Advanced Generation Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Microstructure-Based Deformation Predictions in Battery Electrodes

To give insight on the deformation behavior of the porous electrodes for a lithium-ion battery induced by mechanical stresses, a three-dimensional microstructure-based modeling method (3DMS) is developed [1,2]. The 3DMS simulation applies a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based solid-stress model to track the composite (active material (AM) and binder) porous electrodes response to compression (external forces), reversible expansion (intercalation dependent), and irreversible expansion (aging dependent).The microstructures used for the electrodes were generated using a modified version of the opensource program MATBOX, developed by NREL, in conjunction with in-house code to create a cutout section of a representative lithium-ion cell. Both anode and cathode structures are stochastically generated and applied with an advanced volume element generation technique to resolve small interface and boundary domains created by binder generation. The applied solid-stress model couples different stresses from local mechanical behavior for the different materials present in the system, considering the individual materials respective mechanical properties. The coupled stresses are used to predict deformation in the microstructure domain. Further analysis on the behavior of the deformation is enacted to gain insights on the design of the porous electrodes.Predictions of the electrodes’ deformation will be validated using experimental work at various length scales and compared to continuum porous electrode models from previous works. Furthermore, development of techniques using the FEA solid stress-model platform will be implemented to predict full cell-level deformation for various macro cell designs including jell-roll, pouch cells, and full module assemblies [3-8]. Ultimately, insights gained from the simulations will be used to understand irreversible deformation in electrodes after cycling and inform microstructure design- particularly for automotive-relevant applications [9]. J. S. Lopata, T. R. Garrick, F. Wang, H. Zhang, Y. Zeng and S. Shimpalee, ECSarXiv (2022).J. S. Lopata, T. R. Garrick, F. Wang, H. Zhang, Y. Zeng and S. Shimpalee, J Electrochem Soc, 170, 020530 (2023).D. J. Pereira, J. W. Weidner and T. R. Garrick, J Electrochem Soc, 166, A1251 (2019).D. J. Pereira, M. A. Fernandez, K. C. Streng, X. X. Hou, X. Gao, J. W. Weidner and T. R. Garrick, J Electrochem Soc, 167, 080515 (2020).D. J. Pereira, A. M. Aleman, J. W. Weidner and T. R. Garrick, J Electrochem Soc, 169, 020577 (2022).T. R. Garrick, K. Kanneganti, X. Y. Huang and J. W. Weidner, J Electrochem Soc, 161, E3297 (2014).T. R. Garrick, K. Higa, S.-L. Wu, Y. Dai, X. Huang, V. Srinivasan and J. W. Weidner, J Electrochem Soc, 164, E3592 (2017).T. R. Garrick, X. Huang, V. Srinivasan and J. W. Weidner, J Electrochem Soc, 164, E3552 (2017).T. R. Garrick and J. W. Weidner, in Electrochemical Society Meeting s 233, p. 1345 (2018).

Appraisal of Magic Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis Studies

An investigation was carried out to estimate genetic parameters, assess association and path coefficient analysis among growth, yield and yield attributes in Multiparent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A total of 100 MAGIC lines along with seven checks were evaluated in augmented design during summer 2022 at ZAHRS, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the advanced lines for all the traits under study. The variability studies among the lines revealed a higher Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV), Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), heritability and Genetic Advance as Percent of Mean (GAM) for majority of traits. The correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that traits tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, test weight and length/breadth ratio were positively associated with yield. Selection of lines with higher filled grains per panicle would be effective for yield improvement program along with the higher percentages of productive tillers per plant, panicle length and spikelet fertility.

Identification of resistant sources against Fusarium wilt of safflower

A field evaluation of 37 advanced generation breeding material and parental lines of safflower was carried out under wilt sick plot condition at Solapur, Tandur and IIOR, Hyderabad for identifying resistant sources against Fusarium wilt. Four genotypes viz., GMU-5032, GMU-4109, SAF-19-20, and SAF-19-09 were found resistant to Fusarium wilt at all three locations. These resistant sources can be used in breeding programme for development of a variety resistant to Fusarium wilt.

