bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 2-dimensional uncertain linguistic MABAC method for multiattribute group decision-making problems
Authors: Liu Peide , Wang Dongyang
Published: May 2021

The 2-dimensional uncertain linguistic variable (2DULV) can depict decision-makers’ subjective assessments on the reliability of given evaluation results, which is a valid and practical tool to express decision information. In this study, we develop an improved MABAC method with 2DULVs to handle multiattribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems where the weight information of attributes is unknown. First, some related theories of 2DULVs and the basic procedure of the MABAC method are briefly reviewed. Then, the maximum comprehensive evaluation value method is extended to 2DULVs to obtain combination weights of attributes, in which the subjective weights are determined according to the best–worst method (BWM) and the objective weights are calculated by the maximum deviation method. Besides, the generalized weighted average operator for 2DULVs (2DULGWA) is utilized to aggregate the evaluation information given by all experts. Finally, an improved MABAC for 2DULVs (2DUL-MABAC) is proposed, and an example is carried out to explain the validity of the proposed approach.
Bottom-Up Engineering Strategies for High-Performance Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Wang Suxi , Wang Xizu , Suwardi Ady , Chua Ming Hui , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Xu Jianwei
Published: May 2021

The recent advancements in thermoelectric materials are largely credited to two factors, namely established physical theories and advanced materials engineering methods. The developments in the physical theories have come a long way from the “phonon glass electron crystal” paradigm to the more recent band convergence and nanostructuring, which consequently results in drastic improvement in the thermoelectric figure of merit value. On the other hand, the progresses in materials fabrication methods and processing technologies have enabled the discovery of new physical mechanisms, hence further facilitating the emergence of high-performance thermoelectric materials. In recent years, many comprehensive review articles are focused on various aspects of thermoelectrics ranging from thermoelectric materials, physical mechanisms and materials process techniques in particular with emphasis on solid state reactions. While bottom-up approaches to obtain thermoelectric materials have widely been employed in thermoelectrics, comprehensive reviews on summarizing such methods are still rare. In this review, we will outline a variety of bottom-up strategies for preparing high-performance thermoelectric materials. In addition, state-of-art, challenges and future opportunities in this domain will be commented.
Network memory in the movement of hospital patients carrying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
Authors: Myall Ashleigh C. , Peach Robert L. , Weiße Andrea Y. , Mookerjee Siddharth , Davies Frances , Holmes Alison , Barahona Mauricio
Published: May 2021

Hospitals constitute highly interconnected systems that bring into contact an abundance of infectious pathogens and susceptible individuals, thus making infection outbreaks both common and challenging. In recent years, there has been a sharp incidence of antimicrobial-resistance amongst healthcare-associated infections, a situation now considered endemic in many countries. Here we present network-based analyses of a data set capturing the movement of patients harbouring antibiotic-resistant bacteria across three large London hospitals. We show that there are substantial memory effects in the movement of hospital patients colonised with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Such memory effects break first-order Markovian transitive assumptions and substantially alter the conclusions from the analysis, specifically on node rankings and the evolution of diffusive processes. We capture variable length memory effects by constructing a lumped-state memory network, which we then use to identify individually import wards and overlapping communities of wards. We find these wards align closely to known hotspots of transmission and commonly followed pathways patients. Our framework provides a means to focus infection control efforts and cohort outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections.
Properties of synthetic graphite from boric acid-added pitch: performance as anode in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hwang Jin Ung , Ahn Won Jun , Im Ji Sun , Lee Jong Dae
Published: May 2021

Synthetic graphite is produced by a heat treatment process using a carbon precursor (pitch, coke), but it is difficult to produce synthetic graphite of high quality due to the high-temperature process (minimum 3000 °C). Elements used as additive to lower temperature the graphitic process include boron, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Boron is known as a graphitization additive, because it accelerates the homogeneous continuous graphitization process of the entire carbon without any formation of specific carbon components such as graphite. In this study, various amounts of boron and PFO (pyrolysis fuel oil, carbon precursor) were used in an attempt to reveal the boron additive effect. Pitch was produced using a boric acid and pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO), and high-temperature carbonization was carried out at 2600 °C. As a result, synthetic graphite exhibiting high crystallinity at a relatively low temperature was produced. The electrochemical performance of several boron-doped and non-doped carbon materials with different structures as anodes in lithium-ion batteries was investigated by a structure analysis.
A novel GPU based intrusion detection system using deep autoencoder with Fruitfly optimization
Authors: Sekhar R. , Sasirekha K. , Raja P. S. , Thangavel K.
Published: May 2021

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) have received more attention to safeguarding the vital information in a network system of an organization. Generally, the hackers are easily entering into a secured network through loopholes and smart attacks. In such situation, predicting attacks from normal packets is tedious, much challenging, time consuming and highly technical. As a result, different algorithms with varying learning and training capacity have been explored in the literature. However, the existing Intrusion Detection methods could not meet the desired performance requirements. Hence, this work proposes a new Intrusion Detection technique using Deep Autoencoder with Fruitfly Optimization. Initially, missing values in the dataset have been imputed with the Fuzzy C-Means Rough Parameter (FCMRP) algorithm which handles the imprecision in datasets with the exploit of fuzzy and rough sets while preserving crucial information. Then, robust features are extracted from Autoencoder with multiple hidden layers. Finally, the obtained features are fed to Back Propagation Neural Network (BPN) to classify the attacks. Furthermore, the neurons in the hidden layers of Deep Autoencoder are optimized with population based Fruitfly Optimization algorithm. Experiments have been conducted on NSL_KDD and UNSW-NB15 dataset. The computational results of the proposed intrusion detection system using deep autoencoder with BPN are compared with Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN), BPN, and Autoencoder with Softmax.

