bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting and pyramiding target QTL for plant- and grain-related traits via chromosomal segment substitution line of rice
Authors: Mao Zuyuan , Di Xinyan , Xia Saisai , Chen Qian , Ma Xiaohui , Chen Mei , Yang Zhenglin , Zhao Fangming , Ling Yinghua
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Plant height and grain length are important agronomic traits in rice, exhibiting a strong effect on plant architecture and grain quality of rice varieties.

Methods

Methods: A novel rice chromosomal segment substitution line (CSSL), i.e., CSSL-Z1357, with significantly increased plant height (PH) and grain length (GL) was identified from CSSLs constructed by using Nipponbare as a receptor and a restorer line Xihui 18 as a donor. Seven agronomic traits of PH, PL, GL, GW, GPP, SPP, and TGW were phenotyped, and REML implemented in HPMIXED of SAS were used to detect the QTL for these traits. Secondary CSSLs were screened out via marker-assisted selection (MAS) to estimate the additive and epistatic effects of detected QTLs, evaluating the potential utilization of pyramiding the target QTLs for yield and quality improvement of rice varieties.

Results and Discussion

Results and Discussion: CSSL-Z1357 carried nine segments from Xihui 18 with an average segment length of 4.13 Mb. The results show that the long grain of CSSL-Z1357 was caused by the increased number of surface cells and the length of the inner glume. Thirteen quantitative trait loci were identified via the F2 population of Nipponbare/CSSL-Z1357, including three each for GL (qGL-3, qGL-6, and qGL-7) and PH (qPH-1, qPH-7, and qPH-12I), among which qGL-3 increased GL by 0.23 mm with synergistic allele from CSSL-Z1357. Additionally, three single (S1 to S3), two double (D1, D2), and one triple segment (T1) substitution lines were developed in F3 via MAS. Results show that pyramiding the segments from Chr.3 (qGL-3 and qPH-3), Chr.6 (qGL-6 and qPH-6), and Chr.7 (Null and qPH-7) tended to result in better phenotype of increased GL and PH and decreased grain width, providing a potential basis for enhancing grain yield and quality in rice breeding.
Salt stress proteins in plants: An overview
Authors: Athar Habib-ur-Rehman , Zulfiqar Faisal , Moosa Anam , Ashraf Muhammad , Zafar Zafar Ullah , Zhang Lixin , Ahmed Nadeem , Kalaji Hazem M. , Nafees Muhammad , Hossain Mohammad Anwar , Islam Mohammad Sohidul , El Sabagh Ayman , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: December 2022

Salinity stress is considered the most devastating abiotic stress for crop productivity. Accumulating different types of soluble proteins has evolved as a vital strategy that plays a central regulatory role in the growth and development of plants subjected to salt stress. In the last two decades, efforts have been undertaken to critically examine the genome structure and functions of the transcriptome in plants subjected to salinity stress. Although genomics and transcriptomics studies indicate physiological and biochemical alterations in plants, it do not reflect changes in the amount and type of proteins corresponding to gene expression at the transcriptome level. In addition, proteins are a more reliable determinant of salt tolerance than simple gene expression as they play major roles in shaping physiological traits in salt-tolerant phenotypes. However, little information is available on salt stress-responsive proteins and their possible modes of action in conferring salinity stress tolerance. In addition, a complete proteome profile under normal or stress conditions has not been established yet for any model plant species. Similarly, a complete set of low abundant and key stress regulatory proteins in plants has not been identified. Furthermore, insufficient information on post-translational modifications in salt stress regulatory proteins is available. Therefore, in recent past, studies focused on exploring changes in protein expression under salt stress, which will complement genomic, transcriptomic, and physiological studies in understanding mechanism of salt tolerance in plants. This review focused on recent studies on proteome profiling in plants subjected to salinity stress, and provide synthesis of updated literature about how salinity regulates various salt stress proteins involved in the plant salt tolerance mechanism. This review also highlights the recent reports on regulation of salt stress proteins using transgenic approaches with enhanced salt stress tolerance in crops.
Aggressive behavior, boredom, and protective factors among college students during closed-off management of the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Li Yujie , Chu Xiaoyi
Published: December 2022

Background

Chinese colleges have implemented strict closed-off management in response to the outbreak of a new variant of the new coronavirus, Omicron. But such management measures may lead to more aggressive behavior. The study aimed to determine the associations between boredom and aggressive behavior with aggression and to examine the impact of boredom on aggression through the moderating role of cognitive flexibility.

Methods

The Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory were applied to a sample of 719 college students who were in a closed-off management environment.

Results

For individuals with high cognitive flexibility, the relationship between state boredom and proactive aggression was not significant. The relationship between state boredom and proactive aggression was significantly positively correlated for individuals with low cognitive flexibility, especially low substitutability. Cognitive flexibility has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between state boredom and reactive aggression.

