bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Adjustment of Membrane Lipid Metabolism Pathways in Maize Roots Under Saline–Alkaline Stress
Authors: Xu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Jinjie , Yan Bowei , Wei Yulei , Ge Shengnan , Li Jiaxin , Han Yu , Li Zuotong , Zhao Changjiang , Xu Jingyu
Published: March 2021

Plants are frequently confronted by diverse environmental stress, and the membrane lipids remodeling and signaling are essential for modulating the stress responses. Saline–alkaline stress is a major osmotic stress affecting the growth and development of crops. In this study, an integrated transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis was performed, and the metabolic changes of membrane lipid metabolism in maize (Zea mays) roots under saline–alkaline stress were investigated. The results revealed that phospholipids were major membrane lipids in maize roots, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) accounts for approximately 40% of the total lipids. Under 100 mmol NaHCO3 treatment, the level of PC decreased significantly (11–16%) and the parallel transcriptomic analysis showed an increased expression of genes encoding phospholipase A and phospholipase D/non-specific phospholipase C, which suggested an activated PC turnover under saline–alkaline stress. The plastidic galactolipid synthesis was also activated, and an abnormal generation of C34:6 galactolipids in 18:3 plants maize implied a plausible contribution from the prokaryotic pathway, which could be partially supported by the up-regulated expression of three putative plastid-localized phosphatidic acid phosphatase/lipid phosphate phosphatase. A comprehensive gene–metabolite network was constructed, and the regulation of membrane lipid metabolism under saline–alkaline stress in maize was discussed.
Characterization of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Test Locations Using Representative Testing Environments With Farmer-Preferred Traits
Authors: Oteng-Frimpong Richard , Kassim Yussif Baba , Puozaa Doris Kanvenaa , Nboyine Jerry Asalma , Issah Abdul-Rashid , Rasheed Masawudu Abdul , Adjebeng-Danquah Joseph , Kusi Francis
Published: March 2021

In this study, the differential rankings of 36 groundnut genotypes under varying environmental conditions were studied at various levels of phenotype. Locations that are generally accepted by the crop- and soil-based research community to represent the entire Guinea and Sudan Savanna agro-ecological zones in Ghana were characterized, this time using a crop. The characterization was done based on four farmer-preferred traits (early and late leaf spot disease ratings, and haulm and pod yields) using three models (i.e., AMMI, GGE, and Finlay–Wilkinson regression). These models were used to capture specific levels of phenotype, namely, genotype-by-environment interaction (GE), genotype main effect plus GE (G+GE), and environment and genotype main effects plus GE (E+G+GE), respectively. The effect of three major environmental covariables was also determined using factorial regression. Location main effect was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001), confirming its importance in cultivar placement. However, unlike genotypes where the best is usually adjudged through statistical ranking, locations are judged against a benchmark, particularly when phenotyping for disease severity. It was also found that the locations represent one complex mega-environment, justifying the need to test new technologies, including genotypes in all of them before they can be approved for adoption nationally. Again, depending on the phenotypic level considered, genotypic rankings may change, causing environmental groupings to change. For instance, all locations clustered to form one group in 2017 for early and late leaf spot diseases and pod yield when GE was considered, but the groupings changed when G+GE was considered for the same traits in the same year. As a result, assessing genotypic performance at the various levels to arrive at a consensus decision is suggested. Genotypes ICGV-IS 141120 and ICGV-IS 13937 were found to be the best performing.
In planta Genome Editing in Commercial Wheat Varieties
Authors: Liu Yuelin , Luo Weifeng , Linghu Qianyan , Abe Fumitaka , Hisano Hiroshi , Sato Kazuhiro , Kamiya Yoko , Kawaura Kanako , Onishi Kazumitsu , Endo Masaki , Toki Seiichi , Hamada Haruyasu , Nagira Yozo , Taoka Naoaki , Imai Ryozo
Published: March 2021

Limitations for the application of genome editing technologies on elite wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) varieties are mainly due to the dependency onin vitroculture and regeneration capabilities. Recently, we developed anin plantaparticle bombardment (iPB) method which has increased process efficiency since no culture steps are required to create stably genome-edited wheat plants. Here, we report the application of the iPB method to commercially relevant Japanese elite wheat varieties. The biolistic delivery of gold particles coated with plasmids expressing CRISPR/Cas9 components designed to targetTaQsd1were bombarded into the embryos of imbibed seeds with their shoot apical meristem (SAM) exposed. Mutations in the target gene were subsequently analyzed within flag leaf tissue by using cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analysis. A total of 9/358 (2.51%) of the bombarded plants (cv. “Haruyokoi,” spring type) carried mutant alleles in the tissue. Due to the chimeric nature of the T0 plants, only six of them were inherited to the next (T1) generation. Genotypic analysis of the T2 plants revealed a single triple-recessive homozygous mutant of theTaQsd1gene. Compared to wild type, the homozygous mutant exhibited a 7 days delay in the time required for 50% seed germination. The iPB method was also applied to two elite winter cultivars, “Yumechikara” and “Kitanokaori,” which resulted in successful genome editing at slightly lower efficiencies as compared to “Haruyokoi.” Taken together, this report demonstrates that thein plantagenome editing method through SAM bombardment can be applicable to elite wheat varieties that are otherwise reluctant to callus culture.
In planta Activity of Novel Copper(II)-Based Formulations to Inhibit the Esca-Associated Fungus Phaeoacremonium minimum in Grapevine Propagation Material
Authors: Battiston Enrico , Compant Stéphane , Antonielli Livio , Mondello Vincenzo , Clément Christophe , Simoni Andrea , Di Marco Stefano , Mugnai Laura , Fontaine Florence
Published: March 2021

