bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Quality Genome of the Medicinal Plant Strobilanthes cusia Provides Insights Into the Biosynthesis of Indole Alkaloids
Authors: Hu Yongle , Ma Dongna , Ning Shuju , Ye Qi , Zhao Xuanxuan , Ding Qiansu , Liang Pingping , Cai Guoqian , Ma Xiaomao , Qin Xia , Wei Daozhi
Published: September 2021

Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze is an important plant used to process the traditional Chinese herbal medicines “Qingdai” and “Nanbanlangen”. The key active ingredients are indole alkaloids (IAs) that exert antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor pharmacological activities and serve as natural dyes. We assembled the S. cusia genome at the chromosome level through combined PacBio circular consensus sequencing (CCS) and Hi-C sequencing data. Hi-C data revealed a draft genome size of 913.74 Mb, with 904.18 Mb contigs anchored into 16 pseudo-chromosomes. Contig N50 and scaffold N50 were 35.59 and 68.44 Mb, respectively. Of the 32,974 predicted protein-coding genes, 96.52% were functionally annotated in public databases. We predicted 675.66 Mb repetitive sequences, 47.08% of sequences were long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. Moreover, 983 Strobilanthes-specific genes (SSGs) were identified for the first time, accounting for ~2.98% of all protein-coding genes. Further, 245 putative centromeric and 29 putative telomeric fragments were identified. The transcriptome analysis identified 2,975 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and triterpenoid biosynthesis. This systematic characterization of key enzyme-coding genes associated with the IA pathway and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family formed a network from the shikimate pathway to the indole alkaloid synthesis pathway in S. cusia. The high-quality S. cusia genome presented herein is an essential resource for the traditional Chinese medicine genomics studies and understanding the genetic underpinning of IA biosynthesis.
Root Patterning: Tuning SHORT ROOT Function Creates Diversity in Form
Authors: Hernández-Coronado Marcela , Ortiz-Ramírez Carlos
Published: September 2021

Roots have a fundamental role in plant growth and adaptation to different environments. Diversity in root morphology and architecture enables plants to acquire water and nutrients in contrasting substrate conditions, resist biotic and abiotic stress, and develop symbiotic associations. At its most fundamental level, morphology is determined by discrete changes in tissue patterning. Differences in the number and arrangement of the cell layers in the root can change tissue structure, as well as root length and girth, affecting important productivity traits. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling variation in developmental patterning is an important goal in biology. The ground tissue (GT) system is an ideal model to study the genetic basis of morphological diversity because it displays great interspecific variability in cell layer number. In addition, the genetic circuit controlling GT patterning in Arabidopsis thaliana has been well described, although little is known about species with more complex root anatomies. In this review, we will describe the Arabidopsis model for root radial patterning and present recent progress in elucidating the genetic circuitry controlling GT patterning in monocots and the legume Medicago truncatula (Mt), species that develop roots with more complex anatomies and multilayered cortex.
Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Players in Plant Defense Against Pathogens
Authors: Liu Guosheng , Kang Guangren , Wang Shumei , Huang Yifan , Cai Qiang
Published: September 2021

Communication between plants and interacting microorganisms requires functional molecule trafficking, which is essential for host defense and pathogen virulence. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are single membrane-bound spheres that carry complex cargos, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. They mediate cell-to-cell communication via the transfer of molecules between cells. Plant EVs have been isolated from many plant species and play a prominent role in immune system modulation and plant defense response. Recent studies have shown that plant EVs are emerging players in cross-kingdom regulation and contribute to plant immunity by mediating the trafficking of regulatory small RNA into pathogens, leading to the silencing of pathogen virulence-related genes. This review summarizes the current understanding of plant EV isolation technologies, the role of plant EVs in plant immunity, and the mechanism of plant EV biogenesis, as well as approaches for how these findings can be developed into innovative strategies for crop protection.
Interrelationships Between Psychosocial, Motivational, and Psychological Processes for Effective Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Study
Authors: Phan Huy P. , Ngu Bing H.
Published: September 2021

