bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Critical Drivers of Mango, Tomato, and Maize Postharvest Losses (PHL) in Low-Income Countries and Predicting Their Impact
Authors: Chikez Hory , Maier Dirk , Olafsson Sigurdur , Sonka Steve
Published: September 2023

Several studies have identified a host of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce food postharvest loss (PHL). However, very few studies have ranked those factors by their importance in driving PHL. This study used the Random Forest model to rank the critical drivers of PHL in maize, mango, and tomato, cultivated in Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria, respectively. The study then predicted the maize, mango, and tomato PHLs by changing the levels of the most critical drivers of PHL and the number of farmers at each level. The results indicate that the most critical drivers of PHL consist of pre-harvest and harvest variables in the field, such as the quantity of maize harvested in the maize value chain, the method used to know when to begin mango harvest, and the type of pest that attacks plants in the tomato value chain. Furthermore, changes in the levels of a critical driver and changes in the number of smallholder farmers at a given level both have an impact on PHL, although the impact of the former is much higher than the latter. This study also revealed that the critical drivers of PHL can be categorized as either passive and difficult to manipulate, such as the geographic area within which a smallholder farmer lives, or active and easier to control, such as services provided by the Rockefeller Foundation YieldWise Initiative. Moreover, the affiliation of smallholder farmers to the YieldWise Initiative and a smallholder farmer’s geographic location are ubiquitous critical drivers across all three value chains. Finally, an online dashboard was created to allow users to explore further the relationship between several critical drivers, the PHL of each crop, and a desired number of smallholder farmers.
Applying RGB-Based Vegetation Indices Obtained from UAS Imagery for Monitoring the Rice Crop at the Field Scale: A Case Study in Portugal
Authors: Gerardo Romeu , de Lima Isabel P.
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) provide an efficient and relatively affordable remote sensing technology for assessing vegetation attributes and status across agricultural areas through wide-area imagery collected with cameras installed on board. This reduces the cost and time of crop monitoring at the field scale in comparison to conventional field surveys. In general, by using remote sensing-based approaches, information on crop conditions is obtained through the calculation and mapping of multispectral vegetation indices. However, some farmers are unable to afford the cost of multispectral images, while the use of RGB images could be a viable approach for monitoring the rice crop quickly and cost-effectively. Nevertheless, the suitability of RGB indices for this specific purpose is not yet well established and needs further investigation. The aim of this work is to explore the use of UAS-based RGB vegetation indices to monitor the rice crop. The study was conducted in a paddy area located in the Lis Valley (Central Portugal). The results revealed that the RGB indices, Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI) and Triangular Greenness Index (TGI) can be useful tools for rice crop monitoring in the absence of multispectral images, particularly in the late vegetative phase.
Effect of Different Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Biological Soil Properties, Growth, Yield and Quality of Oregano (Origanum onites L.)
Authors: Çakmakçı Ramazan , Haliloglu Kamil , Türkoğlu Aras , Özkan Güller , Kutlu Meral , Varmazyari Atefeh , Molnar Zoltan , Jamshidi Bita , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Bocianowski Jan
Published: September 2023

Intensive agriculture uses continuous chemical fertilizers to increase crop yields, but excessive use of fertilizers leads to environmental pollution, permanent changes in physicochemical conditions in soil ecology, deterioration of soil biological health, leaching of nutrients, surface and groundwater pollution and eutrophication. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are becoming increasingly important for ensuring crop safety, increasing nutrient uptake and output, lowering fertilizer costs, preventing environmental contamination and promoting sustainable agriculture and agricultural resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the effects of fifteen bacteria strains that were isolated from various acidic rhizospheric soils as biofertilizers on soil biological properties. Growth, yield and quality traits were analyzed, and various PGPR were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA of Turkish oregano. Fifteen bacterial inoculations with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, N2-fixing, P-solubilizing and/or IAA-producing genes were used in the experiment, which was carried out in a randomized block design with five replicates (each with three pots) and a control without inoculation. Increased biological activity in soil inoculated with bacteria with multiple traits was confirmed by high C and N content in microbial biomass, urease, dehydrogenase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. Essential oil content, oil yield, thymol and carvacrol contents increased by 0.5–40.1%, 5.9–71.9%, 0.07–16.7% and 0.3–9.2%, respectively, as a result of bacterial inoculation. Oil content ranged from 2.02% to 2.83%; carvacrol (66.1–72.2%) was the main constituent, followed by thymol (14.5–16.9%) and linalool (1.38–3.68%). Two large PGPR groups were formed based on genetic distance analysis. Responses were variable and depended on the inoculant strain and the parameters being evaluated. The results indicate PGPR has clear potential for improving the yield of cultivated aromatic and essential oil plants, such as oregano.
Microsatellite-Based Genetic Diversity Analysis and Population Structure of Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in Kazakhstan
Authors: Zargar Meisam , Dyussibayeva Elmira , Orazov Aidyn , Zeinullina Aiym , Zhirnova Irina , Yessenbekova Gulzat , Rysbekova Aiman
Published: September 2023

