Aphids are a major pest of greenhouse-grown temperate crops, responsible for billions in crop damage yearly. As organic agriculture rapidly grows in popularity, understanding how plants grown under organic systems respond to insect pest pressure may give insights into better management practices and information about the genes of interest for crop improvement. We measured the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf and fruit transcriptome, as well as a few selected metabolites in the mature fruit, to an infestation of the generalist green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). The aphids were introduced approximately halfway through the lifecycle of the plants that were grown under conventional and organic fertilizer regimes. While plants provided with conventional fertilizer experienced greater aphid infestation, neither group suffered a significant loss in total yield or fruit quality. This result is likely a consequence of ample nutrient and water availability. Co-expression network analysis using WGCNA revealed that in leaf tissue, both treatment groups showed a general shift from diverse anabolic processes to catabolism, while fruit tissue experienced relatively minor changes. At the stage of infestation investigated, abscisic acid appeared to be the main phytohormone response. One coexpression network module showed a correlation with both organic fertilizer treatment and aphid infestation; its hub gene (Solyc02g078940.3) may be of interest in exploring unique responses to phloem feeding insect infestation under an organic fertilizer regime.

Background Sarcopenia is characterized by a decline in muscle mass and quality and has emerged as a life-threatening aging-related syndrome. However, the association between adult weight trajectories and muscle health remains unclear. Methods Using data from 1,007 adults aged ≥50 years from the United States. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 cycles, a cross-sectional analysis of body mass index (BMI) trajectories across four adult life stages was conducted using growth mixture modeling. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)–derived appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and muscle quality indices, including the appendicular muscle quality index (MQI.app) and total muscle quality index (MQI.total), calculated as grip strength per unit of muscle mass, were used to assess muscle health. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to evaluate the associations between BMI trajectories and muscle outcomes. Results Three BMI trajectories were identified: stable normal (38.5%), rapid increase (16.5%), and stable high (45.0%). The ASMI was greater, whereas the MQI was markedly lower in the rapid increase group than in the stable normal group, with odds ratios (ORs) of 11.38 (95% CI: 6.18–20.98) for the extremely low MQI.app category and 10.07 (95% CI: 5.85–17.11) for the extremely low MQI.total category. The stable high group also showed increased odds of lower MQI categories. Conclusions BMI trajectory was heterogeneously associated with muscle phenotype. Static indicators such as BMI and the ASMI alone may not fully capture functional risk. These findings highlight the need for further research on muscle quality and long-term weight dynamics, and for prospective studies before any clinical screening or intervention implications can be considered.

The increasing number of hospitals requires healthcare providers to continuously improve service quality to meet patient expectations and satisfaction. However, at Poso Hospital, various complaints are still being reported, particularly regarding service speed, fairness, and cost transparency, leading to dissatisfaction and a decrease in patient visits. This situation indicates the need for evaluation and implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a quality management approach. To determine the influence of Perceived Service Quality and Total Quality Management on patient loyalty with Patient Satisfaction as a moderating variable at Poso Regional Hospital. A quantitative cross-sectional design was applied with 442 respondents selected through random sampling. Data were summarized using univariate analysis to describe participant characteristics and response distributions, followed by path analysis for further examination. Total Quality Management have a significant effect on Patient Satisfaction and Perceived Service Quality and Total Quality Management have a significant effect on patient loyalty. The most effective model in this study is the partial mediation model, where TQM influence patient loyalty both directly and through patient satisfaction.

Objective: To analyze factors associated with life quality of HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy by using three models and compare the prediction performance of different models in Wuxi. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, a questionnaire survey was conducted in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy recruited through convenience sampling in Wuxi from June to September 2025 with a sample size of 346. The Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for HIV was used to evaluate the life quality of HIV-infected individuals. The logistic regression model, decision tree model and random forest model were used to analyze factors associated with the life quality of HIV-infected individuals. The prediction performance of different models was compared by using confusion matrix and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A total of 460 HIV-infected individuals were involved, with a total life quality score (79.49±8.46) lower than that in general population of national norm (80.28±17.46)(t=-2.01, P=0.045). The logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors associated with the life quality of HIV-infected individuals included informing no others of HIV infection status (aOR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.04-2.85), anxiety (aOR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.26-4.00), and depression (aOR=4.05, 95%CI: 2.42-6.87), while protective factor was better social support (aOR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.37-0.97). The decision tree model showed that depression, social support, and education level were factors associated with life quality of HIV-infected individuals. The random forest model indicated that main factors associated with life quality of HIV-infected individuals were depression and anxiety, followed by other chronic diseases, education level, and marital status. The accuracy rates of logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest models for the prediction of the life quality of HIV-infected individuals were 0.723, 0.715, and 0.752, respectively. Conclusions: The overall life quality of HIV-infected individuals was lower than that of general population, which was mainly associated with factors, such as depression, social support and education level. All the three models exhibited good accuracy in prediction of the life quality of HIV-infected individuals, but random forest model showed the better overall prediction performance.

