Search Results (1,673)

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), an important subtropical fruit crop, blooms in autumn/winter, which is distinctive compared with other fruit trees such as apple, pear, and peach in Rosaceae. Currently, alternative splicing (AS) of flowering time genes remains understudied in loquat. In this study, full-length transcriptome sequencing of mixed tissues composed of leaves and shoot apical meristems/flower buds was performed and analyzed. A total of 94,194 high-quality isoforms and 44,186 complete open reading frames (ORFs) were obtained out of the 41.79 Gb of subread data. Further analysis revealed 25,988 AS events among 7461 genes, of which the most abundant type was intron retention (IR) occupying 55.32%. Importantly, 197 loquat genes homologous to Arabidopsis or Rosaceae flowering time genes were found to be alternatively spliced, including an important player CONSTANS (EjCO1) that contained three different isoforms (EjCO1-1, EjCO1-2, and EjCO1-3). To investigate the effect of AS on gene function, we overexpressed the three EjCO1 isoforms in Arabidopsis. The results showed that overexpression of EjCO1-1 and EjCO1-3 significantly promoted early flowering of transgenic Arabidopsis plants, whereas overexpressing EjCO1-2 did not significantly change the flowering time. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that EjCO1-1 and EjCO1-3 could significantly activate the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T (EjFT2), while EjCO1-2 had no significant effect on the promoter activity of EjFT2. The results from this study systematically cataloged AS events of flowering time genes and illustrated the important effect of AS on gene functions, which provides insights into the molecular regulation of flowering time by AS in loquat. Full article

This research investigates the influence of waste mask fabric scraps (WMFSs) and nano-carbon-modified filler (NCMF) on the mechanical characteristics and durability of hot mix asphalt, aiming to improve pavement performance concerning tensile stress, fatigue, and moisture damage using recycled materials. Asphalt mixtures were created with aggregate and WMFS/NCMF at 0.3% and 0.5% weight percentages (relative to aggregate), with fiber lengths of 8, 12, and 18 mm, utilizing a ‘wet mixing’ method where fibers were incrementally added to aggregates during mixing. The samples underwent indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and Marshall stability testing. The results demonstrated that incorporating WMFSs and NCMF initially enhanced tensile strength, moisture susceptibility resistance, and Marshall stability, reaching an optimal point; beyond this, further fiber addition diminished these properties. Data analysis identified the sample containing 0.3% fibers at a 12 mm length as the superior performer, showcasing the highest ITS and Marshall stability values. Statistical t-tests revealed significant differences between fiber-containing samples and control groups, verifying the beneficial impact of WMFSs and NCMF. Design-Expert software (Design-Expert 12.0.3) was used to develop functional models predicting asphalt properties based on fiber percentage and length. The optimal combination—12 mm fiber length and 0.3% WMFS/NCMF—demonstrated a 33% increase in tensile strength, a 17% improvement in moisture resistance, and a 70% reduction in fatigue deformation. Safety protocols, including thermal decontamination of WMFSs, were implemented to mitigate potential health risks. Full article

Objective: This scoping review identifies and analyzes factors influencing the effectiveness of orthodontic mini-implants and temporary anchorage devices in orthodontic treatments, including clinical applications, success rates, and associated complications. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across EBSCOhost, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, English-language human studies published between 2013 and 2023 that examined determinants of mini-implants/temporary anchorage devices success or failure. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were predefined, and screening was performed in duplicate. Thirty-six studies met criteria. Results: Placement site and peri-implant oral hygiene/soft-tissue health were the most consistent contributors to success. Optimal sites varied by indication, supporting individualized planning. Greater implant length generally improved stability but must be balanced against anatomic limits and patient comfort. Temporary anchorage devices supported diverse movements (e.g., molar distalization; posterior/anterior intrusion). Findings for loading protocol, patient age, bone quality, and operator experience were mixed, reflecting heterogeneity in primary stability, force magnitude/vector, and outcome definitions. Conclusion: Mini-implants/temporary anchorage devices success is multifactorial. Emphasis on site-specific selection, hygiene management, appropriate implant dimensions, and patient-specific modifiers can optimize outcomes and minimize complications. Future studies should report standardized outcomes and explicit loading parameters to enable granular analyses of movement-specific biomechanics and evidence-based decision-making. Full article

