The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of the Finnish government’s 2017-2018 key project titled “Effective lifestyle counselling for social and health care cross-functionally” (VESOTE) in prim...The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of the Finnish government’s 2017-2018 key project titled “Effective lifestyle counselling for social and health care cross-functionally” (VESOTE) in primary health care organizations in Southwest Finland. The study also aimed to illustrate the project’s impacts on nursing practices in primary health care organizations in terms of lifestyle counselling. Data were collected from all of the primary health care organizations in Southwest Finland by using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed qualitatively and by using descriptive statistics. The participants considered the VESOTE project important in terms of its contents. However, only individual measures of the project were adopted into practice. Organizations require tools to monitor the implementation of a new operating model. This should be taken into account when launching national projects.展开更多
Open-source and free tools are readily available to the public to process data and assist producers in making management decisions related to agricultural landscapes. On-the-go soil sensors are being used as a proxy t...Open-source and free tools are readily available to the public to process data and assist producers in making management decisions related to agricultural landscapes. On-the-go soil sensors are being used as a proxy to develop digital soil maps because of the data they can collect and their ability to cover a large area quickly. Machine learning, a subcomponent of artificial intelligence, makes predictions from data. Intermixing open-source tools, on-the-go sensor technologies, and machine learning may improve Mississippi soil mapping and crop production. This study aimed to evaluate machine learning for mapping apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC<sub>a</sub>) collected with an on-the-go sensor system at two sites (i.e., MF2, MF9) on a research farm in Mississippi. Machine learning tools (support vector machine) incorporated in Smart-Map, an open-source application, were used to evaluate the sites and derive the apparent electrical conductivity maps. Autocorrelation of the shallow (EC<sub>as</sub>) and deep (EC<sub>ad</sub>) readings was statistically significant at both locations (Moran’s I, p 0.001);however, the spatial correlation was greater at MF2. According to the leave-one-out cross-validation results, the best models were developed for EC<sub>as</sub> versus EC<sub>ad</sub>. Spatial patterns were observed for the EC<sub>as</sub> and EC<sub>ad</sub> readings in both fields. The patterns observed for the EC<sub>ad</sub> readings were more distinct than the EC<sub>as</sub> measurements. The research results indicated that machine learning was valuable for deriving apparent electrical conductivity maps in two Mississippi fields. Location and depth played a role in the machine learner’s ability to develop maps.展开更多
The book chapter is an extended version of the research paper entitled “Use of Component Integration Services in Multidatabase Systems”, which is presented and published by the 13<sup>th</sup> ISITA, the...The book chapter is an extended version of the research paper entitled “Use of Component Integration Services in Multidatabase Systems”, which is presented and published by the 13<sup>th</sup> ISITA, the National Conference of Recent Trends in Mathematical and Computer Sciences, T.M.B. University, Bhagalpur, India, January 3-4, 2015. Information is widely distributed across many remote, distributed, and autonomous databases (local component databases) in heterogeneous formats. The integration of heterogeneous remote databases is a difficult task, and it has already been addressed by several projects to certain extents. In this chapter, we have discussed how to integrate heterogeneous distributed local relational databases because of their simplicity, excellent security, performance, power, flexibility, data independence, support for new hardware technologies, and spread across the globe. We have also discussed how to constitute a global conceptual schema in the multidatabase system using Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise’s Component Integration Services (CIS) and OmniConnect. This is feasible for higher education institutions and commercial industries as well. Considering the higher educational institutions, the CIS will improve IT integration for educational institutions with their subsidiaries or with other institutions within the country and abroad in terms of educational management, teaching, learning, and research, including promoting international students’ academic integration, collaboration, and governance. This will prove an innovative strategy to support the modernization and large expansion of academic institutions. This will be considered IT-institutional alignment within a higher education context. This will also support achieving one of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations: “Goal 4: ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”. However, the process of IT integration into higher educational institutions must be thoroughly evaluated, identifying the vital data access points. In this chapter, Section 1 provides an introduction, including the evolution of various database systems, data models, and the emergence of multidatabase systems and their importance. Section 2 discusses component integration services (CIS), OmniConnect and considering heterogeneous relational distributed local databases from the perspective of academics, Section 3 discusses the Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE), Section 4 discusses the role of component integration services and OmniConnect of Sybase ASE under the Multidatabase System, Section 5 shows the database architectural framework, Section 6 provides an implementation overview of the global conceptual schema in the multidatabase system, Section 7 discusses query processing in the CIS, and finally, Section 8 concludes the chapter. The chapter will help our students a lot, as we have discussed well the evolution of databases and data models and the emergence of multidatabases. Since some additional useful information is cited, the source of information for each citation is properly mentioned in the references column.展开更多
An anisotropic diffusion filter can be used to model a flow-dependent background error covariance matrix,which can be achieved by solving the advection-diffusion equation.Because of the directionality of the advection...An anisotropic diffusion filter can be used to model a flow-dependent background error covariance matrix,which can be achieved by solving the advection-diffusion equation.Because of the directionality of the advection term,the discrete method needs to be chosen very carefully.The finite analytic method is an alternative scheme to solve the advection-diffusion equation.As a combination of analytical and numerical methods,it not only has high calculation accuracy but also holds the characteristic of the auto upwind.To demonstrate its ability,the one-dimensional steady and unsteady advection-diffusion equation numerical examples are respectively solved by the finite analytic method.The more widely used upwind difference method is used as a control approach.The result indicates that the finite analytic method has higher accuracy than the upwind difference method.For the two-dimensional case,the finite analytic method still has a better performance.In the three-dimensional variational assimilation experiment,the finite analytic method can effectively improve analysis field accuracy,and its effect is significantly better than the upwind difference and the central difference method.Moreover,it is still a more effective solution method in the strong flow region where the advective-diffusion filter performs most prominently.展开更多
Needle chlorosis(NC)in Pinus taeda L.systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles.In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis(YNC),trees were grow...Needle chlorosis(NC)in Pinus taeda L.systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles.In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis(YNC),trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials,and soils and needles(whole,green and chlorotic portions)from 1-and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P.taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties.All soils had very low base levels(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and K^(+))and P,suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements.YNC symptoms started at needle tips,then extended toward the needle base with time.First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did.Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy.Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg.In chlorotic portions,Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values;in particular,Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg^(-1).Collectively,results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P.taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.展开更多
