Geopolitical risk is now among the most important factors in the formulation of multinational corporate strategy and the US trade policy. The US has aggressively enacted national-security-based trade sanctions, which recently include export controls on semiconductor chips and restrictions on outbound and inbound investment. The US has also adopted major legislation providing historical subsidies and tax breaks. Congress and the courts have upheld the president’s use of national security as a basis of trade actions and generally supported his protectionist policies. Trade should not be restricted or weaponized. Global and national rules need to be strengthened and, perhaps, a bit updated, but protectionism in the name of national security is a losing argument. The growing movement by the US to rely more on national security and protectionism in formulating trade policy is a very worrisome development. No one in Washington is proposing a return to pre-Trump policies. The real question is how far US trade policy will continue to change in the near future. Geopolitics will give us the answer.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, such as the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for image recognition, have emerged as a promising modality with the capability to visually differentiate between mosquito species. Here we present the first performance metrics of IDX, Vectech’s system for AI mosquito identification, as part of Maryland’s mosquito control program in the USA. Specimens were collected over fourteen weeks from twelve CDC gravid trap collection sites, identified morphologically by an entomologist, and imaged using the IDX system. By comparing entomologist identification to the algorithm output by IDX, we are able to calculate the accuracy of the system across species. Over the study period, 2,591 specimens were collected and imaged representing 14 species, 10 of which were available in the identification algorithm on the device during the study period. The micro average accuracy was 94.9%. Of these 10 species, 7 species consisted of less than 30 samples. The macro average accuracy when including these species was 79%, while the macro average when excluding these species was 93%. In the next iteration of this technology, Vectech is translating the vector identification capabilities of IDX into systems capable of processing greater numbers of specimens at large public health facilities, and remote sensing systems that will allow public health organizations to monitor vector abundance and diversity from the office. These advances demonstrate the utility of artificial intelligence in entomology and its potential to support vector surveillance and control programs around the world.

This study explored the changes in senescence patterns and vase life of cut roses grown in summer and autumn, aiming to identify the relationship between harvest seasons and flower longevity. We analyzed gene expression profiles associated with lignin, pectin, ethylene, auxin, and sucrose transport to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying senescence symptoms, such as the bent neck, petal abscission, and petal wilting in cut rose flowers. Our results revealed season-dependent occurrences of bent neck and petal abscission, with higher incidence rates in autumn-harvested rose flowers. These increases in bent neck and petal abscission contributed to a shortened vase life for the cut flowers. Gene expression analysis indicated that elevated levels of ethylene biosynthesis genes and reduced expression of lignin, pectin biosynthesis, auxin response factor, and sucrose transport genes accelerated the increased senescence symptoms. Notably, the incidence rates of the bent neck were highly negatively correlated with the transcript levels of key genes involved in lignin and pectin biosynthesis, RhPRXPX and RhGAUT1, in pedicels. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular factors influencing the mechanical strength of flower pedicels and provide insights for postharvest strategies to enhance the ornamental value of cut flowers across seasons.

The conventional multi-scale modelling approach that predicts carbon nanotube (CNT) growth region in heterogeneous flame environment is computationally exhaustive. Thus, the present study is the first attempt to develop a zero-dimensional model based on existing multi-scale model where mixture fraction z and the stoichiometric mixture fraction zst are employed to correlate burner operating conditions and CNT growth region for diffusion flames. Baseline flame models for inverse and normal diffusion flames are first established with satisfactory validation of the flame temperature and growth region prediction at various operating conditions. Prior to developing the correlation, investigation on the effects of zst on CNT growth region is carried out for 17 flame conditions with zst of 0.05 to 0.31. The developed correlation indicates linear ( zlb=1.54zst +0.11) and quadratic ( zhb=zst(7-13zst )) models for the zlb and zhb corresponding to the low and high boundaries of mixture fraction, respectively, where both parameters dictate the range of CNT growth rate (GR) in the mixture fraction space. Based on the developed correlations, the CNT growth in mixture fraction space is optimum in the flame with medium-range zst conditions between 0.15 and 0.25. The stronger relationship between growth-region mixture-fraction (GRMF) and zst at the near field region close to the flame sheet compared to that of the far field region away from the flame sheet is due to the higher temperature gradient at the former region compared to that of the latter region. The developed models also reveal three distinct regions that are early expansion, optimum, and reduction of GRMF at varying zst.

