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Effects of plant growth regulator (2,4-D) treatments on fruit development and chemical content in the kiwifruit plant (Actinidia chinensis)
No full textAs a dioecious fruit tree, Kiwifruit requires pollination for female plants to bear fruit. This study used 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a plant growth regulator, to induce fruit set, improve quality and increase kiwifruit yield in Actinidia chinensis var. 'Donghong' without pollination. Exogenous application of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) effectively triggered parthenocarpic fruit development in 'Donghong' kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. 'Donghong'), while significantly improving fruit quality. The fruit set rate of parthenocarpic fruits reached 16.95% with 2,4-D treatment at 140 days after flowering; female flowers treated with 2,4-D showed differences in pollen structure compared to those treated with water. Also, no viability was detected in female flower pollen treated with 2,4-D. At the maturity stage, the fruits from the 2,4-D treatment were slightly smaller than those from the control group. The 2,4-D treatment group showed significant differences from the control group in skin hardness, flesh firmness and core hardness. There was no significant difference in the soluble solids content between the fruits treated with 2,4-D and those from the control group at maturity. However, the dry matter content of the 2,4-D treated fruits was lower than that of the pollinated fruits. The soluble sugar content of mature fruits from 2,4-D treatment reached 18.59 g/kg, and organic acid content was 18.10 g/kg, resulting in a significantly higher sugar-acid ratio than the control group. The seeds from 2,4-D treated fruits failed to germinate normally. This technology can facilitate the induction of fruit sets in actual production, which has significant practical value and potential in kiwifruit processing. From these results, important data were obtained regarding the establishment and production of kiwifruit orchards without including pollinator varieties, which take up a significant amount of space in the orchard establishment and cause a decrease in the yield obtained from the total area
An innovative deep learning-based approach for significant wave height forecasting
No full textSignificant wave height (SWH) is of critical importance in marine and coastal engineering applications and design, offshore operations, ship navigation safety, and other aspects. However, the complexity in generation and dissipation parts of wind wave fields makes accurate wave forecasting difficult. This study aims to develop an innovative deep learning approach based on combination of Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) + Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) + Transfer Learning (TL) for SWH forecasting. Firstly, transfer learning was applied to a ten-year data subset and different combinations of hidden and output layers were tried to be transferred for the analysis of the effectiveness of the transfer layer. Subsequently, the data is decomposed into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) using the Variable Mode Decomposition (VMD) and given to the LSTM architecture. A model was proposed in which layer parameters are transferred serially between LSTM architectures for IMF's training. Eight different metrics such as mean squared error, mean absolute error, and root mean squared error etc. Were used to evaluate the performance of forecast models. Additionally, the model was tested using buoy wave measurements to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can successfully deal with nonlinear and irregular data structures. In particular, tests on buoy measurements have proven the method effective on real-world data. Besides, measurement-based forecasting using VMD + LSTM + TL model has highest correlation and lowest errors against the SWH measurements in comparison with SWAN-based forecasting using VMD + LSTM + TL model and wave forecasts estimated using the calibrated SWAN model forced based on the ECMWF IFS High-Resolution Operational Forecasts (ECMWF-HRES) wind forecast provided by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
Use of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases: National consensus report
No full textLevels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase protein, and procalcitonin (PCT) in serum and certain body fluids increase during inflammatory conditions, particularly bacterial infections, and decrease following treatment or resolution of the triggering cause. Therefore, both biomarkers can be effectively utilized for diagnosing infectious diseases, differentiating between viral and bacterial infections, monitoring antibiotic treatment response, and making decisions regarding the cessation of therapy. In recent years, with the significant global and national increase in antimicrobial resistance, these biomarkers have become increasingly important as part of antimicrobial stewardship practices promoting rational antimicrobial use. This consensus report aims to guide the optimal utilization of CRP and PCT in managing infectious diseases in adult patients across various clinical settings and patient groups based on a review of the current literature and collaboration among seven relevant medical societies. We hope this report will benefit all physicians involved in diagnosing and treating adult infectious diseases
Nonlinear 2-dof pid controller optimized by artificial lemming algorithm for robust engine speed regulation in spark-ignition systems
