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Crop evapotranspiration and water productivity in Loess Plateau: A case study of Shanxi province based on SEBAL model
This study focuses on Shanxi Province, located in the typical rain-fed agricultural region of the Loess Plateau, where farmland water reserves are limited and water scarcity is a significant challenge. To achieve stable and high grain yields while addressing these constraints, the primary focus must be on reducing agricultural water use while balancing productivity with water conservation, provided that sufficient irrigation sources are available. The research utilized Landsat 8 satellite data and meteorological information to simulate crop evapotranspiration (ET) in Shanxi using the SEBAL model. Based on the simulated ET values and field survey data of crop yields, the study calculated crop water productivity (WP). It then analyzed the relationship between WP and natural factors such as elevation, air temperature, and precipitation. Key findings include: Crop ET in Shanxi generally increased from northeast to southwest, with simulation results closely aligning with FAO Penman-Monteith equation calculations (relative error of no more than 5%). Crop yields ranged from 386.794 to 754.896 kg/mu, with WP varying significantly across regions—from 0.824 kg/m3 in the Jindongnan district to 2.532 kg/m3 in the Jinnan district. Regional variations in crop WP were influenced by elevation, annual temperature, and precipitation patterns. Notably, the linear correlation between WP and these factors was weaker in the Lvliang mountainous area. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate field management practices (e.g., optimized irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management) to improve both crop yields and WP.
Research on collaborative filtering algorithm based on improved K-means algorithm for user attribute rating and co-rating
Néel domain walls with bistable chirality in a perpendicularly magnetized ferrimagnetic insulator
Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis and associated factors among HIV-negative young men in Kagwara fishing community-Serere district, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Background Despite the potential efficacy of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing HIV risk, Oral PrEP acceptability remains strikingly varied by populations and locations. We assessed PrEP acceptability and associated factors among at-risk HIV-negative young men. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study design was used. Data were collected among 409 at-risk HIV-negative young men aged 15–24 years living in Kagwara fishing community-Serere district, Uganda between August and October 2023. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviors and concerns about PrEP. Data was analyzed using Stata version 15.0 statistical software. Summary statistics were computed and presented as tables, frequencies and proportions. Bivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with PrEP acceptability. All factors that had p < 0.10 at the bivariate analysis and confounders were entered into the final logistic regression model. All factors with p < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with the primary outcome. Results The average age of 409 respondents was 21.8 (Standard Deviation [SD]=1.9) years. Majority, (97.8%, n = 393) had unprotected penetrative sex. PrEP acceptability was high as majority of the participants accepted to use PrEP based on the six constructs of acceptability (93.6%, n = 383). Participants with perceived risk of getting HIV infection had higher odds of PrEP acceptability, (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.23, 95%CI = 1.05–17.04). Participants who knew their partner’s HIV status (aOR=0.25, 95%CI = 0.07–0.88), those who felt embarrassed to ask for PrEP from the facility (aOR=0.12, 95%CI = 0.04–0.39), and those who had stigma associated with use of PrEP (aOR=0.13, 95%CI = 0.04–0.41) had reduced odds of PrEP acceptability. Conclusion We found a high level of PrEP acceptability among young men at risk of HIV acquisition in Kagwara fishing community. Improving access to PrEP services among high risk young men in the fishing communities may increase PrEP uptake in this population and across similar settings. The Ministry of health needs to use multiple approaches to provide PrEP such as peer-led models, drug distribution points, short message reminders for refills, pharmacies and retail drug shops.
Tunable wideband microwave photonic phase shifter and true time delay using a waveguide bragg grating
Reduction of SEM charging artefacts in native cryogenic biological samples
Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of frozen-hydrated biological samples allows imaging of subcellular structures at the mesoscale in a representation of their native state. Combined with focused ion beam milling (FIB), serial FIB/SEM can be used to build a 3-dimensional model of cells and tissues. The correlation of specific regions of interest with cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) can additionally enable subsequent high-resolution analysis. However, the use of serial FIB/SEM imaging-based methods is often limited due to charging artefacts arising from insulating areas of cryogenically preserved samples. Here, we demonstrate the use of interleaved scanning to attenuate these artefacts, allowing the observation of biological features that otherwise would be masked or distorted. We apply our method to samples where inherent features were not visible using conventional scanning. These examples include membrane contact sites within mammalian cells, visualisation of the degradation compartment in the algae E. gracilis and observation of a network of membranes within different types of axons in an adult mouse cortex. The proposed alternative scanning method could also be applied to imaging other non-conductive specimens in SEM.
