Significant Linear Relationship Research Articles

Meta-Analytic Modeling of the Severity-Yield Relationships in Soybean Frogeye Leaf Spot Epidemics.

Frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by Cercospora sojina, is an important foliar disease affecting soybean in the United States. A meta-analytic approach including 39 fungicide trials conducted from 2012 to 2021 across eight states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee) was used to assess the relationship between FLS severity and soybean yield. Correlation and regression analyses were performed separately to determine Fisher's transformation of correlation coefficients (Zr), intercept (β0) and slope (β1). Disease pressure (low severity, ≤34.5; high severity, >34.5%) and yield class (low, ≤3,352; high, >3,352 kg/ha) were included as categorical moderators. Pearson's [Formula: see text], obtained from back-transforming the [Formula: see text]r estimated by an overall random-effects model, showed a significant negative linear relationship between FLS severity and yield ([Formula: see text] = -0.60). The [Formula: see text]r was affected by disease pressure (P = 0.0003) but not by yield class (P = 0.8141). A random-coefficient model estimated a slope of -19 kg/ha for each percent severity for a mean attainable yield of 3,719.9 kg/ha. Based on the overall mean (95% CI) of the intercept and slope estimated by the random-coefficients model, the estimated overall relative damage coefficient was 0.51% (0.36 to 0.69), indicating that a percent increase in FLS severity reduced yield by 0.51%. The best model included yield class as a covariate, and population-average intercepts differed significantly between low (3,455.1 kg/ha) and high (3,842.7 kg/ha) yield classes. This highlights the potential impact of FLS on soybean yield if not managed and may help in disease management decisions.

Exploring the Correlation Between the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), and Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy.

Systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are new inflammation indicators calculated after integrating multiple indicators in blood routine. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the SII, SIRI and type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR) and the diagnostic significance of these indices in T2DR. A retrospective analysis involved 500 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), categorized into two groups based on fundus examination results: the non-diabetic retinopathy group (NDR, n=256) and the diabetic retinopathy group (DR, n=244). We calculated SII and SIRI, and analyzed their associations with T2DR. The DR group exhibited significantly higher SII and SIRI values compared to the NDR group (P<0.001). Mantel-Haenszel's chi-square trend analysis revealed a notable linear trend (P<0.001) between SII, SIRI, and DR. SII and SIRI exhibited moderate positive correlations with DR, (r=0.354, P<0.001; r=0.469, P<0.001), respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis identified SII and SIRI as independent risk factors for DR. Restrictive cubic spline analysis demonstrated a significant linear relationship between SII and DR (P total trend <0.001, P nonlinear = 0.0657). Stratification by gender indicated that SII is more sensitive to the onset of DR in men. A significant nonlinear relationship was observed between SIRI and DR (P total trend <0.001, P nonlinear = 0.0025), with no gender-related differences in SIRI's association with DR. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined use of SII and SIRI achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy for DR, with an AUC of 0.782, 74.6% sensitivity, and 69.9% specificity. Our findings suggested that SII and SIRI as independent risk factors for DR. The high accuracy of SII combined with SIRI in diagnosing DR underscores their potential as early biological indicators for DR diagnosis.

Influence of Field and Storage Diseases and Pests on Tuber Yield and Quality of Exotic and Local Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Genotypes

