bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The content of heavy metals in the leaves of Tilia cordata Mill. and in the soils of urban ecosystems of Cherkasy city
Authors: Korneliuk N. , Koniakin S. , Hrodzynska A.
Published: December 2021

The growth of technogenic impact on urbo-landscapes is accompanied by man-made contamination of the environment. Among the most toxic and widespread pollutants of the urban ecosystems an important place belongs to heavy metals. The soil is the main source of accumulation of heavy metals and its uptake by the biota objects, including plants. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in plant products, in turn, lead to intoxication of people and animals. Toxicity of heavy metals due to their biological activity and availability, resistance of their compounds in the environment, the possibility of small concentrations cause significant negative effects. For the city of Cherkasy the main polluters of the environment with heavy metals are the subsidiary of Cherkasy thermal power (accounting for 75% of the total amount of heavy metals emitted, and contribution of thermal power for emission of Pb, Cu and Zn reach 85%) and automobile transport. It should be noted that the city of Cherkasy (population 285.000 people) is an important economic center of Ukraine, with well-developed chemical and automobile industries. With atomic absorption spectroscopy the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in the leaves of bio-indicator species Tilia cordata Mill. and soils from 24 localities of the city of Cherkassy was examined. The general content of the leaf biomass and soils  from different localities of the degree of technogenic pollution of heavy metals are arranged in a sequence Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. In the city the content Pb and Cd in soils were below the MPK (maximum permissible concentration). Apparently, the content of copper and zinc soils, first of all, caused by pollution of chemical plants emissions, lead, due to industrial and transport factors and cadmium, of the distances to highways. The data obtained suggest that small-leaved linden (T. cordata Mill.) is as a representative species for bio-indication of heavy metals pollution in urban territories
Soil and land reclamation indicators of typical chernozem according to drop irrigation
Authors: Vorotyntseva L.
Published: December 2021

The article gives the results of monitoring studies on the effect of drip irrigation by mineralized water on such soil-reclamation indicators of chernozem ordinary of Northern Steppe as salt regime, the composition of absorbed cations, humus content, nutrient status, bulk density, particle size and microaggregational composition. For irrigation we used water from the local pond, which was characterized by a weak alkaline reaction (pH 7.6–7.7) and mineralization 2.1–2.3 g/dm3. Investigations were carried out under a unit of vegetable crop rotation, followed by such alternating crops as 1. Tomatoes, 2. Onions, 3. Peppers. The local nature of moistening under drip irrigation leads to a diversity and spatial differentiation of soil-reclamation rates in the interval of feed-row-row spacing. With this method of irrigation in chernozem ordinary there is intensification of salinization and alkalinity processes (the formation of bands with a high content of soluble salts and sodium absorption), especially in the area of irrigation band. Long-term irrigation led to a decrease in the total humus content, increase in weight of particle size distribution to medium loamy due to the growth of silt fractions and fine dust, destruction and reducing the stability of the microstructure. To assess the impact of the intensity and extent of changes in soil properties in order to prevent local manifestations of degradation processes and reducing the fertility of chernozem ordinary it is necessary to carry out systemic monitoring observations.
Radiological contamination of soils in Kiev region after 30 years of the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Vasylenko M. , Zosimov V. , Dmytrenko O. , Shylo L. , Kostiuchenko M.
Published: December 2021

The studies summarized and analyzed the results of radiological contamination of soil in Kiev region over thirty years after the Chernobyl accident. These findings on individual farms and areas were to deter- mine the concentrations of radiological (radioactive) contamination of agricultural lands of Kiev region. It is found that the radiation situation is somewhat improved.
Effectiveness and safety of new plant growth stimulators based on derivatives of heterylcarboxylic acids
Authors: Derevianko N. , Brazhko A. , Zavgorodnii M. , Vasilieva Т.
Published: December 2021

The research examines the impact of new growth stimulants manufactured from acid salts heterylсarbon on division and cell growth kind of shoots Cucumis sp. (Variety «Competitor»). These studies make it possible to assert that the use of growth regulator established on the basis heterylсarbon acids for growing agricultural products are appropriate in view of the fact that he has expressed growth stimulating properties and can increase the length of the main root, the number of lateral roots, accelerate growth and development hypocotyls and leaves, and these factors in turn increase the viability of plant family Cucurbitaceae. Safety of this class of compounds was proven in mice. The created regulator of growth, on the basis of heterylсarbon acids practically is not toxic (V class of toxicness), that allows this class of substances to examine as potential growth regulators of plants. Also, this compound showed good antioxidant activity. Accrued regulator of growth, in a concentration 10 mg/l, substantially increased length of mainroot, amount of lateral chums, accelerated a height and development of hypocotyl and leaves.
The diversity of bean nodule bacteria in Ukrainian agrocenoses
Authors: Krutylo D. , Nadkernychna O. , Sherstoboieva О.
Published: December 2021