We tested a theoretical-conceptual model that introduced our recently developed psychological concept, termed aspsychological processes, which is defined as “a person’s continuing frame of mind to focus on disposition toward strong resolute, structured thoughts and organization, and aspiration to strive for educational success.” This proposition is innovative as it considers the notion that a person’s mindset is malleable and, importantly, subjects to social experiences derived from a situated social context. Moreover, from our definition, we contend that psychological processes, as a distinct construct, is “latent,” or underlying, with three comparable psychological attributes: personal resolve, effective functioning, and personal striving. Our conceptualization, acknowledging the importance of social contexts and individualized experience and personal belief, proposed that perceived social experiences (i.e., positive versus negative), as a source of information, would shape a student’s psychological processes, his/her state of motivation, and engagement in different types of adaptive outcomes. Moreover, from our point of view, psychological processes would act as a predictor as well as a potential mediator of motivation and engagement in different types of adaptive outcomes. In a similar vein, from the positive effect of psychological processes, motivation could act as a predictor as well as a mediator of adaptive outcomes. Structural equation modeling, from Taiwanese university students’ (N= 739) responses to various Likert-scale measures, showed support for our originala priorimodel – for example, the positive effects of perceived social experiences on psychological processes (β = 0.81,p< 0.001) motivation (β = 0.61,p< 0.001), and adaptive outcomes (β = 0.36,p< 0.01), and the positive effect of psychological processes on motivation (β = 0.31,p< 0.01). Interestingly, we also found some interesting findings with regard to the effects of measured indicators – for example, the positive effect of personal resolve, as a measured indicator, on adaptive outcomes (β = 0.28,p< 0.001), and the effect of self-efficacy, as a measured indicator, on academic liking experience, also a measured indicator (β = 0.12,p< 0.01). Overall, the results established have a wide range of implications for consideration – for example, the development of an educational program and/or instructional design that could promote and foster positive learning experiences.
Federated Networks for Distributed Analysis of Health Data
Authors: Hallock Harry , Marshall Serena Elizabeth , 't Hoen Peter A. C. , Nygård Jan F. , Hoorne Bert , Fox Cameron , Alagaratnam Sharmini
Published: September 2021

Access to health data, important for population health planning, basic and clinical research and health industry utilization, remains problematic. Legislation intended to improve access to personal data across national borders has proven to be a double-edged sword, where complexity and implications from misinterpretations have paradoxically resulted in data becoming more siloed. As a result, the potential for development of health specific AI and clinical decision support tools built on real-world data have yet to be fully realized. In this perspective, we propose federated networks as a solution to enable access to diverse data sets and tackle known and emerging health problems. The perspective draws on experience from the World Economic Forum Breaking Barriers to Health Data project, the Personal Health Train and Vantage6 infrastructures, and industry insights. We first define the concept of federated networks in a healthcare context, present the value they can bring to multiple stakeholders, and discuss their establishment, operation and implementation. Challenges of federated networks in healthcare are highlighted, as well as the resulting need for and value of an independent orchestrator for their safe, sustainable and scalable implementation.
Cross-Species Transmission of Coronaviruses in Humans and Domestic Mammals, What Are the Ecological Mechanisms Driving Transmission, Spillover, and Disease Emergence?
Authors: Nova Nicole
Published: September 2021

Coronaviruses cause respiratory and digestive diseases in vertebrates. The recent pandemic, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2, is taking a heavy toll on society and planetary health, and illustrates the threat emerging coronaviruses can pose to the well-being of humans and other animals. Coronaviruses are constantly evolving, crossing host species barriers, and expanding their host range. In the last few decades, several novel coronaviruses have emerged in humans and domestic animals. Novel coronaviruses have also been discovered in captive wildlife or wild populations, raising conservation concerns. The evolution and emergence of novel viruses is enabled by frequent cross-species transmission. It is thus crucial to determine emerging coronaviruses' potential for infecting different host species, and to identify the circumstances under which cross-species transmission occurs in order to mitigate the rate of disease emergence. Here, I review (broadly across several mammalian host species) up-to-date knowledge of host range and circumstances concerning reported cross-species transmission events of emerging coronaviruses in humans and common domestic mammals. All of these coronaviruses had similar host ranges, were closely related (indicative of rapid diversification and spread), and their emergence was likely associated with high-host-density environments facilitating multi-species interactions (e.g., shelters, farms, and markets) and the health or well-being of animals as end- and/or intermediate spillover hosts. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms of the cross-species transmission events that have ultimately led to a surge of emerging coronaviruses in multiple species in a relatively short period of time in a world undergoing rapid environmental change.
LithoSpace: An Idea for an Automated System for in situ Petrographic Thin Section Preparation on Mars and Other Extraterrestrial Rocky Bodies
Authors: Foucher Frédéric , Bost Nicolas , Janiec Sylvain , Fonte Aïcha , Le Breton Nicole , Perron Pascal , Bouquin Michel , Lebas Frank , Viso Michel , Chazalnoël Pascale , Courtade Frédéric , Villenave Michel , Westall Frances
Published: September 2021

