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To investigate whether the association between hearing difficulties and self-reported memory problems is mediated by physical health and psychosocial wellbeing. A cross-sectional study. Path analyses were used to test potential theoretical models (psychosocial-cascade, common cause) of the association between hearing difficulties and memory problems, adjusting for age. A sample of 479 adults (18–87 years) completed self-reported outcome measures. Half the participants reported clinically significant hearing difficulties and 30% self-reported memory problems. In the direct model, reporting hearing difficulties was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting memory problems (β = 0.17, p = 0.007, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] = 0.00, 0.01). Hearing difficulties were also associated with poorer physical health, but this did not mediate the association with memory. Psychosocial factors, however, fully mediated the relationship between hearing difficulties and memory problems (β = 0.03, p = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.01). Adults with hearing difficulties may be more likely to self-report memory problems, irrespective of age. This study supports the psychosocial-cascade model, as the association between self-reported hearing and memory problems was explained entirely by psychosocial factors. Future studies should investigate these associations using behavioural measures, as well as explore whether interventions can reduce the risk of developing memory problems in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on short-term travel behavior and long-term travel preferences among residents of Alabama, using survey data. The study employs a two-step path analysis modeling framework to connect the changes in travel behavior during the pandemic with the expected long-term travel preferences. In the first step, the study develops a model to identify correlates of the travel behavior changes during the pandemic (i.e., reduced trip frequency to grocery/pharmacy, retail/recreation, and work/commuting). In the second step, the study develops a model to establish the association between during-pandemic travel behavior changes and post-pandemic travel preferences. To reduce estimation bias when relying on one single model, the study employs multiple machine learning classifiers such as Random Forest, Adaptive Boosting, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Artificial Neural Network. Average marginal effects are estimated to quantify the correlates of travel impacts due to the pandemic. The results reveal that fear of COVID-19 is significantly associated with reduced travel during the pandemic regardless of the trip type, and people from high-income households will likely travel less after the pandemic. The path analysis connects the correlates of short-term travel impacts of COVID-19 and long-term travel preferences, and identifies variables such as fear of COVID-19 that are significantly linked to reduced travel during the pandemic and also associated with long-term travel preferences. People who reduced their travel during the pandemic are likely to continue traveling less in the future. The study provides valuable insights into the impacts of COVID-19 on travel behavior in Alabama, which can inform the development of local transportation policies. • A statewide travel behavior survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alabama. • The study built models to uncover the impacts of COVID-19 on short-term travel behaviors and long-term travel preferences. • Machine learning integrated into path analysis to explore travel behaviors during COVID-19 effects on long-term preferences. • Estimated marginal effects quantify the impact of the pandemic on short- and long-term travel behavior and preferences. • People in Alabama who reduced their travel during the pandemic are likely to continue traveling less in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: Farmers experience a specific set of unique dangers, which increases their risk of mortality compared with any other occupation. This study hypothesised that Northern Ireland's (NIs) agriculturally saturated Wards have a higher risk of mortality compared against non‐agriculturally based Wards. Design: The Population Census and Farm Census information were downloaded from the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Service (NINIS) online depository to compile three mortality‐based data sets (2001, 2011, pooled data sets). Assessing the impact of socio‐demographics and farming activity on Ward‐level mortality patterns using farm and population decennial censuses. This study analysed all 582 Ward areas of NI, which enclosed the entire populace of the country in 2001 and 2011. Findings: Path analysis was utilised to examine direct and indirect paths linked with mortality within two census years (2001; 2011), alongside testing pathways for invariance between census years (pooled data set). Ward‐level results provided evidence for exogenous variables to mortality operating through three/four endogenous variables via: (i) direct effects (age), (ii) summed indirect effects (age; males; living alone; farming profit; and deprivation) and (iii) total effects (age; males; living alone; and deprivation). Multi‐group results cross‐validated these cause‐and‐effect relationships relating to mortality. Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrated that farming intensity scores, farming profits and socio‐demographics' influence on mortality risk in a Ward were dependent on the specific social‐environmental characteristics within that area. In line with earlier area level research, results support the aggregated interpretation that higher levels of farming activity within a Ward increase the risk of mortality within those Wards of NI. This was an essential study to enable future tailoring of new strategies and upgrading of current policies to bring about significant mortality risk change at local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction among problematic smartphone use, frustration intolerance, duration of smartphone use, and gender in high school students. A total of 524 students (49.24% males) between the ages of 14−18 years attending high schools in Turkey participated in the study. The Frustration Discomfort Scale and the Smartphone Addiction Scale−Short Form were used for data collection. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the mediator role of duration of smartphone use and the moderator role of gender in the relationship between frustration intolerance aspects (discomfort intolerance, entitlement, emotional intolerance, and achievement) and problematic smartphone use. Entitlement, emotional intolerance, discomfort intolerance, and duration of smartphone use positively predicted problematic smartphone use, but the duration of smartphone use didn’t have a mediating role in the relationship between frustration intolerance and problematic smartphone use. These findings highlight that entitlement, emotional intolerance, discomfort intolerance may directly predict problematic smartphone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing lowland tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a better strategy to resist global warming. Tomato expansion also requires an efficient and organized selection process, including breeding the advanced segregating populations. Using selection indices in combination with biometrical analysis, such as principal component analysis, path analysis, and the Smith-Hazel index, can further improve the effectiveness of the selection concept. Therefore, the presented research aimed to evaluate the lowland F5 tomato lines through various selection indices and select the potential genotypes for further preliminary yield tests. The latest study proceeded in an augmented design, divided into four blocks, with a randomized complete block design as an environmental scheme. For comparison, the five standard tomato cultivars, consisting of Chung, Gustavi, Mawar, Tymoty, and Karina, underwent repeated planting in each block to compare with 45 F5 lines. All the tomato genotypes' analysis used correlation, path, and principal component analyses, and the Smith-Hazel index. Based on the results, the selection indices with a multivariate approach and genetic analysis proved effective in selecting tomato lines in the F5 populations. The PCA, Smith-Hazel, and path analyses were the best approaches for creating selection indices formed by three characteristics, namely, yield, the number of fruits per bunch, and the number of branches. The selection indices recognized and recommended the 23 tomato F5 strains for further studies in the preliminary yield testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concerned study aimed to determine the correlation and direct and indirect effects to estimate the interaction between production parameters and the zinc content of plant tissues of early maturing rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars. The study comprised the application of zinc at various crop phases, namely, without zinc (Zn0), zinc at the vegetative phase (Zn1), the vegetative and generative phases (Zn2), and the generative phase (Zn3) to three early maturing rice cultivars, Inpari 19, Inpari Cakrabuana, and Inpari Sidenuk. Data analysis used correlation and path analyses. The results revealed that rice grain yield positively correlated with most production parameters. The zinc analysis also showed a positive correlation between zinc content and rice plant tissues. The path analysis indicated that the clumping grain weight had a significant (P ≤ 0.01) positive direct effect (0.75). Meanwhile, panicle density had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive direct effect (0.51) on rice grain production per hectare. Path analysis of zinc content in tissues signified that zinc content in leaves had a very significant (P ≤ 0.01) positive direct effect (0.71), In contrast, zinc content in stems had an indirect positive influence (0.33) on zinc content in grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice is the staple food for billions of people globally and