The aim of our work was to study the diversity of beans nodule bacteria in the natural populations of rhizobia and spend their serological and genetic typing. Beans rhizobia were isolated from bean nodules which were grown in soil samples selected in different regions of Ukraine. Morphological, cultural and physiological properties of rhizobia were studied using standard methods. The diversity of beans nodule bacteria was assessed using a serological method. The restriction analysis of the intergenic region of the ribosomal cluster (ITS) was carried out with the use of restriction endonucleases MspI, HaeIII, NdeII. Fifty strains of beans nodule bacteria were isolated from soils of different regions of Ukraine. Biological diversity of these strains was studied. All the culture of nodule bacteria enters into a symbiotic relationship with the common beans and forms active nodules on the plant roots. These strains were identified as Rhizobium phaseoli. It is established  that new strains of R. phaseoli differ in antibiotics sensitivity, serological and genetic properties. On antigenic com- position investigated nodule bacteria were combined into different serological groups. The beans rhizobia, isolated from agrocenosis of Chernihіv region was the most serologically diverse. PCR-RFLP of the ITS- region showed significant genetic polymorphism of common beans microsymbionts, isolated from local populations of rhizobia. On the basis of the restriction profiles of the 16S-23S rDNA these strains were first divided into different IТS-types. It is established that  division the strains on ITS-types (NdeII and HaeIII) corresponds to their division into different serological groups.
Identification conformity of wetlands biotopes of the Northwest of the Black Sea region
Authors: Mazur I.
Published: December 2021

This publication presents the analysis of the mostly used international and Ukrainian classification systems for wetland areas performed for identification of different-type marsh biotopes of steppe rivers in the Northwest Black Sea Region. Among the classification systems, the most well-known are the Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Type (1971) and Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al., 1979). In these systems, valley marsh biotopes are identified as riverine and palustrine, non-tidal, unstable (perennial impounded and seasonal/intermittent) freshwater marshes on mineral rich soils predominantly covered by grasslike plants (rush, reedmace, sedge). The delta marshes of the Danube, Dniester and Dnieper are referred to as tidal brackish and freshwater marshes. According to Ukrainian classification systems for hygromorphic geosystem, marsh biotopes are regarded as mouth wetlands, which is peculiar to delta marsh areas of the Danube and Dnieper interfluve. Thus, riverbed marshes of small and medium-sized rivers are located in other areas and are usually met both in the lower (continuous marsh areas), middle (fragmented marsh mosaic), and upper (coastland) river flow areas, which is caused by an unstable watercourse rate and transforming of their riverbed parts into marsh sections covered by eurytopic wetland species.
Updating legislation in the field of intellectual property in the conditions of recodification: directions, problems, prospects
Authors: Kodynets Anatolii
Published: December 2021

Keywords: systematization; recodification; legislation; intellectual property; collision;protection of rights; the results of intellectual, creative activity

Implementation ofan innovative model in Ukraine is not possible without the creation of a modern systemof regulatory relations in the field of protection of intellectual property that would ensureprotection of human subjects of creative work (authors, artists, and inventors), guaranteeingobservance of their rights, and protection against possible violations.The first steps in improving a legal mechanism for the use of results of intellectualand creative activities are laid in adopted in 2003 by the Civil Code of Ukraine, which notonly greatly expanded the scope of intellectual property rights, but also significantly enrichedits substance. In the Civil Code of Ukraine relations in the field of intellectualproperty were first fixed in a separate structural part (book 4 «Intellectual PropertyRights»), which indicates their importance to private law.Further improvement of the normative array in the field of protection of the results ofcreative activity should provide for the specification of the provisions of the Civil Code ofUkraine at the level of laws and by-laws, aimed at the formation of reliable legal mechanismsfor the implementation and protection of intellectual property rights. However,only now changes have been made to special laws in the field of intellectual property. In2014, Ukraine signed an Association Agreement with the EU. It became necessary tobring the existing regulatory material not only to the Civil Code of Ukraine, but also tocomply with the approaches defined in the provisions of the Association Agreement,Chapter 9 of which contains the requirements and standards for the protection of intellectualproperty rights.The article examines the problems of updating and systematizing the legislation ofUkraine in the field of legal protection of the results of intellectual, creative activity,analyses the collisions and shortcomings of certain norms governing relations in the fieldof intellectual activity. The legal basis for the regulation of the protection of differenttypes of intellectual property objects is investigated, the ways of their improvement aredetailed, the steps taken in this direction in Ukraine are described. Within the frameworkof the research subject, the shortcomings of special legislation, as well as the normsof the Civil Code of Ukraine, contradictions between various legislative acts in the field ofintellectual property are noted and ways of their resolution are proposed.
Protection of intellectual property rights in the field of biotechnology
Authors: Fedotova Hanna , Fyl Svitlana
Published: December 2021