Field and storage trials were conducted to assess the response of exotic and local yam genotypes to major diseases (anthracnose, yam mosaic virus (YMV) and dry rot) and pests (i.e., mealy bug and nematodes) for the identification of parents with desired complementary traits for crossing. The experiment was conducted at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) experimental site in Sierra Leone during two cropping seasons, 2020 and 2021. A total of 113 genotypes of yam comprising 15 D. rotundata, 4 D. prahensilis, 7 D. esculenta, 74 D. alata, 7 D. bulbifera, and 4 D. cayenensis were assessed. Results showed a significant (p &lt; 0.001) linear relationship between yield and disease severity among yam genotypes. In-field disease (anthracnose and yam mosaic virus) infection accounted for 38% of the total variation observed in the fresh tuber yield. Findings on fresh tuber yield revealed that for every ton increase in yield of yams, anthracnose and YMV severities at five months after planting (MAP) decreased by 0.5 and 3.1 units, respectively. About 30 genotypes had low infection of disease, of which two belonged to D. rotundata (TDr 205 and TDr 96/00587), two belonged to D. prahensilis (PSLY074-13 and BMSLY085-13), three belonged to D. bulbifera (MOSLY022-12, MOSLY024-12 and KESLY09-12), and one belonged to D. esculenta (WRSLY083-13), while the remaining were D. alata. About 27 genotypes had intermediate infection, and 14 had high disease susceptibility, all of which belonged to D. alata. Storage disease infection had a highly significant (p &lt; 0.002) linear relationship among yam genotypes. Dry rot, mealy bug, and nematode infection accounted for 15.1% of the total variation in fresh tuber weight loss. The findings were relevant for selecting parents with complementary traits of interest targeted at yam population improvement.

Reduced ascorbate pool and its maintenance are important determinants of O3 damage to net photosynthetic rate in Fagus crenata under elevated CO2 and soil N supply

Many studies have reported modification in the degree of O3 damage to photosynthesis by elevated CO2 and soil N supply. However, the mechanism underlying the modification is unclear. To clarify the important determinants in the degree of O3 damage to net photosynthetic rate (A) in the leaves of Fagus crenata (Siebold's beech) under elevated CO2 and with different soil N supply, F. crenata seedlings were grown for two growing seasons under combinations of two O3 levels (low concentration at approximately 4 nmol mol−1 and two times the ambient concentration), two CO2 levels (ambient and 700 μmol mol−1), and three levels of soil N supply (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha−1 year−1). During the second growing season, we determined A, stomatal conductance for calculating phytotoxic O3 dose (POD), antioxidant concentrations, and antioxidative enzyme activities in the leaves for evaluating O3 detoxification capacity. We calculated the O3-induced reduction in mean A (ΔAmean) during the second growing season using the data reported in our previous study and plotted it against mean daily POD without flux threshold (POD0). There was no significant linear nor non-linear relationship, suggesting that not only POD0 but also O3 detoxification capacity are important determinants of ΔAmean under elevated CO2 and N supply. We found significant negative linear relationships of ΔAmean per unit POD0 (ΔAmean/POD0) with reduced ascorbate concentration in the low O3 treatment, and with percentage of O3-induced change in activity of monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR). In addition, the ΔAmean/POD0 was positively and significantly correlated with the activity ratio of ascorbate peroxidase to MDAR. These results suggest that reduced ascorbate pool and its maintenance through the action of MDAR could be important determinants in the degree of O3 damage to net photosynthesis under elevated CO2 and soil N supply.

Response Mechanism of Annual Streamflow Decline to Vegetation Growth and Climate Change in the Han River Basin, China

Vegetation changes have a significant impact on the underlying surface of a watershed and alter hydrological processes. To clarify the synergistic evolution relationship between climate, vegetation, and hydrology, this study aims to reveal how vegetation restoration influences streamflow decline. This study first applied the trend-free pre-whitening Mann–Kendall (TFPW-MK) method to identify variation trends of various elements at Baihe and Shayang hydrologic stations from 1982 to 2015. Secondly, an extended Budyko equation was improved by fitting the linear relationship between annual NDVI and Budyko parameter (ω). Finally, based on the extended Budyko formula, the elastic coefficient method was applied to identify the influence of vegetation changes on runoff changes of the Baihe and Shayang stations from 1982 to 2015. The results displayed that (1) the annual NDVI of Baihe and Shayang hydrologic stations both presented an increasing trend, and streamflow presented an insignificant decrease trend. The mutation year of the annual runoff depth of Baihe and Shayang stations both occurred in 1990. (2) The annual NDVI had a significant and positive linear relationship with ω. (3) The streamflow decline of Baihe and Shayang stations is mainly influenced by precipitation variation and human activities. (4) Vegetation growth had a positive effect on the streamflow decline of Baihe and Shayang stations, with a contribution rate of 14.06% and 17.87%. This effect of vegetation growth on discharge attenuation should be given high priority.