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a serious and growing threat to vineyards worldwide. The need for innovative control tools persists since pesticides used against some GTDs have been banned and only methods to prevent infections or to reduce foliar symptoms have been developed so far. In this context, the application of imaging methods, already applied to study plant–microbe interactions, represents an interesting approach to understand the effect of experimental treatments applied to reduce fungal colonization, on GTD-related pathogens activity. To this aim, trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of copper-based treatments, formulated with hydroxyapatite (HA) as co-adjuvant with innovative delivery properties, loaded with two different copper(II) compounds (tribasic sulfate and sulfate pentahydrate), and applied to grapevine propagation material to inhibit fungal wood colonization. The treated rootstock (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis riparia cv. K5BB) and scion cuttings (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Chardonnay) had been inoculated with a strain of Phaeoacremonium minimum (Pmi) compared to uninoculated rootstocks. Experimental treatments were applied during the water-soaking process, comparing the copper(II) compounds pure or formulated with HA, to hydrate the cuttings. After callusing, grafted vines were grown under greenhouse conditions in a nursery and inoculated with Pmi::gfp7 or with Pmi wild-type. Fifteen weeks post-inoculation, woody tissues close to the inoculation site were sampled to evaluate the efficiency of the treatments by studying the plant–microbe interaction by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Copper and further elements were also quantified in the same tissues immediately after the treatments and on the CLSM samples. Finally, the grapevine defense responses were studied in the leaves of cuttings treated with the same formulations. The present investigation confirmed the relevant interaction of Pmi and the related transformed strain on the vascular tissues of grafted vines. Furthermore, in vitro assay revealed (i) the fungistatic effect of HA and the reduced effect of Cu fungicide when combined with HA. In planta assays showed (ii) the reduction of Pmi infection in propagation material treated with HA-Cu formulations, (iii) the movement of HA-Cu formulations inside the plant tissues and their persistence over time, and (iv) the plant defense reaction following the treatment with pure HA or Cu, or combined.
Personality Goes a Long Way (for Some). An Experimental Investigation Into Candidate Personality Traits, Voters’ Profile, and Perceived Likeability
Authors: Nai Alessandro , Maier Jürgen , Vranić Jug
Published: March 2021

The personality traits of political candidates, and the way these are perceived by the public at large, matter for political representation and electoral behavior. Disentangling the effects of partisanship and perceived personality on candidate evaluations is however notoriously a tricky business, as voters tend to evaluate the personality of candidates based on their partisan preferences. In this article we tackle this issue via innovative experimental data. We present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study that manipulates the personality traits of a candidate and assesses its subsequent effects. The design, embedded in an online survey distributed to a convenience sample of US respondents (MTurk, N = 1,971), exposed respondents randomly to one of eight different “vignettes” presenting personality cues for a fictive candidate - one vignette for each of the five general traits (Big Five) and the three “nefarious” traits of the Dark Triad. Our results show that 1) the public at large dislikes “dark” politicians, and rate them significantly and substantially lower in likeability; 2) voters that themselves score higher on “dark” personality traits (narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) tend to like dark candidates, in such a way that the detrimental effect observed in general is completely reversed for them; 3) the effects of candidates’ personality traits are, in some cases, stronger for respondents displaying a weaker partisan attachment.
Boys’ Experience of Physical Education When Their Gender Is in a Strong Minority
Authors: Lagestad Pål , Ropo Eero , Bratbakk Tonje
Published: March 2021

A literature search indicates an absence of research into boy’s experiences of physical education (PE) in classes in which there is a significant majority of girls. The aim of the study was to examine how boys in such classes experience their PE lessons. The methodological approach was qualitative, and data were collected with interviews of 13 boys in classes with more than 90% girls at a Norwegian high school. The data were analyzed with QSR NVivo 10 (London), focused on creating categories of meaning, in which students’ experiences were taken as subjectively true. The data are based on subjective constructions, which students constructed as part of their own interpretations and reflections on what had occurred in PE at the school. Results of the study came out in the form of three main findings. Two of those relate to a negative experience and the third to a positive experience of PE. The boys mostly felt that they are physically superior and have to consider the girls. Furthermore, the boys reported little challenge and feelings of mastery while being together with passive girls who are allowed to choose the activities. However, the boys found it easier to show off in front of the teachers and classmates when there were just a few boys in the class. The results are discussed in relation to gender-related theory on how the respondents are producing a traditional male gender in PE through their mastery, strength, and ambition to compete. We suggest a new approach of teaching that is more student-centered. A strategy could be to include other activities than sport-based activities into PE – activities that do not require strength and other athletic skills leading to feelings of hegemonic masculinity. A larger focus on social interactions during PE classes – activities in which students’ sex is not as important as in traditional teacher- and sport-centered PE classes, may be a good strategy.
Comparative Study on Relationship Between Inconsistent Online-Offline Social Performance and Self-Efficacy of University Students Based on Types of Social Activity
Authors: Yang Yang , Dongdong Yan , Yu Hu
Published: March 2021