Do diverse board structures affect innovation? Transitional economic evidence

Service delivery in Kenya’s county referral hospitals remains uneven despite ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and governance. Financial accountability practices, particularly transparency, compliance with financial regulations, and adherence to reporting standards, play a critical role in enhancing institutional performance. These practices are primarily underpinned by Agency Theory, which explains the need for oversight mechanisms to align the actions of hospital management (agents) with public and government expectations (principals), thereby preventing the misuse of resources and enhancing accountability. This perspective is reinforced by Institutional Theory, which emphasizes adherence to regulatory frameworks and norms, and Total Quality Management Theory, which links accountability processes to continuous improvement and service quality. This study examined the influence of financial accountability practices on service delivery in Level 5 county referral hospitals in Kenya, while also evaluating the moderating influence of leadership styles. A descriptive and quantitative research design was adopted. The target population comprised all 47 county referral hospitals, stratified across Kenya’s eight administrative regions. A sample of 148 respondents from hospital management teams was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and the questionnaires' validity and reliability were confirmed through pilot testing, expert review, and Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, complemented by diagnostic tests. Findings revealed that financial accountability practices significantly influence service delivery outcomes, with leadership styles strengthening this relationship. The study concluded that robust accountability frameworks, reinforced by effective leadership, are essential for enhancing service delivery quality in county referral hospitals.

This study aimed to investigate the quality of dying and death in an end-stage intensive care unit (ICU). We surveyed the quality of death of 99 end-stage ICU patients at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou using the Chinese nurse version of the ICU Quality of Death Questionnaire and a self-developed family version of the Patient Quality of Death Questionnaire. The patients' mean total quality of dying and death score was 44.72 ± 8.20. Moreover, 43.8% of the surveyed family members believed that the patients were peaceful at the end of their life, whereas 34.4% did not, and 21.9% were unsure. Health insurance status showed a significant negative correlation with both the total patient quality of death score (r = -0.205) and the end-of-life care score (r = -0.352). Based on the observational data and limited family interview sample from this study, the overall quality of death for end-stage ICU patients was relatively low. Scores on the quality of dying and death were correlated with patient age and health insurance status; however, these findings require further validation through multi-center, large-sample studies.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) refers to a global infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The treatment of CHB causes a heavy economic burden to society. To ensure the rational allocation of medical resources in the whole society and achieve the goal of patients' satisfaction and economy, this study aimed to evaluate the economics of de novo combination of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) as the first-line nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFNα-2b) versus PEG-IFNα-2b monotherapy of HBeAg-positive CHB in China. The Markov model was used to simulate the transition of HBeAg-positive CHB patients aged 30 in China under various health states using TreeAge Pro 2011 software. The cycle length was 1 year, and the cycle period of the model was 50 years. The model parameters included clinical efficacy, cost, transition probability and discount rate. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted through simulation of the total cost and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) of various treatment options through models. Simultaneously, one-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were performed. De novo combination of TAF and PEG-IFNα-2b and PEG-IFNα-2b monotherapy resulted in 11.16 and 10.81 QALYs, with total costs of $55559.72 and $57670.23, respectively. De novo combination strategy for HBeAg-positive CHB patients can save costs and obtain more health outcomes. Sensitivity analyses showed the reliability of the results. From the perspective of the whole society, the de novo combination strategy of TAF and PEG-IFNα-2b for patients with HBeAg-positive CHB may be more cost-effective than PEG-IFNα-2b monotherapy.

