Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Causal associations between inflammatory bowel disease and anxiety:A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Anxiety is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),including those with ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn’s disease(CD);however,the causal relationship between IBD and anxiety remains unknown.AIM To investigate the causal relationship between IBD and anxiety by using bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms retrieved from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)of the European population were identified as genetic instrument variants.GWAS statistics for individuals with UC(6968 patients and 20464 controls;adults)and CD(5956 patients and 14927 controls;adults)were obtained from the International IBD Genetics Consortium.GWAS statistics for individuals with anxiety were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium(2565 patients and 14745 controls;adults)and FinnGen project(20992 patients and 197800 controls;adults),respectively.Inverse-variance weighted was applied to assess the causal relationship,and the results were strengthened by heterogeneity,pleiotropy and leave-one-out analyses.RESULTS Genetic susceptibility to UC was associated with an increased risk of anxiety[odds ratio:1.071(95%confidence interval:1.009-1.135),P=0.023],while genetic susceptibility to CD was not associated with anxiety.Genetic susceptibility to anxiety was not associated with UC or CD.No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was observed,and the leave-one-out analysis excluded the potential influence of a particular variant.CONCLUSION This study revealed that genetic susceptibility to UC was significantly associated with anxiety and highlighted the importance of early screening for anxiety in patients with UC.

Genome-wide associations, polygenic risk, and Mendelian randomization reveal limited interactions between John Henryism and cynicism

BACKGROUND John Henryism(JH)is a strategy for dealing with chronic psychological stress characterized by high levels of physical effort and work.Cynicism is a belief that people are motivated primarily by self-interest.High scores on the JH scale and cynicism measures correlate with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.High cynicism is also a hallmark of burnout syndrome,another known risk factor for heart disease.AIM To evaluate possible interactions between JH and cynicism hoping to clarify risk factors of burnout.METHODS We analyzed genetic and psychological data available from the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes for genome-wide associations with these traits.We split the total available samples and used plink to perform the association studies on the discovery set(n=1852,80%)and tested for replication using the validation set(n=465).We used scikit-learn to perform supervised machine learning for developing genetic risk algorithms.RESULTS We identified 2,727,and 204 genetic associations for scores on the JH,cynicism and cynical distrust(CD)scales,respectively.We also found 173 associations with high cynicism,109 with high CD,but no associations with high JH.We also produced polygenic classifiers for high cynicism using machine learning with areas under the receiver operator characteristics curve greater than 0.7.CONCLUSION We found significant genetic components to these traits but no evidence of an interaction.Therefore,while there may be a genetic risk,JH is not likely a burnout risk factor.

Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.

Depression and Suicidal Risk in HIV-Infected Adults at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral tritherapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV (PVVIH) and extended their life expectancy. However, the nervous system is faced with a neurotropic virus that evolves chronically, sometimes creating neurological disorders directly or indirectly linked to stigmatization or therapeutic effects. Objective: to determine the prevalence of depression associated with suicidal risk (SR) and identify associated factors. Patients and method: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study from January 1 to November 30, 2022, including all HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study took place in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital. This department has an inpatient capacity of 36 beds, and an outpatient capacity of 25 patients per day, three times a week. This is the largest center for PVVIH in Brazzaville. The Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the degree of depression and suicidal risk. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviations. Statistical tests were used according to their applicability criteria. For all tests, the significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 150 patients were consulted, constituting the sample size. The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was 32%. These patients had an average age of 42.83 ± 10.24 years, were female (n = 101;67.3%), Christian (n = 97;64%), single (n = 68;45.3%). Stigmatization (n = 75;50%) was the reason for attempted suicide. HIV was perceived as treatable (n = 103;68.7%), unlucky (n = 62;41.3%). Patients were WHO stage 1 (n = 105;70%). RS was present in 47 cases (31.3%). Factors associated with depression and suicidal risk were age (p = 0.000), residence (p = 0.028), suicide attempt (p = 0.000), desire to procreate (p = 0.000) and ARV (antiretrovirals) side effects (p Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was high, in line with stigma and socio-economic conditions. The associated factors were in line with those identified in the literature. Mental health needs to be integrated into the overall care of people living with HIV.

Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Factors Associated with Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Population of Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a benign and chronic disease that can impair the quality of life. Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and factors associated with typical GERD in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection which took place from May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The study population consisted of any subject aged at least 15 years and living in Parakou. Subjects aged at least 15 years, present on the day of the survey and having given their free and informed verbal consent were included. The Short form of QRS®(Reflux-Qual Short form) questionnaire and the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression” score were used to assess the quality of life and anxiety/depression, respectively. The sampling was probabilistic through a 2-stage cluster sampling. The variable of interest was the presence of GERD. Results: Out of 390 subjects surveyed, 28 had symptoms of typical GERD, representing a prevalence of 7.18%. The average age of these subjects was 27.11 ± 7.88 years. Fifteen subjects (53.57%) were male, giving a sex ratio of 1.15. Fourteen (50%) had a secondary level of education, 12 (42.86%) were pupils/students, 18 (64.29%) were single. The monthly income of 22 subjects (78.57%) was lower than the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage (40,000 FCFA). The average duration of progression of symptoms was 15.89 ± 4.97 months. Symptoms occurred less than twice a week in 22 subjects (78.57%). The clinical manifestations were both diurnal and nocturnal in 12 subjects (42.86%). None of the 28 subjects with GERD had clinical warning signs. Asthma, diabetes, consumption of high fat or spice foods, carbonated drinks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco were statistically associated with the occurrence of GERD. Each of the 28 subjects had at least one associated factor. A significant impair in quality of life was observed in 27 patients (96.43%). Conclusion: Typical GERD is relatively common in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. It often affects young males. Among the risk factors identified, the most common are carbonated drinks, spicy meals and diabetes. GERD significantly impairs quality of life. Raising awareness about the disease and its associated factors is necessary among the general population.

Short, Medium, and Long-Term Stroke Mortality in Libreville and Associated Factors

Strokes are common around the world and especially in sub-Saharan Africa. They are responsible for severe sequelae and the majority of deaths. In Gabon, no study on stroke mortality has been conducted. Objective: To determine short, medium, long-term mortality and factors associated with long-term stroke mortality. Method: Our study took place in the Neurology Department of the University Hospital Center of Libreville (UHCL). It was a historical cohort study with descriptive and analytical purposes covering the period from June 1 to August 31, 2018 and taking into account hospitalized patients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. We conducted a comprehensive systematic recruitment of patients with stroke, 18 years old and more, and had been agreed to give information. We included all patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The data was gathered using Epi-Info 7 software. The CHI-2 test was used for the comparison of frequencies and the Student’s test, for comparison of means. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression allowed us to look for factors associated with long-term mortality. A result was statistically significant for a p 0.05 value. Results: At 3 months, 28 patients (18.1%) died, at 6 months thirty-one patients or 20.1% died. At 5 years old, fifty-three patients or 34.4% had died. The factors associated with long-term mortality, if the lost of sight were all alive were tobacco (p = 0.01) and stroke (p = 0.008). If all those who were lost to sight had died, no factor was associated with 5-year mortality. Conclusion: Stroke mortality must not be taken for granted, it can be underestimated because of the large number of lost sight. Measures must be put in place to strengthen post-stroke monitoring. .

Study of Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rabies in the Commune of Niakhéne in Senegal, in 2022

Introduction: Rabies is a serious disease, as it is always fatal, but it can be prevented by sero-vaccination. It is a neglected tropical disease endemic in Asia and Africa. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies and to determine the factors associated with them among people aged 18 and over in the commune of Niakhène. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey of subjects aged 18 and over living in the commune of Niakhène. A sample of 300 individuals was drawn from a two-stage cluster survey stratified by age and sex. Bivariate analysis was performed using association tests. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.3 ± 16.9 years. It was noted that 67% (201) of respondents had a good knowledge of rabies. The results showed that 7.3% (22) of respondents owned a dog. Of the 278 people who did not own a dog, 78.4% (218) said they would have vaccinated their dog if they had had one. It should be noted that 83.7% (251) of respondents said they would go to a health facility if an animal bit them. None of the dog owners had vaccinated their dogs against rabies. Of the 41 people exposed to rabies, 39% went to a health facility. The age and education of the respondents had statistically significant associations with knowledge of rabies. Respondents’ age and education were statistically significantly related to whether they had vaccinated a domestic dog. The age, education and economic well-being quintile of respondents’ households had statistically significant associations with the use of a health facility in the event of being bitten or scratched by an animal vector. The education of respondents who had been bitten by an animal vector was statistically significantly associated with the use of a health facility. Conclusion: It would be imperative for human and animal health authorities to collaborate in a “One Health” approach in order to increase knowledge and promote the adoption of good practices in rabies prevention.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Postpartum Depression: A Study Conducted in Health Centres in Dakar (Senegal)