Social behavior is closely linked to self-efficacy, which is the individual’s confidence or belief that they can successfully complete a task in a given situation. The advent of social media classified social behavior as online and offline sociality, and has cultivated inconsistency in online and offline social behavior of university students, an issue that has come to prominence in scholarly research. However, the relationship between this inconsistency and self-efficacy is worthy of investigation because this particular confluence of behavioral concepts has been rarely been researched. In this paper, online and offline social behavior is integrated, a typology for university student social activities established, and the correlation between different types of social activity and student self-efficacy investigated, with a specific focus on those with notable inconsistencies in their social performance. The following findings are reported. First, as online social networking has become the dominant form of social interaction, the types of social activity have increased, with one-third of university students showing inconsistent online and offline social behavior. However, different types of social activities have varied effects on the self-efficacy of university students, with differences between general self-efficacy, which is significantly above academic self-efficacy, and social self-efficacy. These effects are also different for students with inconsistent online and offline social performance; those who are active online show higher self-efficacy than those who are active offline. This study shows online social network interactions to be more closely related to student self-efficacy than offline interactions.
Different Populations Agree on Which Moral Arguments Underlie Which Opinions
Authors: Vartanova Irina , Eriksson Kimmo , Hazin Isabela , Strimling Pontus
Published: March 2021

People often justify their moral opinions by referring to larger moral concerns (e. g., “It is unfair if homosexuals are not allowed to marry!” vs. “Letting homosexuals marry is against our traditions!”). Is there a general agreement about what concerns apply to different moral opinions? We used surveys in the United States and the United Kingdom to measure the perceived applicability of eight concerns (harm, violence, fairness, liberty, authority, ingroup, purity, and governmental overreach) to a wide range of moral opinions. Within countries, argument applicability scores were largely similar whether they were calculated among women or men, among young or old, among liberals or conservatives, or among people with or without higher education. Thus, the applicability of a given moral concern to a specific opinion can be viewed as an objective quality of the opinion, largely independent of the population in which it is measured. Finally, we used similar surveys in Israel and Brazil to establish that this independence of populations also extended to populations in different countries. However, the extent to which this holds across cultures beyond those included in the current study is still an open question.
Self-Schemas and Self-Esteem Discrepancies in Subclinical Paranoia: The Essential Role of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Monsonet Manel , Ballespí Sergi , Sheinbaum Tamara , Valiente Carmen , Espinosa Regina , Kwapil Thomas Richard , Barrantes-Vidal Neus
Published: March 2021

Background : Self-concepts are being intensively investigated in relation to paranoia, but research has shown some contradictory findings. Studying subclinical phenomena in a non-clinical population should allow for a clearer understanding given that clinical confounding factors are avoided. We explored self-esteem, self-schemas, and implicit/explicit self-esteem discrepancies in three non-clinical groups with different psychopathological traits and a control group.

Methods: Participants with elevated trait-paranoia (n = 41), depressive symptoms (n = 34), a combination of both traits (n = 32), and a control group (n = 71) were assessed on implicit and explicit self-esteem, self-schemas, depression, and paranoia. A dimensional approach with the total sample (n = 208) was also used to complement the information provided by the group approach.

Results: All groups presented similar and positive levels of implicit self-esteem. Trait-paranoia participants had similar levels of explicit self-esteem and self-schemas compared with the control group. However, the group with a combination of trait-paranoia and depressive symptoms showed the lowest levels of positive self-schemas and self-esteem. Furthermore, this group and the control group displayed implicit/explicit self-esteem discrepancies, although in opposite directions and with different implications. The dimensional approach revealed associations of trait-paranoia and depressive symptoms with poor explicit self-esteem and self-schemas but not with implicit self-esteem.