Article Highlights

A hybridized model using Deep Autoencoder with Fruitfly Optimization is introduced to classify the attacks.

Missing values have been imputed with the Fuzzy C-Means Rough Parameter method.

The discriminate features are extracted using Deep Autoencoder with more hidden layers.
Nationally Representative Sample Shows an Increase in Domestic Conflict Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Locker Alicia R. , Finucane Melissa L. , Roth Elizabeth A. , Carman Katherine G. , Breslau Joshua
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and associated social distancing increased stressors related to risk for domestic conflict, but increases in domestic conflict early in the pandemic have yet to be studied in community samples.

Methods:

Increase in domestic conflict (verbal or physical fights) since the beginning of the pandemic was assessed in 1196 partnered and cohabitating respondents, drawn from a nationally representative sample, in May 2020. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations of demographic characteristics and financial worry with domestic conflict.

Results:

An increase in domestic conflict was reported by 10.6% (95% CI: 7.7-13.4) of the sample. Domestic conflict increase was significantly associated with younger age, lower education, and financial worry.

Conclusion:

Increases in domestic conflict were seen in certain vulnerable groups and in those who report financial worry. Policies ensuring financial stability, particularly early in the disaster conditions, could reduce domestic conflict during continued COVID-19 conditions or other disasters.
Linear evolution equations on the half-line with dynamic boundary conditions
Authors: SMITH D. A. , TOH W. Y.
Published: May 2021

The classical half-line Robin problem for the heat equation may be solved via a spatial Fourier transform method. In this work, we study the problem in which the static Robin condition$$bq(0,t) + {q_x}(0,t) = 0$$is replaced with a dynamic Robin condition;$$b = b(t)$$is allowed to vary in time. Applications include convective heating by a corrosive liquid. We present a solution representation and justify its validity, via an extension of the Fokas transform method. We show how to reduce the problem to a variable coefficient fractional linear ordinary differential equation for the Dirichlet boundary value. We implement the fractional Frobenius method to solve this equation and justify that the error in the approximate solution of the original problem converges appropriately. We also demonstrate an argument for existence and unicity of solutions to the original dynamic Robin problem for the heat equation. Finally, we extend these results to linear evolution equations of arbitrary spatial order on the half-line, with arbitrary linear dynamic boundary conditions.
Approaches for enhancing grain yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana)
Authors: Reddy Y. A. Nanja , Gowda Jayarame , Gowda K. T. Krishne
Published: May 2021

Finger millet is gaining importance as a food crop with the increasing emphasis on nutritional aspects and drought resilience. However, yield improvement has stagnated. Therefore, popular varieties have been examined for the purpose of whether direct selection for grain yield can be continued or an alternate trait-based approach using the germplasm is necessary. Direct selection for grain yield over the ruling variety, cv. GPU-28 (Germplasm Unit) has not been satisfactory. The path analysis has revealed a high direct effect of mean ear weight on grain yield followed by a moderate direct effect of photosynthetic rate and leaf area index. Furthermore, backward stepwise regression analysis revealed that among the independent traits, the mean ear weight made a significant contribution (60.8%) towards grain yield, followed by the photosynthetic rate (39.2%). The regression equation predicts the inclusion of mean ear weight by 1.0 g extra (as in GE-2672) to cv. GPU-28 will increase grain yield by 4.74%. The trait-specific genotypes are superior to the cv. GPU-28 were GPU-67 (photosynthetic rate) and GE-2672 (mean ear weight) and they could be used as donors for yield improvement. Future selection would aim for genotypes having 70–75 days for flowering with 4−5 productive tillers and mean ear weight of more than 8−9 g/ear. The possible approaches for enhancing grain yield are also discussed.
Stacked patch antenna with wider impedance bandwidth and high interport isolation for 2.4 GHz IBFD transceiver
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Niazi Ahmad Umar
Published: May 2021

