bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good News and Bad News in Two Highly Industrialized Puget Sound, Washington (u.s.a.) Embayments
Authors: Martin Ruth A. , Nesbitt Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2019

In this study, an offshoot of studies undertaken by the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE), the density and diversity of foraminiferal assemblages in Commencement and Elliott bays, two heavily industrialized embayments in Puget Sound, Washington (U.S.A) were compared and correlated with concentrations of metal pollutants and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Samples used in this study were collected by the WDOE between 1998 and 2014, allowing comparison over a temporal range encompassing the beginnings of environmental remediation in both bays. The composition of the foraminiferal assemblages is typical of polluted estuaries globally, with the major taxa being Elphidiella hannai, Cribroelphidium excavatum, Bucella frigida and Eggerella advena. Foraminiferal density and diversity showed negative correlations with pollutants, however, these correlations were significant for only a few pollutants, and trends could not be attributed to any single one. Both embayments showed increasing diversity over time, and both had high proportions of calcareous tests that displayed signs of dissolution, indicating corrosive conditions in the water. In Elliott Bay the percentage of partially dissolved tests increased over time, suggesting remediation efforts have not been successful in all areas.
On the Taxonomic Identity of the Planktonic Foraminiferal Species Globorotalia Barisanensis Le Roy, 1939
Authors: Zachariasse Willem Jan , Berggren William A. , Si Weimin , Huber Brian T.
Published: August 2019

Examination of the holotype of Globorotalia barisanensis Le Roy, 1939, has revealed that this species from the Middle Miocene of central Sumatra is non-keeled, contradicting the synonymizing of G. barisanensis with Globorotalia fohsi. Because the type sample is untraceable, we examined the available type specimens (holotype and eight paratypes), notes and data presented by previous researchers, and material from the near-topotype locality of Paragloborotalia siakensis, to clarify Le Roy's concept of G. barisanensis. Our investigation has revealed that the Middle Miocene of central Sumatra contains two different groups of globorotaliids: the Globorotalia menardii group and the G. fohsi group, and that G. barisanensis belongs to the latter.

The paratypes examined belong to Globorotalia peripheroacuta and to forms transitional between G. peripheroacuta and Globorotalia praefohsi. The holotype, as described by Le Roy, is included in G. peripheroacuta as well, despite the observation that it differs from the paratypes in the abnormally inflated final chamber. In retrospect, the specimen selected as the holotype was an unfortunate choice as it has long been misinterpreted and used to denominate the earliest representatives of the G. fohsi group (viz. G. fohsi barisanensis) until G. barisanensis was reinterpreted as a junior synonym of G. fohsi based on a flawed redrawing of a fully keeled holotype of G. barisanensis. We conclude that Le Roy's concept of G. barisanensis was broad and may have included G. fohsi and Globorotalia peripheroronda as well. Remarkably, after 67 years of misinterpretation since Bolli (1950), G. barisanensis appears to be a valid name and a senior synonym of G. peripheroacuta. However, we recommend that it will be more practical to conserve the latter name, which is well established in the literature.
Photochemical Efficiencies of Diatom Symbionts in Hospite in Amphistegina Gibbosa (foraminifera) Across Seasons in the Florida Keys, Usa
Authors: Méndez-Ferrer Natasha , Hallock Pamela , Jones David L.
Published: August 2019

Benthic foraminiferal taxa that host algal endosymbionts can serve as model organisms in understanding photo-oxidative stress in environments where algal symbioses are prevalent. This study examined photochemical performance of the diatom symbionts within the foraminifer Amphistegina gibbosa. Data on bleaching prevalence and photochemical efficiency for photosystem II (PSII) were obtained from specimens collected at Tennessee Reef, Florida reef tract, USA, as close as logistically feasible to each equinox and solstice in 2012 and 2013. Specimens were collected at 6 m and 18 m depths, isolated, visually characterized, and assessed for maximum quantum yield of PSII using a pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer. Rapid-light curves (RLCs) were performed in the laboratory on specimens within a few hours of collection. Trials examined the effects of depth, sampling date, and degree of host bleaching. Consistent with field studies in the 1990s, proportions of A. gibbosa populations exhibiting visible loss of symbionts (i.e., “bleaching”) were lowest in December, with between-season and between-year differences in maxima. Maximum quantum yields ranged from 0.66–0.76. Significant differences between sampling dates were found at the 6 m site, with highest yields in winter and lowest in summer. At the 18 m site, maximum quantum yields differed both by sampling date and by degree of bleaching. Rapid light curves revealed that relative electron transport rates were highest in specimens exhibiting no visible symbiont loss; derived-photosynthetic parameters of α (initial slope of the RLC) and Ek (minimum saturating irradiance) did not differ significantly across different degrees of symbiont loss. Overall results indicate that even individuals exhibiting substantial symbiont loss retain some fully functional symbionts.
Cyrea Szymborska Gen. Et Sp. Nov., a New Textulariid Foraminifer from the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Holzmann Maria , Rigaud Sylvain , Amini Shahrouz , Voltski Ivan , Pawlowski Jan
Published: August 2019