contains numerous essential nutrients. Among the nutrients, zinc and iron are vital for several growth metabolisms in plants and humans. Therefore, deficiency of these nutrients causes hidden hunger. However, understandingthe genetic variability of rice germplasm is required for improvement of grain yield, yield contributing and nutritional traits. The present study aimed to examine the variability, heritability, character association and path analysis in zinc and iron-rich rice landraces. Methods: The present investigation was carried out with 37 genotypes of rice in a randomized block design with two replications during Kharif-2021 at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Maruteru. Result: The studies on variability, heritability and genetic advance as percent mean results revealed moderate GCV and PCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as percent mean recorded for days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, zinc content, iron content and grain yield plant-1 indicating scope for simultaneous improvement of these traits along with grain yield plant-1. Character associations and path analysis revealed positive and significant association coupled with a high positive direct effect for grains panicle-1, zinc content and productive tillers plant-1, indicating the effectiveness of direct phenotypic selection for these traits in the improvement of grain yield plant-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a context where synchronous online teaching has become a new trend of instruction for online education due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is valuable and insightful to examine what factors contribute to teachers' satisfaction with synchronous online teaching. Objective: Informed by the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study investigated English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) university teachers' synchronous online teaching satisfaction in China from social (i.e., subjective norms), institutional (i.e., facilitating conditions), and individual (i.e., self‐efficacy, attitudes toward use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use) levels during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 250 in‐service EFL university teachers participated in this study. An online questionnaire was adaptively developed to measure teachers' perceptions of and satisfaction with synchronous online teaching. The structural equation modelling (i.e., path analyses) was performed to find out a model that can best represent EFL university teachers' synchronous online teaching satisfaction. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that facilitating conditions, self‐efficacy, attitudes toward use, and perceived usefulness are direct contributors to EFL university teachers' satisfaction with synchronous online teaching. Whereas, perceived ease of use, self‐efficacy, and subjective norms are indirect contributors through the mediation of attitudes toward use. Moreover, different from previous TAM research, facilitating conditions have been found to be the most significant direct factor positively contributing to satisfaction. The findings of this study are expected to shed light on how to enhance teachers' synchronous online teaching satisfaction. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been frequently adopted to examine teachers' acceptance of technology in various contexts over the last two decades.The TAM model identifies three key factors that contribute to people's intention of technology use: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of, and attitudes toward technology use.Although the TAM model has been extensively examined in various technology‐supported teaching contexts, there has been a lack of focus on livestream technology‐supported synchronous online teaching. What the paper adds: EFL university teachers' synchronous online teaching satisfaction during the COVID‐19 in China.Teachers' satisfaction with synchronous online teaching is a joint interplay of individual (i.e., self‐efficacy, attitudes toward use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use), institutional (i.e., facilitating conditions), and social (i.e., subjective norms) factors.Facilitating conditions, self‐efficacy, attitudes toward use, and perceived usefulness are direct contributors, while perceived ease of use, self‐efficacy, and subjective norms are indirect contributors to teachers' synchronous online teaching satisfaction through the mediation of attitudes toward use.Different from previous TAM research, facilitating conditions have been found to be the most significant direct factor positively contributing to satisfaction. Implications for practice and/or policy: This study offers a diagnostic measure for schools and universities to understand the status quo of their teachers' perceptions of and satisfaction with synchronous online teaching.Universities are advised to provide teachers with readily accessible support and training to enhance their self‐efficacy for synchronous online teaching so that their satisfaction with synchronous online teaching can be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from a survey of refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and Iraq in Vienna, Austria, most of whom arrived in 2015, we employ path analysis to study the effects of various integration resources on life satisfaction. In addition, we consider sociodemographic effects. We find that refugees who scored higher on host-country-specific language proficiency, social contacts, and a feeling of relatedness have significantly higher levels of life satisfaction. Origin-country-specific integration resources are not significantly related. Our findings imply that opportunities in the host country are crucial for a satisfying integration process of refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freemium model, a business model that provides basic functions for free and makes a profit by providing advanced functions at a premium, has been widely adopted in various industries. To acquire enough customers and generate revenues from the freemium model, the proper allocation of free and premium functions is essential, but little research has been done in this direction. This study proposes a two-stage approach that combines the Kano model and the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a conceptual design method of freemium services. First, Kano analysis is performed to divide the functions of services into three types, must-be, one-dimensional, and attractive functions. The must-be functions are regarded as free functions, and low and high-level one-dimensional functions are classified as free and premium functions, respectively. Then, we perform path analysis based on TAM to identify additional premium functions that affect willingness to pay. We allocate free and premium functions of personal cloud service using the proposed approach and compare the results with the current functions of Dropbox, One Drive, and Google Drive. The proposed two-stage approach is expected to be practically used for designing service concepts based on the freemium business model in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intensive and critical care nurses need to demonstrate ethical sensitivity especially in recognizing and dealing with ethical dilemmas particularly as they often care for patients living with life-threatening conditions. Theories suggest that there is a convergence between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity. Evidence in the literature indicates that nurses' emotional, demographic, and work characteristics are associated with their level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity, considering their emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress), demographic and work characteristics, and test an empirical model describing potential predictors of empathy (as a mediator) and ethical sensitivity using path analysis. Research design: Using a cross-sectional design, the philosophical theory of care ethics and empathy was extended and adopted as a conceptual framework for this study and tested by path analysis. Participants and research context: Data were collected from 347 intensive care nurses recruited by ten educational-medical hospitals in Iran using a questionnaire between February and March 2021. Ethical considerations: The study was reviewed by the Ethical Advisory Board in Iran and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings: Study participants demonstrated a mild level of stress, anxiety, and depression, alongside a relatively high level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. Nurses with good socioeconomic status had higher empathetic behavior with patients than those with weak status. Nurses aged over 40 who had received ethics training and had higher work experience were associated with higher ethical sensitivity compared to nurses under 20 years of age. Empathy directly affected ethical sensitivity; however, anxiety had an indirect effect on ethical sensitivity through empathy. Among demographic factors, age had a positive direct effect on ethical sensitivity. Conclusions: Less anxiety and a high level of empathy contribute to higher levels of ethical sensitivity among intensive and critical care nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While social determinants of health have been perennially linked to child survival in resource-limited countries, the precise and tested pathways to effect are not clearly understood. The objective of this study was therefore to identify the critical pathways as posited a priori in a model through which social factors (at maternal, household, and community levels) determine neonatal, infant, and under-five mortalities in Nigeria. Using a novel analytic approach (hierarchical path modelling for predicting accelerated failure time) to estimate (in)direct and total effects of social determinants of child survival, we analysed 30,960 live births (weighted data for representativeness), obtained from the 2016/2017 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. There were three outcome variables: time until occurrence of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortalities. The