Conclusion

The findings highlighted the importance of boredom as a potential risk factor for aggression, while cognitive flexibility appears as a potential protective factor.
The relationship between organizational commitment and turnover intention among temporary employees in the local government: Mediating role of perceived insider status and moderating role of gender
Authors: Xia Defeng , Sun Jingru , Zhang Congcong , Zhang Yiying
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between organizational commitment and turnover intention, and to test the mediating effect of perceived insider status, and moderating effect of gender on that relationship.

Methodology

Data were collected using a questionnaire survey method from 820 temporary employees of government agencies working in China. The data obtained were analyzed according to the moderated mediation.

Findings

As a result of the analysis, it was determined that perceived insider status has a partial mediation effect on the relationship between organizational commitment and turnover intention. Also, the results supported the moderated mediation and showed that the indirect effect of organizational commitment and turnover intention through perceived insider status was weaker for males than females. Then, the theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Knowledge platform affordances and knowledge collaboration performance: The mediating effect of user engagement
Authors: Jiao Zeyu , Li Chang , Chen Jianbin
Published: December 2022

Knowledge collaboration is the result of knowledge transfer and social interaction among users on knowledge platforms, and its formation mechanism has attracted much attention. Based on the affordance theory, this paper introduces user engagement as a mediating variable to study the relationship between knowledge platform affordances and knowledge collaboration performance. Data collected from 361 valid questionnaires from the Zhihu platform were analyzed by using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 24.0. The results show that knowledge platform affordances have a direct and positive influence on knowledge collaboration performance as well as an indirect influence through user engagement. Expressly, user engagement undertakes three intermediary paths between knowledge platform affordances and knowledge collaboration performance: knowledge affordances-conscious participation-knowledge collaboration performance, knowledge affordances-enthusiasm-knowledge collaboration performance, and social affordances-social interaction-knowledge collaboration performance. This paper explores the formation process of knowledge collaboration performance by synthesizing affordance and user engagement theories. It clarifies the fundamental role of knowledge affordances in stimulating users’ conscious participation and enthusiasm, and the critical role of social affordances in stimulating social interaction. Therefore, this paper further enriches theories of knowledge collaboration and knowledge platform affordances and provides a practical reference for the strategic optimization and development of knowledge platforms.
The contribution of teacher, parental and peer support in self-reported school and general well-being among ethnic-cultural minority and majority youth
Authors: Valcke Barbara , Dierckx Kim , Desouter Laura , Van Dongen Stefan , Van Hal Guido , Van Hiel Alain
Published: December 2022

Social support has been shown to be a crucial element in the well-being of children and adolescents. The present research article investigated how various sources of social support (i.e., parental support, teacher support and peer support) are related to school well-being and general well-being,. A survey was administered to N = 12,215 primary school pupils, pertaining to three ethnic-cultural groups, i.e., the national majority group, the Eastern European minority group and the Middle Eastern minority group. The results showed that perceived teacher support was most strongly and positively related to school well-being, although peer support was also an important determinant of school well-being. All three sources of perceived support were positively related to general well-being. Furthermore, and contrary to previous research, no significant differences were found between both minority groups and the national majority in terms of perceived teacher support. Conversely, both minority groups reported lower perceived parental and peer support. It was further shown that minority status moderated the relationship between the various sources of support and school well-being, although it should be articulated that these effects sizes were fairly small. School diversity, finally, did not yield any relevant effects. Similarities and differences with the existing literature on school well-being are delineated, and potential explanations for these divergences are discussed.
Abnormal hubs in global network as potential neuroimaging marker in generalized anxiety disorder at rest
Authors: Meng Lili , Zhang Yuandong , Lin Hang , Mu Jingping , Liao Heng , Wang Runlan , Jiao Shufen , Ma Zilong , Miao Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Wei , Wang Xi
Published: December 2022

Background

Mounting studies have reported altered neuroimaging features in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, little is known about changes in degree centrality (DC) as an effective diagnostic method for GAD. Therefore, we aimed to explore the abnormality of DCs and whether these features can be used in the diagnosis of GAD.

Methods

Forty-one GAD patients and 45 healthy controls participated in the study. Imaging data were analyzed using DC and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods.

Results

Compared with the control group, increased DC values in bilateral cerebellum and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and decreased DC values in the left medial frontal orbital gyrus (MFOG), fusiform gyrus (FG), and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The ROC results showed that the DC value of the left MTG could serve as a potential neuroimaging marker with high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing patients from healthy controls.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that abnormal DCs in the left MTG can be observed in GAD, highlighting the importance of GAD pathophysiology.
Anxiety and self-efficacy in Chinese international students’ L3 French learning with L2 English and L3 French
Authors: Lin Qiuhan
Published: December 2022