Optical microscopy analyses using thin sections is one of the most standard techniques in geology. It permits identification of most rock-forming minerals and it is essential for micropaleontology since observation in transmitted light is the only way to observe individual, or colonies of, microfossils in their mineralogical and textural context. Thin sections are also used for other techniques such as Raman spectroscopy. In the framework of exploration of the Martian surface and of the search for potential relics of microbial life, the possibility to observe petrographic thin sections in situ would be revolutionary. Nevertheless, although optical microscopes can be readily designed for space exploration, thin section preparation is not easy to do in situ on extraterrestrial rocky bodies due to the generally harsh environmental conditions and to the difficulty to automate a protocol that normally requires several human interventions. The aim of the LithoSpace project, supported by the French Space Agency (CNES) since 2014, is to work on the development of an automated system permitting preparation of petrographic thin sections on extraterrestrial bodies, such as Mars, the Moon or asteroids. In this paper, we describe the approaches used to study rocks in situ during space missions and compare them to those used on Earth. Then, the relevance of making thin sections during space exploration is highlighted from the description of the data that could be collected from the analysis of these specific samples, using new instruments and instruments already sent to Mars. The standard preparation protocol is described as well as previously envisioned or existing in situ sample preparation systems. We then propose a protocol for automation of the preparation. Particular attention is paid to demonstrating the feasibility of making thin sections in the absence of liquid water and with energy consumption compatible with automated space probes. Tests are then carried out to control the quality of the prepared samples. On the basis of the demonstrated feasibility, an automated system is proposed as a conceptual all-in-one system. Finally, a “proof-of-concept” model developed with the help of students at different educational levels is presented.
Africa's “Seed” Revolution and Value Chain Constraints to Early Generation Seeds Commercialization and Adoption in Ghana
Authors: Quarshie Philip Tetteh , Abdulai Abdul-Rahim , Fraser Evan D. G.
Published: September 2021

The study aims to deepen understanding of how Early Generation Seeds value chain constraints impede commercialization and adoption of High Yielding Varieties (HYV) or improved Maize seeds by smallholders in Ghana within the broader strategies of a “Green Revolution for Africa”. Using qualitative and quantitative information obtained through one-on-one interviews with 15 key informants, a household survey from 110 smallholder farmers and document reviews, we discuss constraints and bottlenecks engendered by value chain structures, processes and mechanisms in Ghana's formal seed distribution system. Seven main challenges were identified that undermine trust and hinder the expansion of HYVs: (1) the limited capacity of public institutions, (2) constrained capacity of the emerging private sector, (3) a lack of well-defined, fair and enforceable contracts between stakeholders in the delivery system, (4) land-tenure limitations, (5) poor forecasting of farmers' demands for seeds by research institutions and seed producers, (6) sparse marketing arrangements for improved maize seeds, and (7) concentration of power to control seed supply in the hands of few institutions. We argue these seven issues weaken power asymmetry within the maize seed value chain's governance mechanism to create nodal points that give prominence to key public institutions, NGOs, and research institutions who control the production and distribution of improved seeds. Ultimately, trust among actors and its value chain outputs is undermined, negatively affecting the commercialization, availability, and adoption of improved seeds. Moving forward, upgrading the maize seed value chain must be pursued through targeted public and private sector relationships that acknowledge diverse actors' critical roles in the value chain.
Design of an Anti-Slip Mechanism for Wheels of Step Climbing Robots
Authors: Baishya Nayan Jyoti , Bhattacharya Bishakh , Ogai Harutoshi , Tatsumi Kohei
Published: September 2021

This manuscript presents a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated anti-slip mechanism for the wheels of step climbing robots. The proposed mechanism comprises three kinematic chains considering the Lazy Tong and the bi-stable four-bar mechanism. Chain 1 of the mechanism is used to clamp on the edges of the stairs to avoid slipping. The second chain of the mechanism is used to switch the mechanism between two stable positions, i.e., open position and closed position, of chain 1. For activating the mechanism, the third chain is employed which is based on SMA wire. Furthermore, the mechanism is designed to achieve passive switching from the open position to the closed position. Equations are developed to determine the dimensions of various members. Using those parameters, a 3D model of the proposed mechanism is developed. Stress analysis is performed and the model is found to be safe under a load of 250 N with a factor of safety of 3.025. The mechanism is attached to either side of a wheel of the outer radius of 290 mm. To analyze the kinematics of the mechanism, a three-dimensional model in MSC Adams is developed and studied. The force required by SMA actuator is found to be less than 5 N. The proposed mechanism may be used for various unmanned robotic systems while mitigating step-like obstacles in the path.
The Role of Cooperatives in Brazilian Agricultural Production
Authors: Neves Mateus de Carvalho Reis , Silva Felipe de Figueiredo , Freitas Carlos Otávio de , Braga Marcelo José
Published: September 2021