Textulariid foraminifera are characterized by a multichambered test with an agglutinated wall structure. Recent molecular work has shown that the order Textulariida appears as a paraphyletic group within the class Globothalamea. While larger members of the textulariids are fairly well known, smaller forms like the ones described here are often overlooked or synonymized with known species. A new species and genus was isolated from algal samples collected on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyrea szymborska gen. and sp. nov., has a trochospiral chamber arrangement, measuring 100–210 µm in diameter. The organic wall is brownish, opaque, and sparsely agglutinated with diatom frustules and mineral grains, mostly 20 µm or smaller in size. The proloculus is not agglutinated. The extra-umbilical aperture forms a low arch. It is smooth, not agglutinated, and located on the last chamber. The biochemistry of the organic wall was investigated using Raman spectroscopy, showing that it is made of a meshwork of proteoglycans. A combined analysis of SSU and LSU rDNA sequences confirms the position of Cyrea among textulariids, distantly from all other genera. Molecular analyses revealed two phylotypes belonging to the new genus, one of which is formally described here.
Late Quaternary Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, Using Benthic Foraminifera and Ostracoda, of Marine Sedimentary Beds On the Southern Coast of Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Cui Xiaohui , Li Shoujun , Xu Hua , Zhang Zhuo , Zhao Xiuli , Gao Zongjun , Wei Ning , Zhang Xiangyu
Published: August 2019

Extensive studies of Quaternary transgressions have been conducted in Bohai Sea, but debates continue regarding the sedimentary evolution and timing of transgressions, especially in the Pleistocene section. Benthic foraminifers and ostracodes from three boreholes (GK138, GK111, GK95) at Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea, were utilized to interpret the paleoenvironments of deposition and elucidate the coastal response to global sea-level changes since the late Quaternary. Benthic foraminiferal species identified included 32 species from 15 genera; ostracodes included 28 species from 16 genera. Three marine sedimentary beds were recognized based on sedimentary characteristics, down-core changes in environmental proxies (benthic foraminifers and ostracodes), accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates. These three beds were interpreted as: marine sedimentary bed 3 (M3), deposited in the late-middle Pleistocene; marine sedimentary bed 2 (M2), deposited during the late Pleistocene; and marine sedimentary bed 1 (M1), deposited during the Holocene. Three microfossil assemblages were identified, all indicating nearshore conditions. Assemblage III indicated a fluvially influenced or paralic environment during a relatively small-scale late-middle Pleistocene transgression that produced bed M3. Assemblage II indicates an intertidal-subtidal environment where bed M2 was deposited during the late Pleistocene transgression. Assemblage I indicates somewhat more marine influence in a subtidal environment where bed M1 was deposited during the Holocene marine transgression.
Molecular Studies On Foraminifers: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Bhatt Karan A. , Trivedi Mrugesh H.
Published: August 2019

Applications of molecular techniques have become integral to most fields of biological research, including evolutionary biology. Over the past two decades, studies of molecular genetics of foraminifers have emerged to enhance taxonomic identification with broad applications, including biodiversity, environmental assessments, and paleoceanographic studies. However, the results are widely scattered across the literature, thereby inhibiting advances in such research on foraminifers, especially regionally. In this review, we discuss the developments and contributions in the field of molecular genetics as applied to foraminifers, offering a guide to beginners in this area of research. Furthermore, this review highlights new opportunities for foraminiferal research that will pave the way for future studies in this field.
Upper Hauterivian-upper Barremian Planktonic Foraminiferal Assemblages from the Arroyo Gilico Section (southern Spain)
Authors: Silva Isabella Premoli , Soldan Dario Marcello , Petrizzo Maria Rose
Published: August 2019

Late Hauterivian−earliest late Barremian planktonic foraminifera from the Arroyo Gilico section (Subbetic domain, Betic Cordillera) have been investigated to correlate their distribution to ammonite zonation and calcareous nannofossil bioevents. The 72-m-thick section spans the interval between the upper Hauterivian ammonite Crioceratites binelli Subzone, Crioceratites baleraris Zone and the lowermost upper Barremian ammonite Barrancyloceras barremense Subzone, Toxancyloceras vandenheckii Zone. Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages are rich and relatively diverse. At the base of the section in the C. binelli Subzone, as already known, Hedbergella sigali, H. infracretacea, H. daminiae, and Lilliputianella semielongata are recorded. New findings include common Hedbergella praetrocoidea and H. aptiana along with rare specimens resembling H. excelsa based on their long and elevated spire. Early appearances of taxa continue up-section with the lowest occurrences (LOs) of H. ventriosa, then Lilliputianella eocretacea in the overlying Crioceratites krenkeli Subzone, followed by H. gorbachikae, while the LO of the ‘clavate’ Lilliputianella pauliani occurs just before the end of the Hauterivian within the topmost Pseudothurmannia picteti Subzone. The lower Barremian is punctuated by a number of successive appearances, including the typical Globigerinelloides blowi recorded in the upper lower Barremian Kotetishvilia compressissima Zone. The acme of the ‘clavate’ morphotypes occurs in the Moutoniceras moutonianum Zone across the Mid-Barremian Event (MBE); besides common L. semielongata, the taxa consistently present are L. pauliani with both typical and transitional morphologies, L. eocretacea, and to a minor extent “Globigerinelloides” sigali.
Neogene Benthic Foraminiferal Biofacies, Paleobathymetry, and Paleoenvironments of a Gulf of Mexico Transect
Authors: Katz Miriam E. , Miller Kenneth G. , Kaminski Michael A. , Browning James V.
Published: August 2019

