypothesis is in a unidirectional relationship and can increase each other; Affective commitment to achievement is positive and significant, has a one-way relationship and can improve; Entrepreneurial behavior on achievement through affective commitment has a positive and significant effect, the hypothesis is in a unidirectional relationship and can enhance each other. This investigation has been able to foster a new model of affective commitment and the development of the concept of achievement in SMKs throughout West Kalimantan.

Effect of self-efficacy on performance with mediation of affective commitment in vocational schools throughout West Kalimantan

Quantitative approach, survey technique, analysis of statistical test data Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-SEM) Wrappls version 7, questionnaire data collection tool and documentation, population of 3,999 and sample of 254 teachers, 29 public and private SMKs, research locations (3) hinterland districts: Sanggau, Sekadau, Landak districts; (3) coastal districts: Sambas, Mempawah and Kuburaya districts; (2) the city of Pontianak and the city of Singkawang. From the results of the study it was found that self-efficacy towards affective commitment has a positive and significant effect, the hypothesis is in a unidirectional relationship and is able to enhance each other; Affective commitment to achievement is positive and significant, has a one-way relationship and is able to improve; self-efficacy on achievement through affective commitment has a positive and significant effect, the hypothesis is in a unidirectional relationship and is able to enhance each other. From this investigation it has been able to foster a new model of affective commitment and the development of the concept of achievement in SMKs throughout West Kalimantan.

The Governance of School Operational Assistance (SOA) Funds for Elementary Schools in Medan

This study aimed to test the measurement and structural models of SOA fund governance constructed by participation, transparency, and accountability. A total of 348 respondents were involved in this study consisting, including the headmaster (n=20), teachers (n=76), and parents (n=252). Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed to respondents using Google Forms for four months. Data analysis used confirmatory factor analysis through Partial Least Squares-Path Modeling (PLS-PM), which assisted the Smart PLS. Testing the measurement model using construct validity and internal consistency reliability showed two items (P4-participation and A3-accountability) having loading factors that do not satisfy the criteria. Likewise, both items were excluded from the model, which impacted the acceptance of the model fit. Furthermore, testing the quality of the structural model using the goodness of fit (GoF=0.524) was more significant than 0.36, which meant the quality of the structural model was very strong and significant. The transparency aspect had the most robust coefficient, which signals that everyone regarding the implementation of SOA funds in schools freely obtained the disclosure of financial and academic information. Other scholars can explore the role of the principal, teachers, and parents in making learning successful in schools by optimizing the use of SOA funds.

PLS-PM analysis of forest fires using remote sensing tools. The case of Xurés in the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

Forest fires have environmental, social and economic impacts in many areas. Various factors related to territory directly influence both the number and the surface area of each fire. The link between different variables (climate, social and environmental) in the risk of fire and in the characteristics of fires is studied here through Partial Least Squares - Path Models. In addition, images from the Sentinel-2 sensor and geographic information systems are used to create a cartographic base of fires in the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve of Galicia and the Site of Community Importance of Xurés (Galicia) between 2015 and 2020. In all, seven variables are analyzed in this study area using the partial least squares-path modeling method: climate, topography, land use, type of environmental protection, the anthropogenic factor, fire defense, and fire data (severity and area). The parameters for each variable are used to obtain weights and thus determine the importance of each one. The areas where the problem of forest fires is greatest are those with the greatest environmental protection. Up to 31% of the surface area of the Natura 2000 Network was burned in the 6-year study period. Topography and land use are also shown to be relevant factors in the effects of forest fires in this territory. By contrast, higher population density and the development of infrastructures such as roads and water tanks mitigate the impact of fires. The problem of forest fires encompasses many variables that need to be studied. By contextualizing each study area as far as possible, specific measures to prevent and reduce damage can be drawn up.

Integrated microbiological and metabolomics analyses to understand the mechanism that allows modified biochar to affect the alkalinity of saline soil and winter wheat growth

In order to understand the mechanism that allows modified biochar (BC) to enhance the salt tolerance and growth of crops in saline-alkali soil, we tested the effects of ordinary BC, nanoparticle-size BC, acidified BC (HBC), and acidified nanoparticle-size BC on winter wheat growth and the soil properties by combining microbiological and metabolomics analyses. The results showed that compared with the control with no BC, the plant height increased by 17.33 % under HBC and the proportion of large soil aggregates increased by 1.25–2.83 times. HBC increased the relative abundances of some dominant genera of bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus) and fungi (e.g., Mycothermus), as well as functions such as bacterial metabolic genetic information processing and cellular processes, and reduced the abundance of pathotrophic fungi. Metabolomics analysis showed that HBC upregulated various metabolites (including amino acids and their derivatives, lipids, flavonoids, and organic acids) and five main metabolic pathways. Among the KEGG pathways, the pyrimidine metabolism pathway was significantly upregulated, as well as crop leaf metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism, and the antioxidant levels and resistance to salt-alkali stress were enhanced in winter wheat leaves. Partial least squares-path modeling suggested that HBC affected the growth of winter wheat by significantly changing the soil physicochemical properties and microbial structure (path coefficients of 0.566 and 0.512, respectively).

