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Nexus between smartphone use and objective and subjective well-being outcomes: Insights from older residents in rural areas of the People’s Republic of China
No full textIn an era of information explosion, smartphones have become an indispensable part of human society. Smartphone use is playing a significant role in easing people’s daily life (Colbert, Thornton, and Richmond 2020; García-Milon, Olarte-Pascual, and Juaneda-Ayensa 2021), improving labor productivity (Ma, Grafton, and Renwick 2020), and enhancing human well-being (Nuñez and Radtke 2024; Zhuo et al. 2023). Notably, the advantages conferred are especially evident among marginal groups in underdeveloped regions, like older rural residentsHossain et al. 2020; Zheng, Zhou, and Rahut 2023). Nevertheless, the penetration of smartphones among older rural residents in developing economies remains unacceptably low (He, Li, and Wang 2022). For instance, the smartphone penetration rate among older rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa was around 33% in 2023 (Mukhopadhyay, Bagchi, and Udo 2023). Thus, further exploitation of the efficiency of smartphone use among marginal groups in such areas is reasonably warranted
Flush and flourish: upgraded toilets can transform lives in rural Asia
No full textPoor sanitation remains a major challenge to rural development and human capital accumulation across many Asian countries. One of the biggest risks is the mismanagement of human waste, which leads to the contamination of drinking water and food—a key driver of infectious diseases that trap rural populations in poverty. In fact, over 80% of human infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A, diarrhea, and COVID-19, are spread through exposure to human feces.
Flush toilets offer a promising solution. Flush toilets safely contain human waste, reducing contamination and improving overall sanitation. Recognizing this, many Asian countries are working to accelerate flush toilet adoption, and progress has been made. As a result, 73% of households in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), 50% in India, and 46% in Cambodia have access to flush toilets (NBSC 2024; Tiwari et al. 2022; Yamada and Vu 2024). However, rural areas still lag behind, highlighting the urgent need for further improvements
Role of gender in determining energy poverty, clean energy access, and energy expenditure: insights from rural China
No full textGender shapes individuals' resource access and economic performance, serving as a prerequisite for rural energy poverty reduction and energy transition — two central tasks of rural development. However, the role of gender in determining rural energy poverty and energy transition has not been properly explored. This study explores gender differences in energy poverty, clean energy access, and energy expenditure among rural Chinese households. We employ the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI) to capture household energy poverty comprehensively. An exogenous switching treatment regression model is applied to analyze survey data of 1485 rural households from eastern, central, and western China (Jiangsu, Hubei, and Yunnan provinces, respectively). The results show that rural households with male heads have a lower level of MEPI than those with female heads. Relative to rural households with female heads, those with male heads are more likely to access clean energy for cooking and heating and spend more on energy for heating than those with female heads. The disaggregated analyses reveal that large-sized households, regardless of male or female household heads, tend to have a lower MEPI and higher probability of accessing clean energy for cooking and heating than medium- and small-sized households. Our findings highlight that gender is not neutral when determining household energy poverty and use patterns. There is a great need to empower rural women (especially those in small-sized households) by offering them skills training, financial support, and energy consumption subsidies. By doing so, rural females can be equally involved in making household decisions in energy use activities, which would eventually help reduce energy poverty and promote clean energy use
The primary cilia are associated with the axon initial segment in neurons
No full textThe primary cilia serve as pivotal mediators of environmental signals and play crucial roles in neuronal responses. Disruption of ciliary function has been implicated in neuronal circuit disorders and aberrant neuronal excitability. However, the precise mechanisms remain elusive. To study the link between the primary cilia and neuronal excitability, manipulation of somatostatin receptor 3 (SSTR3) is investigated, as an example of how alterations in ciliary signaling may affect neuronal activity. It is found that aberrant SSTR3 expression perturbed not only ciliary morphology but also disrupted ciliary signaling cascades. Genetic deletion of SSTR3 resulted in perturbed spatial memory and synaptic plasticity. The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized region in the axon where action potentials are initiated. Interestingly, loss of ciliary SSTR3 led to decrease of Akt-dependent cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB)-mediated transcription at the AIS, specifically downregulating AIS master organizer adaptor protein ankyrin G (AnkG) expression. In addition, alterations of other ciliary proteins serotonin 6 receptor (5-HT6R)and intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) also induced length changes of the AIS. The findings elucidate a specific interaction between the primary cilia and AIS, providing insight into the impact of the primary cilia on neuronal excitability and circuit integrity