Conclusions: Trait-paranoia participants showed different self-representations depending on whether depressive symptoms were present or not. The interaction between subclinical neurotic and psychotic traits entailed a detrimental self-representation that might increase the risk for psychopathology.
The Provision of Private Healthcare Services in European Countries: Recent Data and Lessons for Universal Health Coverage in Other Settings
Authors: Montagu Dominic
Published: March 2021

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) exists in all of the countries of Europe, despite variation on the ownership structure of health delivery systems. As countries around the world seek to advance UHC and manage the private sector within their health systems, the European experiences can offer useful insights. We found four different models for the provision of healthcare, with the private sector predominant in some countries, and of minimal importance in others. The European experiences indicate that UHC can be effectively provided with, or without, large-scale private sector provision in hospital, specialty, and primary care services, and that moreover it can be provided with high levels of patient satisfaction. These findings offer regulatory models for countries in other regions to review as they advance UHC.
Efficient Coverage Path Planning for Mobile Disinfecting Robots Using Graph-Based Representation of Environment
Authors: Nasirian B. , Mehrandezh M. , Janabi-Sharifi F.
Published: March 2021

The effective disinfection of hospitals is paramount in lowering the COVID-19 transmission risk to both patients and medical personnel. Autonomous mobile robots can perform the surface disinfection task in a timely and cost-effective manner, while preventing the direct contact of disinfecting agents with humans. This paper proposes an end-to-end coverage path planning technique that generates a continuous and uninterrupted collision-free path for a mobile robot to cover an area of interest. The aim of this work is to decrease the disinfection task completion time and cost by finding an optimal coverage path using a new graph-based representation of the environment. The results are compared with other existing state-of-the-art coverage path planning approaches. It is shown that the proposed approach generates a path with shorter total travelled distance (fewer number of overlaps) and smaller number of turns.
Assessment of Riverine Dredging Impact on Flooding in Low-Gradient Coastal Rivers Using a Hybrid 1D/2D Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Saad Haitham A. , Habib Emad H.
Published: March 2021

The current study investigates the effect of large-scale channel modifications via riverine dredging on flood dynamics in low-gradient river systems located in inland-coastal flood transition zones. The study site is the Vermilion River in south Louisiana, US, which is characterized by complex flow regimes, reversal and bi-directional flows, presence of large swamps with significant river-swamp interactions, and large volumes of runoff contributions from lateral tributaries. The study aims to understand the interplay of these factors and how they modulate and get affected by different dredging approaches that vary in spatial extent and the modifications introduced to the channel. The study deploys a hybrid, one-/two-dimensional (1D/2D), hydrodynamic model that simulates flow and stage dynamics in the main river and its major tributaries, as well as the flow exchanges with the interconnected swamp system. Overall, the results show that the dredging activities can significantly alter the flow regime in the watershed and affect flow exchanges between the river and the swamp system. In terms of flooding impact, only dredging approaches that are extensive in spatial extent and modifications to channel longitudinal slope can result in sizeable reductions in flood stages. However, these benefits come at the expense of significant increases in the amplitude and inland propagation of the Gulf tidal wave. On the other hand, less-extensive dredging can still provide moderate and spatially limited flood mitigation; however, they further expose downstream communities to increased levels of flooding, especially during more frequent events. The results reveal that while dredging can increase the hydraulic conveyance of the river system, the large runoff volumes delivered by the urbanized tributaries seem to outweigh the added improvement in the in-channel storage, thus reducing the anticipated flood relief. The results suggest that a watershed-centered approach, instead of a riverine-centered approach is needed for flood management in these systems so that the relative benefits and tradeoffs of different mitigation alternatives can be examined.
Case Report: Indigenous Sovereignty in a Pandemic: Tribal Codes in the United States as Preparedness
Authors: Hiraldo Danielle , James Kyra , Carroll Stephanie Russo
Published: March 2021

Indigenous Peoples globally and in the United States have combatted and continue to face disease, genocide, and erasure, often the systemic result of settler colonial policies that seek to eradicate Indigenous communities. Many Native nations in the United States have asserted their inherent sovereign authority to protect their citizens by passing tribal public health and emergency codes to support their public health infrastructures. While the current COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone, marginalized and Indigenous communities in the United States experience disproportionate burdens of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality as well as socioeconomic and environmental impacts. In this brief research report, we examine 41 publicly available tribal public health and emergency preparedness codes to gain a better understanding of the institutional public health capacity that exists during this time. Of the codes collected, only nine mention any data sharing provisions with local, state, and federal officials while 21 reference communicable diseases. The existence of these public health institutions is not directly tied to the outcomes in the current pandemic; however, it is plausible that having such codes in place makes responding to public health crises now and in the future less reactionary and more proactive in meeting community needs. These tribal institutions advance the public health outcomes that we all want to see in our communities.
Refugees’ Encounters With Nordic Rural Areas–Darkness, Wind and “Hygge”!
Authors: Herslund Lise , Paulgaard Gry
Published: March 2021

