bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levantamento florístico qualitativo e síndrome de dispersão de espécies nativas do cerrado
Authors: Silva Dayane Bortoloto da , Silva Arlindo Ananias Pereira da , Muchalak Franciele , Brito Leonardo Henrique Pereira de , Carfane Douglas Garrio
Published: May 2020

A dispersão de frutos e sementes é um dos diversos processos biológicos e físicos que ocorrem em florestas, proporcionando a manutenção das populações de espécies vegetais. Este processo é importante para a reprodução das plantas, sendo que o padrão de dispersão de sementes ajuda na determinação da área potencial de recrutamento das plantas e também serve como base para os processos subsequentes, como competição, predação e reprodução. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido em Chapadão do Sul, MS, em área de cerrado antropizado. O levantamento florístico foi realizado através do método de parcelas quadradas, sendo amostrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com DAP (diâmetro a altura do peito = 1,30m do solo) ≥ 5 cm, que se encontravam dentro das parcelas. Foram marcadas dez parcelas, medindo 20 m de largura por 20 m de comprimento, totalizando 4.000 m2 amostrados. Através desta classificação foram relacionadas às espécies em cada parcela. De todos os indivíduos amostrados foram coletadas amostras botânicas, montando exsicatas, e enviadas para identificação das mesmas. Foram encontrados indivíduos pertencentes a 32 espécies e 18 famílias botânicas. Das espécies amostradas 40,63% apresentavam a anemocoria como estratégia de dispersão de seus frutos e sementes, 21,88% autocoria e 37,5% zoocoria. Apesar da dispersão anemocórica apresentar maior número de espécies, este valor é próximo da dispersão zoocórica, o que pode representar um estabelecimento de relações ecológicas entre flora e fauna local.
A pilha de Bagdá e as epistemologias do sul e do norte: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Paula Anderson Gomes de , Melo Adriana Maria de Oliveira Rodrigues , Wernek Stefannie Dusek de Novaes , Messeder Jorge Cardoso
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo expor uma revisão narrativa das Epistemologias do Norte e as Epistemologias do Sul, referente à autoria da descoberta da pilha elétrica, pautada nas propostas apontadas pelo sociólogo português Boaventura de Sousa Santos em seu texto intitulado “Um discurso sobre as ciências na transição para uma ciência pós-moderna” (Santos, 1988) e em seu discurso em vídeo postado no site do YouTube (Santos, 2016). Como ponto de partida desses apontamentos de Boaventura Santos, percebe-se que a Epistemologia do Norte dominante, não permite que a Epistemologia do Sul se destaque e se concretize. Para corroborar com esta afirmativa indicamos trabalhos acadêmicos e científicos que valorizam apenas a Epistemologia do Norte, negando a existência da Epistemologia do Sul, assim como trabalhos que expõem a existência da Epistemologia do Sul sem dar seu real valor, e por fim, um trabalho que apresenta a Epistemologia do Sul como algo concretizado e com evidências científicas. A revisão verificou que a reflexão e discussão de conhecimentos existentes nas Epistemologias do Sul podem contribuir para um Ensino de Ciências que foque na formação de cidadãos mais reflexivos, com posturas mais atuantes na sociedade, e contribuir de forma ativa na transformação social, para que as Epistemologias do Sul sejam protagonizadas nas práticas de ensino executadas das salas de aulas brasileiras.
Exame citopatológico do colo do útero em gestantes: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Guimarães Thallya de Sousa Feitosa , Sousa Victoria Lorrane de Oliveira e , Guimarães Tatiana Maria Melo
Published: May 2020

Objetivou-se analisar nas evidências científicas os fatores que contribuem as gestantes a não aderirem ao exame citopatológico do colo do útero no período gestacional. Foi realizado um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura com busca nas bases de dados BVS, SciELO, Pubmed e Google acadêmico no período de 2015 a 2019. Foram utilizados as palavras-chave “Papanicolau”, “Câncer uterino” e “Gestantes”. Foram selecionados 6.973 artigos ao todo, logo após foram aplicados os critérios de inclusão e foram selecionados 1.739 para leitura de títulos e resumos. Após essa leitura foram selecionados 10 artigos que atendiam ao objetivo da pesquisa para compor o trabalho. Os resultados do estudo evidenciaram que fatores socioeconômicos, medo, insegurança, carência da informação do exame e sua importância no período gestacional para prevenção de neoplasias uterinas por parte do profissional enfermeiro, contribuem para uma baixa procura e adesão a realização do exame. Conclui-se que as gestantes precisam conhecer o exame citopatológico do colo do útero e a sua importância durante a gestação, para conseguirem aderir a prática do exame. Dessa forma, é necessário a capacitação do profissional enfermeiro além da implementação de estratégias para mudar positivamente esse cenário.
Early menarche and its consequence in Korean female: reducing fructose intake could be one solution
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lim Jung Sub
Published: May 2020

