bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORRELATION BETWEEN EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN GROUP OF EARLY INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING ON THE DURATION OF LACTATIONAL AMENORRHEA
Authors:   Student of Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University. Indonesia, Febrianto Edison , Prabantoro Benedictus TR ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia, Pangemanan Lisa ,   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Based on data from "Survei Demografi dan Kesehatan Indonesia" (SDKI) in 2012, about four percent of births occurred 18 months apart, and six percent were less than two years apart, about 75 percent occurred at least three years apart. WHO’s recommendation for birth spacing is at least 24 months. A gestation interval of fewer than six months can increase maternal mortality due to premature rupture of the amniotic sac, anemia, and puerperal endometritis. The Lactational Amenorrhea Method is a natural and easy method of contraception. The LAM method is one of the contraceptive methods with a success rate of 98 percent. One of the importance of contraception, such as LAM, is to adjust the optimal birth spacing. Purpose: This study aims to determine the correlation between exclusive breastfeeding in a group of early initiation of breastfeeding on the duration of lactational amenorrhea. Method: This study is an observational analytic study with a retrospective cohort study design. A simple random sampling technique is used for the sampling method. The collection of data on the history of breastfeeding and the duration of amenorrhea was collected from the main research results by doing interviews with respondents. Results: The results of statistical tests with Spearman correlation showed that the P-value obtained is 0.005. This value is less than p (0.05), which means a significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding and the duration of lactational amenorrhea. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding in the early initiation of the breastfeeding group and the duration of lactation amenorrhea.
EFFECT OF AFRICAN LEAF EXTRACT (Vernonia amygdalina) ON ALLOXANINDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS LEYDIG CELL MYTOSIS OF WISTAR RATS
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia, Tanaem C Angela , Rosalind L Aurellia ,   Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus can reduce the quality of human life when accompanied by complications, one of which is sexual dysfunction. In diabetics, there is an increase in ROSproduction which can cause damage to local Leydig cell proliferation so that Leydig cell activity and testosterone secretion decrease. African leaves can be used as a control of blood sugar levels and antioxidants to overcome oxidative stress. Purpose: To determine the effect of administration of African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina) on alloxan-induced Leydig cell mitosis in male rats with diabetes mellitus. Method: This experimental study used 31 male Rattus norvegicus white rats divided into K, P0, P1, P2, and P3 groups. Each group consisting of six rats and one rat outside the study group was used as a reference. Experimental animals will be induced alloxan with a single dose of 150 mg/kgBW for four days. African leaf extract was administered using a probe to groups P1, P2, P3 at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW for 14 days. Rats were anaesthetized and euthanized so that the testes could be used to make preparations with HE staining and analysis of preparations using a 400x magnification light microscope. The research data were analyzed using One-Way Annova with P<0.05. Results: The administration of African leaf extract affected increasing the number of mitotic Leydig cells (P=0.026). There was a significant increase in the number of mitotic Leydig cells at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW (P=0.021), but not effective at a dose of 200 mg/kgBW (P=0.188) and 400 mg/kgBW (P=0.823). Conclusion: The administration of African leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW has been shown to increase the number of mitotic Leydig cells so that it can be used to improve sexual function in diabetics.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSIC-BASED THERAPY AS A POSSIBLE INTERVENTION FOR DEMENTIA IN SOCIAL RESTRICTIVE SITUATIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RCTS
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia, Asyura Muhammad MAZ , Putri Kassie G ,   Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia, Chandra Angelina P ,   Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Patients with dementia experience painful, confusing, frustrating, and amnesialike emotional distress and instability because of their brain’s inability to correlate their emotions with the memory that causes the emotion. Moreover, the dependency of dementia patients also results in an additional emotional, physical, and financial burden to their families and caregivers. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic forces drastic self-isolation, which are hard to comprehend for dementia patients, increasing their feeling of anxiety, loneliness, and frustration. Music therapy has gained popularity amongst other therapy alternatives for dementia for its easy accessibility, previously proven effectiveness to reduce dementia symptoms and its positive impact on the caregivers. Method: A systematic review was performed, searching for randomized controlled trials, according to the PRISMA statement, throughout five international databases with published studies up to 18 April 2021. Critical appraisal was further conducted utilizing the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Results: The search yielded eight randomized controlled trials with a total of 534 subjects. The intervention conducted was in individual or group music therapy. The outcomes were measured using various indicators, and significant improvements found in agitated behaviour, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and general mood of the patient. Conclusion: Music therapy is a highly potential alternative therapy for elderly patients with dementia, showing significant and effective improvements to reduce dementia-related symptoms. Further studies in coherence with implementations of the therapy are urgently needed to aid the increasing prevalence of dementia worldwide, especially in Indonesia.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 REPORTING MEDIA ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF INDONESIAN COMMUNITY WITH STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL (SEM) APPROACH
Authors: Sari Santika , Montreano Donny , Waluyo Rachman
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus outbreak phenomenon has become a headline that colors the daily news that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the virus as a novel Coronaviruses disease (Covid-19) designated a global pandemic. This pandemic has spread to almost all countries globally and infected millions of people in it. This pandemic has spread to almost all countries globally and infected millions of people in it. In a short time, almost all news media reported about the Covid-19 pandemic starting from prevention, positive diagnosed characteristics of Covid-19, and news of the impact that will be felt if someone is known to be affected by Covid-19. The news that circulated not only happened but also much fake news emerged, which caused more pressure on the community. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies that many of the rumors and misinformation that spread fear in this community mostly come from social media. Therefore, there must be an effort made by a study to find out and test whether there is an influence of the Covid-19 news media on the mental health of the Indonesian people. Based on the results of SEM calculations obtained, media factors that concern mental health are the role of media, content media, media frequency, and media sources. These four things have contributed to mental health factors, namely anxiety, and depression. Depression and anxiety are mental health factors
ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT USING WASTE ASSESSMENT MODEL AND DEMING CYCLE METHOD (STUDY CASE: TAPIOCA STARCH MANUFACTURING)
Authors: Astutik Widi , Setiawan Irwan , Asmal Sapta
Published: April 2022

