bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus in humans living in an endemic area of Spain.
Authors: Juanes Helena Miriam Lorenzo , Sardon Montserrat Alonso , Santiago Belen Vicente , Alonso Beatriz Rodriguez , Bernus Amparo Lopez , Ulerio Josue Pendones , Sanz Rufino Alamo , Alvarez Antonio Muro , Bellido Juan Luis Muñoz , Garcia Moncef Belhassen
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). CCHF is an emerging infectious disease. Recently, the disease has been described in humans in Spain. Most cases have been described in the central-western area of the Iberian Peninsula. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-CCHFV antibodies in humans in this endemic area of Spain.
Methods
Study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-CCHFV antibodies among patients referred to a hospital located in the central-western area of Spain, an endemic area for CCHFV of Spain. Patients were recruited from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. A commercial ELISA was used to detect anti-CCHFV serum antibodies.
Principal findings
We screened 658 samples from 370 (56.2%) men, with a mean (±SD) age of 58.6 years (± 14.3). Of these, 4 were IgG positive, representing an IgG seropositivity of 0.6% (95% CI, 0.01-1.19). None of these four patients recalled having a clinical picture that strongly suggested CCHF. The incidence of CCHF in the Bejar area was 33.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Conclusions
Our results suggest active circulation of the virus in humans in western Spain. More extensive clinical and epidemiological studies are needed. Although the risk is considered low, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of new CCHF cases, given the high pathogenicity of CCHFV and the risk of transmission. A detailed medical history of each patient is critical for rapid diagnosis, appropriate adoption of therapeutic measures and timely control of the infection.
Designing equitable telehealth solutions for outpatient surgical care in a safety-net population: a human-centered design approach
Authors: Chehab Lara Z , Mettupalli Diyah , Cevallos Jenny R , Rogine Camille , Sammann Amanda , Kumar Sandhya
Published: March 2024

Background
The SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic catalyzed a dramatic shift in healthcare delivery, with telemedicine emerging as a common mode of care provision. While pre-pandemic telemedicine services were more commonly used for preventive visits and had better adherence among younger and more affluent demographics, the landscape of telehealth in the post-pandemic period has shifted significantly to include surgical visits and publicly-insured patient populations. Without specific insights from patients and clinicians to guide this transition, telehealth delivery risks exacerbating disparities in access, experience and outcomes for medically underserved populations.
Methods
We utilized a human-centered design (HCD) approach to gain insights into patient and clinician perspectives on telehealth delivery at a surgical outpatient clinic in an urban safety-net hospital and level 1 trauma center. During the Inspiration phase of HCD, we conducted 19 in-depth interviews with patients and surgical clinicians, and applied a combined thematic analysis and design synthesis approach to identify key insight statements representing actionable tensions across cohorts. During the Ideation phase of HCD, we held a structured brainstorming session to identify solutions and facilitated a discussion with surgical faculty to co-design and refine a prototype.
Results
Interview analysis revealed 12 main themes, which were then reorganized into 5 core insights across both groups: “In-person appointments can be resource intensive for patients, making their attendance costly in more ways than one”; “When sacrificing connection for convenience, telehealth exacerbates discrimination felt by historically marginalized patients”; “Personal interactions are crucial for establishing new relationships and repairing mistrust between patients and clinicians”; “Visual cues and non-verbal communication are essential for personalized and effective surgical care”; “Patients and clinicians value the human infrastructure built into the in-person visit experience.” Brainstorming participants generated ideas from the first insight statement. Subsequent prototyping and co-design sessions led to the development of a screening prototype allowing both clinic staff and patients to book telehealth appropriate appointments.
Conclusions
This study offers a HCD approach to developing insights and tailoring health service interventions to the local contexts for safety-net providers. By understanding the unique needs and preferences of underserved populations, we can develop telehealth interventions that increase adoption and ensure equitable access to care.
Numerical analysis of influencing factors on wafer surface flatness in double-sided chemical mechanical polishing process
Authors: Wang XianGang , Liu Yiran , Yu Wenjie , Zhu Lei , Chen Jiayu , Cao Jun , Li Weimin
Published: March 2024

Enhancing the levelness of the wafer surface can be achieved by increasing the homogeneity of the radial motion speed of the wafer surface in relation to the polishing pad. In order to analyze the effects of the inner and outer pin ring rotational speeds, the equipment structure size, and the upper and lower polishing pad rotational speeds on the uniformity of the radial velocity distribution of the wafer surface with respect to the polishing pads, kinematics equations of the wafer surface relative to the polishing pads were constructed based on the kinematics of the planetary wheel system. The wafer's motion state with respect to the polishing pad is composed of two processes: rotation and revolution. Rotation is the reason for the uneven radial distribution of the wafer's surface speed; The surface velocity of the wafer is optimally dispersed with respect to the polishing pad when the polishing pad's rotational speed equals that of the planetary wheel; Increasing the polishing pad speed can result in a more equal speed distribution in the direction of the wafer radius with respect to the pad when the ratio of the outer pin ring speed N4 to the inner pin ring speed N3 is less than 1; The velocity homogeneity of the wafer in the radius direction can be enhanced by increasing the eccentricity of the wafer with regard to the planetary wheel and the distance between the center of the planetary wheel and the inner pin ring.
Designing and expression of recombinant fusion protein for screening SARS-CoV-2
Authors: G Vinaya Chandu Vidyasagar , PV Janardhan Reddy , M Ghouse , TC Venkateswarlu , PB Kavi Kishor , Suravajhala Prashanth , Polavarapu Rathnagiri
Published: March 2024