Application of Ni-based superalloy in aero turbine blade: A review

A superalloy is a high-performance alloy used for achieving stability and strength at elevated temperatures. Generally, a temperature of about 800°C is developed at the first stage of the aero turbine blade. So it is a challenge to choose a material that can withstand such high temperatures. Nowadays advanced generation single crystal Ni-based superalloys are being used for the fulfillment of high-temperature requirements in aero turbine components. But the continuous effort is being carried out to manufacture new materials that can withstand more and more temperatures generated at aero turbine because the high-temperature operation of the turbine is directly proportional to the efficiency of a turbine engine. The requirement of high-temperature application upgraded the Ni-based superalloy and different generations of alloys were prepared from time to time those were discussed in the paper. Recent developments of superalloys in the paper mainly include fifth and sixth generations of superalloys those incorporate Hf, Re, and Ru-like elements in significant amounts. A brief extension discussion has been placed on the types, processing, and hot deformation characteristics of Ni-based superalloys. VIM melting, single crystal growth, directional solidification, and powder metallurgy techniques for manufacturing Ni-based superalloys are discussed in detail. The strengthening mechanism and machinability behavior depict the characteristics of superalloys in a mechanical direction. Heat treatment and hot deformation behavior of Ni-based superalloy was precisely discussed in the context so as to correlate the strength of the material with the temperature change. Overall, the paper describes the origin, processing and characteristics of Nickel based superalloy in detail.

English

Drought is a significant abiotic stress that negatively impacts plant growth and can lead to substantial crop yield losses. Our study aimed to establish selection criteria for 200 spring-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes exposed to three different field-capacity (FC) levels (100%FC, 50%FC, 25%FC) in a growth chamber (seedling traits) and in the field under withholdirrigation conditions (yield traits). Variance, correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify genotypes with high tolerance to drought stress. The stress induction significantly affects morphophysiological traits i.e., root length, root weight (fresh, dry), fresh shoot weight, relative water contents and root shoot ratio in spring wheat genotypes at seedling stage. The traits flag leaf area, spike weight, grain weight/spike, biological and grain yield were interlinked and strongly influenced by drought in the field. The mean grain yield performance decreased from 21.85 g to 19.46 g under variable water regimes; however, the differences in harvest index and spikelets/spike were not significant. Among the tested genotypes, 9970 and 36-Eswyt-42 showed better root architecture development, leaf water management system, biological yield (66.07 g, 56.23 g) and grain yield (27.47 g, 28.78 g), respectively. The traits we identified may serve as an indirect selection index to enhance current semi-arid wheat germplasm and develop high-yielding drought-tolerant lines in advanced generations. Keywords: Mini core collection, Seedling and yield traits, Selection criteria, Variability analysis

Bioeconomy Transition Pathways – Potential Impacts for the EU Bio‐based Chemicals Sector

SummaryThe European Commission's Green Deal sets out a bold vision to meet the challenges of biodiversity protection and net‐zero emissions, whilst forging a pathway for a circular model of competitive growth and job creation. To achieve these multiple challenges, the bioeconomy has a key role to play, particularly in the deployment of biomass in higher value‐added industrial applications. To support evidence‐based policy modelling, the EU H2020 funded project BioMonitor represents a first step toward both improving data transparency, particularly in bio‐industrial activities, and the creation of a single toolbox for the purpose of performing integrated modelling assessments of the bioeconomy. Comparing with a baseline, this study presents results from a series of medium to long‐term bio‐based industry focused transition narratives. In particular, the focus is on the EU bio‐based chemicals sector employing results from an economy‐wide simulation model from the toolbox, called MAGNET.Publicly backed fiscal support policies, costing between 0.22–0.25% of EU GDP by 2050, generate notable improvements in EU bio‐based chemical sector production and employment generation, as well as synergetic production increases in advanced generation biofuels. There is evidence of decarbonisation in the EU bio‐based chemicals sector, although more tangible improvements are achieved with the implementation of accompanying climate‐ and sustainable bio‐energy policies.

Pollinator and habitat-mediated selection as potential contributors to ecological speciation in two closely related species.