Keywords: intellectual property rights, biotechnologies, patenting, legal protection,legislation

Current trends of globalization and the process of European integrationof Ukraine necessitate the creation of an effective mechanism of legal regulationof intellectual property rights in the field of biotechnology, due to the constitutionalprovisions according to which human life and health are the highest value inthe state. The purpose of the study was to determine the legal regulation of protection

of intellectual property rights in the field of biotechnology. Empirical and theoreticalmethods of scientific cognition are used for comprehensive consideration of the topicof the article. It has been found that modern biotechnological advances require inventorsnot only to secure monopoly rights to use them, but also to comply with the moraland ethical criteria for the perception of inventions created by genetic engineeringand living matter. It is determined that the legal system of intellectual property protectionin the field of biotechnology is based on the provisions of the Constitution ofUkraine, the Civil Code of Ukraine, regulations in the field of health and agriculture,international treaties and special legislation in the field of intellectual property. It isestablished that the system of legal protection of biotechnological inventions consistsof the acquisition of intellectual property rights to these inventions (establishment ofthe object of patenting and compliance with patentability, state registration of inventions)and the use and disposal of intellectual property rights to such inventions. Alegislative support of legal protection of biotechnological inventions is seen in furtherempirical research and theoretical and methodological substantiation in order to determinethe legal mechanisms of their practical implementation.
The distribution of economic rights to intellectual property rights objects, created in higher education institutions of Ukraine on order
Authors: Osypova Yuliia
Published: December 2021

Keywords: the distribution of economic rights; economic intellectual property rights; intellectualproperty rights objects, created on order; higher education institutions; intellectualproperty rights of higher education institutions; intellectual property rights objects;agreements for the creation on order and the use of intellectual property rights objects

The article investigates the procedure for the distribution of economic rights to IPR objects,created in higher education institutions of Ukraine on order. In the course of researchgeneral requirements of the current legislation of Ukraine concerning possiblevariants of distribution of economic rights to IPR objects, created on order, have been defined.Based on this analysis it has been found that the legislator departed from the previouslyexisting unified approach to the distribution of economic rights to IPR objects,created on order, therefore, there are currently several legally enshrined approaches tothe distribution of economic rights to such objects. At the same time, the choice of one oranother option will depend on the type of the IPR object, created on order (work or anotherIPR objects), and in some cases from the purpose of its creation (has been createdspecifically as a piece of software or not).In addition, the author discovered the existence of a legal conflict between the provisionsof Part. 4 Art. 440 and Art. 1112 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, Part 6 of Art. 33 ofthe Law of Ukraine «On Copyright and Related Rights» regarding the approach to thedistribution of economic rights, in particular, to works, created on order (except for worksof visual art). Also, it has been established that Art. 430 and Art. 1112 of the Civil Codeof Ukraine contain a different approach to determining the list of IPR objects, that can becreated on order.The article also disclosed the consequences of the existence of these inconsistencies forthe law enforcement practice, including for resolving the issue of choosing an appropriateform of agreement for the settlement of legal relations regarding the creation of IPR objects,other than a work, which are included in the concept of "an object, created on order"today. The fundamental importance of solving this issue for the educational sphere hasbeen revealed.Based on the results of the study, a general vision of possible options for the distributionof economic rights to IPR objects, created in higher education institutions of Ukraineon order, has been outlined. Also, suggestions to improve the legislation of Ukraine havebeen made.
Law of Ukraine «On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine»: declaration of rights and their further implementation»
Authors: Opanasenko Anton
Published: December 2021

Keywords: Indigenous peoples, Crimean Tatars, Karaites, Krymchaks, Gagauzpeople, representation, legal status, self-determination, language, culture, traditions,people, identity

