Effects of increased seeding density on seedling characteristics,mechanical transplantation quality,and yields of rice with crop straw boards for seedling cultivation

The high labor demand during rice seedling cultivation and transplantation poses a significant challenge in advancing machine-transplanted rice cultivation.This problem may be solved by increasing the seeding rate during seedling production while reducing the number of seedling trays.This study conducted field experiments from 2021 to 2022,using transplanting seedling ages of 10 and 15 days to explore the effects of 250,300,and 350 g/tray on the seedling quality,mechanical transplantation quality,yields,and economic benefits of rice.The commonly used combination of 150 g/tray with a 20-day seedling age in rice production was used as CK.The cultivation of seedlings under a high seeding rate and short seedling age significantly affected seedling characteristics,but there was no significant difference in seedling vitality compared to CK.The minimum number of rice trays used in the experiment was observed in the treatment of 350-10(300 g/tray and 10-day seedling age),only 152-155 trays ha^(-1),resulting in a 62%reduction in the number of trays needed.By increasing the seeding rate of rice,missed holes during mechanical transplantation decreased by 2.8 to 4%.The treatment of 300-15(300 g/tray and 15-day seedling age)achieved the highest yields and economic gains.These results indicated that using crop straw boards can reduce the application of seedling trays.On that basis,rice yields can be increased by raising the seeding rate and shortening the seedling age of rice without compromising seedling quality.

Based on non-targeted metabolomics for differential components screening of Rosae Chinensis Flos and Rosae Rugosae Flos and their quality evaluation

Background:Rosa chinensis Jacq.and Rosa rugosa Thunb.are not only of ornamental value,but also edible flowers and the flower buds have been listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as traditional medicines.The two plants have some differences in efficacy,but the flower buds are easily confused for similar traits.In addition,large-scale cultivation of ornamental rose flowers may lead to a decrease in the effective components of medicinal roses.Therefore,it is necessary to study the chemical composition and make quality evaluation of Rosae Chinensis Flos(Yueji)and Rosae Rugosae Flos(Meigui).Methods:In this study,40 batches of samples including Meigui and Yueji from different regions in China were collected to establish high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprints.Then,the fingerprints data was analyzed using principal component analysis,hierarchical cluster analysis,and partial least squares discriminant analysis analysis chemometrics to obtain information on intergroup differences,and non-targeted metabolomic techniques were applied to identify and compare chemical compositions of samples which were chosen from groups with large differences.Differential compounds were screened by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and S-plot,and finally multi-component quantification was performed to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Yueji and Meigui.Results:The similarity between the fingerprints of 40 batches roses and the reference print R was 0.73 to 0.93,indicating that there were similarities and differences between the samples.Through principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of fingerprints data,the samples from different origins and varieties were intuitively divided into four groups.Partial least-squares discriminant analysis analysis showed that Meigui and Yueji cluster into two categories and the model was reliable.A total of 89 compounds were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry,mainly were flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides,as well as phenolic acids.Eight differential components were screened out by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and S-plot analysis.Quantitative analyses of the eight compounds,including gallic acid,ellagic acid,hyperoside,isoquercitrin,etc.,showed that Yueji was generally richer in phenolic acids and flavonoids than Meigui,and the quality of Yueji from Shandong and Hebei was better.It is worth noting that Xinjiang rose is rich in various components,which is worth focusing on more in-depth research.Conclusion:In this study,the fingerprints of Meigui and Yueji were established.The chemical components information of roses was further improved based on non-targeted metabolomics and mass spectrometry technology.At the same time,eight differential components of Meigui and Yueji were screened out and quantitatively analyzed.The research results provided a scientific basis for the quality control and rational development and utilization of Rosae Chinensis Flos and Rosae Rugosae Flos,and also laid a foundation for the study of their pharmacodynamic material basis.

