Search Results (503)

Background: The regulation of oil and protein contents in cottonseed is governed by a complex genetic network. Gaining insight into the mechanisms controlling these traits is necessary for dissecting the formation patterns of cottonseed quality. Method: In this study, Xinluzhong 37 (P₁) and Xinluzhong 51 (P₂) were selected as parental lines for two reciprocal crosses: P₁ × P₂ (F₁) and its reciprocal P₂ × P₁ (F₁′). Each F1 was selfed and backcrossed to both parents to generate the F₂ (F₂′), B₁ (B₁′), and B₂ (B₂′) generations. To assess nutritional traits in hairy (non-delinted) and lint-free (delinted) seeds, two indicators, oil content and protein content, were measured in both seed types. Joint segregation analysis was employed to analyze the inheritance of these traits, based on a major gene plus polygene model. Results: In the orthogonal crosses, the CVs for the four nutritional traits ranged at 2.710–7.879%, 4.086–11.070%, 2.724–6.727%, and 3.717–9.602%. In the reciprocal crosses, CVs ranged at 2.710–8.053%, 4.086–9.572%, 2.724–6.376%, and 3.717%–8.845%. All traits exhibited normal or skewed-normal distributions. For oil content in undelinted/delinted seeds, polygenic heritabilities in the orthogonal cross were 0.64/0.52, and 0.40/0.36 in the reciprocal cross. For protein content, major-gene heritabilities in the orthogonal cross were 0.79 (undelinted) and 0.78 (delinted), while those in the reciprocal cross were both 0.62. Conclusions: Oil and protein contents in cottonseeds are quantitative traits. In both orthogonal and reciprocal crosses, oil content is controlled by multiple genes and is shaped by additive, dominance, and epistatic effects. Protein content, in contrast, is largely controlled by two major genes along with minor genes. In the P₁ × P₂ combination, major genes act through additive, dominance, and epistatic effects, while in the P₂ × P₁ combination, their effects are additive only. In both combinations, minor genes contribute through additive and dominance effects. In summary, the oil content in cottonseed is mainly regulated by polygenes, whereas the protein content is primarily determined by major genes. These genetic features in both linted, and lint-free seeds may offer a theoretical foundation for molecular breeding aimed at improving cottonseed oil and protein quality. Full article

The statistical mechanics of structured particles with arbitrary size and shape adsorbed onto discrete lattices presents a longstanding theoretical challenge, mainly due to complex spatial correlations and entropic effects that emerge at finite densities. Even for simplified systems such as hard-core linear k-mers, exact solutions remain limited to low-dimensional or highly constrained cases. In this review, we summarize the main theoretical approaches developed by our research group over the past three decades to describe adsorption phenomena involving linear k-mers—also known as multisite occupancy adsorption—on regular lattices. We examine modern approximations such as an extension to two dimensions of the exact thermodynamic functions obtained in one dimension, the Fractional Statistical Theory of Adsorption based on Haldane’s fractional statistics, and the so-called Occupation Balance based on expansion of the reciprocal of the fugacity, and hybrid approaches such as the semi-empirical model obtained by combining exact one-dimensional calculations and the Guggenheim–DiMarzio approach. For interacting systems, statistical thermodynamics is explored within generalized Bragg–Williams and quasi-chemical frameworks. Particular focus is given to the recently proposed Multiple Exclusion statistics, which capture the correlated exclusion effects inherent to non-monomeric particles. Applications to monolayer and multilayer adsorption are analyzed, with relevance to hydrocarbon separation technologies. Finally, computational strategies, including advanced Monte Carlo techniques, are reviewed in the context of high-density regimes. This work provides a unified framework for understanding entropic and cooperative effects in lattice-adsorbed polyatomic systems and highlights promising directions for future theoretical and computational research. Full article