Copper fungicide accumulation in crops and soils: Human and environmental health risks
No full textThe accumulation of copper (Cu) in agriculture and horticulture soils has potential toxicological significance for soil functionality and human and environmental health. The fungicidal and bactericidal properties of Cu inorganic formulations are extensively utilised to control diseases across various food production systems. Despite recognition of worldwide and excessive Cu accumulation in temperate and tropical soils, evidence of acute toxicological responses is less apparent than expected. Nevertheless, Cu is strongly retained and accumulated in soils, dissipating slowly, raising concerns of potential longer-term and more subtle detrimental chronic impacts on human and ecological health. Impacts on soil functionality are also recognised despite an apparent biological adaptation and acclimation to elevated Cu that masks these impacts. However, limits to ecological resilience and an association with human cognitive decline have been identified. The regulatory landscape that governs the use of copper in food crops and attempts to mitigate environmental impacts is explored. We conclude by considering emerging strategies reliance on copper and moving towards fostering sustainable management practices
Factors affecting the diversity and assembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
No full textGlobal shifts in land use and climate are disrupting plant-soil ecosystems worldwide, threatening biodiversity, productivity and sustainability. A growing body of research highlights the importance of belowground biota in maintaining ecosystem services despite these pressures. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbionts that form an intricate and intimate relationship with plant roots, making them a key component of these plant-soil ecosystems. AMF are crucial to both aboveground and belowground processes and may play a key role in ecosystem resilience due to their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, the factors that shape AMF community diversity, particularly in the context of land use and climate change, remains a key knowledge gap. It is also unclear whether these symbiotic fungi respond to environmental drivers in the same way as the broader fungal community. Understanding of these factors, and whether AMF differ in their response from other fungi, would inform management practices to support resilient soil ecosystems. This thesis investigated how AMF and fungal communities differ across an annual monocropping system, a perennial orchard and indigenous forest | ngāhere, over two years in Aotearoa | New Zealand. It also explores the effect of inoculation with whole soil on AMF community assembly and the responses of both plants and AMF to warming.
The first objective (Chapter Two) characterised the AMF and total fungal community in plant roots and bulk soil from three different land uses and evaluated associations with soil nutrient status. AMF and fungal biomass were both lower in managed systems than in unmanaged ngāhere. Community structure for both groups differed between land uses, indicating the effect of plant host or land management. Among the measured soil chemical properties, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was most strongly associated with AMF biomass, while labile carbon was most strongly associated with total fungal biomass.
Objective two (Chapter Three) explored the seasonal dynamics of the communities characterised in Objective one, by assessing trends in diversity across all three land uses over two years. While total fungal biomass remained stable, AMF biomass showed consistent seasonal fluctuations in both managed and unmanaged systems. This suggests that for AMF, plant host physiology (with an annual cycle) exerts a stronger influence on biomass than management. Seasonal effect on both fungal and AMF community structure was minimal and specific to kiwifruit orchards, a managed land use with continuous plant cover. Predictable shifts in fungal taxa were not seen in any land use, suggesting a level of stability despite changes in abiotic conditions.
The combination of fatty acid analysis and next-generation Illumina sequencing in Objectives one and two allowed for the quantification of biomass and taxonomic profiling of root- and soil-associated communities, providing a more comprehensive picture of diversity than either method alone. This is the first field study in Aotearoa to apply these complementary techniques to assess AMF diversity and to compare AMF patterns with those of the broader fungal community. By incorporating plant species of both economic and cultural importance, this research offers valuable insights for agricultural sustainability and conservation. This thesis makes a significant contribution to the limited knowledge of AMF in Aotearoa, being the first to characterise the community in kiwifruit orchards and maize fields, the first to compare diversity across multiple land uses, and the first to assess seasonal trends.