Proso millet is an important allotetraploid cereal crop; however, it is the least studied species of the Poaceae family, as it is an under-utilized crop. Genomic resources for proso millet are very limited compared to major crops. An understanding of the genetic relationships among germplasm resources is important for future breeding endeavors. In the present study, simplesequence repeat (SSR) markers were employed to assess the polymorphism and genetic diversity of 100 millet accessions from different countries, which were tested in the dry steppe zone conditions of the Akmola region from 2020 to 2022. The use of 20 SSR markers detected a total of 47 alleles, with an average allele number of 2.35 per locus among these proso accessions. Nine of them were polymorphic among the genotypes, which suggests that these SSR markers can be used for genetic studies. The results showed a moderate level of polymorphism information content (PIC) that averaged at 0.424, ranging from 0.125 to 0.795. The markers SSR-67, SSR-82, SSR-85 and SSR-109 showed high PIC values of 0.536, 0.756, 0.795 and 0.758, respectively. Markers SSR 85 and SSR 86 significantly correlated to agronomic traits, such as productive tillering (PT) and grain yield (GY). The genetic structure, UPGMA cluster and PCoA assay indicated that the accessions that originated from Central Asia had higher genetic diversity. Based on structure (K = 3), all the accessions were divided into three groups, where the gene pool that originated from Central Asia wasdetected in all three clusters. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA), the accessions of Central Asian origin were genetically closer to the North Asian group.
The Influencing Factors of “Post-African Swine Fever” Pig Farm Biosecurity: Evidence from Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Wang Huan , Chen Meijun , Guo Ziyao , Shen Yangyang , Chen Yufan , Luo Ting , Liu Yuying , Li Jianqiang , Wang Fang , Wan Jiangjun
Published: September 2023

Effective biosecurity measures are crucial in controlling and preventing major pig diseases, ultimately ensuring farm income and social stability. This study extracted data from 205 farmer surveys in Sichuan Province, China, to construct a biosecurity index system for pig farms. The biosecurity levels of pig farms were evaluated using a projection pursuit method to identify weak areas. The Tobit model was then utilized to determine the factors that influenced the biosecurity levels. The results indicated that the overall biosecurity levels of the pig farms were low. The study found that the average biosecurity score among farms was 0.61, with a minimum score of 0.37 and a maximum score of 0.89 (on a scale of 0 to 1). These results suggest that there are significant differences in biosecurity levels among the farms. The study also found that the scores for first-level indicators related to breeding environment management, as well as second-level indicators related to personnel management and awareness of African swine fever prevention and control, were significantly lower than scores for other indicators in the farmers’ biosecurity systems. This study investigated the factors influencing biosecurity on farms and found that technical training, farm size, income share, production organization, and government inspections had a significant impact on the level of biosecurity implemented. This study emphasizes the significance of biosecurity in enhancing pig farm biosecurity and its role in improving farm resilience to major animal diseases like African swine fever. It also provides valuable insights for policymakers to make informed decisions regarding related policies.
A Study on Egg Production and Quality According to the Age of Four Italian Chicken Dual-Purpose Purebred Hens Reared Outdoors
Authors: Rizzi Chiara
Published: September 2023

The month of hatching and the rearing management, especially temperature and photoperiod, are important factors for pullets and hens reared outdoors. The yield performance and egg quality of dual-purpose chicken breeds from the Veneto region (Italy), Pepoi (PP), Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER), Robusta Maculata (RM) and Robusta Lionata (RL), with different adult body weights (ABW, kg, PP = 1.3; ER = 2.3, RM and RL = 3.1), were studied, using a factorial model (4 × 2), considering breed and age (26–33 weeks, first age, summer–autumn, under decreasing natural photoperiod—on average, 12L:12D, and 42–53 weeks, second age, winter, under implemented photoperiod-14L:10D) as the main effects and interaction. The chicks hatched in spring, and they started laying at the end of summer/beginning of autumn. Significant (p < 0.05) results were shown for many traits. ER showed higher hen–day egg production than that of PP, and RM and RL were the lowest; ER, RM and RL showed medium-size eggs and PP showed small-size eggs. RM produced the most spherical eggs and ER the most ovoid, and they showed the highest and the lowest eggshell thickness, respectively. RM showed the highest yolk to albumen ratio, and RL showed the lowest. The age increased the laying rate and the egg weight in all the groups. At 26–33 weeks, ER and PP showed higher hen–day egg production (on average 24%) than RM and RL (on average, less than 10%). The onset of laying (at least 10% laying rate) was shown, at different ages, according to the % ABW the breeds had reached: PP was the first, followed by ER, then RM, and RL was the last. At 42–53 weeks, the hen–day egg production ranged, on average, from 38 to 52%, according to the breeds; orthogonal contrasts on two-weekly data showed, at first age, increasing linear (ER) and quadratic (other groups) trends, and at second age, positive linear (ER, RM) and cubic (PP, RL) trends. Age (32 vs. 53 weeks) affected almost all the eggshell traits in PP and ER, whereas in RL, and especially RM, fewer traits changed. The age increased the yolk to albumen ratio (unchanged in PP). These results may be useful for the effective management of local purebred chickens, with the purpose to ensure the wellbeing of the hens and for supplying eggs of different quality throughout the year.
Enhancing Autonomous Vehicle Lateral Control: A Linear Complementarity Model-Predictive Control Approach
Authors: Ye Ning , Wang Duo , Dai Yong
Published: September 2023