This paper reports a bi-port, wideband, parasitic-fed, single/shared patch antenna with enhanced interport isolation for 2.4 GHz in-band full duplex (IBFD) applications. The employed parasitic feeding provides comparatively the wider impedance bandwidth and better gain for the presented antenna. The improved self-interference cancellation (SIC) levels across the required bandwidth are obtained through differentially-driven receive (Rx) mode operation. The differential Rx operation performs effective cancellation of in-band self-interference (SI) through signal inversion mechanism to achieve the additional isolation on the top of the intrinsic isolation of polarization diversity. The validation model for the presented antenna features ≥88 dB peak isolation between the dual-polarized Tx and Rx ports. In addition, the measured Tx–Rx isolation for prototype is >70 dB across the 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 100 MHz (2.42–2.52 GHz). The measured gain for each mode is better than 7.0 dBi. The novelty of this work is that compared to previously reported designs, the presented antenna offers wider impedance bandwidth and improved SIC levels in addition to superior gain performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first single/shared patch antenna which provides better than 70 dB interport isolation across the 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 100 MHz along with 7.0 dBi gain for Tx/Rx modes.
Treating Excessive Consumers With Brief Intervention to Reduce Their	Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Fankhänel Thomas , Panic Benjamin Jovan , Schwarz Marcus , Schulz Katrin , Frese Thomas
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Background: General Practitioners’ (GP) readiness to implement screening and brief intervention to reduce alcohol consumption of excessive consumers is low. Although several barriers were identified by past research, improving these conditions has not led to improved implementation. Based on Expectancy Value Theory of Achievement Motivation we assume that low seriousness of the health problem in association with the treatment of excessive alcohol consumers may be considered as a crucial barrier too. Aims: By our study, we tested for the influence of the seriousness of the health problem on the GP’s readiness to implement brief intervention (BI) in comparison to crucial barriers such as insufficient financial reimbursement and low patient adherence. Method: In order to manipulate the seriousness of the health problem GPs were confronted with three different situations each introducing a fictitious patient with either excessive alcohol consumption, or binge drinking, or harmful alcohol consumption. Results: Questionnaires of 185 GPs were analyzed. As hypothesized GPs were less ready to treat patients with excessive consumption in comparison to patients with harmful consumption, t(184) = 5.51, p < .001, d = .40, and binge drinking, t(184) = 6.14, p < .001, d = .43. Their readiness was higher in case of high adherence, F(1, 181) = 17.35, p < .001, η2 = .09. Limitations: Recruitment of GPs was based on voluntary participation. GPs had to assess their readiness in the artificial context of case vignettes. Conclusion: GPs’ readiness to implement a BI was influenced by the seriousness of the health problem and expected patient adherence. No such effect was found for financial reimbursement.
Multi‐Spacecraft Measurement of Anisotropic Spatial Correlation Functions at Kinetic Range in the Magnetosheath Turbulence
Authors: Huang S. Y. , Xiong Q. Y. , Yuan Z. G. , Zhan H. L. , Deng X. H. , Jiang K. , Zhao P. F. , Zhang J. , Xu S. B. , Wei Y. Y. , Yu L. , Lin T. R.
Published: May 2021

We investigate spatial correlation functions (SCFs) at kinetic range in the terrestrial magnetosheath because of wide angular distributions of the magnetic field fluctuations and the high Signal‐to‐Noise‐Ratio. We employ four‐point measurements of magnetic fluctuations from the Cluster and MMS concerning a spatiotemporally varying background magnetic field to constitute the two‐dimensional (2‐D) SCFs between ion and electron scales. It is found that two populations exist in the 2‐D SCFs, with the minority elongated along the perpendicular coordinate (S⊥) and the majority of population elongated along the coordinate parallel to average magnetic field (S||). This kind of phenomenon indicates that the distribution of magnetosheath turbulence in the wavenumber space is dominantly transverse to the background magnetic field, simultaneously partly along the field (i.e., k⊥ >> k||). In addition, we find that magnetosheath turbulence is the dominance of shear Alfvénic‐like fluctuations, and is quasi‐monofractal intermittent turbulence at kinetic range for both the Cluster case and the MMS case, indicating that strong spatially anisotropic fluctuations may be universal in the magnetosheath. Our observations pose new challenges to the theoretical modeling of turbulence and dissipation at kinetic range in the collisionless magnetized plasma.
Exploiting vulnerabilities of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes for cancer therapy
Authors: Wanior Marek , Krämer Andreas , Knapp Stefan , Joerger Andreas C.
Published: May 2021

Multi-subunit ATPase-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose non-fermentable) are fundamental epigenetic regulators of gene transcription. Functional genomic studies revealed a remarkable mutation prevalence of SWI/SNF-encoding genes in 20–25% of all human cancers, frequently driving oncogenic programmes. Some SWI/SNF-mutant cancers are hypersensitive to perturbations in other SWI/SNF subunits, regulatory proteins and distinct biological pathways, often resulting in sustained anticancer effects and synthetic lethal interactions. Exploiting these vulnerabilities is a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, we review the importance of SWI/SNF chromatin remodellers in gene regulation as well as mechanisms leading to assembly defects and their role in cancer development. We will focus in particular on emerging strategies for the targeted therapy of SWI/SNF-deficient cancers using chemical probes, including proteolysis targeting chimeras, to induce synthetic lethality.
The genome of the warm-season turfgrass African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis)
Authors: Cui Fengchao , Taier Geli , Li Manli , Dai Xiaoxia , Hang Nan , Zhang Xunzhong , Wang Xiangfeng , Wang Kehua
Published: May 2021