Much of the established literature on agricultural cooperatives describes their myriad contributions to farmers’ economic performance. In Brazil, one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters, there were more than 1500 agricultural cooperatives with 1 million members in 2020, and in 2017, 11% of all Brazilian farms were associated with one of these cooperatives. In this paper, we estimate the factors associated with the municipality share of cooperative membership (MSCM) and how municipality-level production value changes with MSCM. Our analysis is at the municipality level using aggregate data from the 2017 Agricultural Census. We find that in Brazil, higher education and smaller property sizes are associated with membership in agricultural cooperatives. To estimate how MSCM is associated with farm profits, we use a generalized propensity score and find that an increase in MSCM increases net municipal farm income, driven mostly by an increase in the value of agricultural production compared to a smaller increase in the cost of production.
Evaluation of a Set of Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum Accessions for β-Glucans and Microelement Contents
Authors: Elouadi Fadwa , Amri Ahmed , El-baouchi Adil , Kehel Zakaria , Salih Ghizlanne , Jilal Abderrazek , Kilian Benjamin , Ibriz Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Barley is one of the oldest domesticated crops in the world and is mainly used for feed and malt and to a lesser extent as food. The use of barley as food is a tradition in communities in some countries of North Africa, Europe, and Asia. However, due to the health-promoting properties of barley grain, there is an increasing interest in such use. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) has a global mandate for barley improvement and holds rich in-trust collections of cultivated and wild Hordeum species. The present study aims to evaluate 117 accessions of Hordeum spontaneum for their contents of β-glucan and microelements for breeding new varieties with enhanced nutritional value. The bulked seed accessions of Hordeum spontaneum were grown over two seasons, and the single plant derived seeds from these accessions were compared to 36 elite lines and varieties of cultivated barley in the second season in Morocco. The results showed large differences in β-glucan and microelements in both the bulk and the single plant seed accessions. The contents of β-glucans ranged from 1.44 to 11.3% in the Hordeum spontaneum accessions and from 1.62 to 7.81% in the cultivated barley lines. Large variations were found for the microelements content, but no differences were noticed between the wild and the cultivated species. However, some accessions of Hordeum spontaneum had higher combined contents of Iron, Zinc, and Selenium. Such accessions are used in interspecific crosses to develop biofortified barley germplasm and varieties.
Growth Promotion of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and Blackleg Disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) Suppression Mediated by Endophytic Bacteria
Authors: Lipková Nikola , Medo Juraj , Artimová Renata , Maková Jana , Petrová Jana , Javoreková Soňa , Michalko Jaroslav
Published: September 2021

Rapeseed is an important oil crop strongly dependent on high agrochemical inputs. Some pathogens, including Leptosphaeria maculans, cause blackleg disease and can drastically decrease yields. Microbial inoculants seem to be a promising solution to these problems. However, a selection of potent bacterial strains able to improve growth and/or suppress disease is needed. Endophytic bacteria (n = 38) isolated from rapeseed plants with exceptionally good growth were screened for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits and L. maculans antifungal activity. A majority of isolates (35) showed the ability to produce siderophores, 17 isolates solubilized phosphate, and 28 isolates inhibited the growth of L. maculans. The six most promising isolates belonging to Bacillus genera were characterized in detail and compared to two previously published PGP strains. Plant growth measured as total weight and root length of rapeseed seedlings was stimulated by all isolates in comparison to control. The best isolate, 1L6, preliminary identified as Bacillus pumilus showed the highest phosphate solubilization, IAA and HCN production, and growth promotion of plants. Isolates with high antifungal activity in screening showed good potential to suppress disease on plants, with 87% reduction of lesions caused by L. maculans. These strains are good candidates to be explored under field use either solely or in combination.
Optimizing Tomato Growth and Productivity Using Nitrogen and Irrigation Application Timing
Authors: Ayankojo Ibukun T. , Morgan Kelly T.
Published: September 2021

Soil nutrients and water management practices according to the concept of 4R nutrient stewardship (right rate, right timing, right placement, and right source) can have significant benefits on crop productivity and reduce the negative effects of agricultural practices on the environment. Therefore, this present study evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) application timing under different irrigation regimes on open-field, fresh-market tomato production in Florida. In this study, 2 N application timings applied at 25% pre-plant with 75% fertigation (BM), and 0 pre-plant with 100% fertigation (NB), were evaluated. The two N application methods were evaluates using three irrigation regimes: full irrigation (FI, 100% ETc), deficit irrigation (DI, 66% ETc), and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI, 66% ETc during the first 4 weeks after transplanting and 100% ETc afterward). The results showed that BM treatment significantly improved early-season tomato growth compared to NB treatment. The results also indicated that under RDI and DI irrigation conditions, tomato root length was lowest (average value of 13%) within the first 15 cm compared to 40% within 15–30 cm and 47% at 30–40 cm soil depths. Similar to plant growth, BM treatment significantly increased tomato yield (average valued 56.00 Mg ha−1) compared to the NB (average value 40.23 Mg ha−1). The application of DI throughout the growing season reduced tomato yield; however, there were no differences in yield under the RDI and FI irrigation regimes. Therefore, based on the results from this study, it can be concluded that, under Florida growing conditions, pre-plant N application is essential for tomato growth and productivity. Additionally, irrigation application using the RDI method could be successfully adopted in Florida tomato production for improved water savings without any negative effects on tomato growth and productivity.
Impact of Shelterbelt and Peatland Barriers on Agricultural Landscape Groundwater: Carbon and Nitrogen Compounds Removal Efficiency
Authors: Szczepański Marek , Szajdak Lech W. , Meysner Teresa
Published: September 2021