Model-predictive control (MPC) offers significant advantages in addressing constraint-related challenges and plays a pivotal role in self-driving car technology. Its primary goal is to achieve precise trajectory tracking while prioritizing vehicle stability and safety. However, real-time operations often face challenges related to computational demands and low computational efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel lateral control algorithm for self-driving vehicles, which utilizes the linear complementarity problem (LCP) instead of the conventional quadratic programming (QP) method as the MPC optimization solution. This innovative approach incorporates the electric steering system into the vehicle dynamics model, allowing for precise torque regulation of the steering motor and enhancing control accuracy. The MPC algorithm adopts the LCP solution method to calculate control signals based on the vehicle’s state, ensuring both rapid and stable vehicle control. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MPC algorithm, utilizing the LCP solution method, effectively addresses efficiency issues in the lateral motion of self-driving cars. This leads to improvements in both driving stability and real-time performance. Overall, this innovative approach lays a solid foundation for the practical implementation of self-driving cars.
Environmental Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils and Crops in Xinping Area of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Xu Shengchao , Huang Zhao , Huang Jiaxin , Wu Song , Dao Yan , Chen Zheng , Yang Baichun , Xu Yongqiang , Liu Ningqiang , Gong Qingjie
Published: September 2023

With the development of the economy and society, the environmental problems caused by heavy metals have always been the focus of attention. Strong concern has been recently shown for the heavy metal pollution of soils in southwestern China. The heavy metals of surface soils in the Xinping area of Yunnan province, China are surveyed along with some crop samples. There are 3312 surface soils and 95 crop samples collected in about 370 square kilometers. Heavy metals including As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb and pH are analyzed. New single and integrated pollution indices of heavy metals for soils (PI and PIn) and crops (PIc and PInc) based on Chinese criteria (GB15618-2018 and GB2762-2022) are described and presented here and used to assess the pollution status of heavy metals. The results indicate that the background level of surface soils is about 62.1%, the screening level is about 33.4%, and the intervention level is about 4.5%, which is mainly a result from Cr and spatially coincides with the peridotite rock, indicating a geogenic pollution source. Most crop samples are not contaminated with heavy metals. Comparing the results of the two integrated pollution indices between soils and crops, two inconsistent assessments are observed. One is that some contaminated crops are growing in unpolluted areas (or Type I) and the other is that some uncontaminated crops are growing in polluted areas (or Type II). This indicates a new challenge between the assessment criteria on soils and crops.
Evaluation of Removable Partial Denture Metal Frameworks Produced by Digital Methods—A Systematic Review
Authors: Conceição Pedro , Portugal Jaime , Neves Cristina Bettencourt
Published: September 2023

(1) Introduction: This review aimed to synthesize the significant literature addressing digital techniques for producing removable partial denture (RPD) metal frameworks, focusing on oral fit outcomes. (2) Material and Methods: A systematic review of the Web of Science and Pubmed databases was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The selection was for original articles in English containing relevant data on RPD metal frameworks produced with digital techniques, including study characteristics, digital techniques, and fit assessment methods and outcomes. (3) Results: From the 967 search studies, 405 were duplications, and 521 were excluded after screening against set criteria. A manual search included 21 studies resulting in 62 papers for review. Extra-oral was more frequently used than intra-oral scanning. The computer-assisted design was the most applied digital technique. Additive manufacturing was preferred to milling for direct and indirect fabrication of frameworks. Fit assessments were based on qualitative measures, but quantitative evaluation showed acceptable clinical fit for RPDs made by digital protocols. (4) Conclusions: The combination of direct metal additive manufacturing with conventional impression was the most used protocol and included better qualitative and quantitative fit outcomes than the other digital protocols.
Variation Trend Prediction of Dam Displacement in the Short-Term Using a Hybrid Model Based on Clustering Methods
Authors: Lin Chuan , Zou Yun , Lai Xiaohe , Wang Xiangyu , Su Yan
Published: September 2023