independent variables were layered factors related to child, maternal, household and community. Geographical region, rurality of residence, infrastructural development, maternal education, contraceptive use, marital status, and maternal age at birth were found to operate more indirectly on neonatal, infant, and under-five survival. Child survival is due to direct effects of child's sex (female), gestational type (singleton), birth spacing (children whose mothers delivered at least two years apart), and maternal age at delivery (20–34 years). According to the path coefficients, the indirect effects of geographical regions are the most influential determinants of child survival, accounting for 30% (neonatal), 37.1% (infant) and 39.9% (under-five) of the total effects. This study offers comprehensive set of factors, and linked pathways, at the maternal, household, and community levels that are associated with child survival in Nigeria. To accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal targets for child survival and reduce geographical inequities, stakeholders should implement more impactful policies that promote maternal education, contraceptive use and improve living conditions of women (especially in rural areas of northern Nigeria). Future research should focus on identifying the most effective interventions for addressing these social determinants of child survival in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating genetic diversity simplifies the identification of superior genotypes, facilitating the development of high-yielding, resilient to climatic conditions and promoting effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to examine the divergence, correlation and path analysis across 55 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) germplasms for 17 traits during the summer season (March-July) of 2022. The experiment utilized randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab. Analysis of variance suggested a sufficient amount of genetic variation was found among all genotypes. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the samples were classified into seven clusters, the largest being cluster I, composing 34 germplasm. Only one germplasm was found in Clusters II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters II and VII, whereas the intra-cluster distance was greatest in Cluster III. The number of fruits per plant had the highest percent contribution to the divergence, accounting for 49.63%. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, there was a strong positive correlation (+) observed between fruit yield and various characteristics, including plant height, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and the number of pickings. Genotypic path analysis revealed that characteristics such as the first flowering node, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, and average fruit weight exhibited a positive and direct effect on fruit yield. When selecting this trait to improve yield in okra through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help resilient okra varieties understand yieldinfluencing factors in Punjab environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the causes and consequences of foraging behaviour has been a longstanding research interest in the study of animal behaviour. Long-lived seabirds adapt their foraging behaviour in response to seasonal changes in marine environments, particularly to food availability, and the trade-off between current and future reproduction. This postulates the links and direction of causality between environments, foraging behaviour and chick growth; however, these relationships remain unclear, especially on a decadal scale. Here, we focused on streaked shearwaters, Calonectris leucomelas , breeding in the Sea of Japan, as they are an ideal species for examining seabird behavioural and reproductive responses to marine environmental changes. Individuals of this species have two alternative choices for foraging trips, selecting either the northern part of the Sea of Japan or the northwest Pacific Ocean, which have different oceanographic features. From 2011 to 2021, we recorded foraging trips of chick-rearing streaked shearwaters tagged with GPS loggers, and weighed chicks to obtain yearly chick growth rates. Path analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the sea surface temperature, foraging behaviour of chick-rearing adults and chick growth rate. The results revealed that a larger variability in the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean and higher demand from chicks attracted the adults towards the Pacific Ocean, suggesting that the foraging area and marine predator distribution are determined by the interplay of food availability and offspring condition. These findings illustrate the importance of using long-term foraging behaviour data sets to better understand the relationships between environmental conditions, foraging behaviour and chick growth. • Streaked shearwater foraging and chick growth were analysed for 11 years. • Shearwaters were attracted to areas with high-variability sea surface temperatures. • Shearwaters flew to high-productivity areas when the chick growth rate was low. • Long-term biologging elucidated the environment–behaviour relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the utility of genotypes in the breeding program in mid-hill environments of the north-western Himalayas of India, apple cultivars were studied during 2019 and 2020 to discover inter-relationships of variables as well as to study genetic variation across yield attribution traits. For fruit set, fruit drop and fruit volume, high heritability and moderate genetic gain was observed. Substantial correlation between fruit yield per plant and pruning weight, tree volume, tree spread and TSS was observed. However, the increments in tree height and trunk girth were strongly and adversely linked with fruit yield per plant. Thus the traits tree spread, tree volume and flowering length may be used as selection indicators for increased production with high-quality apple cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight diverse mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes were assessed for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, trait association and genetic diversity based on 14 yield and its attributing traits during the Rabi 2023 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, School of Agriculture, LPU, Punjab. The study revelled significant differences among the mustard genotypes both in their genotypic and phenotypic level. Significant differences were observed in traits such as number of siliquae per plant, number of siliquae on the main stem, and seed yield per plant. Moreover, it is noteworthy to emphasize that a pronounced degree of heritability was founded for all traits except for days to maturity. Significant genetic advancements expressed as a percentage mean was observed for all attributes examined, except for days 50% flowering and maturity. Seed yield per individual plant manifested a substantial and positive genotypic correlation with the number of secondary branches per plant, 1000-seed weight, biological yield per individual plant, and the harvest index. Path analysis further elucidated that biological yield per individual plant and the harvest index exerted the most substantial positive direct effects on seed yield per plant. Based on these findings, the study suggests that choosing mustard genotypes based on these particular traits could lead to a more effective strategy for increasing overall yield. Additionally, genotypes grouped into distinct clusters with higher average values for seed yield and other essential characteristics present an attractive opportunity for inclusion in hybridization efforts aimed at producing superior offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study involved assessment of genetic variability and trait association of seed yield and its component traits in 20 EMS-derived stable mutant lines of black aromatic rice. The traits grain yield / plant, harvest index, effective tillers and biological yield/ plant recorded maximum GCV and PCV. Heritability estimates ranged from 67 percent for total number of tillers/ plant to 99 percent for days to 50 percent flowering. The trait grain yield per plant revealed high heritability (>80%) coupled with high advance in genetics (>50%). The traits fertile spikelets per panicle, effective tillers/ plant, biological yield, panicle length, and plant height were significantly and positively correlated with grain yield. The path analysis revealed maximum positive direct effects of fertile spikelets per panicle, harvest index, biological yield, grain length and effective tillers on grain yield indicating the selection of these traits for efficient crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation comprising 36 diverse cauliflower genotypes along with three checks were raised during winter season of 2021-22 to study genetic variability, association between different characters, and direct and indirect effects of component traits to formulate selection criteria for utilization in crop improvement programme. The analysis of variance indicated exitance of sufficient genetic variability for all morphological and yield traits taken for the study. High PCV and GCV were reported for marketable curd weight, net curd weight and stalk length. Similarly, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for gross plant weight, marketable curd weight and curd solidity which indicates that these traits can be easily improved through simple selection. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that gross plant weight, net curd weight, curd size index, curd solidity, plant frame and stalk length could be considered as the best selection parameters for evolving high yielding cauliflower genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trial (EWYT) was conducted with 50 diverse genotypes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and analyzed by multivariate analysis during 2018-19 rabi season. Correlation analysis revealed positive association of plant height, grains per spike, spike length, test weight and biomass with grain yield. Path analysis revealed the highest direct effect on grain yield/metre by biomass/metre (1.508) which was also positively associated with grain yield/metre (0.833). PCA analysis showed 11 principal components out of which five principal components (PC1 to PC5) exhibited eigen value greater than one. The correlation between AUDPC and physiological characters indicated that chlorophyll loss was associated with high spot blotch disease incidence at later stages of crop growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is a second most important pulse crop grown in 56 countries and India rank first in production which shares 61.4% of the total world chickpea production however, productivity is very low as compared to other countries. Therefore, varietal development with inherent tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress is the prime objective to improve component productivity traits to get better yield in rainfed agro-climatic conditions. Methods: Ninety germplasm accessions of chickpea along with four check viz., JG 14, JG 16, JAKI 9218 and Radhey were evaluated in augmented block design at experimental research farm of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. Phenotypic data were subjected to study the genetic parameters and association analysis of yield and its component traits using SPAR 2.0 Package and Windostat Version 9.2. Result: The significant variation was observed for all the traits except number of secondary branches, number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod among the genotypes. The maximum GCV and PCV was observed for height of first pod (35.28 and 39.29), followed by seed yield per plant (29.77 and 40.32) and number of primary branches (25.63 and 31.44). The high magnitude of heritability with genetic advance was estimated for seed index (96.61%), while the high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for first pod height (65.27%). The positive and significant association of seed yield with number of pods per plant, seed index, number of seeds per pod, number of secondary branches, number of primary branches and height of first pod indicating the importance of these traits in selection criteria. Path analysis identified that number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plants, seed index and number of secondary branches per plant as highly desirable component for direct effect on seed yield per plant. The genotypes ICVT-181106 had highest selection indices for seed yield followed by ICVT-181107, PUSA-1053, JG-218, GNG-1999, ICVT-181102 and HC-5. Therefore, high GCV and PCV, significant positive direct and indirect correlation and high estimate of selection indices for grain yield can be directly and indirectly used for chickpea breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kumamoto oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) are important marine aquaculture shellfish because of their taste and round shell shape. Due to its small size, selective breeding is required to improve its market size, but there are no reports on traits suitable for direction selection and reproductive productivity of Kumamoto oysters of different ages. In this study, path analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to explore the influential indices of oyster body weight and fecundity. The results showed that shell height was the main factor affecting the body weight of Kumamoto oysters at one-year-old and two-year-old, followed by shell length. Body weight was the main factor influencing fecundity, and shell height showed a significant correlation with fecundity. Therefore, shell height should be considered the first parameter for selection when selecting Kumamoto oysters for body weight as the direct selection target. When one-year-old and two-year-old Kumamoto oysters were selected as parents from Xiangshan Bay, hatching parameters and growth parameters of F1 generation larvae were measured. The fecundity and egg diameters were 1.72 × 106 and 46.60 ± 3.62 µm, respectively, which were significantly greater than one-aged oysters (5.86 × 105, 40.26 ± 3.52 µm). The hatching parameters (fertilized egg size, fertilization rate, and hatching rate) and larval growth performance (D-stage veliger and veliger) were similar and did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), and after metamorphosis, there was also no significant difference in shell height size at 40 days of age (P > 0.05). Therefore, there was no significant effect of age on reproduction, larval development, and the early growth of Kumamoto oysters. These results could provide a basis for parental sources and proper traits for Kumamoto oyster selection, which is beneficial to developing and utilizing this excellent germplasm resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seminal study on loneliness and depression suggested that loneliness influences depression more than the reverse. However, the study's analytic method has since been criticized for failing to account for the trait-like nature of variables. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms while accounting for the trait-like nature of both variables. Data (n = 16,478) came from the Health and Retirement Study (2006–2016). Measures included the Hughes Loneliness Scale and a modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (loneliness item omitted). Analyses consisted of random intercepts cross-lagged panel models (three time-points evenly spaced across eight years). There was evidence that loneliness and depressive symptoms are trait-like and these trait-like components are strongly associated. There was not evidence of cross-lagged effects between loneliness and depressive symptoms. A tendency toward loneliness corresponded with a tendency toward depressive symptoms. However, deviations in one's typical level of loneliness did not predict deviations in one's typical level of depressive symptoms or vice-versa. These findings do not support past assertions that loneliness shapes subsequent depression more than the reverse. By middle to late adulthood, loneliness and depressive symptoms are trait-like phenomena that are strongly associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal antenatal depression (AD) is a nonpsychotic depressive episode during pregnancy that can harm both the pregnant woman and the fetus. This study aimed to investigate the intrinsic interrelationships between AD and its influencing factors by constructing a path model. This survey-based cross-sectional study included 1071 pregnant women who underwent pregnancy examinations in three hospitals in Nantong City, China, between February and June 2023. General information and information regarding maternal AD, pregnancy stress, prenatal anxiety, social support, marital satisfaction, sleep quality, and resilience were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS 25.0 was employed to determine the factors influencing pregnancy depression, and Amos25.0 was used to construct a structural equation model. AD incidence was 19.4% (208/1071). The independent risk factors affecting AD in pregnant women have been integrated into the established path analysis model. The model demonstrated a good fit (χ2/DF = 1.238, comparative fit index = 0.999, goodness-of-fit index = 0.998, normed fit index = 0.996, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.990, incremental fit index = 0.999, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.015). While prenatal anxiety (0.230) and hyperthyroidism (0.048) only had direct effects on AD, mental resilience was the biggest factor affecting AD, followed by pregnancy stress, marital satisfaction, prenatal anxiety, sleep quality, social support, and hyperthyroidism. Improved mental resilience, social support, sleep quality, and marital satisfaction; reduced pregnancy stress and prenatal anxiety; and effective hyperthyroidism treatment might reduce AD. This study underscored the significance of delivering actionable strategies and tangible assistance to pregnant women to reduce AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems: This study was conducted to examine the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and mental health status of adolescents exposed to the worst disaster of the century. Methods: This study was descriptive, cross‐sectional, and correlational. This research was conducted between March 31 and July 1, 2023. The study was conducted with earthquake survivors who migrated from Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the earthquake, and Adıyaman and Hatay, the other two cities where it was most effective, to Şanlıurfa. The study was conducted with a total of 947 adolescents. "Personal Information Form," "Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index," and "Symptom Distress Check List‐ (SCL‐90)" were used to collect data. Linear regression method was used in the analysis of the research. Path analysis was performed using PATH analysis. Findings: The mean age of the adolescents participating in the study was 16.69 ± 1.41 years. It was found that the Global Severity Index (GSI) of the adolescents was at the pathological level with a mean of 2.36 ± 0.68. Posttraumatic stress reactions of the adolescents who experienced the earthquake was found to explain 97.2% of their mental symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatization, anger‐hostility, obsession‐compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychotic symptoms, other problems, and GSI) (p < 0.001). It was found that the age of the adolescents, total number of losses in the earthquake, the time they stayed under the rubble, the time they waited for siblings to be pulled from under the rubble and the state of having loss due to the earthquake explained 74.4% of the posttraumatic stress reactions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As a conclusion, it was found that the adolescents who experienced the earthquake experienced severe posttraumatic stress symptoms. It was also found that adolescents who experienced high levels of trauma symptoms showed pathological mental symptoms. After the earthquake, adolescents should be evaluated periodically in terms of posttraumatic stress