Genomic selection for meat quality traits based on VIS/NIR spectral information

The principle of genomic selection(GS) entails estimating breeding values(BVs) by summing all the SNP polygenic effects. The visible/near-infrared spectroscopy(VIS/NIRS) wavelength and abundance values can directly reflect the concentrations of chemical substances, and the measurement of meat traits by VIS/NIRS is similar to the processing of genomic selection data by summing all ‘polygenic effects' associated with spectral feature peaks. Therefore, it is meaningful to investigate the incorporation of VIS/NIRS information into GS models to establish an efficient and low-cost breeding model. In this study, we measured 6 meat quality traits in 359Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire pigs from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and genotyped them with high-density SNP chips. According to the completeness of the information for the target population, we proposed 4breeding strategies applied to different scenarios: Ⅰ, only spectral and genotypic data exist for the target population;Ⅱ, only spectral data exist for the target population;Ⅲ, only spectral and genotypic data but with different prediction processes exist for the target population;and Ⅳ, only spectral and phenotypic data exist for the target population.The 4 scenarios were used to evaluate the genomic estimated breeding value(GEBV) accuracy by increasing the VIS/NIR spectral information. In the results of the 5-fold cross-validation, the genetic algorithm showed remarkable potential for preselection of feature wavelengths. The breeding efficiency of Strategies Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ was superior to that of traditional GS for most traits, and the GEBV prediction accuracy was improved by 32.2, 40.8 and 15.5%, respectively on average. Among them, the prediction accuracy of Strategy Ⅱ for fat(%) even improved by 50.7% compared to traditional GS. The GEBV prediction accuracy of Strategy Ⅰ was nearly identical to that of traditional GS, and the fluctuation range was less than 7%. Moreover, the breeding cost of the 4 strategies was lower than that of traditional GS methods, with Strategy Ⅳ being the lowest as it did not require genotyping.Our findings demonstrate that GS methods based on VIS/NIRS data have significant predictive potential and are worthy of further research to provide a valuable reference for the development of effective and affordable breeding strategies.

The chemical composition, quality control and pharmacological effects of Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia Decoction: a review

Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia Decoction(GXBD)is a traditional Chinese herbal formula including four traditional Chinese medicines:Gualou(Trichosanthis Fructus,TF),Xiebai(Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus,AMB),Banxia(Pinelliae Rhizoma,PR)and yellow wine.It is a classical therapy for chest stuffiness and pain syndrome and is widely used in the clinical treatment of coronary heart disease.It also shows significant therapeutic effects on pulmonary heart disease,hyperlipidemia,and arrhythmia.This study conducted a literature review and collected information on GXBD from databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and ScienceDirect.The result indicated that the main active ingredients of GXBD are steroids,flavonoids,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,and organic acids.Trigonelline,macrostemonoside and cucurbitacin B can provide reference for its quality control.GXBD may exert therapeutic effects on coronary heart disease through AMPK,PI3K-AKT,oxLDL,VEGF,and NF-κB signal pathways.This review provides a comprehensive analysis and summary of the chemical composition and in vivo metabolism of three traditional Chinese medicines(TF,AMB,and PR),along with an evaluation of the chemical composition,quality control,pharmacological effects,and clinical application of GXBD.Based on these,areas requiring further research on GXBD have been proposed to provide a reference for its further development and new drug research.

SlPGR5/SlPGRL1 pathway-dependent cyclic electron transport regulates photoprotection and chloroplast quality in tomato plants

The essential photoprotective role of proton gradient regulation 5(PGR5)-dependent cyclic electron flow(CEF)has been reported in Arabidopsis,rice,and algae.However,its functional assessment has not been performed in tomato yet.In this study,we focused on elucidate the function of SlPGR5 and SlPGR5-like photosynthetic phenotype 1(PGRL1)in tomato.We performed RNA interference and found that SlPGR5/SlPGRL1-suppressed transformants exhibited extremely low CO_(2)assimilation capacity,their photosystem I(PSI)and PSII were severely photoinhibited and chloroplasts were obviously damaged.The SlPGR5/SlPGRL1-suppressed plants almost completely inhibited CEF and Y(ND),and PSII photoinhibition may be directly related to the inability to produce sufficient proton motive force to induce NPQ.The transgenic plants overexpressing SlPGR5 and SlPGRL1 driven by 35S promoter capable alleviate photoinhibition of plants under low night temperature.The transcriptomic and proteomic analyses suggested that the nuclear gene transcription and turnover of chloroplast proteins,including the plastoglobule-related proteins,were closely related to SlPGR5/SlPGRL1 pathway dependent CEF.The bridge relationship between CEF and chloroplast quality maintenance was a novel report to our knowledge.In conclusion,these results revealed the regulatory mechanism of the SlPGR5/SlPGRL1 pathway in photoprotection and maintenance of chloroplast function in tomato,which is crucial for reduce yield loss,especially under adverse environmental conditions.