The deformation behavior of a dam can comprehensively reflect its structural state. By comparing the actual response with model predictions, dam deformation prediction models can detect anomalies for effective advance warning. Most existing dam deformation prediction models are implemented within a single-step prediction framework; the single-time-step output of these models cannot represent the variation trend in the dam deformation, which may contain important information on dam evolution during the prediction period. Compared with the single value prediction, predicting the tendency of dam deformation in the short term can better interpret the dam’s structural health status. Aiming to capture the short-term variation trends of dam deformation, a multi-step displacement prediction model of concrete dams is proposed by combining the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) algorithm, the k-harmonic means (KHM) algorithm, and the error minimized extreme learning machine (EM-ELM) algorithm. The model can be divided into three stages: (1) The CEEMDAN algorithm is adopted to decompose dam displacement series into different signals according to their timing characteristics. Moreover, the sample entropy (SE) method is used to remove the noise contained in the decomposed signals. (2) The KHM clustering algorithm is employed to cluster the denoised data with similar characteristics. Furthermore, the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) is utilized to optimize the KHM algorithm to avoid the local optimal problem. (3) A multi-step prediction model to capture the short-term variation of dam displacement is established based on the clustered data. Engineering examples show that the model has good prediction performance and strong robustness, demonstrating the feasibility of applying the proposed model to the multi-step forecasting of dam displacement.
Analysis and Optimization of Bending Vibration Modes of a Trilaminar Bending Ring Transducer with Unequal Diameters
Authors: Zhu Chenhui , Dai Yuyu , Zhou Yinqiu , Zhang Xiumei , Zhao Jiaheng
Published: September 2023

In this study, we propose a fast calculation method that utilizes Kirchhoff’s hypotheses and electroelasticity theory to derive the resonant frequency, antiresonant frequency, and effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of a trilaminar bending ring transducer with unequal diameters. The accuracy of the theoretical method is validated through finite element analysis (FEM) and experimental tests. Furthermore, we perform optimization of the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of the first-order bending vibration of the trilaminar bending ring transducer. Our optimization results indicate that, under the free inner and fixed outer boundary conditions, the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient initially increases to a maximum value and then rapidly decreases as r1/r2 increases. This behavior can be attributed to the out-of-phase vibrations and the in-phase electric field excitation on both sides of the bending ring vibration nodal circle. Finally, we present the optimized size configuration required to achieve the maximum effective electromechanical coupling coefficient. This study provides theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of trilaminar bending ring transducers with unequal diameters and has the potential to significantly advance the field of crosswell seismic source technology.
Monitoring Bridge Dynamic Deformation Law Based on Digital Photography and Ground-Based RAR Technology
Authors: Zhao Yongqian , Zhang Guoqing , Zang Gengchen , Zhang Guojian , Sang Wengang , Zhang Sifeng , Li Wanqiu
Published: September 2023

Dynamic deflection deformation is a crucial index which can reflect the healthy operation of bridges; due to their limitations, monitoring technologies (e.g., sensors, automatic total stations, and GPS) cannot perform high-frequency and whole-process non-contact dynamic deformation monitoring. Therefore, taking the Jinan Fenghuangshan Road Bridge as an example, this paper developed key low-cost and high-precision close-range photogrammetry technology and combined this with GB-RAR technology to remotely monitor bridge dynamic deformation. The results indicate that the measurement accuracy pertaining to the technology, which is based on an isometric virtual surface, is approximately 0.5 mm when the monitoring distance is 250 m, which can meet the accuracy requirements of bridge deformation monitoring. A vehicle’s dynamic load is transmitted in the form of a stress wave inside the bridge, and with regard to span, the wave is most significant in the 1/2 to 1/4 range. This study observes that the maximum deflection deformation of the bridge is 47.2 mm, which is within the allowable deformation range of the General Specifications for Design of Highway Bridges and Culverts. The research results herein provide technical support and data reference for safety monitoring, and for the reinforcement and maintenance of bridges such as the Fenghuangshan Road Bridge.
Hand Osteoarthritis: Is Balneotherapy Useful? Bridging the Gap in the Literature with a Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Maccarone Maria Chiara , Scanu Anna , Regazzo Gianluca , Fioravanti Antonella , Masiero Stefano
Published: September 2023

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) represents a common presentation of osteoarthritis, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and daily activities. The 2018 EULAR recommendations underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. Yet, the role of balneotherapy (BT) in the HOA therapeutic regimen remains unclear. This review seeks to bridge the gap by exploring recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the potential benefits of BT as a complementary intervention for managing HOA. This scoping review investigates original research articles published between January 2003 and August 2023 through a comprehensive search across MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The findings from this scoping review contribute to the growing corpus of evidence indicating that BT, particularly when employing specific methods like mud packs and mineral-rich baths, presents a promising role in reducing pain and enhancing functionality and quality of life, particularly in the initial phases of the condition. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic efficacy of BT interventions and support their inclusion as a complementary approach in managing HOA and preventing its progression. However, further research and the undertaking of larger-scale trials are imperative to validate these preliminary findings.
Predictive Analysis of Students’ Learning Performance Using Data Mining Techniques: A Comparative Study of Feature Selection Methods
Authors: Syed Mustapha S. M. F. D.
Published: September 2023