Background: Dienogest is a potential treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, a condition of significant concern in gynaecology. The current study was conducted as a crossover-randomized bioequivalence...Background: Dienogest is a potential treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, a condition of significant concern in gynaecology. The current study was conducted as a crossover-randomized bioequivalence assessment of two oral Dienogest 2 mg formulations, aiming to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers in this field. Objective: The primary aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Dienogest 2 mg tablets. Dinogest (Dienogest 2 mg) tablets, manufactured by Nuvista Pharma Limited in Bangladesh, and Visanne (Dienogest 2 mg) tablets, manufactured by Bayer Pharma in Germany, were the test and reference formulations, respectively. Materials and Method: The study was an open-label, balanced, randomized, two treatments, two sequences, two periods, two-way crossover, laboratory blind, single oral dose bioequivalence study conducted in healthy adult females under fasting conditions. The study was carried out on 13 healthy, non-pregnant female subjects, and all the subjects completed both study periods with a 15-day washout in between. Randomization was used to assign the test and reference formulations to the subjects. Following each oral administration, a series of blood samples were obtained at different time intervals from pre-dose to 72 hours post-dose and analyzed for Dienogest concentrations using a validated bio-analytical method. A standard non-compartmental model was used to analyze the pharmacokinetic parameters. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters were peak plasma drug concentration (C<sub>max</sub>), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time t (AUC<sub>0–t</sub>), and AUC from t = 0 to infinity (AUC<sub>0–∞</sub>). The other PK parameters included time to reach C<sub>max</sub> (T<sub>max</sub>), terminal elimination rate constant (K<sub>el</sub>), and half-life (t<sub>1/2</sub>). Result: The ratios and 90% CI for the geometric mean test/reference were 95.53% (86.70% - 105.26%) for C<sub>max</sub>, 101.75% (95.42% - 108.49%) for AUC<sub>0</sub><sub>−</sub><sub>t</sub>, and 101.54% (95.59%% - 107.87%) for AUC<sub>0</sub><sub>−</sub><sub>∞</sub>. The formulations were bioequivalent since the 90% CIs for the geometric mean test/reference ratios were 80% to 125%, according to the predetermined range of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Conclusion: This single-dose investigation shows that the Dienogest test and reference formulations exhibited a rate and degree of absorption that met the regulatory requirements for bioequivalence.展开更多
In the present study,the Cu-(1 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloys were prepared by melting,forging and wire drawing.The effects of plastic deformation on microstructure evolution and properties of the alloys were investigated.The re...In the present study,the Cu-(1 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloys were prepared by melting,forging and wire drawing.The effects of plastic deformation on microstructure evolution and properties of the alloys were investigated.The results show that non-equilibrium eutectic colonies exist in the Cu-(3 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloy and no eutectic colonies in the 1 wt%-2 wt%Ag containing alloys.These eutectic colonies are aligned along the drawing direction and refined with the increase of draw ratio.Attributed to the refinement of eutectic colonies,the Cu-Ag alloy exhibits higher strength with the increase of draw ratio.The Cu-6Ag alloy exhibits excellent comprehensive properties with a strength of 930 MPa and a conductivity of 82%IACS when the draw ratio reaches 5.7.展开更多
Background Cotton is a strategically important fibre crop for global textile industry.It profoundly impacts several countries’industrial and agricultural sectors.Sustainable cotton production is continuously threaten...Background Cotton is a strategically important fibre crop for global textile industry.It profoundly impacts several countries’industrial and agricultural sectors.Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpre-dictable changes in climate,specifically high temperatures.Breeding heat-tolerant,high-yielding cotton cultivars with wide adaptability to be grown in the regions with rising temperatures is one of the primary objectives of modern cotton breeding programmes.Therefore,the main objective of the current study is to figure out the effective breed-ing approach to imparting heat tolerance as well as the judicious utilization of commercially significant and stress-tolerant attributes in cotton breeding.Initially,the two most notable heat-susceptible(FH-115 and NIAB Kiran)and tolerant(IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak)cotton cultivars were spotted to develop filial and backcross populations to accom-plish the preceding study objectives.The heat tolerant cultivars were screened on the basis of various morphological(seed cotton yield per plant,ginning turnout percentage),physiological(pollen viability,cell membrane thermostabil-ity)and biochemical(peroxidase activity,proline content,hydrogen peroxide content)parameters.Results The results clearly exhibited that heat stress consequently had a detrimental impact on every studied plant trait,as revealed by the ability of crossing and their backcross populations to tolerate high temperatures.However,when considering overall yield,biochemical,and physiological traits,the IUB-13×FH-115 cross went over particularly well at both normal and high temperature conditions.Moreover,overall seed cotton yield per plant exhibited a posi-tive correlation with both pollen viability and antioxidant levels(POD activity and proline content).Conclusions Selection from segregation population and criteria involving pollen viability and antioxidant levels concluded to be an effective strategy for the screening of heat-tolerant cotton germplasms.Therefore,understanding acquired from this study can assist breeders identifying traits that should be prioritized in order to develop climate resilient cotton cultivars.展开更多
Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present stud...Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present study aims to determine the incidence rate of AAR cases and its complications. Methodology: This was a retrospective and analytical study over a period of 4 years (from January 2015 to December 2018) at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. It focused on samples concerning the diagnosis of AAR and patient files seen in consultation in the capital’s reference health establishments. Laboratory registers and patient consultation files were used to collect data. They were entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7. A univariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi<sup>2</sup> at the 5% threshold (p Results: We analyzed 94 cases meeting Jones’s criteria. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean age 52 years and mode 45 years). The incidence rate of AAR for the female sex was higher than that of the male sex during the study period (p > 0.05). It went from 166.6 in 2015 to 200 in 2016 and 2018 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 296.18 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 223.5 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year for joint damage. Joint damage represented 80.85% (RR = 0.62;Chi<sup>2</sup> = 4.88;95% CI [0.39-0.97];p Conclusion: The study allowed data on the impact rate and complications of the AAR in Bangui. Special attention to data management will help produce a complete result on the problem. Joint complications predominated. Sustaining an effective surveillance system and preventing infection would help reduce the risk of AAR occurrence.展开更多