The mean age at menarche (AAM) of Korean females has been rapidly decreasing over the last 50 years; currently, the prevalence of early menarche (<12 years) is 22.3%. Female adolescents who experience early menarche are known to be at greater risk of psychosocial and behavioral problems along with several physical health problems such as menstrual problems. They also tend to achieve a shorter final height and develop obesity. Population-based Korean studies have shown a strong association between early menarche and the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Although the exact mechanism of how early menarche causes cardiometabolic derangement in later adulthood is unknown, childhood obesity and insulin resistance might be major contributors. Recent studies demonstrated that an excessive consumption of fructose might underlie the development of obesity and insulin resistance along with an earlier AAM. A positive association was observed between sugar-sweetened beverages (a major source of fructose) intake and obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk in Korean females. In pediatrics, establishing risk factors is important in preventing disease in later life. In this regard, early menarche is a simple and good marker for the management of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Decreasing one’s fructose intake might prevent early menarche as well as the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic diseases.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorders: clinical spectrum, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options
Authors: Lee Yun-Jin , Nam Sang Ook , Ko Ara , Kong JuHyun , Byun Shin Yun
Published: May 2020

Inflammatory or immune-mediated demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) syndromes include a broad spectrum of clinical phenotype and different overlapping diseases. Antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-Ab) have been found in some cases of these demyelinating diseases, particularly in children. MOG-Ab is associated with a wider clinical phenotype not limited to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, with most patients presenting with optic neuritis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or ADEM-like encephalitis with brain demyelinating lesions, and/or myelitis. Using specific cell-based assays, MOG-Ab is becoming a potential biomarker of inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the CNS. A humoral immune reaction against MOG was recently found in monophasic diseases and recurrent/multiphasic clinical progression, particularly in pediatric patients. This review summarizes the data regarding MOG-Ab as an impending biological marker for discriminating between these diverse demyelinating CNS diseases and discusses recent developments, clinical applications, and findings regarding the immunopathogenesis of MOG-Ab-associated disorders.
SENTIMENT ANALYSIS ON GOJEK AND GRAB USER REVIEWS USING SVM ALGORITHM BASED ON PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Hermanto Hermanto , Kuntoro Antonius Yadi , Asra Taufik , Nurajijah Nurajijah , Effendi Lasman , Ocanitra Ridatu
Published: May 2020

Users of the Gojek and Grab application can provide reviews or comments about the application on Google Play. Reviews in the form of giving opinions about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services provided. So with the many opinions provided, making people selective in choosing an online motorcycle taxi service provider. The application with the best review will be chosen by the community. In previous studies regarding the classification of online ojek service review using the Naïve Bayes algorithm, C.45 and Random Forest produced an unsatisfactory accuracy of 69.18% at the highest value. This study aims to determine the extent of the analysis of Gojek and Grab application user reviews based on user comments by classifying negative and positive reviews with a higher level of accuracy than previous studies so that applications with the best reviews can be known for public consideration in using the application's services. The method used for data review classification is using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The test results on the Grab application review get the highest accuracy results in the amount of 73.09% with AUC value = 0.804, while for the test results on the application review Gojek get an accuracy value of 65.59% and AUC value = 0.680
SENTIMENT ANALYSIS ON CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL MOVIE STREAMING SITES USING NAÏVE BAYES ALGORITHM
Authors: Muthia Dinda Ayu
Published: May 2020

The closure of illegal movie streaming sites IndoXXI has been a trending topic on Twitter at the end of 2019. The reaction of netizens on Twitter shows positive and negative sentiments. Until now, there have been many studies in the field of Sentiment Analysis using data in the form of Tweets from Twitter users. In sentiment analysis research, there are so many method used, and Naïve Bayes is one of it, because it is very simple and efficient. The method has advantages and disadvantages. Naïve Bayes is so sensitive in feature selection. Too many features not only increase calculation time but also reduce classification accuracy. In order to solve the disadvantages and increase the performance of the Naïve Bayes classifier, this method often being combined with many kind of feature selection methods. This research aims to classify tweets into positive and negative using the Naïve Bayes classifier combined with the Genetic Algorithm. The accuracy of Naïve Bayes before using the combination of feature selection methods reaches 79.55%. While after using feature selection methods, which is the Genetic Algorithm, accuracy increased up to 88.64%. The accuracy improved by up to 9.09%.
Biochar-immobilized Sphingomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. isolates to enhance nutrient removal: potential application in crab aquaculture
Authors: Shao Y , Zhong H , Mao X , Zhang H
Published: May 2020