The utilization of data mining techniques for the prompt prediction of academic success has gained significant importance in the current era. There is an increasing interest in utilizing these methodologies to forecast the academic performance of students, thereby facilitating educators to intervene and furnish suitable assistance when required. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal methods for feature engineering and selection in the context of regression and classification tasks. This study compared the Boruta algorithm and Lasso regression for regression, and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and Random Forest Importance (RFI) for classification. According to the findings, Gradient Boost for the regression part of this study had the least Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of 12.93 and 18.28, respectively, in the case of the Boruta selection method. In contrast, RFI was found to be the superior classification method, yielding an accuracy rate of 78% in the classification part. This research emphasized the significance of employing appropriate feature engineering and selection methodologies to enhance the efficacy of machine learning algorithms. Using a diverse set of machine learning techniques, this study analyzed the OULA dataset, focusing on both feature engineering and selection. Our approach was to systematically compare the performance of different models, leading to insights about the most effective strategies for predicting student success.
Some Axioms and Identities of L-Moments from Logistic Distribution with Generalizations
Authors: Sultan Khalaf S. , AL-Shamari Nashmiah R.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we derive the L-moments for some distributions, such as logistic, generalized logistic, doubly truncated logistic, and doubly truncated generalized logistic distributions. We also establish some new axioms and identities, including recurrence relations satisfied by the L-moment from the underlying derivations. In addition, we establish some new general recurrence relations satisfied by the L-moment from any distribution.
A Note on the New Ostrowski and Hadamard Type Inequalities via the Hölder–İşcan Inequality
Authors: Yildiz Çetin , Valdés Juan E. Nápoles , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana
Published: September 2023

For all convex functions, the Hermite–Hadamard inequality is already well known in convex analysis. In this regard, Hermite–Hadamard and Ostrowski type inequalities were obtained using exponential type convex functions in this work. In addition, new generalizations were found for different values of θ. In conclusion, we believe that our work’s technique will inspire more study in this field.
Triggering and Characterisation of Realistic Internal Short Circuits in Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells—A New Approach Using Precise Needle Penetration
Authors: Grabow Jens , Klink Jacob , Orazov Nury , Benger Ralf , Hauer Ines , Beck Hans-Peter
Published: September 2023

The internal short circuit (ISC) in lithium-ion batteries is a serious problem since it is probably the most common cause of a thermal runaway (TR) that still presents many open questions, even though it has been intensively investigated. Therefore, this article focusses on the generation and characterisation of the local single-layer ISC, which is typically caused by cell-internal impurity particles that cannot be completely eliminated in the cell production. A new, very promising method of precise and slow (1 μm s−1) needle penetration made it possible to generate the most safety-critical reliable short-circuit type—the contact between the Al-Collector and the graphite active material of the anode—as demonstrated on a 10 Ah Graphite/NMC pouch cell. The special efforts in achieving high reproducibility as well as the detailed analysis of the initiated internal short-circuit conditions led to more reliable and meaningful results. A comprehensive approach to characterisation has been made by detailed measurement of the dynamic short-circuit evolution and a subsequent post-characterisation, which included the application of different electrochemical measurement techniques as well as a post-abuse analysis. It was shown that the cells demonstrated a very individual and difficult-to-predict behaviour, which is a major challenge for early failure detection and risk assessment of cells with an existing or former ISC. On the one hand, it is found that despite high local temperatures of over 1260 ∘C and significant damage to the cell-internal structure, the cell did not develop a TR even with further cycling. On the other hand, it was observed that the TR occurs spontaneously without any previous abnormalities. Based on the overall test results, it was shown that at the high state of charge (SOC = 100%), even small, dynamically developing voltage drops (<10 mV) must be classified as safety-critical for the cell. For reliable and early failure detection, the first voltage drops of the ISC must already be detected.
Simple Sequence Repeat Fingerprint Identification of Essential-Oil-Bearing Rosa rugosa via High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Nan , Feng Liguo , Wang Jianwen
Published: September 2023

Oil-bearing Rosa rugosa are popular in the essential oil and perfume markets. The similar botanical characteristics between high-oil-yield or low-oil-yield cultivars are confusing and it is hard for farmers or breeders to identify the high-oil-yield cultivar by phenotype difference. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) can construct accurate DNA fingerprints quickly, which was shown to be effective for identification of closely related cultivars of R. rugosa. Optimization of HRM-SSR indicated that the 10 µL HRM reaction mixture containing 20 ng of genomic DNA of R. rugosa and 0.75 µL of 10 µmol/L of each primer with an annealing temperature of 64 °C was a robust SSR genotyping protocol. Using this protocol, 9 polymorphic SSR markers with 3–9 genotypes among the 19 R. rugosa cultivars were identified. The top three polymorphic makers SSR9, SSR12 and SSR19 constructed a fingerprint of all cultivars, and the rare insertion in the flanking sequences of the repeat motif of SSR19 generated three characteristic genotypes of three high-oil-yield cultivars. These results may be economical and practical for the identification of high-oil-yield R. rugosa and be helpful for the selection and breeding of oil-bearing roses.
Language Learning Motivations among Turkish Learners of Chinese as a Foreign Language: A Survey of Five Universities in Turkey
Authors: Wang Yake , Yang He
Published: September 2023