Scientific research requires the collection of data in order to study, monitor, analyze, describe, or understand a particular process or event. Data collection efforts are often a compromise: manual measurements can b...Scientific research requires the collection of data in order to study, monitor, analyze, describe, or understand a particular process or event. Data collection efforts are often a compromise: manual measurements can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in data being collected at a low frequency, while automating the data-collection process can reduce labor requirements and increase the frequency of measurements, but at the cost of added expense of electronic data-collecting instrumentation. Rapid advances in electronic technologies have resulted in a variety of new and inexpensive sensing, monitoring, and control capabilities which offer opportunities for implementation in agricultural and natural-resource research applications. An Open Source Hardware project called Arduino consists of a programmable microcontroller development platform, expansion capability through add-on boards, and a programming development environment for creating custom microcontroller software. All circuit-board and electronic component specifications, as well as the programming software, are open-source and freely available for anyone to use or modify. Inexpensive sensors and the Arduino development platform were used to develop several inexpensive, automated sensing and datalogging systems for use in agricultural and natural-resources related research projects. Systems were developed and implemented to monitor soil-moisture status of field crops for irrigation scheduling and crop-water use studies, to measure daily evaporation-pan water levels for quantifying evaporative demand, and to monitor environmental parameters under forested conditions. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of automated measurements, and offer guidance for other researchers in developing inexpensive sensing and monitoring systems to further their research.展开更多
Many options exist for developing and implementing monitoring systems for research and scientific applications. Commercially, available systems and devices, however, are usually built using proprietary tools and progr...Many options exist for developing and implementing monitoring systems for research and scientific applications. Commercially, available systems and devices, however, are usually built using proprietary tools and programming instructions, and often offer limited flexibility for end users. The use of open-source hardware and software has been embraced by the research and scientific communities and can be used to target unique data and information requirements. Development based on the Arduino microcontroller project has resulted in many successful applications, and the Arduino hardware and software environment continues to expand and become more powerful but can be intimidating for users with limited electronics or programming experience. The open-source Python language has gained in popularity and is being taught in schools and universities as an introduction to computer programming and software development due to its simple structure, ease of use, and large standard library of functions. A project called CircuitPython was developed to extend the use of Python to programming hardware devices such as programmable microcontrollers and maintains much of the original Python lang<span>uage and features, with additional support for accessing and controlling microcontroller hardware. The objective of the work reported here is to discuss the CircuitPython programming language and demonstrate its use in the development of research and scientific applications. Several open-source sensing and monitoring systems developed using open-source hardware and the open-source CircuitPython programming language are presented and described.展开更多
Salivary gland(SG)dysfunction,due to radiotherapy,disease,or aging,is a clinical manifestation that has the potential to cause severe oral and/or systemic diseases and compromise quality of life.Currently,the standard...Salivary gland(SG)dysfunction,due to radiotherapy,disease,or aging,is a clinical manifestation that has the potential to cause severe oral and/or systemic diseases and compromise quality of life.Currently,the standard-of-care for this condition remains palliative.A variety of approaches have been employed to restore saliva production,but they have largely failed due to damage to both secretory cells and the extracellular matrix(niche).展开更多
Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle,and its quality can be influenced by both epi-genetic modification and epigenetic inheritance.The bovine germline differentiation is characteri...Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle,and its quality can be influenced by both epi-genetic modification and epigenetic inheritance.The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming,while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring’s development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline.Therefore,the selec-tion of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers.We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.展开更多
Powdery mildew resistance genes restrict infection attempts at different stages of pathogenesis.Here,a strong and rapid powdery mildew resistance phenotype was discovered from Vitis amurensis‘PI 588631’that rapidly ...Powdery mildew resistance genes restrict infection attempts at different stages of pathogenesis.Here,a strong and rapid powdery mildew resistance phenotype was discovered from Vitis amurensis‘PI 588631’that rapidly stopped over 97%of Erysiphe necator conidia,before or immediately after emergence of a secondary hypha from appressoria.This resistance was effective across multiple years of vineyard evaluation on leaves,stems,rachises,and fruit and against a diverse array of E.necator laboratory isolates.Using core genome rhAmpSeq markers,resistance mapped to a single dominant locus(here named REN12)on chromosome 13 near 22.8–27.0 Mb,irrespective of tissue type,explaining up to 86.9%of the phenotypic variation observed on leaves.Shotgun sequencing of recombinant vines using skim-seq technology enabled the locus to be further resolved to a 780 kb region,from 25.15 to 25.93 Mb.RNASeq analysis indicated the allele-specific expression of four resistance genes(NLRs)from the resistant parent.REN12 is one of the strongest powdery mildew resistance loci in grapevine yet documented,and the rhAmpSeq sequences presented here can be directly used for marker-assisted selection or converted to other genotyping platforms.While no virulent isolates were identified among the genetically diverse isolates and wild populations of E.necator tested here,NLR loci like REN12 are often race-specific.Thus,stacking of multiple resistance genes and minimal use of fungicides should enhance the durability of resistance and could enable a 90%reduction in fungicides in low-rainfall climates where few other pathogens attack the foliage or fruit.展开更多
A study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 to determine the water footprint for producing blueberries in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina. Three cultivars of southern highbush blueberry (hybrid cross of Vacciniu...A study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 to determine the water footprint for producing blueberries in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina. Three cultivars of southern highbush blueberry (hybrid cross of Vaccinium sp.) were evaluated in the study, including “Star”, “Emerald”, and “Snowchaser”. In each case, the plants were irrigated by drip and protected from frost using overhead sprinklers. Water requirements for irrigation and frost protection varied among the cultivars due to differences in the timing of flowering and fruit development. The annual water footprint for fruit production in each cultivar is expressed in units of cubic meters of water used to produce one ton of fresh fruit and ranged from 212 - 578 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Star”, 296 - 985 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Emerald”, and 536 - 4066 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Snowchaser”. “Snowchaser” flowered earlier than the other cultivars and, therefore, needed more water for frost protection. “Star”, on the other hand, ripened the latest among the cultivars and required little to no water for frost protection. Frost protection required a minimum of 30 m<sup>3</sup>∙h<sup>−1</sup> of water per hectare and in addition to drip irrigation was a major component of the water footprint.展开更多