The present study explored the relationship between international students’ Third Language Anxiety (TLA) and self-efficacy. The research data were collected through questionnaires involving 243 Chinese International students’ L3 French Learning with L2 English and L3 French at one university in the U.K. Three of them were interviewed about their experience of anxiety and self-efficacy. Major findings include four underlying factors correlated with TLA and two underlying factors correlated with self-efficacy. Also, levels of these students’ TLA were negatively correlated with the level of their self-efficacy, as shown in the correlational analysis. Then, two linear regression models were built to contribute to the prediction of their self-efficacy levels. Lastly, participants reported that grammatical and pronunciation similarities between English (L2) and French (L3) positively decreased their anxiety levels. All of these interviewees encountered communication apprehension. These findings can provide educational implications for L3 teaching and learning, inspiring teachers to consider international students’ TLA and self-efficacy and thus propose some coping strategies.
Naturally absorbed lithium may prevent suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm while eicosapentaenoic acid may prevent deliberate self-harm and arachidonic acid may be a risk factor for deliberate self-harm: The updated different findings in new analyses
Authors: Izumi Toshihiko , Kanehisa Masayuki , Terao Takeshi , Shiotsuki Ippei , Shirahama Masanao , Satoh Moriaki , Muronaga Masaaki , Kohno Kentaro , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Etoh Masaki , Matsukawa Takehisa
Published: December 2022

Background

Since our previous investigation on the effects of trace lithium, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) on deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts in 2018, to our knowledge, no replication study has been conducted on this topic.

Subjects and methods

We increased 37 new patients and totally 234 patients were re-analyzed to further investigate the association of suicide-related behaviors with levels of trace lithium, EPA, DHA, and AA in a different way to avoid multicollinearity.

Results

Higher lithium levels were significantly associated with fewer suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm, higher EPA levels were significantly associated with fewer deliberate self-harm, and higher AA levels were significantly associated with more deliberate self-harm.

Discussion

Although the sample size was only slightly larger than the previous study, the present results were clearly different from the previous ones due to the use of different statistical analyses to avoid multicollinearity.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that naturally absorbed lithium may protect against suicide and deliberate self-harm, while naturally absorbed EPA may protect against deliberate self-harm. However, naturally absorbed AA may be a risk factor for deliberate self-harm.
Virtual learning environment and its relationship with worker characteristics and occupational accident rates
Authors: Hernández Wilder Alfonso Duarte , Gómez LydaCamila Gómez
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been employed widely in Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems training programs. However, it is necessary to investigate the influence and workers characteristics to ensure effectiveness. The study presents the relationship between demographic characterization and learning styles with the satisfaction and approval of a training course for teachers through virtual modality and the incidence in accident indicators of an educational institution.

Methods

Analytical and longitudinal study. In 2019, 385 teachers participated in a virtual course on falls prevention. Learning styles were surveyed and records of teachers' entrance and approval of the course were consolidated. The evaluation of the course by teachers was reviewed and the behavior of accident frequency and severity indicators were analyzed comparing 2018 and 2019. To determine significant relationships, Cramer's V was applied for learning styles and demographic characteristics with access and course approval. ANOVA was applied for the demographic variables and the evaluation given by teachers to the course. T-test was used to compare the average values of the indicators for the period 2018–2019.

Results and discussion

Statistical relationships were found between the predominant learning style and access (P < 0.01) and approval (P < 0.01). Educational level of the population with access (P < 0.05) and course approval (P < 0.01). In addition to the age range and the rating given to the methodology applied in the course (P < 0.05). No differences were found between the values of the indicators. By identifying significant relationships between learning styles and demographic characteristics of the working population and the use of virtual learning environments, it is important to continue researching the influence of workers' characteristics and didactic methodologies for the design of virtual learning environments that encourage workers to follow safe procedures during their work.
Burden of kidney cancer and attributed risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Wang Zongping , Wang Le , Wang Song , Xie Liping
Published: December 2022

Background

The changing trends and risk-attributed burdens of kidney cancer in China are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the latest status and trends of kidney cancer burden in China and its associated risk factors.

Methods

The absolute numbers and rates of the incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of kidney cancer in China were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 platform. Overall burden and burden attributed to smoking and high body mass index (BMI) were described. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to describe trend analyses from 1990 to 2019 using the Joinpoint regression program.

Results

In 2019, 59,827 new cases, 23,954 deaths, and 642,799 DALYs of kidney cancer occurred in China, of which men accounted for 71.1, 70.5, and 72.0%, and the population aged ≥55 years accounted for 58.9, 77.9, and 60.1%, of new cases, deaths, and DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate (per 100,000 person-years) increased from 1.16 in 1990 to 3.21 in 2019, with an AAPC of 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1–3.8%, p < 0.05); the mortality rate increased from 0.70 to 1.27, with an AAPC of 2.1% (1.5–2.3%, p < 0.05); and the DALY rate increased from 0.70 to 1.27, with an AAPC of 2.1% (1.5–2.3%, p < 0.05). In 2019, the proportions of DALYs attributed to smoking and high BMI were 18.0% and 11.1%, respectively, and the DALY rates attributed to both smoking and high BMI increased from 1990 to 2019, with AAPC of 2.9% (2.6–3.3%, p < 0.05) and 4.8% (4.2–5.4%, p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