In the context of declining water quality, the threat of nonpoint source pollution (NSP) to aquatic habitats and species is a well-recognized phenomenon. The recognition of NSP continues to grow as legal regulatory practices as well as public and scientific awareness of this source of pollution increase. Agricultural runoff from farms and fields often contains various contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, pathogens, sediments, salts, trace metals, and substances that contribute to changes in biological oxygen demand. Farmers and growers releasing agricultural runoff are increasingly required to implement water-quality regulations and management practices to reduce NSP. Constructed or restored shelterbelts and natural peatlands can be two of the many best management practices farmers can use to address this problem. We compared the barrier efficiency of the agricultural landscape elements, i.e., a shelterbelt of various plant compositions and a peatland, to control the spread of NSP in groundwater between ecosystems. In agricultural areas with high water tables, biogeochemical barriers in the form of shelterbelts and peatlands can remove or retain many groundwater pollutants from agricultural runoff with careful planning and management.
Performance of Hybrid Wheat Cultivars Facing Deficit Irrigation under Semi-Arid Climate in Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Muhammad Mehran , Arif Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Akhtar Kashif , Zhang Sheng Quan , Zhao Chang Ping
Published: September 2021

Predicted decrease in water availability for crop production and uncertainty in climatic conditions require devising the irrigation strategies to increase water use efficiency (WUE) for sustainable crop production. The development of crop cultivars with higher WUE is a pre-requisite for such strategies, particularly in developing countries, including Pakistan, who face stern food security challenges. A two-year field study was conducted following a split-plot randomized complete block design to understand the effects of wheat cultivars (hybrid cultivars, 18A-1 and 18A-2, and local cultivar Ghaneemat IBGE-2016), sowing dates (15th November, 30th November, and 15th December), and irrigation regimes [I (103 mm), II (175 mm), III (254 mm), and IV (330 mm)] at four different growth stages of tillering, booting, anthesis and grain filling on wheat productivity, biomass production and grain yield, and crop-water relations. Early sown hybrid cultivars 18A-1 and 18A-2 showed significantly higher biological and grain yields compared to the local cultivar (59% and 69% higher than the local cultivar). Trends in biomass production and grain yield were also similar at later sowing dates of 30th November and 15th December. However, biological and grain yields decreased with delay in sowing for each cultivar. The data also revealed that hybrid cultivars were better suited to deficient irrigation and generally produced significantly higher biological and grain yields under each moisture regime. Cultivars, sowing dates, and irrigation regime differed significantly for their effects on the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values, chlorophyll a and b contents but not for carotenoids. Sowing dates and irrigation regimes had significant effects on relative water content (RWC), water saturation deficit (WSD), water uptake capacity (WUC), and water retention capacity (WRC); however, only WUC varied significantly between the cultivars. The phenological data show that hybrid cultivars took more days to maturity and grain filling than the local cultivar, and days decreased with delayed sowing. The biological and grain yields show significant positive correlations with SPAD values (p < 0.001) and days to maturity (p < 0.001). Our study shows that hybrid wheat cultivars can be opted for higher biomass production and grain yields under deficit irrigation scenarios of semi-arid climatic conditions in Pakistan. Moreover, the hybrid wheat cultivars can perform better than the indigenous cultivar even for delayed sowing dates of 30th November and 15th December.
Effects of Dry Sourdough on Bread-Making Quality and Acrylamide Content
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Sarion Cristina , Dabija Adriana
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of reducing the acrylamide content of bread samples obtained from wheat flour with a high extraction rate by adding a dry sourdough (SD) into the bread recipe. According to the data obtained, compared to the control sample the acrylamide content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by more than 50% for the bread samples in which low levels of SD of 1–3% were added to wheat flour. More so, due to the fact that SD affects bread quality, its technological effects on bread making have been investigated. The dough’s rheological properties (mixing and pasting using Mixolab, extension using Alveograph, fermentation using Rheofermentometer), falling number value, and bread quality parameters (loaf volume, porosity, elasticity, color, textural and sensory qualities) have been investigated. In general, SD addition caused a weakening effect on wheat flour dough, an increase in the total volume of CO2 produced during fermentation and a decrease in the falling number value. On bread quality, SD addition improved bread physical characteristics, darkened the bread crumb and crust, decreased the textural parameters (firmness, gumminess, cohesiveness and resilience) and improved the bread sensory characteristics for the samples with the addition of 1–2% SDto wheat flour.
Multi-Environment Yield Components in Advanced Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) × Tepary Bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) Interspecific Lines for Heat and Drought Tolerance
Authors: Burbano-Erazo Esteban , León-Pacheco Rommel , Cordero-Cordero Carina , López-Hernández Felipe , Cortés Andrés , Tofiño-Rivera Adriana
Published: September 2021