Research on language learning motivations has been extensive. However, research on learners’ motivations for learning Chinese has been underexplored compared to that for learning English. The current study aimed to investigate the motivations among 256 Turkish learners of Chinese as foreign language (CFL) who studied at five universities in Turkey. Participants completed an adapted questionnaire based on Gardner’s Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB). A series of statistical analysis revealed three major findings. First, integrativeness, attitudes towards learning situation and attitudes towards learning Chinese were identified as the three most important motivational variables, followed by instrumentality, and parental encouragement. Language anxiety and passive motivation seemed to play a weaker role in Turkish CFL learners’ motivations for learning Chinese at the tertiary level. Second, the results also show that females exhibited higher motivation to learn the target language compared to their male peers. Third, the choice of major among CFL learners appeared to influence their language learning motivations, with a notable distinction between Chinese majors and non-Chinese majors in five motivational variables: integrativeness attitudes towards the learning situation, language anxiety, parental encouragement, and passive motivation.
Highly Efficient Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation for Aliphatic Acid to Liquid Alkane: The Role of Molybdenum
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Han Depeng , Xia Shuqian
Published: September 2023

A series of NiM/SiO2 (M = Ce, Co, Cu, Fe, Sn, Zr, Mo) catalysts are prepared and used in the selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of aliphatic acid to produce alkanes with the same number of carbon atoms as the reactant (alkane-Cx). The results indicate the introduction of Mo promotes the hydrodehydration of aliphatic alcohol and suppresses the decarbonylation of aliphatic aldehyde. The selective to alkane-Cx is more than 70% in the case of a complete conversion of aliphatic acid. A mechanism study proves that, due to the higher electronegativity of Mo, electrons transfer from Ni to Mo easily and facilitate the reduction of Mo, and the partially reduced Mo species is favorable for the hydrodehydration of aliphatic alcohol. Meanwhile, the adsorption of alcohol on Mo is more favorable than on the Ni site, and the hydrogen bond between hydroxyl hydrogen and O atoms on the catalyst improves the adsorption stability of aliphatic alcohol. Further COHP analysis indicates that the C-OH bond was activated when alcohol was adsorbed on the Ni5/MoO2 surface, which promoted the hydrodehydration of aliphatic alcohols and improved carbon atom utilization.
Purine Biosynthesis Pathways Are Required for Myogenesis in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Duperray Maëlle , Hardet Fanny , Henriet Elodie , Saint-Marc Christelle , Boué-Grabot Eric , Daignan-Fornier Bertrand , Massé Karine , Pinson Benoît
Published: September 2023

Purines are required for fundamental biological processes and alterations in their metabolism lead to severe genetic diseases associated with developmental defects whose etiology remains unclear. Here, we studied the developmental requirements for purine metabolism using the amphibian Xenopus laevis as a vertebrate model. We provide the first functional characterization of purine pathway genes and show that these genes are mainly expressed in nervous and muscular embryonic tissues. Morphants were generated to decipher the functions of these genes, with a focus on the adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), which is an enzyme required for both salvage and de novo purine pathways. adsl.L knockdown led to a severe reduction in the expression of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs: Myod1, Myf5 and Myogenin), thus resulting in defects in somite formation and, at later stages, the development and/or migration of both craniofacial and hypaxial muscle progenitors. The reduced expressions of hprt1.L and ppat, which are two genes specific to the salvage and de novo pathways, respectively, resulted in similar alterations. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that de novo and recycling purine pathways are essential for myogenesis and highlight new mechanisms in the regulation of MRF gene expression.
New JAK3-INSL3 Fusion Transcript—An Oncogenic Event in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Velatooru Loka Reddy , Hu Cheng Hui , Bijani Pedram , Wang Xiaohong , Bojaxhi Pierr , Chen Hao , Duvic Madeleine , Ni Xiao
Published: September 2023

