Metagenomic insights into protein degradation mechanisms in natural fermentation of cassava leaves.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves, the primary by-product of cassava processing, constitute a significant protein source, accounting for 18 to 38 percent on a dry weight basis. Despite their nutritional value, a substantial portion of these leaves is often discarded post-harvest, resulting in notable resource waste. This study employs metagenomic technology to investigate the protein degradation mechanism in cassava leaves, aiming to provide a technical reference for value-added of this by-product. Following a 36-hour period of natural fermentation, the protein degradation rate reached 58%, a phenomenon intricately linked to both the microbial community structure and its functional properties. Notably, Lactococcus and Enterobacter, recognized for their abundant protease activity, were predominant. Metagenomically assembled genomes further revealed Lactococcus's substantial role in producing flavors and active compounds, including amino acids and peptides. This study offers novel perspectives to the foodization and high-value utilization of cassava by-products, emphasizing the sustainable exploitation of biomass resources.

Negative Parenting Style and Perceived Non-Physical Bullying at School: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect Experiences and Coping Styles.

At present, school bullying incidents frequently occur, attracting increased attention from researchers. In this study, we attempt to explore the impact of parenting styles on perceived school non-physical bullying. Four hundred ninety-two students in the fifth and sixth grades of eight primary schools in Zhejiang province were surveyed. To control any potential confounding factors, a randomized sampling survey method was used to distribute questionnaires. The results showed that negative affect experiences, negative coping styles, negative family parenting styles, and the perceived school non-physical bullying were all positively correlated with each other (p < 0.05). Perceived verbal bullying differed significantly by gender, grade, and only/non-only children (p < 0.05). Perceived relationship bullying significantly differed between grades (p < 0.05). The gender difference in perceived cyberbullying also reached a significant level (p < 0.05). The rejection parenting style was shown to be an important factor that may be associated with students' perceived school non-physical bullying; it was observed to be directly associated with students' perceived school non-physical bullying and indirectly associated with students' perceived school non-physical bullying by influencing negative affect experiences and negative coping styles. In conclusion, negative affect experiences and coping styles may have a chain-like mediating effect between the rejection parenting style and students' perceived school verbal bullying. Moreover, negative affect experiences may have a partial mediating effect between the rejection parenting style and students' perceived school cyberbullying, relationship bullying, and non-physical bullying total scores. This study provides first-hand empirical data support for schools, families, and education authorities to guide and manage non-physical bullying incidents in schools. They also provide a theoretical basis for subsequent related research in the field of non-physical bullying.