Served as Social Actors or Instrumental Role? Understanding the Usage of Smart Product from the Dual Processing Perspective

Based on the Dual processing theory, this study proposes that customers form their decision of smart products usage through two paths of: emotional and functional, at the same time. These paths are related to two types of behavior modes: affect-oriented which reflects the emotional or psychological demands we need, and the task-oriented which reflects essential needs for us to make use of these products. The behavior modes, represented by anthropomorphism cues and functional cues respectively, influence different kinds of trust, affect-based and cognition-based, and then determine the usage of smart products. The results will be examine through data collection in the near future. And we hope that the results could unravel several important findings and bring some managerial implications for manufacturers to improve their products

Effects of the rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria, on western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, under laboratory conditions; and integrating the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, with D. coriaria to suppress western flower thrips populations under greenhouse conditions

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of EntomologyRaymond A. CloydWestern flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most destructive insect pests in greenhouse production systems due to direct and indirect plant damage resulting in substantial economic losses. In addition, western flower thrips has developed resistance to many insecticides. Therefore, alternative plant protection strategies are warranted, such as augmentative biological control. This research was designed to evaluate 1) the effect of different absolute numbers of predator (rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria) and prey (western flower thrips) on predation efficacy of rove beetle under laboratory conditions; 2) the effect of western flower thrips pupal stage, predator-prey ratio, predator-prey number, and searchable area on predation efficacy of rove beetle in the laboratory; and 3) the effectiveness and cost of integrating the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, and the rove beetle, D. coriaria, in suppressing western flower thrips populations under greenhouse conditions. Three laboratory experiments were conducted to assess predation efficacy of rove beetle adults on three western flower thrips pupal stages [prepupa, pupa, and prepupa-pupa combination (50%:50%)]. In each experiment, there were six numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) of rove beetle adults and four initial numbers (15, 20, 25, and 30) of one western flower thrips pupal stage. This treatment configuration allowed for assessing the effect of predator-prey ratios (1:5, 1:10, and 1:15), accounting for different initial prey numbers, on predation efficacy of the rove beetle. Overall, for each pupal stage, the estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards decreased as the number of rove beetle adults released increased from 1 to 3, although the effect of additional rove beetle adult releases was not apparent. Furthermore, across the pupal stages considered in this study, in general, there was no evidence of any differences due to predator-prey ratios or initial prey numbers within each predator-prey ratio. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of western flower thrips pupal stage, predator-prey ratio, predator-prey number, and searchable area on predation efficacy of rove beetle adults. In experiment 1, there were two western flower thrips pupal stages (prepupa and pupa), three predator-prey ratios (rove beetle:western flower thrips—1:5, 1:10, and 1:15), and three predator-prey numbers (2, 3, and 4 times). Experiment 2 evaluated the latter two factors in combination with searchable area defined by container sizes [15.2 cm (1,834.82 cm³) and 11.5 cm (701.79 cm³)]. The estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards was significantly higher for the 1:5 predator-prey ratio [61.1% (48.5-72.4%)] than 1:10 [39% (28.1-51.2%)] and 1:15 predator-prey ratio [34.7% (24.7-46.3%)]. The estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards for 2 times the predator-prey number [57% (44.3-68.8%)] was significantly higher than 3 [37.2% (26.6-49.3%)] and 4 [40.6% (30-52.3%)] times the predator-prey number. In addition, a significantly higher estimated mean probability of western flower thrips adults was captured on the yellow sticky cards in the 15.2 cm than 11.5 cm containers. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted that evaluated five treatments: combination of insecticides (spinosad, pyridalyl, chlorfenapyr, and abamectin), B. bassiana, D. coriaria, B. bassiana and D. coriaria combination, and a water control. Overall, the estimated mean number of western flower thrips adults captured on yellow sticky cards was significantly lower for the insecticide treatment (mean range: 0, 46) than for the B. bassiana and D. coriaria combination (mean range: 0.3, 105.1) over eight weeks. There were no significant differences in final foliage quality of chrysanthemum, Dendranthema x grandiflorum, plants among the five treatments in experiment 1, but there were significant differences in experiment 2. However, in experiment 2, the chrysanthemum plants across all treatments were not marketable due to substantial feeding damage by western flower thrips. The cost of the insecticide treatment was nearly twice that of the B. bassiana and D. coriaria combination ($963.50 vs.$495.67) and was over twice that of the B. bassiana only treatment ($963.50 vs.$417.04). The D. coriaria only treatment was the least expensive at $78.63. The results of the research provide insight into the predatory behavior of D. coriaria on western flower thrips pupal stages, which may have practical implications for greenhouse production systems. However, predation efficacy of rove beetle adults on western flower thrips is influenced by predator-prey ratio, predator-prey number, and searchable area. Finally, greenhouse producers must initiate insecticide applications or release rove beetle adults early in the production cycle when western flower thrips populations are low to minimize plant damage