Constitutively activated tyrosine kinase JAK3 is implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). The mechanisms of constitutive JAK3 activation are unknown although a JAK3 mutation was reported in a small portion of CTCL patients. In this study, we assessed the oncogenic roles of a newly identified JAK3-INSL3 fusion transcript in CTCL. Total RNA from malignant T-cells in 33 patients with Sézary syndrome (SS), a leukemic form of CTCL, was examined for the new JAK3-INSL3 fusion transcript by RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. The expression levels were assessed by qPCR and correlated with patient survivals. Knockdown and/or knockout assays were conducted in two CTCL cell lines (MJ cells and HH cells) by RNA interference and/or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. SS patients expressed heterogeneous levels of a new JAK3-INSL3 fusion transcript. Patients with high-level expression of JAK3-INSL3 showed poorer 5-year survival (n = 19, 42.1%) than patients with low-level expression (n = 14, 78.6%). CTCL cells transduced with specific shRNAs or sgRNAs had decreased new JAK3-INSL3 fusion transcript expression, reduced cell proliferation, and decreased colony formation. In NSG xenograft mice, smaller tumor sizes were observed in MJ cells transduced with specific shRNAs than cells transduced with controls. Our results suggest that the newly identified JAK3-INSL3 fusion transcript confers an oncogenic event in CTCL.
Current Evidence Supporting the Role of Immune Response in ATTRv Amyloidosis
Authors: Plantone Domenico , Primiano Guido , Righi Delia , Romano Angela , Luigetti Marco , De Stefano Nicola
Published: September 2023

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, also known as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), represents a progressive, heterogeneous, severe, and multisystemic disease caused by pathogenic variants in the TTR gene. This autosomal-dominant neurogenetic disorder has an adult onset with variable penetrance and an inconstant phenotype, even among subjects carrying the same mutation. Historically, ATTRv amyloidosis has been viewed as a non-inflammatory disease, mainly due to the absence of any mononuclear cell infiltration in ex vivo tissues; nevertheless, a role of inflammation in its pathogenesis has been recently highlighted. The immune response may be involved in the development and progression of the disease. Fibrillary TTR species bind to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), probably activating the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. Moreover, peripheral blood levels of several cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-gamma, IFN-alpha, IL-6, IL-7, and IL-33, are altered in the course of the disease. This review summarizes the current evidence supporting the role of the immune response in ATTRv amyloidosis, from the pathological mechanisms to the possible therapeutic implications.
Socioemotional and Behavioral Problems of Grandchildren Raised by Grandparents: The Role of Grandparent–Grandchild Relational Closeness and Conflict
Authors: Xu Yanfeng , Harrison Theresa
Published: September 2023

This study examined the associations of grandparent–grandchild relational closeness and conflict with grandchildren’s socioemotional and behavioral problems, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors. We analyzed primary cross-sectional survey data collected from custodial grandparents in the United States using logistic regression models. The results indicated that grandparent–grandchild relational closeness was significantly associated with lower odds of custodial grandchildren having emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors, whereas grandparent–grandchild relational conflict was significantly associated with higher odds of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and abnormal prosocial behaviors. Implications for increasing grandparent–grandchild relational closeness and decreasing relational conflicts among grandparent-headed families are discussed, which might improve grandchildren’s socioemotional and behavioral well-being.
Exploring Plant Meiosis: Insights from the Kinetochore Perspective
Authors: Zhou Kang-Di , Zhang Cai-Xia , Niu Fu-Rong , Bai Hao-Chen , Wu Dan-Dan , Deng Jia-Cheng , Qian Hong-Yuan , Jiang Yun-Lei , Ma Wei
Published: September 2023

The central player for chromosome segregation in both mitosis and meiosis is the macromolecular kinetochore structure, which is assembled by >100 structural and regulatory proteins on centromere DNA. Kinetochores play a crucial role in cell division by connecting chromosomal DNA and microtubule polymers. This connection helps in the proper segregation and alignment of chromosomes. Additionally, kinetochores can act as a signaling hub, regulating the start of anaphase through the spindle assembly checkpoint, and controlling the movement of chromosomes during anaphase. However, the role of various kinetochore proteins in plant meiosis has only been recently elucidated, and these proteins differ in their functionality from those found in animals. In this review, our current knowledge of the functioning of plant kinetochore proteins in meiosis will be summarized. In addition, the functional similarities and differences of core kinetochore proteins in meiosis between plants and other species are discussed, and the potential applications of manipulating certain kinetochore genes in meiosis for breeding purposes are explored.
Comparison of the Optical Properties of Different Dielectric Materials (SnO2, ZnO, AZO, or SiAlNx) Used in Silver-Based Low-Emissivity Coatings
Authors: Cueva Ana , Carretero Enrique
Published: September 2023