Planting tomatoes in enclosed facilities requires manual pollination assistance. Chemically-assisted pollination poses environmental pollution and food safety hazards. Contact vibration pollination is inefficient, ineffective, and prone to plant damage. This study developed a non-contact tomato pollination device based on pulse airflow, and conducted an experimental investigation on it. Firstly, a non-contact tomato pollination device based on pulse airflow was designed, based on the reciprocating motion of tomato flowers under the action of pulse airflow. Subsequently, this study took the coverage rate of pollen on the stigma as an indicator, and the optimal pulse airflow parameters were determined, which were a velocity of 1.22 m·s⁻¹, airflow angle of −19.69°, and pulse frequency of 25.64 Hz. Finally, comparative experiments were conducted between the pollination effect of tomatoes based on pulse airflow and other assisted pollination methods. The results show that tomato flowers produce a composite reciprocating vibration under the coupling effect of the inflorescence elastic force and the pulse airflow force, and the coverage of pollen on the stigma is 11.2% higher than assisted pollination using stable airflow. The use of a pulse airflow pollination method can increase the fruit setting rate by 13.21%, increase the weight per fruit by 11.46%, and increase the weight of fruits per bunch by 33.33%. Compared with chemically-assisted fruit setting, no chemical agents were used to ensure a fruit setting rate similar to chemical methods, and the number of seeds per fruit increased by 74.8. Compared with vibration pollination, it eliminated plant damage and increased the fruit setting rate by 4.45%, and improved efficiency by 18.6%. The results indicated that the pollination method based on pulse airflow is environmentally friendly, high-quality, and efficient. This study breaks through the theoretical and parameter limitations of traditional airflow pollination devices, and provides a theoretical base for the development of clean pollination equipment in facility agriculture. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease, characterized by articular cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, and ligament lesions. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) do not encode any protein products and play a fundamental role in regulating gene expression in several physiological processes, such as in the regulation of cartilage homeostasis. When deregulated, they affect the expression of genes involved in cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation, contributing to the onset and progression of OA. Oxidative stress is also involved in the pathogenesis of OA by contributing to the inflammatory response, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and induction of chondrocyte apoptosis. Studies in the literature show a reciprocal relationship between the altered expression of a number of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of oxidative stress, miRNAs, and lncRNAs and their cross-talk in OA in order to understand the main molecular mechanisms involved and to identify possible targets that may be useful for the identification and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this disease. Full article

We consider Onsager’s non-equilibrium thermodynamics from the perspective of the gradient flow in information geometry. Assuming Onsager’s reciprocal relations, we can regard his phenomenological equations as gradient-flow equations and develop two different gradient-flow models. We consider their features and their relations. Both models are applied to the ideal gas and van der Waals gas. Full article

Relying on information technologies such as the Internet, big data, and cloud computing, smart cities (SC) fully integrate urban resources, constantly strengthen the ability of urban economic systems, infrastructure systems, ecosystems, social systems, institutional systems, and other systems to withstand disaster disturbance and external risk shocks, and promote urban resilience (UR) construction. This study uses panel data from 254 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2021, and employs a multiperiod difference-in-differences method to examine the direct and heterogeneous effects of SC on UR. After a series of empirical tests, this study obtains the following results: (1) SC have a significant impact on the improvement of UR, which objectively demonstrates the reciprocity between SC and the level of UR construction, providing data support for promoting the in-depth practice of SC. (2) From the mechanism test of the impact of SC on UR, urban land green utilization efficiency and industrial structure transformation are intermediate mechanisms through which SC affect the improvement of UR. In addition, public environmental attention (PEA) has a positive regulatory effect on SC and UR, that is, PEA strengthens the role of SC in improving UR. (3) From the heterogeneity of urban characteristics that affect UR, SC have a more significant effect on improving UR in eastern cities and non-resource-based cities. This study provides new ideas for studying UR and provides useful insights for promoting SC construction and enhancing UR. This study proposes that the government should continue to promote the intelligent construction of Chinese cities, advance the industrial structure and improve the green land utilization efficiency, and strengthen their positive impact on UR. Full article

This study investigates the mechanisms underlying the diffusion of risk information about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Drawing upon social contagion theory, we examine how endogenous and exogenous mechanisms shape users’ information-sharing behaviors. An analysis of 388,722 reposts from 2444 original GMO risk-related texts enabled the construction of a comprehensive sharing network, with computational text-mining techniques employed to detect users’ attitudes toward GMOs. To bridge the gap between descriptive and inferential network analysis, we employ a Shannon entropy-based approach to quantify the uncertainty and concentration of attitudinal differences and similarities among sharing and non-sharing dyads, providing an information-theoretic foundation for understanding positional and differential homophily. The entropy-based analysis reveals that information-sharing ties are characterized by lower entropy in attitude differences, indicating greater attitudinal alignment among sharing users, especially among GMO opponents. Building on these findings, the Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) further demonstrates that both endogenous network mechanisms (reciprocity, preferential attachment, and triadic closure) and positional homophily influence GMO risk information sharing and dissemination. A key finding is the presence of a differential homophily effect, where GMO opponents exhibit stronger homophilic tendencies than non-opponents. Despite the prevalence of homophily, this paper uncovers substantial cross-attitude interactions, challenging simplistic notions of echo chambers in GMO risk communication. By integrating entropy and ERGM analyses, this study advances a more nuanced, information-theoretic understanding of how digital platforms mediate public perceptions and debates surrounding controversial socio-scientific issues, offering valuable implications for developing effective risk communication strategies in increasingly polarized online spaces. Full article