The kidney cancer burden in China has continued to grow over the recent three decades, with a severe burden among older adults and men. Therefore, timely preventive interventions for modifiable risk factors are required.
Accuracy of serological tests for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Duan Rui hua , Gong Fen , Wei Xiaojing , Dong Yu , Chen Rouhao , yue Liang Ming , Tang Chunzhi , Lu Liming
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of serological tests for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1 2020 to September 2 2022. We included studies that measured the sensitivity, specificity or both qualities of a COVID-19 serological test and a reference standard of a viral culture or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The risk of bias was assessed by using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies 2 (QUADAS-2). The primary outcomes included overall sensitivity and specificity, as stratified by the methods of serological testing [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) or chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs)] and immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgM, or both). Secondary outcomes were stratum-specific sensitivity and specificity within the subgroups, as defined by study or participant characteristics, which included the time from the onset of symptoms, testing via commercial kits or an in-house assay, antigen target, clinical setting, serological kit as the index test and the type of specimen for the RT–PCR reference test.

Results

Eight thousand seven hundred and eighty-five references were identified and 169 studies included. Overall, we judged the risk of bias to be high in 47.9 % (81/169) of the studies, and a low risk of applicability concerns was found in 100% (169/169) of the studies. For each method of testing, the pooled sensitivity of the ELISAs ranged from 81 to 82%, with sensitivities ranging from 69 to 70% for the LFIAs and 77% to 79% for the CLIAs. Among the evaluated tests, IgG (80–81%)-based tests exhibited better sensitivities than IgM-based tests (66–68%). IgG/IgM-based CLIA had the highest sensitivity [87% (86–88%)]. All of the tests displayed high specificity (97–98%). Heterogeneity was observed in all of the analyses. The detection of nucleocapsid protein (77–80%) as the antigen target was found to offer higher sensitivity results than surface protein detection (66–68%). Sensitivity was higher in the in-house assays (78–79%) than in the commercial kits (47–48%).

Conclusion

Among the evaluated tests, ELISA and CLIA tests performed better in terms of sensitivity than did the LFIA. IgG-based tests had higher sensitivity than IgM-based tests, and combined IgG/IgM test-based CLIA tests had the best overall diagnostic test accuracy. The type of sample, serological kit and timing of use of the specific tests were associated with the diagnostic accuracy. Due to the limitations of the serological tests, other techniques should be quickly approved to provide guidance for the correct diagnosis of COVID-19.
Survival analysis and mortality predictors of COVID-19 in a pediatric cohort in Mexico
Authors: Solórzano-Santos Fortino , Miranda-Lora América Liliana , Márquez-González Horacio , Klünder-Klünder Miguel
Published: December 2022

Background

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been relatively less lethal in children; however, poor prognosis and mortality has been associated with factors such as access to health services. Mexico remained on the list of the ten countries with the highest case fatality rate (CFR) in adults. It is of interest to know the behavior of COVID-19 in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with mortality due to COVID-19 in pediatric patients.

Objective

Using National open data and information from the Ministry of Health, Mexico, this cohort study aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with COVID-19 mortality in pediatric patients.

Method

A cohort study was designed based on National open data from the Ministry of Health, Mexico, for the period April 2020 to January 2022, and included patients under 18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Variables analyzed were age, health services used, and comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease). Follow-up duration was 60 days, and primary outcomes were death, hospitalization, and requirement of intensive care. Statistical analysis included survival analysis, prediction models created using the Cox proportional hazards model, and Kaplan-Meier estimation curves.

Results

The cohort included 261,099 cases with a mean age of 11.2 ± 4 years, and of these, 11,569 (4.43%) were hospitalized and 1,028 (0.39%) died. Variables associated with risk of mortality were age under 12 months, the presence of comorbidities, health sector where they were treated, and first wave of infection.

Conclusion

Based on data in the National database, we show that the pediatric fatality rate due to SARS-CoV-2 is similar to that seen in other countries. Access to health services and distribution of mortality were heterogeneous. Vulnerable groups were patients younger than 12 months and those with comorbidities.
Determinants for perinatal adverse outcomes among pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membrane: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Abebe Tariku Abewa , Nima Dawit Desalegn , Mariye Yitbarek Fantahun , Leminie Abebaye Aragaw
Published: December 2022

Background

One of the most critical functions of the fetal membranes is to remain intact until the onset of labor to maintain the protective intrauterine fluid environment. In most pregnancies, spontaneous rupture usually occurs near the end of the first stage of labor. Preterm premature membrane rupture (PROM) occurs when the fetal membrane ruptures before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and it contributes to adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association of determinant factors with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women with preterm premature membrane rupture (n = 160) attending the teaching hospitals at Addis Ababa University. Socio-demographic and obstetric risk factors with adverse perinatal outcomes include the 5th minute Apgar score, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), perinatal mortality, Chorioamnionitis, and placental abruption were assessed. SPSS version 24,t-test,χ2test, and logistic regression analysis were used.P-values <0.25 in the bivariate andp < 0.05 in the multiple logistic regression were considered statistically significant.