symptoms. In the evaluations to be made, it is important to determine how adolescents are affected especially mentally. In this context, interventions should be implemented for the identified mental symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatization, etc.). Highlights: The first strength of the study was that the adolescents who experienced the earthquake had severe trauma symptoms.The second strength of the study was that the general mental symptom level mean scores of the adolescents who experienced the earthquake were at the pathological level.The third strength of the study is that the posttraumatic stress reactions of the adolescents who experienced the earthquake were related to the psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatization, anger‐hostility, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, paranoid thoughts, psychotic symptoms, other problems, and general mental symptom levels) revealed that it explained 97.2%.It was seen that the most important predictor of the psychological symptoms of the adolescents who experienced the earthquake was the trauma symptoms.The fourth strongest aspect of the study is the age of the adolescents who experienced the earthquake, the total number of losses they experienced in the earthquake, the number of losses they experienced in the nuclear family, the hours they were buried under the rubble, the time they waited for their father to come out under the rubble, the time they waited for their mother to come out under the rubble, It was determined that the duration of waiting time, injury status and loss due to earthquake explained 74.4% of posttraumatic stress response states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the factor structure of passion, resilience, and life satisfaction scales, as well as the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between different types of passion and life satisfaction among older Moroccan distance runners To assess reliability, a sample of 354 older adults (female =56.20 %; mean age = 64.33 years, SD = 12.02 years) participated in the study For the resilience validation study, our sample consisted of 283 older adults (female = 61.13 %; mean age = 62.48 years, SD = 14.31 years) They completed the adapted Passion Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated acceptable reliability scores for the Passion Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. The path analysis results showed that resilience played a mediating role between harmonious passion and life satisfaction, which strengthened the relationship These findings emphasise the importance of passion, resilience, and life satisfaction in promoting the health and well-being of elderly runners and can serve as a valuable resource for health support interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing path analysis, we examined the interconnectedness among six meteorological variables. Among these, three pertain to energy conditions—air temperature, net solar radiation, and reference evapotranspiration (ET0)—while the others are associated with hydrological conditions: precipitation, relative humidity, and water deficiency. These variables were assessed across five distinct temporal delay levels to understand their influences on the normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) within grassland areas situated in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The images underwent processing using analytical algorithms and a geographic information system (GIS). The direct and indirect impacts of these variables on the NDVI and EVI exhibited remarkable similarity across varying temporal delays and geographic regions. Meteorological variables explained over 50% of the observed variation in both indices, occasionally even reaching levels of 70%. Temperature and relative humidity primarily exerted direct effects on the indices. Conversely, precipitation exhibited indirect effects on the indices, often in conjunction with other hydrological variables. ET0 demonstrated a direct effect on the vegetation indices, particularly after a delay of 32 days. Solar radiation and water deficiency displayed direct effects up to the 32-day mark, implying that vegetation responds more promptly to these variables. The proposed methodology enabled a consistent and stable assessment of the direct and indirect effects of meteorological variables on vegetation indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored whether a sense of control over social life mediated the associations between using remote contact (phone calls, letters/emails, social media) and loneliness for socially isolated older adults. We used path analysis with the 2014 and 2016 Health and Retirement Study datasets (N = 3767). Results showed that more frequent phone calls and letters/emails were associated with lower levels of loneliness through sense of control. However, sense of control did not mediate the association between social media and loneliness. Findings suggest that promoting sense of control over social life by remote contact, particularly phone calls and letters/emails, may be effective in alleviating loneliness for isolated older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A lack of confidence in perinatal bereavement care (PBC) and the psychological trauma experienced by nurses and midwives during bereavement care leads to their strong need for sufficient organisational support. The current study intended to test a hypothesised model of the specific impact paths among organisational support, confidence in PBC, secondary traumatic stress, and emotional exhaustion among nurses and midwives. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in sixteen maternity hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, from August to October 2021. The sample (n = 779) consisted of obstetric nurses and midwives. A path analysis was used to test the relationships among study variables and assess model fit. Results: Organisational support directly and positively predicted confidence in PBC and demonstrated a direct, negative, and significant association with secondary traumatic stress and emotional exhaustion. Confidence in PBC had a positive direct effect on secondary traumatic stress and a positive indirect effect on emotional exhaustion via secondary traumatic stress. Secondary traumatic stress exhibited a significant, direct effect on emotional exhaustion. Conclusions: This study shows that nurses' and midwives' confidence in PBC and mental health were leadingly influenced by organisational support in perinatal bereavement practice. It is worth noting that higher confidence in PBC may lead to more serious psychological trauma symptoms in nurses and midwives. Secondary traumatic stress plays an essential role in contributing to emotional exhaustion. The findings suggest that support from organisations and self-care interventions were required to improve confidence in PBC and reduce negative psychological outcomes among those providing PBC. The development of objective measures for assessing competence in PBC and organizational support are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the depression status of de facto orphan caregivers in Sichuan and analyze its influencing factors. Methods By using the social support rating scale and the simplified version of depression scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the social support and depression status of 374 de facto orphan caregivers in a city of Sichuan Province. A structural equation model was used to explore the factors influencing depression and their function routes. Results The depression score of orphan caregivers was (13.76 ±5.24) points, and 286 (76.5%) had depressive symptoms. The prevalence of chronic diseases in caregivers (B=0.316, P<0.001), gender (B=0.098, P=0.038), education (B=-0.154, P=0.002), current residence (B=-0.150, P=0.001), care time (3=0.117, P=0.011), and relationship with de facto orphans (B=-0.141, P= 0.013) had direct effects on depression. Caregivers who suffered from chronic diseases, female, poorly educated, residence in rural areas, long-term care, and being the orphan's grandparents had high depression scores. Caregivers' marital status (B=-0.027, P-0.030), personal monthly income (B=-0.042, P=0.001), and care style (B=-0.037, P=0.004) had indirect effects on depression through social support (B=-0.190, P< 0.001). Caregivers in marriage, with higher monthly income, and assistance from others had higher scores of social supports. The better the status of social support, the lower the score of depression. Conclusion The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms of de facto orphan caregivers in Sichuan is high, and the situation of depression is severe, which calls for the attention of the whole society and early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a milestone in the history of statistical causal inference, Sewall Wright’s 1918 invention of path analysis did not receive much immediate attention from the statistical and scientific community. Through a careful historical analysis, this paper reveals some previously overlooked philosophical issues concerning the history of causal inference. Placing the invention of path analysis in a broader historical and intellectual context, I portray the scientific community’s initial lack of interest in the method as a natural consequence of relevant scientific and philosophical conditions. In addition to Karl Pearson’s positivist refutation of causation, I contend that the acceptance of path analysis faced several other challenges, including the introduction of a new formalism, conceptual barriers to causal inference, and the lack of model-based statistical thinking. The presence of these challenges shows that the delayed progress in causal inference in the early twentieth century was inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Women who have intraspinal anesthesia for delivery are more likely to experience postpartum urinary retention (PUR), which, if not recognized and treated promptly, can result in long-term urinary dysfunction. Many factors influencing PUR have been proposed, but no study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between them. This study is aimed at determining the influencing factors of PUR and to explore the relationship between them. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey using self-made questionnaires was conducted among 372 puerperae in a Grade A hospital in Guangzhou, China, from April to September 2022. SPSS25.0 and AMOS24.0 were used for data analysis, and a path analysis model was established to determine the relationship between the influencing factors. Results: The incidence of PUR was 49.85%. Residence, the level of postpartum pain, and the change of postnatal urination position had a direct effect on PUR. Episiotomy and analgesic duration have both direct and indirect effects on PUR. Forceps delivery, perineal edema and oxytocin had an indirect effect on PUR. Variables could influence the occurrence of PUR by mediating the analgesic duration, episiotomy, postpartum pain level, and postnatal urination position changes. Conclusions: This study provides an empirical model to illustrate the relationship between PUR and related factors in women who delivered under intraspinal anesthesia. In future management, more attention should be paid to women who live in cities, have higher levels of postpartum pain, longer analgesic duration, higher grade of perineal edema, and received episiotomy, forceps delivery, and oxytocin during labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inter-relationships between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and compulsive buying are supported by strong empirical evidence. What is yet unknown is to what extent self-esteem can channel the influence of personality traits on compulsive buying. The main objective of this study is to explore the possible mediating role of self-esteem in the link between the Big Five personality traits and compulsive buying. Path analysis results, using a sample of 487 university students, generally confirm the suitability of the proposed model in which self-esteem mediated the effects of the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) on compulsive buying. Moreover, a direct effect of neuroticism and conscientiousness on compulsive buying was found. Finally, based on the finding that self-esteem acts as a necessary filter in the analysis of the five factors–compulsive buying relationship, several action-oriented guidelines for the prevention or intervention of this behavioral problem are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little millet is an important crop grown by tribal farmers in India. Genetic variability can be exploited to develop new varieties with higher yield. However, yield is complex and depends on multiple interconnected component characters. Diversity analyses, such as D2 analysis, are used to evaluate the diversity among genotypes and determine the traits that contribute the most diversity in a given population. These analyses are crucial for achieving the goal of developing new varieties with increased yield. Methods: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes were evaluated using an Augmented RCBD, focusing on ten quantitative traits. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-2021 and good agronomic practices were followed. D2 cluster analysis and path analysis were used to analyze the data, with the "R" tool and the "biotools" and "agricolae" packages, respectively. Result: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes classified into thirteen distinct clusters based on Mahalanobis's D2 statistics, reflecting differences in their phenotypic characteristics. The largest cluster (cluster I) included 243 genotypes, while the smallest clusters (Cluster IX, Cluster X, Cluster XI, Cluster XII and Cluster XIII) had only 1 genotype. The inter-cluster distance varied, with the largest value (577.7) between cluster V and XII. This analysis can be useful for identifying desirable genotypes and understanding the population's genetic diversity and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geriatric depression is a key public health issue, as it leads to many negative health consequences. This study examines the effects of education on depression of older adults in Vietnam, focusing on gender differences. The study utilizes the 2011 Vietnam Aging Survey. The sample consists of individuals aged 60 years and older (N = 2,789, comprising 1,683 females and 1,106 males). Path analysis is used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of education on depression of older males and females. For the indirect effects, the following three channels are investigated: family resources, economic resources, and health status. Education significantly lowers depression for both genders. Education has both direct and indirect effects on the depression of females, but only indirect effects in the case of males. While several channels through which education affects depression are similar for males and females, there are some differences which reflect gender roles in Vietnam. Policies promoting education and gender equality should be strengthened to improve old-age mental health. Specific policies for different groups of older persons are also needed, such as older persons with ADL difficulty and those living alone, as these groups are more likely to suffer from depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out during Kharif 2020 at wetland farm of Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati using 30 inbred lines of maize to assess the trait association for 16 yield and yield attributes. It revealed that ear length, number of kernels per row, plant height, ear girth, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, 100 kernel weight, number of kernel rows per ear, specific leaf area, harvest index and tassel length had notable positive correlation with kernel yield per plant suggesting that selecting these characters simultaneously lead to an increase in kernel yield per plant. Path analysis revealed a significant and positive direct influence of ear length on the kernel yield per plant. Hence, ear length could be considered during selection in maize for improving kernel yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty different varieties of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were evaluated for character association. The findings showed that the genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficient for most traits. Strong positive correlation was observed between the number of fruits per plant, branches per plant, and fruit yield per plant. Positive correlation was observed between moisture content and fruit characteristics, such as fruit volume and average fruit weight. The path coefficient analysis revealed that high positive direct effect on fruit yield was exerted by fruits per plant, followed by moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to assess character association and genetic diversity among green gram genotypes. The results of correlation coefficient analysis revealed a significantly positive correlation for the traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, pod length, and number of seeds per pod with single plant yield. The path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and hundred seed weight had the highest positive direct contribution to single plant yield. Pod length showed a low indirect contribution to the total variance and all other traits showed a negative contribution to total variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is an important disease in cocoa and a decrease in nutrient supply is indicated to increase the severity of this disease. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of nutrients that play a role in protecting cocoa plants from VSD. Methods: The research location was selected based on criteria such as being a smallholder cocoa plantation area, having 5-10-year-old plants and the presence of VSD disease. A sampling technique for observing disease severity was systematically conducted, with the main sample being farmers' plantations. Cocoa leaf samples were taken from branches at one-third of the plant height, specifically from the upper canopy (leaves 3-4), which were physiologically mature, healthy and dark green. The variables observed were disease severity and cocoa leaf nutrient contents. The influence of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, B, Cu and Zn on VSD severity was analyzed using path analysis. Result: The results showed that disease severity was related to nutrient content in the leaves. The cocoa leaf nutrients that have a direct influence on the increase in VSD disease severity are K, Ca, Mn and Cu, while nutrients N, P, Mg, Fe, B and Zn have a direct influence on reducing VSD disease severity. Nutrients N and P have a significant direct influence, whereas nutrient K has a significant indirect influence through its interaction with nutrients N and P in reducing VSD disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of planting ryegrass combined with sludge addition and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on organic carbon accumulation in reclaimed mine substrates (RMS) were investigated. A 6-year field experiment was carried out; in the 0–15-cm edaphic layer, a mixed matrix was constructed according to the ratio of fly ash to coal gangue to sludge=1∶6∶3 , with 0.5 kg/m2 of AMF inoculated and ryegrass sowed annually. The particle size, carbon fraction, enzyme activity, AMF-related protein and ryegrass rhizosphere effect of RMS aggregates were monitored regularly. The cumulative contribution of the above factors to organic carbon in RMS was quantitatively explored by path analysis. After reclamation, the texture of reclamation matrix in mining area was improved, the stability of aggregates augmented significantly with the proportion of large aggregates increased gradually. Organic carbon in RMS increased by 1.96 times to 38.12 g/kg ; the contents of total N and available P increased significantly year by year, mainly concentrated in aggregates. Path analysis showed that the underground biomass of ryegrass and 0.5–2-mm aggregates were the two factors with the strongest direct positive effect on organic carbon accumulation in RMS. In addition, available phosphatase and easily extractable glomalin affected