Dating ancient manuscripts using radiocarbon and AI-based writing style analysis
Determining by means of palaeography the chronology of ancient handwritten manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls is essential for reconstructing the evolution of ideas, but there is an almost complete lack of date-bearing manuscripts. To overcome this problem, we present Enoch, an AI-based date-prediction model, trained on the basis of 24 14C-dated scroll samples. By applying Bayesian ridge regression on angular and allographic writing style feature vectors, Enoch could predict 14C-based dates with varied mean absolute errors (MAEs) of 27.9 to 30.7 years. In order to explore the viability of the character-shape based dating approach, the trained Enoch model then computed date predictions for 135 non-dated scrolls, aligning with 79% in palaeographic post-hoc evaluation. The 14C ranges and Enoch’s style-based predictions are often older than traditionally assumed palaeographic estimates, leading to a new chronology of the scrolls and the re-dating of ancient Jewish key texts that contribute to current debates on Jewish and Christian origins.
RSTD-YOLOv7: a steel surface defect detection based on improved YOLOv7
Transient ultrafast and negative diffusion of charge carriers in suspended MoSe2 from multilayer to monolayer
Effects of cryotherapy on function, pain intensity, swelling, and dorsiflexion range of motion in acute ankle sprain: Protocol for the FROST randomised controlled trial
Background Cryotherapy is a low-cost treatment option recommended by clinical practice guidelines in acute ankle sprain. However, the current quality of the evidence that supports cryotherapy is still unclear. New high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed. The aim of the Freeze On Sprain Trial (FROST) is to investigate the effectiveness of cryotherapy on function, pain intensity, swelling and dorsiflexion range of motion in people with an acute episode of ankle sprain. Methods This is a protocol of a two-arm randomised controlled trial. Eighty-two participants over 18 years old presenting grade I or II ankle sprain up to 72 hours from the episode will be randomly allocated to Ice Group (i.e., home prescription to apply cryotherapy on the injured ankle with elevation plus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication – NSAID) or No Ice Group (i.e., elevation plus NSAID). Our primary outcome is function measured by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire. Our secondary outcomes are pain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale), swelling (figure-of-eight method) and dorsiflexion range of motion (goniometry). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 24 hours, 7–10 days, and 12 weeks after allocation. The analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle using linear mixed models. Discussion The results of this study will clarify the effectiveness of cryotherapy in acute ankle sprain for better clinical decision-making processes. Trial registration Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) RBR-8v9gr9c.
The narrow-band organic photodetectors based on organic photo-filtering layers using a transfer printing technology
Efficient generation of germline chimeras in a non-rodent species using rabbit induced pluripotent stem cells
Abstract Pluripotent stem cells have long been used to produce knockout mice via germline chimera technology. However, aside from the rat, this approach has not been successfully applied to other mammals. Here, we demonstrate that rabbit induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be reprogrammed using KLF2, ERAS and PRMT6, enabling them to efficiently colonize embryos. These chimeric embryos can develop into fetuses and newborn rabbits, with iPSCs contributing up to 100 % to certain organs. Notably, female rabbits generated through this method are healthy and transmit the iPSC genome to their offspring with a high efficiency, demonstrating germline chimerism. This advancement establishes a foundation for developing rabbit models of human disease with complex genetic traits.
Production of probiotic garden cress (Lepidium Sativum) using Bifidobacterium Bifidum and its evaluation of nutritional value, biocontrol and growth rate ability
Probiotics are one of the most beneficial elements in human health. Several studies have confirmed the health benefits of probiotics. The consumption of fermented vegetables is widespread worldwide and represents an important component of the human diet for a growing global population. In recent years, consumers have become more aware of the relationship between food and health, which has led to an increase in interest in functional foods. The global market for probiotic foods is growing rapidly due to the increasing consumer awareness. Although leafy vegetables are well-endowed with bacteria, including potentially probiotic strains of Lactobacillus, so far, plant-derived products have only been considered as carriers of probiotic cultures. This study aimed to produce probiotic garden cress using Bifidobacterium bifidum and to investigate its nutritional value, biocontrol, and growth rate and this is a great approach due to the increase in vegetarianism, lactose intolerance and people allergic to dairy products. Bifidobacterium bifidum (bb12) was inoculated into sterile cress seeds and the probiotic plant culture was done on days 0 and 3 after harvesting, in a TOS medium containing Mupirocin (MUP) antibiotic. The chemical properties (such as pH, acidity, and dry matter) of both samples were determined and the comparison of growth rate, fat content, vitamin C, and organoleptic properties was done. Bacterial survival in simulated gastrointestinal (SGI) conditions and its antifungal effect on Rhizoctonia solani were also analyzed. The number of bacteria on days 0 and 3 was 4×1013 and 2.3 ×1011 Colony Forming Unit/gram (CFU/g) respectively, which confirms the probiotic nature of the product (>106 bacteria). Also, significant difference (P≤0.05) was observed in the physicochemical parameters. Bacterial viability was reported as 6.3 ×1010 CFU/g in simulated gastric condition and as 3×106 CFU/g in simulated intestine condition, and the antifungal effect of Bifidobacterium on R. solani was 15%. It can be concluded that production of other probiotic vegetables might be possible and that the plant based probiotics can be used to support the growth of human intestinal bacteria and also maintain high cell viability during storage.