The primary therapeutic approach for Brucella species infections has mainly been based on antibiotic treatment. However, the development of vaccines for brucellosis control remains controversial. Furthermore, there is currently no licensed vaccine available for human brucellosis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a combination of recombinant protein vaccines against Brucella (B.) abortus infection using a mouse model. Two B. abortus genes, namely dapB and gpm, were cloned and expressed in competent Escherichia (E.) coli DH5α using the pCold-TF vector. Successfully cloned vectors were subjected to PCR amplification using specific primer pairs. The apparent sizes of dapB and gpm were detected at 807 bp and 621 bp, respectively. Besides, the purified recombinant proteins dapB and gpm were detected using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with correct sizes of 82.86 kDa and 87.61 kDa, respectively. These recombinant proteins were used to immunize mice as a combined subunit vaccine (CSV) to elicit host immunity against B. abortus infection. Mice immunized with CSV exhibited increased proliferation of CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells at week 7th and 9th before sacrifice, in comparison to the control group. Notably, CSV immunization showed a significant decrease in bacterial burden in the spleen compared to the control group. Altogether, CSV using dapB and gpm induced host adaptive immune response against Brucella infection, suggesting its potential as an effective new subunit vaccine candidate.

이 글은 2023년 5월 서울 아트선재센터에서 개최된 '디지털 복제 시대의 회화' 세미나 에서 발표했던 글을 발전시킨 것으로, 회화를 스크린과 모바일 기기에서 디지털 방식으로 복 제하는 것과 마주할 때의 충격과 윤리적 측면을 조명해 보고자 하였다. 이 연구에서 나는 영 국의 영화 제작자 사이먼 이브즈가 그의 영화 <회화의 초상>(2022)에서 나의 그림들 가운데 하나를 클로즈업하여 묘사한 것을 토대로, 클로즈업의 개념에 대해 고찰해 보고, 회화에 대 한 디지털 복제가 예술작품에 대한 번역이 될 수 있다는 아이디어를 검토해 보았다.

The use of NG in the transportation sector is becoming an appealing option to diesel and gasoline fuels, presenting higher benefits. ANG technology offers a secure, cost-effective, energy-efficient strategy for the storage of NG in porous sorbents at reasonable gas densities. The major goal for its extensive utilization is the requirement of effective storage materials under practicable conditions. Recently, there has been increased attention in utilizing bio-wastes for the preparation of microporous carbons. In this contribution, our growing knowledge on the use of biobased materials and the processing strategies in an effort to predictively produce effective porous carbons appropriate for ANG technology have been reviewed. By careful literature selection, different precursors with different alternative processes to convert low-cost bio-wastes into porous carbons and achievements in methane storage are presented. To gain deeper insight into the technology, the correlation between the structural and chemical properties of materials and the factors affecting the storage performance are highlighted. The utilization of bio-wastes for the development of microporous carbons with facile methods emerged to be encouraging, which would be significant in larger scale applications. Bio-waste processing for ANG storage is valued over many other techniques, and the products are able to store substantial levels of methane. This review could help improve researchers’ evaluation of the methods as a guideline for ANG. Further studies for achieving an accomplished interconnection between the structural characteristics and the methane storage capacities with different bio-wastes and optimization strategies would be beneficial.

Insects, including aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, have a significant impact on biodiversity, ecology, and the economy by consuming various plant tissues like leaves, stems, and fruits, leading to issues such as holes, defoliation, and impaired growth. Consequently, our study's primary goal was to establish a model system capable of identifying and tracking insects, covering aspects like their behaviors, movements, sizes, and patterns. Our research has successfully produced a 3D monitoring system specifically designed for continuous insect tracking by applying it to brown planthopper. This technology allows for in-depth exploration of insect behaviors and their interactions with plants and crops. The potential applications of this technique are highly promising, offering valuable assistance to researchers in unraveling insect behavior and ecological dynamics and driving further advancements in these crucial research areas.