This study explains what waste occurs in the manufacturing industry, where there are 7 wastes, namely excess production, waiting time, unnecessary transportation, excessive processes, excess inventory, unnecessary movements, and defective products. As a result of this waste, the company has lost an output of 46 tons in 1 semester. The purpose of this research is to find out the critical waste and the source of the waste that occurs in the manufacturing industry and then reduce the waste using the waste assessment model and the deming cycle method. The method used to identify waste is the waste assessment model. The waste assessment model consists of 2 stages, namely the waste relationship matrix to determine the relationship between waste and a waste assessment questionnaire to identify the causes of waste. The results of this study obtained critical waste from 7 wastes, namely defect waste with a percentage of 27.94% and the cause of the waste is the frequency of machine breakdowns that occur in area 2 production. It can be concluded that the critical waste in this research is defect waste that originates from engine damage in the production area and within a quarter the waste has been eliminated so that it can maximize the production process.
ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE CULTURAL VALUE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AT PT BANK SULSEL
Authors: Mappisabbi AM Fadly
Published: April 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of corporate culture values (which include: integrity, professionalism, customer focus, and service improvement) on the implementation of good corporate governance at PT. Bank Sul-Sel, as well as knowing which value is more dominant in influencing the good corporate governance of PT. South Sulawesi Bank.The population of this research is 130 employees. The number of samples used the Isaac and Michel formula with an error rate of 5% was set at 77 employees. The data used are primary data and secondary data. Data collection used questionnaires and documentation techniques. The data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, validity, reliability, and hypothesis testing analysis.The results of the study based on the results of multiple regression analysis indicate that the values of corporate culture, namely: integrity, professionalism, customer focus, and service improvement, positively influence employee performance. The analysis results show that the dominant value that affects employee performance is integrity. It can be seen from the regression analysis results, which shows that t-count = 3.713. The contribution of corporate culture values to good corporate governance is 53.9%. The remaining 46.1% is influenced by other variables not examined.
Determination of threshold value of protective level of class G antibodies to SARS-COV‑2 in late phase of immune response in COVID‑19 convalescents
Authors: Alkhutova N. A. , Kovyazina N. A. , Davydova D. I. , Aleksanin S. S. , Rybnikov V. Yu.
Published: April 2022

Determining the effectiveness and duration of humoral immunity to SARS-CoV‑2 is of great importance for the management tactics and forecasting of the COVID‑19 pandemic. However, it is important to understand that the high concentration of antibodies, which is characteristic of an acute immune response (including after vaccination), will not persist in its late stage of “memory”. The level of antibodies at the end of the acute phase of the immune response inevitably decreases, and then, having reached a certain limit, it stabilizes in most people.

The purpose of this study is to substantiate the threshold value of the “protective” level of antibodies to SARS-CoV‑2 when using the SARS-CoV‑2- IgG-ELISA-BEST reagent system of Vector-Best JSC, Novosibirsk, Russia.