The article analyses indetail the legal status and certain types of rights as signed to indigenous peoples ofUkraine under the recently adopted Law of Ukraine «On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine». The criteria of belonging of separate communities to the indigenous peoplesof Ukraine, features of realization by these peoples of their collective rights, and alsorealization by separate representatives of indigenous peoples of their individualrights in the corresponding spheres are defined. The study also defines the characteristicsof the indigenous people, which distinguish this concept from other related concepts,in particular, the concept of national minority. Also, the article, based on theaforementioned Law, determines why only the indigenous peoples of Crimea:Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks can be recognized as indigenous peoples ofUkraine, in contrast to the Gagauz people, who currently in Ukraine’s Odessa region.The study also highlights the peculiarities of the representation of indigenous peoplesof Ukraine at the local, national and international levels. A detailed interpretation ofthe provisions of the Law clarifies its role and significance, as well as prospects for theimplementation of its provisions in the future. The specifics of the representation ofindigenous peoples in Ukraine have been studied, in particular through the functioningof separate representative bodies of indigenous peoples, as well as the representationof the aforementioned communities within public authorities and local governments.The process and peculiarities of interaction of the representative bodies of theindigenous peoples of Ukraine with the bodies of state power and local self-governmentin Ukraine are analysed, along with the specifics of the legal status of such bodiesof the indigenous peoples. The publication proves the need for further the legislativeprocess to implement the requirements of the law, as well as the development ofdetailed and transparent mechanisms for such implementation.
Transactional Analysis Shows Child Factor Would be Influential Egogram for Late Teenager
Authors: T Yokoyama , BANDO Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Background: Transactional Analysis (TA) and egogram have been in focus for medical and educational fields. There has been a reliable personality battery, Tokyo University Egogram (TEG). Recent topic includes TEG new version 3 for clinical introduction. Using TEG ver.3, university students were investigated for their egogram pattern. Subjects & Methods: Subjects were 99 late teenagers. They were given lectures of TEG and their data was analyzed three months after the admission of the university. Results: TEG ver3 presents 33 egogram types which are related to the personality of Japanese people. Among them, there were four higher prevalence of egogram types, which were Free Child (FC) dominant, Adapted Child (AC) dominant, Critical Parent (CP) inferior and Child (C) Dominant. The percentage datum of current study vs previous standard value in each type was 10 vs 6.8%, 26 vs 6.1%, 8 vs 2.1% 9 vs 1.1%, respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: These four types are estimated as free-spirit, dependent, loose and selfishness. Elevated FC and AC would be probably due to the influence of educational and social environment in Japan. Among them, high school students must study hard for entrance exams without meaningful social experiences. Further investigation will be required for TEG.
No Longer Lost on the Human Highway:
Authors: Nyman Jopi
Published: December 2021

In recent years, Canadian/US singer, songwriter, and author Neil Young’s production shows increased signs of environmental awareness, manifested in his promotion of biofuels, critique of genetic manipulation, biotechnology, and ecocide, as well as in his warm attitude to non-human animals. These issues are dealt with in detail in his recent memoir Special Deluxe: A Memoir of Life & Cars (2015), as well as on his recently released albums such as The Monsanto Years (2015) and Earth (2016). While this interest in the natural world could be seen as a simple expression of a 1960s countercultural hippie world view, this essay will propose a different reading of the meaning of animals and the non-human in Young’s Special Deluxe by placing it in the context of human–animal studies and its critique of anthropocentrism. By reading the memoir’s representations of non-human animals in tandem with the emphatic role of the environment on Young’s recent albums, this essay argues that Young’s recent work reveals an increased concern for relationality and non-humans in human life and thus problematizes modernity’s insistence on anthropocentrism and human mastery over nature. Based on the critique of modernity and its anthropocentric hierarchies presented by human–animal studies scholarship (Haraway 2008; Armstrong 2008; Marvin and McHugh 2014), it is suggested that Young’s work foregrounds an explicit concern with the non-human world through its increasing focus on the relationality of the human and the non-human, and their mutual interdependence. The importance of non-human others, especially dogs, to the memoir’s narrator is addressed in detail, and the close transspecies relationship seen as an example of the emotional significance of non-human others in everyday life.   Keywords: Neil Young, Special Deluxe: A Memoir of Life & Cars, environmentalism, human–animal studies, anthropocentricism
Revising Postsocialism
Authors: Martínez Francisco
Published: December 2021

This article reflects on the current explanatory value of concepts such as
postsocialism and Eastern Europe by exploring how they are represented in
contemporary art projects in Estonia. Through an overview of recent exhibitions
in which I collaborated with local artists and curators, the research considers
generational differences in relation to cultural discourses of the postsocialist
experience. Methodologically, artists and curators were not simply my informants
in the field, but makers of analytical knowledge themselves in their practice.
Exhibitions were also approached as contact zones, whereby new cultural forms
are simultaneously reflected and constructed. Critically, this inquiry gathers new
ways of representing and conceptualising cultural changes in Estonia and novel
perspectives of interpreting the relations to the Soviet past. The focus is put on
art practice because of its capacity of bringing together global and local frames of
reference simultaneously. The research also draws attention to the inbetweenness
of the first post-Soviet generation (those born near the time of the breakup of
the USSR); they are revising established cultural forms as well as historical
representations through mixing practices, and therefore updating traditional
ideas of identity and attachment to places.
Novel Insights Into the Multifaceted Functions of RNA n6-Methyladenosine Modification in Degenerative Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Li Hengzhen , Xiao WenFeng , He Yuqiong , Wen Zeqin , Cheng Siyuan , Zhang Yi , Li Yusheng
Published: December 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Since the first discovery of the corresponding demethylase and the subsequent identification of m6A as a dynamic modification, the function and mechanism of m6A in mammalian gene regulation have been extensively investigated. “Writer”, “eraser” and “reader” proteins are key proteins involved in the dynamic regulation of m6A modifications, through the anchoring, removal, and interpretation of m6A modifications, respectively. Remarkably, such dynamic modifications can regulate the progression of many diseases by affecting RNA splicing, translation, export and degradation. Emerging evidence has identified the relationship between m6A modifications and degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia and degenerative spinal disorders. Here, we have comprehensively summarized the evidence of the pathogenesis of m6A modifications in degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Moreover, the potential molecular mechanisms, regulatory functions and clinical implications of m6A modifications are thoroughly discussed. Our review may provide potential prospects for addressing key issues in further studies.
Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals Extensive Genetic Diversity of the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum
Authors: Harun Azian , Kan Alex , Schwabenbauer Katharina , Gilgado Felix , Perdomo Haybrig , Firacative Carolina , Losert Heidemarie , Abdullah Sarimah , Giraud Sandrine , Kaltseis Josef , Fraser Mark , Buzina Walter , Lackner Michaela , Blyth Christopher C. , Arthur Ian , Rainer Johannes , Lira José F. Cano , Artigas Josep Guarro , Tintelnot Kathrin , Slavin Monica A. , Heath Christopher H. , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Chen Sharon C. A. , Meyer Wieland
Published: December 2021