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), claimed many-a-lives globally. After the report of the first incidence of the virus, various variants have emerged with each posing a greater threat than its predecessors. Though many advanced diagnostic assays like real time PCR are available for screening of SARS-CoV-2, their applications are being hindered because of accessibility and cost. With the advent of rapid assays for antigenic screening of SARS-CoV-2 made diagnostics far easy as the assays are rapid, cost-effective and can be used at point-of-care settings. In the present study, a fusion construct was made utilising highly immunogenic epitopes from the three important structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2. The protein was expressed; purified and rapid antigen assay was developed. Eight hundred and forty nasopharyngeal swab samples were screened for the evaluation of the developed assay which showed a 37.14%, 96.51% and 100% positivity, sensitivity and specificity respectively. The assay developed was supposed to identify SARS-CoV-2 wild-type as well as variants of concern and variants of importance in real-time conditions.
Knockdown resistance (kdr)-associated organochlorine resistance in mosquito-borne diseases (Culex pipiens): A systematic study of reviews and meta-analysis
Authors: Abbasi Ebrahim , Daliri Salman , Talbalaghi Asghar , Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djaefar , Mehrpouya Fatemeh , ARAB MARYAM HASANZADEH , ASLVAELI ATENA
Published: March 2024

Background
Culex pipiens is the vector of a large number of pathogens in humans. Use of insecticides to deal with this vector is the most important way to controlling it. However, in recent decades, resistance to insecticides has been reported in this vector. One of the main insecticides used to fight this vector is organochlorine insecticides. Accordingly, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Knockdown resistance (kdr) in Culex pipiens against organochlorine insecticides.
Methods
This study was conducted via systematic review and meta-analysis approach in the field of kdr prevalence in Culex pipiens against organochlorine insecticides. Accordingly, during the search in the scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science, Biooan.org, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar without time limit until the end of November 2023, all related articles were extracted and analyzed. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using random and fixed effects model in the meta-analysis, Cochran's test, I2 index, and meta-regression by STATA software version 17.
Results
seven studies with a sample size of 2,029 Culex pipiens were included in the meta-analysis process. Based on the findings, the kdr resistance prevalence against Deltamethrin, Malathion, Permethrin, and DDT insecticides was estimated as 30.6%, 42%, 17.9%, and 76.3% respectively. Among them, the highest resistance was observed to DDT and the lowest to Permethrin.
Conclusion
Based on the findings, a large proportion of Culex pipiens mosquitoes were resistant to DDT insecticide. However, this vector was highly sensitive to Deltamethrin, Malathion, and Permethrin insecticides. Given the different resistance ratios in different regions of the world, it is recommended to conduct studies on the prevalence of kdr in Culex pipiens.
Cellular cardiomyoplasty for refractory angina: experimental rationale.
Authors: Gramatiuk Svetlana , Ivanova Yulia , Sargsyan Karine , Kryvoruchko Igor , Estrin Sergii
Published: March 2024

This experimental study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of cellular cardiomyoplasty in the context of refractory angina using a rodent model. The study comprised five groups of animals subjected to different interventions, including "empty" injections, autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections via various routes, and untreated controls. Stress load modeling was employed to assess the hemodynamic response, mainly focusing on heart rate changes during isopropyl norepinephrine loading.
Results revealed a positive chronotropic effect in all groups, with varying severity. Intact rats exhibited a significant increase in heart rate, while animals in the "empty" injection group demonstrated a less pronounced response. Interestingly, those treated with MSCs, either through direct myocardial injection or intravenous and intracavitary routes, exhibited notable variations in stress-induced heart rate changes. By the third minute of the experiment, a decrease in heart rate was observed across all groups, stabilizing at 490–495 beats/min. Notably, the groups with untreated myocardial infarction and "empty" injections displayed an inability to compensate for required blood flow during stress, indicative of potential challenges in these conditions.
These findings suggest that cellular cardiomyoplasty, particularly with autologous MSCs injected into the myocardium, may influence the stress-induced changes in heart rate. However, a comprehensive evaluation of additional cardiovascular parameters and further exploration of therapeutic outcomes are warranted to elucidate the potential clinical relevance of these observations. This study contributes valuable insights into the experimental rationale and hemodynamic effects of cellular cardiomyoplasty, laying the groundwork for future investigations in refractory angina and myocardial infarction.
Development and application of InDels and SNPs markers based on whole-genome resequencing in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Liu Kai-wen , Men Wan-jie , Feng Jin-xia , Hussain Iqbal , Sheng Hui , Zhang Li-wei , Dai Zhong-ren , Hu Hai-jiang , Yang Jian-hao , Lei Na , Yu Xiao-lin
Published: March 2024