Novel insights in seasonal dynamics and co-existence patterns of phytoplankton and micro-eukaryotes in drinking water reservoir, Northwest China: DNA data and ecological model.

Although associations between phytoplankton and micro-eukaryotes have been studied in aquatic ecosystems, there are still knowledge gaps in comprehending their dynamics and interactions in drinking water reservoirs. Here, the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton and micro-eukaryotic diversities and their co-existence patterns were studied in a drinking water reservoir, Northwest China. The highest phytoplankton diversity was observed in summer, and Chlorella sp. that belongs to Chlorophyta was the most abundant genus. The highest eukaryotic diversity was also detected in summer, and Rimostrombidium sp. that belongs to Ciliophora was the most dominant genus. Mantel test showed that the phytoplankton diversity was significantly correlated with ammonia nitrogen (r = 0.561, p = 0.001) and dissolved organic carbon (r = 0.267, p = 0.017), while the eukaryotic diversity was significantly associated with ammonia nitrogen (r = 0.265, p = 0.034) and temperature (r = 0.208, p = 0.046). PLS-PM (Partial Least Squares Path Modeling) further revealed that nutrients (P < 0.01) significantly affected the phytoplankton diversity, while nutrients (P < 0.01) and temperature (P < 0.01) significantly influenced the eukaryotic diversity. Co-occurrence network displayed the primarily positive interactions (77.66% positive and 22.34% negative) between phytoplankton and micro-eukaryotes. These findings could deepen our understanding of interactions between phytoplankton and micro-eukaryotes and their driving factors under changing aquatic environments of drinking water reservoirs.

The Impact of Cognitive Skill, and Individual Innovativeness on Digital Formal Learning Mediated by Attitude to Use Interactive Worksheet Digital

This research explores the essence of cognitive skill and individual innovativeness in junior high school students in Bali Province, influencing digital formal learning across a mediator variable. This study proposes to provide the comprehension of digital technology used by students that focus on attitude to use interactive worksheet digital as a mediator for supporting digital formal learning. The study analyzes sampling data from 167 students in the junior high school in Buleleng Regency by partial least square-path modeling. The findings reveal that cognitive skill and individual innovativeness in digital formal learning are partially mediated by attitude to digitally using interactive worksheets. The finding discovers students’ attitudes toward using digital tools that enhance their output, such as accomplishing tasks more effectively and delivering satisfying learning.

Metagenomic insights into the characteristics of soil microbial communities in the decomposing biomass of Moso bamboo forests under different management practices.

Considering the rapid growth and high biomass productivity, Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) has high carbon (C) sequestration potential, and different management practices can strongly modify its C pools. Soil microorganisms play an important role in C turnover through dead plant and microbial biomass degradation. To date, little is known about how different management practices affect microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and their responses to dead biomass degradation. Based on metagenomics analysis, this study analyzed CAZymes in three comparable stands from each Moso bamboo plantation: undisturbed (M0), extensively managed (M1), and intensively managed (M2). The results showed that the number of CAZymes encoding plant-derived component degradation was higher than that encoding microbe-derived component degradation. Compared with the M0, the CAZyme families encoding plant-derived cellulose were significantly (p < 0.05) high in M2 and significantly (p < 0.05) low in M1. For microbe-derived components, the abundance of CAZymes involved in the bacterial-derived peptidoglycan was higher than that in fungal-derived components (chitin and glucans). Furthermore, M2 significantly increased the fungal-derived chitin and bacterial-derived peptidoglycan compared to M0, whereas M1 significantly decreased the fungal-derived glucans and significantly increased the bacterial-derived peptidoglycan. Four bacterial phyla (Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi) mainly contributed to the degradation of C sources from the plant and microbial biomass. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and mantel test suggested the abundance of CAZyme encoding genes for plant and microbial biomass degradation are significantly correlated with soil pH, total P, and available K. Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) showed that management practices indirectly affect the CAZyme encoding genes associated with plant and microbial biomass degradation by regulating the soil pH and nutrients (total N and P), respectively. Our study established that M2 and M1 impact dead biomass decomposition and C turnover, contributing to decreased C accumulation and establishing that the bacterial community plays the main role in C turnover in bamboo plantations.