The frequency of water exchange and reducing the risk of eutrophication to surrounding water bodies have always been water-quality control issues in recirculating aquaculture systems. In this study, maize straw biochar prepared through pyrolysis showed great potential for both bacterial immobilization and pollutant adsorption. Heterotrophic bacterial strains of Sphingomonas sp. PDD-57b-25 and Acinetobacter towneri were isolated in situ from wastewater for pollutant remediation through a 16S rDNA-based method, which has been rarely reported to date. The selected strains had higher ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N, 63%), nitrite nitrogen (NO2--N, 38%), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N, 25%) and total phosphorus (TP, 35%) assimilation capacities than those of other widely applied bacteria under similar medium conditions. In addition, more NH4+-N (+16%), NO2--N (+14%), NO3--N (+17%) and TP (+19%) was removed by biochar-immobilized isolated strains than dissociated strains, suggesting their use may provide a means of improving water-quality control in recirculating aquaculture. With specific additions (4 g l-1) of biochar-immobilized Sphingomonas sp. PDD-57b-25 and A. towneri, the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (approximately 0.45 mg l-1) and TP (approximately 0.09 mg l-1) levels were maintained below the clean water threshold for recirculating aquaculture of crab Eriocheir sinensis. Furthermore, the added strains exhibited high bio-safety and were capable of improving the yield and quality of crabs. Results indicate the potential applicability of biochar-immobilized Sphingomonas sp. PDD-57b-25 and A. towneri in agricultural sewage treatments. Further, the experimental methodology developed here may be used for the exploration of new strains for practical aquaculture.
Catholic schools and the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918
Authors: Paterson Lindsay
Published: May 2020

The Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, has been widely interpreted as reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of Scotland, integrating Catholic children into the national system. Although not entirely wrong, this view is inaccurate. As the founding moment of Scotland's twentieth-century education, its over-riding purpose was secular: it was not really about Catholics or any other specific group in society, but about fostering individual liberal opportunity through expanding secondary education. The Act was also the first clear articulation in policy of the idea that educational opportunity ought not to be constrained by pupils’ economic circumstances. The Act established a principle which, by the late-1930s, had become secondary education for all. After the 1960s, it became comprehensive education for all, and from the 1980s it was deepened into a common course for all.
A Court in Decline? Examining the Regality Court Records of Melrose, Roxburghshire, 1657–84
Authors: Dunstan Vivienne
Published: May 2020

McIntyre, in his seminal work on Scottish franchise courts, argues that these courts were in decline in this period, and of little relevance to their local population. 1 But was that really the case? This paper explores that question, using a particularly rich set of local court records. By analysing the functions and significance of one particular court it assesses the role of this one court within its local area, and considers whether it really was in decline at this time, or if it continued to perform a vital role in its local community. The period studied is the mid to late seventeenth century, a period of considerable upheaval in Scottish life, that has attracted considerable attention from scholars, though often less on the experiences of local communities and people.
Gendered Identities in British Regions in Wartime: Women in Reserved Occupations in Glasgow and Clydeside in the Second World War
Authors: Chand Alison
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on women working in reserved occupations in Glasgow and Clydeside during the Second World War, including their feelings of contribution to the war effort, self-fulfilment in work and, in some cases, dislike of work and lack of attachment to the war effort. The article also examines the extent to which wartime work represented continuity in the lives of working women in the region, and discusses the relationships of such women with men in their local communities, where social and cultural discourse was inextricably intertwined with the realities and discourses of day-to-day existence. One argument presented is that women's wartime work in Clydeside was representative of renegotiated relationships with the men in their communities rather than destabilising masculinity. The argument is put forward that, as well as the changes represented by war, the day-to-day life of women's immediate local vicinities and the uniquely industrial and working class background of Clydeside were enduring influences on their subjectivities and everyday behaviour. The article therefore adds to the historiography relating to life on the home front in the Second World War by exploring the subjectivities of reserved women in the context of the communities where they lived and worked.
Lack of Helios During Neural Development Induces Adult Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors Associated With Aberrant Levels of the TRIF-Recruiter Protein WDFY1
Authors: Sancho-Balsells Anna , Brito Veronica , Fernández Belissa , Pardo Mónica , Straccia Marco , Ginés Silvia , Alberch Jordi , Hernández Isabel , Arranz Belén , Canals Josep M. , Giralt Albert
Published: May 2020

The role of the WDFY1 protein has been studied as a TLR3/4 scaffold/recruiting protein in the immune system and in different oncogenic conditions. However, its function in brain remains poorly understood. We have found that in mice devoid of Helios (He–/– mice), a transcription factor specifically expressed during the development of the immune cells and the central nervous system, there is a permanent and sustained increase of Wdfy1 gene expression in the striatum and hippocampus. Interestingly, we observed that WDFY1 protein levels were also increased in the hippocampus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic patients, but not in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease patients with an associated psychotic disorder. Accordingly, young He–/– mice displayed several schizophrenic-like behaviors related to dysfunctions in the striatum and hippocampus. These changes were associated with an increase in spine density in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and with a decrease in the number and size of PSD-95-positive clusters in the stratum radiatum of the CA1. Moreover, these alterations in structural synaptic plasticity were associated with a strong reduction of neuronal NF-κB in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 in He–/– mice. Altogether, our data indicate that alterations involving the molecular axis Helios-WDFY1 in neurons during the development of core brain regions could be relevant for the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of the Tonal Trailing-Edge Noise Radiated by Low Reynolds Number Aerofoils
Authors: Yakhina Gyuzel , Roger Michel , Moreau Stéphane , Nguyen Lap , Golubev Vladimir
Published: May 2020