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. syn. B. campestris L., AA, 2n=20) is highly popular green leafy vegetable in the triangle of U, with China serving as its primary center of origin and diversification. Plant height, rosette leaf diameter, and disease resistance have always been important selection criteria for Chinese cabbage. In this study, we conducted re-sequencing on 55 Chinese cabbage accessions collected from China, Japan and Korea, followed population genetic evolutionary analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). Our findings unveiled a lack of significant population structure among these accessions, implying a possible evolutionary link or hybridization between Japanese and Korean Chinese cabbages with their Chinese counterparts. GWAS analysis results revealed that BrASD1, BrZHD13, BrGH3.3, and BrGH3.6 regarded as potential candidate genes highly associated with plant height in Chinese cabbage. Moreover, we also identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci associated with rosette leaf diameter and one SNP locus associated with downy mildew resistance, respectively. Furthermore, a novel tightly linked Insertion-deletion (InDel) marker on the end of A04 chromosome in B. rapa, SMB.4, has been developed. And SMB.4 can potentially serve as a useful molecular marker screening the genetic resources with downy mildew resistance and application for the downy mildew resistance breeding of Brassica crops.
Description of an Enterococcus faecium genotype vanB outbreak in a hospitalization ward
Authors: Andrés Marta , Fajardo Anna , Consuelo García María , Grau Laura , Angulo Yesika , Marín Virginia , Plasencia Virginia , Santillana Genoveva , Jiménez Elena , Ballestero Monica
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections have increased in the last years. Hospital outbreaks have been described with a challenging microbiological diagnosis and control of the transmission.
Methods: this is a retrospective study of a nosocomial outbreak of VRE in a conventional hospitalization ward. Three clinical samples of VRE genotype vanB (vanB VRE) were detected in two surgical wards. Epidemiological control measures were implemented, including contact isolation, patients from clean surgery ward transferred to other wards, staff training, weekly screening with rectal swab and environmental study.
Results: in a 3-month follow-up period, rectal screening was performed on a total of 314 patients, being positive for vanB VRE 51 patients (16.2%). A study of the surface of the common areas with exclusive use by healthcare personnel detected vanB VRE in 28% of the samples. All the strains of VRE analyzed by MLST were ST117, which belongs to clonal complex 17. Hand hygiene observations show proper adherence in 56% of the events monitored. Notwithstanding the large number of colonized patients, just one patient had a relevant infection requiring treatment, with good evolution.
Conclusions: the survival of VRE on surfaces and the poor adherence to hand hygiene might have contributed to repetitively infect surfaces, perpetuating the outbreak. Despite its spread, the clinical impact was low, possibly because the outbreak took place in a ward without severe immunosuppressed patients. The frequent isolation of VRE on surfaces which were exclusive from healthcare personnel areas, indicates how important is the disinfection of these areas.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Association with United States Medical Student Performance, Demographics, and Career Values
Authors: Krasner Henry , Yim Leah , Simanton Edward
Published: March 2024

Background
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reported personality test that has continued to gain popularity and traction across industries. The MBTI assesses individuals within four dichotomous categories corresponding to ways to, ultimately, assign one of sixteen personality types. Prior studies indicate that physicians trended towards certain personality traits and medical students with a particular trait performed lower academically. Due to the recency of these studies, however, there is a substantial knowledge gap in the relationship between medical student MBTIs and academic performance, demographics, and career interests. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate this relationship amongst 4-year allopathic U.S. medical students and determine if there is substantial correlation to implement MBTI results in creating personalized student support services in school curriculum.
Methods
This study was a single institution, cross-sectional study. A survey was emailed to all students with the MBTI personality test paper edition, in addition to questions regarding specialty interest, learning style preference, and career values. Each student’s responses were de-identified after pairing with the respective students’ academic performance data and demographic information. Chi-square tests were used to compare MBTI data with categorical data such as demographic characteristics while independent sample t-tests were used to compare MBTI data with numerical variables like academic performance.
Results
Our findings suggest statistically significant associations between Introversion (I) with older age and Thinking (T) with male students. Additionally, Thinking (T) students performed better academically, valued variety in patient care, and the specific type of patient contact. Conversely, Feeling (F) students trended towards people-oriented specialties. Regarding learning styles and study environments, Extroverted (E) and Judging (J) types preferred hands-on learning, though Judging (J) types also preferred a quiet environment. No other statistically significant differences were found amongst the remaining variables.
Conclusion
Medical schools should utilize student MBTI results to individualize student academic and career support as our study indicates various significant associations between some of the personality types. While not a “one-size-fits-all,” the MBTI can be used as a potential starting point for specialty exploration and learning styles.
Risk factor analysis and nomogram for predicting 28-days mortality in ICU patients with sepsis and diabetes
Authors: Yang Changgen , Wang Yuxia , Han Fang , Xu Liang , Xu Kaizhi
Published: March 2024