Scedosporium spp. are the second most prevalent filamentous fungi after Aspergillus spp. recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in various regions of the world. Although invasive infection is uncommon prior to lung transplantation, fungal colonization may be a risk factor for invasive disease with attendant high mortality post-transplantation. Abundant in the environment, Scedosporium aurantiacum has emerged as an important fungal pathogen in a range of clinical settings. To investigate the population genetic structure of S. aurantiacum, a MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme was developed, screening 24 genetic loci for polymorphisms on a tester strain set. The six most polymorphic loci were selected to form the S. aurantiacum MLST scheme: actin (ACT), calmodulin (CAL), elongation factor-1α (EF1α), RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and β-tubulin (TUB). Among 188 global clinical, veterinary, and environmental strains, 5 to 18 variable sites per locus were revealed, resulting in 8 to 23 alleles per locus. MLST analysis observed a markedly high genetic diversity, reflected by 159 unique sequence types. Network analysis revealed a separation between Australian and non-Australian strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed two major clusters, indicating correlation with geographic origin. Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed evidence of recombination. There was no clustering according to the source of the strains: clinical, veterinary, or environmental. The high diversity, especially amongst the Australian strains, suggests that S. aurantiacum may have originated within the Australian continent and was subsequently dispersed to other regions, as shown by the close phylogenetic relationships between some of the Australian sequence types and those found in other parts of the world. The MLST data are accessible at http://mlst.mycologylab.org. This is a joined publication of the ISHAM/ECMM working groups on “Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria Infections” and “Fungal Respiratory Infections in Cystic Fibrosis”.
Stereoscopic Planting in Ridge and Furrow Increases Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) by Reducing the Plant’s Competition for Water and Light Resources
Authors: Ma Shoutian , Mei Fujian , Wang Tongchao , Liu Zhandong , Ma Shouchen
Published: December 2021