Cynodon species can be used for multiple purposes and have high economic and ecological significance. However, the genetic basis of the favorable agronomic traits of Cynodon species is poorly understood, partially due to the limited availability of genomic resources. In this study, we report a chromosome-scale genome assembly of a diploid Cynodon species, C. transvaalensis, obtained by combining Illumina and Nanopore sequencing, BioNano, and Hi-C. The assembly contains 282 scaffolds (~423.42 Mb, N50 = 5.37 Mb), which cover ~93.2% of the estimated genome of C. transvaalensis (~454.4 Mb). Furthermore, 90.48% of the scaffolds (~383.08 Mb) were anchored to nine pseudomolecules, of which the largest was 60.78 Mb in length. Evolutionary analysis along with transcriptome comparison provided a preliminary genomic basis for the adaptation of this species to tropical and/or subtropical climates, typically with dry summers. The genomic resources generated in this study will not only facilitate evolutionary studies of the Chloridoideae subfamily, in particular, the Cynodonteae tribe, but also facilitate functional genomic research and genetic breeding in Cynodon species for new leading turfgrass cultivars in the future.
Interaction of gibberellin and other hormones in almond anthers: phenotypic and physiological changes and transcriptomic reprogramming
Authors: Li Peng , Tian Jia , Guo Changkui , Luo Shuping , Li Jiang
Published: May 2021

Low temperature causes anther dysfunction, severe pollen sterility and, ultimately, major yield losses in crop plants. Previous studies have shown that the gibberellic acid (GA) metabolic pathway plays an important role in this process by regulating tapetum function and pollen development. However, the interaction mechanism of GA with other hormones mediating anther development is still unclear. Herein, we collected and analyzed almond (Amygdalus communis L.) anthers at the meiosis, tetrad, 1-nucleus, and mature 2-nucleus stages. The growth rate per 1000 anthers exhibited a significant positive correlation with the total bioactive GA compound content, and the levels of all bioactive GA compounds were highest in the 1-nucleus pollen stage. GA3 treatment experiments indicated that exogenous GA3 increased the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), trans-zeatin (tZ), and jasmonic acid (JA) and decreased the levels of salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA); moreover, GA3 improved pollen viability and quantities under cold conditions, whereas PP333 (paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis) was antagonistic with GA3 in controlling anther development. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results showed that GA played an important role in anther development by regulating the expression of other phytohormone pathway genes, dehydration-responsive element-binding/C-repeat binding factor (DREB1/CBF)-mediated signaling genes, and anther development pathway genes. Our results reveal the novel finding that GA interacts with other hormones to balance anther development under normal- and low-temperature conditions in almond.
Underpinning the molecular programming attributing heat stress associated thermotolerance in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)
Authors: Seth Romit , Maritim Tony Kipkoech , Parmar Rajni , Sharma Ram Kumar
Published: May 2021

The most daunting issue of global climate change is the deleterious impact of extreme temperatures on tea productivity and quality, which has resulted in a quest among researchers and growers. The current study aims to unravel molecular programming underpinning thermotolerance by characterizing heat tolerance and sensitivity response in 20 tea cultivars. The significantly higher negative influence of heat stress was recorded in a sensitive cultivar with reduced water retention (47%), chlorophyll content (33.79%), oxidation potential (32.48%), and increase in membrane damage (76.4%). Transcriptional profiling of most tolerant and sensitive cultivars identified 78 differentially expressed unigenes with chaperon domains, including low and high molecular weight heat shock protein (HSP) and heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) involved in heat shock response (HSR). Further, predicted transcriptional interactome network revealed their key role in thermotoleranceviawell-co-ordinated transcriptional regulation of aquaporins, starch metabolism, chlorophyll biosynthesis, calcium, and ethylene mediated plant signaling system. The study identified the key role of HSPs (CsHSP90) in regulating HSR in tea, wherein, structure-based molecular docking revealed the inhibitory role of geldanamycin (GDA) onCsHSP90 by blocking ATP binding site at N-terminal domain of predicted structure. Subsequently, GDA mediated leaf disc inhibitor assay further affirmed enhanced HSR with higher expression ofCsHSP17.6,CsHSP70, HSP101, andCsHSFA2 genes in tea. Through the current study, efforts were made to extrapolate a deeper understanding of chaperons mediated regulation of HSR attributing thermotolerance in tea.
CmMLO17 and its partner CmKIC potentially support Alternaria alternata growth in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Xin Jingjing , Liu Ye , Li Huiyun , Chen Sumei , Jiang Jiafu , Song Aiping , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi
Published: May 2021