The results of our study confirmed that 6–10 and even 18 months after the COVID‑19 disease and 6 months after vaccination, the antibody level positivity index (IP) remained relatively constant and comparable. Taking into account the risks of adverse reactions and complications caused by excessive immunization with repeated administration of the vaccine against a background of high antibody levels, it is advisable to focus on the average value of the level of antibodies of the late phase of the immune response, taking this level as the threshold value of “protective” immunity. The data obtained by us together with the results of foreign authors suggest that both infection with SARS-CoV‑2 and vaccination, in most cases, lead to the formation of long-term humoral immunity, which corresponds to the range of concentration of SARS-CoV‑2-IgG equal to IP=7,77 ± 1,64 or 102,63 ± 29,31 BAU / ml.
Evaluation of effectiveness of humoral immune response after vaccination with ‘CoviVaс’
Authors: Kazakov S. P. , Reshetnyak D. V. , Davydova N. V. , Putkov S. B.
Published: April 2022

Determining the efficiency of the principal means of specific immunoprophylaxis in forming thepost-vaccinal immunity against the new coronavirus infection (СOVID‑19) is a very important and topical problem. Solving it involves the evaluation of the efficiency and choosing the laboratory diagnostics technique for an adequate estimation of the nature and the level of thepost-vaccinal immune response (PIR).

Research objectives. Evaluating efficiency of the humoral PIR involving theproduction of specific antibodies in patients vaccinated with ‘CoviVac’using quantitative andsemi-quantitative test systems developed by Russian and international companies.

Material and methods. The level of antibodies matching the principal known antigens of the SARS-CoV‑2 virus was measured. The probes were taken in a group of 103 persons 22–30 days after vaccination. The techniques used were the principal immunochemical ones (enzymelinkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA)). The nature and the level of the PIR in terms of these antibodies’ production was studied, and the adequacy of the diagnostic techniques applied was evaluated, wherefore the result convergence was studied, and the techniques’ cross-sensitivity and specificity were determined.

Results. Insufficient level of PIR in terms of producing antibodies against SARS-CoV‑2 after vaccination with‘CoviVac’was established. The levels of antibodies were found to be not highenough to ensure a reliable immunity against the Covid‑19. However, a highdegree of correlation between the results of different quantitative techniques for measuring theantibodies matching the S-protein and its BRD of the SARS-CoV‑2 virus was determined. Arather high convergence of the results of the quantitative and semi-quantitative techniques usedfor studying this type of antibodies was found.

Conclusions. The PR upon the vaccination with the ‘CoviVac’ is characterized by insufficientintensity level in terms of forming the long-living IgG antibodies with surface antigens of SARS-CoV‑2. In particular, the antibody count, which is generally considered capable of ensuringreliable protection, was not reached. Efficiency of the immunochemical testsystems used in this study is high enough and can provide an adequate estimate of the PIR after the vaccination with ‘CoviVac’ .
Elevated serum ferritin level in inpatients
Authors: Kovalchuk M. S. , Berestovskaya V. S. , Vlasov V. S. , Zhilenkova Yu. I.
Published: April 2022

Serum ferritin is considered one of the predictors of severe forms of diseases and an increased mortality risk in patients with various diseases. However, the results of the studies performed to date are not heterogeneous and the usefulness of measuring serum ferritin in all inpatients, including those with COVID‑19, is being questioned. The study included the results of measuring serum ferritin in 761 adult patients, of which in the main group 634 were confirmed with COVID‑19, and 127 patients from the comparison group were hospitalized with other diagnoses. Differences in serum ferritin concentration in the main group (COVID‑19 “+”: survivors: Me 295.2, 95% CI: 353.8–449.1 µg/l, non-survivors Me 285.9, 95% CI: 309.9–628.9 µg/l) and in the comparison group (COVID‑19 “-”: survivors Me 267.2: 95% CI 268.2–526.0 µg/l, non-survivors Me 197.7, 95% CI: 110.3–529.0 µg/l) depending on the outcomes of the disease were not statistically significant. At the same time, in the cohort of the non-survivors, serum ferritin above 500 µg/l with COVID‑19 was 23.75 times more common, and in the cohort with a ferritin concentration above 1500 µg/l, 17.75 times more common than ferritin in the group of inpatients without COVID–19. Our results indicate the impracticality of measuring serum ferritin for all inpatients; however, they confirm the fact that selective measurement of serum ferritin in patients with severe course of diseases, especially infectious diseases, makes it possible to identify a category of patients with a high risk of developing hyperinflammation.
Methodological aspects of ensuring and improving diagnostic effectiveness of quantitative immunochemiluminescent studies. Model of ‘clinical uncertainty’ as part of laboratory modules of clinical recommendations and educational programs
Authors: Kovyazina N. A. , Aleksanin S. S. , Chunovkina A. G. , Emanuel V. L.
Published: April 2022