In ecological speciation, incipient species diverge due to natural selection that is ecologically based. In flowering plants, different pollinators could mediate that selection (pollinator-mediated divergent selection) or other features of the environment that differ between habitats of 2 species could do so (environment-mediated divergent selection). Although these mechanisms are well understood, they have received little rigorous testing, as few studies of divergent selection across sites of closely related species include both floral traits that influence pollination and vegetative traits that influence survival. This study employed common gardens in sites of the 2 parental species and a hybrid site, each containing advanced generation hybrids along with the parental species, to test these forms of ecological speciation in plants of the genus Ipomopsis. A total of 3 vegetative traits (specific leaf area, leaf trichomes, and photosynthetic water-use efficiency) and 5 floral traits (corolla length and width, anther insertion, petal color, and nectar production) were analyzed for impacts on fitness components (survival to flowering and seeds per flower, respectively). These traits exhibited strong clines across the elevational gradient in the hybrid zone, with narrower clines in theory reflecting stronger selection or higher genetic variance. Plants with long corollas and inserted anthers had higher seeds per flower at the Ipomopsis tenuituba site, whereas selection favored the reverse condition at the Ipomopsis aggregata site, a signature of divergent selection. In contrast, no divergent selection due to variation in survival was detected on any vegetative trait. Selection within the hybrid zone most closely resembled selection within the I. aggregata site. Across traits, the strength of divergent selection was not significantly correlated with width of the cline, which was better predicted by evolvability (standardized genetic variance). These results support the role of pollinator-mediated divergent selection in ecological speciation and illustrate the importance of genetic variance in determining divergence across hybrid zones.

Determination of optimum row spacing for better seed yield and yield contributing characters of advanced mustard (Brassica napus L.) mutants in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at BINA substations, Rangpur and Magura in 2018-19 to evaluate the different row spacing on the yield and yield contributing characteristics of advance mustard lines RM-03, RM-07, RM-10 along with one check variety BARI sarisha-15 during Rabi season. BARI sarisha-15 was irradiated with 700 Gy Cobalt 60 (60Co) Gamma source and advanced mutant lines M6 generation of mustard mutant (RM-03, RM-07, RM-10) were evaluated along with the check variety BARI sarisha-15 using four different row spacings viz. 20cm, 25cm, 30cm and 35cm. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Among the advance lines, RM-03 produced the highest seed yield (1.60 t ha-1) followed by RM-10 (1.50 t ha-1). Among different line spacing, 20cm showed highest seed yield (1.66 t ha-1). The interaction of mutant/variety and location revealed that the yield of RM-10 was the highest (1.54 t ha-1) at Rangpur. The interaction effect of line spacing and location showed that 25cm line spacing produced the maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Magura followed by 20 cm (1.64 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant and line spacing showed that mutant line RM-03 at 20 cm produced maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant/variety, line spacing and location showed that RM-10 produced the highest seed yield (1.73 t ha-1) at 20cm line spacing in Rangpur followed by RM-07 (1.66 t ha-1) at same spacing. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 41-50, 2023

An Approach for Integration of User Requirement and Anthropometry Data in The Process Design of Reactor Main Control Room

The construction of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) using Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is an interesting scheme to support Net-Zero Carbon Emission. The SMR design is an advanced generation reactor with high safety and utilization features, especially the electricity needed and industry. Its modular size can also be applied to remote areas with lower construction costs compared to other types of power plants. Considering the geographical location and territory of Indonesia which is an archipelagic country, this type of reactor is suitable for application in Indonesia. To ensure safety and increase mastery of technology, it is necessary to create a simulator to support this program. Nonetheless, specific regulations govern human-machine interactions (HMI) which is covering the nuclear reactor simulators in Indonesia is not yet available. The research carried out is a review of the regulations that have been implemented in other countries, then provides a choice of operator condition designs, which are adjusted to the average size of Indonesian by considering anthropometric aspects and ergonomic aspects.

Moving towards a rolling front strategy for VERACEL's advanced-generation eucalypt hybrid breeding program

The eucalyptus breeding program at VERACEL started in the mid-1990s driven by the objective of producing outstanding clones adapted to the Bahia South (Brazil) environment, and thus creating highly productive stands with high quality pulpwood. The breeding population initially comprised several introduced pure species collections (mainly E. grandis and E. urophylla) from Australian provenances and ex-Brazilian hybrids (mostly E. urophylla × E. grandis). These populations were first structured according to a typical reciprocal recurrent selection scheme to identify outstanding urograndis F1 hybrids. In the early 2000s, the program developed and tested several second-generation F1 hybrids, in addition to some progeny and clonal trials with a few introduced new species and hybrids. More recently, starting in 2016, a new set of F2 progeny and clonal hybrid trials were established from previously selected F1 parents. This second generation of hybrids was complemented with other 2-way and 3-way hybrid crosses to form an advanced generation synthetic population. To manage such breeding population, including pure species, F1 and advanced F2 hybrids, and backcross hybrids, VERACEL is restructuring its breeding program to implement a more flexible multispecies rolling front selection and mating scheme. This would allow the strategy to effectively combine all available phenotypic and pedigree information. Currently, the database, spanning three generations of breeding, includes 105 progeny and clonal trials, over 2,300 individual clones, and more than 30,000 pure and hybrid seedling progenies. We expect that the breeding and selection strategy will ensure optimum long-term progress in the additive genetic merit of selected parents, as well as exploit the hybrid heterosis and non-additive genetic effects to identify outstanding clones in the short term. Our study describes in some detail the current state-of-the-art of VERACEL’s breeding and clonal populations, and discusses key elements of this strategy. We discuss the challenges posed by the increasing relevance of good adaptations to climate change and diseases, and the complex genetics of inter-specific hybridization, especially as the program enters its 3rd generation of testing and selections.