For the first time, this study presents a cyber–physical framework that reconciles the long-standing conflict between transparent queue analytics and adaptive machine learning in flexible manufacturing systems. Deterministic indicators, utilization, expected queue length, waiting time, and idle probability, are fused with topological embeddings of the routing graph and ingested by a graph convolutional network that predicts station congestion with calibrated confidence intervals. Shapley additive explanations decompose every forecast into causal contributions, and these vectors, together with a percentile-based risk metric, steer a mixed-integer genetic optimizer toward schedules that lift throughput without breaching statistical congestion limits. A cloud dashboard streams forecasts, risk bands, and color-coded explanations, allowing supervisors to accept or modify suggestions; each manual correction is logged and injected into nightly retraining, closing a socio-technical feedback loop. Experiments on an 8704-cycle production census demonstrate a 38 percent reduction in average queue length and a 12 percent rise in throughput while preserving full audit traceability, enabling one-minute rescheduling on volatile shop floors. The results confirm that transparency and adaptivity can coexist when analytical priors, explainable learning, and risk-aware search are unified in a single containerized control stack. Full article

Direct seeding is considered a versatile and cost-effective approach to forest regeneration; however, its broader application is limited by low seedling survival rates and species-specific regeneration requirements, which often necessitate site preparation. We investigated the emergence, survival, and growth of Korean ash (Fraxinus chinensis subsp. rhynchophylla (Hance) A.E.Murray) seedlings regenerated by direct seeding over six years following two site preparation treatments—scarification and mixing—to determine appropriate site preparation methods for direct seeding and to assess the effects of site preparation treatments on soil, understory vegetation, and seedling growth. Additionally, the seed germination, shoot and root lengths, and biomass of the seedlings were investigated over 50 days in a growth chamber using soils from each site preparation treatment to examine early-stage growth responses. Both scarification and mixing treatments enhanced seed germination and seedling establishment. Seedling emergence rates were similar between the treatments; however, the seedling mortality and the height and coverage of competing understory vegetation were significantly greater at the scarification treatment than at the mixing treatment during the first year (p < 0.05). Both treatments reduced minimum winter soil temperatures during the first two years, with frost heaving identified as a primary cause of early seedling mortality. From the second year onward, seedling growth was significantly greater in the mixing treatment (p < 0.05), which also more effectively suppressed competing vegetation. A shallow depth mixing treatment (<5 cm) is recommended for direct seeding of Korean ash, as it reduces frost heaving damage and facilitates seedling survival and growth by minimizing understory competition. Full article

This study examines the effects of incorporating recycled carbon fibers obtained from decommissioned wind turbine blades into cementitious composites. An extensive experimental program was carried out, varying fiber content (0–8 kg/m³), fiber length (25, 38, 50 mm), water-to-cement ratio (0.4, 0.5), and cement type (CEM I 42.5, CEM II 42.5R/A-V). The mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced concretes, including compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, were evaluated. The addition of recycled carbon fibers significantly improved flexural and splitting tensile strengths, with increases exceeding 60% and 100%, respectively, at the highest fiber dosage (8 kg/m³), attributed to efficient crack-bridging capability. Compressive strength was mainly influenced by the water-to-cement ratio, while the modulus of elasticity showed slight reductions in some mixes due to fiber clustering and increased micro-porosity. Regression analysis indicated that shorter fibers (25 mm) were more effective in enhancing flexural strength, whereas longer fibers (50 mm) improved splitting tensile strength. Classical predictive models generally underestimated the flexural capacity of recycled-carbon-fiber-reinforced concretes, highlighting the need for recalibration. Optical microscopy confirmed uniform fiber dispersion at lower dosages and a dominant pull-out failure mechanism. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of using recycled carbon fibers to enhance the mechanical performance of concrete while supporting sustainability through waste diversion and circular economy strategies. Full article