This article redefines Total Quality Management (TQM) in African universities from merely a compliance tool to a transformative institutional philosophy that enhances teaching, research, community engagement and governance. Using an integrative literature review, the article combines conceptual, policy and empirical studies on TQM, ISO 9001:2015, the EFQM Excellence Model, the Quality Management in Education model and African quality assurance frameworks such as the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ASG-QA) and the African Quality Rating Mechanism (AQRM). Thematic analysis indicates that transformational TQM in African higher education relies on leadership commitment, cross-departmental collaboration, institutional learning, data-driven decision-making and the adaptation of global quality models to local contexts. The review also highlights that quality reforms often fail when they are reduced to routine audits, excessive paperwork, symbolic compliance and externally imposed accountability. The article contends that African universities are more likely to benefit from TQM’s developmental potential when continental frameworks, national regulations and internal quality systems are aligned toward continuous improvement rather than just inspection. It concludes with a context-sensitive framework and practical recommendations for university leaders, quality assurance agencies and policymakers aiming to cultivate a sustainable culture of quality in African higher education

Introduction: The Total Quality Safety Management (TQSM) model is a tool used to assess the performance of occupational health and safety (OHS) management. This study evaluated the OHS management performance in two edible oil production factories using the TQSM model.Material and Methods: A total of 78 OHS-related evaluation criteria across four main areas of the TQSM model were assessed at the Saboos Mazand (Factory 1) and Mino Caspian (Factory 2) factories, located in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The four areas included Total Quality Management (TQM), the ISO 9001 Quality Management System guidelines, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), and Process Safety Management (PSM). The study population consisted of 20 individuals from each factory, including managers, supervisors, and members of the OHS Committee, all with at least one year of experience in their respective roles. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method.Both factories had established active management systems for quality management (ISO 9001), customer satisfaction management (ISO 10002), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) at the time of the study, reflecting the nature of the industry.Results: The total scores achieved by Factory 1 and Factory 2 across the four main areas were as follows: 52.11 and 51.8 in the TQM area, 43.94 and 45.5 in the QMS-ISO 9001 area, 45.23 and 46.45 in the VPP area, and 30.22 and 30.06 in the PSM area. The overall scores obtained in the TQSM model were 171.51 for Factory 1 and 173.81 for Factory 2, corresponding to 54.97% and 55.7% of the maximum achievable score, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the mean scores across the four areas of the TQSM model for the two factories (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Both factories exhibited an overall average performance level in OHS management. The evaluation criteria across the four areas of the TQSM model indicated weak to moderate conditions in the assessed subareas. Effectively using this model highlighted the organizational and operational areas requiring increased effort and focus to enhance OHS management performance in both factories.

This study aimed to identify the role of training strategies in promoting the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in Jordanian business organizations, as well as to determine the attitudes of employees in Jordanian telecommunications companies towards training strategies and TQM. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and used a questionnaire as the data collection tool. (450) questionnaires were distributed to the study sample, and (400) were returned. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 25) and descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and simple regression. The study reached a number of conclusions, most notably: Employees in Jordanian telecommunications companies held highly positive attitudes towards all variables and dimensions of training strategies, with an overall mean of 3.61 and a standard deviation of 0.537. Regarding the availability of training strategy dimensions, E-training ranked first, followed by continuous training. The study sample also held highly positive attitudes towards all variables and dimensions of Total Quality Management (TQM), with a mean of 3.93 and a standard deviation of 0.206. Furthermore, the study revealed a role for training strategies in promoting the application of TQM principles in Jordanian telecommunications companies, along with a positive correlation between them (R = 0.471). E-training and continuous training also played a role in promoting TQM implementation in Jordanian telecommunications companies, demonstrating a positive correlation between them. The study offered several recommendations, the most important of which are: developing training strategies within the training programs of Jordanian telecommunications companies by activating e-training and focusing on the continuity of training, and working to establish a culture of quality dissemination within these companies.