Heat and drought are major stresses that significantly reduce seed yield of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In turn, this affects the profitability of the crop in climatic-vulnerable tropical arid regions, which happen to be the poorest and in most need of legume proteins. Therefore, it is imperative to broaden the sources of heat and drought resistance in the common bean by examining closely related species from warmer and drier environments (i.e., Tepary bean, P. acutifolius A. Gray), while harnessing such variation, typically polygenic, throughout advanced interspecific crossing schemes. As part of this study, interspecific congruity backcrosses for high temperature and drought tolerance conditions were characterized across four localities in coastal Colombia. Genotypes with high values of CO2 assimilation (>24 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1), promising yield scores (>19 g/plant), and high seed mineral content (Fe > 100 mg/kg) were identified at the warmest locality, Motilonia. At the driest locality, Caribia, one intercrossed genotype (i.e., 85) and the P. acutifolius G40001 control exhibited sufficient yield for commercial production (17.76 g/plant and 12.76 g/plant, respectively). Meanwhile, at southernmost Turipaná and Carmen de Bolívar localities, two clusters of genotypes exhibited high mean yield scores with 33.31 g/plant and 17.89 g/plant, respectively, and one genotype had an increased Fe content (109.7 mg/kg). Overall, a multi-environment AMMI analysis revealed that genotypes 13, 27, 82, and 84 were environmentally stable with higher yield scores compared to the Tepary control G40001. Ultimately, this study allows us to conclude that advanced common bean × Tepary bean interspecific congruity backcrosses are capable of pyramiding sufficient polygenic tolerance responses for the extreme weather conditions of coastal Colombia, which are likely to worsen due to climate change. Furthermore, some particular recombination events (i.e., genotype 68) show that there may be potential to couple breeding for heat and drought tolerance with Fe mineral biofortification, despite a prevalent trade-off, as a way to fight malnutrition of marginalized communities in tropical regions.
Development of an Optimal Algorithm for Detecting Damaged and Diseased Potato Tubers Moving along a Conveyor Belt Using Computer Vision Systems
Authors: Korchagin Sergey Alekseevich , Gataullin Sergey Timurovich , Osipov Aleksey Viktorovich , Smirnov Mikhail Viktorovich , Suvorov Stanislav Vadimovich , Serdechnyi Denis Vladimirovich , Bublikov Konstantin Vladimirovich
Published: September 2021

The article discusses the problem of detecting sick or mechanically damaged potatoes using machine learning methods. We proposed an algorithm and developed a system for the rapid detection of damaged tubers. The system can be installed on a conveyor belt in a vegetable store, and it consists of a laptop computer and an action camera, synchronized with a flashlight system. The algorithm consists of two phases. The first phase uses the Viola-Jones algorithm, applied to the filtered action camera image, so it aims to detect separate potato tubers on the conveyor belt. The second phase is the application of a method that we choose based on video capturing conditions. To isolate potatoes infected with certain types of diseases (dry rot, for example), we use the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT)—Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. In case of inconsistent or weak lighting, the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG)—Bag-of-Visual-Words (BOVW)—neural network (BPNN) method is used. Otherwise, Otsu’s threshold binarization—a convolutional neural network (CNN) method is used. The first phase’s result depends on the conveyor’s speed, the density of tubers on the conveyor, and the accuracy of the video system. With the optimal setting, the result reaches 97%. The second phase’s outcome depends on the method and varies from 80% to 97%. When evaluating the performance of the system, it was found that it allows to detect and classify up to 100 tubers in one second, which significantly exceeds the performance of most similar systems.
Release of Nitrogen from Granulate Mineral and Organic Fertilizers and Its Effect on Selected Chemical Parameters of Soil
Authors: Niedziński Tomasz , Sierra María José , Łabętowicz Jan , Noras Kinga , Cabrales Cristina , Millán Rocio
Published: September 2021

The objective of this work was the evaluation of the release patterns of nitrogen from various types of fertilizers and their impact on selected chemical parameters of calcareous soil. Three mineral fertilizers and two organic fertilizers were tested in the laboratory for 35 days. This study showed the rapid release of nitrogen from mineral types. More than 70% of the nitrogen was released from the ammonium granules and 98% from the urea granules. The rate of nitrogen release from pellets of organic origin was much slower than from mineral pellets, the released N was 15–28% of the original amount. Soil pH was altered by incubation. The content of soil N changed significantly due to the incubation of N mineral fertilizers; no changes were observed for organic fertilizers. The EC value of the soil solution was significantly modified under the influence of mineral granules, it reached a maximum of 1147 µS cm−1 on the 10th day, and for organic fertilizers of 944 µS cm−1 on the 35th day. The results of this study characterize each N release pattern, providing data to support a more efficient nutrient management strategy in calcareous soils and the effect of incubated fertilizers on soil chemical parameters.
Validation of a Commercial Collar-Based Sensor for Monitoring Eating and Ruminating Behaviour of Dairy Cows
Authors: Leso Lorenzo , Becciolini Valentina , Rossi Giuseppe , Camiciottoli Stefano , Barbari Matteo
Published: September 2021