The activity of the present work is part of a research project aimed at proposing a solution for off-grid charging stations relying on the adoption of a reciprocating engine fuelled with alternative renewable fuels. This technology has as its main advantage the zero-carbon emissions impact of biofuels with small modifications to current ICE technology and refuelling infrastructure. This research is founded on preliminary experimental tests carried out on a six-cylinder spark-ignition engine adapted to pure ethanol fuelling with a single-point injection system. The experimental results obtained at different engine loads have been useful to build and validate a CFD model by testing several kinetic mechanisms and for the proper calibration of a flame speed model. Nevertheless, due to the chemical and physical properties of alcohols such as ethanol, this type of fuelling system leads to a significant non-uniformity of the mixture among the cylinders, and in some cases, to rich air-to-fuel ratio; numerical simulations are performed to address such an issue, and to evaluate performance and exhaust emissions, in terms of CO, CO₂, and NO_x. Finally, a study on spark timing variation is presented as well, to study its effect on performance and pollutants. Full article

Research in Loanword Phonology has extensively examined the adaptation processes of Anglicisms into recipient languages. In the Tijuana–San Diego border region, where English and Spanish have reciprocally existed, Anglicisms exhibit two main phonetic patterns: some structures exhibit Spanish phonetic properties, while others preserve English phonetic features. This study analyzes 131 vowel tokens drawn from spontaneous conversations with 28 bilingual speakers in Tijuana, recruited via the sociolinguistic ‘friend-of-a-friend’ approach. Specifically, it focuses on monosyllabic Anglicisms with monophthongs by examining the F1 and F2 values using Praat. The results were compared with theoretical vowel targets in English and Spanish through Euclidean distance analysis. Dispersion plots generated in R further illustrate the acoustic distribution of vowel realizations. The results reveal that some vowels closely match Spanish targets, others align with English, and several occupy intermediate acoustic spaces. Based on these patterns, the study proposes two phonetically based corpora—Phonetically Adapted Anglicisms (PAA) and Phonetically Non-Adapted Anglicisms (PNAA)—to capture the nature of Anglicisms in this contact setting. This research offers an empirically grounded basis for cross-dialectal comparison and language contact studies from a phonetically based approach. Full article

This paper analyzes the Hindu concept of sevā—selfless service—as a theo-ethical practice that reconfigures the relationship between religion and economy, offering a snapshot of an Indian perspective on the convergence between postsecularism and postcapitalist discourses. Rather than being reducible to acts of charity, sevā integrates spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions that challenge the neoliberal emphasis on individual self-interest and material accumulation. Rooted in the pursuit of liberation and relational well-being, sevā frames economic and moral agency in terms of embeddedness, reciprocity, and care. To illustrate sevā’s unique attributes, the paper engages with two case studies. The first explores Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, where sevā is articulated through a non-anthropocentric ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsā), obliging the reconstruction of eco-economic mechanisms and environmental responsibility. The second examines contemporary guru-bhakti communities in Delhi’s urban peripheries, where sevā functions as spiritual discipline (sādhana), a means for communal uplifting, and the expression of kalyāṇ—holistic well-being that transcends individual boundaries. In both contexts, sevā emerges as a practice that intervenes in and reshapes socio-economic life. By foregrounding sevā as a lived practice, the paper situates Indian religious traditions as a distinctive contribution to broader postcapitalist and postsecular debates. It argues that sevā offers an alternative model of personhood and ethical intentionality—one that contests dominant binaries of spiritual/material, secular/religious, and human/nature, and reimagines human flourishing through the lens of relational ontology and collective responsibility. Full article

(1) Background: The hemostatic system and tumor biology display a tight and reciprocal interaction where clotting products enhance tumor growth and dissemination, and the tumor, in turn, triggers a hypercoagulable and inflammatory state. Evaluating circulating biomarkers related to thrombo-inflammatory may provide a promising tool for predicting tumor outcomes, especially in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) characterized by unfavorable outcomes. (2) Aim: In a prospective cohort of NSCLC patients, we evaluated whether thromboinflammatory biomarkers could predict early disease progression (DP) during the first 6 months of first-line anticancer treatment. (3) Methods: 719 newly diagnosed advanced-stage NSCLC patients were included. Complete blood cell count, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), FVIII, fibrinogen, D-dimer, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, and prothrombin fragment1+2(F1+2) were tested in blood samples collected before starting chemotherapy. DP was gathered during follow-up. (4) Results: The 6-month cumulative incidence rate for DP was 49%. Univariable Cox regression analysis identified metastatic status, BMI, hemoglobin, leukocytes, hs-CRP, FVIII, fibrinogen, TAT, and D-dimer as significant predictors of DP. In a multivariable analysis that included all previously significant variables, only hs-CRP and D-Dimer levels remained strongly associated with DP. The two variables were used to establish a risk stratification model that significantly identified patients at high risk of DP at 6 months (HR 2.9; 95% CI, 2.3–3.7), which can be applied to 3, 9, and 12 months. (5) Conclusions: Our model easily and precisely estimates early DP during chemotherapy. If externally validated, this model can significantly enhance the allocation of medical resources in managing advanced NSCLC, ensuring that patients receive the most effective care possible. Full article