Increasing planting density is an important ways to increase maize yield. A hot topic of conversation in the current research is how to improve crop light efficiency and yield potential by optimizing the cultivation mode under high density planting is a hot topic in current research. Thus, in this study, a field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of stereo-planting patterns on water and the utilization light resource and maize yields. Planting patterns included the conventional flat planting pattern (as the control, CK) and the stereo-planting in ridge and furrow (T). Each planting pattern had three planting densities, i.e., 60,000 plants ha−1 (D1), 75,000 plants ha−1 (D2) and 90,000 plants ha−1 (D3). The results showed that stereo-planting affected the physiological characteristics of plants by changing the spatial distribution of soil moisture. At the silking stage (R1), photosynthetic rate (Pn) of plants on the ridge was similar to CK, and transpiration rate (Tr) was significantly lower than that of CK. Pn of maize in the furrow was significantly higher than that of CK, and Tr was similar to CK. Stereoscopic planting had different effects on intraspecific competition intensity in maize population in different growing stages. In the six-leaf stage (V6), stereo-planting increased competition intensity of maize on the ridge, but lowered that of maize in the furrow by affecting the spatial distribution of soil moisture. During the R1 stage, stereo-planting increased the light transmittance rate within the canopy and eased the plant’s competition for light by reducing plant height and leaf area of maize under three density conditions. Stereo-planting had no effect on grain yield and dry matter accumulation of ridge-planted maize in the later growing stage, but it did increased the dry matter accumulation and grain yield of furrow-planted maize due to the improvement of the light environment and photosynthetic characteristics of the population. In two test years, stereo-planting increased 5.0–11.0% average yield of maize compared to CK under three density conditions. These results indicate that stereo-planting can reduce the plant’s competition for light and water resources and improve its physiological traits of plant by optimizing its spatial distribution of soil moisture and canopy structure, thus further increasing grain yield of maize under high-density planting conditions.
Antioxidant Capacity and Nutritional Value of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) as a Dependence of Growing Conditions and Long-Term Storage
Authors: Wichrowska Dorota
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the interactive effect of the use of bio-fertilizer and organic matter brought into the soil, as well as to limit the use of mineral fertilization on the content of bioactive compounds in potato tubers cultivar ‘Satina’. The test results show a positive effect of the applied bio-fertilizer in all tested variants of organic fertilization (straw, fodder pea, manure) on the level of the tested compounds. Comparing the content of crude protein in tubers from plots where half the dose of mineral fertilization was applied, the use of bio-fertilizer increased the content of this component, especially after using straw. After 6 months of storage, organic fertilization had no significant effect on the protein content, while significant differences were found in tubers fertilized with mineral, in favor of the full dose of NPK fertilizers. The storage time increased the content of tyrosine, leucine, lysine, alanine, glutamic acid, and total AA, and also methionine, aspartic acid, and asparagine, while the content of isoleucine and phenyl-alanine decreased. The highest content of total polyphenols was found in tubers where the plots were covered with pea application, a full dose of mineral fertilizer, and the use of bio-fertilizer. Unfortunately, after 6 months of storage, potato tubers from plots fertilized with peas, especially those fertilized with half the dose of mineral fertilization and without the use of biofertilizer, significantly lost the most total polyphenols. Similar relationships were obtained for the level of chlorogenic acid in tubers, which is significantly correlated with the content of polyphenols, but only organic fertilization in the form of peas significantly increased the concentration of chlorogenic acid. On the other hand, the highest post-harvest antioxidant activity was characteristic of tubers from plots fertilized with manure, with a full dose of mineral fertilization and biofertilizer. During the 6-month storage, there was a decrease in the antioxidant capacity, on average 12.4% for the objects. This may indicate the influence of polyphenolic compounds as well as other antioxidants on the assessed trait.
A Methodology for the Automated Delineation of Crop Tree Crowns from UAV-Based Aerial Imagery by Means of Morphological Image Analysis
Authors: Ponce Juan Manuel , Aquino Arturo , Tejada Diego , Al-Hadithi Basil Mohammed , Andújar José Manuel
Published: December 2021

The popularisation of aerial remote sensing using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), has boosted the capacities of agronomists and researchers to offer farmers valuable data regarding the status of their crops. This paper describes a methodology for the automated detection and individual delineation of tree crowns in aerial representations of crop fields by means of image processing and analysis techniques, providing accurate information about plant population and canopy coverage in intensive-farming orchards with a row-based plant arrangement. To that end, after pre-processing initial aerial captures by means of photogrammetry and morphological image analysis, a resulting binary representation of the land plot surveyed is treated at connected component-level in order to separate overlapping tree crown projections. Then, those components are morphologically transformed into a set of seeds with which tree crowns are finally delineated, establishing the boundaries between them when they appear overlapped. This solution was tested on images from three different orchards, achieving semantic segmentations in which more than 94% of tree canopy-belonging pixels were correctly classified, and more than 98% of trees were successfully detected when assessing the methodology capacities for estimating the overall plant population. According to these results, the methodology represents a promising tool for automating the inventorying of plants and estimating individual tree-canopy coverage in intensive tree-based orchards.
Obacunone Retards Renal Cyst Development in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease by Activating NRF2
Authors: Qiu Zhiwei , He Jinzhao , Shao Guangying , Hu Jiaqi , Li Xiaowei , Zhou Hong , Li Min , Yang Baoxue
Published: December 2021

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disease characterized by progressive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, which has become the fourth leading cause of end-stage renal diseases. Currently, treatment options for ADPKD remain limited. The purpose of this study was to discover an effective therapeutic drug for ADPKD. With virtual screening, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cyst model, embryonic kidney cyst model and kidney-specific Pkd1 knockout mouse (PKD) model, we identified obacunone as a candidate compound for ADPKD drug discovery from a natural antioxidant compound library. In vitro experiments showed that obacunone significantly inhibited cyst formation and expansion of MDCK cysts and embryonic kidney cysts in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, obacunone treatment significantly reduced the renal cyst development in PKD mice. Western blot and morphological analysis revealed that obacunone served as a NRF2 activator in ADPKD, which suppressed lipid peroxidation by up-regulating GPX4 and finally restrained excessive cell proliferation by down-regulating mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. Experimental data demonstrated obacunone as an effective renal cyst inhibitor for ADPKD, indicating that obacunone might be developed into a therapeutic drug for ADPKD treatment.
Early Blood Glucose Level Post-Admission Correlates with the Outcomes and Oxidative Stress in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Lee Inn-Chi , Yang Jiann-Jou , Liou Ying-Ming
Published: December 2021