Patterns of genetic diversity and structure of Eucalyptus grandis breeding population in Kenya: Implication for genetic improvement

Eucalyptus grandis is an important commercial plantation tree species providing raw materials for many industrial products. The species is widely cultivated in the tropics because of its wood quality and adaptability to wider climatic conditions, and is currently undergoing genetic improvement in Kenya for first growth and superior wood quality. Generally, tree breeding operations involve recurrent selection of genetically superior individuals, which potentially alters genetic diversity in the breeding populations. It is therefore essential to determine the genetic diversity of breeding populations to support improvement programmes. We evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of 250 individuals from five first generation breeding populations of E. grandis in Kenya using seventeen nuclear microsatellite markers. The microsatellite markers revealed an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.826, confirming their suitability for discriminating the genotypes and populations. High genetic diversity was found within all the breeding populations. The number of alleles per population (Na), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and Shannon’s information index (I) averaged at 6.9, 0.801, 0.821, and 1.662, respectively. The findings indicate that the breeding population has high levels of genetic variability offering possibilities to develop advanced generation breeding programmes for the species. Furthermore, lower fixation index (F) was detected in the seed trees (-0.101) than their offspring (0.121), suggesting selection against inbred individuals between seedling and adult stages. The genetic differentiation among the breeding populations was low and non-significant (Rst = 0.017; P = 0.117), indicating close genetic relationship among the germplasm used to establish the breeding populations. The studied breeding populations are viable for genetic improvement; however, new genetic infusions are recommended to expand the gene pool in the subsequent breeding generations.

UTOP accident analysis and mitigation measures of lead-cooled fast reactor considering coupling effect with SCO2 Brayton cycle

The lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) coupled with SCO2 Brayton cycle is an advanced nuclear power generation system which has high efficiency and high compactness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of coupling effect between LFR and SCO2 cycle on the safety analysis of unprotected transient overpower (UTOP) accident, and to propose mitigation measures to UTOP accident with the aid of SCO2 cycle. Firstly, the dynamic simulation model of a 100 MW small modular natural circulation LFR coupled with SCO2 Brayton cycle was developed using APROS software, and was verified through the steady-state and transient simulations. Secondly, the UTOP accident of the LFR coupled with SCO2 Brayton cycle was analyzed, including a comparative case which simplified SCO2 cycle as a fixed boundary in the analysis. Finally, two measures to mitigate the UTOP accident by charging more SCO2 to the circulation loop from the storage tank and by maintaining constant SCO2 temperature at the inlet of in-reactor heat exchangers (IRHXs) were proposed. The results indicate that the conventional method of simplifying power generation system as the fixed boundary underestimated the severity of accident. Specifically, the maximum fuel cladding temperature was about 40 °C higher when considering the coupling effect of reactor and SCO2 cycle than that of assuming SCO2 cycle as the fixed boundary, which greatly exceeded the safety limit. Moreover, within the scope of present UTOP accident conditions, the measures proposed in this study could mitigate the severity of accident. The maximum cladding temperature was reduced by 15–23 °C in the condition of maintaining constant SCO2 temperature at IRHX inlet, and was reduced by 5–7 °C in the condition of charging more SCO2 to the circulation loop, compared with the condition not applying any measures.