Peptide-based therapeutics are increasingly pushing to the forefront of biomedicine with their promise of high specificity and low toxicity.Although noncanonical residues can always be used,employing only the natural ...Peptide-based therapeutics are increasingly pushing to the forefront of biomedicine with their promise of high specificity and low toxicity.Although noncanonical residues can always be used,employing only the natural 20 residues restricts the chemical space to a finite dimension allowing for comprehensive in silico screening.Towards this goal,the dataset comprising all possible di-,tri-,and tetra-peptide combinations of the canonical residues has been previously reported.However,with increasing computational power,the comprehensive set of pentapeptides is now also feasible for screening as the comprehensive set of cyclic peptides comprising four or five residues.Here,we provide both the complete and prefiltered libraries of all di-,tri-,tetra-,and penta-peptide sequences from 20 canonical amino acids and their homodetic(N-to-C-terminal)cyclic homologues.The FASTA,simplified molecular-input line-entry system(SMILES),and structure-data file(SDF)-three dimension(3D)libraries can be readily used for screening against protein targets.We also provide a simple method and tool for conducting identity-based filtering.Access to this dataset will accelerate small peptide screening workflows and encourage their use in drug discovery campaigns.As a case study,the developed library was screened against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)main protease to identify potential small peptide inhibitors.展开更多
A collection representing the native range of pecan was planted at the US DA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station,Byron,GA.The collection(867 trees)is a valuable genetic resource for characterizing imp...A collection representing the native range of pecan was planted at the US DA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station,Byron,GA.The collection(867 trees)is a valuable genetic resource for characterizing important horticultural traits.Canopy density during leaf fall is important as the seasonal canopy dynamics provides insights to environmental cues and breeding potential of germplasm.The ability of visual raters to estimate canopy density on a subset of the provenance collection(76 trees)as an indicator of leaf shed during autumn along with image analysis values was explored.Mean canopy density using the image analysis software was less compared to visual estimates(11.9%vs 18.4%,respectively).At higher canopy densities,the raters overestimated foliage density,but overall agreement between raters and measured values was good(ρc=0.849 to 0.915),and inter-rater reliability was high(R^(2)=0.910 to 0.953).The provenance from Missouri(MOL),the northernmost provenance,had the lowest canopy density in November,and results show that the higher the latitude of the provenance,the lower the canopy density.Based on regression,the source provenance latitude explained 0.609 of the variation using image analysis,and0.551 to 0.640 when based on the rater estimates of canopy density.Visual assessment of pecan canopy density due to late season leaf fall for comparing pecan genotypes provides accurate and reliable estimates and could be used in future studies of the whole provenance collection.展开更多
Ethnic Tibetans(ETs)typically reside in the remote plateaus of China and possess strong cultural and spiritual values.Their financial decision-making is influenced by economic and physical factors,unique culture,socia...Ethnic Tibetans(ETs)typically reside in the remote plateaus of China and possess strong cultural and spiritual values.Their financial decision-making is influenced by economic and physical factors,unique culture,social norms,and psychological motivators.We conducted an in-person survey of 480 randomly selected ET households across four provinces in rural China.The survey data was analyzed using three different econometric models—probit,ordered probit,and ranked ordered logit—to examine the choice of borrowing from formal or informal credit sources,the number of sources borrowed from,and repayment priority.Our findings indicate that mental accounting plays a significant role in the financial decision-making process of ET households.Additionally,we find that the informal credit source is strongly associated with the financial decisions of ET households.The majority of loans from formal financial institutions are used to meet daily needs,as opposed to purchasing productive inputs.Our results also suggest that strong social relationships and religious beliefs prevent households from defaulting,and that loans from formal financial sources receive repayment priority.China would benefit from promoting inclusive finance and encouraging the adoption of improved agricultural practices to support the prosperity of ET and other minority communities.展开更多
We evaluated the potential of orally fed new food formulations to inhibit biomarkers reported to be involved in the causes of allergic asthma in mice. Asthma, a serious non-communicable disease, affects both adults an...We evaluated the potential of orally fed new food formulations to inhibit biomarkers reported to be involved in the causes of allergic asthma in mice. Asthma, a serious non-communicable disease, affects both adults and children and can be undertreated. New functional foods could provide therapeutic approaches. Here, the anti-asthma mechanism of a new functional food and three isolated fractions produced by bioprocessing black rice bran with shiitake mushroom mycelia was evaluated in mast cells, B cells, and orally fed mice and compared with non-bioprocessed black rice bran. In vitro, the treatments inhibited RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. The in vitro anti-asthma effects were confirmed in orally fed mice following asthma induction by alumina and chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA). The suppression of asthma resulted from the inhibition of inflammation- and immune-related substances, including OVA-specific IgE, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, eotaxin, leukotriene C4, prostaglandin D2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. The treatment also reversed the thickening of the lung airway wall. The inflammation and asthma inhibition seems to be regulated by the balance of the T-helper cells’ Th1/Th2 immune response and the inhibition of multiple biomarkers associated with the cause of asthma. Future human clinical studies with adults and children should determine the potential therapeutic value of the anti-asthma effects of the new functional foods.展开更多
Soybean hulls, an abundant byproduct of soybean processing, contain rich phytochemicals, fibers, proteins, and minerals. Currently soybean hulls are primarily used as animal feeds. For value-added soybean hull utiliza...Soybean hulls, an abundant byproduct of soybean processing, contain rich phytochemicals, fibers, proteins, and minerals. Currently soybean hulls are primarily used as animal feeds. For value-added soybean hull utilization, 25% soybean hulls were substituted for amaranth or whole oat flour (WOF) in novel gluten-free cookies. Composition, nutritional values, water-holding capacities, correlation between properties, and pasting and rheological properties of soybean hulls, amaranth, and WOF were appraised in comparison to wheat flour. Water loss, cookie texture, and geometrical properties of the cookies were examined. The results disclosed that soybean hulls, amaranth and WOF contain higher protein content, minerals, fiber, special amino acids, and critical vitamins (C and K) than wheat flour. Considerably higher total amino acid content was found in soybean hulls (18.33%) than wheat flour (12.77%). Water-holding capacities increased by replacing amaranth and WOF with soybean hulls. Soybean hulls exhibited higher rheological elastic properties than amaranth, WOF and wheat flours. The soybean hulls utilized in amaranth or WOF cookies greatly improved their nutritional value, the water retention and moisture content along with acceptable physical properties when compared to wheat flour cookies. This study explored the feasibility and potential of utilizing soybean hulls with amaranth and WOF in gluten-free bakery products and other food applications.展开更多
文摘The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of the Finnish government’s 2017-2018 key project titled “Effective lifestyle counselling for social and health care cross-functionally” (VESOTE) in primary health care organizations in Southwest Finland. The study also aimed to illustrate the project’s impacts on nursing practices in primary health care organizations in terms of lifestyle counselling. Data were collected from all of the primary health care organizations in Southwest Finland by using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed qualitatively and by using descriptive statistics. The participants considered the VESOTE project important in terms of its contents. However, only individual measures of the project were adopted into practice. Organizations require tools to monitor the implementation of a new operating model. This should be taken into account when launching national projects.