Impact of the workforce allocation on the technical performance of mental health services: the collective case of Helsinki-Uusimaa (Finland)

BackgroundLong-term mental health (MH) policies in Finland aimed at investing in community care and promoting reforms have led to a reduction in the number of psychiatric hospital beds. However, most resources are still allocated to hospital and community residential services due to various social, economic and political factors. Despite previous research focussing on the number and cost of these services, no study has evaluated the emerging patterns of use, their technical performance and the relationship with the workforce structure.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to observe the patterns of use and their technical performance (efficiency) of the main types of care of MH services in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region (Finland), and to analyse the potential relationship between technical performance and the corresponding workforce structure.MethodsThe sample included acute hospital residential care, non-hospital residential care and outpatient care services. The analysis was conducted using regression analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, fuzzy inference and data envelopment analysis.ResultsThe analysis showed a statistically significant linear relationship between the number of service users and the length of stay, number of beds in non-hospital residential care and number of contacts in outpatient care services. The three service types displayed a similar pattern of technical performance, with high relative technical efficiency on average and a low probability of being efficient. The most efficient acute hospital and outpatient care services integrated multidisciplinary teams, while psychiatrists and nurses characterized non-hospital residential care.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the number of resources and utilization variables were linearly related to the number of users and that the relative technical efficiency of the services was similar across all types. This suggests homogenous MH management with small variations based on workforce allocation. Therefore, the distribution of workforce capacity should be considered in the development of effective policies and interventions in the southern Finnish MH system.

BUSINESS OR POLITICS: EXPLORING THE DETERMINANTS OF POLICY MIX IN SOUTH ASIA

This study explores the determinants of policy mix in South Asia from 2000 to 2022, by using panel least squares and fixed/random effect models. We have used defense spending, health and education expenditures, corruption levels, and financial development, whereas policy mix, monetary freedom and fiscal freedom have been used as dependent variables. In South Asian nations, defense spending have statistically insignificant and adverse affect on policy mix. Conversely, higher investments in health and education show a notable positive impact on the policy mix, contributing to overall well-being and economic stability. Corruption levels and financial development do not significantly correlate with the policy mix. Our study also uncovers distinct relationships between these independent variables and fiscal and monetary freedom. Defense expenditures negatively affect fiscal freedom, while health and education spending plays a positive role. A well-educated and healthy workforce significantly enhances fiscal freedom. Corruption levels have no significant linear relationship with fiscal freedom, but financial development creates a trade-off between financial stability and fiscal freedom. Interestingly, defense expenditures positively affect monetary freedom, highlighting their role in creating a secure environment for investments. Education spending also positively impacts monetary freedom. Corruption levels do not significantly correlate with monetary freedom, but financial development negatively affects it, indicating a trade-off between financial development and monetary freedom. To enhance policy mix and economic and monetary stability in South Asia, we recommend strategically allocating more resources to the health and education sectors. Careful assessment and possible reallocation of defense budgets can reduce the fiscal burden and promote efficient resource utilization. Balancing defense spending with economic priorities can maximize its positive impact on monetary freedom, stimulating economic growth in the region.