Analysis of drug crystallization by evaluation of pharmaceutical solubility in various solvents by optimization of artificial intelligence models
Mechanisms of cultural diversity in urban populations
Abstract Large cities exhibit greater cultural diversity. Due to limited data on individual behaviour, previous research could not discern whether this stems from demographic heterogeneity or enhanced individual cultural exploration. Analysing 250 million listening events from 2.5 million users across France, Brazil, and Germany, we investigate mechanisms driving urban cultural diversity. We assess the collective shared musical repertoire in each geographical area, while concurrently measuring individuals’ music engagement breadth through listening histories. Cross-culturally, both collective diversity and individual breadth increase with population size, aligning with cultural evolution and urban scaling theories. While demographic factors such as age, gender, income, immigration, education, and social connections influence these trends, especially in highly populated areas, they do not fully explain the observed patterns. This suggests large cities are culturally diverse not only because they aggregate people from varied backgrounds but also due to greater opportunities created for cultural interactions and discovery.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of hippocampal tissue in a murine model of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence around 5% in children and adolescents and 2.5% in adults. Recent reports using GWAS approaches have identified several genetic risk loci for this disorder. However, the epigenetic influence of extrinsic factors during pregnancy or the exposure to environmental factors during childhood, on the onset of the disorder remains unclear. This question has been addressed by analyzing blood or saliva samples from ADHD patients or by postmortem analysis. The aim of this study was to determine differential patterns in DNA methylation in fresh hippocampal samples using a murine model of ADHD. We analyzed the genome-wide pattern of differentially methylated CpG sites using the Illumina Infinium Mouse Methylation BeadChip in fresh hippocampal samples from the prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) mouse model of ADHD and control animals. Our analysis revealed 218 DMPs including genes associated with growth factors signaling, such as adhesion G protein-coupled receptor B2 (ADGRB2), leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) and erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ERBB3) involved in synaptogenesis, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells. The functional gene enrichment analysis of differentially methylated positions (DMPs) revealed the nervous system development as the biological process with highest enrichment factor. In addition, the GO and KEEG enrichment analysis of 113 differentially methylated regions (DMR) revealed several loci associated with the positive regulation of Hippo signaling (involved in neuronal development) in PNE samples. In addition, our results revealed a DMP previously associated to ADHD patients supporting the PNE murine model of ADHD. These results are relevant in terms of the validation of PNE model of ADHD and for the identification of epigenetic markers of the disorder in humans. In addition, our results are relevant for the characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the ADHD, currently unknown.
Causal relationship between immune cells and osteoporosis based on genetic prediction: a bidirectional two-sample mediated Mendelian randomization analysis
The mechanism of acetyl-CoA synthase through the lens of a nickel model system
Quality of insulin obtained from hospital and community pharmacies in Mwanza Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Background Insulin, a peptide hormone crucial for diabetes management, necessitates strict storage (2-8oC) to maintain concentration, as per regulatory guidelines (e.g., USP, WHO). Degradation can occur during manufacturing process, and transportation or storage, via heat-induced denaturation and aggregation, compromises its efficacy. In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, weak regulatory oversight of imported medicines may compromise insulin quality. Varied findings from existing studies underline the need for local quality assessments. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted from April to July 2024 in Mwanza, Tanzania, evaluated the quality of insulin from eight pharmacies. A convenience sampling approach was employed, with insulin samples purchased as a simulated patient to reflect real-world acquisition. 15 samples, representing seven distinct insulin brands, were collected. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to quantify insulin concentration. Additionally, samples were assessed for visual appearance, packaging, labeling, and storage conditions following established pharmacopoeial and quality control standards. Results Out of 15 insulin samples, two samples (13.3%) failed to meet the official USP monograph during the assay test. The remaining samples 13 (86.7%) complied with USP standards. Conclusion These findings underline significant challenges in ensuring the quality of insulin products. While most samples adhered to USP standards, the issues observed highlight the need for improved quality control measures and robust cold chain management to guarantee the efficacy and reliability of insulin for diabetic patients.