The aphid genus Macromyzus Takahashi is a small East-Asia genus of the tribe Macrosiphini (Hemiptera: Aphidinae). Globally, there are five recognized species: Macromyzus (Anthracosiphoniella) maculatus (Basu), Macromyzus (Macromyzus) indicus David & Narayanan, M. (M.) manoji Raha & Raychaudhuri, M. (M.) spinosus Su & Qiao, and M. (M.) woodwardiae (Takahashi). In this study, we report the first record of the aphid genus Macromyzus Takahashi in Laos. We present a decription of a new species of this genus associated with Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (Athyriaceae). Additionally, for the first time, we conducted scanning electron microscopy research on the morphology and sensilla of representative of this genus.

최근 벚나무에 벚나무깍지벌레에 의한 피해가 증가하여 친환경적인 방제제로서 곤충병원성 곰팡이인 Beauveria bassiana ARP14를 검증하였다. 경북 안동시 안동대학교 캠퍼스 내 벚나무에서 벚나무깍지벌레의 감염율을 조사하고, 벚나무의 연령을 추정하여 상관관계를 분석하였다. 곤충병원성 곰팡이의 살충력을 확인하 기 위해 약충의 이동성이 가장 활발한 4월 말부터 5월 중순까지 벚나무깍지벌레에 감염된 가지를 채집하여 23°C 의 항온기에 보관하면서 두 가지 곤충병원성 곰팡이(ARP14, AAD16)를 살포하여 살충제(스피로테트라맛 액상 수화제) 처리구와 살충률을 비교하였다. 그 결과 대조구(물처리)보다 곤충병원성 곰팡이를 살포한 가지에서 약충의 개체 수가 더 감소하였으나, 살충제를 처리한 가지에서 보다는 약충의 수가 많았다. 따라서 가로수로 많이 식재된 벚나무 해충 방제시 일어날 수 있는 사람에 대한 피해를 최소화할 수 있는 친환경 방제제로서 곤충병 원성 곰팡이를 사용할 수 있을 것이다.

The choice of suitable companion plants is crucial for enhancing pest management strategies in agricultural fields. Riptortus pedestris, an important agricultural pest, has drawn attention for its serious damage on soybean. To identify an ideal companion plant for soybean, we investigated the pest’s behavioral patterns when exposed to corn seedlings in laboratory. Series of choice experiments were conducted for 4th instar nymphs and unmated female adults of R. pedestris when presented with corn and/or soybean pot against soybean or blank pot. In 4th instar nymphs, 56% preferred the treatment of corn pot plus soybean pot over soybean alone pot while 69% of unmated female adults preferred the same combination. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of this insect pest, which could be beneficial for establishing polycultures in agricultural fields.

Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a major pest on strawberry, reducing both the quality and quantity of fruit production. We compared the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin ARP14 with a commercial GHA strain against T. kanzawai. In the laboratory, leaf dipping method was conducted while a one-time spray was carried out on selected planting units in strawberry greenhouse with each fungus strain and Triton X-100 as control. Adult T. kanzawai showed lower LT50 when treated with ARP14 strain compared to GHA in the laboratory. The densities of both adult and nymph mites in the greenhouse were significantly reduced in the treatment of two fungus strains compared to the control. The mycosis rate of T. kanzawai in greenhouse was 97.9% at 14 days when treated with ARP14 strain while it was 85.5% when treated with GHA strain. The results suggest that B. bassiana ARP14 can be an effective mycoinsecticide against T. kanzawai.

The ladybird beetles have been used as biological control agents against several pest species. The aim of this study is to evaluate the compatibility between ladybird beetles and an entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin AAD16. The virulence of AAD16 strain was compared with that of commercial GHA strain on three developmental stages of two coccinellids; Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Chilocorus stigma Say. The topical application method was used for both adult and larval stage while dipping method was used for egg stage. The LT50 and mycosis rate for all life stages of two ladybird beetles tested were not significant between AAD16 and GHA strain. In larval stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis and C. stigma were 36 and 40% and 63 and 60% in AAD16 and GHA strain. In adult stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis (male and female) and C. stigma (unsexed) were 20, 23, and 23% and 26, 30, and 30% in AAD16 and GHA strain, respectively. Therefore, the two predatory coccinellids could be compatible with these two fungus strains due to their relatively lower mycosis rate.