Introduction: Postpartum depression is the most common psychiatric disorder affecting women in the perinatal period. According to the WHO, it affects 10% - 15% of women who have just given birth. In Africa, and particularly in Senegal, epidemiological studies focusing exclusively on postpartum depression are rare or non-existent. For this reason, we conducted this screening study on postpartum depression to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors. Methods: This was a prospective cross- sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. It was carried out in the twelve Dakar referral health centres during the period August 2021 to June 2022. Results: At the end of our survey we had recruited one hundred and twenty-two (122) participants with a PPD prevalence rate of 25.41%. The most common age group was 24 - 29 years. 40% of the participants were of Fulani ethnicity, followed by Wolof. Married women made up 93% of the sample. The school enrolment rate was 89%. Most participants were not in paid employment. Domestic violence was present in 14% of couples. 28% of mothers reported experiencing a stressful life event during their pregnancy. 22% of the women had a chronic medical condition, of which 55% had high blood pressure. 1% of the women reported a personal psychiatric history and 5% a family psychiatric history. Most women had between two and four healthy living children. The pregnancy was unwanted in 17% of cases and 12% of participants had a complication. 6% were dissatisfied with the quality of their antenatal care. The caesarean section rate was 18%. In terms of associated factors, eight factors were identified in a bivariate analysis: single marital status, lack of support from partner, domestic violence, conflict with in-laws, and the occurrence of a stressful life event during pregnancy, the presence of a personal medical history, lack of satisfaction with pregnancy follow-up, and mode of delivery by caesarean section. Conclusion: Our study showed the high prevalence of PPD (25.41%) and identified associated risk factors. Among these factors, two were strongly associated with postpartum depression: lack of satisfaction with pregnancy care and experiencing a stressful life event during pregnancy. Systematic screening or identification of risk factors during pregnancy is necessary for comprehensive treatment based on a biopsychosocial approach.

Strengthening Active Aging through Older People’s Association and Economic Activity of the Older People in Nepal

Aging is a natural lifelong process ending in death. Many older people are living in poverty. Older people are generally considered dependent on others as they grow older. The purpose of this article is to explore the entrepreneurship activities of Nepalese older adults. Data for this study were collected from the project Help Age International (HAI) implemented in Nepal. Qualitative data observations and interviews were used to collect data. The findings of this study show the formation of the Older People’s Association (OPA) has supported many older people to participate outside the home in various social activities. Moreover, regular deposits through OPAs offer little help. OPAs support older people in their need of financial support to implement minor entrepreneurship. Older people who received support were pleased and were actively involved in their activities and also regularly deposited money in them. Subsequently, older people’s participation in social activities has increased and also helped to lower elderly abuse, loneliness, and depression. Local governments should promote such activities which will help with healthy aging.

Associated Factors and Consequences of Uterine Fibroids in Hospitals in the Borgou Department of Benin in 2022

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecological tumors in women of childbearing age and have multiple clinical manifestations. Objective: To determine factors associated with uterine fibroids in the Borgou department of Benin in 2022. Method: Descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study from August 22 to September 22, 2022. The sample consisted of women consulting for gynecological problems in 6 hospitals in the Borgou department in the North of Benin. Results: Of the 744 women surveyed, 10.1% were diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Women with uterine fibroids were often married, paucigesture, and nulliparous. Their main reasons for consultation were the desire for motherhood (50.7%), pelvic pain (46.7%), and genital hemorrhage (14.7%). Age, history of miscarriage, high blood pressure, and diabetes were significantly associated with the presence of uterine fibroids (Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are common in hospitals in northern Benin. There were factors associated with them that should be taken into account in management strategies.

Mechanistic associations between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a common cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates.Its occurrence and development are determined by many factors,including genetics,the environment,lifestyle,and so on.The occurrence of CRC is often accompanied by changes in the intestinal microenvironment.Numerous studies have focused on the association between dietary patterns,dietary components,and CRC now.This article reviews five different dietary patterns:the Western diet,the Mediterranean diet,the ketogenic diet,the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet,and fasting,and themechanistic associations between their food components and CRC.The finding can provide a reference for further studies on the association between different dietary patterns and CRC and will help clinicians formulate reasonable and feasible dietary interventions.