Background: Diabetes is a common comorbidity in septic patients, often leading to immune dysfunction and metabolic disturbances, associated with an increased mortality rate. Therefore, this study aims to identify risk factors in septic patients with concomitant diabetes, establish a useful predictive model to accurately assess the prognosis, and provide treatment recommendations.
Methods: Data were sourced from the open-access clinical database, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV). A total of 4252 cases of septic patients with concomitant diabetes were extracted for the study. Participants were randomly divided into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio. A predictive nomogram model was constructed in the training set using COX regression analysis. Specificity and sensitivity analyses were conducted using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Internal validation and evaluation of the nomogram were performed through integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:According to the COX regression analysis, factors including Norepinephrine maximum, Temperature, Antibiotic, Heart Rate, SAPS II, Age, BMI, Bilirubin total, Stroke, Troponin, Metastatic solid tumor, and APTT were incorporated into the nomogram. In comparison with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), the nomogram demonstrated superior discriminative ability, with AUCs of 0.797 (95% CI: 0.779-0.816) and 0.782 (95% CI: 0.754-0.81) for the training and validation sets, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) of the nomogram showed a net benefit in clinical use compared to the use of SOFA and SAPS II in both groups.
Conclusion: The predictive model in this study exhibits excellent discriminative and calibration abilities in predicting mortality among septic patients with concomitant diabetes. Implementing treatment strategies targeting factors identified in the model could improve the prognosis of these patients.
Use of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography to Predict Right Heart Failure Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Frye Jesse , Tao Michael , Dhaliwal Simrat , Tam Edlira , Goldschmidt Marc , Mann Noelle , Kort Smadar
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Right Heart Failure (RHF) is an important consequence of implant of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Right ventricular (RV) analysis with speckle tracking echo (STE) can assist in the assessment of the RV. This meta-analysis examines preoperative RV strain on STE as a predictor of postoperative RHF.
Methods
Literature was reviewed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies reporting on the association of preoperative RV free wall (FWS), global longitudinal (GLS), and septal longitudinal (SLS) strain with postoperative RV failure following LVAD placement. Strain parameters were compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 13 studies with 933 patients undergoing LVAD implantation met inclusion criteria. 254 patients subsequently developed RHF and 679 did not develop RHF. Mean follow up was 15 months. The mean age of participants was 55.9 years and 85% were male. Baseline RVFWS, RVGLS, and RVSLS were significantly reduced in patients who developed post-implantation RHF compared to patients who did not develop post-implantation RHF (MD 3.77, 95% CI 2.39, 5.15; p<0.01; MD 2.67, 95% CI 1.16, 4.17; p<0.01; MD 3.59, 95% CI 0.83, 6.35; p=0.01). The heterogeneity was considerable for all three analyses (RVFWS I2=88%, RVGLS I2=92%, RVSLS I2=83%), likely due to vendor-specific differences in strain measurements and differences in echocardiography lab protocols. To address this, a random-effects model was used.
Conclusions
Preoperative RV FWS, GLS, and SLS were all associated with postoperative RHF. STE may be helpful in risk stratification of RHF following LVAD implant.
Evaluation and Correlation of Facial Asymmetry in Adults with Class I, Class II, and Class III Skeletal Relation
Authors: Alruwaili Abdurahman M. , Mowafey Bassant , Elbialy Mohammed A. , Alam Mohammad K. , Tawfik Marwa A.
Published: March 2024

Background The current study with the prime objectives revolved around investigating and evaluating the differences of facial asymmetry in adults who suffer from Class I, Class II, and Class III skeletal relations, and to also evaluate the extent to which soft tissue either accentuate or mask such differences altogether.
Material and methods A total of 225 frontal photographs of adult patients who was attended and was diagnosed in orthodontic department at Al-Mansoura University and were took to evaluate facial asymmetry. The subjects were divided in three groups; namely Group I, II, and III that pertain to Class I, II, and III patients with each Group/Class appointed to 75 participants respectively. Each Group was divided into sub-groups; a and b, for each Class. Digital photos were took using a Canon 600d digital camera.
Result Findings revealed that between Class I and Class III and Class II and Class III the Pronasale point was the only point that caused a statistical significance as opposed to the Labial Superior and Menton points; (p=0.03, p=0.02) respectively. Other statistically significant differences were found among Class I, II, and III groups regarding the distance between mid-facial plane point and the left exocanthus for; (p = 0.012) and regarding the distance between MFP and the left ala for; (p = 0.04).
Conclusion It was concluded that though Class I, II, and III malocclusions may have distinct skeletal differences, the appearance of the soft tissues can obscure the distinctions, creating a seemingly uniform image. Regarding the PN point, it can be concluded that patients who suffer from Class I, Class II and Class III had a wider right hemiface, and that patients who suffer from Class II and Class III had a wider right hemiface regarding both the LS and ME points respectively. Generally speaking, 56%, 52%, and 52% of the subjects had a wider right hemiface regarding the PN, LS, and ME points respectively.
The challenges of gender inequality on sustainable development in leadership in Africa
Authors: Enaifoghe Andrew , Maseko Thembelihle Inoocentia
Published: March 2024