Results

The preterm (PROM) rate was 2.2% with perinatal mortality rate of 206/1,000. Gestational age (GA) at delivery was the determinate for low Apgar score at the 5th minute (AOR: 7.23; 95% CI, 1.10, 47.6;p = 0.04). Unable to use steroid (AOR: 8.23; 95% CI, 1.83, 37.0;p = 0.000), GA at membrane rupture (AOR: 4.61; 95% CI, 1.98, 31.8;p = 0.000) and delivery (AOR: 4.32; 95% CI, 1.99, 30.9;p = 0.000) were determinates for NICU admission. EONS was significantly affected by GA at membrane rupture (AOR: 5.9; 95% CI, 1.01, 37.0;p = 0.04). Placental abruption was significantly affected by GA at delivery (AOR: 7.52; 95% CI, 1.15, 48.96;p = 0.04).

Conclusion

GA at membrane rupture and delivery was the most critical predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes. Local guidelines on the approach and preterm PROM outcome management need to be prepared.
Molecular detection of Theileria spp. in native sheep and estimation of hemato-biochemical parameters from Sulaimani province/Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Shadan Hassan , Dyary Hiewa Othman , Saeed Nahla Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Theileriosis, the hemoprotozoan infection, is an endemic condition in tropical and subtropical areas. In this study, conventional PCR analysis was applied to detect the natural infection of native sheep with theileriosis and estimate its effect on hemato-biochemical parameters. The study was carried out in five regions of Sulaimani province, northern Iraq. From May to October 2021, a total of 360 blood samples were collected randomly from the jugular vein of sheep belonging to 23 flocks with a history of tick infestations. After PCR for theileriosis, the hematobiochemical parameters were evaluated by an automatic analyzer using commercial kits. The PCR results represented that 71.7% of the examined sheep were infected with Theileria parasites. The highest prevalence rate (74.6%) was reported in Said Sadiq, and the lowest prevalence (69.5%) was from Bazian. The infection rates in Mawat, Qaradagh, and Sharazoor were 73.1, 70.3, and 71.8%, respectively. The hemogram data revealed a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit values. Erythrocyte indices also showed significant increases in MC, MCH, and MCHC levels, but no significant differences were detected between the counting of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, and creatinine levels with a significant increase in urea and AST levels in infected sheep with theileriosis. Alteration in hemato-biochemical parameters from infected animals can outline the impact of theileriosis on body metabolism and blood factors in naturally infected sheep.
Research on Path Planning of Mobile Robot Based on Improved Theta* Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Yunchuan , Lu Jiakai , Shi Zhiqiang
Published: December 2022

The Theta* algorithm is a path planning algorithm based on graph search, which gives the optimal path with more flexibility than A* algorithm in terms of routes. The traditional Theta* algorithm is difficult to take into account with the global and details in path planning and traverses more nodes, which leads to a large amount of computation and is not suitable for path planning in large scenarios directly by the Theta* algorithm. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved Theta* algorithm, namely the W-Theta* algorithm. The heuristic function of Theta* is improved by introducing a weighting strategy, while the default Euclidean distance calculation formula of Theta* is changed to a diagonal distance calculation formula, which finally achieves a reduction in computation time while ensuring a shorter global path; the trajectory optimization is achieved by curve fitting of the generated path points to make the motion trajectory of the mobile robot smoother. Simulation results show that the improved algorithm can quickly plan paths in large scenarios. Compared with other path planning algorithms, the algorithm has better performance in terms of time and computational cost. In different scenarios, the W-Theta* algorithm reduces the computation time of path planning by 81.65% compared with the Theta* algorithm and 79.59% compared with the A* algorithm; the W-Theta* algorithm reduces the memory occupation during computation by 44.31% compared with the Theta* algorithm and 29.33% compared with the A* algorithm.
Evolutionary Statistical System Based on Novelty Search: A Parallel Metaheuristic for Uncertainty Reduction Applied to Wildfire Spread Prediction
Authors: Strappa Jan , Caymes-Scutari Paola , Bianchini Germán
Published: December 2022