the process through complex interaction with each other. A combination of ryegrass-AMF-sludge on a reclamation mining field could improve the quality of RMS through aggregates by promoting the process of soil formation, and ryegrass root growth conducive to organic carbon accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cassava is one of the major root and tuber crops cultivated globally. • Genetic diversity studies help to select superior and diverse parents for breeding programmes. • SSR markers determine the genetic similarity among genotypes eliminating environmental effects. Thirty cassava accessions, including released and pre-release varieties in India were selected for morphological, statistical and molecular analysis to evaluate their genetic divergence. Based on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), significant differences were observed in thirty genotypes for the fifteen characters used in the study. Most of the characters such as plant height, stem weight plant−1, number of leaves plant−1 and mean weight of tuber exhibited high GCV and PCV along with a positive correlation to tuber yield plant−1. Path analysis showed that stem weight plant−1, number of tubers plant−1, number of leaves plant−1, leaf dry matter content and number of nodes plant−1 directly affected tuber yield plant−1. The genotypes were then grouped into nine clusters following Mahalanobis' D2 statistics with clusters IV and VIII recording the maximum inter-cluster distance, which gave an idea about the diversity prevailing among them. PCA analysis showed that stem girth, number of nodes and tuber yield plant−1 accounted for greater variability among the genotypes. Molecular analysis using SSR markers showed polymorphism for eighteen markers and molecular dendrogram clustering grouped the genotypes into three principal clusters with different subclusters. Overall, the study highlights the genomic diversity of cassava accessions and provides valuable insights into their characteristics and yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment on oats transpired during the crop season 2021-2022 according to the split-plot design system of the full randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The potassium element was in the chief ingredients in three concentrations (0, 10, and 20 g L-1). The genetic structures, secondary pieces, and results showed that the genetic appearance and environmental conditions under the three concentrations were positive and significant in all qualities. The natural and ecological manifestation analyses in laboratories showed complete, high, medium, and indirect effects in all features under study, with a varying percentage between spraying concentrations. With potassium, the qualities indicated a positive and valuable association with the raw protein of the grain summary of the plant at all levels and had notable indirect effects through some other characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by China's long-term energy transition strategies, the construction of large-scale clean energy power stations, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is advancing rapidly. Consequently, as a green, low-carbon, and flexible storage power source, the adoption of pumped storage power stations is also rising significantly. Operations management is a significant factor that influences the performance of pumped storage power stations in various domains, including environmental protection, economic benefits, and social benefits. While existing studies have highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnering in operations management, a systematic exploration of the causal relationships between partnering, operations management, and the performance of pumped storage power stations—especially from a multi-energy complementarity perspective—remains untouched. This paper strives to shed light on the vital role of stakeholder partnering in augmenting the operations management and overall performance of pumped storage power stations, thereby contributing to China's dual carbon goals. A comprehensive conceptual model was developed by reviewing the relevant literature to empirically examine the causal relationships among partnering, operations management, and power station performance, which was validated using data from the Liaoning Qingyuan Pumped Storage Power Station, which is the largest of its kind in Northeast China. The findings suggest: (1) Effective partnering among stakeholders, particularly with grid companies, significantly influences the operations management of pumped storage power stations, with deficiencies in partnering mainly attributed to the lack of effective communication channels and problem-solving mechanisms. (2) The level of operations management in China's pumped storage power stations is relatively high, averaging a central score around 4.00 (out of a full score of 5) on operations management indicators. However, there is a need to concentrate on enhancing multi-energy complementarity coordination, digital management system development, and profitability. (3) Path analysis further unveils that partnering not only improves operations management but also boosts the performance of pumped storage power stations. These findings suggest a wide range of practical strategies for operations managers at pumped storage power stations to forge partnerships with stakeholders and integrate complementary resources, aiming to achieve excellence in performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystem services (ES) can be influenced by various environmental factors. In order to efficiently allocate resources and manage ecosystems, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which these environmental effects impact the interactions and trade-offs among different ES. While previous studies have primarily examined the impact of individual environmental factors on ES, the intricate mechanisms underlying the effects of multiple environmental factors have been largely overlooked. In this study, we adopted a path analysis approach that considered interactions among explanatory variables. We analyzed multiple geospatial datasets from various sources, including remote sensing and climate data, to examine the main drivers—precipitation, temperature, FVC (fractional vegetation cover), NPP (net primary productivity), human activities, and altitude—affecting five ecosystem services: carbon sequestration service (C), habitat provision service (HP), soil conservation service (SCS), sand-stabilization service (SSS), and water conservation service (WCS) in arid and semi-arid mountainous regions. Our investigation found that all five ES have shown an upward trajectory over the past two decades. The most significant growth was observed in C, which increased by 39.4%. Among the environmental factors examined, precipitation has been identified as the predominant factor influencing the ES and the synergies and trade-offs among ES. The influence of precipitation on SCS reached a coefficient of 0.726. Human activity factors had the greatest influence on HP of the five ES with a path coefficient of 0.262. Conversely, temperature exhibited a suppressive influence on ES. The impact of factors such as NPP and altitude on ES was comparatively modest. Notably, human activities assumed a substantial contributory role in shaping the relationship encompassing WCS. It is worth noting that individual factors exerted differential effects on ES along distinct environmental gradients, including anthropogenic gradients. In this context, the combination of high altitude and substantial FVC demonstrated a notable contribution to WCS. Our study can provide valuable insights for the management of ES which can be utilized to optimize the regulation of the Loess Plateau Ecological Screen (LPES) ecological construction and promote regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sulfur is an important factor in potato production. At the beginning of this study, a hypothesis was put forward according to which sulfur carrier affects yield (TY) and nitrogen efficiency (EN). The three-year study was conducted in a two-factor system: (1) sulfur fertilization, SF (control—without S, elemental sulfur—S0, calcium sulfate—CS), and (2) nitrogen fertilization level, NF (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N·ha−1). In addition to TY, the following EN indicators were analyzed: agronomical efficiency (EA), physiological efficiency (EPh), partial factor productivity (PFP), and recovery (R). For both sources of sulfur, an increase in TY was confirmed. After applying CS, the optimum for the maximum yield was 106 kg N·ha−1, while the application of S0 resulted in 134 kg N·ha−1. The impact of SF on the nitrogen economy decreased in the direction of EA = PFP > EF > R and depended on the sulfur carrier. A positive trend was found, associated with the increase in R under the influence of S0 and the clearly higher EPh after the application of CS. A particularly strong effect of CS on EA was evident in the range of lower nitrogen doses. The EN values depended on the meteorological conditions during the research years. The strongest variability was subject to EPh, which, as a result of SF, was significantly higher in relation to the control (without S) during the growing season, with an unfavorable distribution of precipitation. The application of CS reduced the unit nitrogen uptake (UU-N). Using path analysis, a direct relationship of Ca accumulation (controlled by N and S) with TY was demonstrated. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of sulfur fertilizers, related to TY and EN, especially visible under conditions of limited nitrogen supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a self pollinated crop, belonging to family fabaceae and sub family papilionaceae. It is an important multipurpose grain legume extensively cultivated in arid and semi arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Central and South America. The assessment of variability present in any crop species is an essential pre requisite for formulating an effective breeding programme, as the existing variability can be used to enhance the yield level of cultivars after following appropriate breeding strategies. Methods: The present investigation was carried out during the Kharif season of the year 2019. The field experiment was carried out at Pulses Research Station, NAU, Navsari in randomized block design. The study was undertaken on fifty three genotypes of cowpea to know the variability present among genotypes for thirteen traits and correlation and path analysis of yield components. Result: Analysis of variance indicated significant genotypic differences for all the characters under study. The highest GCV was recorded for plant height, pods per plant, pods per cluster, seed yield per plant, straw yield per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was exhibited by days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant weight, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight, pod length, pods per cluster and seeds per pod indicating the presence of additive gene action. Seed yield per plant was found to be positively and significantly correlated with pods per plant, pods per cluster, pod length, days to 50 per cent flowering and straw yield per plant or seed yield per plant. The present study has indicated the need for giving due weightage to pods per plant, pods per cluster, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, pod length with straw yield per plant for improving seed yield in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Based on the two mediating variables of self-efficacy and coping style, a multiple mediating model was constructed to explore the mechanism by which psychological resilience affects depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia.Methods: A total of 210 patients with recurrent schizophrenia who were hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Hunan Province, China, were enrolled. The Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), General Self-Efficacy Energy Scale (GSES) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to evaluate resilience, self-efficacy, coping style and depression. Path analysis was performed by constructing a structural equation model, and the mediating effect between variables was verified by the bias-corrected nonparametric percentile bootstrap method.Results: Resilience, self-efficacy and positive coping together explained 53.2% of the variance in depression. (1) The total scores of self-efficacy, coping style, resilience and depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia were 2.54± 0.61, 31.73± 9.62, 58.06± 17.26 and 50.48± 12.55, respectively. (2) Pearson analysis showed that the scores of self-efficacy, positive coping, resilience and depression were significantly correlated with depression (r=− 0.24– 0.51, P< 0.01). (3) The path analysis showed that resilience directly affects depression (β=− 0.401); additionally, resilience indirectly affects depression through self-efficacy (β=− 0.179) and through the chain mediating effect of self-efficacy and positive coping style (β=− 0.024).Conclusion: There is a high incidence of depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia in China, and intervention is needed. This research revealed that resilience directly affects depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia and that self-efficacy and positive coping play a part in mediating resilience and depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia in China. Implementing targeted interventions based on action paths to improve the level of resilience and reduce the incidence of depression has guiding significance in the field of occupational rehabilitation of patients with recurrent schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, China officially ended its One-Child policy and started allowing urban married couples to have up to two children. Beginning in 2021, Chinese policy officially began encouraging couples to have up to three children in response to low birth rates and increasing needs for workers and care providers in an aging country. Siblinghood in China has thus begun to re-emerge as a social phenomenon among urban Chinese. Given the important role sibling relationships have in the development of empathy, this relaxation and policy shift provides a unique context in which to investigate family dynamics among two-child families where there is a large age gap between children. Guided by family systems theory, the current study examined family level factors that help socialize younger sibling's empathy in mainland China by testing direct associations between autonomy supportive parenting, marital quality, coparenting, and secondborn children' (ages 3–5) empathy in mainland China. Direct and indirect associations with secondborn children's empathy via older sibling's relationship quality with their younger sibling were also tested. Results revealed coparent conflict and positive sibling relationship were directly associated with younger sibling's empathy; further, marital quality and coparent support were indirectly associated with younger sibling's empathy via positive sibling relationship. Parents, educators, and practitioners may consider addressing family level factors as an avenue for promoting younger sibling's empathy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to test a model in which hope and spiritual well‐being acted as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms in childhood cancer patients (CCPs). We hypothesized that hope and spiritual well‐being were mutually reinforcing factors that would both reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: Using path analysis, the hypothetical model was tested on a cross‐sectional sample of 412 Chinese CCPs aged 8–17 years. Self‐reported measures were used to obtain data on participants' social and clinical characteristics, spiritual well‐being, hope, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: The hypothetical model was supported. Results suggested that sex, treatment type and diagnosis predicted spiritual well‐being; diagnosis and time since diagnosis predicted hope. Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually predictive and mutually reinforcing, and were both negatively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. This model predicted 40% of the variance in spiritual well‐being, 37% in hope, 39% in depressive symptoms, and 28% in anxiety. Conclusion: Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually reinforcing and served as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms. These support the value for integrating spiritual and hope elements in developing interventions for CCPs to improve their spiritual and psychological well‐being along the disease trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to identify the degree of knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste, and to determine the degree of efficiency of the researchers in disseminating the guidance message to the beneficiaries in the field of safe handling of agricultural waste, and to determine the relationship between the degree of efficiency of the researchers in disseminating the message and the independent variables studied and the knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste (as an intermediate variable), and to attempt to deduce a causal model that determines the path of causal relationships between the independent variables studied in their impact on the knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste to improve the efficiency of disseminating the guidance message. The study was conducted in the Sharkia governorate, totaling about 168 agricultural extension agents, representing about 35.5% of the total number of agricultural extension agents in the governorate. Data were collected using a personal interview questionnaire. Several statistical methods were used, including: frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean, weighted mean, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ascending multiple regression analysis, and path analysis. The most important findings were that the majority of respondents had a high level of knowledge of safe handling methods for some agricultural waste, at 80.4% and that more than half of the researchers had an average total score for the efficiency of their diffusion of the guidance message in the field of safe methods for handling agricultural waste, with a percentage of 51.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of machine-harvestable traits in chickpeas lies in their capacity to enhance and streamline the harvesting process. By employing machine harvesters, farmers can enjoy numerous advantages over manual harvesting, as it becomes a more efficient and economically viable option. With the aim of achieving this objective, a total of 36 desi chickpea genotypes were selected for a comprehensive study on genetic variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis. The analysis of variance conducted on 12 distinct characters revealed significant variation, indicating the presence of diversity among these traits. Several traits exhibited significant variability with high PCV and GCV. The height of the first pod, plant height, and hundred seed weight displayed substantial heritability and genetic advance. Remarkably, hundred seed weight was the sole trait with high values of PCV, GCV, heritability, and genetic advance mean (GAM). Taller plants with higher first pod height (HOFP and PH) are associated with increased performance in traits like Plot Yield (PLYG), Harvest Index (HI), Hundred Seed Weight (HSW), Biological Yield (BY), and Number of Secondary Branches (NSB). Genotypic path analysis revealed that both the hundred seed weight and number of secondary branches demonstrated positive direct effects on the height of the first pod. Principal component analysis divided the traits into 12 PCs, where the first four PCs showed eigen values greater than 1 and are responsible for a cumulative variation of 82.9%. Notably, 17 genotypes exhibited a height of the first pod exceeding 30 cm, indicating their suitability for machine harvesting. The genotypes GL 15003, IPCB 2015-132, RVSSG-96, and IPC 2017-253 showed promise for developing machine-harvestable cultivars, based on their height of the first pod and yield attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]