Technological capabilities make it possible to increase the diagnostic efficiency of quantitative immunochemiluminescent studies but require expanding the glossary of the clinical and laboratory consultation, taking into account metrological approaches to quality assurance. The variants of quantitative assessment of the “clinical uncertainty of assessing the patient’s condition based on a laboratory test”, formed taking into account the models of analytical quality requirements, are proposed. The clinical significance of the introduction of metrological approaches to ensuring and expressing accuracy in the practice of quantitative immunochemiluminescent studies in order to reduce risks and improve the safety of medical activities is demonstrated.
Biomarkers of non-specific inflammation and atherosclerosis of carotid arteries in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Polonskiy E. L. , Zybina N. N. , Tikhomirova O. V. , Lomova I. P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose of study. Identification of significant laboratory markers for the development of atherosclerosis (AS) of the carotid arteries (CA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Materials and methods. 152 male patients were examined, 84 of whom, according to polysomnography (PSG), were diagnosed with OSAS. Diagnosis of AS CA was performed by triplex scanning. The complex of laboratory studies included the assessment of lipid metabolism, the concentration of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β), interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and interleukin‑10 (IL‑10) in blood serum.

Results. In patients with OSAS, a statistically significant increase in the complex of proatherogenic factors was found: hsCRP, pro-inflammatory cytokines, ratio of apoproteins and atherogenic coefficient compared with patients without OSAS despite the absence of differences in the severity of atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries in these groups

Conclusion. The development of OSAS is associated with severe lipid metabolism disorders and activation of nonspecific inflammation, which determines an increased risk of atherosclerosis in this group of patients.
Tactics of recognition of typical pathological disorders on background of accumulation of C-terminal protein fragment of collagen I type in panels of ratio of personal indicators of water-electrolyte metabolism
Authors: Solomennikov A. V. , Bogdanova S. L. , Tyukavin A. I. , Arseniev N. A.
Published: April 2022

The material of this study is based on the results of archival examination data of 82 patients (No. 1–82) with various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, who had a set of laboratory parameters necessary for analysis in their medical history that meets the requirements for creating an expert analytical system. In this work, for calculations and construction of a panel of ratios, we used a series represented by indicators of water-electrolyte exchange. Using the proposed method, the authors identified in personal laboratory data in patients with a high B-cross Lap index different complexes of B-cross Lap-associated connections, thereby differentiating various types of pathological disorders and offering them as images of typical pathological disorders that can be identified in personalized laboratory data. The authors note that the given and described complexes of B-cross Lap-associated bonds do not exhaust all possible variants of the distinctive features of the formation of an electrolyte ratio panel, but allow developers to start creating an archive of the knowledge base of images of disorders, which will be updated as it accumulates. clinical material and be used in their identification in the evaluation of laboratory data in each case. In the future, the authors plan to develop expert-analytical systems based on routine laboratory data that will be able to differentiate, in particular, the most common disorders of bone metabolism, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy without the use of complex and expensive immunochemical methods in general hospitals.
Genetic predisposition and resistance to certain infectious diseases. IV. Tuberculosis
Authors: Shcherbo S. N. , Shcherbo D. S. , Sokolova N. A. , Savina M. I. , Turkina T. I.
Published: April 2022

The review discusses issues related to genetic predisposition and resistance to tuberculosis. Genetic factors largely determine susceptibility to various diseases, including infections. The main focus is on the genes of the major histocompatibility complex and toll-like receptors. A number of genetic polymorphisms responsible for resistance and predisposition to tuberculosis and related clinical consequences are considered. Knowledge of molecular genetic biomarkers is necessary to identify risk groups and carry out predictive measures.
A Putative Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase I Named CaGCH1 Is Involved in Hyphal Branching and Fruiting Development in Cyclocybe aegerita
Authors: Tao Nan , Cheng Bopu , Chai Hongmei , Cui Xianghua , Ma Yuanhao , Yan Jinping , Zhao Yongchang , Chen Weimin
Published: April 2022

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) is the limiting enzyme of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis pathway. The disruption of gch1 gene may cause conditional lethality due to folic acid auxotrophy in microorganisms, although the function of gch1 in basidiomycetes has not been deciphered so far. In the present study, gch1 expression in Cyclocybe aegerita (cagch1) was downregulated using the RNAi method, which resulted in growth retardation in both solid and liquid medium, with the hyphal tips exhibiting increased branching compared to that in the wild strain. The development of fruiting bodies in the mutant strains was significantly blocked, and there were short and bottle-shaped stipes. The transcriptional profile revealed that the genes of the MAPK pathway may be involved in the regulation of these effects caused by cagch1 knockdown, which provided an opportunity to study the role of gch1 in the development process of basidiomycetes.
Optimal Cooperative Line-of-Sight Guidance for Defending a Guided Missile
Authors: Li Chendi , Wang Jiang , Huang Peng
Published: April 2022