We document Neogene benthic foraminiferal biofacies changes on a depth transect of six Gulf of Mexico industry wells (sidewall and cutting samples) that is oblique to the coast and extends from Main Pass to Green Canyon (offshore Alabama to Louisiana, USA). Calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic control provides the framework to make interwell comparisons of the benthic foraminiferal biofacies; these comparisons provide the basis for paleobathymetric and paleoenvironmental interpretations and to identify useful benthic foraminiferal biostratigraphic markers in this region.

Benthic foraminiferal faunas indicate that Neogene paleodepths were slightly shallower at the eastern wells and deepened towards the western wells. Calcareous benthic foraminiferal biofacies dominated by Uvigerina spp. indicate that paleoenvironments characterized by low-oxygen conditions and/or high productivity occurred periodically during deposition along the transect. This is supported by repeated occurrences of a distinctive assemblage of agglutinated foraminifera (known as the “Agua Salada Fauna”) that is typical of dysaerobic environments.

Evidence of intensified low-oxygen/high-productivity environments are recorded in lowermost Middle Miocene sediments at some locations and are present at all wells in Upper Miocene deposits. In Upper Miocene-Pliocene sediments, oxygen levels appear to have been related to paleodepth, indicating that the development of lower oxygen conditions was the result of an expansion or migration of the oxygen minimum zone. Our results are consistent with a global cause for the expansion of the oxygen minumum zone during the Late Miocene and widespread increase in export production. Our study shows that despite problems in well cuttings (cavings, inconsistent sampling) and complications in regional salt and fault tectonics, well transects can provide coherent benthic foraminiferal biofacies patterns that reveal paleobathymetric and paleoenvironmental changes in the Gulf of Mexico.
Distribution of Encrusting Foraminifera At San Salvador, Bahamas: a Comparison By Reef Types and Onshore−offshore Zonation
Authors: Tichenor Hal Ray , Lewis Ronald D.
Published: August 2019

Foraminifera attached permanently to hard substrates have received relatively little research attention in distributional studies compared to free-living specimens. Because attached (encrusting) species are commonly found on hard substrata, such as coral rubble, and they are sensitive to environmental variables controlled by water depth and distance from shore, these species can be useful in paleoecologic research. This study examined the distribution of encrusting foraminifera found at the outer Bahamian island of San Salvador to describe onshore-to-offshore zonation and to characterize foraminiferal assemblages found in different reef types. Cobbles were collected along two transects on the leeward side of the island and at numerous locations on the windward side, including a bank barrier reef and the eastern platform edge. Encrusting foraminifera found on the undersides of cobbles were quantified and identified by taxa, morphotype, and taphonomic grade. Significant differences were found in the distribution of encrusting foraminiferal species across the carbonate platform, based on both counts of individuals and area of substrate covered. The zonation was particularly evident between platform-top and platform-margin assemblages. Nearshore assemblages were dominated by well-preserved Homotrema rubrum. Patch reefs, especially those found further from shore, were characterized by a relatively diverse assemblage with prominent Planorbulina spp. whereas bank barrier reefs were dominated by H. rubrum, often with Gypsina plana. Platform-margin assemblages were the most distinct because they were dominated by large, sheet-like G. plana, with other taxa being small, sparse, and poorly preserved.
Interactions of Globobulimina Auriculata with Nematodes: Predator Or Prey?
Authors: Glock Nicolaas , Wukovits Julia , Roy Alexandra-Sophie
Published: August 2019

Studies of carnivorous behaviour of benthic foraminifers are rare and mostly focused on laboratory experiments. Controlled experiments have shown that some agglutinated and intertidal species prey on meio- to macrofaunal metazoans. Here we present observations of the behaviour of specimens of the infaunal benthic foraminiferal species, Globobulimina auriculata and G. turgida, made within several hours of collection from ∼117 m depth in the Alsbäck Deep of the Gullmar Fjord, Sweden. We observed live nematodes within the tests of G. auriculata. Video observations recorded over a 17-hour period showed a G. auriculata specimen with a living nematode whose tail appeared to be entangled within the foraminifer's reticulopodial network. The nematode eventually coiled around the foraminifer's aperture and became much less active, though ingestion into the foraminifer's test was not documented. If these observations indicate feeding by G. auriculata, they differ from previous observations of predation by Ammonia tepida, which utilised external reticulopodial activity to extract the soft tissue of its prey. An alternative interpretation of the video observations, consistent with the observations of the live nematodes inside G. auriculata, was that the nematode was attempting to prey upon the foraminifer.