Women Breast Cancer: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Factors Associated with Early Screening in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin in 2018

Background: Breast cancer is the dominant cancer in women in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors associated with early breast cancer screening among women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study with prospective data collection from October 1 to 8, 2018, involving 1740 women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi, aged 18 years or older and selected by WHO four-stage random cluster sampling. Consenting women who were mentally competent, 18 years of age or older at the time of the survey, and residing continuously in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi for the last six months prior to the survey were included. On the other hand, women who belonged to a breast cancer prevention service, women in whom secondary screening was noted, or non-consenting women were not included. The initial minimum size was estimated by the Schwartz formula with a cluster effect of k = 2. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, entered with Epidata 3.1. Fr and analyzed with R Studio 3.5.1. software. Results: The mean age of the women surveyed was 32.0 ± 11.5 years with a range of 18 and 71 years. Regarding knowledge, the clinical manifestation known by the majority of women was the presence of a nodule (68.50%). In the series, 1308 (75.17%) declared having heard about breast cancer once before, either on the radio, television or from friends and 726 (55.50%) had heard about breast cancer screening. Five hundred and twelve (70.52%) of the 726 who had heard of breast cancer said they knew that breast cancer could be screened earlier. Breast self-examination was the most cited screening method (67.58%). The disease is of natural origin according to 37.84% of them. Regarding attitudes and practices, the prevalence of early breast cancer screening was 12.93%, of which 11.67% declared that they had checked themselves to know whether they were carriers of the disease or not. The main means of the early screening used was breast self-examination (85.78%). Factors associated with early breast cancer screening found in multivariate analysis were age (≤50 years), education level (increasingly higher), marital status (married/coupled), place of residence (downtown), and socioeconomic level (average/high). Conclusion: The frequency of early breast cancer screening among women is still low in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, although they have a good knowledge of the disease. This raises the need to strengthen awareness of early breast cancer screening.

Genome-wide association study of seedling nitrogen-use efficiency-associated traits in common wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Nitrogen(N)fertilizer application is essential for crop-plant growth and development.Identifying genetic loci associated with N-use efficiency(NUE)could increase wheat yields and reduce environmental pollution caused by overfertilization.We subjected a panel of 389 wheat accessions to N and chlorate(a nitrate analog)treatments to identify quantitative trait loci(QTL)controlling NUE-associated traits at the wheat seedling stage.Genotyping the panel with a 660K single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)array,we identified 397 SNPs associated with N-sensitivity index and chlorate inhibition rate.These SNPs were merged into 49 QTL,of which eight were multi-environment stable QTL and 27 were located near previously reported QTL.A set of 135 candidate genes near the 49 QTL included TaBOX(F-box family protein)and TaERF(ethylene-responsive transcription factor).A Tabox mutant was more sensitive to low-N stress than the wild-type plant.We developed two functional markers for Hap 1,the favorable allele of TaBOX.

Factors Associated with Closely Spaced Pregnancies at the Departmental Hospital Centre of Zou-Collines (Benin) in 2022

Introduction: Birth spacing to prevent closely-spaced pregnancies, which are a source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, is not always respected by our women, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective was to study the factors associated with closely-spaced pregnancies among women followed at the Departmental Hospital Center du Zou et du Colline (DHC/Z-C) in 2022. Study Method: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection from 20 May to 30 June 2022. Results: At the end of the study, 83 of the 117 women surveyed had close pregnancies, a frequency of 70.94%. They had an average age of 27.0 ± 6.3 years and were of Fon ethnicity and related in 91.57% of cases. The majority were married (96.60%). The factors significantly associated with these closely spaced pregnancies were age between 25 and 30 years, household occupation, age at first birth, age at marriage, women’s perception of contraceptive method (CM), women’s knowledge of the existence of a center providing family planning services and non-use of MC. Conclusion: Close pregnancies are still very common in the commune of Abomey. It is therefore important to increase the use of contraceptive methods in this part of the country.

Genome-wide association mapping and genomic prediction of stalk rot in two mid-altitude tropical maize populations

Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality.Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait.Genomic prediction may be a more effective breeding strategy for stalk-rot resistance than marker-assisted selection.We performed a genome-wide association study(GWAS)and genomic prediction of resistance in testcross hybrids of 677 inbred lines from the Tuxpe?o and non-Tuxpe?o heterotic pools grown in three environments and genotyped with 200,681 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Eighteen SNPs associated with stalk rot shared genomic regions with gene families previously associated with plant biotic and abiotic responses.More favorable SNP haplotypes traced to tropical than to temperate progenitors of the inbred lines.Incorporating genotype-by-environment(G×E)interaction increased genomic prediction accuracy.