The aphid genus Tuberaphis Takahashi belongs to the tribe Cerataphdini (Hemiptera: Hormaphidinae) and comprises 17 valid species. Generally, its species are distributed in East and South East Asia, where they primarily feed on Styrax spp. (Styracaceae) and utilize species within the Loranthaceae family as their secondary hosts. They form various shapes of galls on Styrax, looking coral and broccoli etc. Currently, the only aphid species reported to exclusively produce gall forms resembling broccoli head-shaped is Tuberaphis takeouchii (Takahashi). For the first time in Korea, an aphid species forming gall structures with a broccoli-head-like appearance has been discovered. We confirmed that the species discovered in Korea is a new species through morphological and molecular comparisons with T. takenouchii (Takahashi). To comprehend the life cycle of this new species, we conducted a year-long study investigating how the gall forms change and examined aphid polymorphism across different seasons. The results of this study additionally include as followings: 1) Species identification, 2) DNA barcoding, 3) population genetic analyses, and 4) morphological comparison using SEM

Extensive research and testing continue to be conducted for the development of vaccines targeting zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis. In this study, the potential of the DapB as a recombinant protein vaccine to effectively combat Brucella abortus 544 infection in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Western blotting assay results showed that recombinant protein DapB reacted with Brucella-positive serum, indicating its potential immunoreactivity. In vivo results showed that the peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cell population significantly increased in the DapB-immunized mice group after the first, second and third blood collection, compared to the control group that received PBS. Additionally, at the fourth blood collection, an increase in CD4+ T cell activation was observed in three vaccination groups compared to PBS negative control group. These results indicate the potential of DapB in stimulating cellular immunity. Fourteen days after infection, the bacterial load in the spleen was evaluated. The reduction in bacterial replication in the spleen by both DapB and RB51 highlights their protective efficacy against Brucella infection. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing effective vaccines against brucellosis and provide valuable insights for further research in this field.

The disposal of organic pollutants is one of the important research topics. Some of the studies in this field are based on the degradation of organic pollutants with a catalytic agent. The cobalt tetraoxide/peroxymonosulfate system is an important catalytic system used for the radical degradation of organic pollutants. To increase the catalytic efficiency of such reactions, graphitization of activated carbon used as a support solid and nitrogen doping to the carbon structure are commonly used methods. In this study, cobalt tetraoxide production, N-doping and graphitization were carried out in a single step by heat treatment of activated carbon doped with the phthlocyanine cobalt (II) complex. The catalytic performance of the catalyst/ peroxymonosulfate system was investigated by changing the pH, catalyst, and PMS concentration parameters on rhodamine B and 1,3,5 trichlorophenol, which were used as models. It was seen that the catalysts had 97% activity on rhodamine B in 16 min and 100% on 1,3,5 trichlorophenol in 6 min. It was observed that the catalysts continued to show high catalytic activity for five cycles in reusability studies and had a very low cobalt leaching rate. These results are in good agreement with previously published studies. In line with these results, the synthesized N-doped graphitic carbon/Co3O4 catalyst can be used as an effective catalyst for wastewater treatments.

There has been a tectonic shift in the trade relationship between the United States (US) and China. This can be seen in the passage of new US legislation, recent US trade restrictions on exports and investment transactions with China, and worsening US relations with the World Trade Organization (WTO), particularly with its dispute resolution system. The Trump administration initiated a haphazard tariff and trade war with China, reversing decades of US trade policy pursuant to its long-standing stances of supporting free trade. To the dismay of many in the trade community within the US and globally, the trade actions by President Trump have been significantly extended and broadened by the Biden administration in its first two years, despite the expectation that it would reverse many of Trump’s policies. In this article, I present seven observations concerning President Trump’s and President Biden’s trade policies.