文摘Open-source and free tools are readily available to the public to process data and assist producers in making management decisions related to agricultural landscapes. On-the-go soil sensors are being used as a proxy to develop digital soil maps because of the data they can collect and their ability to cover a large area quickly. Machine learning, a subcomponent of artificial intelligence, makes predictions from data. Intermixing open-source tools, on-the-go sensor technologies, and machine learning may improve Mississippi soil mapping and crop production. This study aimed to evaluate machine learning for mapping apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC<sub>a</sub>) collected with an on-the-go sensor system at two sites (i.e., MF2, MF9) on a research farm in Mississippi. Machine learning tools (support vector machine) incorporated in Smart-Map, an open-source application, were used to evaluate the sites and derive the apparent electrical conductivity maps. Autocorrelation of the shallow (EC<sub>as</sub>) and deep (EC<sub>ad</sub>) readings was statistically significant at both locations (Moran’s I, p 0.001);however, the spatial correlation was greater at MF2. According to the leave-one-out cross-validation results, the best models were developed for EC<sub>as</sub> versus EC<sub>ad</sub>. Spatial patterns were observed for the EC<sub>as</sub> and EC<sub>ad</sub> readings in both fields. The patterns observed for the EC<sub>ad</sub> readings were more distinct than the EC<sub>as</sub> measurements. The research results indicated that machine learning was valuable for deriving apparent electrical conductivity maps in two Mississippi fields. Location and depth played a role in the machine learner’s ability to develop maps.
文摘The book chapter is an extended version of the research paper entitled “Use of Component Integration Services in Multidatabase Systems”, which is presented and published by the 13<sup>th</sup> ISITA, the National Conference of Recent Trends in Mathematical and Computer Sciences, T.M.B. University, Bhagalpur, India, January 3-4, 2015. Information is widely distributed across many remote, distributed, and autonomous databases (local component databases) in heterogeneous formats. The integration of heterogeneous remote databases is a difficult task, and it has already been addressed by several projects to certain extents. In this chapter, we have discussed how to integrate heterogeneous distributed local relational databases because of their simplicity, excellent security, performance, power, flexibility, data independence, support for new hardware technologies, and spread across the globe. We have also discussed how to constitute a global conceptual schema in the multidatabase system using Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise’s Component Integration Services (CIS) and OmniConnect. This is feasible for higher education institutions and commercial industries as well. Considering the higher educational institutions, the CIS will improve IT integration for educational institutions with their subsidiaries or with other institutions within the country and abroad in terms of educational management, teaching, learning, and research, including promoting international students’ academic integration, collaboration, and governance. This will prove an innovative strategy to support the modernization and large expansion of academic institutions. This will be considered IT-institutional alignment within a higher education context. This will also support achieving one of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations: “Goal 4: ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”. However, the process of IT integration into higher educational institutions must be thoroughly evaluated, identifying the vital data access points. In this chapter, Section 1 provides an introduction, including the evolution of various database systems, data models, and the emergence of multidatabase systems and their importance. Section 2 discusses component integration services (CIS), OmniConnect and considering heterogeneous relational distributed local databases from the perspective of academics, Section 3 discusses the Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE), Section 4 discusses the role of component integration services and OmniConnect of Sybase ASE under the Multidatabase System, Section 5 shows the database architectural framework, Section 6 provides an implementation overview of the global conceptual schema in the multidatabase system, Section 7 discusses query processing in the CIS, and finally, Section 8 concludes the chapter. The chapter will help our students a lot, as we have discussed well the evolution of databases and data models and the emergence of multidatabases. Since some additional useful information is cited, the source of information for each citation is properly mentioned in the references column.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China under contract Nos 2022YFC3104804,2021YFC3101501,and 2017YFC1404103the National Programme on Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction of China under contract No.GASI-IPOVAI-04the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41876014,41606039,and 11801402.
文摘An anisotropic diffusion filter can be used to model a flow-dependent background error covariance matrix,which can be achieved by solving the advection-diffusion equation.Because of the directionality of the advection term,the discrete method needs to be chosen very carefully.The finite analytic method is an alternative scheme to solve the advection-diffusion equation.As a combination of analytical and numerical methods,it not only has high calculation accuracy but also holds the characteristic of the auto upwind.To demonstrate its ability,the one-dimensional steady and unsteady advection-diffusion equation numerical examples are respectively solved by the finite analytic method.The more widely used upwind difference method is used as a control approach.The result indicates that the finite analytic method has higher accuracy than the upwind difference method.For the two-dimensional case,the finite analytic method still has a better performance.In the three-dimensional variational assimilation experiment,the finite analytic method can effectively improve analysis field accuracy,and its effect is significantly better than the upwind difference and the central difference method.Moreover,it is still a more effective solution method in the strong flow region where the advective-diffusion filter performs most prominently.