TheMildew Resistance Locus O(MLO) gene family has been investigated in many species. However, there are few studies on chrysanthemumMLOgenes. We report in this study thatCmMLO17inChrysanthemum morifoliumwas upregulated afterAlternaria alternatainfection. Silencing ofCmMLO17by artificial microRNA resulted in reduced susceptibility of chrysanthemum toA. alternatainfection. Genes in the abscisic acid (ABA) and Ca2+signaling pathways were upregulated in theCmMLO17-silenced line R20 compared to the wild-type plants. We speculated thatCmMLO17-silenced plants had a faster and stronger defense response that was mediated by the ABA and Ca2+signaling pathways, resulting in reduced susceptibility of chrysanthemum toA. alternatainfection. In addition, a candidate gene,CmKIC, that may interact with CmMLO17 was discovered by the yeast two-hybrid assay. The interaction between CmMLO17 and CmKIC was confirmed using the yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis. CmMLO17 and CmKIC were both located on the plasma membrane, and CmKIC was also located on the nucleus.CmKICoverexpression increased the susceptibility of chrysanthemum toA. alternata, whereasCmKICsilencing resulted in reduced susceptibility. Therefore, CmMLO17 and CmKIC may work together inC. morifoliumto support the growth ofA. alternata. The results of this study will provide insight into the potential function of MLO and improve the understanding of plant defense responses to necrotrophic pathogens.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis highlights contrasting levels of resistance of Vitis vinifera and Vitis amurensis to Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wan Ran , Guo Chunlei , Hou Xiaoqing , Zhu Yanxun , Gao Min , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhang Songlin , Jiao Chen , Guo Rongrong , Li Zhi , Wang Xiping
Published: May 2021

Botrytis cinereais a major grapevine (Vitisspp.) pathogen, but some genotypes differ in their degree of resistance. For example, theVitis viniferacultivar Red Globe (RG) is highly susceptible, butV. amurensisRupr Shuangyou (SY) is highly resistant. Here, we used RNA sequencing analysis to characterize the transcriptome responses of these two genotypes toB. cinereainoculation at an early infection stage. Approximately a quarter of the genes in RG presented significant changes in transcript levels during infection, the number of which was greater than that in the SY leaves. The genes differentially expressed between infected leaves of SY and RG included those associated with cell surface structure, oxidation, cell death and C/N metabolism. We found evidence that an imbalance in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox homeostasis probably contributed to the susceptibility of RG toB. cinerea. SY leaves had strong antioxidant capacities and improved ROS homeostasis following infection. Regulatory network prediction suggested that WRKY and MYB transcription factors are associated with the abscisic acid pathway. Weighted gene correlation network analysis highlighted preinfection features of SY that might contribute to its increased resistance. Moreover, overexpression ofVaWRKY10inArabidopsis thalianaandV. viniferaThompson Seedless enhanced resistance toB. cinerea. Collectively, our study provides a high-resolution view of the transcriptional changes of grapevine in response toB. cinereainfection and novel insights into the underlying resistance mechanisms.
Genetic analysis of the “head top shape” quality trait of Chinese cabbage and its association with rosette leaf variation
Authors: Sun Xiaoxue , Gao Ying , Lu Yin , Zhang Xiaomeng , Luo Shuangxia , Li Xing , Liu Mengyang , Feng Daling , Gu Aixia , Chen Xueping , Xuan Shuxin , Wang Yanhua , Shen Shuxing , Bonnema Guusje , Zhao Jianjun
Published: May 2021

The agricultural and consumer quality of Chinese cabbage is determined by its shape. The shape is defined by the folding of the heading leaves, which defines the head top shape (HTS). The overlapping HTS, in which the heading leaves curve inward and overlap at the top, is the shape preferred by consumers. To understand the genetic regulation of HTS, we generated a large segregating F2 population from a cross between pak choi and Chinese cabbage, with phenotypes ranging from nonheading to heading with either outward curving or inward curving overlapping heading leaves. HTS was correlated with plant height, outer/rosette leaf length, and petiole length. A high-density genetic map was constructed. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis resulted in the identification of 22 QTLs for leafy head-related traits, which included five HTS QTLs. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was used to confirm HTS QTLs and identify candidate genes based on informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Interestingly, the HTS QTLs colocalized with QTLs for plant height, outer/rosette leaf, and petiole length, consistent with the observed phenotypic correlations. Combined QTL analysis and BSA laid a foundation for molecular marker-assisted breeding of Chinese cabbage HTS and directions for further research on the genetic regulation of this trait.
Co-located quantitative trait loci mediate resistance to Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Phytophthora cinnamomi, and P. pini in Juglans microcarpa × J. regia hybrids
Authors: Ramasamy Ramesh K. , Luo Ming-Cheng , Leslie Charles A. , Velasco Dianne , Ott Natalia , McClean Ali , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Aradhya Mallikarjuna , Brown Patrick J. , Browne Gregory T. , Kluepfel Daniel A. , Westphal Andreas , Dvorak Jan
Published: May 2021