Using native AMF communities from the soils in Objectives one and two, Objective three (Chapter Four) considered the role that AMF inoculation with whole soil has on the assembly of the AMF community and on plant responses to warming. The results of this experiment reinforced the importance of host plant identity, with each plant species forming a distinct AMF community from the same soil inoculum. In contrast to plants, the response of the AMF community to warming was not evident, indicating a degree of stability in the face of environmental change. By modelling a predicted regional temperature increase specific to Aotearoa, this objective offered a rare, locally relevant perspective on AMF–plant interactions in the context of climate change.
By integrating field observations with experimental findings, this doctoral research provides a comprehensive picture of the factors shaping AMF community diversity in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Over two years of sampling, complementary techniques revealed the effects of both land use and seasonality on AMF diversity and compared these patterns to those of broader fungal communities. Land use (which is inextricably tied to certain plant species) influenced both communities, while seasonal trends were observed only in AMF. While the influence of plant host identity on AMF communities is well-documented globally, this study provides the first experimental evidence in Aotearoa that different plant species assemble distinct AMF communities. Overall, these findings deepen our understanding of AMF ecology and highlight the complexity of leveraging AMF-plant symbioses for sustainable land management
Advanced phenology due to climate change is projected to shift precipitation patterns for key cultivar-region combinations in New Zealand
Get PDFContext of the study: Historical records of grapevine phenology have been collected over decades throughout different winegrowing regions. These records have demonstrated advances in key developmental stages such as budburst, flowering and veraison because of increased temperatures due to climate change. This context has driven a demand to improve modelling phenology to understand past, present and future impacts of climate change on grapevines, and to provide frameworks for adaptation.
Purpose of the study: To review the recent advances made in the development and use of grapevine phenology models and make recommendations for the best practice.
Material and methods: A suite of phenological models with different forms (linear and non-linear) have been tested to understand spatial and temporal variability and cultivar differences for historic, current and future trends. We evaluate different approaches for budburst, flowering and veraison. For the maturity phase the use of sugar concentrations as a proxy for phenology is considered, and assessment of nitrogen and water status for time to target sugar concentrations. Field manipulation of canopy and yield treatments were also used to evaluate impacts on model outcomes.
Results: Our findings demonstrate that research objectives should determine modelling approaches used. Cultivar differences and diversity have been successfully characterised at different scales. While spatial and temporal diversity play an important role in phenological databases and within region variability, longer time series had the greater impact on model calibration and performance. Through model selection combined with climate change scenarios, future phenology predictions were possible, but under higher emission scenarios, model outcomes significantly diverged for non-linear and linear models. Leaf area: fruit weight ratios substantially modulated model predictions indicating the need to include this in impacts assessment as well as in adaptation strategies to delay sugar accumulation, a proxy used for maturity. However, environmental factors of water nitrogen did not significantly impact sugar concentrations.
Significance of study: The collation of findings across a range of studies has provided insights into climate change impacts and adaptation strategies for the grapevine, emphasizing the importance of phenology records and ongoing model improvement to better understand climate change consequences in the future
Wool: From properties and structure to genetic insights and sheep improvement strategies
Get PDFThe wool of sheep consists of structurally intricate natural fibres that can be processed and manufactured into a range of products. It is prized for its insulation, moisture-buffering capability, flame resistance, and biodegradability. These features arise from its unique fibre architecture and specialised protein composition, which set it apart from most other natural and synthetic fibres. However, despite these novel characteristics, wool fibre variation hampers its uses and reduces its ability to compete with other fibres. This review summarises our current knowledge of wool fibre biology. It begins with a description of wool’s functional properties and performance attributes, then explores the structural foundations of these properties, the molecular basis of fibre trait variation, and prospects for improving fibre quality using genetic approaches. Particular attention is given to the wool keratin and keratin-associated protein genes, their spatiotemporal expression patterns, and genetic polymorphism that may influence fibre characteristics. Opportunities for the genetic improvement of sheep are discussed, including the use of genetic modification and marker-assisted selection. Challenges in interpreting gene–trait associations, particularly from high-throughput omics studies, are highlighted, along with the need for functionally validated genetic markers. Potential trade-offs between wool characteristics and other production and reproductive traits are considered, emphasising the need for balanced breeding approaches. By integrating insights from structural biology, molecular genetics, and breeding strategies, this review provides a foundation for wool fibre improvement
Understanding the role of structural capital as facilitator in professional learning networks and organizational learning of university
No full textPurpose – This study focuses on the role of Structural Capital as facilitator in professional learning networks (PLN) and organizational learning of university. This study investigates how structural capital mediates between human capital of professional learning networks and organizational learning.
Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of the study, quantitative methodology has been used. A five-point Likert scale survey questionnaire was developed to collect data from 235 teachers from 12 high performing universities of Haryana, India. who are associated in professional learning network. The data are analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 4.
Findings – The results show that human capital of professional learning networks (PLN) has a positive significant relationship with structural capital of university and organizational learning respectively. Similarly, structural capital also has a positive significant relationship with organizational learning. The mediation analysis shows that structural capital partially mediates the relationship between human capital of PLN and organizational learning.
Research limitations/implications – The study confirms that structural capital plays a positive role in the upliftment of human capital of PLN and the organizational learning of the university. Thus, university should give special importance to framing policies, regulations and databases to optimize human capital and organizational Learning.
Originality/value – This study adds to the literature of professional learning networks by describing the importance of facilitators in increasing the skills, abilities of PLN and thereby enhancing the organizational learning
Evaluating the distribution, diversity, and abundance of plant parasitic nematodes in New Zealand kūmara growing regions : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science at Lincoln University
No full textPlant parasitic nematodes (PPN) significantly threaten agricultural productivity, leading to significant yield losses. In New Zealand, kūmara (Ipomoea batatas) is a crop with immense cultural, societal, and economic importance. While several ecologically important PPN species are known to impact kūmara globally, no studies have examined their distribution and impact in New Zealand. This study evaluates the distribution, abundance, and diversity of PPNs across New Zealand’s kūmara growing regions and how environmental factors influence PPN populations. Soil samples were collected from kūmara fields in Dargaville, Kaitaia, Palmerston North, and Hastings. The nematodes were extracted from soil samples using the sieving-centrifugal-flotation method, analysed in terms of diversity and abundance, and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to map PPN distribution and analyse relationships between nematode populations and soil physiochemical and climatic factors. Nine key PPN genera were identified, including Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Heterodera, Dorylaimus, Aphelenchoides, Hoplolaimus, and Criconemoides. Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus were the most prevalent in all locations and were in high abundance. Morphological identification confirmed Pratylenchus pratensis and Helicotylenchus dihystera. Molecular identification confirmed P. pratensis and M. naasi. GIS spatial analysis effectively mapped PPN distribution. However, the data revealed no significant relationships between PPN populations, soil physiochemical parameters, and the climatic factors of rainfall, air temperature, and soil moisture. However, these findings are predicted to become significant with climate change. This study provides the first evaluation of PPNs in New Zealand’s kūmara growing regions, addressing knowledge gaps by identifying key species and assessing their threat to kūmara production. While current PPN populations do not immediately threaten kūmara, climate change could alter their distribution and parasitic potential, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management. Despite these advancements, the absence of economic thresholds for PPNs in New Zealand remains a critical limitation. Future research should focus on developing threshold levels through pathogenicity trials and investigating the susceptibility of local kūmara varieties to key PPN species. As climate change intensifies, proactive management strategies and continued research will be essential to protect New Zealand’s kūmara production. This study lays the foundation for future investigations into the interactions between PPN populations, environmental factors, and sustainable crop management practices in New Zealand’s kūmara industry. These findings have significant implications for enhancing kūmara management and guiding future research directions