Irrigation regimes modulate non-structural carbohydrate remobilization and improve grain filling in rice(Oryza sativa L.)by regulating starch metabolism

Recently developed ‘super’ rice cultivars with greater yield potentials often suffer from the problem of poor grain filling, especially in inferior spikelets. Here, we studied the activities of enzymes related to starch metabolism in rice stems and grains, and the microstructures related to carbohydrate accumulation and transportation to investigate the effects of different water regimes on grain filling. Two ‘super’ rice cultivars were grown under two irrigation regimes of well-watered(WW) and alternate wetting and moderate soil drying(AWMD). Compared with the WW treatment,the activities of ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase(AGPase), starch synthase(StSase) and starch branching enzyme(SBE), and the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs) in the stems before heading were significantly improved, and more starch granules were stored in the stems in the AWMD treatment. After heading, the activities of α-amylase, β-amylase, sucrose phosphate synthase(SPS) and sucrose synthase in the synthetic direction(SSs)were increased in the stems to promote the remobilization of NSCs for grain filling under AWMD. During grain filling, the enzymatic activities of sucrose synthase in the cleavage direction(SSc), AGPase, StSase and SBE in the inferior spikelets were increased, which promoted grain filling, especially for the inferior spikelets under AWMD.However, there were no significant differences in vascular microstructures. The grain yield and grain weight could be improved by 13.1 and 7.5%, respectively, by optimizing of the irrigation regime. We concluded that the low activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism is the key limitation for the poor grain filling, as opposed to the vascular microstructures, and AWMD can increase the amount of NSC accumulation in the stems before heading, improve the utilization rate of NSCs after heading, and increase the grain filling, especially in the inferior spikelets, by altering the activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism.

Effects of drought on non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P stoichiometric characteristics of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings

To study non-structural carbohydrate character-istics and nutrient utilization strategies of Pinus yunnanen-sis under continuous drought conditions,2-year-old seed-lings were planted in pots with appropriate water,light and moderate and severe drought treatments[(80±5),(65±5),(50±5),and(35±5)%of field water-holding capacity].Non-structural carbohydrates,carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)concentrations were measured in each plant component.The results show that:(1)With increasing drought,non-structural carbohydrates gradually increased in leaves,stems,and coarse roots,while gradually decreased in fine roots;(2)C concentrations of all were relatively stable under different stress levels.Phosphorous utilization of each component increased under light and moderate drought conditions,while N and P utilization efficiency of each plant component decreased under severe drought.Growth was mainly restricted by N,first decreasing and then increasing with increased drought;(3)There was a correlation between the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and C,N,and P in each component.Changes in N concentration affected the interconversion between soluble sugar and starch,which play a regulatory role in the fluctuation of the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates;and,(4)Plasticity analysis showed that P.yunnanensis seedlings responded to drought mainly by altering starch concentration,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch in leaves and stems,and further by alter-ing N and P utilization efficiencies.Overall,these results suggest that the physiological activities of all organs of P.yunnanensis seedlings are restricted under drought and that trade-offs exist between different physiological indicators and organs.Our findings are helpful in understanding non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient adaptation mechanisms under drought in P.yunnanensis seedlings.

Culturally competent care across borders: Implementing culturally responsive teaching for nurses in diverse workforces

The migration of healthcare professionals,including nurses,is a global phenomenon.It is driven by various factors,including the pursuit of better opportunities,living conditions,and professional development,as well as political instability or conflict in their home countries.The World Health Organization(WHO)has noted that high-income countries often rely on foreign-trained nurses to fill gaps in their healthcare systems[1].For instance,as of 2021,over 40%(52 million)of all nurses in the United States(US)were expatriates[2].In the United Kingdom(UK),the percentage of expatriate nurses was even higher,reaching approximately 18%in 2021[3].Owing to globalization and migration,healthcare providers must possess cultural competence to deliver improved care[4,5].Culturally responsive teaching(CRT)is rooted in the idea that culture plays a vital role in shaping people’s behaviors,beliefs,values,and communication styles[6].Furthermore,these cultural factors influence patients’perspectives on health,illness,healing,and their preferences for care and communication[7].By recognizing and embracing these cultural differences,nurses can provide more effective and compassionate care to their diverse patient population[8].