Soil-borne plant pathogens represent a serious threat that undermines commercial walnut (Juglans regia) production worldwide. Crown gall, caused byAgrobacterium tumefaciens, and Phytophthora root and crown rots, caused by variousPhytophthoraspp., are among the most devastating walnut soil-borne diseases. A recognized strategy to combat soil-borne diseases is adoption of resistant rootstocks. Here, resistance toA. tumefaciens, P. cinnamomi, andP. piniis mapped in the genome ofJuglans microcarpa, a North American wild relative of cultivated walnut. Half-sibJ. microcarpamother trees DJUG 31.01 and DJUG 31.09 were crossed withJ. regiacv. Serr, producing 353 and 400 hybrids, respectively. Clonally propagated hybrids were genotyped by sequencing to construct genetic maps for the two populations and challenged with the three pathogens. Resistance to each of the three pathogens was mapped as a major QTL on the long arm ofJ. microcarpachromosome 4D and was associated with the same haplotype, designated as haplotypeb, raising the possibility that the two mother trees were heterozygous for a single Mendelian gene conferring resistance to all three pathogens. The deployment of this haplotype in rootstock breeding will facilitate breeding of a walnut rootstock resistant to both crown gall and Phytophthora root and crown rots.
Genome-wide QTL analysis of tomato fruit cuticle deposition and composition
Authors: Barraj Barraj Rida , Segado Patricia , Moreno-González Rocío , Heredia Antonio , Fernández-Muñoz Rafael , Domínguez Eva
Published: May 2021

Genetics of traits related to fruit cuticle deposition and composition was studied in two red-fruited tomato species. Two mapping populations derived from the cross between the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.) and its closest relative wild speciesSolanum pimpinellifoliumL. were employed to conduct a QTL analysis. A combination of fruit cuticle deposition, components and anatomical traits were investigated and the individual effect of each QTL evaluated. A total of 70 QTLs were identified, indicating that all the cuticle traits analyzed have a complex polygenic nature. A combination of additive and epistatic interactions was observed for all the traits, with positive contribution of both parental lines to most of them. Colocalization of QTLs for various traits uncovered novel genomic regions producing extensive changes in the cuticle. Cuticle density emerges as an important trait since it can modulate cuticle thickness and invagination thus providing a strategy for sustaining mechanical strength without compromising palatability. Two genomic regions, located in chromosomes 1 and 12, are responsible for the negative interaction between cuticle waxes and phenolics identified in tomato fruit. Several candidate genes, including transcription factors and structural genes, are postulated and their expression analyzed throughout development.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals rare off-target mutations in CRISPR/Cas9-edited grapevine
Authors: Wang Xianhang , Tu Mingxing , Wang Ya , Yin Wuchen , Zhang Yu , Wu Hongsong , Gu Yincong , Li Zhi , Xi Zhumei , Wang Xiping
Published: May 2021

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system is a powerful tool for targeted genome editing, with applications that include plant biotechnology and functional genomics research. However, the specificity of Cas9 targeting is poorly investigated in many plant species, including fruit trees. To assess the off-target mutation rate in grapevine (Vitis vinifera), we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of seven Cas9-edited grapevine plants in which one of two genes was targeted by CRISPR/Cas9 and three wild-type (WT) plants. In total, we identified between 202,008 and 272,397 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and between 26,391 and 55,414 insertions/deletions (indels) in the seven Cas9-edited grapevine plants compared with the three WT plants. Subsequently, 3272 potential off-target sites were selected for further analysis. Only one off-target indel mutation was identified from the WGS data and validated by Sanger sequencing. In addition, we found 243 newly generated off-target sites caused by genetic variants between the Thompson Seedless cultivar and the grape reference genome (PN40024) but no true off-target mutations. In conclusion, we observed high specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing of grapevine.
A cell surface-exposed protein complex with an essential virulence function in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Ludwig Nicole , Reissmann Stefanie , Schipper Kerstin , Gonzalez Carla , Assmann Daniela , Glatter Timo , Moretti Marino , Ma Lay-Sun , Rexer Karl-Heinz , Snetselaar Karen , Kahmann Regine
Published: May 2021

Plant pathogenic fungi colonizing living plant tissue secrete a cocktail of effector proteins to suppress plant immunity and reprogramme host cells. Although many of these effectors function inside host cells, delivery systems used by pathogenic bacteria to translocate effectors into host cells have not been detected in fungi. Here, we show that five unrelated effectors and two membrane proteins from Ustilago maydis, a biotrophic fungus causing smut disease in corn, form a stable protein complex. All seven genes appear co-regulated and are only expressed during colonization. Single mutants arrest in the epidermal layer, fail to suppress host defence responses and fail to induce non-host resistance, two reactions that likely depend on translocated effectors. The complex is anchored in the fungal membrane, protrudes into host cells and likely contacts channel-forming plant plasma membrane proteins. Constitutive expression of all seven complex members resulted in a surface-exposed form in cultured U. maydis cells. As orthologues of the complex-forming proteins are conserved in smut fungi, the complex may become an interesting fungicide target.
Publisher Correction: The impact of smoking different tobacco types on the subgingival microbiome and periodontal health: a pilot study
Authors: Al Kawas Sausan , Al-Marzooq Farah , Rahman Betul , Shearston Jenni A. , Saad Hiba , Benzina Dalenda , Weitzman Michael
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Oxy-tethered Cp*Ir(iii) complex as a competent catalyst for selective dehydrogenation from formic acid
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Yoshida Minori , Matsunami Asuka , Kuwata Shigeki , Kayaki Yoshihito
Published: May 2021