This correspondence proposes an optimal cooperative guidance law for protecting a target from a guided missile. The linearized three-body kinematics using the line-of-sight (LOS) triangle concept is formulated, and a new concept called error distance is introduced. A generalized linear quadratic optimization problem is formulated in minimizing weighted energy consumption while regulating the error distance. The analytic guidance command is derived by solving the optimization problem formulated. The main feature of the proposed guidance law lies in that it helps reduce the maneuver capability demand of the defender. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Impact of Intensive Youth Participation in Agriculture on Rural Households’ Revenue: Evidence from Rice Farming Households in Nigeria
Authors: Fasakin Idowu James , Ogunniyi Adebayo Isaiah , Bello Lateef Olalekan , Mignouna Djana , Adeoti Razack , Bamba Zoumana , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Awotide Bola Amoke
Published: April 2022

The youth unemployment situation is an essential component of the current agricultural policy agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Deep-rooted debates on finding a lasting solution to this problem using agriculture have been targeted as one of the panaceas. Using data from 207 systematically selected rice-producing households, this study employed the Propensity Score Matching method (PSM) and the Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment method (IPWRA) to examine the effect of intensive youth participation in agriculture on productivity and household revenue in Nigeria. We found that the key factors influencing the decisions of youth to participate in agriculture intensively include the number of years of farming experience, access to credit, membership in social groups, income, and land access. The PSM results indicate that rice productivity could increase by 1088.78 kg/ha if youth decide to intensively participate in agriculture. The IPWRA results show a positive and significant impact of intensive youth participation in agriculture on productivity and revenue. Therefore, our results suggest that efforts by the government and stakeholders towards encouraging flexible accessibility to credit (low-interest and easy repayment) and land without collateral to young people could enhance their participation in intensive agriculture and could subsequently boost productivity and household revenue.
Complex Mixture of Arvensic Acids Isolated from Convolvulus arvensis Roots Identified as Inhibitors of Radicle Growth of Broomrape Weeds
Authors: Soriano Gabriele , Fernández-Aparicio Mónica , Masi Marco , Vilariño-Rodríguez Susana , Cimmino Alessio
Published: April 2022

Broomrape weeds (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are noxious parasites that infect crops using haustoria formed at the tip of their radicles. Dichloromethane extract obtained from the roots of Convolvulus arvensis strongly inhibits the radicle growth of broomrape weeds. A complex mixture of arvensic acids was isolated as the metabolites responsible of the inhibitory activity of C. arvensis extract against broomrape radicle growth via activity-guided fractionation and 1H NMR and ESI MS data. We showed that the exposure of broomrape seedlings to this arvensic acids mixture results in a strong phytotoxic effect on their radicles in four broomrape species infecting a wide range of crops worldwide. This discovery paves the way for the synthesis of new bioherbicides and could contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable management strategies for broomrape weeds, for which control in many crops is limited or non-existing.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Neuroprotective Behaviors of Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruit Extracts
Authors: Li Po-Hsien , Wang Chien-Wen , Lu Wen-Chien , Song Tuzz-Ying , Wang Chiun-C. R.
Published: April 2022

Phyllanthus emblica L. is traditionally used as both medicine and food in Taiwan. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection bioactivities of P. emblica fruit. P. emblica fruit extracts had a high content of total phenol and flavonoids, and chlorogenic acids. For antioxidant capacity, 95% ethanol-extracted P. emblica had the best DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion chelating ability, and reducing power as compared with hot water, 50% ethanol, and commercial extracts, and showed the highest reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The present results have demonstrated that the P. emblica extracts can protect the oxidative degradation of lipids by inhibiting FeCl3-ascorbate-mediated lipid peroxidation. For anti-inflammatory activity, P. emblica fruit extracts showed dose-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and significantly high COX-2 inhibition. For neuroprotection bioactivity, P. emblica extracts had higher percentages of pheochromocytoma cell protection than commercial extracts. Hot water and ethanol extracts showed higher percentages of PC12 cell protection than commercial extracts. P. emblica hydroalcoholic extracts had a neuroprotective effect against oxidative damage, which could be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. P. emblica extracts could be used in daily health beverages, foods, and cosmetic products.
Adaptation to Climate Change and Impact on Smallholder Farmers’ Food Security in South Africa
Authors: Ogundeji Abiodun A.
Published: April 2022

If not adequately managed, climate change is predicted to have a large negative impact on smallholder subsistence farmers, posing a significant danger to household food security. However, the role of adaptive techniques used by farming households to reduce these negative effects and, as a result, their food insecurity status has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study explores the factors that influence smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate change adaptation measures, as well as their impact on household food security. Using an endogenous treatment-effect ordered probit model, agricultural households’ food security status is likely to significantly improve when they employ measures to adapt to adverse climatic conditions. The empirical findings also show that the gender makeup of the household, age, tropical livestock unit, and access to climatic information improve the likelihood of smallholder farmers adopting climate change adaptation measures. Based on the findings, this study advocates that governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) support smallholder farmers’ Indigenous adaptation options with various institutional, regulatory, and technological assistance, with a particular emphasis on female-headed households.
Seeding Performance Caused by Inclination Angle in a Centralized Seed-Metering Device for Rapeseed
Authors: Lei Xiaolong , Wu Wencheng , Chang Cheng , Li Tao , Zhou Zhonglin , Guo Jinyue , Zhu Peixu , Hu Jianfeng , Cheng Hong , Zhou Wei , Deng Fei , Chen Yong , Wu Yongcheng , Ren Wanjun
Published: April 2022

