Yuyang Zhang – författare

Psychological network analysis (PNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay of constructs in developmental and educational sciences. Unlike traditional models that assume relationships among variables arise from latent factors, PNA conceptualizes them as dynamic systems of interacting components. This tutorial introduces PNA's theoretical foundations, key concepts (e.g., nodes, edges, network structures), and its methodological applications using cross-sectional, longitudinal, intensive, and cohort data. Through step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, we illustrate how PNA can capture developmental changes, reveal causal structures using directed acyclic graphs, and support developmental and educational research. Special emphasis is given to practical implementation using R, including network estimation, accuracy testing, and visualization. By equipping researchers with the necessary tools to construct and interpret psychological networks, this Element provides a comprehensive framework for leveraging PNA to explore the multifaceted relationships shaping learning, motivation, and social-emotional development.

Psychological network analysis (PNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay of constructs in developmental and educational sciences. Unlike traditional models that assume relationships among variables arise from latent factors, PNA conceptualizes them as dynamic systems of interacting components. This tutorial introduces PNA's theoretical foundations, key concepts (e.g., nodes, edges, network structures), and its methodological applications using cross-sectional, longitudinal, intensive, and cohort data. Through step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, we illustrate how PNA can capture developmental changes, reveal causal structures using directed acyclic graphs, and support developmental and educational research. Special emphasis is given to practical implementation using R, including network estimation, accuracy testing, and visualization. By equipping researchers with the necessary tools to construct and interpret psychological networks, this Element provides a comprehensive framework for leveraging PNA to explore the multifaceted relationships shaping learning, motivation, and social-emotional development.

Ascorbate acid (AsA) is an important antioxidant in plants, playing important roles in various physiological processes. Humans have lost the ability to synthesize AsA because of the lack of L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidoreductase, and thus have to absorb ascorbate from diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are the major sources of ascorbate. Several pathways for AsA biosynthesis and metabolism have been identified in plants since 1998. More attention has been paid to improving ascorbate content in plants especially in fruits and vegetables. Significant progresses have been made on key enzymes and genes involved in the AsA biosynthesis and metabolism. Recently, more interests have arised in the regulation of AsA biosynthesis, as it is constantly regulated by the plant development and the environmental factors, e.g. light. Ascorbic acid is also frequently reported to affect plant growth and development e.g. flowering time and fruit ripening.The scope of the book is to cover the biological role, biosynthesis and metabolism, regulation, and metabolic modification of ascorbate in plants.