Impacts of Defoliation on Morphological Characteristics and Non-Structural Carbohydrates of Populus talassica × Populus euphratica Seedlings

Leaves are important‘source’organs that synthesize organic matter,providing carbon sources for plant growth.Here,we used Populus talassica×Populus euphratica,the dominant species in ecological and timber forests,to simulate carbon limitation through artificial 25%,50%,and 75%defoliation treatments and explore the effects on root,stem,and leaf morphology,biomass accumulation,and carbon allocation strategies.At the 60th d after treat-ment,under 25%defoliation treatment,the plant height,specific leaf weight,root surface area and volume,and concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates in stem and root were significantly increased by 9.13%,20.00%,16.60%,31.95%,5.12%,and 9.34%,respectively,relative to the control.There was no significant change in the growth indicators under 50%defoliation treatment,but the concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates in the leaf and stem significantly decreased,showing mostly a negative correlation between them.The opposite was observed in the root.Under 75%defoliation treatment,the plant height,ground diameter,leaf number,single leaf area,root,stem,and total biomass were significantly reduced by 14.15%,10.24%,14.86%,11.31%,11.56%,21.87%,and 16.82%,respectively,relative to the control.The concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates in various organs were significantly reduced,particularly in the consumption of the starch concentrations in the stem and root.These results indicated that carbon allocation strategies can be adjusted to increase the con-centration of non-structural carbohydrates in root and meet plant growth needs under 25%and 50%defoliation.However,75%defoliation significantly limited the distribution of non-structural carbohydrates to roots and stems,reduced carbon storage,and thus inhibited plant growth.Defoliation-induced carbon limitation altered the carbon allocation pattern of P.talassica×P.euphratica,and the relationship between carbon reserves in roots and tree growth recovery after defoliation was greater.This study provides a theoretical basis for the comprehen-sive management of P.talassica×P.euphratica plantations,as well as a reference for the study of plantation car-bon allocation strategies in the desert and semi-desert regions of Xinjiang under carbon-limitation conditions.

Self-assembly of perovskite nanocrystals:From driving forces to applications

Self-assembly of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)into superlattices can exhibit unique collective properties,which have significant application values in the display,detector,and solar cell field.This review discusses the driving forces behind the self-assembly process of perovskite NCs,and the commonly used self-assembly methods and different self-assembly structures are detailed.Subsequently,we summarize the collective optoelectronic properties and application areas of perovskite superlattice structures.Finally,we conclude with an outlook on the potential issues and future challenges in developing perovskite NCs.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Defence and Security Forces in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as “actual exposure to death or the threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence”, either directly or indirectly, resulting in a symptomatic procession of repetition, avoidance, neurovegetative hyperactivity and individualized symptoms, with or without negative cognitive and mood changes. It therefore goes without saying that the defence and security forces constitute a high-risk population in need of attention. Objective: To study post-traumatic stress disorder in defence and security forces in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of active military, republican police and firefighters in the city of Parakou in 2023. Non-proportional stratified sampling was used, given the inaccessibility of the source population size for national security reasons. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the “post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCLS-5) scale. Results: A total of 305 subjects participated in the survey. Males dominated 90.2%. The most represented corps was the Republican Police (41.6%), most of whom were non-commissioned officers (46.6%). The majority count between 11 and 20 years of service (48.9%), with 2 to 5 missions completed (67.5%). The calculated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 11.8%, based on the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5). Of the 36 respondents with post-traumatic stress disorder, 20 (55.6%) had experienced an armed attack, 25 (69.4%) had witnessed a violent death, 18 (50.0%) had witnessed the agony of a colleague, 15 (41.7%) had been exposed to a fire or explosion, while 26 (72.2%) had been traumatized by physical and/or verbal aggression. 5 (13.9%) had consulted a specialist psychiatrist, while 6 (16.7%) were on medication and 26 (72.2%) used sport as a means of maintaining physical and mental health. Respectively 22 (61.1%) and 21 (58.3%) had definite symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between post-traumatic stress disorder and the following variables: total number of children ≤ 2 (p = 0.015), comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (p = 0.007), history of hepatitis (p = 0.017), work accidents (p = 0.016), alcohol dependence (p = 0.004), domestic violence (p = 0.004), psychological violence (p = 0.017) and anxiety disorders (p Conclusion: Defence and security personnel can also be prey to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which needs to be systematically taken into account when they are subjected to trauma in the course of their duties. Mental health should be an integral part of the periodic medical check-up objectives for defence and security forces throughout the country.

Experimental Study on the Electrochemical Performance of PEMFC under Different Assembly Forces

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC)is of paramount significance to the development of clean energy.The components of PEMFC are assembled using many pairs of nuts and bolts.The assembly champing bolt torque is critical to the electrochemical performance and mechanical stability of PEMFC.In this paper,a PEMFC with the threechannel serpentine flow field was used and studied.The different assembly clamping bolt torques were applied to the PEMFC in three uniform assembly bolt torque and six non-uniform assembly bolt torque conditions,respectively.And then,the electrochemical performance experiments were performed to study the effect of the assembly bolt torque on the electrochemical performance.The test results show that the assembly bolt torque significantly affected the electrochemical performance of the PEMFC.In uniform assembly bolt torque conditions,the maximal power density increased initially as the assembly bolt torque increased,and then decreased on further increasing the assembly torque.It existed the optimum assembly torque which was found to be 3.0 N·m in this work.In non-uniform assembly clamping bolt torque conditions,the optimum electrochemical performance appeared in the condition where the assembly torque of each bolt was closer to be 3.0 N·m.This could be due to the change of the contact resistance between the gas diffusion layer and bipolar plate and mass transport resistance for the hydrogen and oxygen towards the catalyst layers.This work could optimize the assembly force conditions and provide useful information for the practical PEMFC stack assembly.