Research on source location of micro-seismic event ‎based on dynamic cluster velocity model

A new velocity model based on dynamic cluster was proposed in this paper. During the process ‎of iteration, the sensors can be formed a cluster according to the velocity similitude degree. ‎Based on the assumption that the speeds from source to each sensor in the same cluster are ‎equal, the corresponding objective function was proposed to solve the source location, which ‎didn’t include the velocity parameter. It not only avoided the error from field measurement ‎and the inversion, but also appropriated for the actual situation that the speeds from every ‎source to different sensors are different. By analyzing 24 different cases, the positioning ‎accuracy based on the velocity model proposed in this paper was verified to be preferable and ‎stable, no matter the source is within the region of the sensor’s array or not. Even for the cases ‎of different velocity variation ranges, the velocity model was still reliable.

EZH2 RIP-seq Identifies Tissue-specific Long Non-coding RNAs.

BackgroundPolycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) catalyzes histone methylation at H3 Lys27, and plays crucial roles during development and diseases in numerous systems. Its catalytic subunit EZH2 represents a key nuclear target for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that emerging to be a novel class of epigenetic regulator and participate in diverse cellular processes. LncRNAs are characterized by high tissue-specificity; however, little is known about the tissue profile of the EZH2- interacting lncRNAs.ObjectiveHere we performed a global screening for EZH2-binding lncRNAs in tissues including brain, lung, heart, liver, kidney, intestine, spleen, testis, muscle and blood by combining RNA immuno- precipitation and RNA sequencing. We identified 1328 EZH2-binding lncRNAs, among which 470 were shared in at least two tissues while 858 were only detected in single tissue. An RNA motif with specific secondary structure was identified in a number of lncRNAs, albeit not in all EZH2-binding lncRNAs. The EZH2-binding lncRNAs fell into four categories including intergenic lncRNA, antisense lncRNA, intron-related lncRNA and promoter-related lncRNA, suggesting diverse regulations of both cis and trans-mechanisms. A promoter-related lncRNA Hnf1aos1 bound to EZH2 specifically in the liver, a feature same as its paired coding gene Hnf1a, further confirming the validity of our study. In addition to the well known EZH2-binding lncRNAs like Kcnq1ot1, Gas5, Meg3, Hotair and Malat1, majority of the lncRNAs were firstly reported to be associated with EZH2.ConclusionOur findings provide a profiling view of the EZH2-interacting lncRNAs across different tissues, and suggest critical roles of lncRNAs during cell differentiation and maturation

The Predictive Value of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction For Left Ventricular Reverse Remodelling in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

AIMS: to evaluate the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion parameters and to examine the correlation between myocardial perfusion and left ventricle reverse remodelling (LVRR). METHODS: In this study, 94 DCM patients and 35 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included. Myocardial perfusion parameters, including upslope, time to maximum signal intensity (Time RESULTS: With a median follow-up period of 12 months [interquartile range (IQR), 8-13], 41 DCM patients (44%) achieved LVRR. Compared with healthy controls, DCM patients presented CMD with reduced upslope, SI CONCLUSIONS: CMD could be found in DCM patients and was more impaired in patients with non-LVRR than LVRR patients. Tim

Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence, and Genetic Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Recovered from Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Food in China: A New Challenge for Food Safety

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, virulence profiles, and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) obtained from ready-to-eat (RTE) foods in China. Two hundred seventy-six RTE food-associated S. aureus isolates were collected from 25 provinces across China in 2018, then characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, virulence factors detecting, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, SCC mec typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Two hundred fifty isolates (90.6%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent; 73 (26.4%) isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Thirty MRSA isolates were identified, among which nine toxin genes ( sea, seb, sec, sed, seh, selk, sell, selq , and tsst-1 ) were detected. Sixty percent (18/30) of the MRSA isolates harbored multiple toxin genes. Four virulence gene patterns were identified, with seb-selk-selq (30/30) being the most common pattern. Thirteen sequence types, as well as 13 spa and 4 SCC mec types were found among 30 MRSA isolates. The most prevalent MRSA lineages were CC59-t437-SCC mec IV/V (23.3% [7/30]), CC398-t011-SCC mec V (23.3% [7/30]), and CC1-t114-SCC mec IV (16.7% [5/30]). Our findings highlight the importance for the identification of prevalent clones, assessment of drug-resistance and virulence, and formulation of food safety measures for public health