The paper investigates how refugees settled in rural Norway and Denmark experience and interact with their new rural places of residence. Theoretically, the paper finds inspiration in “phenomenology of practices” (Simonsen, Prog. Hum. Geogr., 2012, 37, 10–26), which emphasizes the bodily and sensory experiences of daily life that spur feelings of, for example, “orientation” or “disorientation”. The empirical material is based on fieldwork and qualitative interviews with refugees and local volunteers in 2016/2017/2019 in small towns in the rural north of Norway and rural Denmark. There are several differences between the Norwegian and Danish rural areas, in relation to distances, climate and population density. Nonetheless, the ways in which the rural areas are experienced from within, by refugees settled there, show surprisingly many similarities. Many of the informants, in both the Norwegian and Danish cases, initially expressed frustration at being placed in rural areas without having any say in the matter. Those who were former city-dwellers especially experienced moments of disorientation, as their encounters with Nordic rural life were experienced as the opposite of their urban backgrounds. Limiting structural conditions very much shape the everyday lives of refugees in the first years, when they do not have a car or the financial capacity to find their own house. They feel stressed, with busy everyday lives made up of long commuting hours on public transport. In these first years of uncertainty, the dark and harsh weather very much adds to the feeling of stress and insecurity. What seem to add “orientation” are social relations with other refugees and local volunteers organizing activities.
Breeding Progress for Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc Biofortification, Drought Tolerance, and Sweetpotato Virus Disease Resistance in Sweetpotato
Authors: Mwanga Robert O. M. , Swanckaert Jolien , da Silva Pereira Guilherme , Andrade Maria I. , Makunde Godwill , Grüneberg Wolfgang J. , Kreuze Jan , David Maria , De Boeck Bert , Carey Edward , Ssali Reuben T. , Utoblo Obaiya , Gemenet Dorcus , Anyanga Milton O. , Yada Benard , Chelangat Doreen M. , Oloka Bonny , Mtunda Kiddo , Chiona Martin , Koussao Some , Laurie Sunette , Campos Hugo , Yencho G. Craig , Low Jan W.
Published: March 2021

Sweetpotato is a resilient food crop with great potential to contribute to reduced hunger in the world. Sweetpotato shows significant potential to contribute to reducing the Global Hunger Index, which reflects deficiencies in calories and micronutrients based on the components of hunger, undernourishment, under-five mortality rate, stunting and wasting. Its genetic diversity has been harnessed through breeding to increase vitamin A, iron, and zinc content, virus resistance and climate resilience for the world's food needs. Africa and India are the most food-insecure regions. The main objectives of this research were to: provide information and a knowledge base on sweetpotato breeding in Africa for biofortification of vitamin A, iron, and zinc, drought tolerance and virus resistance; recommend procedures for generating new breeding populations and varieties; and develop new tools, technologies and methods for sweetpotato improvement. The research was implemented between 2009 and 2020 in 14 collaborating African countries using introduced and local genotypes. The redesigned accelerated breeding scheme resulted in increased genetic gains for vitamin A, iron, zinc contents and virus resistance, and the release by sub-Saharan African countries of 158 varieties; 98 of them orange-fleshed; 55 varieties bred by an accelerated breeding scheme; 27 drought-tolerant and two with enhanced iron and zinc content. Our experience has demonstrated that through the use of more optimized, standardized and collaborative breeding procedures by breeding programs across Africa, it is possible to speed official sweetpotato variety release and contribute to reducing the severe micronutrient deficiencies on the continent.
Methamphetamine Compromises the Adaptive B Cell-Mediated Immunity to Antigenic Challenge in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Mitha Anum N. , Chow Daniela , Vaval Valerie , Guerrero Paulina , Rivera-Rodriguez Dormarie E. , Martinez Luis R.
Published: March 2021

Methamphetamine (METH) is a substance of abuse that causes dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immunity in users. B cells are involved in the humoral component of the adaptive immunity by producing and secreting antibodies (Abs). METH modifies Ab production, although limited information on the impact of this psychostimulant on antigen (Ag)-specific humoral immune responses is available. Since T cell-dependent and T cell-independent Ags are involved in the activation of B lymphocytes, we explored the role of METH on humoral immunity to ovalbumin (OVA; T cell-dependent) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; T cell-independent) in C57BL/6 mice. We demonstrated that METH extends the infiltration of B cells into pulmonary and splenic tissues 7 days post-Ag challenge. METH impairs Ab responses in the blood of animals challenged with OVA and LPS. Furthermore, METH diminishes the expression and distribution of IgM on B cell surface, suggesting a possible detrimental impact on users' humoral immunity to infection or autoimmunity.
Local Data Debiasing for Fairness Based on Generative Adversarial Training
Authors: Aïvodji Ulrich , Bidet François , Gambs Sébastien , Ngueveu Rosin Claude , Tapp Alain
Published: March 2021

The widespread use of automated decision processes in many areas of our society raises serious ethical issues with respect to the fairness of the process and the possible resulting discrimination. To solve this issue, we propose a novel adversarial training approach called GANSan for learning a sanitizer whose objective is to prevent the possibility of any discrimination (i.e., direct and indirect) based on a sensitive attribute by removing the attribute itself as well as the existing correlations with the remaining attributes. Our method GANSan is partially inspired by the powerful framework of generative adversarial networks (in particular Cycle-GANs), which offers a flexible way to learn a distribution empirically or to translate between two different distributions. In contrast to prior work, one of the strengths of our approach is that the sanitization is performed in the same space as the original data by only modifying the other attributes as little as possible, thus preserving the interpretability of the sanitized data. Consequently, once the sanitizer is trained, it can be applied to new data locally by an individual on their profile before releasing it. Finally, experiments on real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach as well as the achievable trade-off between fairness and utility.
Union and Intersection Operators for Thick Ellipsoid State Enclosures: Application to Bounded-Error Discrete-Time State Observer Design
Authors: Rauh Andreas , Bourgois Auguste , Jaulin Luc
Published: March 2021