The antioxidant defense system is involved in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). To analyze the relationship between first serum blood glucose levels and outcomes in neonatal HIE, seventy-four patients were divided, based on the first glucose level, into group 1 (>0 mg/dL and <60 mg/dL, n =11), group 2 (≥60 mg/dL and <150 mg/dL, n = 49), and group 3 (≥150 mg/dL, n = 14). Abnormal glucose levels had poor outcomes among three groups in terms of the clinical stage (p = 0.001), brain parenchymal lesion (p = 0.004), and neurodevelopmental outcomes (p = 0.029). Hearing impairment was more common in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.062) and group 2 (p = 0.010). The MRI findings of group 3 exhibited more thalamus and basal ganglion lesions than those of group 1 (p = 0.012). The glucose level was significantly correlated with clinical staging (p< 0.001), parenchymal brain lesions (p = 0.044), hearing impairment (p = 0.003), and neurodevelopmental outcomes (p = 0.005) by Pearson’s test. The first blood glucose level in neonatal HIE is an important biomarker for clinical staging, MRI findings, as well as hearing and neurodevelopment outcomes. Hyperglycemic patients had a higher odds ratio for thalamus, basal ganglia, and brain stem lesions than hypoglycemic patients with white matter and focal ischemic injury. Hyperglycemia can be due to prolonged or intermittent hypoxia and can be associated with poor outcomes.
Preventive Effects of β-Cryptoxanthin, a Potent Antioxidant and Provitamin A Carotenoid, on Lifestyle-Related Diseases—A Central Focus on Its Effects on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Nishino Azusa , Maoka Takashi , Yasui Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

Humans usually get dietary carotenoids from foods such as green and yellow vegetables and algae. Carotenoids have been reported to effectively reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. β-Cryptoxanthin, which is an antioxidative carotenoid and a type of provitamin A, is metabolically converted to vitamin A. β-Cryptoxanthin has recently gained attention for its risk-reducing effects on lifestyle-related diseases, especially on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), from epidemiological, interventional, and mechanistic studies. Retinoids (vitamin A) have also been reported to be useful as a therapeutic agent for NAFLD. Provitamin A is known to serve as a supply source of retinoids through metabolic conversion by the regulated activity of β-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase 1 (BCMO1) to the retina only when retinoids are deficient. From mechanistic studies using NAFLD-model mice, β-cryptoxanthin has been shown to contribute to the improvement of NAFLD through a multifaceted approach, including improved insulin resistance, suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation, a reduction of macrophages and a shift of their subsets, and control of lipid metabolism by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family activation, which are also expected to have clinical applications. β-Cryptoxanthin has the potential to prevent lifestyle-related diseases from different angles, not only as an antioxidant but also as a retinoid precursor.
The SXFEL Upgrade: From Test Facility to User Facility
Authors: Liu Bo , Feng Chao , Gu Duan , Gao Fei , Deng Haixiao , Zhang Meng , Sun Sen , Chen Si , Zhang Wei , Fang Wencheng , Wang Zhen , Zhou Qiaogen , Leng Yongbin , Gu Ming , Yin Lixin , Gu Qiang , Fang Guoping , Wang Dong , Zhao Zhentang
Published: December 2021

The Shanghai soft X-ray Free-Electron Laser facility (SXFEL), which is the first X-ray FEL facility in China, is being constructed in two phases: the test facility (SXFEL-TF) and the user facility (SXFEL-UF). The test facility was initiated in 2006 and funded in 2014. The commissioning of the test facility was finished in 2020. The user facility was funded in 2016 to upgrade the accelerator energy and build two undulator lines with five experimental end-stations. The output photon energy of the user facility will cover the whole water window range. This paper presents an overview of the SXFEL facility, including considerations of the upgrade, layout and design, construction status, commissioning progress and future plans.
Modal Identification of Ultralow-Frequency Flexible Structures Based on Digital Image Correlation Method
Authors: Qian Hui , Wu Yimeng , Zhu Rui , Zhang Dahai , Jiang Dong
Published: December 2021