基金the National council for scientific and technological development(CNPq)and Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination(CAPES)。
文摘Needle chlorosis(NC)in Pinus taeda L.systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles.In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis(YNC),trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials,and soils and needles(whole,green and chlorotic portions)from 1-and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P.taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties.All soils had very low base levels(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and K^(+))and P,suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements.YNC symptoms started at needle tips,then extended toward the needle base with time.First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did.Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy.Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg.In chlorotic portions,Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values;in particular,Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg^(-1).Collectively,results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P.taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.
文摘Background: Dienogest is a potential treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, a condition of significant concern in gynaecology. The current study was conducted as a crossover-randomized bioequivalence assessment of two oral Dienogest 2 mg formulations, aiming to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers in this field. Objective: The primary aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Dienogest 2 mg tablets. Dinogest (Dienogest 2 mg) tablets, manufactured by Nuvista Pharma Limited in Bangladesh, and Visanne (Dienogest 2 mg) tablets, manufactured by Bayer Pharma in Germany, were the test and reference formulations, respectively. Materials and Method: The study was an open-label, balanced, randomized, two treatments, two sequences, two periods, two-way crossover, laboratory blind, single oral dose bioequivalence study conducted in healthy adult females under fasting conditions. The study was carried out on 13 healthy, non-pregnant female subjects, and all the subjects completed both study periods with a 15-day washout in between. Randomization was used to assign the test and reference formulations to the subjects. Following each oral administration, a series of blood samples were obtained at different time intervals from pre-dose to 72 hours post-dose and analyzed for Dienogest concentrations using a validated bio-analytical method. A standard non-compartmental model was used to analyze the pharmacokinetic parameters. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters were peak plasma drug concentration (C<sub>max</sub>), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time t (AUC<sub>0–t</sub>), and AUC from t = 0 to infinity (AUC<sub>0–∞</sub>). The other PK parameters included time to reach C<sub>max</sub> (T<sub>max</sub>), terminal elimination rate constant (K<sub>el</sub>), and half-life (t<sub>1/2</sub>). Result: The ratios and 90% CI for the geometric mean test/reference were 95.53% (86.70% - 105.26%) for C<sub>max</sub>, 101.75% (95.42% - 108.49%) for AUC<sub>0</sub><sub>−</sub><sub>t</sub>, and 101.54% (95.59%% - 107.87%) for AUC<sub>0</sub><sub>−</sub><sub>∞</sub>. The formulations were bioequivalent since the 90% CIs for the geometric mean test/reference ratios were 80% to 125%, according to the predetermined range of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Conclusion: This single-dose investigation shows that the Dienogest test and reference formulations exhibited a rate and degree of absorption that met the regulatory requirements for bioequivalence.
基金Funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(Nos.2021YFB2500600 and 2017YFE0301405)the Institute of Electrical Engineering,CAS(Nos.E155710301 and E155710201)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(No.2020CDJDPT001)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(No.2022138)。
文摘In the present study,the Cu-(1 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloys were prepared by melting,forging and wire drawing.The effects of plastic deformation on microstructure evolution and properties of the alloys were investigated.The results show that non-equilibrium eutectic colonies exist in the Cu-(3 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloy and no eutectic colonies in the 1 wt%-2 wt%Ag containing alloys.These eutectic colonies are aligned along the drawing direction and refined with the increase of draw ratio.Attributed to the refinement of eutectic colonies,the Cu-Ag alloy exhibits higher strength with the increase of draw ratio.The Cu-6Ag alloy exhibits excellent comprehensive properties with a strength of 930 MPa and a conductivity of 82%IACS when the draw ratio reaches 5.7.
基金Centre for Advance Studies in Agricultural Food Security and Punjab Agricultural Research Board for providing funds under CAS-PARB project(No.964).
文摘Background Cotton is a strategically important fibre crop for global textile industry.It profoundly impacts several countries’industrial and agricultural sectors.Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpre-dictable changes in climate,specifically high temperatures.Breeding heat-tolerant,high-yielding cotton cultivars with wide adaptability to be grown in the regions with rising temperatures is one of the primary objectives of modern cotton breeding programmes.Therefore,the main objective of the current study is to figure out the effective breed-ing approach to imparting heat tolerance as well as the judicious utilization of commercially significant and stress-tolerant attributes in cotton breeding.Initially,the two most notable heat-susceptible(FH-115 and NIAB Kiran)and tolerant(IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak)cotton cultivars were spotted to develop filial and backcross populations to accom-plish the preceding study objectives.The heat tolerant cultivars were screened on the basis of various morphological(seed cotton yield per plant,ginning turnout percentage),physiological(pollen viability,cell membrane thermostabil-ity)and biochemical(peroxidase activity,proline content,hydrogen peroxide content)parameters.Results The results clearly exhibited that heat stress consequently had a detrimental impact on every studied plant trait,as revealed by the ability of crossing and their backcross populations to tolerate high temperatures.However,when considering overall yield,biochemical,and physiological traits,the IUB-13×FH-115 cross went over particularly well at both normal and high temperature conditions.Moreover,overall seed cotton yield per plant exhibited a posi-tive correlation with both pollen viability and antioxidant levels(POD activity and proline content).Conclusions Selection from segregation population and criteria involving pollen viability and antioxidant levels concluded to be an effective strategy for the screening of heat-tolerant cotton germplasms.Therefore,understanding acquired from this study can assist breeders identifying traits that should be prioritized in order to develop climate resilient cotton cultivars.
文摘Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present study aims to determine the incidence rate of AAR cases and its complications. Methodology: This was a retrospective and analytical study over a period of 4 years (from January 2015 to December 2018) at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. It focused on samples concerning the diagnosis of AAR and patient files seen in consultation in the capital’s reference health establishments. Laboratory registers and patient consultation files were used to collect data. They were entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7. A univariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi<sup>2</sup> at the 5% threshold (p Results: We analyzed 94 cases meeting Jones’s criteria. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean age 52 years and mode 45 years). The incidence rate of AAR for the female sex was higher than that of the male sex during the study period (p > 0.05). It went from 166.6 in 2015 to 200 in 2016 and 2018 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 296.18 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 223.5 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year for joint damage. Joint damage represented 80.85% (RR = 0.62;Chi<sup>2</sup> = 4.88;95% CI [0.39-0.97];p Conclusion: The study allowed data on the impact rate and complications of the AAR in Bangui. Special attention to data management will help produce a complete result on the problem. Joint complications predominated. Sustaining an effective surveillance system and preventing infection would help reduce the risk of AAR occurrence.