The onset and progression of tumors involve intricate, multifactorial processes. A key component in tumor evolution is the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Discoidin Domain Receptors (DDRs), a unique class of collagen-activated receptor tyrosine kinases, serve as critical mediators of cell-ECM communication. Recent studies have uncovered their significant roles in modulating diverse cancer-related processes, including immune responses, cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metabolic reprogramming, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. This review begins with an overview of the discovery, structural features, and canonical and non-canonical functions of DDRs. It then focuses on the reciprocal regulation between DDRs and collagen in the tumor microenvironment, highlighting how this interplay contributes to cancer progression. Furthermore, we explore the involvement of DDRs in reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and their influence on various aspects of cancer cell biology. Finally, we summarize the current advances in therapeutic strategies targeting DDRs, offering insights into their potential as biomarkers and drug targets in cancer treatment. Full article

The lubrication performance of the cylinder liner–piston ring (CLPR) is crucial for the energy efficiency and operating reliability of marine diesel engines. To enhance the boundary lubrication of marine engine oil, a 1,3-diketone fluid HPTD (1-(4-hexylphenyl) tridecane-1,3-dione, HPTD) was introduced as an ash-free friction modifier. Besides that, octadecylamine-functionalized nanocopper particles (ODA-Cu) were also added to the marine oil to improve its anti-wear behavior. Through cylinder-on-disk friction tests, the appropriate contents of HPTD and ODA-Cu were determined, which then formed hybrid additives and modified the engine oil. The tribological performance of the modified oil was analyzed under various normal loads, reciprocating frequencies, and testing temperatures. Based on the synergy of the tribochemical reaction of HPTD and the mending effect of ODA-Cu on the sliding surface, the modified oil not only had lower sulfated ash content but also exhibited superior lubrication performance (i.e., reduced coefficient of friction by 15%, smaller wear track by 43%, and higher maximum non-seizure load by 11%) than the pristine engine oil. The results of this study would be helpful for the design of novel hybrid eco-friendly additives for marine engine oil. Full article

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding to the growing demand for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration, the research employs a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate and prioritize key strategic factors. The findings reveal that initiatives such as international internship programs, operational funding mechanisms, joint research ventures, and technology transfer are essential drivers in creating environments that nurture and scale global talent. Building on these insights, this study introduces a structured, sustainable innovation model that categorizes strategies into three tiers—collaborative, interactive, and foundational service-oriented actions—providing a practical roadmap for resource optimization and strategic planning. More than a theoretical exercise, this research offers actionable guidance for non-profit leaders, academic administrators, and corporate partners. It highlights the reciprocal value of multi-sector collaboration and contributes to a broader understanding of how mission-driven innovation ecosystems can foster resilient, future-ready workforces. By positioning non-profit–academic partnerships at the center of global talent strategies, the study sets a foundation for rethinking how institutions can co-create value in addressing pressing global challenges. Full article

This study investigates the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices—specifically planning, recruitment, training, and motivation—on dimensions of career quality (job security, promotion equity, and participatory decision-making) among employees of the Jordan Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO). Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 173 employees, allowing for an in-depth exploration of their perceptions and experiences regarding HRM practices. The findings reveal that both training and motivation significantly enhance career quality, with employees who receive advanced training reporting a stronger sense of job security and an increased likelihood to participate in decision-making processes. In contrast, the effects of recruitment and planning practices were found to be marginal due to perceived biases and strategies that fail to adequately address the long-term needs of the workforce. Despite moderate overall career quality scores, key areas for improvement were identified, particularly in job security and employee involvement. This study offers actionable recommendations for JEDCO, such as implementing AI-driven recruitment tools to mitigate nepotism and developing gamified training modules to enhance skill development. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating HRM reforms into Jordan’s National Energy Strategy, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goal 8. This research represents the first empirical examination linking HRM practices to career quality in Jordan’s energy sector, offering a framework applicable to public utilities in emerging economies (e.g., Lebanon’s EDL). This research extends Social Exchange Theory into non-Western hierarchical contexts, demonstrating how bureaucratic inertia and tribal affiliations weaken reciprocity dynamics—a novel boundary condition contrasting Western-centric SET models. Full article