Thick ellipsoids were recently introduced by the authors to represent uncertainty in state variables of dynamic systems, not only in terms of guaranteed outer bounds but also in terms of an inner enclosure that belongs to the true solution set with certainty. Because previous work has focused on the definition and computationally efficient implementation of arithmetic operations and extensions of nonlinear standard functions, where all arguments are replaced by thick ellipsoids, this paper introduces novel operators for specifically evaluating quasi-linear system models with bounded parameters as well as for the union and intersection of thick ellipsoids. These techniques are combined in such a way that a discrete-time state observer can be designed in a predictor-corrector framework. Estimation results are presented for a combined observer-based estimation of state variables as well as disturbance forces and torques in the sense of an unknown input estimator for a hovercraft.
Are Environmentally Innovative Companies Inclined towards Integrated Environmental Disclosure Policies?
Authors: García-Sánchez Isabel-María , Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the correct representation of environmental performance has become increasingly important. In light of this, in the academic field, numerous researchers have examined the level and quality of environmental disclosure. However, in the context of studies relating to the determinants of environmental disclosure, little attention has been paid to the role of environmental innovation. This study, in the context of voluntary disclosure theory, aims to fill this important gap through the analysis of the impact of environmental innovation on the level of integrated environmental information disclosed by companies and the analysis of environmental performance as a mediating factor in this relationship. The results show a positive relationship between environmental innovation and integrated environmental disclosure. In addition, they show that environmental performance represents a mediating factor in this relationship. However, complementary analyses show that responsible firms adopt silent strategies in their environmental integrated disclosure policies in order to limit the knowledge by external users of the different environmental actions implemented.
Tribology in Space Robotic Actuators: Experimental Method for Evaluation and Analysis of Gearboxes
Authors: Nyberg Erik , Llopart i Cervelló Dídac , Minami Ichiro
Published: March 2021

Liquid lubricants are critical to enable long-life operation of high-performance machinery, such as geared actuators employed in robotics. In space applications, actuator gearboxes must operate in low temperatures, where liquid lubricants face inherent problems related to low temperature rheology. Heaters are relied upon to provide acceptable gearbox temperatures. Unfortunately, heating is energy-intense and does not scale well with increasing mechanism mass and performance. Effective boundary lubrication (BL), on the other hand, can minimize problems of low temperature rheology. BL relies on tribofilm formation over conventional fluid film separation. Effective space grade boundary lubricants can potentially allow for drastically reduced amounts of oil and the accompanying rheological problems. In this work, we describe the design of a methodology to evaluate and analyze tribology of actuator gearboxes operated under cryogenic oil-starved conditions in N2 atmosphere. The devised methodology enables research pertinent to space actuator tribology by accelerated testing and advanced analysis, as demonstrated by a lubricant candidate case study. Complementary microscopy techniques are discussed, and a novel methodology devised for gear internal microstructure analysis by X-ray microtomography (XMT) is presented.
Structural Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Blocking Wheel-Type Screw Fertilizer Distributor
Authors: Zha Xiantao , Zhang Guozhong , Han Yuhang , Salem Abouelnadar Elsayed , Fu Jianwei , Zhou Yong
Published: March 2021

In order to solve the problem where the amount of screw fertilizer distributor can only be adjusted by rotating speed and poor fertilization uniformity at low rotational speeds, a blocking wheel-type screw fertilizer distributor was designed. Single factor and L9(34) orthogonal simulation tests based on EDEM software were carried out to optimize the distributor variables at a speed of 20 r/min. The bench verification test was built under the same conditions as the simulation tests to verify the results of the simulation. Finally, the bench performance tests were carried out to evaluate distributor performance. The results of simulation tests revealed that the minimum coefficient of variation of fertilization uniformity (CVFU) was 19.27%, with the structural parameter combination of the inner diameter (17 mm), pitch (45 mm), outlet distance (40 mm), and number of screw heads (1). The verification test results showed that the changing trend and values of the CVFU were almost the same as the simulation tests. The results of the performance test revealed that when the opening width of the blocking wheel was 10–30 mm and the rotation speed was 20–60 r/min, the amount of fertilizer per lap (FAPL) was in the range of 27.74–38.15 g/r; the maximum CVFU and the coefficient of variation of fertilization stability (CVFS) were 29.43% and 2.18%, respectively, which met the requirements of the industry standard. This research provides a good reference for optimizing the screw fertilizer distribution and for researchers in the field of precision fertilization.
Response of Rice Algal Assemblage to Fertilizer and Chemical Application: Implications for Early Algal Bloom Management
Authors: Ohadi Sara , Godar Amar , Madsen John , Al-Khatib Kassim
Published: March 2021