Research on the post-deployment reintegration needs of women veterans is limited. Non-traditional support may enhance mental health. Relationships with animals and volunteering may aid those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using the biopsychosocial model, we examined whether participation in an 8-week service dog training program (SDTP) affected telomere length (TL), heart rate variability (HRV), PTSD symptom severity, perceived stress, and anxiety in female veterans with PTSD, as well as whether combat exposure influenced these relationships. Female veterans (ages 32–72, M = 45.9, SD = 11.8) with PTSD were randomized to either the SDTP group (n = 13) or a comparison group (n = 15) that received dog training video content. The interventions lasted one hour weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Linear mixed models with random intercepts examined changes from pre- to post-intervention and compared changes by group and combat exposure. TL changes differed [F(1,11.65) = 3.543, p = 0.085] by intervention. In the SDTP group, TL increased, indicating reduced cellular senescence (i.e., slower biological aging), whereas TL decreased in the CI group. Combat exposure moderated these changes [F(1,12.36) = 5.41, p = 0.038]. HRV changed by intervention group [F(1,389.08) = 10.623, p = 0.001]. HRV decreased (stress increased) in the SDTP group but not in the CI group. Combat exposure did not moderate HRV changes. PTSD symptom severity [F(1,48.04) = 19.22, p < 0.001], perceived stress [F(1,48.48) = 14.65, p < 0.001], and anxiety [F(1,47.30) = 6.624, p = 0.013] decreased significantly from pre- to post-interventions; the decreases did not differ by intervention or combat exposure. Full article

This in vivo animal study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different implant placement micromotor systems on implant stability and removal torque. In a within-animal crossover design, twenty titanium implants (AnyOne fixture; internal type; diameter, 3.5 mm; length, 7.0 mm; Megagen, Daegu, Republic of Korea) were placed in the tibiae of five rabbits using a conventional micromotor system (NSK group: SurgicPro+; NSK, Kanuma, Japan) and a diode laser-integrated micromotor system (SAESHIN group: BLP 10; Saeshin, Daegu, Republic of Korea). Resonance frequency analysis provided the implant stability quotient (ISQ) immediately after placement and at four weeks. Micro-computed tomography quantified the bone–implant interface gap (BIG). Removal torque was measured at sacrifice. Linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept for rabbit generated adjusted means with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (α = 0.05). Equivalence for the four-week ISQ used two one-sided tests with a margin of ±5 ISQ. The SAESHIN group achieved a higher immediate ISQ than the NSK group (difference =+6.9 ISQ; 95% CI +1.3–+12.5; p = 0.018). At four weeks, the ISQ did not differ (difference = −1.2 ISQ; 95% CI −4.3–+1.9; p = 0.42), and equivalence was supported (TOST p_lower = 0.024; p_upper = 0.019). Removal torque was comparable (difference = +4.3 N·cm; 95% CI −5.2–+13.8; p = 0.36). BIG metrics showed no between-system differences across regions. ICC indicated clustering for ISQ and torque (0.36 and 0.31). The diode laser-integrated micromotor system yielded a higher immediate ISQ under a standardized 35 N·cm seating torque, whereas the ISQ, removal torque, and BIG at four weeks were comparable to those of the conventional system. The immediate ISQ should be interpreted as stiffness under fixed torque rather than superior device-dependent interlocking. These findings support the clinical interchangeability of the two systems for early osseointegration endpoints in preclinical settings. Full article

This study investigates rapid-setting, phosphate-based, chemically bonded phosphate ceramic (CBPC) composites for emergency pothole repair through a two-phase experimental approach. Phase I involved fundamental mix design experiments that systematically examined the effects of water-to-binder ratio (20–40%), filler content (10–50%), and phosphate powder fineness (570–3640 cm²/g) on setting and mechanical performance. Based on Phase I results, Phase II evaluated field-applicable mixes optimized for concrete and asphalt pavement conditions in terms of rapid strength development: compressive strength exceeding 24 MPa within 30 min, flexural strength surpassing 3.4 MPa within 1 h, and adhesive strength reaching up to 1.62 MPa (concrete) and 0.68 MPa (asphalt) within 4 h. Additional performance evaluations included Marshall stability (49,848 N), water-immersion residual stability (100% under the test protocol), length change (small magnitude over 28 days), and self-filling behavior (complete filling in 17 s in the specified setup). These rapid early-age results met or surpassed relevant domestic specifications used for emergency repair materials. Based on these data, mix designs for field application are proposed, and practical implications and limitations for early-age performance are discussed. Full article