An experimental and analytical study of the tonal trailing-edge noise of a symmetric NACA-0012 aerofoil and of a cambered SD7003 aerofoil has been achieved. It provides a complete experimental database for both aerofoils and improves the understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The analysis stresses the high sensitivity of the tonal noise phenomenon to the flow velocity and the angle of attack. Several regimes of the noise emission are observed depending on the aforementioned parameters. The contributions of the pressure and the suction sides are found to vary with the flow parameters too. A special attention has been paid to the role of the separation bubble in the tonal noise generation. Hot-wire measurements and flow visualization prove that the separation bubble is a necessary condition for the tonal noise production. Moreover, the bubble must be located close enough to the trailing edge. Several tests with small-scale upstream turbulence confirm the existence of the feedback loop. Analytical predictions with a classical trailing-edge noise model show a good agreement with the experimental data; they confirm the cause-to-effect relationship between the wall-pressure fluctuations and the radiated sound. Finally, previously reported works on fans and propellers are shortly re-addressed to show that the tonal noise associated with laminar-boundary-layer instabilities can take place in rotating blade technology.
Design and Test of a Student Hybrid Rocket Engine with an External Carbon Fiber Composite Structure
Authors: Heeg Francesca , Kilzer Lukas , Seitz Robin , Stoll Enrico
Published: May 2020

The development of hybrid rockets offers excellent opportunities for the practical education of students at universities due to the high safety and relatively low complexity of the rocket propulsion system. During the German educational program Studentische Experimental-Raketen (STERN), students of the Technische Universität Braunschweig obtain the possibility to design and launch a sounding rocket with a hybrid engine. The design of the engine HYDRA 4X (HYbridDemonstrations-RaketenAntrieb) is presented, and the results of the first engine tests are discussed. The results for measured regression rates are compared to the results from the literature. Furthermore, the impact of the lightweight casing material carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the hybrid engine mass and flight apogee altitude is examined for rockets with different total impulse classes (10 to 50 kNs). It is shown that the benefit of a lightweight casing material on engine mass decreases with an increasing total impulse. However, a higher gain on apogee altitude, especially for bigger rockets with a comparable high total impulse, is shown.
Far-Field Plume Characterization of a 100-W Class Hall Thruster
Authors: Hallouin Thibault , Mazouffre Stéphane
Published: May 2020

The 100 W-class ISCT100-v2 Hall Thruster (HT) has been characterized in terms of far-field plume properties. By means of a Faraday Cup and a Retarding Potential Analyzer, both the ion current density and the ion energy distribution function have been measured over a 180 ∘ circular arc for different operating points. Measurements are compared to far-field plume characterizations performed with higher power Hall thrusters. The ion current density profiles remain unchanged whatever the HT input power, although an asymptotic limit is observed in the core of the plume at high discharge voltages and anode mass flow rates. In like manner, the ion energy distribution functions reveal that most of the beam energy is concentrated in the core of the plume [ − 40 ∘ ; 40 ∘ ] . Moreover, the fraction of low energy ion populations increases at large angles, owing to charge exchange and elastic collisions. Distinct plume regions are identified; they remain similar to the one described for high-power HTs. An efficiency analysis is also performed in terms of current utilization, mass utilization, and voltage utilization. The anode efficiency appears to be essentially affected by a low voltage utilization, the latter originating from the large surface-to-volume ratio inherent to low-power HTs. Experimental results also show that the background pressure clearly affects the plume structure and content.
Moth Detection from Pheromone Trap Images Using Deep Learning Object Detectors
Authors: Hong Suk-Ju , Kim Sang-Yeon , Kim Eungchan , Lee Chang-Hyup , Lee Jung-Sup , Lee Dong-Soo , Bang Jiwoong , Kim Ghiseok
Published: May 2020

Diverse pheromones and pheromone-based traps, as well as images acquired from insects captured by pheromone-based traps, have been studied and developed to monitor the presence and abundance of pests and to protect plants. The purpose of this study is to construct models that detect three species of pest moths in pheromone trap images using deep learning object detection methods and compare their speed and accuracy. Moth images in pheromone traps were collected for training and evaluation of deep learning detectors. Collected images were then subjected to a labeling process that defines the ground truths of target objects for their box locations and classes. Because there were a few negative objects in the dataset, non-target insects were labeled as unknown class and images of non-target insects were added to the dataset. Moreover, data augmentation methods were applied to the training process, and parameters of detectors that were pre-trained with the COCO dataset were used as initial parameter values. Seven detectors—Faster R-CNN ResNet 101, Faster R-CNN ResNet 50, Faster R-CNN Inception v.2, R-FCN ResNet 101, Retinanet ResNet 50, Retinanet Mobile v.2, and SSD Inception v.2 were trained and evaluated. Faster R-CNN ResNet 101 detector exhibited the highest accuracy (mAP as 90.25), and seven different detector types showed different accuracy and speed. Furthermore, when unexpected insects were included in the collected images, a four-class detector with an unknown class (non-target insect) showed lower detection error than a three-class detector.
Potential Use of Rice Husk Biochar and Compost to Improve P Availability and Reduce GHG Emissions in Acid Sulfate Soil
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi Kim , Khoi Chau Minh , Ritz Karl , Sinh Nguyen Van , Tarao Mitsunori , Toyota Koki
Published: May 2020