California water-seeded rice is challenged with the rapid growth of nuisance algae at the beginning of the season. Rice seedlings entangled in the algal mat may not be established, causing empty rice patches in the field. Two separate studies were conducted to (1) evaluate the effect of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) on algae growth, and (2) test various chemical options to control algae. Both studies utilized 19 L buckets inoculated with algae collected from a rice field. In the nutrient evaluation study, 36 nutrient treatments obtained from a combination of nitrogen (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 kg ha−1) and phosphorous (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg ha−1) rates were applied into the buckets, while eight chemicals with potential for algae control (two Protox inhibitor herbicides, four copper-based compounds, hydrogen peroxide, Zinc sulfate) were tested in the second experiment. In addition, a yeast extract-based surfactant (AMP activator) was tested in combination with a chelated copper formulation (Algimycin) and hydrogen peroxide. The studies had a completely randomized design with three replicates and each study was repeated two times. The result from the nutrient evaluation study showed that nitrogen and phosphorus can independently cause change in algae growth as reflected in the fresh and dry biomass. Moreover, low rates of either nitrogen or phosphorus resulted in a rapid increase in algae biomass and water chlorophyll a content, whereas the growth of algae declined at higher rates of applied fertilizer. Among tested chemicals in the second experiment, the chelated formulation of copper (Algimycin PWF) controlled algae (85%) better than the ethanolamine formulations [Cutrine-Ultra (70%) and Cutrine-Plus (52%)] and elemental copper (crystalline copper sulfate) (75%). Protox herbicides (oxyfluorfen and oxadiazon) were able to control algae by up to 70%. Hydrogen peroxide controlled algae by 50% and its efficacy dropped dramatically five days after treatment (DAT). Zinc sulfate was only effective at 1 DAT and algae recovered rapidly after that. Combining fertilizer management practices with chemical options will enable us toward an integrative approach for early algal bloom in the rice cropping system.
Influences of Priming on Selected Physiological Attributes and Protein Pattern Responses of Salinized Wheat with Extracts of Hormophysa cuneiformis and Actinotrichia fragilis
Authors: Abdel Latef Arafat Abdel Hamed , Zaid Abbu , Alwaleed Eman A.
Published: March 2021

Biological effects of extracts obtained from the seaweeds Hormophysa cuneiformis (J.F.Gmelin) P.C.Silva and Actinotrichia fragilis (Forsskål) Bùrgesen were investigated using wheat for the improvement of growth and amelioration of the negative effects of soil salinity. Exposure of plants to salt stress resulted in an overall decrease in growth, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids and soluble sugars, as well as nutrient uptake (i.e., K, Ca and Mg) and K+/Na+ ratio. At the same time, increases were found in proline, total free amino acids, phenolic compounds, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na+ ions, as well as the activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Priming wheat seeds with H. cuneiformis and A. fragilis extracts mitigated the negative impacts of salinity by enhancing growth and all the above attributes except MDA and Na+. Treatments with H. cuneiformis or A. fragilis extracts resulted in an increased intensity of the polypeptide bands with 200, 159, 120, 40, and 22 KDa which were already apparent in the control. A. fragilis showed higher effectiveness than H. cuneiformis extracts under both control and stressed regimes. Our results highlight “biofertilizer” properties of two seaweeds and furnish mechanistic insight into their salinity-improvement action, which is pertinent for both applied and basic research.
Combined Foliar Zinc and Nitrogen Application in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.): Effects on Growth, Nutrient Bioaccumulation, and Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Rivera-Martin Angélica , Reynolds-Marzal Dolores , Martin Alberto , Velazquez Rocio , Poblaciones Maria J.
Published: March 2021

To evaluate if the combined foliar application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) in broccoli improves the efficiency of the single Zn biofortification, five treatments were tested: (i) control; (ii) one Zn application at the beginning of flowering (0.5M1); (iii) combined 0.5M1 with N application (0.5M1N); (iv) two Zn applications, one at the beginning of the flowering and other after two weeks (0.25 + 0.25) and (v) combined 0.25 + 0.25 with N (0.25N + 0.25N). The Parthenon cultivar showed a good concentration of Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn, with good bioavailability and glucosinolates, mainly in the florets, and high antioxidant activity and total phenols, mainly in the leaves, showing their potential not only as regards to human consumption, but also for the use of their by-products. All the studied treatments increased floret growth (19%), antioxidant capacity and total phenol content, not affecting Ca, Fe, and Mg concentrations. Glucosinolate content was mostly independent from the studied treatments, decreasing slightly in terms of glucoiberin and the Zn concentration in the florets increased in >50 mg Zn kg−1 in the split treatments and ~40 mg Zn kg−1 when the application was unique, with excellent bioavailability, measured as PA:Zn ratio. Therefore, 0.25 + 0.25 and 0.25N + 0.25N applications have been confirmed as the applications that improve more both growth and accumulation of Zn and biocompounds in broccoli.
Root Traits Related with Drought and Phosphorus Tolerance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Camilo Samuel , Odindo Alfred O. , Kondwakwenda Aleck , Sibiya Julia
Published: March 2021

