Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use land cover change and its drivers in the western part of Lake Abaya, Ethiopia
Understanding the dynamics of land use/land cover (LU/LC) changes and what drives these changes is essential for creating effective strategies for sustainable land management. It also helps to monitor the impact on ecosystems and biodiversity, which is crucial for policy-making. This study focused on assessing the trends, rates, and extent of LU/LC change and its causes in the western part of Lake Abaya in Ethiopia. To achieve this, we used a supervised classification method with a maximum-likelihood algorithm to map different land use land cover types. Additionally, we gathered information through field observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to identify the factors driving LU/LC change and its consequences between 1990 and 2022. The study findings revealed that vegetation and wetlands significantly decreased over this period, while water bodies, agricultural land, and settlements expanded at the expense of other land uses. The average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values decreased from 0.368 in 1990 to 0.135 in 2022, indicating declining vegetation health. Local communities point to several factors responsible for these changes, including the expansion of agricultural land, increased settlement, firewood collection, and charcoal production (as proximate/immediate drivers), as well as population growth, poverty, unemployment, climate change, and policy-related issues (as underlying causes). Thus, it needs the development and implementation of an integrated and sustainable land management system, and strong land use and restoration policies in order to halt or reduce the rapid expansion of agricultural land and settlement areas at the expense of vegetation and wetlands.
Spatial and Geographic Information Science
Getaneh et al. (2024) Spatiotemporal dynamics of land use land cover change and its drivers in the western part of Lake Abaya, Ethiopia. PeerJ 12:e17892 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17892
Gamma-aminobutyric acid elicits H2O2 signalling and promotes wheat seed germination under combined salt and heat stress
Background In the realm of wheat seed germination, abiotic stresses such as salinity and high temperature have been shown to hinder the process. These stresses can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species, which, within a certain concentration range, may actually facilitate seed germination. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid, serves as a crucial signaling molecule in the promotion of seed germination. Nevertheless, the potential of GABA to regulate seed germination under the simultaneous stress of heat and salinity remains unexplored in current literature. Methods This study employed observational methods to assess seed germination rate (GR), physiological methods to measure H2O2 content, and the activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), NADPH oxidase (NOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The levels of ABA and GABA were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography technology. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR technology was utilized to analyze the expression levels of two genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, MnSOD and CAT. Results The findings indicated that combined stress (30 °C + 50 mM NaCl) decreased the GR of wheat seeds to about 21%, while treatment with 2 mM GABA increased the GR to about 48%. However, the stimulatory effect of GABA was mitigated by the presence of ABA, dimethylthiourea, and NOX inhibitor, but was strengthened by H2O2, antioxidant enzyme inhibitor, fluridone, and gibberellin. In comparison to the control group (20 °C + 0 mM NaCl), this combined stress led to elevated levels of ABA, reduced GAD and NOX activity, and a decrease in H2O2 and GABA content. Further investigation revealed that this combined stress significantly suppressed the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as downregulated the gene expression levels of MnSOD and CAT. However, the study demonstrates that exogenous GABA effectively reversed the inhibitory effects of combined stress on wheat seed germination. These findings suggest that GABA-induced NOX-mediated H2O2 signalling plays a crucial role in mitigating the adverse impact of combined stress on wheat seed germination. This research holds significant theoretical and practical implications for the regulation of crop seed germination by GABA under conditions of combined stress.