A bifunctional O-tethered Ir complex containing a 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine framework is newly developed. The tether linkage contributes to exceptional durability in the catalytic dehydrogenation from formic acid by hampering deactivation pathways.
Developing physicochemical property-based ecotoxicity characterization factors for silver nanoparticles under mesocosm conditions for use in life cycle assessment
Authors: Temizel-Sekeryan Sila , Hicks Andrea L.
Published: May 2021

This study calculates freshwater ecotoxicity characterization factors for specific sized and coated silver nanoparticles in a specific experimental system to inform future environmental impact assessment research.
State of charge dependent ordered and disordered phases in a Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2cathode material
Authors: Lee Chi Ho , Jun Byeongsun , Lee Seung Cheol , Lee Sang Uck
Published: May 2021

Suppression of Ni pop-up-initiated phase transition in an NCM 111 cathode by Zr-doping based on the understanding of the structural phase transition mechanism in the NCM structure.
Natural resource reserves sustainable use and inclusive resort development
Authors: Kostetska Kateryna , Poyda-Nosyk Nina , Bacho Robert , Nevlad Vira , Pavlenko Olena
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the directions natural resources reserves formation basis on inclusive development of the territory. We consider the definition of natural resources reserve use, which unlike common understanding reserve includes the related services provided to meet the requirements of inclusive growth. The expediency of natural resources reserves use forming is considered on the example of therapeutic muds of the Kuyalnyk estuary. Today, there is a lack of funds for infrastructure development needs for state and communal enterprises that carry out their activities on the natural resources using. Such situation has developed at the state importance Kuyalnyk resort in Ukraine. Having all the natural importance competitive advantages the implementation of health activities using the therapeutic mud of the Kuyalnyk estuary, economic activity in the area is declining due to lack of funds for infrastructure development. The problem solution is possible through the natural resources reserves formation for their further use on inclusive development base. The option principle can apply in reserves of use formation, which makes it possible to calculate the break-even point. It is also necessary to pay attention to the standards for calculating tax liabilities and their further redistribution to the needs of territorial development.
The impact of green innovation on environmental performance of SMEs in an emerging economy
Authors: Arsawan I Wayan Edi , Koval Viktor , Duginets Ganna , Kalinin Oleksandr , Korostova Irina
Published: May 2021

The role of business entities in achieving sustainable development goals has been studied in terms of environmental performance. However, the integration of the model by involving an environmental strategy and green innovation is still rare. The purpose of this study is to examine and explain the role of environmental strategy and green innovation in building SMEs’ environmental performance. This study uses a survey method on 177 managers and assistant managers of export SMEs who are concerned with efforts to save the environment. The results showed that environmental strategy had a significant effect on green innovation in realizing environmental performance.
Electrochemical conditioning of recycled flotation wastewater for flotation results improving
Authors: Panayotova Marinela , Panayotov Vladko
Published: May 2021

Flotation of minerals, an important part of the chain of metals production for our society, needs huge amounts of water. This industry can contribute to the sustainable use of water and circular economy development by utilizing its own production wastewater. However, reuse of clarified water without additional treatment may cause worsening of flotation results. Electrocoagulation of this water with mild steel sacrificial anodes, complemented by electroflotation is able to decrease the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of the treated water, i.e. to remove at least partially the residual organic reagents. For the studied case 66 % of COD and nearly 32 % of DOC were removed by electrocoagulation with mild steel electrodes at energy consumption of 0, 458 kWh/m3. This warrants better results of lead-zinc flotation carried out with treated water, in comparison to the case of use of untreated water, and contributes to freshwater saving. Treated water ensured outcomes of lead-zinc flotation comparable to the results found at use of fresh tap water.
Challenges of textile industry in the framework of Circular Economy: case from Latvia
Authors: Atstāja Dzintra , Cudečka-Puriņa Natālija , Vesere Rudīte , Ābele Lilita , Spivakovskyy Sergiy
Published: May 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted such challenges for the world’s socio-economic and financial systems Social entrepreneurship is an integral part of Europe’s diverse social market economy. The aim of the paper is to tackle the social entrepreneurship field in Latvia and in particular to reveal the enterprises operating in the textile industry, as fashion industry in general is evaluated as second polluting industry, being just behind oil industry. The paper is limited to social entrepreneurship in the field of textile, as it is a new waste stream that has received particular goals and thus needs to be managed in a more sustainable way. To promote social enterprises in the field of textile production and processing it is especially important to implement elements of the circular economy in the daily activities of a social enterprise. Fostering social entrepreneurship in the textile field allows to reach a range of goals simultaneously, including, but not limited to – decrease of textile waste volume, increase of upcycling and moving towards circular economy targets.
Logistics and financial regulation of the defense-industrial complex in the system of troops
Authors: Lisovenko Denys , Burdeina Nadiia , Fedchenko Oleksandr , Nikul Stanislav , Holovan Viacheslav
Published: May 2021