The G. turgida specimens, in contrast, relatively quickly surrounded themselves in soft sediment spheres commonly seen in deposit-feeding foraminifers, and were never observed with nematodes within their tests. We speculate that these contrasting feeding strategies might reduce competition and facilitate the coexistence of these two globobuliminid species.
Moscovian–asselian (middle Pennsylvanian–earliest Cisuralian) Smaller Foraminifers from the Asad-abad Section (sanandaj-sirjan Zone, Central Iran)
Authors: Yarahmadzahi Hamed , Vachard Daniel
Published: August 2019

Carboniferous and Permian strata crop out in Central Iran. The Asad-Abad section has yielded Gzhelian and Asselian fusulinid levels. Here we describe the smaller foraminifers of this section for the first time and introduce four biozones based on these taxa. Biozone I with Monotaxinoides? melanogaster n. sp. is interpreted to be early?-middle? Gzhelian in age (with possible reworkings affecting up to Moscovian/Kasimovian? levels) based upon the principle of superposition and of previous datings of the underlying series, but in the absence of direct datings by fusulinids of this lowermost part of the section. Further, Monotaxinoides? are generally known in the Bashkirian-Moscovian. Biozone II includes Raphconilia spp., Protonodosaria spp., and Rectogordius? minimus n. sp. and is interpreted as middle?-late Gzhelian in age. Biozone III includes Turrispiroides spp., Calcivertella anguinea, Calcitornella heathi, and Vervilleina crescenticamerata n. sp., and we base its early Asselian age on associated fusulinids. Finally, Biozone IV includes Cribrogenerina? sp. and Nodosinelloides longissima; its middle to late Asselian age, based on fusulinids, is confirmed by associated smaller foraminifers. The foraminiferal assemblages display marked differences in composition and stratigraphic distribution compared with those of Alborz and Tabas Block. Principally, they have unexpected similarities with several North American assemblages, especially the three new species: Monotaxinoides? melanogaster n. sp., Rectogordius? minimus n. sp., and Vervilleina crescenticamerata n. sp.
Definition of Foraminiferal Zones in the Famennian Stage (upper Devonian) of Tajikistan
Authors: Sabirov Abudvakhid
Published: August 2019

Seven foraminiferal zones [Parathurammina dagmarae–Saltovskajina scitula–Neoarchaesphaera, Septaglomospiranella primaeva, Quasiendothyra (Eoquasiendothyra) bella, Q. (Eoendothyra) communis, Q. (E.) regularis, Q. (Q.) kobeitusana–Endoglomospiranella imminuta, and Q. (Q.) konensis–End. Nigra] have been identified from Famennian Stage carbonate sections in Tajikistan and compared to foraminiferal sequences from the Franco-Belgian Basin, the Russian part of the Eastern European Platform, the Ural Mountains (Russia), and Kyrgyzstan. The lower Famennian boundary is marked by the rapid extinction of all Frasnian Stage multicameral forms, which are replaced by a complex of single-chambered foraminifers of the P. dagmarae–S. scitula–Neoarchaesphaera Zone. This boundary practically coincides with the base of the middle Palmatolepis triangularis conodont zone. The upper Famennian boundary is recognized by the sharp change from endothyroid foraminifers of the Quasiendothyra konensis–Endoglomospiranella nigra Zone to a complex of simple mono- and bilocular forms of the Carboniferous Bisphaera malevkensis–Earlandia minima Zone. This boundary in the most intensely studied section at Shishkat is located 16 cm below the boundary of the Siphonodella praesulcata and S. sulcata conodont zones.
Late Serpukhovian Foraminifers Near the Mississippian-pennsylvanian Boundary At South Syncline Ridge, Southern Nevada, Usa: Implications For Correlation
Authors: Brenckle Paul L. , Manger Walter L. , Titus Alan L. , Nemyrovska Tamara I.
Published: August 2019

A few, thin, Mississippian siliciclastic limestone beds, interbedded with ammonoid (uppermost Eumorphoceras Zone)-bearing shales within the South Syncline Ridge section on the Nuclear Test Site in southern Nevada, contain an abundant, low-diversity assemblage of late Serpukhovian/late Chesterian calcareous foraminifers dominated by the archaediscaceans Neoarchaediscus altiluminis, Brenckleina rugosa, Eosigmoilina robertsoni, and Betpakodiscus of the group B. attenuatus. These limestone beds were deposited in a shallow-water, clastic facies of the Scotty Wash Formation and, based on common conodont occurrences, correlate southeast to the Bird Spring Formation below the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian GSSP at Arrow Canyon, Nevada. The South Syncline Ridge foraminifers are comparable to those found in coeval beds at Arrow Canyon and represent the only other known foraminiferal assemblage to exist in association with uppermost Eumorphoceras Zone ammonoids in North America outside of Arkansas in the southern Midcontinent. Reconciliation of regional conodont and ammonoid zonations shows that the range of eosigmoiline foraminifers (E. robertsoni and B. rugosa), now generally considered an upper Serpukhovian index, extends from a position either just below or at the lower-upper boundary of the Serpukhovian Stage into the lower part of the Bashkirian Stage in North America; their upper range falls within the lower part of the Homoceras ammonoid zone beginning in the upper part of the Serpukhovian Stage. Discussion of the foraminiferal taxa includes support for retaining the genus Betpakodiscus rather than synonymizing it under Tubispirodiscus, as proposed by some specialists during the past few years.
Rapid Sand Filtration of Recycled Irrigation Water Controlled Pythium Root Rot of Poinsettia in Greenhouse
Authors: Jeon Sangho , Krasnow Charles S. , Bhalsod Gemini D. , Harlan Blair R. , Hausbeck Mary K. , Safferman Steven I. , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2019