No full textAchieving precise and stable engine speed regulation in spark-ignition (SI) systems remains a challenging task because of the inherent nonlinearities, time-varying characteristics, and external disturbances of internal combustion engines (ICEs). Conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers often fail to simultaneously ensure fast tracking and robust disturbance rejection under dynamic operating conditions. To address this limitation, a nonlinear two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) PID controller has been developed and optimized using the artificial lemming algorithm (ALA) which is a recent bio-inspired metaheuristic that mimics lemming population behaviors to balance exploration and exploitation adaptively through an energy-driven mechanism. The proposed controller was implemented on a detailed mathematical model of the SI engine, encompassing throttle dynamics, manifold pressure variation, combustion torque generation, and crankshaft motion. A multi-term cost function combining normalized overshoot, steady-state error, and stability coefficients was minimized to determine optimal controller gains. Extensive experiments were conducted, including statistical robustness evaluation, transient and steady-state analyses, trajectory tracking, and disturbance-rejection tests. ALA exhibited the lowest mean and standard deviation of the cost function (4.7170 and 0.1429, respectively), confirming its strong convergence stability compared to the starfish optimization algorithm, parrot optimizer, coati optimization algorithm, and dwarf mongoose optimizer. The ALA-optimized controller achieved a rise time of 0.3114 s, a settling time of 2.4313 s, an overshoot of only 0.0027%, and an extremely small steady-state error of 2.62 x 10(-)(1)(1)%. Furthermore, the controller demonstrated superior trajectory-tracking accuracy and exceptional disturbance-rejection capability, maintaining speed deviations below 0.5% under abrupt load torque perturbations. The results confirm that the ALA-based nonlinear 2-DOF PID controller provides a robust and energy-efficient solution for nonlinear engine speed regulation, outperforming recent metaheuristic-based approaches in both accuracy and reliability. Owing to its adaptive and scalable design, the proposed control framework is well-suited for integration into real-time embedded engine control units, hybrid powertrains, and other nonlinear dynamic systems requiring high-precision regulation under uncertainty.National Centre for EnergyEuropean Commission
CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048European Union’s Horizon Mission Programme
101139527ExPEDite Project a Research and Innovation Action
TN0200002
Assessment of academic writing for undergraduate nursing students during COVID-19
No full textLanguage teaching, learning, and testing are often discussed as a complex process, and the relationship between language proficiency and content knowledge in assessment is also reported as a complicated issue. In this process, what to learn and how to learn are influenced by cognitive motivation, yet cognitive motivation is determined by individuals' affect. In mainstream classrooms, curriculum, course design, materials, and assessment are often discussed and updated. However, unexpected events, like the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), can be stressful for many teachers. Each educator might react or respond differently, and learner-centeredness accompanied by an affective-humanistic approach is an option that may be considered. A close connection with the learner-centered ideas of constructivism is associated with the affective-humanistic approach, such as boosting students' motivation and reducing stress, keeping in mind that feelings and knowledge are crucial to the learning process. If students cannot satisfy basic needs physically and psychologically, they may fail to concentrate on their language learning wholeheartedly. This study aims to share how the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) practitioner collaborated with undergraduate nursing students to respond to COVID-19 using academic writing in nursing with the motto: 'Do we want to be a winner or loser when we encounter uncertainty?'. In this study, drawing on the affective-humanistic approach and learner-centeredness, students' feelings, attitudes, reactions, and needs were considered during COVID-19 while assessing academic writing in the Reading for Nursing course at a state university in Türkiye (n=46). The findings also showed how the ESP practitioner's role changed to that of the content and language integrated learning (CLIL) teacher
Impact of sitagliptin on neprilysin and glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients
No full textBackground: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and neprilysin (NEP) regulate glucose metabolism through incretin activity. While DPP-4 inhibitors have established benefits in glycemic control, the precise role of NEP in metabolic regulation remains unclear. This study assessed the effect of sitagliptin therapy on serum neprilysin levels and its association with glycemic and metabolic parameters in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Material/Methods: Thirty-five patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were included in this prospective study. Sitagliptin (100 mg/day) was administered for 3 months. Serum neprilysin levels, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and glycemic parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between neprilysin levels and metabolic parameters. Results: Serum neprilysin levels remained unchanged after sitagliptin therapy (p=0.789). However, neprilysin changes were significantly associated with BMI change (b=-0.0003, p=0.001), while no significant relationship was found with waist circumference (p=0.464) or homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) levels (p=0.383). Conclusions: Sitagliptin therapy significantly improves glycemic control and promotes weight loss without affecting serum neprilysin levels. The significant association between neprilysin changes and BMI suggests that neprilysin may have a more direct role in body composition rather than glucose homeostasis
