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Conducting a fair test is important for educational research. Unfair assessments can lead to gender disparities in academic achievement, ultimately resulting in disparities in opportunities, wages, and career choice. Differential Item Function [DIF] analysis is presented to provide evidence of whether the test is truly fair, where it does not harm or benefit certain groups of students. For this reason, this study aims to assess the fairness of mathematics literacy tests from a gender perspective using three DIF analysis approaches, namely, the Cognitive Diagnostic Model [CDM], Classical Test Theory [CTT], and Item Response Theory [IRT], and to compare the results of the three approaches to examine the compatibility between them in identifying DIF effects. This study was included in quantitative descriptive research, and for the CDM approach, a retrofitting method (post-hoc analysis) was used. The sample in this study consists of Indonesian students who participated in the administration of PISA 2012 and were tested on Booklet 1, Booklet 3, Booklet 4, and Booklet 6. The Q-matrix used in this study consisted of 12 items and 11 attributes. The results of this study show that out of the 12 items analyzed, there are differences in findings between the CTT, IRT, and CDM approaches; the item with the largest DIF was found using the Raju Unsigned Area Measures method in IRT and the Wald Test from the CDM approach, while the item with the lowest DIF was found using the LRT method from the CDM approach; and there are three items that were simultaneously identified as DIF using the CTT, IRT, and CDM methods, namely PM923Q01, PM923Q03, and PM924Q02. Items PM923Q01 and PM923Q03 favor the group of male students, while item PM924Q02 favors the group of female students.

Abstract In the past decade, the exploration of genetic resources in rice has significantly enhanced the efficacy of rice breeding. However, the exploration of genetic resources is hindered by the identification of candidate genes. To expedite the identification of candidate genes, this study examined tapetum programmed cell death-related genes OsiWAK1, OsPDT1, EAT1, TDR, and TIP2 to assess the efficacy of the Dual-Luciferase (Dual-LUC) assay in rapidly determining gene relationships. The study found that, in the Dual-LUC assay, OsiWAK1 and its various recombinant proteins exhibit comparable activation abilities on the EAT1 promoter, potentially indicating a false positive. However, the Dual-LUC assay can reveal that OsiWAK1 impacts both the function of its upstream regulatory factor OsPDT1 and the TDR/TIP2 transcription complex. By rapidly studying the relationship between diverse candidate genes and regulatory genes in a well-known trait via the Dual-LUC assay, this study provides a novel approach to expedite the determination of candidate genes such as genome-wide association study.

Abstract The Himalayan collision zone, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate at a low angle, has caused many devastating earthquakes. The Kathmandu basin, situated in this region, is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is filled with distinct soft lake sediments with a highly undulating bedrock topography. The basin has been experiencing rapid urbanization, and the growing population in its major cities has increased the vulnerability to seismic risk during future earthquakes. Several strong-motion stations have recently been deployed in the Kathmandu basin. It is expected that the data captured by this strong-motion station array will further enhance our understanding of site amplification in sedimentary basins. Clear P-to-S converted waves have been observed in the strong-motion records. In this study, we investigate the medium boundary that generated these converted waves. First, we estimate the shallow velocity structures, which correspond to the topographic slopes or surface geology, beneath the strong-motion stations. We then apply a receiver function analysis to the strong-motion records. The receiver function indicates that the interface between the soft sediment and seismic bedrock serves as a boundary that generates converted waves. The obtained results can be used for tuning three-dimensional velocity structures. Graphical Abstract

This study examines Mood, Modality, and Attitude as a part of Appraisal theory in the Editorial News of the "Sydney Morning Herald" Interpersonal Meta function Analysis. Three methods were used, including (1) Indicative (Declarative and Interrogative) mood, (2) Modalization (Indicative Type), Probability (may be) and Usuality ("sometimes"), and (3) Attitude subsystem as part of Appraisal theory resources with three clauses, including Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation. The study aims to investigate the highest Interpersonal Meta function in terms of Mood, Modality, and Attitude in Editorial Discourse in Business-Related Issues. A sample of ten editorial discourses in business-related issues from The "Sydney Morning Herald" was used to examine Mood, Modality, and Attitude as part of Appraisal theory. The adopted framework in this research is interpersonal Meta function consisting of Mood, Modality, and Attitude as part of Appraisal theory. The results showed that more interrogative clauses were used, specifically 108 of 183 (59.02%) than declarative 75 of 183 (40.98%). Additionally, there were more probability positive clauses 61 of 73 (83.56%) than negative 7 of 73 (9.59%) and usuality 5 of 73 (6.85%). Similarly, appreciation clauses were used more frequently, specifically 19 of 46 (41.30%) than Judgment 14 of 46 (30.43%) and Affect 13 of 46 (28.26%). The limitation for this research is that it examined only 10 business-related editorials, which means it may not be too comprehensive. However, the information in this research can be used for educational development in Interpersonal Meta function Analysis of Editorial Discourse in Business-Related Issues Using English Systemic Linguistics. The author recommends that the future research should add more business-related editorial cases to incorporate Interpersonal Meta function, which consists of Mood, Modality, and Appraisal system as a whole by adding graduation, engagement in order to be more complete, not only Attitude as a part of Appraisal theory.