Purpose Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly face pressure to integrate sustainability into their operations, yet many struggle to align entrepreneurial green initiatives with effective supply chain practices. This study aims to develop a comprehensive model examining how Green Entrepreneurship Orientation (GEO) influences Supply Chain Learning (SCL), with a focus on the mediating role of Total Quality Management (TQM). By uncovering this mediation, the research highlights how TQM functions as a critical mechanism linking proactive green entrepreneurial behaviors to enhanced organizational learning and sustainable supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach GEO, SCL, and TQM are assumed as the independent, dependent, and mediating variables, respectively. The variables were determined based on a literature review, and a model was developed accordingly to assess the impact of the variables. A questionnaire has been designed and distributed to 150 quality managers of SMEs in the Jey Industrial Town in Isfahan province, Iran. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) has been used for statistical analysis. Findings GEO had an impact value of 0.456 on SCL and 0.531 on TQM. Also, TQM had an impact value of 0.464 on SCL. Findings confirmed the mediating role of TQM in the relationship between GEO and SCL. Practical implications This study highlights how GEO enhances SCL through TQM, offering managers actionable insights to boost sustainable performance management. Originality/value This pioneering study introduces TQM as a novel mediating mechanism between GEO and SCL, addressing a critical theoretical gap in sustainable supply chain literature.

This research aims to analyze the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility, Profitability and Leverage on Firm Value with Auit Qaulity acting as a moderating variabel in energy sector compenies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the 2022-2024 periode. Firm value is represented by Price To Book Value (PBV), Corporate social responsibiity is measured using Globalrreporting Initiative (GRI), Profitability is proxied by Return On Asset (ROA), Leverage is measured by the Debt To Total Asset Ratio (DAR) and Audit Quality isBassessed using Dummy Variaabel distinguishing big four and non big four publik accounting firms (KAP).BThis study adopts a quantitative approach and applies Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) using SPSS, with a final sample of 115 observations after removing outliers. The findings indicate that CSR has a significant effect on firm value (sig. 0.013 < 0.05), profitability also significantly influences firm value (sig. 0.001 < 0.05), and leverage showsAa significant impact on firm value as well (sig. 0.004 < 0.05). These results suggest that investors in the energy sector take into account social responsibility, profitability, and capital structure when evaluating a company’s future prospects. However, the moderation analysis reveals that audit quality is unable to moderate the relationship between CSR (0.398 > 0.05), profitability (0.530 > 0.05), and leverage (0.101 > 0.05) with firm value. This implies that the reputation of the auditor does not influence how investors perceive firm value in the energy sector

Official match outcomes may be associated with acute psychological responses in youth athletes, particularly in team sports characterized by high emotional and interpersonal demands. To examine acute psychological responses in male youth volleyball athletes during official matches in a national-level competition, focusing on associations with match outcome (win vs. loss), playing status (starter vs. substitute), and assessment moment (pre- vs. post-match). Fourteen male athletes (mean age 16.5 ± 0.82 years) from a single Brazilian national-level team were followed across 20 official matches (14 wins and 6 losses). Psychological responses were assessed before and/or after matches using validated instruments: State Anxiety (STAI-IDATE), Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), Feeling Scale, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and Total Quality Recovery (TQR). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used with an independent working correlation structure and robust (sandwich) standard errors. Fixed effects included match outcome, playing status, assessment moment, and their interactions. Candidate marginal models were compared via Independence Model Criterion under a parsimonious strategy suitable for small samples. Losses were associated with increased post-match state anxiety, tension, depression, anger, and confusion, whereas wins were generally associated with stability or more favorable responses in these dimensions. Affective valence also showed an outcome×moment interaction, declining after losses but remaining relatively stable after wins. Vigor demonstrated a three-way interaction between playing status, outcome, and moment, with substitutes showing a more pronounced decline after losses. Fatigue showed main effects of playing status, match outcome, and moment. Enjoyment was higher in wins than losses and higher in starters than substitutes. Perceived recovery showed a playing status×outcome interaction, with starters reporting higher pre-match recovery before matches that resulted in wins. In this single-team observational sample, acute psychological responses appeared to vary according to match outcome, playing status, and assessment moment. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations and may support the practical value of psychological monitoring in youth competitive volleyball.