SERS and MRS signals engineered dual-mode aptasensor for simultaneous distinguishment of aflatoxin subtypes

The accurate monitoring of aflatoxin subtypes is vitally important for food safety. Herein, a dual-mode aptasensor with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and magnetic relaxation switching (MRS) signals is developed for the detection of aflatoxin B1, B2 and M1 (i.e. AFB1, AFB2 and AFM1). Au-Ag Janus NPs and Au-mushroom NPs are prepared and show intense and non-interfering SERS peaks without the additional modification of Raman molecules, and are utilized as SERS nanotags for the distinguishment of AFB1 and AFB2. Fe3O4@Au NPs functionalized by AFM1 aptamers are applied as MRS nanoprobes for the monitoring of AFM1. Aptamers engineered SERS nanotags and MRS nanoprobes are assembled, and show strong SERS performances and high transverse relaxation time (T2). AFB1, AFB2 and AFM1 induce the separation of SERS nanotags from the assemblies and the dispersion of Fe3O4@Au NPs, resulting in the decrease of SERS signals at 1278 cm−1 and 1000 cm−1 as well as the reduction of T2 values. The dual-mode but three kinds of detection signals don’t interfere with each other and exhibit a significant linear relationship with the concentration of targets. This platform provides a high throughput monitoring strategy for the simultaneous analysis of different subtypes of mycotoxin.

Study on the mechanism of nitrogen conversion in NH3-doped methane premixed flame based on multi-spectral analysis methods

It is essential to obtain the in-situ key radicals and components in the combustion process of NH3 oxidation to reveal the volatile nitrogen conversion mechanism. In this work, multi-spectral analysis methods, including image spectroscopy, Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), and plane laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) were used to obtain the spatial distribution characteristics of the main excited radicals (C2*/CH*/CN*/OH*), H2O, and NO in NH3-doped methane flames, respectively. Furthermore, the kinetic simulation was combined to obtain the key reactions and main pathways of nitrogen conversion. The experimental results showed that when the concentration of NH3 was low, the NO generated in lean flame was less than that in rich flame, which was more than that in rich flame when the concentration of NH3 was high. NH3 also promoted the formation of H2O in flames. The image spectral intensity of CN* had a significant linear relationship with the CN concentration obtained by simulation, indicating that CN* was mainly generated by CN thermal excitation. The results of sensitivity and path analysis indicated that rich flame contributed to the reaction of N-species with H and that high NH3 concentration promoted the conversion of NH2 to HNO. With increasing NH3 concentration and equivalence ratio, the proportion of CH3 conversion to C2H6 was enhanced, while the proportion of CH3 oxidized decreased. This work reveals the mechanism of volatile nitrogen (NH3) conversion and the influence of equivalence ratio and NH3 concentration on it, which provides theoretical guidance for NOx emission reduction.

Hyperspectral imaging for estimating leaf, flower, and fruit macronutrient concentrations and predicting strawberry yields

Managing the nutritional status of strawberry plants is critical for optimizing yield. This study evaluated the potential of hyperspectral imaging (400–1,000 nm) to estimate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) concentrations in strawberry leaves, flowers, unripe fruit, and ripe fruit and to predict plant yield. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed to estimate nutrient concentrations. The determination coefficient of prediction (R2P) and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) were used to evaluate prediction accuracy, which often proved to be greater for leaves, flowers, and unripe fruit than for ripe fruit. The prediction accuracies for N concentration were R2P = 0.64, 0.60, 0.81, and 0.30, and RPD = 1.64, 1.59, 2.64, and 1.31, for leaves, flowers, unripe fruit, and ripe fruit, respectively. Prediction accuracies for Ca concentrations were R2P = 0.70, 0.62, 0.61, and 0.03, and RPD = 1.77, 1.63, 1.60, and 1.15, for the same respective plant parts. Yield and fruit mass only had significant linear relationships with the Difference Vegetation Index (R2 = 0.256 and 0.266, respectively) among the eleven vegetation indices tested. Hyperspectral imaging showed potential for estimating nutrient status in strawberry crops. This technology will assist growers to make rapid nutrient-management decisions, allowing for optimal yield and quality.