Rapeseed is mainly cultivated in hilly areas in China and the inclination angle is an important parameter for influencing the seeding quality of a seed-metering device. However, the relationship between seeding performance and inclination angle remains unclear. This study analyzes the influence of inclination angle (θ) on the characteristics of seed-filling and seeding performance in a centralized seed-metering system of rapeseed using DEM simulation and the bench test. The results revealed that the inclination angle (θ) had a significant effect on seed-filling performance. The missing seeds ratio and the deviation of seed layer height increased with an increase in a lateral inclination angle. The missing seeds ratio in the forward direction (−Y direction) and seed-filling angle, double seed-filling ratio, and seed layer height in the back direction (Y direction) increased with the increasing inclination angle. Under seed-cleaning treatment, the missing seeds ratio was significantly reduced in the −Y direction at a seed layer height of 25 mm, and the qualified ratio was more than 91.0% at a seed layer height of 20 mm in X direction. The phenomenon of seeds passing through the seed-metering wheel disappeared with a qualified ratio larger than 90.0% in Y direction by installing a seed-cleaning brush. The results contributed to improving the knowledge of seed-filling characteristics of the centralized seed-metering device at inclination conditions and should help to improve seeding performance by adjusting the seed layer height and installing a seed-cleaning brush.
Evaluation of Industrial Hemp Seed Treatments for Management of Damping-Off for Enhanced Stand Establishment
Authors: Mayton Hilary , Amirkhani Masoume , Loos Michael , Johnson Burton , Fike John , Johnson Chuck , Myers Kevin , Starr Jennifer , Bergstrom Gary C. , Taylor Alan
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research was to collect efficacy data on biological, biochemical, and chemical fungicide seed treatments on hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) to mitigate damping-off and enhance field stand establishment. Seed treatments were evaluated in fields in New York (NY), North Dakota (ND), and Virginia (VA) and at two planting dates in each state in 2020. A single seed lot of a dual-purpose (fiber + grain) cultivar (‘Anka’) was treated using a laboratory-scale rotary pan coater. Five biological, two biochemical, and four chemical seed treatments were tested. A laboratory germination test revealed that seed treatments did not exhibit phytotoxicity when compared to the non-treated control. A laboratory bioassay with naturally infested soil was used to assess the preliminary activity of seed treatments for protection against damping-off. The biochemical seed treatment Ultim® (active ingredient; organic copper) performed as well as the chemical treatments Apron XL® + Maxim® 4FS and Mertect® 340F in preventing damping-off whereas the biological treatments did not differ from the non-treated control in terms of disease incidence. In all field tests, biological seed treatments did not improve plant stands compared to the non-treated control. Biochemical seed treatments Prudent 44® with Nutrol® (active ingredient; phosphite) and Ultim®, along with chemical seed treatments, had acceptable efficacy and improved stand establishment compared to the non-treated control across field locations. Based on efficacy results from laboratory and field trials, the copper seed treatment has potential for both conventional and organic hemp production.
Cyperus iria Weed Growth, Survival, and Fecundity in Response to Varying Weed Emergence Times and Densities in Dry-Seeded Rice Systems
Authors: Awan Tahir Hussain , Ali Hafiz Haider , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: April 2022

Cyperus iria is amongst the most threatening weeds of rice in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Broad knowledge about the ecology and fecundity of C. iria is important for its effective management. Field studies were conducted over two seasons (wet (WS) and dry seasons (DS)) to investigate the influence of C. iria populations (40 and 80 plants m−2) on its growth, survival, and fertility, with four emergence times, 3, 15, 30, and 45 d after rice emergence (DARE), during 2013. We postulated that (a) higher plant density of this weed would result in more biomass production and viable seeds per unit area, (b) interference of rice would reduce the biomass production and fecundity of this weed, and (c) delaying weed emergence would lead to downsizing of its percent survival and seed bank enrichment in soil. The results indicated that rice interference decreased C. iria growth and seed production as compared with those of plants established without rice interference. A linear decrease in the percent survival of C. iria without rice and a sigmoid decrease with rice were observed during both seasons. Plant height of C. iria was moderately affected up to 30 DARE, and a significant reduction was observed at 45 DARE. There was a linear relationship between C. iria shoot dry weight and seed number plant −1, across-weed density, seeding rate of rice, and emergence time. C. iria seed production, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield were greater when seedlings emerged simultaneously with the rice crop (3 DARE) than when they emerged late. Under rice weed interference growth, the production of viable seeds was completely stopped at 45 DARE. The delay in the emergence of C. iria up to 45 DARE was unable to produce seed in both seasons. The results of the current studies advocate that the emergence, weed biomass, and seed production of C. iria can be checked by adopting suitable cultural weed management practices, which can impede the emergence of weed relative to rice. These practices, enabling the respective crops to be more competitive, will foster integrated weed management approaches, thus offering a key role in seed detection to the soil seed reservoir or pool by notorious weeds in the field.
Effects of Vermicompost Application on Growth and Heavy Metal Uptake of Barley Grown in Mudflat Salt-Affected Soils
Authors: Shen Ziyi , Yu Zhixuan , Xu Lu , Zhao Yilin , Yi Siqiang , Shen Chao , Wang Yimin , Li Yunlong , Zuo Wengang , Gu Chuanhui , Shan Yuhua , Bai Yanchao
Published: April 2022

