1.1 Can you please briefly summarize the paper?

 The convergence of computational predictions and wet lab experiments to validate the symptom severity of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were developed by 11 different feature encodings and hybrid features from the training data and then explored 8 different classifiers and developed their respective prediction models by using randomized 10-fold cross-validation. As a result, systematic evaluation of these 96 developed models and selected the top 90 models, whose predicted class labels were combined and considered as reduced features. On the basis of these features, a multilayer perceptron was applied and developed the final prediction model (IML-TYLCVs). The symptom severity of TYLCV 3 groups were predicted using IML-TYLCVs, and the results indicated that 2 groups were severe and 1 group was mild. Furthermore, the prediction results were confirmed by the phenotypes of tomato plant using infectious clones from 3 groups.

1.2 Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?

 Development and optimization of the final model to be suitable for TYLCV symptom severity was a difficult part, which had taken around 3 months. However, due to wet laboratory experiments and virus-challenging experiments in plants, IML-TYLCV can demonstrate the most efficiency.

2. Please introduce your laboratory, university, or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.

 Department of Integrative Biotechnology at Sungkyunkwan University a multi-disciplinary department that combines the fields of biology, chemistry, and biotechnology engineering to understand the complex interactions between living systems and the environment. We use a variety of techniques such as genomics, proteomics, and systems biology to study the molecular mechanisms of organisms, and then apply this knowledge to develop new technologies and applications in areas such as biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental conservation.

 Our laboratory is a leading research facility in the field of plant virology, with a particular focus on geminiviruses and their infectious clones. We use advanced equipment and methods to understand and control these viruses which can cause significant damage to crops and other plants. Our research is aimed at developing new strategies for controlling geminivirus infections, as well as improving our understanding of the biology of these viruses. We also collaborate with other groups to improve the field of plant virology.

3. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.

 Conducting research abroad allowed me to gain new perspectives on my research and expand my skill set. Working with researchers from different backgrounds and cultures helped me to think more critically about my research and approach problems from new angles. I also had the opportunity to learn new techniques and technologies that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise. Additionally, I was able to establish collaborations with one of the best researchers around the world, which has been valuable for both my career and the advancement of my field.

4. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?

 I think research activities abroad are valuable for young researchers. Not only do they provide the opportunity to gain new perspectives and skills, but they also allow researchers to establish international collaborations and networks. These connections can be essential for their careers and the progress of their field. I would highly recommend young researchers to seek out opportunities for research abroad and make the most of them.

5. Future plan?

 We expect the outcome and improve of these experiments to be a more accurate prediction of the symptom severity of TYLCV in tomato plants. This will allow us to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the virus and the factors that affect symptom severity.

6. How do you think this research will benefit the tomato farming or agricultural industry in Korea?

 The tomato industry is one of the most important crop productions in Korea and TYLCV is a major threat to tomato yields. It is necessary to develop a system that can accurately and efficiently identify the severity of TYLCV infections in tomato plants for plant virus resistance breeding programs.

 The research will benefit the tomato farming industry or agricultural industry by providing a more accurate prediction of symptom severity of TYLCV, which will help farmers or breeder to better plan their crop management strategies. Additionally, the research will contribute to the development of new methods for controlling the spread of the virus in tomato crops, which will lead to increase the number of plant virus resistance cultivar.