Roots are key organs for water and nutrient acquisition and transport. Therefore, root phenes that are associated with adaptation to low phosphorus (P) environments could enhance top-soil exploration, while deeper allocation is important for acquiring water and mobile nutrients. The understanding of interactions among root phenes can help in the development of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes adapted to drought and low fertility through genetic improvement. Two experiments (pot and field) were conducted at the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique to assess the contribution of root phenes to common bean shoot biomass and grain yield under combined stress (drought and low P). The pot study assessed eight genotypes, with four treatments combining water regimes (drought and non-stress) and phosphorus levels (200 and 25) mg P kg−1 soil. In the field study, 24 common bean genotypes were also grown in high and low phosphorus (40 kg P ha−1 and without P application) under irrigation and limited water. The grain yield from fields under drought and P stress were correlated with the pot data on root traits. The response of root phenes to drought and phosphorus stress appeared to be related to the deep and shallow root systems, respectively. Deep rooted genotypes produced more total root biomass and high taproot lateral branching density, which resulted in high total root length under drought and low P stress, while shallow rooted genotypes had low total root biomass and less taproot lateral branching. Increased shoot biomass and grain yield under drought and low P was associated with higher mean values of taproot lateral branching density and total taproot length. Genotypes SER 125, BFS 81, FBN12111-66 and MER 22 11-28 showed a greater score of tap root branching density in the pot study with the highest grain yield in the field under low P and drought stress. Therefore, these can be recommended for use in low phosphorus and drought stress environment or serve as parents for improving phosphorus use efficiency and drought tolerance in common bean.
The Content of Biologically Active Substances in Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Lucifer’ Tubers after Treatment with GA3
Authors: Janowska Beata , Andrzejak Roman , Szwajkowska-Michałek Lidia , Stuper-Szablewska Kinga
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to assess the influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the content of biologically active substances in Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora ‘Lucifer’ tubers. These tubers are a promising source of potential antioxidants, and their extracts can be used in pharmaceutical industry, as well as in cosmetics products and antifungal and antibacterial substances. Four groups of biologically active substances were determined from tubers: saponins, phenolic acid, flavonoids and carotenoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts from tubers increased proportionally to the GA3 concentrations. GA3 at concentrations of 200, 400 and 600 mg dm−3 increased the content of medicagenic acid by 42.9–57.1% and the content of polygalic acid by 50% without affecting the content of medicagenic acid 3-O-triglucoside. The GA3 concentrations used in the experiment positively influenced the accumulation of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and gallic acid. The highest content of caffeic acid was noted in the tubers soaked in GA3 concentrated at 400 and 600 mg dm−3. GA3 at a concentration used in the study stimulated the accumulation of kaempferol by 15%, quercetin by 7–8.2%, quercetin 3-O-glucoside by 1.8% (when GA3 was applied at a concentration of 200 mg·dm−3) and by 4.1% and 3.6% (when GA3 was applied at concentrations of 400 and 600 mg·dm−3) and kaempferol 3-O-rhamnosylglucoside by 1.5–3.4%. The soaking of the tubers in GA3 increased the content of β-carotene by 7.9%, 5.2% and 7.9%, respectively, without affecting the content of crocin. For soaking of Crocosmia tubers, it is recommended to use GA3 at a concentration of 400–600 mg·dm−3.
Targeting Hotspots to Achieve Sustainable Nitrogen Management in China’s Smallholder-Dominated Cereal Production
Authors: Zhang Qingsong , Li Tingyu , Yin Yulong , Ying Hao , Cui Zhenling , Zhang Fusuo
Published: March 2021

Agriculture in China, which is dominated by millions of smallholders, consumes 30% of global nitrogen (N) fertilizers and results in a high surplus and vast spatial variability of N. Identifying the N-management practices of smallholder farmers is critical to pursuing sustainable agricultural productivity. However, at the national scale, N budgets and spatial distribution based on first-hand data from smallholder farmers are not well characterized. Here, using data collected from a national survey involving 7.3 million farmers from 2005 to 2014, we quantified N budgets, evaluated their spatial variation, and revealed “hotspots” of low N removal and high N surplus for wheat, maize, and rice systems at the county level. The N surplus for cereal crops was 122–140 kg N ha−1, which is equivalent to an annual N surplus of 11.3 megaton (Mt). Chemical N was the most important contributor to the N surplus, while farmers used manure N less than 10% of the total N input. N budgets exhibited vast spatial variation at the county level, and the hotspots contributed to 56% of the total N surplus in China. Targeted efforts for eliminating hotspots could increase N removal by 13–21%, increase N use efficiency to 0.55–0.70, and significantly reduce the N surplus for all counties and crops, by 42%. Based on farmer survey data, our results provide updated estimates of N budgets and highlight hotspots of N surplus for cereal crop systems in China. They provide a benchmark for the development of new agricultural N management policies and technologies in the country.