The study explored challenges to gender proficiency in leadership to achieve sustainable development in Africa. The challenges to gender proficiency in leadership affect the achievement of sustainable development in Africa. The study discovered several social barriers hindering gender proficiency towards achieving sustainable development goals, which include the existence of social and cultural norms and gender-based differences in leadership, as confirmed by some researchers. The existence of these differences has been overlooked; hence it remains a reality that women are underrepresented in leading management positions in general on the ground, and particularly in leadership roles. The main question is if women’s call to occupy leadership positions is a complete reality or it is purely a pursuit for political acceptability. Gender gaps in the workforce over the last two decades remained largely unaffected, notwithstanding the increased number of women who have acquired education. Qualitatively, data was primarily collected through secondary content. The need to improve the education systems in low and middle-income countries is recommended, as all countries can reap the benefit of optimizing their deployment of female-skilled professionals and leverage their talent. This is actually one perspective to look at this opportunity
The examination of mediating role of distributed leadership in the relationship between school structure and accountability
Authors: ORHAN Mustafa , ÖZDEMİR Tuncay Yavuz
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between school structure, distributed leadership and accountability of school administrators. Relational survey design was adopted in the study. 444 elementary school teachers working in Aziziye, Palandöken and Yakutiye in Erzurum participated in the study. In sample selection, stratified sampling method was used. In data collection, the Enabling School Structure Scale, the Distributed Leadership Scale and the Accountability Behavior Scale for School Administrators were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for preliminary statistical analyses, LISREL 8.80 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and the PROCESS macro for SPSS v3.3 for mediation analyses. In data analysis, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Analysis, Bootstrap Analysis, and SEM were used. Furthermore, a mediation analysis was conducted to investigate whether distributed leadership played a mediating role in the relationship between school structure and accountability. The results revealed that coercive bureaucracy had a negative effect on accountability and distributed leadership while enabling bureaucracy had a positive effect on accountability and distributed leadership. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a positive effect of distributed leadership on accountability. This study revealed the mediating role of distributed leadership in the effect of coercive and enabling bureaucracy on accountability. In other words, it was found that the coercive and enabling bureaucracy had direct and indirect effects on accountability. Finally, a number of recommendations were made to educators, policy makers and researchers based on these findings.
Spatio-temporal distribution of the leaf crown borer Eupalamides cyparissias in coconut (Cocus nucifera L.) plantation in a tropical region
Authors: Pinho Raphael Coelho , Farias Paulo Roberto da Silva , Batista Telma Fatima Vieira , Santos Artur Vinicius Ferreira dos , Bastos Lucas Faro
Published: March 2024

The leaf crown borer Eupalamides cyparissias (Fabricius, 1777) is an agricultural pest that deserves attention in the cultivation of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and other economically important palm trees (Areacaceae). Several studies address the use of geostatistics to understand the attack of pest insects in agriculture, but there are no studies on the spatial and temporal patterns of E. cyparissias in coconut trees. The presence or absence of the borer was verified monthly in all coconut plants of a plot measuring 12.5 hectares, from July 2018 to October 2020. The occurrence of the borer was verified by the appearance of two main symptoms in the coconut trees. Dispersion patterns of E. cyparissias were studied using semivariograms to determine the most suitable spatial distribution model for the species. Kriging maps were created. Exponential and spherical semivariogram models showed the best fit to the patterns of spatial dispersion of the borer, showing that the attack on the coconut plantation occurs in an aggregate, and in foci, with a range of 20 to 160 metres. The climatic data had no significant correlation with the infestation rate. These results show that geostatistics are an important tool to define reliable sampling plans for integrated pest management. It is useful to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of E. cyparissias
GC-MS olfactometry reveals sesquiterpenes α-humulene and δ-cadinene significantly influence the aroma of treated Aquilaria malaccensis essential oil
Authors: Sundaraj Yasotha , Mediani Ahmed , Rodrigues Kenneth Francis , Baharum Syarul Nataqain
Published: March 2024