Pythium species incite crown and root rot and can be highly destructive to floriculture crops in greenhouses, especially when irrigation water is recycled. This study assessed the performance of rapid filtration of recycled irrigation water for controlling pythium root rot of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) in greenhouses. Two greenhouse experiments investigated the effect of filter media type (sand and activated carbon), fungicide application (etridiazole), and pathogen inoculum source (infested growing media and infested irrigation water). Rapid sand filtration consistently controlled pythium root rot of poinsettia. Significant improvements in height, weight, root rot severity, and horticultural quality were observed for the plants in the sand filter treatment, compared with the inoculated control plants. However, the activated carbon filter removed essential nutrients from the irrigation water, resulting in plant nutrient deficiency and consequently leaf chlorosis, thus reducing plant weight, height, and horticultural quality. The etridiazole application did not completely prevent root infection by Pythium aphanidermatum, but plant weight, height, and horticultural quality were not negatively affected. P. aphanidermatum spread from infested growing media to healthy plants when irrigation water was recycled without filtration. Rapid sand filtration appears to have the potential to limit the spread of P. aphanidermatum that causes root rot of greenhouse floriculture crops.
Low Tunnel Covering and Microclimate, Fruit Yield, and Quality in an Organic Strawberry Production System
Authors: Anderson Heidi C. , Rogers Mary A. , Hoover Emily E.
Published: August 2019

Consumer demand for local and organic strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) is increasing. Growers who can meet this demand have a competitive edge in the direct-to-consumer market. Innovations in strawberry production for northern climates offer new opportunities for growers to meet the demand for local organic strawberries. Typically adopted for season extension, the use of poly-covered tunnels for crop protection provides other benefits including protection from adverse weather. Low tunnels are easy to install, low cost, temporary protective structures that are well-adapted for annual day-neutral strawberry production, and they are more space efficient than high tunnels for these low-stature crops. A range of specialty tunnel plastics that modify and diffuse light are available, but there is little information on how these influence strawberry plant growth and performance in the field. Our objectives were to determine the effects of experimental ultraviolet blocking and transmitting plastics on light and microclimate in low tunnel environments and assess differences in fruit yield and quality in the day-neutral strawberry cultivar Albion in an organic production system. This research was conducted on U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic land over 2 years, in 2016 and 2017. We found that ultraviolet intensity and daily light integral (DLI) were lower in covered plots than in the open field. Maximum daily temperatures were slightly higher in covered plots. Both ultraviolet-blocking and ultraviolet-transmitting plastics improved marketable fruit yield compared with the open-field control. Strawberries grown in the open-field treatment were lower in chroma than covered plots in 2017, and there was no difference in total soluble solids between treatments in either year. Low tunnel systems allow for increased environmental control and improved fruit quality and are well-adapted for day-neutral organic strawberry production systems.
Native Woody Plants of the Southern United States with Weedy or Invasive Tendencies: A Review of Common Offenders
Authors: Schnelle Michael A.
Published: August 2019

Five woody species, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), black cherry (Prunus serotina), snailvine [Cocculus carolinus (formerly Menispermum carolinum or Epibaterium carolinum)], and southern waxmyrtle [Morella cerifera (formerly Myrica cerifera)], are all native to Oklahoma and nearby states. They all have varying levels of use in and importance to the United States nursery industry. Past natural habitats and where these plants have spread to date, either intentionally or naturally, are discussed here. These native plants have migrated to or have become increasingly dominant in regions of the continental United States because of prolific fruit loads dispersed by birds and mammals, anthropogenic disturbances, overgrazing pastures, and certain species’ tolerance of environmental extremes. Potential control measures include chemical applications, timely cultivation, heightened awareness of grazing practices, and prescribed burning.
Cultivation of low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis sativa L. cultivation in Victoria, Australia: Do we know enough?
Authors: Humphries Talia , Florentine Singarayer
Published: August 2019