This work analyzed and compared the optical and photoenergetic properties of low-emissivity coatings made from various dielectric materials deposited through magnetron sputtering following a systematic, comparable method. Different multilayer structures of silver-based low-emissivity coatings were studied using SnO2, ZnO, SiAlNx, and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO, which is inherently a semiconductor, but it fulfils an optical dielectric function in this type of structure). The properties of the coatings were determined by spectrophotometric and sheet resistance measurements. Coatings with AZO as the dielectric layers obtain the best photoenergetic performance because silver growth is more efficient on AZO. We also studied the effect of ion bombardment on AZO and SiAlNx in an attempt to obtain a better low-emissivity coating, achieving better results when etching the dielectric layer with an ion gun. Regarding the structures’ visible transmission, the oxides produced better transmission results. Based on the above, we concluded that AZO had the best optical and photoenergetic properties in our deposition system, observing, in the best-case scenario, improvements in emissivity from 0.083 with SnO2 to 0.058 with AZO and to 0.052 using an ion beam on AZO and improvements in visible transmission from 81.9% with SnO2 to 86.8% with AZO.
Chromium Diffusion Coatings for Mo-Based Silicides to Improve Their Oxidation Resistance
Authors: Beck Katharina , Hinrichs Frauke , Oskay Ceyhun , Ulrich Anke S. , Heilmaier Martin , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: September 2023

The oxidation behavior of two ternary Mo-Si-Ti alloys (eutectic Mo-20.0Si-52.8Ti and eutectoid Mo-21.0Si-34.0Ti) was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis at 700 °C, 900 °C, and 1300 °C for 100 h. The eutectic alloy formed a protective SiO2/TiO2 oxide scale, whereas the eutectoid alloy showed catastrophic oxidation. To improve the oxidation behavior of these alloys, chromium diffusion coatings deposited via pack cementation on the surface were investigated. Cr coatings were found to be suitable for improving oxidation resistance at 700 °C and 900 °C but failed at 1300 °C due to the evaporation of thin scales. At 700 °C and 900 °C, the formation of a Cr2O3 scale was proven on the Ti-rich/Mo-lean eutectic composition. After exposure, the Ti-lean/Mo-rich eutectoid composition, which is intrinsically more prone to oxidation, was found to form a continuous Cr2O3 scale only at 700 °C.
Improving Wear Resistance of Highly Porous Titanium by Surface Engineering Methods
Authors: Lavrys Serhii , Pohrelyuk Iryna , Padgurskas Juozas , Shliakhetka Khrystyna
Published: September 2023

The wear resistance of highly porous titanium in the tribo-pair with bronze under boundary lubrication condition was investigated. According to analyses of worn surfaces of highly porous titanium, it was shown that the main reason of poor wear resistance were subsurface pores that led to nucleation of micro-cracks in the subsurface layer and thereby intensified fatigue (delamination) wear. For improvement of wear resistance of highly porous titanium, the surface engineering methods, such as deformation (ball burnishing, BB), diffusion (gas nitriding, GN), and their combination—deformation–diffusion treatment (DDT), were considered. It was shown that surface hardening of highly porous titanium by BB, GN, and DDT reduces the weight wear intensity and the friction coefficient of the tribo-pairs by 1.4, 3.5, 4.0 and 1.8, 2.3, 3.2 times, respectively. Such an improvement in the tribological properties of highly porous titanium after surface hardening is explained by changes in the main wear mechanism of the tribo-pairs from adhesive and fatigue to abrasive. The highest wear resistance of highly porous titanium was observed after surface deformation–diffusion treatment, as this treatment provides a combination of the positive effects of both ball burnishing (closing of surface pores) and nitriding (formation of a surface chemically inert and hard nitride layer).
Perceived Stress and Coping among University Students Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shuster Coral L. , Tate Marie C. , Schulz Christina T. , Reyes Cheyenne T. , Drohan Megan M. , Astorini Angela G. , Stamates Amy L. , Yang Manshu , Robbins Mark L.
Published: September 2023

University students may have experienced heightened levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, less is known about coping mechanisms (i.e., approach and avoidance) that were used to manage such stress. Further, there is a need to identify groups of students who may have been at elevated risk for stress. The present study examined the association between coping and perceived stress and whether there were differences in stress based on sociodemographic factors and COVID-19-related changes in employment, housing, and income. Data were collected from 150 university students between the ages of 18 and 25 years (M = 20.68; SD = 1.73). Results indicated that those who endorsed more approach coping skills had lower levels of stress and those who endorsed more avoidance coping skills had higher levels of stress. Additionally, females, those who lost income, and non-heterosexual individuals endorsed higher levels of stress. The results demonstrate the importance of targeted discussions with university students regarding stressors and coping mechanisms.
Polypyrrole Film Decorated Manganese Oxide Electrode Materials for High-Efficient Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Yuyin , Wu Xiang
Published: September 2023

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have raised wide concern as a new generation energy storage device due to their high capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. It is a crucial step to develop the ideal cathode materials that match well with the Zn anode. In this work, we report polypyrrole-(PPy)-encapsulated MnO2 nanowires as cathode materials for AZIBs. The assembled Zn//MnO2@PPy batteries deliver a reversible capacity of 385.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Also, they possess an energy density of 192 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 50 W kg−1. The cells show long-term cycling stability, with a retention rate of 96% after 1000 cycles. The outstanding electrochemical performance indicates their potential applications in large-scale energy storage.