The use of sensor technologies to monitor cows’ behavior is becoming commonplace in the context of dairy production. This study aimed at validating a commercial collar-based sensor system, the AFICollar® (Afimilk, Kibbutz Afikim, Israel), designed to monitor dairy cattle feeding and ruminating behavior. Additionally, the performances of two versions of the software for behavior classification, the current software AFIfarm® 5.4 and the updated version AFIfarm® 5.5, were compared. The study involved twenty Holstein-Friesian cows fitted with the collars. To evaluate the sensor performance under different feeding scenarios, the animals were divided into four groups and fed three different types of feed (total mixed ration, long hay, animals allowed to graze). Recordings of hourly rumination and feeding time produced by the sensor were compared with visual observation by scan sampling at 1 minute intervals using Spearman correlation, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland–Altman plots and linear mixed models for assessing the precision and accuracy of the system. The analyses confirmed that the updated software version V5.5 produced better detection performance than the current V5.4. The updated software version produced high correlations between visual observations and data recorded by the sensor for both feeding (r = 0.85, CCC = 0.86) and rumination (r = 0.83, CCC = 0.86). However, the limits of agreement for both behaviors remained quite wide (feeding: −19.60 min/h, 17.46 min/h; rumination: −15.80 min/h, 15.00 min/h). Type of feed did not produce significant effects on the agreement between visual observations and sensor recordings. Overall, the results indicate that the system can provide farmers with adequately accurate data on feeding and rumination time, and can be used to support herd management decisions. Despite all this, the precision of the system remained relatively limited, and should be improved with further developments in the classification algorithm.
Species-Level Gut Microbiota Analysis after Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis in Horses
Authors: Di Pietro Rebecca , Arroyo Luis , Leclere Mathilde , Costa Marcio
Published: September 2021

All current studies have used Illumina short-read sequencing to characterize the equine intestinal microbiota. Long-read sequencing can classify bacteria at the species level. The objectives of this study were to characterize the gut microbiota of horses at the species level before and after trimethoprim sulfadiazine (TMS) administration and to compare results with Illumina sequencing. Nine horses received TMS (30 mg/kg) orally for 5 days twice a day to induce dysbiosis. Illumina sequencing of the V4 region or full-length PacBio sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed in fecal samples collected before and after antibiotic administration. The relative abundance and alpha diversity were compared between the two technologies. PacBio failed to classify the equine intestinal microbiota at the species level but confirmed Bacteroidetes as the most abundant bacteria in the feces of the studied horses, followed by Firmicutes and Fibrobacteres. An unknown species of the Bacteroidales order was highly abundant (13%) and deserves further investigation. In conclusion, PacBio was not suitable to classify the equine microbiota species but detected greater richness and less unclassified bacteria. Further efforts in improving current databanks to be used in equine studies are necessary.
Physiological Stress in Rescued Wild Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) Being Held in a Rehabilitation Sanctuary: A Pilot Study
Authors: Charalambous Renae , Simonato Troy , Peel Matthew , Narayan Edward J.
Published: September 2021

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are one of Australia’s most charismatic native small marsupial species. Unfortunately, populations of koalas are rapidly declining throughout Australia as they continue to face increasing pressure from a changing ecosystem. All wildlife species to some degree will use their hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. Depending on the duration of activation, the stress response can lead to either acute or chronic side effects and is modulated through the neuroendocrine stress system with the release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol). It is well known that rehabilitation sanctuaries are inherently stressful for all animals, in particular for rescued wild koalas, as it is an unfamiliar environment where the animals cannot predict or control what will happen to them. In this pilot study, we set out to quantify faecal and fur cortisol metabolites in wild rescued koalas undergoing wildlife rehabilitation. Absolute levels of acute and chronic stress were indexed non-invasively, with faecal samples taken to evaluate acute stress, and fur samples taken to evaluate chronic stress. Sampling occurred sporadically over four months (the start of September 2018 to the end of December 2018), and was performed on three rescued koalas (Maree, Tai, and Solstice) being held at the rehabilitation centre. Results of this study show that between the three koalas, the highest recorded faecal cortisol result was 241 ng/g, and the lowest recorded faecal cortisol result was 4 ng/g, whereas the highest recorded fur cortisol result was 1.75 ng/g, and the lowest recorded fur cortisol result was 0.10 ng/g. Statistically, there was a significant difference between all three koalas and their faecal cortisol responses, as well as their fur cortisol responses. Statistically for Maree and Solstice, there was a significant difference in their faecal cortisol response between days when a stressor was recorded, and days when a stressor was not recorded. However, statistically for Tai, this was not the case, as there was no significant difference in his faecal cortisol response between days when a stressor was recorded, and days when a stressor was not recorded. In summary, the hypothesis that faecal glucocorticoids and fur glucocorticoids between koalas will differ based on individual responses to stressors was true as a whole, but individually, this hypothesis was true for Maree and Solstice, but untrue for Tai. The use of biological samples such as faeces and fur to obtain readings of glucocorticoids is a method of measuring absolute levels of physiological stress that is still evolving for koalas, and there is no current glucocorticoid baseline with which to compare the results of this study; although, measuring faecal and fur glucocorticoids is the first step in understanding how koalas undergoing wildlife rehabilitation respond to stressors.
A View on 20 Years of Antimicrobial Resistance in Japan by Two National Surveillance Systems: The National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases and Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance
Authors: Suzuki Satowa
Published: September 2021