China is facing a shortage of arable land resources, and the mudflat salt-affected soil along the east coast of China is an important reserve arable land resource. In this study, we conducted a randomized field trial to investigate the effects of vermicompost application rate (0, 25, 50, 125, and 250 t ha−1) on barley growth and heavy metal accumulation in mudflat salt-affected soil. We found that vermicompost application decreased bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH of mudflat salt-affected soil while increasing its organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents. With the increase in vermicompost application rate, the yield of grain and total biomass of barley plants increased. The yield of grain in the vermicompost application treatments of 25, 50, 125, and 250 t ha−1 increased by 66.0%, 226.0%, 340.0%, and 512.0%, respectively, relative to the control. In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn) in mudflat salt-affected soil and barley plant increased as the vermicompost application rate increased.
Joint Effects of Developmental Stage and Water Deficit on Essential Oil Traits (Content, Yield, Composition) and Related Gene Expression: A Case Study in Two Thymus Species
Authors: Yousefzadeh Kazem , Houshmand Saadollah , Shiran Behrouz , Mousavi-Fard Sadegh , Zeinali Hossein , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos , Gheisari Mohammad Mehdi , Fanourakis Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

In this study, the joint effects of developmental stage and soil water availability on biomass accumulation, harvest index, as well as essential oil content, yield and composition were investigated in Thymus armeniacus. For comparison purposes, Thymus kotschyanus was also considered. Plants were irrigated to either 75 or 50% of field capacity, and were sampled at 50 or 100% blooming. In both species, water deficit exerted limited effect on the time required to initiate or complete flowering. In most critical aspects of yield (harvestable organs dry weight, essential oil yield), T. armeniacus was found to be superior than T. kotschyanus. In these traits, however, T. armeniacus underwent a more drastic water deficit-induced decrease. Across treatments, metabolite levels fairly correlated to transcript accumulation profiles of terpene synthases and cytochrome P450 genes. Indices affiliated with reactive oxygen species were inter-correlated with the activity of five major antioxidant enzymes, while the same was noted between leaf water status and pigment content. Taken together, these results indicate that when water availability can be achieved, higher yields will be obtained by cultivation of T. armeniacus. Under water deficit conditions, instead, the more drought tolerant T. kotschyanus stands out as the primary choice.
The Effects of Leguminous Living Mulch Intercropping and Its Growth Management on Organic Cabbage Yield and Biological Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Stein Sophie , Hartung Jens , Möller Kurt , Zikeli Sabine
Published: April 2022

In organic horticulture, living mulches (LM) are used for weed suppression and erosion prevention. In addition, leguminous LM can contribute to higher nitrogen (N) import into vegetable cultivation systems via biological N2 fixation (BNF). In order to investigate the effect of LM systems, a two- as well as three-year field experiment was conducted between 2019 and 2021 at two locations in Southwest Germany. White cabbage was intercropped with two different clover varieties (Trifolium repens cv. ‘Rivendel’, with regular growth and T.repens cv. ‘Pipolina’, a micro clover) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. ‘Premium’). Bare soil (with spontaneous vegetation) without intercropping was the control treatment. The second factor was the growth management of the LM: incorporation by rototilling before planting the cabbage, intercropping with the cabbage and no LM growth management, and intercropping with mulching of the LM during the cabbage growing. The results show that rototilling LM before planting the cabbage did not lead to higher weight of cabbage residues or differences in total head yield among the treatments for growth management. Intercropping without further LM growth management did not result in a reduced total head yield of cabbage compared to mulching. The micro clover ‘Pipolina’ showed no reduced competition with cabbage compared to the regular-growing white clover ‘Rivendel’. Therefore, we conclude that leguminous LM systems, regardless of growth management, can achieve high yields with sufficient irrigation and additional fertilization while increasing the inputs of N via BNF into the entire cropping system.
Long-Term Field and Horticultural Crops Intensification in Semiarid Regions Influence the Soil Physiobiochemical Properties and Nutrients Status
Authors: Mandal Agniva , Toor Amardeep Singh , Dhaliwal Salwinder Singh , Singh Pritpal , Singh Vijay Kant , Sharma Vivek , Gupta Raj K. , Naresh Rama Krishna , Kumar Yogesh , Pramanick Biswajit , Nanda Gangadhar , Gaber Ahmed , Alkhedaide Adel , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Hossain Akbar
Published: April 2022