This study utilized the North American PhenoCam network to evaluate phenological characteristics and their relationships with geographic and climatic factors across deciduous broadleaf (n = 39) and evergreen needleleaf (n = 13) forests over the past decade. Using high temporal resolution near-surface imagery, key phenological indicators including the start, end, and length of growing season were derived and analyzed using linear regression and structural equation modeling. The results revealed substantial spatial variation; the evergreen needleleaf sites exhibited earlier starts to the growing season (112 vs. 130 Julian date), later ends to the growing season (286 vs. 264 Julian date), and longer lengths for the growing season (172 vs. 131 days) compared with the deciduous broadleaf sites. Latitude was significantly related to the start of the growing season and the length of the growing season at the deciduous broadleaf sites (R² = 0.28–0.41, p < 0.01), while these relationships were weaker at the evergreen needleleaf sites, and elevation had mixed effects. The mean annual temperature strongly influenced the phenology for both forest types (R² = 0.18–0.76, p < 0.01), whereas longitude, distance to the coast, and precipitation had negligible effects. Temporal trends in the phenological indicators were sporadic across both the deciduous broadleaf and evergreen needleleaf sites. Structural equation modeling revealed distinct causal pathways for each forest type, highlighting complex interactions among the geographical and climatic variables. At the deciduous broadleaf sites, geographical factors (latitude, elevation, and distance to the nearest coast) predominated the mean annual temperature, which in turn significantly affected phenological development (χ² = 2.171, p = 0.975). At the evergreen needleleaf sites, geographical variables had more complex effects on the climatic factors, start of the growing season, and end of the growing season, with the end of the growing season emerging as the primary determinant of growing season length (χ² = 0.486, p = 0.784). The PhenoCam network provides valuable fine-scale phenological dynamics, offering great insights for forest management, biodiversity conservation, and understanding carbon cycling under climate change. Full article

The captive breeding of marine ornamental fish with specialized larval requirements—such as Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus—remains a major bottleneck in aquaculture, largely due to the lack of techniques tailored to their unique morphological and nutritional needs. The global marine ornamental aquaculture market is valued at approximately USD 2.15 billion annually; however, only around 10% of marine ornamental species are currently supplied through captive breeding, highlighting a substantial technological gap. The artificial propagation of C. mesoleucus is particularly challenging due to the species’ small mouth gape and high nutritional demands during early development. To address this issue, we evaluated the effects of three live-prey types—Euplotes sp., Brachionus sp., and Bestiolina coreana—as well as a mixed diet containing all three, on larval performance. From 3 days post-hatch, larvae were fed each prey type at equal densities (15–20 individuals/mL), and water quality was carefully maintained to minimize external influences. Survival and total length were assessed at 14 dph. At the end of the trial, the mixed-diet group showed the highest survival rate (36.2 ± 5.6%), whereas larvae fed only B. coreana exhibited the greatest total length (7.4 ± 1.2 mm) and a high metamorphosis rate (97.8%). These findings demonstrate that prey selection significantly influences the early survival and growth in C. mesoleucus larvae and highlight the critical role of copepods in promoting growth performance. However, as larval biomass was not quantified, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and future studies incorporating biomass assessments are needed to draw more conclusive inferences. The successful mass rearing of this species supports the feasibility of captive production to reduce wild harvesting, protect coral-reef biodiversity, and promote sustainable ornamental aquaculture. Full article

Using multiple species in native plant communities may improve control efficiency compared with single-species use. We conducted field investigations to assess the effects of Artemisia argyi, Portulaca oleracea, and their mixtures on the growth and reproduction of Mikania micrantha, followed by a greenhouse de Wit replacement series to compare different combinations of M. micrantha, A. argyi, and P. oleracea in terms of multispecies competition, phytoallelopathy, and photosynthesis. Field investigation showed that compared with M. micrantha monoculture (Group D), aboveground biomass, total stem length, flower biomass, inflorescence biomass, seed biomass, and seed number of M. micrantha increased in the P. oleracea community (Group B), though only seed number was significantly higher (p < 0.05). In contrast, in the A. argyi community (Group A) and the mixed community of A. argyi and P. oleracea (Group C), all these indicators decreased significantly (p < 0.05), in the order: Group C < Group A < Group D < Group B. This indicates that the mixed community (Group C) most strongly suppressed M. micrantha growth and reproduction. The effects of A. argyi, P. oleracea, and their mixture on the growth of M. micrantha in the greenhouse experiments mirrored the trends observed in field investigations. Calculated indices (relative yield, relative yield total, competitive balance index, and change in contribution) of A. argyi, P. oleracea, and their mixed population on M. micrantha demonstrated a higher competitive ability and higher influence of the combination of the two species compared with either A. argyi or P. oleracea alone. The interspecific phytoallelopathy experiment demonstrated strong allelopathic potential of A. argyi versus M. micrantha (p < 0.05) but showed no significant effect on P. oleracea. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of M. micrantha was generally lower in communities with both competitors compared with single-species communities. Our results suggest that, compared with a single plant population, the mixed population of A. argyi and P. oleracea exhibited a markedly enhanced ecological control capability through increased relative competitive ability, strengthened allelopathic inhibition, and markedly reduced photosynthetic efficiency of M. micrantha. Full article