The problem of wildfire spread prediction presents a high degree of complexity due in large part to the limitations for providing accurate input parameters in real time (e.g., wind speed, temperature, moisture of the soil, etc.). This uncertainty in the environmental values has led to the development of computational methods that search the space of possible combinations of parameters (also called scenarios) in order to obtain better predictions. State-of-the-art methods are based on parallel optimization strategies that use a fitness function to guide this search. Moreover, the resulting predictions are based on a combination of multiple solutions from the space of scenarios. These methods have improved the quality of classical predictions; however, they have some limitations, such as premature convergence. In this work, we evaluate a new proposal for the optimization of scenarios that follows the Novelty Search paradigm. Novelty-based algorithms replace the objective function by a measure of the novelty of the solutions, which allows the search to generate solutions that are novel (in their behavior space) with respect to previously evaluated solutions. This approach avoids local optima and maximizes exploration. Our method, Evolutionary Statistical System based on Novelty Search (ESS-NS), outperforms the quality obtained by its competitors in our experiments. Execution times are faster than other methods for almost all cases. Lastly, several lines of future work are provided in order to significantly improve these results.
Study on the Leading Edge of a Hypersonic Vehicle Using the Aero-Thermoelastic Coupling Method
Authors: Chen Long , Xia Jian
Published: December 2022

The characteristics of aero-thermoelastic coupling are important for the design of the leading edge in hypersonic vehicles. Herein, a fluid–structure interaction analysis is performed to study the leading edge of a hypersonic vehicle using aero-thermoelastic coupling methods. The results show that the maximum heat flux and temperature of the optimized Bézier curve leading edge are reduced to a certain extent, compared with a hemi-cylindrical leading edge, and the lift–to–drag ratios of the two models are close. The Bézier curve leading-edge model can reduce the blunt radius of the leading edge of the hypersonic vehicle and increase the aerodynamic performance without losing thermal performance.
ACT-Toxin, the Key Effector for the Virulence of Alternaria alternata Tangerine Pathotype to Specific Citrus Species
Authors: Huang Suya , Jia Zhaohui , Li Hangfei , Zhang Shuting , Shen Junying , Gai Yunpeng , Jiao Chen , Sun Xuepeng , Duan Shuo , Wang Min , Ma Haijie
Published: December 2022

Alternaria brown spot disease is caused by the Alternaria alternata tangerine pathotype, which relies on ACT-toxin for infection. At present, all identified ACT-toxin biosynthesis-related genes are multi-copy genes. In this study, we summarized the advances in important host-specific toxins (HSTs), and listed key genes required for the pathogenicity of the A. alternata tangerine pathotype. Toxin virulence test results revealed that different citrus species displayed distinctly different tolerances to ACT-toxin. The extraction method of ACT-toxin crude extract was described in schematic form to make the method easier to understand. In addition, target gene disruption of two copies of ACTT5 (∆∆ACTT5) displayed significantly reduced virulence, indicating that ACTT5 is essential for the pathogenicity of the A. alternata tangerine pathotype.
Combined Application of Trichoderma harzianum and Paclobutrazol to Control Root Rot Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani of Tomato Seedlings
Authors: Shalaby Tarek A. , Taha Naglaa , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , El-Ramady Hassan
Published: December 2022

Many root diseases can cause serious damage to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production during the seedling growth period, particularly Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and Alternaria spp. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) has proved to reduce the damage of the Alternaria blight disease on tomato seedlings. The present investigation was designated to evaluate the growth of infected tomato seedlings with R. solani under applications of Trichoderma harzianum alone, PBZ alone, both PBZ and T. harzianum, and comparing with applied fungicide. PBZ enhanced the chlorophyll system in tomato seedlings, enzymatic antioxidants, and the total antioxidants, besides the vegetative parameters. The combined application of both PBZ and Trichoderma significantly improved growth parameters, decreased the damping off percent of R. solani, as well as increased the enzymatic antioxidants and the total antioxidants of tomato seedlings. It was found that applying 100 mg L−1 PBZ did not affect the effectiveness of the biocontrol agent of T. harzianum. The images of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirm that PBZ showed twisting, shrinking, and collapsing of lysis and hyphae in cultures of R. solani. This is the first report that confirms the biochemical control of R. solani on tomato seedlings using the combined application of PBZ and T. harzianum. Further studies are still needed to test more Trichoderma species and different phytopathogens.
Non-Destructive Quality-Detection Techniques for Cereal Grains: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Yiming , Zhang Jingchao , Yuan Huali , Song Minghan , Zhu Yan , Cao Weixing , Jiang Xiaoping , Ni Jun
Published: December 2022

Grain quality involves the appearance, nutritional, and safety attributes of grains. With the improvement of people’s living standards, problems pertaining to the quality of grains have received greater attention. Modern quality detection techniques feature unique advantages including rapidness, non-destructiveness, accuracy, and efficiency in detecting grain quality. This review summarizes research progress of these techniques in detection of quality indices of grains. Particularly, the review focuses on detection techniques based on physical properties including acoustic, optical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, and those simulating sensory analysis such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, and electronic eyes. According to the current technological development and application, the challenges and prospects of these techniques are demonstrated.
Characterizing the Mechanism of Serotonin Alleviates Rice Resistance to Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae) Nymphs
Authors: Chen Lin , Feng Ling , Liang Xinyan , Li Jitong , Liao Guangrong , Zhu Lei , Fu Kang , Fan Wenyan , Wang Shuang , Liu Jinglan
Published: December 2022

Serotonin is a well-known secondary metabolite that plays an important role in many growth and developmental processes, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses of plants. Yet, whether serotonin biosynthesis regulates the resistance of rice to the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens and its underling mechanisms have not been entirely investigated. In this study, we found that expression levels of four serotonin biosynthesis gene, OsTDC1, OsTDC2, OsTDC3, and OsT5H, and the serotonin content were significantly induced by BPH nymph infestation. The rice seedlings pretreated with serotonin were more attractive to BPH nymphs and promoted their feeding behavior as indicated by increased honeydew excretion. In addition, serotonin application to artificial diets increased the survival rates of BPH nymphs in a dose-dependent manner compared to the controls. Moreover, the exogenous serotonin application to rice seedlings increased the average injury scale and functional plant loss indices caused by BPH nymph infestation. Moreover, supplemented serotonin enhanced soluble sugar and free amino acid contents, as well as the activities of SOD, POD, and PPO, but repressed the production of flavonoids. Our findings illustrated that serotonin plays a negative role in the regulation of rice resistance to BPH nymphs probably by modulating contents of soluble sugars, free amino acids, and flavonoids.
Evaluation of Eosinopenia as a SIRS Biomarker in Critically Ill Horses
Authors: Martín-Cuervo María , Gracia-Calvo Luis Alfonso , Macías-García Beatriz , Ezquerra Luis Javier , Barrera Rafael
Published: December 2022

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a very common finding in critically ill patients. To accurately identify patients with SIRS and those who need intensive care, several markers have been evaluated, including cortisol, WBC or lactate. It is widely known that a stress leukogram includes eosinopenia as one of its main markers (neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and mild monocytes). It is known that cortisol concentration in plasma is the main stress biomarker and is strongly correlated with the severity of disease in horses. However, it is not possible to measure this parameter routinely in clinical conditions. Hence, in this study it was hypothesized that the eosinophil count could be a reliable parameter to identify critically ill horses. Horses included in this study were divided into three groups: Group A (sick horses received at the Emergency Unit which did not fulfil the criteria for SIRS), Group B (horses that meet two or more criteria for inclusion in the definition of SIRS) and a control group of healthy horses. In this study, horses with SIRS showed lower eosinophil counts than healthy horses. Moreover, non-surviving horses exhibited lower eosinophil counts than survivors. Eosinopenia could be used to identify horses with SIRS and can be useful as a prognostic marker.
Establishment of an Enteric Inflammation Model in Broiler Chickens by Oral Administration with Dextran Sulfate Sodium
Authors: Liu Lixuan , Sui Wenjing , Yang Yajin , Liu Lily , Li Qingqing , Guo Aiwei
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral gavage of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to establish an enteric inflammation model in broilers. Forty 1-day-old male, yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 2 groups with 5 replicates of 4 birds each for a 42-day trial. The experiment design used 2 groups: (1) the control group (CT), normal broilers fed a basal diet, and (2) the DSS group, DSS-treated broilers fed a basal diet. The DSS group received 1 mL of 2.5% DSS solution once a day by oral gavage from 21 to 29 days of age. The results showed that compared with those in CT, DSS treatment significantly increased histological scores for enteritis and mucosal damage at 29 and 42 days of age (p < 0.01) and the disease activity index (DAI) from 23 to 29 days of age (p < 0.01). DSS-treated broilers showed poor growth performance at 42 days of age, including decreased body weight and average daily gain and an increased feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). DSS also caused gross lesions and histopathological damage in the jejunum of broilers, such as obvious hemorrhagic spots, loss of villus architecture, epithelial cell disruption, inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased villus height. These results suggest that oral gavage of DSS is an effective method for inducing mild and non-necrotic enteric inflammation in broilers.
Genetic Diversity of Bovine Group A Rotavirus Strains Circulating in Korean Calves during 2014 and 2018
Authors: Park Gyu-Nam , Choe SeEun , Cha Ra Mi , Shin Jihye , Kim Ki-Sun , An Byung-Hyun , Kim Song-Yi , Hyun Bang-Hun , An Dong-Jun
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate annual changes in BoRVA strains by examining the VP4 and VP7 genes of rotaviruses in Korean calves. Between 2014 and 2018, 35 out of 138 samples of calf diarrhea feces collected nationwide were positive for BoRVA. Further genetic characterization of the VP7 and VP4 genes of 35 BoRVA isolates identified three different G-genotypes (G6, G8, and G10) and two different P genotypes (P[5] and P[11]). The G6 genotype was most common (94.3%) in BoRVA-positive calves, followed by the P[5] genotype (82.9%). Four genotypes comprised combinations of VP4 and VP7: 80% were G6P[5], 14.2% were G6P[11], 2.9% were G8P[5], and 2.9% were G10P[11]. Susceptibility to infection was highest in calves aged < 10 days (35%) and lowest in calves aged 30–50 days (15.4%). The data presented herein suggest that the G6P[5] genotype is the main causative agent of diarrhea in Korean calves. In addition, it is predicted that G6P[5] will continue to act as a major cause of diarrhea in Korean calves.
Differential Expression Analysis of tRNA-Derived Small RNAs from Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Obese and Lean Pigs
Authors: Gu Hao , Gan Mailin , Wang Linghui , Yang Yiting , Wang Jinyong , Chen Lei , Zhang Shunhua , Zhao Ye , Niu Lili , Jiang Dongmei , Chen Yiwu , Jiang Anan , Shen Linyuan , Zhu Li
Published: December 2022