Effects of Lower Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus on Growth Performance and Bone Mineralizatıon of Broilers

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate-phosphorus (NPP) levels at 2:1 constant ratio on performance, carcase parameters and bone mineralization of Ross-308 broilers. A total of 11400 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments with twelve replicates and were fed starter diets including either recommended (control treatment, T1) or a 6.25% lower level of both Ca and NPP according to breeder’s recommendations during starter period (SP). After SP, control treatment (T1) continued to be provided through diets containing 0.87 and 0.78 % Ca for grower (GP) and finisher periods (FP), respectively, while 6.25 % reduced group was divided into 4 dietary treatments regarding extent of decrease in Ca and NPP levels and provided by diets containing 0.79;0.65 (T2), 0.79;0.60 (T3), 0.75;0.65 (T4), and 0.75;0.60 (T5) % Ca for GP and FP, respectively. After SP, moderate and even substantial reduction of Ca and NPP significantly decreased feed intake (FI) (quadratic, P&lt;0.05), but obtained similar body weight gain (BWG) and FCR compared to the control (P&gt;0.05). On the other hand, reduced dietary Ca through T1 to T5 significantly decreased the total Ca and NPP intake of broilers (linear and quadratic, P&lt;0.01), and accompanied to significant linear and quadratic relationship between Ca intake and FCR and BWG respectively. It can be concluded that reducing Ca level down to 0.75 and 0.60 % in grower and finisher phase, respectively are possible without compromising the growth performance and bone mineralization of modern broilers.

Assessing the performance of regular surgical nose masks as a sampling method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in a cross-sectional study.

Nose masks are widely worn for protection against respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. They have been reported as possible substrates for viral sampling and testing for COVID-19 but, evaluations have so far been purposive; involving individuals known to have the infection and using improved materials on the nose masks to trap the virus. We investigated the feasibility of using the regular 3-ply surgical masks and, voluntary coughing as a mode of particle expulsion for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections in a cross-sectional study at Ghana's first COVID-19 testing reference laboratory, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. Paired samples of naso-oropharyngeal swabs and nose masks already worn by 103 consenting adult participants (retro masks) were collected. Participants were also required to produce three strong coughs into a newly supplied sterile surgical nose mask. Pre-wetted swabs in Viral Transport Media (VTM) were used in swabbing the inner lining of each nose mask. The swabs used were then stored in VTM to maintain the integrity of the samples. PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 detection from the nose masks were compared to those from naso-oropharyngeal swabs ('gold-standard'). Out of the 103 participants tested with all three methods, 66 individuals sampled with naso-oropharyngeal swabs were detected as positive, and the retro and new masks matched 9 and 4, respectively. Only 3 individuals were positive across all three sampling methods accessed. The retro nose masks performed better in matching the gold-standard results than the new mask + coughing method, with 90% vs 80% sensitivity, positive predictive value of 13.6% vs 6%, and a weak but significant linear relationship (adj. R2 = 0.1; P = 0.0004). Importantly, we also show that the nose masks would work for sampling whether individuals are symptomatic or asymptomatic since gold-standard PCR cycling threshold (Ct) values for positive individuals did not differ between the two groups (P< 0.05). We recommend including features such as talking during participant engagement, use of a spontaneous cough inducer and increased coughing bouts > 3, to improve the performance of sterile nose masks for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Changes in groundwater dynamics and geochemical evolution induced by drainage reorganization: Evidence from 81Kr and 36Cl dating of geothermal water in the Weihe Basin of China