Exploring reproductive biology in Eucalyptus globulus clones under distinct climatic conditions

AbstractDespite the great economic benefits, one of the major threats of introducing species into exotic ranges is their ability to regenerate and spread to novel environments. For example, Eucalyptus globulus plantations have been established in many parts of the world, using seedlings or clonal material, the latter often from advanced generation tree improvement programs. However, major concerns exist about this species’ ability to invade non-native areas. Therefore, it is necessary to study whether breeding programs affect this species’ reproductive biology to assess the risk of invasiveness of these improved trees. In this sense, this work compared the E. globulus phenological behaviour and reproductive structures production of three clonal and one seedling-based stand across two distinct climatic zones (mesic and xeric) in Portugal. Through binocular observation, four different stands (seedlings descending from open-pollinated crosses and three clonal-stands) were monitored every three weeks for different reproductive phenological stages, namely the presence of flowers and capsules. Clonal stands presented a shorter flowering season, less abundant reproductive structures, and higher phenological variability across sites than seedling-based stands. Phenological patterns and fructification abundance also varied between the three clonal stands. These results suggest that clones with decreased reproductive ability can be chosen during the breeding process, lowering the dispersal risk while enhancing productivity. Thus, understanding the phenological behaviour of E. globulus is critical to more sustainable agroforestry by reducing the spread risks.

Genetic Enhancement for Biotic Stress Resistance in Basmati Rice through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding.

Pusa Basmati 1509 (PB1509) is one of the major foreign-exchange-earning varieties of Basmati rice; it is semi-dwarf and early maturing with exceptional cooking quality and strong aroma. However, it is highly susceptible to various biotic stresses including bacterial blight and blast. Therefore, bacterial blight resistance genes, namely, xa13 + Xa21 and Xa38, and fungal blast resistance genes Pi9 + Pib and Pita were incorporated into the genetic background of recurrent parent (RP) PB1509 using donor parents, namely, Pusa Basmati 1718 (PB1718), Pusa 1927 (P1927), Pusa 1929 (P1929) and Tetep, respectively. Foreground selection was carried out with respective gene-linked markers, stringent phenotypic selection for recurrent parent phenotype, early generation background selection with Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and background analysis at advanced generations with Rice Pan Genome Array comprising 80K SNPs. This has led to the development of Near isogenic lines (NILs), namely, Pusa 3037, Pusa 3054, Pusa 3060 and Pusa 3066 carrying genes xa13 + Xa21, Xa38, Pi9 + Pib and Pita with genomic similarity of 98.25%, 98.92%, 97.38% and 97.69%, respectively, as compared to the RP. Based on GGE-biplot analysis, Pusa 3037-1-44-3-164-20-249-2 carrying xa13 + Xa21, Pusa 3054-2-47-7-166-24-261-3 carrying Xa38, Pusa 3060-3-55-17-157-4-124-1 carrying Pi9 + Pib, and Pusa 3066-4-56-20-159-8-174-1 carrying Pita were identified to be relatively stable and better-performing individuals in the tested environments. Intercrossing between the best BC3F1s has led to the generation of Pusa 3122 (xa13 + Xa21 + Xa38), Pusa 3124 (Xa38 + Pi9 + Pib) and Pusa 3123 (Pi9 + Pib + Pita) with agronomy, grain and cooking quality parameters at par with PB1509. Cultivation of such improved varieties will help farmers reduce the cost of cultivation with decreased pesticide use and improve productivity with ensured safety to consumers.

Pure-quartic Bragg solitons in chip-scale nonlinear integrated circuits

Pure-quartic solitons have gained significant attention recently due to their ability to achieve higher energy than classical solitons for short pulse durations, leveraging the interaction between self-phase modulation and anomalous fourth-order dispersion. However, challenges in generating the required dispersion profile and the scarcity of sufficiently low-loss devices with high nonlinearity and negligible nonlinear loss have restricted experimental progress. In this paper, we report a class of pure-quartic Bragg solitons that balances self-phase modulation and the ultra-strong Bragg-grating-induced negative fourth-order dispersion in combination with negligible group velocity dispersion and negligible third-order dispersion. We demonstrate pure-quartic Bragg soliton-effect compression of 2.4× in a compact millimeter-scale integrated low-loss and highly nonlinear waveguide circuit. Our findings show the potential of exploiting the exceptional dispersion profile of nonlinear Bragg gratings for advanced soliton generation and pulse shaping, particularly the advantageous energy scaling and associated compression of pure-quartic solitons.

Metal-free photoanodes for C–H functionalization

Organic semiconductors, such as carbon nitride, when employed as powders, show attractive photocatalytic properties, but their photoelectrochemical performance suffers from low charge transport capability, charge carrier recombination, and self-oxidation. High film-substrate affinity and well-designed heterojunction structures may address these issues, achieved through advanced film generation techniques. Here, we introduce a spin coating pretreatment of a conductive substrate with a multipurpose polymer and a supramolecular precursor, followed by chemical vapor deposition for the synthesis of dual-layer carbon nitride photoelectrodes. These photoelectrodes are composed of a porous microtubular top layer and an interlayer between the porous film and the conductive substrate. The polymer improves the polymerization degree of carbon nitride and introduces C-C bonds to increase its electrical conductivity. These carbon nitride photoelectrodes exhibit state-of-the-art photoelectrochemical performance and achieve high yield in C-H functionalization. This carbon nitride photoelectrode synthesis strategy may be readily adapted to other reported processes to optimize their performance.