Epigenetic factors, including non-coding RNA regulation, play a vital role in the development of obesity and have been well researched. Transfer RNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a class of non-coding RNA proven to be involved in various aspects of mammalian biology. Here we take pigs as a model for obesity research and use tsRNA-seq to investigate the difference in tsRNA expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese and lean pigs to elucidate the role of tsRNA in obesity development. A total of 482 tsRNAs were identified in pig adipose tissue, of which 123 were significantly differentially accumulated tsRNAs compared with the control group. The tRF-5c was the main type of these tsRNAs. The largest number of tsRNAs produced was the Gly-carrying tRNA, which produced 81 tsRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that differential tsRNAs indirectly participated in MAPK, AMPK, insulin resistance, the TNF signaling pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways by interacting with target genes. These are involved in bioenergetic metabolic regulatory processes, suggesting that tsRNAs may influence these pathways to mediate the regulation of energy metabolism in porcine adipocytes to promote lipid deposition, thus contributing to obesity. Our findings suggest a potential function of tsRNA in regulating obesity development.
Prediction of Aircraft Go-Around during Wind Shear Using the Dynamic Ensemble Selection Framework and Pilot Reports
Authors: Khattak Afaq , Chan Pak-Wai , Chen Feng , Peng Haorong
Published: December 2022

Pilots typically implement the go-around protocol to avoid landings that are hazardous due to wind shear, runway excursions, or unstable approaches. Despite its rarity, it is essential for safety. First, in this study, we present three Dynamic Ensemble Selection (DES) frameworks: Meta-Learning for Dynamic Ensemble Selection (META-DES), Dynamic Ensemble Selection Performance (DES-P), and K-Nearest Oracle Elimination (KNORAE), with homogeneous and heterogeneous pools of machine learning classifiers as base estimators for the prediction of aircraft go-around in wind shear (WS) events. When generating a prediction, the DES approach automatically selects the subset of machine learning classifiers which is most probable to perform well for each new test instance to be classified, thereby making it more effective and adaptable. In terms of Precision (86%), Recall (83%), and F1-Score (84%), the META-DES model employing a pool of Random Forest (RF) classifiers outperforms other models. Environmental and situational factors are subsequently assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The wind shear magnitude, corridor, time of day, and WS altitude had the greatest effect on SHAP estimation. When a strong tailwind was present at low altitude, runways 07R and 07C were highly susceptible to go-arounds. The proposed META-DES with a pool of RF classifiers and SHAP for predicting aircraft go-around in WS events may be of interest to researchers in the field of air traffic safety.
Compact, Fast Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Monitor for Simultaneous Measurement of Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide in the Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Hu Zhijing , Tang Hehe , Xue Huijie , Chen Yang , Hu Renzhi
Published: December 2022

A sensitive, compact detector for the simultaneous measurement of O3 and NO2 is presented in this work. There are two channels in the detector, namely the Ox channel and the NO2 channel. In the presence of excess NO, ambient O3 is converted to NO2 in the Ox measurement channel. In both channels, NO2 is directly detected via cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) at 409 nm. At a 10 s integration time, the Ox and NO2 channels have a 1σ precision of 14.5 and 13.5 pptv, respectively. The Allan deviation plot shows that the optimal sensitivity of O3 and NO2 occurs at an integration time of ~60 s, with values of 10.2 and 8.5 pptv, respectively. The accuracy is 6% for the O3 channel and 5% for the NO2 channel, and the largest uncertainty comes from the effective NO2 absorption cross-section. Intercomparison of the NO2 detection between the NO2 and Ox channels shows good agreement within their uncertainties, with an absolute shift of 0.31 ppbv, a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.99 and a slope of 0.98. Further intercomparison for ambient O3 measurement between the O3/NO2-CRDS developed in this work and a commercial UV O3 monitor also shows excellent agreement, with linear regression slopes close to unity and an R2 value of 0.99 for 1 min averaged data. The system was deployed to measure O3 and NO2 concentrations in Hefei, China, and the observation results show obvious diurnal variation characteristics. The successful deployment of the system has demonstrated that the instrument can provide a new method for retrieving fast variations in ambient O3 and NO2.