Abstract Background Casuarina equisetifolia (C. equisetifolia) is a woody species with many excellent features. It has natural resistance against drought, salt and saline-alkali stresses. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play significant roles in plant response to abiotic stresses, therefore, molecular characterization of WRKY gene family under abiotic stresses holds great significance for improvement of forest trees through molecular biological tools. At present, WRKY TFs from C. equisetifolia have not been thoroughly studied with respect to their role in salt and saline-alkali stresses response. The current study was conducted to bridge the same knowledge gap. Results A total of 64 WRKYs were identified in C. equisetifolia and divided into three major groups i.e. group I, II and III, consisting of 10, 42 and 12 WRKY members, respectively. The WRKY members in group II were further divided into 5 subgroups according to their homology with Arabidopsis counterparts. WRKYs belonging to the same group exhibited higher similarities in gene structure and the presence of conserved motifs. Promoter analysis data showed the presence of various response elements, especially those related to hormone signaling and abiotic stresses, such as ABRE (ABA), TGACG (MeJA), W-box ((C/T) TGAC (T/C)) and TC-rich motif. Tissue specific expression data showed that CeqWRKYs were mainly expressed in root under normal growth conditions. Furthermore, most of the CeqWRKYs were up-regulated by NaCl and NaHCO3 stresses with few of WRKYs showing early responsiveness to both stresses while few others exhibiting late response. Although the expressions of CeqWRKYs were also induced by cold stress, the response was delayed compared with other stresses. Transgenic C. equisetifolia plants overexpressing CeqWRKY11 displayed lower electrolyte leakage, higher chlorophyll content, and enhanced tolerance to both stresses. The higher expression of abiotic stress related genes, especially CeqHKT1 and CeqPOD7, in overexpression lines points to the maintenance of optimum Na+/K+ ratio, and ROS scavenging as possible key molecular mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance. Conclusions Our results show that CeqWRKYs might be key regulators of NaCl and NaHCO3 stresses response in C. equisetifolia. In addition, positive correlation of CeqWRKY11 expression with increased stress tolerance in C. equisetifolia encourages further research on other WRKY family members through functional genomic tools. The best candidates could be incorporated in other woody plant species for improving stress tolerance.

Abstract In this study, the chemoselective synthesis of two new thiophene derivatives is presented. The structure of newly synthesized thiophenes derivatives; ethyl 4-acetyl-3-phenyl-5-(phenylamino)thiophene-2-carboxylate (5) and ethyl (E)-4-(3-(dimethylamino)acryloyl)-3-phenyl-5-(phenylamino)thiophene-2-carboxylate (8) were established using different FTIR and NMR spectral analyses. Compound 8 was isolated as single crystal and its 3D structure was determined using X-ray crystallographic analysis. Possible intermolecular interactions that control the molecular packing of 8 were elucidated using Hirshfeld topology analysis. The O…H (13.7%), H…H (55.3%) and C…C (2.3%) intermolecular interactions are the most significant. Fukui functions showed that C4 in thiophene 5 and C3 in thiophene 8 are the most reactive atoms for nucleophilic attack, while N9 in thiophene 5 and C1 in thiophene 8 are the most reactive atoms for electrophilic attack. Antitumor activity of thiophene 5 was assessed and the results showed higher activity against HepG-2 (7.46 µg/mL) compared to the HCT 116 (12.60 µg/mL) cell line.