The study was conducted to assess the long-term effects of predominant land uses on physicochemical properties, nutrient status and their interactions in soils of south-western Punjab representing the semi-arid soils of India. From each site, soil samples of three predominant land use viz. croplands, horticultural lands and uncultivated lands were collected from 0–15, 15–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths. Soils of both croplands and horticultural lands were classified as sandy loam whereas uncultivated lands showed loamy sand texture with relatively higher pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and bulk density (Bd). Greater soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in horticulture might be due to the higher addition of OC and mineral nutrients through the decomposition of leaf litterfall and root deposits over their removal from soils while long-term use of potassic fertilizer raised the available K contents in croplands. Profile study up to 90 cm depicted the largest sequestration of 74.89 Mg C ha−1 under orchards which was 40 and 70% higher than croplands and uncultivated lands respectively. Significant variability in water-stable aggregates (WSA) (R2 = 0.5843, p < 0.05) and mean weighted diameter (MWD) (R2 = 0.6497, p < 0.01) with SOC indicated better soil stability in horticulture due to the presence of higher SOC. Positive relations of soil available micronutrients with SOC and finer soil particles were supported by the results of correlation, Principal component analysis and dendrogram indicating horticulture as a potent source of available micronutrients. An overall superiority of horticultural land use over the other two land uses in terms of nutrient status and soil stability suggests its inclusion as a positive strategy that could be taken into account in policymaking for maintaining productivity along with the sustainability of the concerned land degradation prone area.
Solar Fertigation: A Sustainable and Smart IoT-Based Irrigation and Fertilization System for Efficient Water and Nutrient Management
Authors: Ahmad Uzair , Alvino Arturo , Marino Stefano
Published: April 2022

The agricultural sector is one of the major users of water resources. Water is an important asset that needs to be preserved using the latest available technologies. Modern technologies and digital tools can transform the agricultural domain from being manual and static to intelligent and dynamic leading to higher production with lesser human supervision. This study describe the agronomic models that should be integrated with the intelligent system which schedule the irrigation and fertilization according to the plant needs, and monitors and maintains the desired soil moisture content via automatic watering. Solar fertigation is a fertigation support system based on photovoltaic solar power energy and an IoT system for precision irrigation purposes. The system monitors the temperature, radiation, humidity, soil moisture, and other physical parameters. An agronomic DSS platform based on the integration of soil, weather, and plant data and sensors was described. Furthermore, a three-year study on seven ETo models, such as three temperature-, three radiation-, and a combination-based models were tested to evaluate the sustainable ETo estimation and irrigation scheduling in a Mediterranean environment. Results showed that solar fertigation and Hargreaves–Samani (H-S) equation represented a nearby correlation to the standard FAO P–M and does offer a small increase in accuracy of ETo estimates. Furthermore, the hybrid agronomic DSS is suitable for smart fertigation scheduling.
Low-Cost Smart Farm Irrigation Systems in Kherson Province: Feasibility Study
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Havrysh Valerii , Nitsenko Vitalii , Mazur Yuliia , Lavrenko Sergiy
Published: April 2022

The growth of the world population requires an increase in food production. Its solution requires the introduction of advanced technologies, including automated irrigation systems. Commercially available smart irrigation systems are not widespread because of their high cost. A low-cost smart irrigation system based on satellite monitoring is proposed to schedule irrigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the smart irrigation system during five-year field experiments. Water-use productivity, irrigated water-use productivity, and payback period were used as indicators to evaluate the low-cost irrigation system. This study was carried out for four crops: wheat, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed. The results obtained were compared to conventional irrigation systems. The experiments were designed at five farms locations. Their results showed that average water-use productivity rose from 4.09% (wheat) to 9.8% (sunflower). An increase in yields varied from 5.72% (wheat) to 13.42% (corn). Corn had a maximum yield deviation (26.72%). The payback period depended on the crop variety and the plot area. The payback period for wheat production under the proposed system was the longest (up to 82 months). Payback periods for corn, sunflower, and rapeseed production were shorter (from 3 to 12 months). Therefore, the smart irrigation system provides advantages and can be recommended as a low-cost solution.