Acid sulfate soil (ASS) has major problems related to phosphorus deficiency and high potential for N2O emissions, as well as strong acidity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rice husk biochar and compost on P availability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in ASS in in vitro incubation studies. An ASS was amended with two types of rice husk biochar (at rates of 0 g kg−1, 20 g kg−1, and 50 g kg−1, equivalent to 0 Mg ha−1, 20 Mg ha−1, and 50 Mg ha−1, assuming that bulk density was 1 g cm−3 and evenly applied for 10 cm in depth) and compost (at rates of 0 g kg−1, 10 g kg−1, and 20 g kg−1, equivalent to 0 Mg ha−1, 10 Mg ha−1, and 20 Mg ha−1) and incubated. Application of compost increased labile P by 100% and 200% at rates of 10 g kg−1 and 20 g kg−1, respectively. Both biochars showed an increase in NaHCO3-soluble inorganic P by 16% to 30%, decreases in NaOH-soluble inorganic P and NaHCO3-soluble organic P. N2O emissions were significantly decreased by 80% by a biochar with a higher surface area and higher NH4+ adsorption capacity at a rate of 50 g kg−1 as compared with those in un-amended soil. In contrast, compost amendment at a rate of 10 g kg−1 significantly increased N2O emission by 150%. These results suggest that in ASS, whilst compost is more effective in improving P availability, biochar is more effective in mitigating GHG emissions, emphasizing that fundamental characteristics of organic amendments influenced the outcomes in terms of desirable effects.
Challenges for a Sustainable Food Production System on Board of the International Space Station: A Technical Review
Authors: Carillo Petronia , Morrone Biagio , Fusco Giovanna Marta , De Pascale Stefania , Rouphael Youssef
Published: May 2020

The possibility of prolonging space missions—and consequently the permanence of humans in space—depends on the possibility of providing them with an adequate supply of fresh foods to meet their nutritional requirements. This would allow space travelers to mitigate health risks associated with exposure to space radiation, microgravity and psychological stress. In this review, we attempt to critically summarize existing studies with the aim of suggesting possible solutions to overcome the challenges to develop a bio-regenerative life support system (BLSS) that can contribute to life support, supplying food and O2, while removing CO2 on the International Space Station (ISS). We describe the physical constraints and energy requirements for ISS farming in relation to space and energy resources, the problems related to lighting systems and criteria for selecting plants suitable for farming in space and microgravity. Clearly, the dimensions of a growth hardware that can be placed on ISS do not allow to produce enough fresh food to supplement the stored, packaged diet of astronauts; however, experimentation on ISS is pivotal for implementing plant growth systems and paves the way for the next long-duration space missions, including those in cis-lunar space and to the lunar surface.
Evaluating Feruloyl Esterase—Xylanase Synergism for Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Xylo-Oligosaccharide Production from Untreated, Hydrothermally Pre-Treated and Dilute-Acid Pre-Treated Corn Cobs
Authors: Mkabayi Lithalethu , Malgas Samkelo , Wilhelmi Brendan S. , Pletschke Brett I.
Published: May 2020

Agricultural residues are considered the most promising option as a renewable feedstock for biofuel and high valued-added chemical production due to their availability and low cost. The efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of agricultural residues into value-added products such as sugars and hydroxycinnamic acids is a challenge because of the recalcitrant properties of the native biomass. Development of synergistic enzyme cocktails is required to overcome biomass residue recalcitrance, and achieve high yields of potential value-added products. In this study, the synergistic action of two termite metagenome-derived feruloyl esterases (FAE5 and FAE6), and an endo-xylanase (Xyn11) from Thermomyces lanuginosus, was optimized using 0.5% (w/v) insoluble wheat arabinoxylan (a model substrate) and then applied to 1% (w/v) corn cobs for the efficient production of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and hydroxycinnamic acids. The enzyme combination of 66% Xyn11 and 33% FAE5 or FAE6 (protein loading) produced the highest amounts of XOS, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid from untreated, hydrothermal, and acid pre-treated corn cobs. The combination of 66% Xyn11 and 33% FAE6 displayed an improvement in reducing sugars of approximately 1.9-fold and 3.4-fold for hydrothermal and acid pre-treated corn cobs (compared to Xyn11 alone), respectively. The hydrolysis product profiles revealed that xylobiose was the dominant XOS produced from untreated and pre-treated corn cobs. These results demonstrated that the efficient production of hydroxycinnamic acids and XOS from agricultural residues for industrial applications can be achieved through the synergistic action of FAE5 or FAE6 and Xyn11.
Optimization of Light Interception, Leaf Area and Yield in “WA38”: Comparisons among Training Systems, Rootstocks and Pruning Techniques
Authors: Anthony Brendon , Serra Sara , Musacchi Stefano
Published: May 2020