Ecological security pattern construction using landscape ecological quality:A case study of Yanchi County,northern China

Ecological security patterns are paramount to the advancement of an ecological civilization in China,aiming to enhance the stability and service functions of ecosystems to achieve sustainable regional development.However,current regional ecological protection efforts have not been effectively integrated into the regional development planning of ecological security pattern.This study systematically assessed the effectiveness of ecological protection projects in Yanchi County,Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China,through the evaluation of landscape ecological quality.Based on the evaluation results of landscape ecological quality,this study used morphological pattern analysis(MSPA),minimum cumulative resistance(MCR)model,and gravity model together to construct the ecological security pattern of Yanchi County.The findings revealed that from 1990 to 2020,with the implementation of ecological protection projects started from 2000,the landscape stability of Yanchi County first decreased and then increased,and the intensity of landscape disturbance first intensified but then decreased,indicating an improvement in the landscape ecological quality and a significant enhancement of the ecological environment in Yanchi County.The ecological security pattern of Yanchi County consisted of 10 ecological sources,10 ecological source points,23 ecological corridors,and 27 ecological nodes.The ecological security pattern of Yanchi County exhibited distinct spatial variations,with stronger ecological security observed in the southern part than in northern part of the county.The ecological sources were denser in the southern part than in the northern part of the county,and accordingly,the length of ecological corridors was shorter and denser in the southern than that in the northern part of the county.Based on the spatial distribution of landscape ecological quality and the characteristics of ecological security pattern of Yanchi County in 2020,we suggested Yanchi County to build four zones to optimize the ecological security pattern construction:the Haba Lake ecological conservation zone,the urban ecological planning zone,the ecological environment restoration zone,and the ecological security improvement zone.This study can provide essential guidance for the construction of ecological security pattern in farming-pastoral areas both in China and worldwide.

Predicting the Construction Quality of Projects by Using Hybrid Soft Computing Techniques

The construction phase of a project is a critical factor that significantly impacts its overall success.The construction environment is characterized by uncertainty and dynamism,involving nonlinear relationships among various factors that affect construction quality.This study utilized 987 construction inspection records from 1993 to 2022,obtained from the Taiwan residents Public Construction Management Information System(PCMIS),to determine the relationships between construction factors and quality.First,fuzzy logic was applied to calculate the weights of 499 defects,and 25 critical construction factors were selected based on these weight values.Next,a deep neural network was used to identify the relationship between the critical construction factors(input variables)and construction quality(output variable).Finally,the prediction model’s performance was evaluated to confirm the impact of these critical construction factors on project outcomes.This study employed an innovative hybrid soft computing technique,com-bining fuzzy logic and an artificial neural network,to effectively predict the relationship between critical construction factors and construction quality,achieving a model accuracy of 96.08%.Project managers can utilize the findings of this study to enhance project management practices and establish effective construction management strategies,thereby improving project construction quality.

Distressing symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is an incapacitating illness associated with distressing symptoms(DS)that have negative impact on patients’health-related quality of life(HRQOL).AIM To assess the severity of DS and their relationships with HRQOL among patients with CKD in Jordan.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional design was used.A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit the participants.Patients with CKD(n=140)who visited the outpatient clinics in four hospitals in Amman between November 2021 and December 2021 were included.RESULTS The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was used to measure the severity of the DS while the Short Form-36 tool was used to measure the HRQOL.Participants’mean age was 50.9(SD=15.14).Most of them were males(n=92,65.7%),married(n=95,67.9%),and unemployed(n=93,66.4%).The highest DS were tiredness(mean=4.68,SD=2.98)and worse well-being(mean=3.69,SD=2.43).The highest HRQOL mean score was for the bodily pain scale with a mean score of 68.50 out of 100(SD=32.02)followed by the emotional well-being scale with mean score of 67.60(SD=18.57).CONCLUSION Patients with CKD had suboptimal HRQOL,physically and mentally.They suffer from multiple DS that have a strong association with diminished HRQOL such as tiredness and depression.Therefore,healthcare providers should be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to promote individualized strategies that focusing on symptom management.

China’s High-Quality Technology Innovation:Scenario Narrative and Measurement System

The world today is undergoing disruptive,transformative shifts driven by a new wave of technological revolutions and industrial changes.In this context,a central question for China’s innovation-driven development strategy is how to effectively identify and measure high-quality technological innovations.Drawing on the stylized facts and scenario narrative of China’s technological landscape,this paper proposes a framework and measurement system for evaluating high-quality technological innovations.While China’s top-level design for technological innovation is guided by policy documents,the increasing number of enterprises applying for“high-tech enterprise”status has coincided with a decline in the quality of patent filings.In response,this paper first underscores the challenges and necessity of measuring the quality of technological innovations.Second,we introduce the high-quality technological innovation indicators and employ them to assess the quality of tech innovations at the firm level,utilizing an approach that combines analogical narrative,gene coding,text analysis,semantic logic,and a database of granted invention patents in China.Third,we examine the systematic and individual biases inherent in citation counts,a commonly used indicator,under specific contexts,and employ a granular instrumental variable approach to validate the effectiveness of the indicators.Finally,we develop a“family tree”of the indicators and explore their application scenarios through a combination of established and extended indicators.Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for evaluating China’s technological innovation quality,inform policy incentives,and offer insights for academia to apply high-quality technological innovation indicators in different contexts.

Correlation between psychological,family social support,and home nursing quality for an implanted venous access port

BACKGROUND Cancer patients with an implanted venous access port(IVAP)often manage their care at home during chemotherapy intervals,including maintaining the device,monitoring complications,and following medication instructions.Home care ensures continued support after discharge.However,due to factors such as age,gender,culture,psychological status,and family support,the quality of home care varies significantly.Understanding these factors can help provide targeted guidance to improve the care of cancer patients.AIM To explore IVAP chemotherapy on home care quality and its association with mental health and family support for cancer patients.METHODS This investigative study was based on a medical records system.It investigated the relationship between psychological status,family support,and home care quality in 180 patients with cancer undergoing IVAP chemotherapy.Psychological status was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory(S-AI);family support was assessed using the Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),and home care quality was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30).Pearson’s correlation and Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze the interplay between these factors.RESULTS The average S-AI score was 47.52±14.47,PSSS was 52.48±12.64,and EORTC QLQ-C30 was 70.09±17.32.A substantial inverse relationship was observed between the EORTC QLQ-C30 and S-AI scores(r=-0.712).A significant positive correlation was found between the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the PSSS,with a correlation coefficient of(r=0.744).The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that family social support,psychological status,and average monthly family income were the main factors influencing the variation in the quality of home care,explaining 71.9%of the variation.The Structural Equation Modeling results indicated that psychological status acted as a partial mediator in the association between family social support and home care quality of life,explaining 32.78%of the mediation effect.CONCLUSION Psychological status and family social support positively impacted cancer patients’home care quality,with psychology partially mediating this effect.

Application of Fructo-oligosaccharides Quality Control Chart in Milk Powder

The quality control chart of fructo-oligosaccharides in milk powder was established to determine whether the detection process and results are in control state.The content of fructo-oligosaccharides in milk powder control samples was determined by ion chromatography,and the quality control chart of fructo-oligosaccharides was established to analyze the controlled state.The results indicate that the median of the quality control chart is 1613.14 mg/100 g,and the standard deviation is 85.57 mg/100 g.The new quality control points were evaluated and analyzed,and the precision changed,but the mean value did not change.Further F test was conducted to determine that the precision did not change significantly,indicating that the test was in a statistical control state,and the detection process,method and results were controlled.

Water Quality,Influential Factors,and Management Strategies from 2016 to 2020 in the Yangtze River Economic Belt,China

The Yangtze River economic belt(YREB),China is important to the Chinese economy and for supporting sustainable development.Clarifying the relationship between water quality indices and socioeconomic indicators could help improve aquatic environment management in the YREB and our understanding of the causes and effects of water quality variations in other large river basins.In this study,river water quality,factors affecting water quality,and management strategies,and correlations between water quality indices and socioeconomic indicators in the YREB during the 13th Five-Year Plan period(2016-2020)were assessed.The single-factor evaluation method,constant price for GDP,and correlation analyses were adopted.The results showed that:1)water quality in the YREB improved during the 13th Five-Year Plan period.The number of aquatic environment sections meeting GradeⅠ-Ⅲwater quality standards increased by 13.1%and the number below Grade V decreased by 2.9%.2)The values of 12 indicators in the YREB exceeded relevant standards.The indicators with highest concentreation were the total phosphorus,chemical oxygen demand,ammonia nitrogen,and permanganate index,which were relatively high in downstream regions in Anhui Province,Jiangsu Province,and Shanghai Municipality.3)Ammonia nitrogen,chemical oxygen demand,and total phosphorus emissions per unit area and water extraction per unit area are relatively high in the three downstream regions mentioned above.4)Increased domestic sewage discharges have increased total wastewater discharges in the YREB.5)River water quality in the YREB strongly correlated with population,economic,and water resource indices and less strongly correlated with government investment,agriculture,meteorology,energy,and forestry indices.This confirmed the need to decrease wastewater discharges and non-point-source pollutant emissions.The aquatic environment could be improved by taking reasonable measures to control population growth,adjusting the industrial structure to accelerate industrial transformation and increase the proportion of tertiary industries,and investing in technological innovations to protect the environment.

Critical quality indicators of high-performance polyetherimide(ULTEM)over the MEX 3D printing key generic control parameters:Prospects for personalized equipment in the defense industry

Additive Manufacturing(AM)can provide customized parts that conventional techniques fail to deliver.One important parameter in AM is the quality of the parts,as a result of the material extrusion 3D printing(3D-P)procedure.This can be very important in defense-related applications,where optimum performance needs to be guaranteed.The quality of the Polyetherimide 3D-P specimens was examined by considering six control parameters,namely,infill percentage,layer height,deposition angle,travel speed,nozzle,and bed temperature.The quality indicators were the root mean square(Rq)and average(Ra)roughness,porosity,and the actual to nominal dimensional deviation.The examination was performed with optical profilometry,optical microscopy,and micro-computed tomography scanning.The Taguchi design of experiments was applied,with twenty-five runs,five levels for each control parameter,on five replicas.Two additional confirmation runs were conducted,to ensure reliability.Prediction equations were constructed to express the quality indicators in terms of the control parameters.Three modeling approaches were applied to the experimental data,to compare their efficiency,i.e.,Linear Regression Model(LRM),Reduced Quadratic Regression Model,and Quadratic Regression Model(QRM).QRM was the most accurate one,still the differences were not high even considering the simpler LRM model.

Quality assessment of the Topo-Iberia CGPS stations and data quality's effects on postfit ionosphere-free phase residuals

This paper analyzed GPS data from the Topo-Iberia network spanning almost 12 years(2008-2020).The data quality information for all 26 Topo-Iberia stations is provided for the first time,complementing the Spanish Geological Survey’s storage work.Data analyses based on quality indicators obtained using TEQC have been carried out.The guidelines and data quality information from the IGS stations have been considered as the quality references,with the stations ALJI,EPCU,and TIOU standing out as the worst stations,while on the contrary,FUEN,PALM,PILA,and TRIA meet the quality requirements to become an IGS station.The relationship between the GPS data quality and their GAMIT-and Gipsy X-derived postfit ionosphere-free phase residuals has also been investigated,and the results reveal an inversely proportional relationship.It has been found that the stations showing an increase in elevation of the horizon line,also show an increase in cycle slips and multipath,are among the poorest quality stations,and among those with the highest postfit RMS of phase residuals.Moreover,the evolution of the vegetation around the antenna should be considered as it could cause a progressive loss of quality,which is not complying with the IGS standards.The quality assessment shows that the Topo-Iberia stations are appropriate for geodetic purposes,but permanent monitoring would be necessary to avoid the least possible loss of data and quality.In addition,a method to characterize the GNSS data quality is proposed.

Assessment of Agricultural Soil Quality Indices Using Mechanistic Models

Assessing soil quality is a critical strategy for diagnosing soil status and anticipating concerns in land use systems for agricultural sustainability. In this study, two soil quality assessment indices, the Integrated Quality Index (IQI) and Nemoro Quality Index (NQI), were employed using two indicator selection methods: Total Data Set (TDS) and Minimum Data Set (MDS), focusing on agricultural fields in Golestan province, Iran. A total of 89 soil samples were collected and analyzed for particle size distribution, organic carbon, calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and plant-essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract MDS from TDS, and geostatistical adaptation and correlation analyses were performed to determine the optimal soil quality evaluation index. Our results show that the exponential model better suits the spatial structure of soil quality indicators (IQIMDS: 0.955). Conformity and correlation analyses indicate that the IQI index outperformed the NQI index in estimating soil quality. The superiority of the TDS technique over the MDS technique in terms of accuracy (IQITDSs kappa: 0.155). Linear relationships between different methods showed a higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.43) through the application of IQI. This study suggests the use of IQIMDS to provide a reliable measurement that is particularly useful in assessing the quality of agricultural soil.

Sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients:Impact of a structured nursing intervention program

BACKGROUND Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can significantly impact their well-being.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program in improving sleep quality in middleaged and elderly hemodialysis patients.AIM To evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital,the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University,in 2023.This study included 105 middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients aged≥45 years who underwent maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 mo,utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)to identify poor sleepers.Those identified underwent a 12-wk nursing intervention program focusing on education,relaxation techniques,and counseling.Post-intervention,sleep quality was reassessed using the PSQI.RESULTS The study found that 68.6%of hemodialysis patients were poor sleepers.Following the 12-wk nursing intervention program,there was a significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score from 8.9±3.2 to 5.1±2.7(P<0.001),indicating improved sleep quality.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the structured nursing intervention in enhancing sleep quality for middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.CONCLUSION The structured nursing intervention program focusing on sleep hygiene education,relaxation techniques,and counseling effectively improved sleep quality among middle-aged and elderly hemodialysis patients.The significant decrease in the mean global PSQI score post-intervention indicates the positive impact of tailored nursing interventions in addressing poor sleep quality in this patient population.These findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life for hemodialysis patients by addressing the prevalent issue of poor sleep quality.

Influence of broken kernels content on soybean quality during storage

Although it is recognized that the post-harvest system is most responsible for the loss of soybean quality,the real impact of this loss is still unknown.Brazilian regulation allows 15%and 30%of broken soybean for group I and group II(quality groups),respectively.However,the industry is not informed about the loss in the quality parameters of soybeans and its impacts during long-term storage.Therefore,the objective was to evaluate the effect of the breakage kernel percentage of soybean stored for 12 months.Content of 15% of breakage kernels did not affect soybean quality.However,content of 30% of breakage kernels affected significantly soybean quality,which was evidenced by the increase of up to 75% in moldy soybeans,72% in acidity,50% in leached solids,27% in electrical conductivity,and the decrease of up to 12% in soluble protein,6.4% in germination and 3.5% in thousand kernel weight after 8 months of storage.Although the legislation establishes a percentage limit,it is recommended to store soybeans with up to 15% breakage kernels.On the contrary,values higher than that can cause a significant reduction in soybean quality,resulting in commercial losses.

Riparian habitat quality as an indicator of land use/land cover effects on riverine water quality

Riparian land use/land cover(LULC)plays a crucial role in maintaining riverine water quality by altering the transport of pollutants and nutrients.Nevertheless,establishing a direct relationship between water quality and LULC is challenging due to the multi-indicator nature of both factors.Water quality encompasses a multitude of physical,chemical,and biological parameters,while LULC represents a diverse array of land use types.Riparian habitat quality(RHQ)serves as an indicator of LULC.Yet,it remains to be seen whether RHQ can act as a proxy of LULC for assessing the impact of LULC on riverine water quality.This study examines the interplay between RHQ,LULC and water quality,and develops a comprehensive indicator to predict water quality.We measured several water quality parameters,including pH(potential of hydrogen),TN(total nitrogen),TP(total phosphorus),T_(water)(water temperature),DO(dissolved oxygen),and EC(electrical conductivity)of the Yue and Jinshui Rivers draining to the Han River during 2016,2017 and 2018.The water quality index(WQI)was further calculated.RHQ is assessed by the InVEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)model.Our study found noticeable seasonal differences in water quality,with a higher WQI observed in the dry season.The RHQ was strongly correlated with LULC compositions.RHQ positively correlated with WQI,and DO concentration and vegetation land were negatively correlated with T_(water),TN,TP,EC,cropland,and construction land.These correlations were stronger in the rainy season.Human-dominated land,such as construction land and cropland,significantly contributed to water quality degradation,whereas vegetation promoted water quality.Regression models showed that the RHQ explained variations in WQI better than LULC types.Our study concludes that RHQ is a new and comprehensive indicator for predicting the dynamics of riverine water quality.

Effect of low-degree astigmatism on the objective visual quality

AIM:To evaluate the effect of low-degree astigmatism on objective visual quality through the Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS).METHODS:This study enrolled 46 participants(aged 23 to 30y,90 eyes)with normal or corrected-to-normal vision.The cylindrical lenses(0,0.5,0.75,1.0,and 1.25 D)were placed at the axial direction(180°,45°,90°,and 135°)in front of the eyes with the best correction to form 16 types of regular low-degree astigmatism.OQAS was used to detect the objective visual quality,recorded as the objective scattering index(OSI),OQAS values at contrasts of 100%,20%,and 9%predictive visual acuity(OV100%,OV20%,and OV9%),modulation transfer function cut-off(MTFcut-off)and Strehl ratio(SR).The mixed effect linear model was used to compare objective visual quality differences between groups and examine associations between astigmatic magnitude and objective visual quality parameters.RESULTS:Apparent negative relationships between the magnitude of low astigmatism and objective visual quality were observed.The increase of OSI per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were 0.38(95%CI:0.35,0.42),0.50(95%CI:0.46,0.53),0.49(95%CI:0.45,0.54)and 0.37(95%CI:0.34,0.41),respectively.The decrease of MTFcut-off per degree of astigmatism at 180°,45°,90°,and 135°axis were-10.30(95%CI:-11.43,-9.16),-12.73(95%CI:-13.62,-11.86),-12.75(95%CI:-13.79,-11.70),and-9.97(95%CI:-10.92,-9.03),respectively.At the same astigmatism degree,OSI at 45°and 90°axis were higher than that at 0°and 135°axis,while MTFcut-off were lower.CONCLUSION:Low astigmatism of only 0.50 D can significantly reduce the objective visual quality.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide,leading to morbidity and mortality.Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)have therapeutic benefits,including improved postoperative quality of life(QoL)and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome.In this article,we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions.Preoperative health status,age,length of intensive care unit stay,operative risk,type of procedure,and other pre-,intra-,and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL.Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery,but it improves in the following period.CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term.Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity,QoL,and frailty following cardiac surgery.