Aquilaria malaccensis is a tropical woody tree that produces agarwood, which is valued for its aromatic properties. Agarwood is widely used in traditional medicines and the cosmetics industry. Natural agarwood production in the wild, which occurs due to fungal infection, is scarce and cannot meet the market demand. Hence, many artificial techniques have been employed to stimulate the production of agarwood. Although many studies have determined the volatile compounds present in naturally produced agarwood, the characterisation of these compounds from differentially treated agarwood samples, particularly A. malaccensis, is still limited. This study was conducted to identify and differentiate the volatiles present in treated and healthy A. malaccensis wood and essential oil using the solid phase microextraction (SPME) and hydrodistillation techniques, respectively, coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Subsequently, the olfactory active compounds in the treated agarwood essential oil were determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, coupled with olfactometry analysis (GC-MS/O) with four panellists. The essential oil from the treated agarwood was found to be abundant in sesquiterpene and aromatic compounds (80.61%), which was a similar result to that obtained from the volatiles of the wood that yielded 86.94%. Among the major sesquiterpene constituents in the essential oil are α-cadinol (19.40%) and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (13.39%), whereas α-humulene (13.33%), α-copaene (12.49%) and δ-guaiene (10.41%) predominated in the SPME extract. Meanwhile, GC-MS/O analysis revealed that the sweet, woody agarwood aroma is an orchestra of olfactory active compounds that are significantly influenced by sesquiterpenes such as α-humulene and δ-cadinene. This study highlights that although treated agarwood is rich in secondary metabolites, only a handful, particularly those belonging to sesquiterpenes, are actual aroma impact compounds
Physiological quality of soybean seeds produced under different spatial arrangements of plants
Authors: Dörr Caio Sippel , Almeida Tainan Lopes de , Spinelli Victor Mouzinho , Magano Deivid Araújo , Maia Luciano Carlos da , Panozzo Luis Eduardo
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological effect of seeds on soybean genotypes in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The test was developed in the field, in two agricultural crops, on a farm located in the District of Monte Bonito - Pelotas (RS, Brazil), in eutrophic haplic planosol soil, with geographic coordinates 31° 40' 27"S and 52°23' 28 "W. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments involving two factors: factor A - 3 soybean genotypes (NA 5909 RR (super early, growth indeterminate and maturation group A), NS 6006 IPRO (high grain weight, growth indeterminate and maturation group B 5.9), and NS 5959 IPRO (precocity, indeterminate growth and maturation group C) and factor B - 4 line spacing (0.17; 0.30; 0.45 and 0.60 meters). The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme (3x4) with four blocks. The plant population used was 330.000 plants ha-1. The evaluations of the physiological performance of seeds were germination, first germination count, length and dry matter of aerial part, root, and a total of seedlings, accelerated aging, and emergence in the field. Soybean plants better distributed in the cultivation area, in spacings of 0.17 and 0.30 meters, present greater plant height, stem diameter, and productive performance.the only genotype that presented a reduction in germination as the row spacing increased was 'NS 6006 IPRO', resulting in seeds with lower germination in the spacings of 0.45 and 0.60 m compared to the other genotypes under study. The reduction in the spacings, 0.17 and 0.30 meters, produced seeds with better physiological quality, evidenced in years with rain preceding the harvest.
Mycorrhization of three cultivars of Colocasia esculenta L. Schott and evaluation of their resistance to mildew caused by Phytophthora colocasiae
Authors: Carole Djeuani Astride , Désiré Mbouobda Hermann , Josué Wadawa , Léonard Ngonkeu Mangaptche Eddy , Durand Metopa Tankeu Joseph , Innocent Sob Nguépi , Fotso Fotso , Nicolas Niemenak
Published: March 2024

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the development of taro leaf blight during the interaction of Colocasia esculenta - Phytophthora colocasiae. Three cultivars of C. esculenta were used with local names, Ekwanfre, Macoumba, and Banlah. The experimental device was a complete randomized block with two repetitions. Four treatments were applied (Control, Mycorrhizal, Infected, and Mycorrhizal+infected). After one month of growth, an artificial infection was carried out with a solution of spores of P. colocasiae of 5x104 sporangia/ml. Disease severity was assessed every 5 days for 20 days. On D20, cytological analysis, mycorrhizal status, metabolite content, and leaf antioxidant enzyme activity were determined. The results showed that the incidence of the disease is 100% from D10 for the treatment infected with the Macoumba cultivar. Mycorrhization inhibited the action of the pathogen. The incidence and severity of the disease are low and less than 50%, in the Mycorrhizal+infected treatment plants compared to the Infected treatment. Cytological analysis revealed fungal, and mycorrhizal structures in the leaves and roots. The maximum frequency and intensity of mycorrhization were 73.33±02.51 and 12.83±04.75% in the mycorrhizal plants of the Macoumba treatment. The total chlorophyll content is less than 1 mg.g-1 of WF, in the three cultivars in infection condition. The contents of total soluble proteins, amino acids, and proline are higher in the plants of the infected treatment compared to mycorrhizal and Mycorrhizal+infected. The H2O2 produced was scavenged by APX and G-POD compared to CAT. These results make it possible to note that the AMFs used contribute to the protection of the C. esculenta plants against the harmful effects linked to the presence of P. colocasiae
Soil mobilization in function of sowing speed in maize
Authors: Ormond Antonio Tassio Santana , Furlani Carlos Eduardo Angeli , Kazama Elizabeth Haruna , Noronha Rafael Henrique de Freitas , Carneiro Franciele Morlin , Franco Antonio Augusto Nogueira , Brandão Fenando João Bispo
Published: March 2024