文摘Scientific research requires the collection of data in order to study, monitor, analyze, describe, or understand a particular process or event. Data collection efforts are often a compromise: manual measurements can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in data being collected at a low frequency, while automating the data-collection process can reduce labor requirements and increase the frequency of measurements, but at the cost of added expense of electronic data-collecting instrumentation. Rapid advances in electronic technologies have resulted in a variety of new and inexpensive sensing, monitoring, and control capabilities which offer opportunities for implementation in agricultural and natural-resource research applications. An Open Source Hardware project called Arduino consists of a programmable microcontroller development platform, expansion capability through add-on boards, and a programming development environment for creating custom microcontroller software. All circuit-board and electronic component specifications, as well as the programming software, are open-source and freely available for anyone to use or modify. Inexpensive sensors and the Arduino development platform were used to develop several inexpensive, automated sensing and datalogging systems for use in agricultural and natural-resources related research projects. Systems were developed and implemented to monitor soil-moisture status of field crops for irrigation scheduling and crop-water use studies, to measure daily evaporation-pan water levels for quantifying evaporative demand, and to monitor environmental parameters under forested conditions. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of automated measurements, and offer guidance for other researchers in developing inexpensive sensing and monitoring systems to further their research.
文摘Many options exist for developing and implementing monitoring systems for research and scientific applications. Commercially, available systems and devices, however, are usually built using proprietary tools and programming instructions, and often offer limited flexibility for end users. The use of open-source hardware and software has been embraced by the research and scientific communities and can be used to target unique data and information requirements. Development based on the Arduino microcontroller project has resulted in many successful applications, and the Arduino hardware and software environment continues to expand and become more powerful but can be intimidating for users with limited electronics or programming experience. The open-source Python language has gained in popularity and is being taught in schools and universities as an introduction to computer programming and software development due to its simple structure, ease of use, and large standard library of functions. A project called CircuitPython was developed to extend the use of Python to programming hardware devices such as programmable microcontrollers and maintains much of the original Python lang<span>uage and features, with additional support for accessing and controlling microcontroller hardware. The objective of the work reported here is to discuss the CircuitPython programming language and demonstrate its use in the development of research and scientific applications. Several open-source sensing and monitoring systems developed using open-source hardware and the open-source CircuitPython programming language are presented and described.
基金supported by NIDCR/NIH R01DE025286(C-K.Y.&X-D.C.),R21 DE028271A(C-K.Y.)VA Merit Review 1I01BX002145-01(X-D.C.)VA Career Development Award 1IK2BX005694-01(M.M.)。
文摘Salivary gland(SG)dysfunction,due to radiotherapy,disease,or aging,is a clinical manifestation that has the potential to cause severe oral and/or systemic diseases and compromise quality of life.Currently,the standard-of-care for this condition remains palliative.A variety of approaches have been employed to restore saliva production,but they have largely failed due to damage to both secretory cells and the extracellular matrix(niche).
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1200903)Seed Fund(CAU),Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2021MC070)+3 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFF1000701-06)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2020MC165)the Earmarked Fund for CARS-36.X.W.is funded by the“Hundred Talents Program”project of Hebei Province(E2020100019)the research project of Zhongnongtongchuang(ZNTC)group(ZNTC2019A10 and ZNTC2021B12)in China.
文摘Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle,and its quality can be influenced by both epi-genetic modification and epigenetic inheritance.The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming,while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring’s development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline.Therefore,the selec-tion of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers.We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
文摘Powdery mildew resistance genes restrict infection attempts at different stages of pathogenesis.Here,a strong and rapid powdery mildew resistance phenotype was discovered from Vitis amurensis‘PI 588631’that rapidly stopped over 97%of Erysiphe necator conidia,before or immediately after emergence of a secondary hypha from appressoria.This resistance was effective across multiple years of vineyard evaluation on leaves,stems,rachises,and fruit and against a diverse array of E.necator laboratory isolates.Using core genome rhAmpSeq markers,resistance mapped to a single dominant locus(here named REN12)on chromosome 13 near 22.8–27.0 Mb,irrespective of tissue type,explaining up to 86.9%of the phenotypic variation observed on leaves.Shotgun sequencing of recombinant vines using skim-seq technology enabled the locus to be further resolved to a 780 kb region,from 25.15 to 25.93 Mb.RNASeq analysis indicated the allele-specific expression of four resistance genes(NLRs)from the resistant parent.REN12 is one of the strongest powdery mildew resistance loci in grapevine yet documented,and the rhAmpSeq sequences presented here can be directly used for marker-assisted selection or converted to other genotyping platforms.While no virulent isolates were identified among the genetically diverse isolates and wild populations of E.necator tested here,NLR loci like REN12 are often race-specific.Thus,stacking of multiple resistance genes and minimal use of fungicides should enhance the durability of resistance and could enable a 90%reduction in fungicides in low-rainfall climates where few other pathogens attack the foliage or fruit.
文摘A study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 to determine the water footprint for producing blueberries in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina. Three cultivars of southern highbush blueberry (hybrid cross of Vaccinium sp.) were evaluated in the study, including “Star”, “Emerald”, and “Snowchaser”. In each case, the plants were irrigated by drip and protected from frost using overhead sprinklers. Water requirements for irrigation and frost protection varied among the cultivars due to differences in the timing of flowering and fruit development. The annual water footprint for fruit production in each cultivar is expressed in units of cubic meters of water used to produce one ton of fresh fruit and ranged from 212 - 578 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Star”, 296 - 985 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Emerald”, and 536 - 4066 m<sup>3</sup>∙t<sup>−1</sup> for “Snowchaser”. “Snowchaser” flowered earlier than the other cultivars and, therefore, needed more water for frost protection. “Star”, on the other hand, ripened the latest among the cultivars and required little to no water for frost protection. Frost protection required a minimum of 30 m<sup>3</sup>∙h<sup>−1</sup> of water per hectare and in addition to drip irrigation was a major component of the water footprint.