Traditional modal testing has difficulty accurately identifying the ultralow-frequency modes of flexible structures. Ultralow-frequency excitation and vibration signal acquisition are two main obstacles. Aiming at ultralow-frequency modal identification of flexible structures, a modal testing method based on Digital Image Correlation method and Eigensystem Realization Algorithm is proposed. Considering impulse and shaker excitation are difficult to make generate ultralow-frequency vibration of structures, the initial displacement is applied to the structure for excitation. The ultralow-frequency accelerometer always has a large mass, which will change the dynamics performance of the flexible structure, so a structural vibration response was obtained through the Digital Image Correlation method. After collecting the free-decay vibration signal, the ultralow-frequency mode of the structure was identified by using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm. Ground modal tests were conducted to verify the proposed method. Firstly, a solar wing structure was adopted, from which it was concluded that the signal acquisition using Digital Image Correlation method had high feasibility and accuracy. Secondly, an ultralow-frequency flexible cantilever beam structure which had the theoretical solution was employed to verify the proposed method and the theoretical fundamental frequency of the structure was 0.185 Hz. Results show that the Digital Image Correlation method can effectively measure the response signal of the ultralow-frequency flexible structure, and obtain the dynamics characteristics.
Modelling the Effects of Nanomaterial Addition on the Permeability of the Compacted Clay Soil Using Machine Learning-Based Flow Resistance Analysis
Authors: Özçoban Mehmet Şükrü , Isenkul Muhammed Erdem , Sevgen Selçuk , Acarer Seren , Tüfekci Mertol
Published: December 2021

Impermeable base layers that are made of materials with low permeability, such as clay soil, are necessary to prevent leachate in landfills from harming the environment. However, over time, the permeability of the clay soil changes. Therefore, to reduce and minimize the risk, the permeability-related characteristics of the base layers must be improved. Thus, this study aims to serve this purpose by experimentally investigating the effects of nanomaterial addition (aluminum oxide, iron oxide) into kaolin samples. The obtained samples are prepared by applying standard compaction, and the permeability of the soil sample is experimentally investigated by passing leachate from the reactors, in which these samples are placed. Therefore, Flow Resistance (FR) analysis is conducted and the obtained results show that the Al additives are more successful than the Fe additive in reducing leachate permeability. Besides, the concentration values of some polluting parameters (Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), and Total Phosphorus (TP)) at the inlet and outlet of the reactors are analyzed. Three different models (Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Machine (SVM)) are applied to the data obtained from the experimental study. The results have shown that polluting parameters produce high FR regression similarity rates (>75%), TKN, TP, and COD features are highly correlated with the FR value (>60%) and the most successful method is found to be the SVM model.
Post-Test Numerical Analysis of a Helium-Cooled Breeding Blanket First Wall under LOFA Conditions with the MELCOR Fusion Code
Authors: Angelucci Michela , Gonfiotti Bruno , Ghidersa Bradut-Eugen , Jin Xue Zhou , Ionescu-Bujor Mihaela , Paci Sandro , Stieglitz Robert
Published: December 2021

The validation of numerical tools employed in the analysis of incidental transients in a fusion reactor is a topic of main concern. KIT is taking part in this task providing both experimental data and by performing numerical analysis in support of the main codes used for the safety analyses of the Helium Cooled Pebble Bed (HCPB) blanket concept. In recent years, an experimental campaign has been performed in the KIT-HELOKA facility to investigate the behavior of a First Wall Mock-Up (FWMU) under Loss Of Flow Accident (LOFA) conditions. The aim of the experimental campaign was twofold: to check the expected DEMO thermal-hydraulics conditions during normal and off-normal conditions and to provide robust data for code validation. The present work is part of these validation efforts, and it deals with the analysis of the LOFA experimental campaign with the system code MELCOR 1.8.6 for fusion. A best-estimate methodology has been used in support of this analysis to ease the distinction between user’s assumptions and code limitations. The numerical analyses are here described together with their goals, achievements, and lesson learnt.
Mineralogical Transformations in Granitoids during Heating at Fire-Related Temperatures
Authors: Vazquez Patricia , Benavente David , Montiel David , Gomez-Heras Miguel
Published: December 2021

Fire is a major decay agent of rocks and can generate immediate catastrophic effects as well as directional and anisotropic damage that affect long-term weathering processes. Temperature increase is the most relevant factor, among other components in a fire, generating mineral transformations and bulk mechanical damage. Mineralogical changes at high temperatures are key to understanding the overall mechanical behaviour. However, most studies to date were carried out after rock specimens were heated to a target temperature and cooled down to room temperature. Therefore, these studies are missing the observation of the actual mineral processes during heating. This paper aims to compare mineralogical changes in crystalline rocks during heating by means of XPS and different XRD techniques. Samples of four different granitoids were heated to several temperatures up to 1000 °C to evaluate their chemical and structural changes. Results show how standardised thermal expansion coefficients are not a suitable indicator of the bulk effect of high temperatures on rocks. Results also show how thermal expansion estimations from XRD lattice measurements may be an alternative to bulk dilatometric tests, as they can be performed with limited sampling, which may be necessary in some studies. Nevertheless, XRD and XPS results need to be interpreted carefully in relation to the bulk effects of temperature increase in the rocks, as the structural behaviour may seemingly contradict the macroscopic effect.