With the growing adoption of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), their market penetration is expected to rise. This study investigates the mixed traffic flow dynamics of human-driven vehicles (HDVs) and CAVs at airport terminal curbsides. A two-lane parking simulation model is developed, integrating the intelligent driver model, PATH-calibrated cooperative adaptive cruise control, and a degraded adaptive cruise control model to capture different driving behaviors. The model accounts for varying time headways among HDV drivers based on their information acceptance levels and imposes departure constraints to enhance safety. Simulation results show that the addition of CAVs can significantly increase the average speed of vehicles and reduce the average delay time. Two metrics are inversely proportional. Specifically, as illustrated by a curbside length of 400 m and a parking demand of 1300 pcph, when the CAV penetration rate p is 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%, respectively, compared to p = 0, the average traffic flow speed increases by 1.7%, 6.4%, 15.0%, 27.2%, and 48.7%, respectively. The average delay time decreases by 2.8%, 6.4%, 10.5%, 13.5%, and 20.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, CAVs and HDVs exhibit consistent patterns in terms of parking space utilization: the first stage (0–30% of parking spaces) showed a stable and concentrated trend; the second stage (30–70% of parking spaces) showed a slow downward trend but remained at a high level; the third stage (70–100% of parking spaces) showed a rapid decline at a steady rate. Full article

Polypharmacy in older adults increases risks of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), hospitalisations, and mortality. Pharmacist-led interventions using validated tools (e.g., STOPP/START, MAI, STOPPFrail) aim to optimise prescribing, yet their impact on clinical and economic outcomes in UK/Ireland health systems remains underexplored. This systematic review aimed to critically assess the impact of pharmacist-led deprescribing interventions on PIP, clinical outcomes, and costs in older adults (≥65 years) across the UK and Ireland. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) were searched for studies (2010–2024). Eligible studies included randomised trials, observational designs, and intervention studies in hospitals, care homes, community pharmacies, and intermediate care settings. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using CASP checklists. Narrative syntheses and heat maps summarised the findings. Twelve of fourteen studies reported positive outcomes: reductions in potentially inappropriate medications, ADRs, medication burdens, and falls/fall risks. Medication appropriateness improved significantly in 35% of studies using the MAI. STOPPFrail reduced PIMs in care homes, while the MAI enhanced complex hospital reviews. Community interventions improved adherence and reduced the use of fall risk drugs. No studies demonstrated a reduction in hospitalisations, mortality, or the length of stays. Economic analyses showed mixed cost-effectiveness. Key barriers included low uptake of pharmacist recommendations and short follow-up periods. Pharmacist-led interventions have significantly improved the prescribing quality and reduced medication-related risks, but they fail to impact hospitalisations or mortality due to implementation gaps. Context-specific tools and policy reforms—including expanded pharmacist roles and electronic decision support—are critical for sustainability. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and multidisciplinary integration. Full article

The intensive farming of aquaculture species such as red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) across diverse production systems can lead to changes in genetic parameters and responses of economically important traits in this species. This study represents the first attempt to understand these changes in growth traits (body weight, total length), quality attributes (body colour), and survival rate in red tilapia. Data for these traits were collected from 75,950 individual fish, progeny of 970 full-sib families (comprising 970 dams and 486 sires); they were selected for high body weight and evaluated in two distinct culture environments: fresh- and saltwater ponds. A multi-trait mixed model was employed to estimate genetic parameters and selection responses. Genetic variance estimates for the quality and survival traits varied across the two environments. However, genetic correlations among the traits studied were similar between fresh and saline water. Furthermore, significant G × E interactions, particularly for the quality and survival traits, were evidenced by divergent genetic correlations (r_g = 0.57–0.83) between homologous traits across different environments. The findings emphasise the importance of incorporating G × E interactions into the selection program for red tilapia, particularly when the breeding objectives extend to include quality and survival traits. Selection strategies should consider the prevailing culture system—for instance, favouring genotypes suited to the freshwater pond environment over those adapted to the saltwater environment. Continual assessment of full-sib groups across these environments is recommended to refine our understanding of G × E interactions and optimise future breeding programs for red tilapia. This may involve selecting genotypes capable of consistent performance across environments or developing environment-specific breeding programs. Full article