Late 2017, the ban on the cultivation and consumption of low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis sativa L. in Victoria, was lifted by the Federal Government of Australia. Its legalization presents the opportunity for Victoria to become a leading producer and distributer of these economically valuable hemp products. However, as a novel crop to Victoria, there is little information available for obtaining economically viable yields. Therefore, the objectives of this review were to firstly, develop an understanding of the environmental requirements shared by C. sativa cultivars, and what conditions promote fibre and grain yields. Secondly, it seeks to identify what farming practices have been conducted throughout Europe, Canada and China, and to explore whether these practices could be adapted to Victoria. Thirdly, the review will assist in making recommendations regarding which cultivars would be ‘potential’ candidates for commencing trials under Victorian climates so to find out the varieties that can provide high yields for fibre, grain and dual-purpose production. This review notes that Victoria shares a similar climate to central Europe, and has an ideal climate for the development of a successful hemp industry, as it has suitable lengths of daylight throughout spring and summer months and meets the precipitation requirements. This review has thus strongly suggested that the properties and attributes of European varieties of C. sativa should be further researched for site-specific cultivation in Victoria for fibre, grain and dual-purpose production in order to maximise harvest yields.
Physiological maturation and postharvest resting of papaya fruits and seeds in agroecological transition
Authors: Junior João Luciano de Andrade Melo , Melo Luan Danilo Ferreira de Andrade , Rezende Leila de Paula , Ferreira Vilma Marques , Neto João Correia de Araújo , Silva Vinicius Santos Gomes da , Paes Reinaldo de Alencar , Chaves Lívia Francyne Gomes , Souto Priscila Cordeiro , Silva Rafael José Navas da
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to characterize the maturation stages of the papaya fruits and to evaluate the physiological quality of papaya seeds produced in an agroforestry system as a function of postharvest maturation. Papaya fruits were used (Carica papaya L.) from two groups, Formosa Tainung 1 and Solo Sunrise Solo, harvested at maturation stage I (up to 15% of the yellow bark). The seeds were obtained, without sarcotesta: soon after harvest (T1); 14 days after standing at room temperature (T2); and 14 days after standing at 10 °C (T3). The variables analyzed included: germination, first count, speed, and mean germination time and length of seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme (2 groups and 3 rest periods), with 4 replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment. The papaya fruits produced maximum germinating seed in a less average time at room temperature and maturation stage V and the final stage (76%–100% of the yellow bark), allowing maximum number of seedlings with greater vigor. Fruits in stage I impaired the physiological quality of the seeds. The agroecological production presented a systemic approach in the management of papaya.
Bioecology of Anastrepha alveata Stone (Diptera: Tephritidae) associated with wild plum fruits Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae)
Authors: Araújo Almerinda Amélia Rodrigues , Lemos Raimunda Nonata Santos , Araújo José Ribamar Gusmão , Silva Paulo Roberto Ramalho , França Solange Maria , Corsato Clarice Diniz Alvarenga , Mondego Janaína Marque , Lopes Gislane da Silva
Published: August 2019

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered important pests of fruticulture due to considerable losses to production and limitation to free transit of fresh fruits. A generalist species is cresature that can live or feed on a wide variety of environemnts or host plants. Although, Anastrepha is a generalist species but infests a small range of plants. The specificity of this species with host plants is a peculiar characteristic of genus Anastrepha. Therefore, it is important to understand the host species and its feeding behaviour on host plants. This way, we will better know its ecology, biology and evolution for rational control ways and measures. Therefore, this study aimed at understanding the biology of Anastrepha alveata Stone (Diptera: Tephritidae). A study was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions (27 ± 2°C temperature, 70 ± 5% RH, photoperiod 12 hours) during the period from November/2015 to October/2017. Anastrepha alveata adults were obtained from wild plum fruits Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae), collected from Savanna area in two fructification periods. One-hundred and fifty Anastrepha alveata adults were collected (60 females and 90 males) to determine sexual maturity, mating behavior, fecundity and longevity. The sexual maturity for Anastrepha alveata was 8-13 days after emergence for females. At this age they emitted signal of acceptance for mating and copulation. For males, 5-7 days after emergence this mating signals was given, which was characterized by the protrusion of the lateral abdominal pleural glands. The mating rhythm of Anastrepha alveata was crepuscular/nocturnal, beginning around 6 p.m. and extending to/after 9 p.m. Anastrepha alveata females did not mate with more than one male but mated more than once. The number of males did not affect significantly the mating time, the number of eggs and the longevity of Anastrepha alveata. The mean pupal period for Anastrepha alveata was 17.5 days. Two preferential peaks for adult emergence were observed at 10:00 am and 03:00 pm. The longevity of the adult insects was greater than 300 days, surviving until the fructification of its host (wild plum) in the following year. Therefore, A. alveata has a strictly monophagous food habit associated with the Ximenia americana host.
Adaptation and stability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) bean cultivars in the tropical dry forest of Colombia
Authors: Tatis Hermes Araméndiz- , Camacho Miguel Espitia- , Ayala Carlos Cardona-
Published: August 2019

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a source of low cost protein for food, and is currently used in family farming in northern Colombia. The aim of this study was to estimate the adaptability and phenotypic stability of the grain yield (per hectare) of nine advanced lines (plus control) of cowpea and a commercial control in eight contrasting environments of the tropical dry forest of the Colombian Caribbean region. We employed five analysis methods: Eberhart and Russell, Lin and Binns, Annichiarico, Carneiro, and Nascimento et al. A completely randomized block design was used with 9 genotypes +1 control and four repetitions per environment. The analysis of variance detected significant differences in environments, genotypes and in the genotype x environment interaction, confirming that the crops have become sensitive to differences of the environments. At the same time, we forced to consider adaptability and stability for the selection of the best genotype. The five methods of analysis coincided with identification of line L-019 as the best genotype due to its grain yield, adaptability and phenotypic stability. Therefore, L-019 is a new planting alternative for family agriculture of cowpea producers in the Colombian Caribbean.
Systemic risk in the banking system: measuring and interpreting the results
Authors: Bezrodna Olena , Ivanova Zoia , Onyshchenko Yulia , Lypchanskyi Volodymyr , Rymar Serhii
Published: August 2019