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

As a highly economic small fruit crop, blueberry is enjoyed by most people in terms of color, taste, and rich nutrition. To better understand its coloring mechanism on the process of ripening, an integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome profiles was performed in three blueberry varieties at three developmental stages. In this study, 41 flavonoid metabolites closely related to the coloring in blueberry samples were analyzed. It turned out that the most differential metabolites in the ripening processes were delphinidin-3-O-arabinoside (dpara), peonidin-3-O-glucoside (pnglu), and delphinidin-3-O-galactoside (dpgal), while the most differential metabolites among different varieties were flavonols. Furthermore, to obtain more accurate and comprehensive transcripts of blueberry during the developmental stages, PacBio and Illumina sequencing technology were combined to obtain the transcriptome of the blueberry variety Misty, for the very first time. Finally, by applying the gene coexpression network analysis, the darkviolet and bisque4 modules related to flavonoid synthesis were determined, and the key genes related to two flavonoid 3′, 5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) genes in the darkviolet module and one bHLH transcription factor in the bisque4 module were predicted. It is believed that our findings could provide valuable information for the future study on the molecular mechanism of flavonoid metabolites and flavonoid synthesis pathways in blueberries

Comprehensive review on patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and derived products

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, which can contaminate various food commodities, including fruits and their derived products. Patulin and Alternaria toxins are among the most commonly encountered mycotoxins in fruit and their derived products. In this review, the sources, toxicity, and regulations related to these mycotoxins, as well as their detection and mitigation strategies are widely discussed. Patulin is a mycotoxin produced mainly by the fungal genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys. Alternaria toxins, produced by fungi in the Alternaria genus, are another common group of mycotoxins found in fruits and fruit products. The most prevalent Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). These mycotoxins are of concern due to their potential negative effects on human health. Ingesting fruits contaminated with these mycotoxins can cause acute and chronic health problems. Detection of patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and their derived products can be challenging due to their low concentrations and the complexity of the food matrices. Common analytical methods, good agricultural practices, and contamination monitoring of these mycotoxins are important for safe consumption of fruits and derived products. And Future research will continue to explore new methods for detecting and managing these mycotoxins, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety and quality of fruits and derived product supply

The predictive value of coronary microvascular dysfunction for left ventricular reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy

AimsTo evaluate the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first-pass perfusion parameters and to examine the correlation between myocardial perfusion and left ventricle reverse remodelling (LVRR).MethodsIn this study, 94 DCM patients and 35 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included. Myocardial perfusion parameters, including upslope, time to maximum signal intensity (Timemax), maximum signal intensity (SImax), baseline signal intensity (SIbaseline), and the difference between maximum and baseline signal intensity (SImax−baseline) were measured. Additionally, left ventricular (LV) structure, function parameters, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were also recorded. The parameters were compared between healthy controls and DCM patients. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of LVRR.ResultsWith a median follow-up period of 12 months [interquartile range (IQR), 8–13], 41 DCM patients (44%) achieved LVRR. Compared with healthy controls, DCM patients presented CMD with reduced upslope, SIbaseline, and increased Timemax (all p < 0.01). Timemax, SImax, and SImax−baseline were further decreased in LVRR than non-LVRR group (Timemax: 60.35 [IQR, 51.46–74.71] vs. 72.41 [IQR, 59.68–97.70], p = 0.017; SImax: 723.52 [IQR, 209.76–909.27] vs. 810.92 [IQR, 581.30–996.89], p = 0.049; SImax−baseline: 462.99 [IQR, 152.25–580.43] vs. 551.13 [IQR, 402.57–675.36], p = 0.038). In the analysis of multivariate logistic regression, Timemax [odds ratio (OR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–1.00; p = 0.032)], heart rate (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; p = 0.029), LV remodelling index (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06–3.00; p = 0.038) and LGE extent (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73–0.96; p = 0.021) were independent predictors of LVRR.ConclusionsCMD could be found in DCM patients and was more impaired in patients with non-LVRR than LVRR patients. Timemax at baseline was an independent predictor of LVRR in DCM

Early tissue and healing responses after maxillary sinus augmentation using horizontal platelet rich fibrin bone blocks.

BACKGROUND The effects of horizontal platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF) bone block on the healing and immune response during sinus augmentation have not been fully investigated histologically at early time points. METHODS Eighteenth male New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral sinus augmentation and were divided into two groups: deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) alone and H-PRF + DBBM (H-PRF bone block) group. Maxilla samples were collected at 3, 7 and 14 days post sinus augmentation procedures and analyzed using histological staining for the number of inflammatory cells, new blood vessels and evidence for early osteoclast bone turnover/remodeling. Furthermore, the effects of H-PRF bone blocks on the migration of osteoblasts and THP-1 macrophages were evaluated using a Transwell assay in vitro. RESULTS A higher number of immune cells were found in the H-PRF bone block group at 3 and 7 days post-surgery when compared to the DBBM alone group,most notably in the regions close to the mucosal lining and bone plates. Furthermore, a significantly greater number of new blood vessel formations and early signs of osteoclast development were found in the H-PRF bone block group at 14 days. The in vitro transwell assay further confirmed that culture medium from H-PRF bone block markedly promote the migration of osteoblasts and THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study have shown that H-PRF bone block is capable of increasing early immune cell infiltration leading to the acceleration of neovascularization and speeding the process of bone metabolism in vivo following maxillary sinus grafting with DBBM