Prevalence and diversity of helminths in three corvid species (Coloeus monedula (Linnaeus, 1758), Garrulus glandarius (Linnaeus, 1758), and Corvus corax (Linnaeus, 1758) from Turkiye
No full textBackground Corvidae birds are ecologically significant and host a diverse range of helminth parasites; however, data on their parasitic fauna in T & uuml;rkiye remain limited. Here, we examined 44 individuals of three corvid species (39 Coloeus monedula, 3 Garrulus glandarius and 2 Corvus corax) from Bursa Province through necropsy and microscopic identification. Results We detected helminth infections in 79.5% of the birds, identifying 12 species across Digenea (Brachylaima fuscata, Brachylecithum lobatum, Lyperosomum longicauda), Cestoda (Choanotaenia macracantha, Passerilepis stylosa), Nematoda (Syngamus trachea, Dispharynx nasuta, Dispharynx sp., Baruscapillaria obsiganata, B. resecta), and Acanthocephala (Sphaerirostris picae, Plagiorhynchus (Prosthorhynchus) cylindraceus). Conclusions This study represents the third record for C. monedula, the second for G. glandarius, and the first for Co. corax in T & uuml;rkiye. Notably, B. fuscata, Br. lobatum, C. macracantha, P. stylosa, and B. resecta helminths were recorded for the first time in T & uuml;rkiye. These findings enhance the understanding of helminth diversity in regional corvid populations and provide a foundation for future studies on host-parasite dynamics and avian health in Eurasian ecosystems
Effect of freeze drying method on drying characteristics, colour and rehydration ratio of some apple varieties
No full textThis study investigated the effect of the freeze-drying method on drying characteristics, color, and rehydration ratio of Gala, Granny Smith and Starking apple samples. Experimental results showed that the drying rate decreased with increasing drying time and decreasing moisture content of the samples. All color parameters of fresh Gala, Granny Smith and Starking apple samples were affected by freeze-drying. Freeze drying caused a decrease in L* and α° values, while a*, b* and C values increased. The highest rehydration rate value of 4.673 was obtained from Gala apple samples
Endovascular management of carotid blowout syndrome
No full textObjectivesTo evaluate success, complications and efficacy for endovascular management for carotid blowout syndrome.MethodsImages were evaluated for contrast extravasation, vessel wall irregularity, pseudoaneurysm/aneurysm formation. Hemostatic results in the immediate postprocedural period and procedure related infarcts were assessed.ResultsTotal of 20 lesions in 21 patients were detected on digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In a case of esthesioneuroblastoma with active bleeding, DSA failed to show vascular abnormality. There was active contrast extravasation in 7 cases. Treatment modalities included covered stent placement (n = 3), pseudoaneurysm/aneurysm embolization (n = 4), parent artery occlusion (n = 13) and PVA injection (n = 1) in the immediate postoperative period was achieved in all except one case. During the post-procedural period, 6 patients (28.6%) suffered from cerebral ischemia. Rebleeding episodes were encountered in 10 cases (47.6%) after a mean duration of 35 days which responded to tamponade in 4 cases. Diagnostic DSA was performed in 5 of the cases, which failed to identify bleeding source in 2 and remaining 3 cases were treated by endovascular means. A case with massive hemorrhage 1-hour after endovascular treatment died before any intervention could be performed.ConclusionEndovascular treatment can achieve immediate hemostasis to prevent otherwise a highly morbid and mortal complication. However, rebleeding rates are high and cerebral ischemia with or without neurologic deficit occur in a non-negligible percentage of patients
Type 2 immunity and its role in allergic disorders
No full textThe prevalence of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, food and drug allergies, and atopic dermatitis, has been increasing globally over the past few decades. Allergic diseases are closely linked to type 2 immunity, which is characterized by the coordinated interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses. Significant advancements have been achieved in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern type 2 immunity, chiefly mediated by type 2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, which are primarily secreted by T helper 2 cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. In addition, a diverse array of effector cells, including mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, regulatory T cells, B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, are critically involved in orchestrating and modulating type 2 inflammatory responses. The activation of epithelial cells, secretion of alarmins and multiple chemokines, impairment of epithelial barrier integrity, and disruption of microbial dysbiosis serve as crucial mechanisms underlying not only the pathogenesis of allergic disorders but also the development of various systemic conditions. Biologic therapies targeting type 2 pathways-specifically effector functions of IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and immunoglobulin E have-demonstrated promising efficacy. However, a subset of patients with severe allergic diseases remains unresponsive to these treatments, underscoring the need for deeper mechanistic insights and personalized therapeutic approaches. This review addresses the definition, evolution, cellular and molecular basis, and regulation of type 2 immunity. It then examines the common allergic diseases associated with type 2 responses and concludes by exploring the associations between inborn errors of immunity and type 2 responses.Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Provinc