Predicting, Validation of Frequency of Transgressive Recombinant Inbred Lines and Minimum Population Size Required to Recover them in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Background: Identification of transgressive recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that can be use as pure-line cultivars is the prime objective of a breeder in self-pollinated crops including groundnut.
 Aim: Thus, identification of such promising segregating generations assumes importance. This can be achieved by predicting the transgressive RILs that could be derived from advanced generations of segregating population.
 Materials and Methods: In our study we predicted and validated transgressive RILs derived from cross TMV 2 × GPBD 4 for five quantitative traits based on estimates of mid parental value [m], additive genetic effects [a] and additive genetic variance [σ2A].
 Results: the frequency of transgressive RILs was higher for all the five traits. Primary branches per plant had highest frequency of predicted transgressive RILs with minimum population size of 6.95. Narrow difference between the predicted and realised frequency of RILs was seen.
 Conclusion: Our results indicate that this approach could be the efficient in selecting the best breeding population out of many number of crosses made.

Editorial: Role of mathematical modeling in advanced power generation systems

Editorial: Role of mathematical modeling in advanced power generation systems

Are yarn quality prediction tools useful in the breeding of high yielding and better fibre quality cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)?

BackgroundThe approach of directly testing yarn quality to define fibre quality breeding objectives and progress the selection is attractive but difficult when considering the need for time and labour. The question remains whether yarn prediction tools from textile research can serve as an alternative. In this study, using a dataset from three seasons of field testing recombinant inbred line population, Cottonspec, a software developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for predicting ring spun yarn quality from fibre properties measured by High Volume Instrument (HVI), was used to select improved fibre quality and lint yield in the population. The population was derived from an advanced generation inter-crossing of four CSIRO conventional commercial varieties. The Cottonspec program was able to provide an integrated index of the fibre qualities affecting yarn properties. That was compared with selection based on HVI-measured fibre properties, and two composite fibre quality variables, namely, fibre quality index (FQI), and premium and discount (PD) points. The latter represents the net points of fibre length, strength, and micronaire based on the Premiums and Discounts Schedule used in the market while modified by the inclusion of elongation.ResultsThe population had large variations for lint yield, fibre properties, predicted yarn properties, and composite fibre quality values. Lint yield with all fibre quality traits was not correlated. When the selection was conducted first to keep those with improved fibre quality, and followed for high yields, a large proportion in the resultant populations was the same between selections based on Cottonspec predicted yarn quality and HVI-measured fibre properties. They both exceeded the selection based on FQI and PD points.ConclusionsThe population contained elite segregants with improved yield and fibre properties, and Cottonspec predicted yarn quality is useful to effectively capture these elites. There is a need to further develop yarn quality prediction tools through collaborative efforts with textile mills, to draw better connectedness between fibre and yarn quality. This connection will support the entire cotton value chain research and evolution.

A Survey of Controllable Text Generation Using Transformer-based Pre-trained Language Models

Controllable Text Generation (CTG) is an emerging area in the field of natural language generation (NLG). It is regarded as crucial for the development of advanced text generation technologies that better meet the specific constraints in practical applications. In recent years, methods using large-scale pre-trained language models (PLMs), in particular the widely used Transformer-based PLMs, have become a new paradigm of NLG, allowing generation of more diverse and fluent text. However, due to the limited level of interpretability of deep neural networks, the controllability of these methods needs to be guaranteed. To this end, controllable text generation using Transformer-based PLMs has become a rapidly growing yet challenging new research hotspot. A diverse range of approaches have emerged in the past 3 to 4 years, targeting different CTG tasks that require different types of controlled constraints. In this article, we present a systematic critical review on the common tasks, main approaches, and evaluation methods in this area. Finally, we discuss the challenges that the field is facing, and put forward various promising future directions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey article to summarize the state-of-the-art CTG techniques from the perspective of Transformer-based PLMs. We hope it can help researchers and practitioners in the related fields to quickly track the academic and technological frontier, providing them with a landscape of the area and a roadmap for future research.