This study introduces and validates dynamic multiplex PCR, a newly developed multiplex PCR method designed to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional multiplexing, particularly the challenges associated with heterogeneous primer melting temperatures (Tm) among multiple primer pairs in a single reaction. While traditional protocols rely on a single, fixed annealing temperature (Ta) per cycle, the dynamic multiplex PCR approach applies four sequential annealing temperatures (52°C, 54°C, 57°C, and 60°C) within each individual PCR cycle. This novel intra-cycle multi-temperature strategy was evaluated using an 8-plex microsatellite panel in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) samples and compared against three established protocols: multiplex touchdown PCR and two conventional PCR setups at fixed temperatures of 54°C and 57°C. The performance of the methods was assessed through a dual-platform quantitative analysis. Amplification yields were first quantified via densitometric analysis of agarose gel electrophoresis, while capillary fragment analysis was utilized to evaluate peak height, total peak area, quality scores, and fragment sizing precision. Sizing accuracy was rigorously determined as the absolute deviation between observed fragment sizes and assigned allele values. Statistical evaluations were conducted using a General Linear Model (GLM) and ANOVA framework to examine the effects of the PCR method, operator, locus, and biological sample on amplification performance and genotyping reliability. The results demonstrate that dynamic multiplex PCR significantly outperforms both conventional and multiplex touchdown PCR protocols by providing more balanced and robust amplification across all eight loci. By accommodating diverse primer requirements within a single cycle, this method eliminates the need for extensive trial-and-error optimization, thereby substantially reducing the consumption of laboratory consumables and total processing time. These findings establish dynamic multiplex PCR as a highly reliable, cost-effective, and reproducible multiplex PCR approach, offering a significant methodological advancement for high-quality multi-locus genotyping and fragment analysis workflows.

This study aims to analyze barriers and formulate strategies to accelerate the accreditation of the Nunukan Regency Transportation Agency's Motor Vehicle Inspection Technical Implementation Unit (UPT PKB). Accreditation is a requirement of the Ministry of Transportation to ensure service quality, safety, and compliance with national standards. To date, the Nunukan Regency UPT PKB has not yet obtained accreditation, resulting in weak formal legitimacy and poor quality of public services in the motor vehicle inspection sector. This study used a qualitative method based on case studies. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations, and then analyzed using the Miles & Huberman interactive model. The analysis focused on the application of the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA) framework, integrated with Total Quality Management (TQM) principles, to identify barriers and develop continuous improvement strategies. The results indicate that barriers to accelerating accreditation stem from three main categories. Internal factors include limited human resources, substandard facilities and infrastructure, and incomplete quality documentation. External factors include budgetary constraints, difficult geographical conditions, weak inter-institutional coordination, and the absence of regional regulations. Structural and bureaucratic factors include weak synergy between DPOs and a lack of urgency regarding the accreditation process.

This study examined the relationship between training load (TL) indicators and recovery status (total quality recovery, TQR) during the preseason training period in collegiate Taekwondo athletes. A total of 25 athletes (17 males and 8 females; age: 19.2 ± 1.04 years, training experience: 6.8 ± 3.40 years, body height: 168.0 ± 8.08 cm, body mass: 64.1 ± 8.38 kg, fat content: 15.9 ± 7.21%) participated in this prospective observational study. Over eight weeks, 855 training sessions were monitored. TL was quantified using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method, and derived TL indicators [weekly load variation (SDΔ), rolling average acute:chronic workload ratio (RA ACWR), exponentially weighted moving average acute:chronic workload ratio (EWMA ACWR), training monotony (TM), and training strain (TS)] were calculated. Recovery status was assessed daily using the TQR scale. In the univariate linear mixed model analyses, SDΔ (β = -0.30, 95% CI [-0.51, -0.08], p = 0.006) and the EWMA ACWR (β = -0.46, 95% CI [-0.64, -0.29], p < 0.001) were significantly associated with TQR. However, in the multivariate model, only the EWMA ACWR (β = -0.74, 95% CI [-0.97, -0.52], p < 0.001) remained a significant predictor. These findings suggest that the EWMA ACWR is the most sensitive TL indicator for capturing short-term changes in recovery status. Integrating the EWMA ACWR with simple tools such as the TQR scale may help coaches balance TL and recovery in preseason training. Future studies should include additional physiological and psychological markers to evaluate whether EWMA ACWR-based load management can effectively reduce injury risk and enhance athletic performance.

This study investigates the strategic role of employee relations (ER) in fostering competitive advantage (CA) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia, with total quality management (TQM) serving as a mediating variable. Against the backdrop of Vision 2030 and the expanding SME sector, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding how internal human capital practices, particularly ER, contribute to sustainable competitiveness when embedded in structured quality frameworks. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), the study conceptualizes ER as a foundational intangible asset that, while valuable, requires operational alignment through mechanisms such as TQM to yield measurable competitive outcomes.

Global patterns of urban soil degradation: revealing the impacts of urbanization on natural and sealed urban soils

The effect of Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists on sleep: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis.