Haploids can be induced in knockout mutants of OsPLA1,but not OsDMP3 or OsDMP6,in rice

Doubled haploid(DH)technology is an important tool in crop breeding because it can significantly accelerate the breeding process.ZmPLA1/MATL/NLD and ZmDMP are two key genes controlling haploid induction(HI)in maize,exhibiting a synergistic effect.However,it is unknown whether knock out of ZmDMP orthologs can stimulate HI in rice.In this study,a ZmPLA1 ortholog(OsPLA1)and two ZmDMP orthologs(OsDMP3 and OsDMP6)were identified in rice.All three genes encode plasma membrane-localized proteins and were highly expressed in mature anthers.Knockout of OsPLA1 in both Minghui 63 and Nipponbare resulted in reduced seed setting rate(SSR)and caused HI.The osdmp3,osdmp6 and the double mutant failed to trigger HI independently,nor increased the haploid induction rate(HIR)when combined with ospla1.Repeated pollinations operations of QX654A with the ospla1 mutant significantly improve SSR,while reducing HIR.RNA-seq profiling of mature ospla1 mutant anthers indicated that a large number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were enriched in redox homeostasis and lipid metabolic GO terms,plant hormone signal transduction,and MAPK signaling pathways.These findings provide important insights towards construction of an efficient DH breeding technology and study of the molecular mechanism of HI in rice.

The Feasibility of the Drone Delivery System for Woolworths

The report aims to assess the feasibility of Woolworths’ drone delivery system and propose a well-documented solution to this, enabling Woolworths to make decisions about improving its traditional delivery system. This paper analyzes the examples of UAV delivery in the actual situation, points out the existing problems, and then evaluates the feasibility of UAV delivery in the future. This report firstly analyzes the current situation of the use of UAVs and points out the shortcomings of Woolworths’ current delivery system. To be specific, from Woolworths’ point of view, the current distribution system is unsuitable for remote distribution, and the human cost is too high. It also did not produce the expected customer satisfaction, was heavily influenced by the environment and congestion, and did not meet the goal of “no contact” under coronavirus care. This report then evaluates Woolworths’ proposal for a “Drone Delivery System” in the framework of future state analysis. It describes the overall objective and breaks it down into several measurable goals, including enhancing customer loyalty, increasing sales revenue, improving delivery efficiency, and ensuring safety through contactless delivery. In addition, a risk assessment was conducted to identify potential risks associated with this new delivery system. Identify and assess the possibility, impact and treatment of potential risks through the risk register. Subsequently, this report identifies four gaps between Woolworths’ current and future state delivery systems, including emergency delivery failures high freight costs, unmet on-time delivery rates and high risk of COVID-19 infection, and recommends actions to close the gap. Finally, delivering solutions for Woolworths through use cases from a system, process, and people perspective helps the organization determine how to seize opportunities and implement solutions. The results show that there are still many problems in using UAVs for delivery at the present stage, and many aspects should be improved.

Comprehensive Characterization of Natural Cissus quadrangularis Stem Fiber Composites as an Alternate for Conventional FRP Composites

Health and sustainability are the major concerns that drive researchers to find novel materials to replace artificial hazardous materials. In this investigation, the mechanical properties of Cissus quadrangularis Stem Fiber （CQSF） reinforced with unsaturated polyester composite were optimized by varying the fiber length and content. To substantiate the findings, chemical property, thermal property, microstructure, and water absorption property were analyzed. Progressive enhancement of mechanical properties was observed with increasing the fiber content and fiber length up to 30 wt.% and 40 ram. However, beyond that limit, there was a decline in the strength due to improper bonding of fiber with matrix. Optimal values of mechanical property for CQSF composite were obtained at 30 wt.% fiber content and 40 mm fiber length, which are comparable with that of common artificial fiber-reinforced polymer composites.