Highly concentrated banking system risks and the cumulative effect due to their accumulation act as a driver for improving the macro-prudential policy implemented by central banks. For this reason, an effectively and comprehensively assessed systemic risk in the banking system is declared an express condition for the early detection of its production sources and blocking of potential spreading channels, reducing the possible implementation. In light of this, the article develops an approach to the aggregated systemic risk assessment and interpretation of its results. The proposed approach is based on the considered influence exerted by financial risks of systemically important banks on the destabilized banking system and interconnections between banks in the context of the possible crisis impulse spreading. The following steps should be accomplished to form an aggregated systemic risk indicator in the banking system. Firstly, the differentiation of systemically important banks by the degree of their systemic importance; secondly, an integral assessment of the bank operation riskiness within certain bank groups; thirdly, the cumulative composition of the corresponding integral indicators, taking into account their weighting coefficients based on two criteria, namely values of the systemic importance indicator differentiating the bank groups, and the correlation of their risks. Interpreting the quantitative measurement results with regard to the systemic risk in the banking system is followed by the recommendations below: the systemic risk grading into high, medium and low levels and the respective definition of the threshold aggregated systemic risk indicator value which informs about the possible systemic crisis when approached; justification of the selected supervision regime types (strengthened, moderate or weakened) for systemically important banks, depending on the riskiness level specific for their operation and the systemic importance degree. The developed approach to measuring the systemic risk by means of constructing an aggregated indicator and interpreting the obtained results was being tested considering the financial risk indicators of the systemically important banks in Ukraine during 2009–2018.
The Effects of Spiritual Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behavior to Employees Performance: Study at Sharia Banks in Gorontalo Province
Authors: HM Muhdar
Published: August 2019

The employees’ existence as an organizational locomotive need to get attention for management because, it is employees who make the organization perform well. Spiritual intelligence and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) are known to have effect for improving employee performance. To see this effect, then research was conducted at Sharia Bank in Gorontalo Province with the aim of analyzing and describing the effect of: spiritual intelligence on OCB, spiritual intelligence on employee performance, OCB on employee performance, and spiritual intelligence on employee performance through OCB. The findings of this study are spiritual intelligence had positive and significant effect on OCB. OCB has positive and significant effect on employee performance. Spiritual intelligence has positive and insignificant effect on employee’s performance, but spiritual intelligence has positive and significant effect for employee performance through OCB.Keberadaan karyawan sebagai lokomotif organisasi perlu mendapat perhatian oleh manajemen karena karyawan yang membuat organisasi berkinerja baik. Kecerdasan spiritual dan perilaku kewargaan organisasional (OCB) diketahui memiliki implikasi untuk meningkatkan kinerja karyawan. Untuk melihat implikasi ini, maka dilakukan penelitian pada Bank Syariah di Provinsi Gorontalo dengan tujuan menganalisis dan menggambarkan implikasi dari: kecerdasan spiritual terhadap OCB, kecerdasan spiritual terhadap kinerja karyawan, OCB terhadap kinerja karyawan, dan kecerdasan spiritual terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui OCB. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kecerdasan spiritual memiliki implikasi positif dan signifikan terhadap OCB. OCB berimplikasi positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Kecerdasan spiritual berimplikasi positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, tetapi kecerdasan spiritual berimplikasi positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui OCB
Allocryptopine: A Review of Its Properties and Mechanism of Antiarrhythmic Effect
Authors: Li Jie , Li Bin , Huang Hailiang , Han Tao , Li Yang
Published: August 2019

Abstract：Throughout the last decade, extensive efforts have been devoted to developing a percutaneous
catheter ablation and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator technique for patients suffering from ventricular
arrhythmia. Antiarrhythmic drug efficacy for preventing arrhythmias remains disappointing because
of adverse cardiovascular effects. Allocryptopine is an isoquinoline alkaloid widely present in medicinal
herbs. Studies have indicated that allocryptopine exhibits potential anti-arrhythmic actions in various
animal models. The potential therapeutic benefit of allocryptopine in arrhythmia diseases is addressed in
this study, focusing on multiple ion channel targets and reduced repolarization dispersion. The limitations
of allocryptopine research are clear given a lack of parameters regarding toxicology and pharmacokinetics
and clinical efficacy in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Much remains to be revealed about the
properties of allocryptopine.
Cost Comparison of an On‐Premise IT Solution with a Cloud‐Based Solution for Electronic Health Records in a Dental School Clinic
Authors: Johnson Lynn , Callaghan Cassandra , Balasubramanian Madhan , Haq Haris , Spallek Heiko
Published: August 2019

Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly moving towards cloud‐based web environments. While cloud‐based EHRs claim substantial benefits at reduced cost, little cost‐benefit research exists for dental schools. The aim of this study was to examine the cost‐benefits of a cloud‐based EHR compared to an on‐premise client‐server EHR in the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (U‐M Dent). Data were collected in 2016 from the U‐M Dent cost‐benefit comparison of tangible and intangible factors associated with implementing a new EHR, using the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) framework from EDUCAUSE. The TCO framework assessed three factors: foundational (overarching aspects: three items), qualitative (intangibles: 56 items), and quantitative (actual costs). Stakeholders performed factor grading, and relative assessment scores were derived for each item as well as the overall factor. The cloud‐based EHR solution received higher foundational and qualitative factor summary scores. The overall cost of an on‐premise solution over a two‐year period was approximately $2,000,000 higher than a cloud‐based solution. Cloud solutions did not carry any hidden costs, while such costs accounted for 8% (~$540,000) of the overall costs of the on‐premise solution. Across the two‐year period, both one‐time and ongoing costs were higher for the on‐premise solution than the cloud‐based solution (by 40.5% and 20.5%, respectively). This study found that a cloud‐based EHR system in the U‐M Dent offered significant cost savings and unique benefits that were not available with the on‐premise EHR solution. Based on cost, the U‐M Dent has made a case for cloud‐based EHR systems.
Dental and Dental Therapy Students' Perspectives on How to Build Interest in and Commitment to Rural Dentistry
Authors: Lopez Naty , Sager Joanna , Gonzaga Adele
Published: August 2019

Few dental graduates are choosing to practice in rural areas, thereby aggravating the shortage of dentists in rural communities. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may motivate dental and dental therapy students to commit to rural practice. This qualitative study used a triangulation of data sources: students' reflection papers on their rural community experience, transcripts of focus groups with students, and personal statements submitted by three cohorts of student participants in a rural dentistry program in a U.S. dental school in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Common themes emerged in each data source, and a congruence of themes from the three data sources was identified: corrected misconceptions of rural dental practice, the gravity of lack of access to care, quality of relationships between practitioners and patients and within the dental team, and the role of dentists in alleviating health disparities. Students cited the critical role dentists play in stimulating interest to consider dentistry as a career and in inspiring rural practice after graduation. Immersion in a rural community under the mentorship of a rural dentist may correct misconceptions and attract students to rural practice. This study's results suggest that dental schools need to provide students with more opportunities to witness the practice of rural dentists and experience rural living in order to draw them towards rural practice after graduation.
Wearable Technology for High-Frequency Cognitive and Mood Assessment in Major Depressive Disorder: Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Cormack Francesca , McCue Maggie , Taptiklis Nick , Skirrow Caroline , Glazer Emilie , Panagopoulos Elli , van Schaik Tempest A , Fehnert Ben , King James , Barnett Jennifer H
Published: August 2019

Background

Cognitive symptoms are common in major depressive disorder and may help to identify patients who need treatment or who are not experiencing adequate treatment response. Digital tools providing real-time data assessing cognitive function could help support patient treatment and remediation of cognitive and mood symptoms.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine feasibility and validity of a wearable high-frequency cognitive and mood assessment app over 6 weeks, corresponding to when antidepressant pharmacotherapy begins to show efficacy.

Methods

A total of 30 patients (aged 19-63 years; 19 women) with mild-to-moderate depression participated in the study. The new Cognition Kit app was delivered via the Apple Watch, providing a high-resolution touch screen display for task presentation and logging responses. Cognition was assessed by the n-back task up to 3 times daily and depressed mood by 3 short questions once daily. Adherence was defined as participants completing at least 1 assessment daily. Selected tests sensitive to depression from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and validated questionnaires of depression symptom severity were administered on 3 occasions (weeks 1, 3, and 6). Exploratory analyses examined the relationship between mood and cognitive measures acquired in low- and high-frequency assessment.

Results

Adherence was excellent for mood and cognitive assessments (95% and 96%, respectively), did not deteriorate over time, and was not influenced by depression symptom severity or cognitive function at study onset. Analyses examining the relationship between high-frequency cognitive and mood assessment and validated measures showed good correspondence. Daily mood assessments correlated moderately with validated depression questionnaires (r=0.45-0.69 for total daily mood score), and daily cognitive assessments correlated moderately with validated cognitive tests sensitive to depression (r=0.37-0.50 for mean n-back).

Conclusions

This study supports the feasibility and validity of high-frequency assessment of cognition and mood using wearable devices over an extended period in patients with major depressive disorder.
Program PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berbicara Terstruktur pada Anak Autis
Authors: Vistasari Restu , Patria Bhina
Published: August 2019

Most of children with autism have difficulty with their communication skill. One of the specific problems is about to combine words into structured sentences when they tried to speak. The purpose of this research was to examine the efficacy of PECS in improving of structured language skills to children with autism. Participants of this research consisted of two children who have been diagnosed with autism. Dependent variable of this study was structured language skill in speaking and independent variable of the study was The PECS Program which had been modified in some phases. The method that was used in this study is single-case research with A-B-A design. Behavior checklist was used as the instrument for this research, also data of this research were analyzed by visual inspection. The result of visual inspection analysis showed that there were some improvements in grammatical language skills of the participants throughout the PECS program.