As apple orchards have transitioned to high-density plantings, proper training systems are required to manage increased leaf area. Leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the ratio between leaf area to ground area (m2/m2) and can infer orchard health, light relationships and productivity. New technologies enable rapid assessments of LAI and light interception (LI) in the orchard. In this study, LAI, LI, and productivity were assessed across two training systems (Spindle and V), two rootstocks (Geneva 41® (G41) and Malling 9—Nic29 (Nic29)) and two pruning techniques (“click” and bending) in 2016 and 2017. The objective of this study was to determine a management strategy for “WA38” to meet optimal levels for LAI (1.2–2.0) and light interception (65–75%). Higher light interception was measured in V compared to Spindle and in G41 compared to Nic29 in both years. Minimal differences in LAI and light interception were detected across pruning techniques. In “WA38” the “click” technique maintained more consistent yields than bending. In both years, the Spindle-Nic29-“click” combination maintained optimal thresholds for LAI (1.93 and 1.48), light interception (66% and 68%) and consistent yields. This sequence helps mitigate “blind wood” and alternate bearing, while optimizing leaf area and light in “WA38”.
Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Harvested with a Modified Flail Chopper
Authors: Andrzejewska Jadwiga , Ignaczak Stanisław , Albrecht Kenneth A.
Published: May 2020

The leaves of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are a valuable source of protein, and the stems a source of fiber. Harvest methods are sought that would allow separation of different plant fractions for agricultural or industrial functions. A solution is proposed, consisting of collecting leaves together with upper, fine stem fragments, while leaving most of the stem standing in the field. For this purpose, a modified flail chopper (MFC), typically used for harvesting green forage, was employed. The objective of this study was to assess the forage value of alfalfa biomass harvested at various development stages using an MFC, and stem stubble remaining after harvest. Alfalfa was harvested with a sickle-bar mower or MFC in the first and second cuts at bud, early flower and late flower stages of development. Using the MFC, 60% to 74% of the potential dry matter yield of alfalfa was harvested, in which the proportion of leaves was, on average, 22% greater than the proportion of leaves in forage harvested with a mower. Crude protein concentration was, on average, 16% greater and neutral detergent fiber concentration 13% less in alfalfa harvested with the MFC than with a mower. In alfalfa harvested with the MFC at early flower, crude protein concentration and in vitro true digestibility were similar or greater than, with neutral and acid detergent fiber at a similar or lower level as in forage harvested with a mower at bud stage. The forage nutritive value of alfalfa harvested with an MFC at late flower was similar to the forage value of alfalfa cut with a mower at early flower. The chemical composition of the 20 to 50 cm tall residual stubble was affected little by plant maturity or harvest method, and the quality parameters also indicate the possibility of its forage use.
Technology Adoption and Extension Strategies in Mediterranean Agriculture: The Case of Family Farms in Chile
Authors: Jara-Rojas Roberto , Canales Romina , Gil José M. , Engler Alejandra , Bravo-Ureta Boris , Bopp Carlos
Published: May 2020

Extension services play a crucial role by improving skills and access to information that result in greater farm level innovations, especially on family farms which are the predominant form of agriculture in the world. This study analyzed the connection between strategies implemented by extension services and technology adoption on family farms. Using the case of the Servicio de Asesoría Técnica (SAT) Program, we developed a bottom-up adoption index (AI) for vegetable and berry farmers in three regions of Central Chile. We implemented 10 focus groups totaling 101 participants, all recipients of technical assistance from private extension companies (PECs) funded by the SAT Program. After the focus group sessions, we surveyed participating farmers to gather information on socio-economic attributes and adopted technologies. Using cluster analysis, we identified three groups of farmers according to their adoption intensity. The results indicate that extension strategies used by PECs have distinct effects on the adoption of new technologies. Higher adoption indexes were positively associated with the duration of the extension visits, the number of group activities, and the use of incentives and credits provided by the Chilean government. The value of production and farm size were positively associated with adoption intensity.
Rootstock and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Combinatorial Effects on Eggplant Crop Performance and Fruit Quality under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Sabatino Leo , Iapichino Giovanni , Consentino Beppe Benedetto , D’Anna Fabio , Rouphael Youssef
Published: May 2020

The herbaceous grafting of fruiting vegetables is considered a toolbox for safeguarding yield stability under various distresses and for improving fruit quality. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi seems also to be an efficient tool for increasing the assimilation, uptake and translocation of macroelements and microelements, for modulating plant secondary metabolism and for overcoming several forms of plant distress. The present work evaluated the combined effect of grafting the “Birgah” (B) eggplant onto its wild/allied relatives’ rootstocks (Solanum torvum (T), S. macrocarpon (M) and S. paniculatum (P)) and AM fungi (R. irregularis) on the yield, fruit quality, nitrogen use efficiency, mineral profile, and nutritional and functional quality. The B/T, B/M and B/P grafting combinations significantly increased the marketable fruit and fruit number compared with those in the ungrafted control. Furthermore, irrespective of the grafting combinations, AM fungi significantly enhanced the marketable fruit, fruit number and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 13.3%, 12.7% and 13.3%, respectively compared to those in the untreated control. Exposing the B/T and B/P grafted plants to the +AM treatment significantly increased the ascorbic acid contents by 17.2% and 10.4%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control. Fruits from the combination B/P × +AM had a higher chlorogenic acid content than fruits from the ungrafted control plots. Finally, the B/T × +AM and B/P × +AM combinations decreased glycoalkaloids by 58.7% and 63.7%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control, which represents a highly important target for eggplant fruit healthiness.
Sulfite Oxidase Activity Level Determines the Sulfite Toxicity Effect in Leaves and Fruits of Tomato Plants
Authors: Sharma Umanath , Bekturova Aizat , Ventura Yvonne , Sagi Moshe
Published: May 2020