Effect of preload forces on multidimensional signal dynamic behaviours for battery early safety warning

Providing early safety warning for batteries in real-world applications is challenging.In this study,comprehensive thermal abuse experiments are conducted to clarify the multidimensional signal evolution of battery failure under various preload forces.The time-sequence relationship among expansion force,voltage,and temperature during thermal abuse under five categorised stages is revealed.Three characteristic peaks are identified for the expansion force,which correspond to venting,internal short-circuiting,and thermal runaway.In particular,an abnormal expansion force signal can be detected at temperatures as low as 42.4°C,followed by battery thermal runaway in approximately 6.5 min.Moreover,reducing the preload force can improve the effectiveness of the early-warning method via the expansion force.Specifically,reducing the preload force from 6000 to 1000 N prolongs the warning time(i.e.,227 to 398 s)before thermal runaway is triggered.Based on the results,a notable expansion force early-warning method is proposed that can successfully enable early safety warning approximately 375 s ahead of battery thermal runaway and effectively prevent failure propagation with module validation.This study provides a practical reference for the development of timely and accurate early-warning strategies as well as guidance for the design of safer battery systems.

Sensitivity impacts owing to the variations in the type of zero-range pairing forces on the fission properties using the density functional theory

Using the Skyrme density functional theory,potential energy surfaces of^(240)Pu with constraints on the axial quadrupole and octupole deformations(q_(20)and q_(30))were calculated.The volume-like and surface-like pairing forces,as well as a combination of these two forces,were used for the Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov approximation.Variations in the least-energy fission path,fission barrier,pairing energy,total kinetic energy,scission line,and mass distribution of the fission fragments based on the different forms of the pairing forces were analyzed and discussed.The fission dynamics were studied based on the timedependent generator coordinate method plus the Gaussian overlap approximation.The results demonstrated a sensitivity of the mass and charge distributions of the fission fragments on the form of the pairing force.Based on the investigation of the neutron-induced fission of^(239)Pu,among the volume,mixed,and surface pairing forces,the mixed pairing force presented a good reproduction of the experimental data.

Numerical Simulations of Wave Impact Forces on the Open-Type Sea Access Road Using A Two-Phase SPH Model

A numerical study based on a two-dimensional two-phase SPH(Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics)model to analyze the action of water waves on open-type sea access roads is presented.The study is a continuation of the analyses presented by Chen et al.(2022),in which the sea access roads are semi-immersed.In this new configuration,the sea access roads are placed above the still water level,therefore the presence of the air phase becomes a relevant issue in the determination of the wave forces acting on the structures.Indeed,the comparison of wave forces on the open-type sea access roads obtained from the single and two-phase SPH models with the experimental results shows that the latter are in much better agreement.So in the numerical simulations,a two-phaseδ-SPH model is adopted to investigate the dynamical problems.Based on the numerical results,the maximum horizontal and uplifting wave forces acting on the sea access roads are analyzed by considering different wave conditions and geometries of the structures.In particular,the presence of the girder is analyzed and the differences in the wave forces due to the air cushion effects which are created below the structure are highlighted.

Influence of different magnetic forces on the effect of colonic anastomosis in rats

BACKGROUND Despite much work having been conducted on magnetic compression anastomo-sis(MCA)in the digestive tract,there are no reports on the influence of magnetic force on the anastomosis.AIM To investigate the effect of different magnetic force magnets on the MCA of the digestive tract.METHODS Two groups of magnets of the same sizes but different magnetic forces were designed and produced.A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups(powerful magnet group and common magnet group),with 12 rats in each group.Two types of magnets were used to complete the colonic side-to-side anastomosis of the rats.The operation time and magnet discharge time were recorded.The anastomotic specimens were obtained 4 wk after the operation and then the burst pressure and diameter of the anastomosis were measured,and the anastomosis was observed via the naked eye and subjected to histological examination.RESULTS The magnetic forces of the powerful and common magnet groups at zero distance were 8.26 N and 4.10 N,respectively.The colonic side-to-side anastomosis was completed in all 24 rats,and the operation success rate and postoperative survival rate were 100%.No significant difference was noted in the operation time between the two groups.The magnet discharge time of the powerful magnet group was slightly longer than that of the common magnet group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.513).Furthermore,there was no statistical difference in the burst pressure(P=0.266)or diameter of magnetic anastomosis(P=0.095)between the two groups.The gross specimens of the two groups showed good anastomotic healing,and histological observation indicated good mucosal continuity without differences on healing.CONCLUSION In the rat colonic side-to-side MCA model,both the powerful magnet with 8.26 N and the common magnet with 4.10 N showed no significant impact on the anastomosis establishment process or its effect.