文摘Peptide-based therapeutics are increasingly pushing to the forefront of biomedicine with their promise of high specificity and low toxicity.Although noncanonical residues can always be used,employing only the natural 20 residues restricts the chemical space to a finite dimension allowing for comprehensive in silico screening.Towards this goal,the dataset comprising all possible di-,tri-,and tetra-peptide combinations of the canonical residues has been previously reported.However,with increasing computational power,the comprehensive set of pentapeptides is now also feasible for screening as the comprehensive set of cyclic peptides comprising four or five residues.Here,we provide both the complete and prefiltered libraries of all di-,tri-,tetra-,and penta-peptide sequences from 20 canonical amino acids and their homodetic(N-to-C-terminal)cyclic homologues.The FASTA,simplified molecular-input line-entry system(SMILES),and structure-data file(SDF)-three dimension(3D)libraries can be readily used for screening against protein targets.We also provide a simple method and tool for conducting identity-based filtering.Access to this dataset will accelerate small peptide screening workflows and encourage their use in drug discovery campaigns.As a case study,the developed library was screened against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)main protease to identify potential small peptide inhibitors.
基金supported by the USDA-ARS through CRIS project 6606-21220-014–00Dthe National Institute of Food and Agriculture–Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant 2016-51181-25408“Coordinated development of genetic tools for pecan”。
文摘A collection representing the native range of pecan was planted at the US DA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station,Byron,GA.The collection(867 trees)is a valuable genetic resource for characterizing important horticultural traits.Canopy density during leaf fall is important as the seasonal canopy dynamics provides insights to environmental cues and breeding potential of germplasm.The ability of visual raters to estimate canopy density on a subset of the provenance collection(76 trees)as an indicator of leaf shed during autumn along with image analysis values was explored.Mean canopy density using the image analysis software was less compared to visual estimates(11.9%vs 18.4%,respectively).At higher canopy densities,the raters overestimated foliage density,but overall agreement between raters and measured values was good(ρc=0.849 to 0.915),and inter-rater reliability was high(R^(2)=0.910 to 0.953).The provenance from Missouri(MOL),the northernmost provenance,had the lowest canopy density in November,and results show that the higher the latitude of the provenance,the lower the canopy density.Based on regression,the source provenance latitude explained 0.609 of the variation using image analysis,and0.551 to 0.640 when based on the rater estimates of canopy density.Visual assessment of pecan canopy density due to late season leaf fall for comparing pecan genotypes provides accurate and reliable estimates and could be used in future studies of the whole provenance collection.
基金financially supported by the Major Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China(No.18BMZ126)。
文摘Ethnic Tibetans(ETs)typically reside in the remote plateaus of China and possess strong cultural and spiritual values.Their financial decision-making is influenced by economic and physical factors,unique culture,social norms,and psychological motivators.We conducted an in-person survey of 480 randomly selected ET households across four provinces in rural China.The survey data was analyzed using three different econometric models—probit,ordered probit,and ranked ordered logit—to examine the choice of borrowing from formal or informal credit sources,the number of sources borrowed from,and repayment priority.Our findings indicate that mental accounting plays a significant role in the financial decision-making process of ET households.Additionally,we find that the informal credit source is strongly associated with the financial decisions of ET households.The majority of loans from formal financial institutions are used to meet daily needs,as opposed to purchasing productive inputs.Our results also suggest that strong social relationships and religious beliefs prevent households from defaulting,and that loans from formal financial sources receive repayment priority.China would benefit from promoting inclusive finance and encouraging the adoption of improved agricultural practices to support the prosperity of ET and other minority communities.
文摘We evaluated the potential of orally fed new food formulations to inhibit biomarkers reported to be involved in the causes of allergic asthma in mice. Asthma, a serious non-communicable disease, affects both adults and children and can be undertreated. New functional foods could provide therapeutic approaches. Here, the anti-asthma mechanism of a new functional food and three isolated fractions produced by bioprocessing black rice bran with shiitake mushroom mycelia was evaluated in mast cells, B cells, and orally fed mice and compared with non-bioprocessed black rice bran. In vitro, the treatments inhibited RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. The in vitro anti-asthma effects were confirmed in orally fed mice following asthma induction by alumina and chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA). The suppression of asthma resulted from the inhibition of inflammation- and immune-related substances, including OVA-specific IgE, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, eotaxin, leukotriene C4, prostaglandin D2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. The treatment also reversed the thickening of the lung airway wall. The inflammation and asthma inhibition seems to be regulated by the balance of the T-helper cells’ Th1/Th2 immune response and the inhibition of multiple biomarkers associated with the cause of asthma. Future human clinical studies with adults and children should determine the potential therapeutic value of the anti-asthma effects of the new functional foods.
文摘Soybean hulls, an abundant byproduct of soybean processing, contain rich phytochemicals, fibers, proteins, and minerals. Currently soybean hulls are primarily used as animal feeds. For value-added soybean hull utilization, 25% soybean hulls were substituted for amaranth or whole oat flour (WOF) in novel gluten-free cookies. Composition, nutritional values, water-holding capacities, correlation between properties, and pasting and rheological properties of soybean hulls, amaranth, and WOF were appraised in comparison to wheat flour. Water loss, cookie texture, and geometrical properties of the cookies were examined. The results disclosed that soybean hulls, amaranth and WOF contain higher protein content, minerals, fiber, special amino acids, and critical vitamins (C and K) than wheat flour. Considerably higher total amino acid content was found in soybean hulls (18.33%) than wheat flour (12.77%). Water-holding capacities increased by replacing amaranth and WOF with soybean hulls. Soybean hulls exhibited higher rheological elastic properties than amaranth, WOF and wheat flours. The soybean hulls utilized in amaranth or WOF cookies greatly improved their nutritional value, the water retention and moisture content along with acceptable physical properties when compared to wheat flour cookies. This study explored the feasibility and potential of utilizing soybean hulls with amaranth and WOF in gluten-free bakery products and other food applications.