Abstract Endophytes play a pivotal role in protecting host plants from both biotic and abiotic stresses, promoting the production of active components (AC) and plant growth. However, the succession of the endophyte community in Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides), particularly the community assembly and function, has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to analyze endophyte diversity across different tree ages, parts, and periods. We examined the population differences, correlations, community assembly mechanisms, and functional roles of these endophytes. Functional predictions via PICRUSt2 revealed that most endophytic fungal functions were linked to biosynthesis, with significant differences in biosynthetic functional abundance across parts and periods. In contrast, the metabolic activity of endophytic bacteria remained stable across different periods and parts. Correlation analysis further confirmed a strong positive relationship between ACs and certain endophytic fungi. Among them, the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as key contributors to the metabolism of chlorogenic acid (CA), while Aucubin was significantly positively correlated with several endophytic bacteria. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional roles and community assembly mechanism of E. ulmoides endophytes, as well as their symbiotic relationships.

Abstract Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a common but frequently unrecognized complication of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The association between these conditions is multifaceted and involves complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and genetic factors. Here we assess the underlying structural and molecular processes focusing on the immunological phase of MASH in the nonobese inflammation and fibrosis (NIF) mouse model and compare it to the human disease as well as other murine models. Histopathology together with synchrotron-radiation-based x-ray micro-computed tomography (SRµCT) was used to investigate structural changes within the hepatic sinusoids network in the NIF mouse in comparison to patients with different severities of MASH. A time-course, bulk RNA-sequencing analysis of liver tissue from NIF mice was performed to identify the dynamics of key processes associated with the pathogenesis. Transcriptomics profiling of the NIF mouse revealed a gradual transition from an initially reactive inflammatory response to a regenerative, pro-fibrotic inflammatory response suggesting new avenues for treatment strategies that focus on immunological targets. Despite the lack of metabolic stress induced liver phenotype, a large similarity between the NIF mouse and the immunological phase of human MASH was detected. The translational value was further supported by the comparative analyses with MASH patients and additional animal models. Finally, the impact of diets known to induce metabolic stress, was explored in the NIF mouse. An obesogenic diet was found to induce key physiological, metabolic, and histologic changes akin to those observed in human MASH.

The current study was carried out at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam to assess ten mungbean mutants together with one check cultivar in two separate cropping seasons. The findings revealed that all mutants, with the exception of the branches per plant, had significantly different examined traits. By characterizing ten variables, including plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield per plot (g/plot), grain weight per plant, pod length (cm), pods per plant, days to flowering, above ground biological weight per plot (g/plot) and days to maturity, the results could considerably differentiate between low and high producing mutants. Discriminant analysis was used to choose high-yielding genotypes. The discriminant score demonstrated a significant canonical correlation of 0.994** and could account for 98.8 % of differences in mungbean production. According to the results of discriminant function analysis, the most significant features are pod length, days to flowering, plant height and above ground biological weight. The highest discriminant scores were displayed by the genotypes AEM66, AEM27, AEM25 and AEM14, identified as high yielding mutants. The low yielding mungbean mutants, designated Viz, AEM20, AEM30, AEM35, AEM-96, AEM29, AEM40 and AEM32 are those that exhibit the lowest values of the discriminant score. Mungbean cultivation is more successful in the summer than it is in the spring.

In vehicles powered by fuel, the effort to minimize CO and HC emissions through various strategies leads to an increase in CO2, contributing to global warming. This study aimed to experimentally assess the simultaneous reduction of vehicle tailpipe emissions of CO, HC, and CO2 using desirability function analysis (DFA). On predetermined routes in Addis Ababa city, two vehicles were tested for on-road emissions at five various speeds and on five various road slopes using a portable emissions tester. Surface plots were used to display how the tailpipe emissions of CO2, CO, and HC vary with changes in vehicle speed and road gradient. The DFA results revealed that the optimal speed for simultaneous reduction of CO, HC, and CO2 emissions was 40 km/h on a flat route and 30 km/h on a 2-degree uphill, with composite desirability of 0.83 and 0.72, respectively. This study found that a speed of 30 km/h on a flat road increased CO2 by 2.82%, CO by 18.97%, and HC by 5.28% compared to an optimized vehicle speed of 40 km/h. On a 2-degree gradient, a vehicle traveling at 20 km/h exhibited a 4% increase in CO2 emissions, a 23.92% increase in CO emissions, and a 1.26% decrease in HC emissions compared to the optimized speed of 30 km/h. Adjusting speed limits according to road gradients is recommended to minimize vehicle tailpipe emissions simultaneously using DFA. This approach contributes to lowering air pollution by reducing pollutant emissions from vehicles through optimized speeds.