Predicting impact forces on pipelines from deep-sea fluidized slides:A comprehensive review of key factors

Deep-sea pipelines play a pivotal role in seabed mineral resource development,global energy and resource supply provision,network communication,and environmental protection.However,the placement of these pipelines on the seabed surface exposes them to potential risks arising from the complex deep-sea hydrodynamic and geological environment,particularly submarine slides.Historical incidents have highlighted the substantial damage to pipelines due to slides.Specifically,deep-sea fluidized slides(in a debris/mud flow or turbidity current physical state),characterized by high speed,pose a significant threat.Accurately assessing the impact forces exerted on pipelines by fluidized submarine slides is crucial for ensuring pipeline safety.This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in understanding pipeline impact forces caused by fluidized deep-sea slides,thereby identifying key factors and corresponding mechanisms that influence pipeline impact forces.These factors include the velocity,density,and shear behavior of deep-sea fluidized slides,as well as the geometry,stiffness,self-weight,and mechanical model of pipelines.Additionally,the interface contact conditions and spatial relations were examined within the context of deep-sea slides and their interactions with pipelines.Building upon a thorough review of these achievements,future directions were proposed for assessing and characterizing the key factors affecting slide impact loading on pipelines.A comprehensive understanding of these results is essential for the sustainable development of deep-sea pipeline projects associated with seabed resource development and the implementation of disaster prevention measures.

New Quality Productive Forces:New Hope for Economic Growth

On January 17,China announced a GDP growth rate of 5.2 percent for 2023,successfully reaching the major projected targets.In 2024,the Chinese economy will continue to seek progress while maintaining stability and provide great dynamism for the stability and recovery of the world economy.New quality productive forces will become a new driver for economic growth in China.

Factories of the Future--China and Thailand are embracing new productive forces through NEV cooperation

Chinese modernization has been benefiting its neighboring countries,with the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)aligning with multiple development strategies of Thailand,including the economic development plan Thailand 4.0 as well as the Eastern Economic Corridor(EEC)which could serve as a complementary to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area(the Greater Bay Area).

NEW QUALITY PRODUCTIVE FORCES SPUR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC)in July was in the global spotlight for the reform measures it proposed to advance Chinese modernization.The plenum decided to improve the institutions and mechanisms for fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions and pinpointed the key areas.

New Quality Productive Forces Spur Global Development

China’s new quality productive forces theory and actions are a Chinese solution for win-win cooperation and common development by sharing development opportunities.THE third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC)in July was in the global spotlight for the reform measures it proposed to advance Chinese modernization.The plenum decided to improve the institutions and mechanisms for fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions and pinpointed the key areas.The reforms will give impetus to both China’s development and common global prosperity.China’s new quality productive forces theory and actions taken vis-à-vis them indicate the development path of Chinese socialism and are a Chinese solution for win-win cooperation and common development by sharing development opportunities.

Game-Changing Forces

President Xi Jinping stressed at this year’s“Two Sessions”the importance of fostering new quality productive forces to generate high-quality development.THE C919,China’s self-developed large passenger aircraft,soared into the sky on its maiden commercial flight in May 2023,while the Adora Magic City,China’s first domestically built large cruiseship,set sail on its maiden voyage to northeast Asian destinations in January 2024.The country has achieved one technological breakthrough after another in its endeavor to generate new forces to power its economy.

In the Era of New Quality Productive Forces,How Can Cosmetics Enterprises Go with the Trend?

In 2024,a new mode of high-quality development and revolutionary innovation with“new quality productive forces”as the core is sweeping rapidly across China,involving traditional,emerging,future and many other industries.There is no exception to cosmetics production.Tendency:New quality productive forces as a new topicThe new quality productive force,highlighting“innovation”and“quality”,is an advanced productivity ecology with high-technology,high-efficiency and high-quality features,which has broken through the traditional economic growth mode and productivity development path,and conforms to the new development philosophy.

Opportunities And Outlooks Embracing new quality productive forces

New quality productive forces refer to advanced productivity driven by revolutionary technological breakthroughs and empowered by digital technology.They are distinguished from conventional productive capacity which is supported by workshop flfloors,assembly lines,and modular technology.