The sowing process can be affected by constructive differences related to the seeder, morphological and climatological conditions, and depending on the working speed used. The performance of the furrow opening components of the seeders is essential for obtaining good yields and productivity of maizecrops. This work aims to evaluate maize sowing with a Massey Ferguson tractor model MF 7370 with power of 125 kW pneumatic seeder-fertilizer as a function of its behavior at the different displacement speeds. The statistical design used was randomized blocks, with six displacement speeds, approximately (V1=2.0; V2=4.7; V3=6.5; V4=8.1; V5=10.3 and V6=12.3 km h-1), for the maize crop, with four replications, totaling 24 experimental plots. Soil mobilization parameters were evaluated: furrow width and depth, furrow mobilized area, and furrow opening angle. As agronomic traits were evaluated: the number of days for sowing emergence, initial and final sowing population, and grain yield. The mobilized area, angle, and depth of the furrowing fitted the quadratic regression model, while sulcus width had an increasing linear effect. Intermediate speeds V4 (8.1 km h-1) showed the highest values of the mobilized area and furrow depth and the lowest furrow angle value, whereas V3 (6.5 km h-1) presented the highest yield (8902 kg ha-1).
Computational analysis of regulation and expression of plant DNA repair genes under various abiotic stresses reveals a stochastic correlation
Authors: Amritha Padinhatta Purayil , Anjitha Rajeev , Sruthi Balu , Anilkumar Meenakshi , Shah Jasmine Madhukant
Published: March 2024

Biotic/abiotic stresses are known to induce genome instability in all organisms. Plants being sessile, are more vulnerable to stresses. Thus, they have evolved mechanisms to protect their genome from the unpredictably changing environment. DNA repair genes play a critical role in preserving genome integrity. Plants have about 15 different DNA repair pathways comprising more than 100 genes. To gain a better understanding of how plant DNA repair genes perceive stress and regulate their expression, we performed a computational analysis of the putative binding sites of different abiotic stress-responsive transcription factors (ASRTFs) on their promoters, in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Of the 12 different ASRTFs that we analysed, MYC2 had the highest number of 1876 putative binding sites. Diversity study in 135 DNA repair gene promoters revealed that these had about 6 to 12 types of putative binding sites for the ASRTFs. While RAD51 promoter had the highest number of 207 putative binding sites, RECQ4B had only 11. Comparison of the Arabidopsis eFP browser-based temporal/spatial expression profiles of these genes under nine different abiotic stresses revealed that all of these genes had altered expression under various stresses. Some genes exhibited similar expression profiles. To identify the reasons for their similar expression pattern, we compared the promoter sequences and putative cis-regulatory elements such as binding sites for ASRTFs and methylation-prone nucleotide repeats. Our analysis indicated that the gene expression and gene regulation mediated by ASRTFs, and DNA methylation have a stochastic correlation
Characterization of selected cowpea and sesame accessions at Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya: Adding value to the rich collection
Authors: Muthoni Jane , Shimelis Hussein , Nyamongo Desterio O.
Published: March 2024

Gene banking is the most cost-effective ex situ strategy for conserving plant genetic resources. It was developed for the storage of predominantly orthodox seeds. To maintain long-term seed survival and integrity of the conserved germplasm in the genebanks, seed viability testing and regeneration should be done occasionally. The seed viability tests inform which accessions need regeneration. In addition, adequate evaluation and characterization of the conserved germplasm enhances their wider utilization. The Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya and Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) undertook a joint project entitled Improvement of Technology on Conservation of Genetic Resources from 2015 and 2018. Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative was funding the project, while GeRRI was the implementing institution. One of the objectives was to carry out morphological characterization of sesame, millet and cowpea accessions conserved at GeRRI’s genebank to promote their conservation and utilization. A total of 376 accessions of two crops (216 cowpeas and 160 sesame) were withdrawn from the conservation unit at GeRRI’s genebank and characterized at KALRO’s Perkerra field site during the 2018 long rains season. About 78 % of the cowpea accessions had reached 50 % flowering within 60 days after planting. Over 80 % of sesame accessions yielded ≤ 400kg of seeds per hectare. Multivariate analyses were performed to establish similarity patterns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that four components had eigenvalues >1, accounting for 61.23 % of the total variability among the cowpea accessions. The first four PCs accounted for 63.95 % of the total variability for the sesame accessions. In addition, all the quantitative characters considered were important in describing phenotypic variation in these sesame accessions. The study has shown that there is wide variability among cowpea, as well as sesame accessions, conserved at GeRRI’s genebank. All the quantitative characters measured in this study were important in describing phenotypic variation among cowpea and sesame accessions.
Forecast sugarcane maturity from agrometeorological data and soil water storage
Authors: Caetano Jordana Moura , Casaroli Derblai , Júnior José Alves , Quirino Dayanna Teodoro , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pêgo , Capuchinho Frank Freire
Published: March 2024