Yu et al. (2024) Gamma-aminobutyric acid elicits H2O2 signalling and promotes wheat seed germination under combined salt and heat stress. PeerJ 12:e17907 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17907
The impact of moderate-intensity basketball intervention on the physical self-esteem and school adjustment of first-year high school students
Object This study conducted an 8-week experiment with the basketball sports intervention program to explore the relationship between the basketball sports intervention program and the physical self-esteem and school adjustment of first-year high school students, providing references for first-year high school students’ school adjustment and related research. Methods Using convenient sampling,88 students in two classes of grade one in a senior high school in Changzhou were selected as the experimental research objects and were randomly divided into experimental groups (basketball) 44 people (20 male and 24 female; control group routine physical education) 44 people (23 male and 21 female). The exercise intervention lasted 8-week, 3-times-a-week with about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each time. The control group had normal sports activities, and the exercise intensity was not monitored. The Physical Self-esteem Scale and the School Adaptation Scale were used to measure the data in a group manner before and after the experiment. All data were statistically analyzed with SPSS26.0. Results (1) After 8 weeks of basketball intervention, the post-test level of school adaptation of first-year high school students was significantly higher than the pre-test (p < 0.01), and the post-test level of physical self-esteem was significantly higher than the pre-test (p < 0.01). (2) Basketball intervention can directly affect the school adaptation of first-year high school students and indirectly affect the school adaptation through physical self-esteem. The direct effect was 86.79%, and the indirect effect was 13.21%. Conclusion (1) Intervention of moderate intensity basketball can improve first-year high school students’ school adaptation and physical self-esteem. (2) Intervention of moderate intensity basketball can directly improve first-year high school students’ and school adaptation by improving individual physical self-esteem. Physical self-esteem plays a partial intermediary role between basketball and school adaptation.
Wei et al. (2024) The impact of moderate-intensity basketball intervention on the physical self-esteem and school adjustment of first-year high school students. PeerJ 12:e17941 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17941
Acptp2,3 participates in the regulation of spore production, stress response, and pigments synthesis in Aspergillus cirstatus
Background Aspergillus cristatus was a filamentous fungus that produced sexual spores under hypotonic stress and asexual spores under hypertonic stress. It could be useful for understanding filamentous fungi’s sporulation mechanism. Previously, we conducted functional studies on Achog1, which regulated the hyperosmotic glycerol signaling (HOG) pathway and found that SI65_02513 was significantly downregulated in the transcriptomics data of ΔAchog1 knockout strain. This gene was located at multiple locations in the HOG pathway, indicating that it might play an important role in the HOG pathway of A. cristatus. Furthermore, the function of this gene had not been identified in Aspergillus fungi, necessitating further investigation. This gene’s conserved domain study revealed that it has the same protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) functional domain as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, hence SI65_02513 was named Acptp2,3. Methods The function of this gene was mostly validated using gene knockout and gene complementation approaches. Knockout strains exhibited sexual and asexual development, as well as pigments synthesis. Morphological observations of the knockout strain were carried out under several stress conditions (osmotic stress, oxidative stress, Congo Red, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified the expression of genes involved in sporulation, stress response, and pigments synthesis. Results The deletion of Acptp2,3 reduced sexual and asexual spore production by 4.4 and 4.6 times, demonstrating that Acptp2,3 positively regulated the sporulation of A. cristatus. The sensitivity tests to osmotic stress revealed that ΔAcptp2,3 strains did not respond to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. However, ΔAcptp2.3 strains grew considerably slower than the wild type in high concentration sucrose medium. The ΔAcptp2,3 strains grew slower than the wild type on media containing hydrogen peroxide, Congo red, and SDS. These findings showed that Acptp2,3 favorably controlled osmotic stress, oxidative stress, and cell wall-damaging chemical stress in A. cristatus. Deleting Acptp2,3 resulted in a deeper colony color, demonstrating that Apctp2,3 regulated pigment synthesis in A. cistatus. The expression levels of numerous stress-and pigments-related genes matched the phenotypic data. Conclusion According to our findings, Acptp2,3 played an important role in the regulation of sporulation, stress response, and pigments synthesis in A. cristatus. This was the first study on the function of PTPs in Aspergillus fungi.