Increasing plant tolerance to sulfites/SO2 can lead to the development of tolerant crops to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant sulfite oxidase (SO) is a molybdo-enzyme that oxidizes excess SO2/sulfite into non-toxic sulfate. The effect of toxic sulfite on leaves and fruits was studied in tomato plants with different SO expression: wild-type, SO overexpression (OE) and SO RNA interference (Ri). Sulfite-dipped ripe-fruits and sulfite treated leaf discs of Ri plants impaired in SO activity were more susceptible, whereas OE plants were more resistant, as revealed by remaining chlorophyll and tissue damage levels. Application of molybdenum further enhanced the tolerance of leaf discs to sulfite by enhancing SO activity in OE lines, but not in wild-type or Ri plants. Notably, incubation with tungsten, the molybdenum antagonist, overturned the effect of molybdenum spray in OE plants, revealed by remaining chlorophyll content and SO activity. The results indicate that SO in tomato leaves and ripe fruits determines the resistance to sulfite and the application of molybdenum enhances sulfite resistance in OE plants by increasing SO activity. Overall, the results suggest that SO overexpression can be employed, with or without molybdenum application, for developing fruit and vegetable crops tolerant to sulfite/SO2 containing pre- and postharvest treatments.
Native Pollinators (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in Cotton Grown in the Gulf South, United States
Authors: Parys Katherine A. , Esquivel Isaac L. , Wright Karen W. , Griswold Terry , Brewer Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Native bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) were sampled using bee bowls in two states to determine biodiversity in commercial cotton fields of the southern United States. In both states, native bee communities found in cotton fields were dominated by generalist pollinators in the genera Agapostemon, Augochloropsis, Halictus, and Lasioglossum (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), and Melissodes (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Melissodes tepaneca (Cresson) was the most abundant species found in cotton fields in both states. Some species collected are known specialists on other plant taxa, suggesting they may be tourist species. Here we provide a baseline species list of native bees found in cotton. Ordination indicated separation between the communities found in the two states when pooled by genus, but these differences were not significant. While cotton is grown in highly managed and disturbed landscapes, our data suggest that a community of common generalist native pollinators persists. Many of these species are also found in other cropping systems across North America.
Yield and Profitability of Crop Production in Mountain Less Favoured Areas
Authors: Klima Kazimierz , Kliszcz Angelika , Puła Joanna , Lepiarczyk Andrzej
Published: May 2020

Agricultural production is a crucial part of policy issue in preventing depopulation of mountainous areas across Europe. However, soil and climate conditions are limiting yields and profitability of crop production in these regions. The European Union (EU) subsidizes agriculture in mountains by special payments (Less Favoured Area (LFA) subsidy) when areas match law-specified natural handicaps. This study aims to assess whether LFA subsidy in Poland is sufficient to cover losses caused by lower yields of crops cultivated in a mountainous region of Poland (Low Beskid Mountains in Carpathians) compared to lowland regions (non-LFA areas). The results indicated that LFA subsidy was adequate for crops (facultative wheat, winter wheat, field bean and spring barley) grown in the years 2015–2018.
Modeling Hairy Vetch and Cereal Rye Cover Crop Decomposition and Nitrogen Release
Authors: Dhakal Madhav , Singh Gurbir , Cook Rachel L. , Sievers Taylor
Published: May 2020

Empirical models could help us to understand the process of plant residue decomposition and nutrient release into the soil. The objective of this study was to determine an appropriate model to describe the decomposition of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (CC) residue and nitrogen (N) release. Data pertaining to above and belowground CC residue mass loss and N release for up to 2633 cumulative decomposition degree days (112 d) after litterbag installation were obtained from two cropping system experiments, a 1-yr study conducted in 2015 and a 2-yr study during 2017 to 2018 in the humid subtropical environment of southern IL, USA. Six exponential and two hyperbolic models were fit to percent mass and N remaining data to find the one with minimum Akaike information criterion (AIC) and residual sum of squares. Modified three-parameter single exponential and two- or three-parameter hyperbolic models best met the assumed criteria of selection for above and belowground CC residue, respectively. Fitting a double exponential model to combined data for percent mass and N remaining identified two mass and N pools, a fast and a slow pool with different rate constants. A five-parameter double exponential with an asymptote met the preset criteria and passed all tests for normally distributed population, constant variance, and independence of residuals at α = 0.05 when fit to combined data of hairy vetch shoot mass and N remaining. However, a two-parameter hyperbolic and three-parameter asymptotic hyperbolic model provided the best fit to a combined data of cereal rye shoot mass and N remaining, respectively. Both hyperbolic decay models showed a good fit for belowground mass decomposition and N release for both CCs. Cereal rye had a poorer fit than hairy vetch for mass and N remaining of both above and belowground mass. The best-selected decay models can be used to estimate the decomposition and N release rates of hairy vetch and cereal rye above and belowground residue in a similar environment.
Past, Present and Future Perspectives on Groundnut Breeding in Burkina Faso
Authors: Konate Moumouni , Sanou Jacob , Miningou Amos , Okello David Kalule , Desmae Haile , Janila Paspuleti , Mumm Rita H.
Published: May 2020