The environment (climate and soil) can stimulate the accumulation of sugars in the cane, inducing the plant´s maturation process. In this way, we can estimate sugarcane maturity based on the crop's growth response to environmental conditions, which allows us to quantify the raw material (ethanol or sugar) and plan the harvest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agrometeorological variables and soil water storage on the sugarcane maturation process and to generate forecasting models for soluble solids content (°Brix) and total recoverable sugars (TRS, kg t-1). The experiment was carried out in the Santo Antonio de Goiás, Brazil. We evaluated °Brix and TRS of the sugarcane cycles (cane-plant, 1st ratoon, 2nd ratoon). The agrometeorological data was obtained from a weather station, which made it possible to calculate the crop’s water balance and degree-day. All the variables were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis, which selected the most significant variables. The models used degree-days, reference evapotranspiration and soil water storage as independent variables, which obtained multiple coefficients of determination (R_p^2) greater than 0.60. The estimates showed a good fit for both °Brix and TRS models, which determined a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.15 °Brix and 9.88 kg t-1, respectively; and very good confidence index (c > 0.75). Independent estimates obtained MAE < 2.60 ºBrix, while TRS resulted in MAE < 21.30 kg t 1, with “c” ranging from good to optimum (c > 0.70). Models based on multivariate analysis can be used to estimate the sugarcane harvest point based on the sugar content in the stalks, agrometeorological variables and soil water storage.
Physiological potential of soybean seeds subjected to industrial treatment and storage time
Authors: Pereira Renata Cristiane , Braccini Alessandro Lucca , da Silva Breno Gabriel , Pelloso Murilo Fuentes , Fracasso João Luiz Volpato , Oliveira Felipe dos Santos de , Rosendo Arthur Almenara , Borges Yana Miranda
Published: March 2024

The use of treated seeds is a common practice among soybean producers, as it provides protection against pests and diseases existing in the soil, preventing their spread in exempt areas. Therefore, chemical treatment combined with different products becomes essential to guarantee success in the field.The objective of this study was to assess the influence that 7 industrial seed treatments (ISTs) and their respective slurry volumes have on the physiological potential of soybean seeds. The assay was carried out in a completely randomized design with 4 replications, with the treatments being arranged in a 7x6 factorial scheme (industrial treatments x storage periods). The chemical treatments were: control (untreated seeds) (ST1), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder (ST2), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient (ST3), fungicide + insecticide-1 + drying powder + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST4), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 (ST5), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient (ST6), fungicide + insecticide-1 + polymer + drying powder + insecticide-2 + micronutrient + biostimulant (ST7). For each IST, the specific slurry volume was 0, 350, 550, 1050, 500, 700 and 1200 mL 100 kg-1 of seeds, respectively. The seeds were stored for periods of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days and subsequently checked for their physiological potential. In each storage period, the following tests were conducted: germination, first count, accelerated aging, emergence speed index, and final emergence in sand substrate. Among the evaluated treatments, ST4 and ST7 were the most harmful to the physiological quality of the seeds in all storage periods, since they presented the greatest slurry volume. In relation to treatments with less harmful effects on seeds, treatments ST2 and ST3 presented higher averages for most of the variables analyzed
LOS VALORES EN MAESTROS HUELLA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DE MACHALA. RELATOS DE VIDA DE DOCENTES UNIVERSITARIOS
Authors: Mendieta Toledo Mao , Mendieta Toledo Lenin Rijkaard , Morán Vázquez Ruth Ericka , Chamba Zambrano Ohn Marcelo , Mendieta Toledo Lenin Byron
Published: March 2024

El estudio emerge de la investigación FCI-012 Relatos de vida de profesores universitarios. Una aproximación biográfica y narrativa sobre los valores, ética y moral en la enseñanza los docentes de las universidades del Ecuador. El objetivo fue comprender los Valores en Maestros Huella de la Universidad Técnica de Machala, desde sus relatos de vida personal y profesional. Fue una investigación cualitativa interpretativa con énfasis en los relatos biográficos y autobiográficos. Se empleó la encuesta para la selección de los Maestros Huella, la entrevista con un guion semiestructurado, la herramienta ATLAS.ti., para la codificación y construcción de redes rizomáticas y la interpretación  hermenéutica. Los resultados señalan que la práctica de los valores es uno de los ejercicios que permiten al hombre atravesar el umbral de ser humano y llegar a ser una persona humana. Los valores como la gratitud, respeto, puntualidad, compasión, otredad, empatía y honestidad, están presentes en el docente Renato Villota, Maestro Huella de la Universidad Técnica de Machala.