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan has conducted two national surveillance systems for approximately 20 years to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria: the National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (NESID) and the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (JANIS). Data accumulated for 20 years by these two surveillance systems have helped depict the epidemiology of the representative AMR bacteria in Japan chronologically. The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus teaches us that once AMR bacteria have established their high endemicity, controlling such AMR bacteria requires time and is challenging. On the other hand, the epidemiology that multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter sp. exhibits when a strict containment policy for AMR bacteria was introduced in the early phase of its emergence and spread reveals that it is possible to control it. Detailed epidemiology provided by these two different national surveillance systems in Japan enabled us to set up the goal for controlling each AMR bacteria at the hospital level to the prefecture/national level. It is the public health authorities’ responsibility to maintain a good surveillance system for AMR bacteria and share the data and findings with healthcare professionals and academicians.
Hydroxy Selenomethionine Improves Meat Quality through Optimal Skeletal Metabolism and Functions of Selenoproteins of Pigs under Chronic Heat Stress
Authors: Liu Yan , Yin Shenggang , Tang Jiayong , Liu Yonggang , Jia Gang , Liu Guangmang , Tian Gang , Chen Xiaoling , Cai Jingyi , Kang Bo , Zhao Hua
Published: September 2021

Chronic heat stress (CHS) induces metabolic changes in skeletal muscle from growth to maintenance that jeopardizes growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of pigs. We investigated the protective effect of dietary organic selenium (hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, OH-SeMet) on CHS-induced skeletal muscle damages of growing pigs, and the corresponding responses of selenoproteins. A total of 40 ((Landrace ×Yorkshire) × Duroc) pigs with an average live weight of 49.64 ± 2.48 kg were used in this 4-week trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to 5 groups: The control group was raised on a basal diet in a thermoneutral environment (22 ± 2 °C); and four CHS groups were raised on a basal diet and supplemented with Se 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg as OH-SeMet, respectively, in hyperthermal condition (33 ± 2 °C). CHS resulted in significant decrease of growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, which were associated with reduced (p < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and increased (p < 0.05) serum creatine (CK), sarcous heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), glucokinase (GCK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Meanwhile, four metabolism-related genes and seven selenoprotein encoding genes were abnormally expressed in skeletal muscle. Dietary OH-SeMet addition partially alleviated the negative impact of CHS on carcass traits and improved meat quality. These improvements were accompanied by the increase in Se deposition, the anti-oxidative capacity of serum and muscle, and protein abundance of GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, and SELENOP. Supplementation with 0.6 mg Se/kg (OH-SeMet) restored the sarcous PEPCK, and 0.4 and 0.6 mg Se/kg (OH-SeMet) restored all abnormally expressed metabolism-related and selenoprotein encoding genes. In summary, dietary supplementation with OH-SeMet beyond Se requirement mitigated CHS-induced depression of carcass traits and meat quality of pigs associated with optimal skeletal metabolism, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and regulation of selenoproteins in skeletal muscle of pigs.
Stimulation of ROS Generation by Extract of Warburgia ugandensis Leading to G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Antiproliferation in A549 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yong-Li , Chen Gui-Lin , Liu Ye , Zhuang Xiao-Cui , Guo Ming-Quan
Published: September 2021

Warburgia ugandensis Sprague (WU) is a traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, in Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activities of WU against A549 cells and to reveal potential molecular mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of various WU extracts was evaluated with HeLa (cervical cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer), HT-29 (colorectal cancer), and A549 (non-small cell lung cancer) cells by means of Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Therein, the dimethyl carbonate extract of WU (WUD) was tested with the most potent anti-proliferative activity against the four cancer cell lines, and its effects on cell viability, cell cycle progression, DNA damage, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression levels of G0/G1-related proteins in A549 cells were further examined. First, it was found that WUD inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, WUD induced G0/G1 phase arrest and modulated the expression of G0/G1 phase-associated proteins Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, and P27 in A549 cells. Furthermore, WUD increased the protein abundance of P27 by inhibiting FOXO3A/SKP2 axis-mediated protein degradation and also significantly induced the γH2AX expression and intracellular ROS generation of A549 cells. It was also found that the inhibitory effect of WUD on the proliferation and G0/G1 cell cycle progression of A549 cells could be attenuated by NAC, a ROS scavenger. On the other hand, phytochemical analysis of WUD with UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS indicated 10 sesquiterpenoid compounds. In conclusion, WUD exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative effects on A549 cells by improving the intracellular ROS level and by subsequently modulating the cell proliferation and G0/G1 cell cycle progression of A549 cells. These findings proved the good therapeutic potential of WU for the treatment of NSCLC.