81Kr and 36Cl can both be used to date groundwater beyond the dating range of 14C. 81Kr usually provides reliable groundwater ages because it has uniform initial distribution and negligible subsurface generation, while 36Cl is commonly influenced by subsurface sources or “dead” chloride dissolution. Therefore, the combined use of 81Kr and 36Cl could provide clues on the evolution history of groundwater. In the present study, we performed 36Cl and 81Kr dating of geothermal water in Weihe Basin of China and interpreted the possible cause of disagreement. Two distinct water masses were identified with distinctive isotopic signals: groundwater with significant δ18O shifts (up to −2.0‰), dissolved dead Cl and ages < 1.0 Ma (Cluster A), and older water with little δ18O shifts, negligible dissolved Cl and ages >1.0 Ma (Cluster B). The results confirm the eastward flow path of Cluster B to the Ancient Sanmen Lake with an increasing trend of Cl concentration and age. Modern recharge from the mountains flows to the basin center with intense interaction between water and carbonate under respective reservoir temperatures (100 ∼ 130 °C). These waters flow through the saline stratum emerging from the spillover of the Ancient Sanmen Lake, resulting in higher dead Cl dissolution. A significant linear relationship is observed with the older end-member of ∼1.3Ma under the topographically-driven faster circulation effect. 81Kr ages seem to support the hypothesis that the birth of the modern Yellow River was at about 1.0–1.3 Ma. We inferred the drainage reorganization from the Ancient Sanmen Lake to the modern Yellow River since the Mid-Pleistocene Transition induced the change in groundwater dynamics as well as its chemical evolution. The excavation of the Ancient Sanmen Lake and the accentuated incision of the Weihe River induced groundwater gradient, and therefore the recharge from precipitation from both slopes of the Qinling Mountains in the south and the Beishan Mountains in the north. Our results highlight the effects of dead Cl on 36Cl dating and demonstrate the significant impact of catchment reorganization on groundwater dynamics and its chemistry.

Analysis of micromechanical response to viscoelastic and plastic behaviors of asphalt mixture using a smart sensing technology

The damage evolution of asphalt pavement is intrinsically related to mechanical behaviors of asphalt mixture. Knowing the micromechanical responses of asphalt mixture is of great significance for essentially revealing the pavement damage evolution. This study aims to measure the inter-particle contact force among aggregates in laboratory tests by utilizing a Smart Aggregate, and investigate the micromechanical responses to viscoelastic and plastic behaviors of asphalt mixture in real time. Various uniaxial loading tests, including compression-recovery test, dynamic loading test, penetration test and creep test, were conducted on the asphalt mixture with Smart Aggregate inside. After that, the evolution of inter-particle contact force was comprehensively analyzed for the macroscopic mechanical behaviors in view of particle level. Results indicates that the Smart Aggregate performs well in sensing the evolution of micromechanical behaviors for asphalt mixture under external loads. The measured force along with loading direction (i.e. FSA_Z) follows well with the strain variation of asphalt mixture during the stress-controlled loading tests. The FSA_Z has a significant linear relation to the strain of asphalt mixture, and the correlation coefficients of FSA_Z amplitude with compressive strain and recoverable strain are 0.994 and 0.986, respectively. As the maximum strain amplitude of asphalt mixture is less than 0.006% under dynamic load, the FSA_Z exhibits in lower level even though the stress amplitudes are larger at lower temperature. After the local strain is more than 0.4%, FSA_Z varies with a same trend to the stress evolution of asphalt mixture when it takes a plastic deformation. Strain, which is associated to micro displacements of aggregates and change of their interactions, plays the fundamental role in transmitting the loading stress to the Smart Aggregate.

Weather conditions and ski resorts’ vitality: Linear and non-linear effects

Weather is crucial to the ski industry's demand and supply sides, but its comprehensive and varied impacts on ski resorts are not well understood. Thus, this study develops a systematic evaluation system for ski resorts based on concept of vitality, which includes place, people and activities, representing the supply and demand sides with subjective and objective measures. We then examine linear and non-linear impacts of weather on ski resorts' vitality in China using u-tests and quadratic models. Results show that temperature has a significant linear relationship with the vitality of ski resorts, while wind speed and snowy days show non-linear relationships. Snowy days exhibit a U-shaped relationship with ski resort attractiveness, while wind speed displays an inverse U-shaped relationship with ski activity. The findings have implications for the climatic research in tourism field and practical implications for the management of ski resorts. Management implications●Ski industry stakeholder should prioritize their attention to climate change, given the significant correlation between climate conditions and ski resorts' vitality.●Ski resorts with favorable climate conditions and high vitality, such as those in Xinjiang and Northeast China, should develop brand strategies and capitalize on their advantages in the face of climate change.●Ski resorts that are more vulnerable to climate change and have low vitality should acknowledge it as a primary challenge and diversify their offerings with non-snow activities to attract a broader range of visitors.●Indoor ski resorts in southern China, which are less dependent on weather conditions, have emerged and may offer additional opportunities for development in the context of climate change.

Accumulation of Sulfonamides and Macrolides Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Soils with Different Utilization Patterns in China

To explore the variation in the absolute abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different regions of China under different land use modes and different planting years, the qualitative and quantitative study of sulfonamide (sul1,sul2) and macrolide (ermB,mefA) ARGs and an integron gene (intl1) were conducted using ordinary PCR and the fluorescence quantitative technique. The results revealed that the frequencies of sulfonamides (sul1,sul2) and intl1 were all 100% in different soils, and the detection frequencies of macrolides (ermB,mefA) were 100% in facilities vegetable fields; however, in open vegetable fields, and open grain fields, the frequencies of ermB were 94%, and those of mefA were 92% and 90%, respectively. The absolute abundance of sulfonamide and macrolide ARGs was the highest in 15 years facilities vegetable soil in Heilongjiang Province. The absolute abundance of intl1 was the highest in 15 years facilities vegetable soil in Neimenggu Province. The absolute abundances of ARGs and intl1 in facilities vegetable soil of 3, 7, and 15 years were significantly higher than that in open grain fields and open vegetable fields of the same years. The absolute abundance of ARGs and intl1 in facilities vegetable fields for 7 years and 15 years were significantly higher than that for 3 years. There was no significant linear relationship between the gene accumulation and planting life in open vegetable fields and open grain fields, except for sul1 andsul2, whereas there was a significantly positive correlation in facilities vegetable soil. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a significant positive correlation between the abundance of ARGs and the abundance of intl1 in different soils. This reveals the accumulation of ARGs and intl1 in soils with different utilization patterns, thereby providing reference and support for secure agricultural production.

Simulated window views from different building floors: How roof types of surrounding buildings associate with subjective restoration

In modern cities, the roof of multi-rise buildings is one of the primary visual contents when viewing from high-rise buildings. Due to the window view content being a significant factor affecting restoration, different roof types might affect restoration potential. However, limited literature has focused on the restoration effect of different roof types. Therefore, this study examined the association between the perception of roof type by the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSDs) and the restoration potential by the Short-version Revised Restoration Scale (SRRS). In the stepwise regression model, four variables of PSDs (i.e., Serene, Nature, Social, and Rich in species) have a significant linear relationship to predict the restoration. A series of analyses of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests evaluated differences in restorative effects based on the site, the roof type, and the floor level. The experimental analysis showed that the viewing floor level has no significant difference in the assessment of restoration when we focus on surrounding building roofs. This result might be due to the characteristics of window content, such as environmental openness, enclosure, and visual complexity. Meanwhile, viewing the garden roof from higher floor levels (i.e., 9 F and 27 F) has a better restorative effect than viewing the flat roof, the slope roof, and the grass roof. The empirical findings suggested that buildings’ surrounding environments significantly correlate with the restoration of window view. Furthermore, when high-rise buildings are surrounded by multi-rise residential buildings, choosing the garden roof as a renovation method benefits restoration over the flat roof, the slope roof, and the grass roof. This study encourages researchers and practitioners to design psychologically sustainable urban environments by linking different roof types with restoration.

Effects of immersive virtual reality on sensory overload in a random sample of critically ill patients.