The study is devoted to the problem of financial regulation of the defense industry and the provision of troops, as the escalation of the military conflict in eastern Ukraine has revealed shortcomings in this area. A comparative analysis of NATO and Ukraine’s defense spending was conducted and differences in the cost structure were identified. The tendency of Ukraine’s defense spending to gradually approach the structure of NATO defense spending is pointed out, but the insufficient level of this approach is also taken into account. The analysis allowed to identify problematic issues and inconsistencies in the financial regulation of the defense industry. The state of export of defense equipment and technologies as a possible source of financing of defense enterprises is analyzed. The existence of two opposite trends in the financial regulation of military logistics has been identified: both an increase in funding in absolute terms and a reduction in the share of the total amount for the implementation of the unified logistics system of the State Armed Forces Development Program. The developed mathematical model of supply of military units is suitable for use in information systems of logistical support of troops.
The impact of changes in the volume of freight and passenger transportation by water on the GDP of Ukraine
Authors: Gryshchenko Vadym , Gryshchenko Iryna
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article is to analyse the relationship between the GDP volume index and the volume of freight and the number of passengers transported by water in Ukraine in the system of sustainable development goals. The article examines the dynamics of changes in GDP and the situation in the field of maritime and inland water transport in Ukraine. This provided an opportunity to develop an economic and mathematical model of the relationship between the GDP volume index, the volume of freight, and the number of passengers transported by water in Ukraine. Based on the developed economic and mathematical model, the authors predict possible changes in the GDP volume index under the influence of changes in the volume of freight and passenger transported by water transport in Ukraine. The authors propose to increase the values of indicators 9.1.2 and 9.1.3 in the framework of task 9.1 (SDG 9) precisely by increasing the volume of transportation of goods and passengers by water transport. According to the authors, this is most consistent with the conditions of target indicator 8.1.1 (SDG 8) increasing.
Green human resource management: how to implement environmental issues into HR practices
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana , Vasylyk Alla , Stoliaruk Khrystyna
Published: May 2021

The purpose of study is to analyze the spread of practices of GHRM in Ukraine and develop conceptual basis for the implementation of environmental issues into HR practices. The paper focuses on the providing integrated approach to GHRM practices, which should be implemented in all HRM functions. The article contains important theoretical and methodological principles for research of GHRM. The research showed that the GHRM could be seen as a tool for implementing corporate social responsibility programs related to environmental protection. Furthermore, GHRM covers a wide range of practices related to encouraging environment friendly behaviour and innovative environmental initiatives of employees. The analysis has shown that the green issues and development of the green economy are relevant for Ukraine, but the GHRM practices have not become widespread. This has been confirmed by the results of analysing job advertisements in the HRM sphere, posted on the most popular job sites. The article contains directions for increasing awareness of owners, managers, HR specialists on GHRM practices: implementation of relevant courses in universities’ educational programs, certification programs, development of training programs, initiation of round tables and conferences on GHRM issues.
Stimulation of investment processes in renewable energy sector
Authors: Savina Nataliia , Sribna Yevheniia , Yemelyanov Volodymyr , Dombrovska Svitlana , Mishchenko Dmytro
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article is to assess the pace of capital contribution and investment in solar energy in order to increase the energy security of national economies. The study analyzes the development of the global solar industry for years 2009-2019 in the context of investment support. The main stages of development of world solar energy are marked and the priority of countries and regions is determined. Factors of attractiveness of solar energy for private investment are noted, namely the investment climate is formed at the expense of legislative maintenance of this sphere, and in the economic plan at the expense of introduction of the «green» tariff. Two main investment processes in the development of solar energy are noted. First, these are large private companies that implement large-scale projects from solar stations. Secondly, this small private investment to provide electric for households that identified a small city urbanization and climatic conditions. It was found that the solar energy market depends more on capital intensity than on resource intensity. The result of economic calculation is indicated, which allowed to determine the term of reduction of the cost price of 1 kW of photovoltaic power station electricity to the level of NPP production cost for ten years.
Eco-economic mechanism of formation of the system of national priorities in the conditions of sustainable development
Authors: Kovbatiuk Maryna , Shevchuk Vladyslava , Shklyar Viktoriya , Strilok Ivanna , Kovbatiuk George
Published: May 2021

In the article the authors have developed an eco-economic mechanism for the formation of a system of national priorities in terms of sustainable development. The mechanism is based on the Concept of Sustainable Development, which improves its theoretical basis: characteristics, principles and components. Their manifestation at the world and national level is taken into account. Diagnosis of the state of the countries is carried out The EU-27 as whole and individual countries, namely Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Estonia, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Ukraine in terms of sustainable development in terms of three key areas - economic, social and environmental. Analytical study of trends in indicators for 10 years for the European Union and Ukraine has led to the conclusion that the application of sustainable development strategy leads to positive results. Based on the concept of sustainable development, a set of defined environmental imperatives and the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Ukraine until 2030, the authors formed a system of national strategic priorities.