Shao et al. (2024) Acptp2,3 participates in the regulation of spore production, stress response, and pigments synthesis in Aspergillus cirstatus. PeerJ 12:e17946 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17946
Molecular farming expression of recombinant fusion proteins applied to skincare strategies
This review discusses the current research progress in molecular farming technology in the field of skincare, with an emphasis on molecular farming expression strategies. The strategies of transdermal drug delivery and their advantages are also highlighted. The expression of cosmetically relevant fused proteins has become an important way to enhance the efficacy of the proteins. Therefore, we also discuss the feasibility and strategies for expressing fusion proteins in A. thaliana, specifically the fusion of Epidermal growth factor (EGF) to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), in which the production can be greatly enhanced via plant expression systems since these systems offer higher biosecurity, flexibility, and expansibility than prokaryotic, animal and mammalian expression systems. While the fusion of EGF to CCP can enhance its transdermal ability, the effects of the fusion protein on skin repair, melasma, whitening, and anti-aging are poorly explored. Beyond this, fusing proteins with transdermal peptides presents multiple possibilities for the development of tissue repair and regeneration therapeutics, as well as cosmetics and beauty products. As certain plant extracts are known to contain proteins beneficial for skin health, the expression of these proteins in plant systems will better maintain their integrity and biological activities, thereby facilitating the development of more effective skincare products.
Yu et al. (2024) Molecular farming expression of recombinant fusion proteins applied to skincare strategies. PeerJ 12:e17957 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17957
Effects of physical activity on anxiety levels in college students: mediating role of emotion regulation
Objectives To explore the effects of physical activity on anxiety levels in college students, as well as to examine the mediating role of emotion regulation. Methods A convenience sample of 1,721 college students from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangxi, and Hunan was used to conduct an evaluation and a survey through the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Anxiety Self-Rating Scale (SAS), and the Emotion Regulation Scale (ERQ). Results College students’ anxiety level, cognitive reappraisal, and expression inhibition scores were (44.72 ± 10.37), (30.16 ± 6.51), and (16.96 ± 4.99), respectively. There were significant grade and physical activity level differences in anxiety levels and cognitive reappraisal, and significant gender and physical activity level differences in expression inhibition among college students. Process model 4 mediated effect regression analysis showed that physical activity had a significant positive effect on cognitive reappraisal (R2 = 0.14, β = 0.04, P < 0.001), and physical activity did not have a significant expression inhibition effect (R2 = 0.17, β = 0.01, P = 0.27). Physical activity (β = −0.03, P = 0.012), cognitive reappraisal (β = −0.59, P < 0.001), and expression inhibition had a significant effect on (β = 0.57, P < 0.001) anxiety levels (R2 = 0.37). In the model effect relationship, the direct and indirect effects of physical activity on anxiety levels were −0.028 and −0.019, respectively. Conclusion Physical activity has a significant negative effect on college students’ anxiety levels. Cognitive reappraisal is a mediating variable for the effect of physical activity on anxiety levels. The higher the level of physical activity and the higher the intensity of the activity, the lower the level of anxiety.
Sheng et al. (2024) Effects of physical activity on anxiety levels in college students: mediating role of emotion regulation. PeerJ 12:e17961 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17961
The influence of green human resource management on university sustainability in higher education: the role of mediating environmental performance and green commitment
The purpose of the research is to examine how green human resource management (GHRM) contributes to the sustainability of the university. This study also focuses on how environmental performance and dedication to sustainability can act as mediators. Additionally, it seeks to examine the interplay between GHRM practice and university sustainability and how green environmental success and green dedication moderate that interaction. As the primary technique of data collection, a survey questionnaire on green HRM and environmental factors was distributed to a total of 273 university staff at Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia. The results of staff environmental performance and commitment point to a beneficial impact on sustainability in higher education institutions. Our study also demonstrates that when an employee scores highly on green performance evaluation and appraisal, the impact of green HRM practices on green dedication is more significant. By connecting green HRM practices to university sustainability through sustainability impact and green commitment, the current study adds fresh theoretical insights into the field of environmental management literature. Our findings give staff members advice on how and when to use green HRM techniques to improve university sustainability in higher education institutions.