Guiding function of positron emission tomographycomputed tomography examination in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

AIM:To explore the role of positron emission tomographycomputed tomography(PET-CT)examination in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma(OAML).METHODS:The general clinical data,postoperative PET-CT results,treatment regimens,and the prognosis of 21 histopathologically confirmed OAML patients between October 2017 and September 2021 were collected.Among the 21 patients,five patients underwent surgical treatment alone,13 patients underwent surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy,and three patients underwent surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy.RESULTS:The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 79mo,with four cases of recurrence and no deaths.Through PETCT examination,two patients exhibited both local ocular metabolic elevation and systemic metastasis,and one of these patients had cervical lymph node metastasis,while the other had submandibular and parotid gland metastasis.Nine patients showed only local ocular metabolic elevation,while 10 patients had no abnormal metabolic activity locally.CONCLUSION:PET-CT examination plays a crucial role in detecting residual lesions and recurrence following tumor resection,aiding in precise disease staging,and facilitating the development of personalized treatment plans,ultimately improving patient prognosis.

Genome-wide and candidate gene association studies identify BnPAP17 as conferring the utilization of organic phosphorus in oilseed rape

Phosphorus(P)is essential for living plants,and P deficiency is one of the key factors limiting the yield in rapeseed production worldwide.As the most important organ for plants,root morphology traits(RMTs)play a key role in P absorption.To investigate the genetic variability of RMT under low P availability,we dissected the genetic structure of RMTs by genome-wide association studies(GWAS),linkage mapping and candidate gene association studies(CGAS).A total of 52 suggestive loci were associated with RMTs under P stress conditions in 405 oilseed rape accessions.The purple acid phosphatase gene BnPAP17 was found to control the lateral root number(LRN)and root dry weight(RDW)under low P stress.The expression of BnPAP17 was increased in shoot tissue in P-efficient cultivars compared to root tissue and P-inefficient cultivars in response to low P stress.Moreover,the haplotype of BnPAP17^(Hap3)was detected for the selective breeding of P efficiency in oilseed rape.Over-expression of the BnPAP17^(Hap3)could promote the shoot and root growth with enhanced tolerance to low P stress and organic phosphorus(Po)utilization in oilseed rape.Collectively,these findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BnPAP17-mediated low P stress tolerance in oilseed rape.

Associative Tasks Computing Offloading Scheme in Internet of Medical Things with Deep Reinforcement Learning

The Internet of Medical Things(Io MT) is regarded as a critical technology for intelligent healthcare in the foreseeable 6G era. Nevertheless, due to the limited computing power capability of edge devices and task-related coupling relationships, Io MT faces unprecedented challenges. Considering the associative connections among tasks, this paper proposes a computing offloading policy for multiple-user devices(UDs) considering device-to-device(D2D) communication and a multi-access edge computing(MEC)technique under the scenario of Io MT. Specifically,to minimize the total delay and energy consumption concerning the requirement of Io MT, we first analyze and model the detailed local execution, MEC execution, D2D execution, and associated tasks offloading exchange model. Consequently, the associated tasks’ offloading scheme of multi-UDs is formulated as a mixed-integer nonconvex optimization problem. Considering the advantages of deep reinforcement learning(DRL) in processing tasks related to coupling relationships, a Double DQN based associative tasks computing offloading(DDATO) algorithm is then proposed to obtain the optimal solution, which can make the best offloading decision under the condition that tasks of UDs are associative. Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of the DDATO algorithm, the cacheaided procedure is intentionally introduced before the data training process. This avoids redundant offloading and computing procedures concerning tasks that previously have already been cached by other UDs. In addition, we use a dynamic ε-greedy strategy in the action selection section of the algorithm, thus preventing the algorithm from falling into a locally optimal solution. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with other existing methods for associative task models concerning different structures in the Io MT network, the proposed algorithm can lower the total cost more effectively and efficiently while also providing a tradeoff between delay and energy consumption tolerance.

How Group Leaders Build Stable Community Buying Groups:A Perspective Based on the Differential Mode of Association

Since 2016,community group buying has grown significantly in China,largely driven by its efficient logistics,supply chains,low prices,and convenience.This model has been further popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its effectiveness in meeting daily needs while minimizing human-to-human contact.A key component of this business model is the“group leaders”-influential individuals within a community responsible for managing group buying activities,which include order collection,supplier liaison,and goods distribution.Their primary task is to form and sustain a reliable community group buying consortium,a task that demands excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.This paper examines this phenomenon using the lens of the differential mode of association,a theoretical model explaining interpersonal relationships in traditional Chinese society.The research indicates that group leaders,through regular interaction with consumers,are able to alter their social network position,increase their influence,understand consumer needs,provide satisfying services,and enhance trust,thereby transforming consumers into loyal group buying participants.This transformation not only brings stability to group buying activities but also reinforces the community influence of group leaders,thus fostering the growth of community group buying.