Sensory overload and sensory deprivation have both been associated with negative health outcomes in critically ill patients. While there is a lack of any clear treatment or prevention strategies, immersive virtual reality is a promising tool for addressing such problems, but which has not been repetitively tested in random samples. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how critically ill patients react to repeated sessions of immersive virtual reality. This exploratory study was conducted in the mixed medical-surgical intermediate care unit of the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital). Participants (N = 45; 20 women, 25 men; age = 57.73 ± 15.92 years) received two immersive virtual reality sessions via a head-mounted display and noise-canceling headphones within 24 h during their stay in the unit. Each session lasted 30-min and showed a 360-degree nature landscape. Physiological data were collected as part of the participants' standard care, while environmental awareness, cybersickness, and general acceptance were assessed using a questionnaire designed by our team (1 = not at all, 10 = extremely). During both virtual reality sessions, there was a significant negative linear relationship found between the heart rate and stimulation duration [first session: r(43) = -0.78, p < 0.001; second session: r(38) = -0.81, p < 0.001] and between the blood pressure and stimulation duration [first session: r(39) = -0.78, p < 0.001; second session: r(30) = -0.78, p < 0.001]. The participants had a high comfort score [median (interquartile range {IQR}) = 8 (7, 10); mean = 8.06 ± 2.31], did not report being unwell [median (IQR) = 1 (1, 1); mean = 1.11 ± 0.62], and were not aware of their real-world surroundings [median (IQR) = 1 (1, 5); mean = 2.99 ± 3.22]. The subjectively reported decrease in environmental awareness as well as the decrease in the heart rate and blood pressure over time highlights the ability of immersive virtual reality to help critically ill patients overcome sensory overload and sensory deprivation. Immersive virtual reality can successfully and repetitively be provided to a randomly selected sample of critically ill patients over a prolonged duration.

Exploring the relationship between environmental DNA concentration and biomass in Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii).

In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has become an accepted approach for investigating rare and endangered species because of its economic efficiency, high sensitivity, and non-invasiveness. The Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is a first-class protected aquatic animal in China, and traditional resource survey methods have not identified its natural populations for many years. In this study, primers and a TaqMan probe targeting ND5 were designed, reaction conditions were optimized, a standard curve was constructed using synthetic DNA, and an eDNA quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection method was established. The eDNA detection technology for P. cantorii revealed that the number of species in the experimental pools showed a significant linear relationship with the eDNA concentration (p < 0.05). The eDNA concentration was negatively correlated with the length of time after the removal of P. cantorii and retention in the water body for 9 days. The qPCR detection method for P. cantorii eDNA established in this study can be applied to the qualitative detection of P. cantorii in water bodies, as well as to preliminary evaluation of its relative biomass. This can serve as a baseline for the investigation of natural P. cantorii population and the evaluation of its wild release effects.

Free amino acids in response to salinity changes in fishes: relationships to osmoregulation.

Free amino acids (FAAs) are believed to play important roles in osmoregulation and buffer capacity in some aquatic animals, such as fishes. However, the potential roles of FAAs have not been systematically summarized and characterized until now. In the present study, the meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between FAAs and environmental salinities. Twenty published documents were included, accounting for 106 study cases. The effect sizes of total free amino acids (TFAAs), total essential amino acids (TEAAs), and total non-essential amino acids (TNEAAs) to salinity increase were calculated and determined by the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. It clearly showed that the elevated salinities significantly induced the contents of TFAAs, TEAAs, and TNEAAs at the ratio of 36%, 27%, and 29%, respectively. Faced to the salinity changes, the contents of FAAs in fishes under freshwater and seawater varied significantly, while the individuals under brackish water displayed relatively constant contents of FAAs. When salinity elevated, the contents of 17 amino acids in muscles significantly increased, suggesting the important roles of FAA metabolism in osmoregulation in fishes. The results also indicated that the effect sizes of TFAAs were positively related to the rates of salinity increases, and exhibited a significant quadratic linear relationship with temperatures. Additionally, the contents of FAAs also showed positive correlation with osmotic pressure, concentrations of plasma Na+, Cl-, and urea, implying their potential roles of FAAs in osmoregulation in fishes. These findings suggested that elevated salinities greatly induced the contents of FAAs in fishes, making a great contribution to maintaining the homeostasis of fishes in response to environmental salinity changes.