Zahrani (2024) The influence of green human resource management on university sustainability in higher education: the role of mediating environmental performance and green commitment. PeerJ 12:e17966 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17966
Comprehensive analysis of macrophage-associated inflammatory genes in AMI based on bulk combined with single-cell sequencing data
Background Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of macrophages in the post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) inflammatory response. This study specifically focused on investigating macrophage-related targets involved in the inflammatory response after AMI. Methods Bioinformatics methods were applied for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in datasets GSE163465, GSE236374, and GSE183272 obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Communication analysis was conducted to analyze macrophages in AMI. Subsequent analyses encompassed functional enrichment analysis of Co-DEGs using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and immune infiltration analysis were carried out for screening key genes. Validation of the bioinformatics analysis results involved original and GSE114695 datasets, supported by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Animal experiments confirmed the upregulation of Saa3, Acp5, and Fcgr4 genes in AMI mouse myocardial tissues. Results A total of 80 and 1,907 DEGs were respectively identified by analyzing scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. The overlapping Co-DEGs were found to be closely associated with inflammation-associated pathways, specifically the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. Screening based on GSVA scores and macrophage-associated scores highlighted four key genes (Saa3, Ms4a4c, Acp5, and Fcgr4). Immunoinfiltration analysis revealed their close association with macrophages. Dataset validation corroborated these findings. Experimental validation focused on Saa3, Ms4a4c, Acp5, and Fcgr4, demonstrating the upregulation of their expression in cardiac macrophages in the AMI group, consistent with previous reports. Conclusion This study provides new perspectives on AMI treatment. In addition, Saa3, Acp5, and Fcgr4 exhibit potential as biomarkers for improving cardiac repair and slowing down the development of heart failure after AMI.
Kong et al. (2024) Comprehensive analysis of macrophage-associated inflammatory genes in AMI based on bulk combined with single-cell sequencing data. PeerJ 12:e17981 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17981
SNARC-like effect for tempo is consistent for fast and full tempo ranges but still controversial for slow tempo range
Recent evidence suggested the existence of a spatial associations for music tempo with faster left-hand responses to relatively slow tempos and faster right-hand responses to relatively fast tempos. We refer to a study that systematically explored these spatial associations across different tempo ranges, revealed a clear effect only in the fast tempo range (DOI 10.3758/s13414-019-01945-8). The present study further investigated whether a spatial association exists across different tempo ranges (i.e., “full”, “slow” or “fast” tempo range). In particular, the present study was conducted aiming (1) to test the spatial associations for tempo in the full tempo range (Experiment 1) and (2) to further investigate the occurrence of this spatial associations in the slow and fast tempo ranges (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 revealed a spatial association for tempo occurs in the full tempo range (40–200 bpm). Experiment 2 confirmed this association in the fast tempo range (133–201 bpm) but showed contradictory results in the slow tempo range (40–104 bpm). This suggests that a spatial association is plausible in the slow tempo range, although further research is needed to clarify this phenomenon.
Mariconda et al. (2024) SNARC-like effect for tempo is consistent for fast and full tempo ranges but still controversial for slow tempo range. PeerJ 12:e18009 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18009
Risk factors for violent crime in patients with schizophrenia: a retrospective study
Introduction The relationship between schizophrenia and violence is heterogeneous and complex. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics and the potential risk factors for violence crime in patients with schizophrenia. Methodology We conducted a retrospective case-control study at the Judicial Psychiatric Identification Unit of Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. The case group included violent offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia, while the control group comprised non-violent individuals with the same diagnosis. Results There were 308 individuals in the violent group [subdivided into the homicide group (n = 155) and the intentional injury group (n = 153)] and 139 individuals in the non-violent group. A risk model showed that a history of violence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.88, 95% CI [1.79–4.64]), persecutory delusions (OR = 2.57, 95% CI [1.63–4.06]), regular treatment in the previous four weeks (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.16–0.51]) and insight (OR = 0.30, 95% CI [0.14-0.62]) were independently associated with violence. Conclusion This study provided useful clinical information to identify risk factors for violence and develop better strategic programs to manage violence in patients with schizophrenia.
Lin et al. (2024) Risk factors for violent crime in patients with schizophrenia: a retrospective study. PeerJ 12:e18014 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18014