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major food and cash crop in Burkina Faso. Due to the growing demand for raw oilseeds, there is an increasing interest in groundnut production from traditional rain-fed areas to irrigated environments. However, despite implementation of many initiatives in the past to increase groundnut productivity and production, the groundnut industry still struggles to prosper due to the fact of several constraints including minimal development research and fluctuating markets. Yield penalty due to the presence of drought and biotic stresses continue to be a major drawback for groundnut production. This review traces progress in the groundnut breeding that started in Burkina Faso before the country’s political independence in 1960 through to present times. Up to the 1980s, groundnut improvement was led by international research institutions such as IRHO (Institute of Oils and Oleaginous Research) and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). However, international breeding initiatives were not sufficient to establish a robust domestic groundnut breeding programme. This review also provides essential information about opportunities and challenges for groundnut research in Burkina Faso, emphasising the need for institutional attention to genetic improvement of the crop.
Cities of the Future? The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kassens-Noor Eva , Hintze Arend
Published: May 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI), like many revolutionary technologies in human history, will have a profound impact on societies. From this viewpoint, we analyze the combined effects of AI to raise important questions about the future form and function of cities. Combining knowledge from computer science, urban planning, and economics while reflecting on academic and business perspectives, we propose that the future of cities is far from being a determined one and cities may evolve into ghost towns if the deployment of AI is not carefully controlled. This viewpoint presents a fundamentally different argument, because it expresses a real concern over the future of cities in contrast to the many publications who exclusively assume city populations will increase predicated on the neoliberal urban growth paradigm that has for centuries attracted humans to cities in search of work.
The Cat Desexing Policies and Activities of Private Veterinary Practices in Queensland
Authors: Paterson Mandy B A , O’Donoghue Michael , Jamieson Philip , Morton John M
Published: May 2020

Cats are prolific breeders, and if most cats were desexed prior to puberty, numbers of unwanted cats and kittens, and hence numbers entering shelters, would be expected to decline. Although traditionally in Australia it has been reported that 90% of veterinary clients’ cats are desexed, there are still hundreds of cats and kittens that end up unwanted and in shelter care annually. In this study, we surveyed Queensland veterinary practices to describe ages that veterinarians are recommending cats should be desexed at, ages at which desexing actually occurs, what veterinary practices are doing to promote desexing of cats, and what veterinarians see as the barriers to desexing of cats before puberty. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all veterinary practices in Queensland. The response rate was 50%. Almost 45% of respondents recommended desexing at the traditional age of 6 months, which is later than puberty in most cats; for more than 56% of practices, the actual average age at which desexing occurred was at least 6 months; and in a substantial proportion of practices, when desexed, high percentages of cats had already had litters. Most practices took steps to encourage their clients to have their cats desexed, and most thought these steps were effective. The results from this study suggest that although veterinarians generally agree that cats should be desexed prior to having their first litter, recommended and actual desexing ages are commonly too late to ensure this is achieved. Better understanding is required about both the likely impact of more veterinary practices recommending and conducting desexing before puberty on numbers of unwanted cats and numbers surrendered to shelters, and the drivers of age at which cats are desexed. This could inform strategies to reduce numbers of unwanted cats.
Mitigation of Rumen Methane Emissions with Foliage and Pods of Tropical Trees
Authors: Canul-Solis Jorge , Campos-Navarrete María , Piñeiro-Vázquez Angel , Casanova-Lugo Fernando , Barros-Rodríguez Marcos , Chay-Canul Alfonso , Cárdenas-Medina José , Castillo-Sánchez Luis
Published: May 2020

Methane produced by enteric fermentation contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. Methane is one of the GHG resulting from anthropogenic activities with the greater global warming contribution. Ruminant production systems contribute between 18% and 33% of methane emissions. Due to this, there has been growing interest in finding feed alternatives which may help to mitigate methane production in the rumen. The presence of a vast range of secondary metabolites in tropical trees (coumarins, phenols, tannins, and saponins, among others) may be a valuable alternative to manipulate rumen fermentation and partially defaunate the rumen, and thus reduce enteric methane production. Recent reports suggest that it is possible to decrease methane emissions in sheep by up to 27% by feeding them saponins from the tea leaves of Camellia sinensis; partial defaunation (54%) of the rumen has been achieved using saponins from Sapindus saponaria. The aim of this review was to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific information on the potential of tropical trees and their secondary metabolites to mitigate methane emissions from ruminants.