bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seafarers' mental health status and life satisfaction: Structural equation model
Authors: Baygi Fereshteh , Smith Andrew , Mohammadian Khonsari Nami , Mohammadi-Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Mahmoodi Zohreh , Mahdavi-Gorabi Armita , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: November 2022

Background

A variety of factors influence seafarers' health. Such factors might affect their satisfaction with life.

Aims

To examine the relationships between seafarers' mental health status and satisfaction with life by using a structural equation method.

Methods

In this survey, 470 seafarers were selected via convenience sampling method from two shipping companies. Validated questionnaires including Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-8 (PTSD-8), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Perceived Health status and Depression-Anxiety-Stress scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess different aspects of well-being and life satisfaction. The stratified path analysis method was applied to analyze the data.

Results

439 seafarers (200 officers and 237 non-officers) with a mean age of 34.5 (SD: 8.05) participated in the current study. The GHQ score directly affected satisfaction with life in both officers (β = 0.35) and non-officers (β = 0.40). Also, perceived health status directly and indirectly affected satisfaction with life among officers (β = 0.19) and non-officers (β = 0.06). While officers working days per month indirectly impacted satisfaction with life through the general anxiety disorder, perceived health status, depression, anxiety, stress and current mental health. In non-officers, generalized anxiety disorder had the most potent indirect effects on satisfaction with life through perceived health status and current mental health.

Conclusion

Perceived health status, directly and indirectly, affected seafarers' satisfaction with life. Measures should be taken in order to improve seafarers' perceived health status and its effects on satisfaction with life.
An integrative approach based on crop modeling and geospatial and statistical analysis to quantify and explain the maize (Zea mays) yield gap in Ghana
Authors: Boullouz Mohamed , Bindraban Prem S. , Kissiedu Isaac N. , Kouame Anselme K. K. , Devkota Krishna P. , Atakora Williams K.
Published: November 2022

In Ghana, maize (Zea mays) is a crop crucial to achieving food and nutrition security. Maize consumption has increased exponentially over the past decades and contributes to 25% of the caloric consumption in the country. In order to assist in decision-making and guide investment in sustainable intensification of maize production, this study set out to identify the determinants of yield and to arrive at potential interventions for closing the maize yield gap. These were quantified using analytical approaches that combine a light use efficiency crop model (LINTUL-1) with statistical and geospatial analyses. Legacy data, auxiliary covariables, and maize fertilizer trials on eight experimental stations in Ghana were used in this study. Overall, the maize yield gap across the stations and trial treatments ranged from 17% to 98%. The variation in yield gap within a single station indicates a significant scope for closing the yield gap through site-specific nutrient management. Multiple linear regression models that explained 81% of the variability in maize yield gap identified soil organic matter, soil water-holding capacity, root zone depth, rainfall, sulfur fertilizer, and nitrogen fertilizer, in that order of importance, as the major determinants for closing the yield gap in the major agroecological zones of Ghana. The yield gap decreased by 1.4 t ha-1with a 1% increase in soil organic matter. A 1 mm increase of the soil water-holding capacity reduced the yield gap by 1.06 t ha-1, while an increase in pH and in the application of potassium fertilizer widened the gap. These results suggest that both soil physical and chemical properties, together with weather data, should be taken into consideration to arrive at site-specific fertilizer recommendation and other agronomic practices.
Accessible Tourism and Formal Planning: Current State of Istria County in Croatia
Authors: Popović Damir , Slivar Iva , Gonan Božac Marli
Published: November 2022

When the number of older people and the number of families with young children (babies and toddlers) are counted in the total share of persons with disability it is clear that a significant share of people in the world’s tourist market face various obstacles to achieving their fundamental human rights in accessing tourist destinations and related infrastructure. These segments of the market encounter various challenges when they do travel, while many refrain from travelling at all. The theoretical framework examines the concept of accessible tourism and provides a review of the necessary preconditions for forming such a tourist offer available to everyone. Contrary to common belief, accessible tourism surpasses the issues of mobility, as it also includes people with mental, mood, vision, speech, hearing, stroke and other conditions. Examples of good practice are also provided as an incentive for the design and implementation of future inclusive projects, representing the aim of this paper. Research featuring various categories of the tourism offer available to everyone on the case study of Istria County is also presented. The analysis compares major towns in Istria County and the degree of their adaptation to the needs of this market segment, where many practical implications have emerged. The concept of accessibility lies on three key pillars: physical, informative and service based. Thus, removing physical barriers, incorporating the principles of universal design into every new building’s design, as well as educated staff for formulating and implementing strategies and other plans, are key factors in creating additional tourist value. It is fundamental to include people with disabilities in tourism and in society.
Performance Impact Assessment of Reducing Separation Minima for En-Route Operations
Authors: Pérez Maroto Marta , García-Heras Javier , Pérez Sanz Luis , Serrano-Mira Lidia , Pérez-Castán Javier Alberto
Published: November 2022

The required minimum separation distance between aircraft is believed to be one of the limiting factors on airspace capacity. In recent decades, aircraft separation rules have been modified by progressively shortening the required minimum separation distance. Following this trend in the coming years, a further reduction in the minimum separation distance would be expected. Still, a thorough assessment of the impact of this action on air traffic management performance should be carried out before investing in a reduction of separation minima. A Monte Carlo analysis of the en-route Spanish airspace shows that it is worth reducing the en-route minimum separation distance from 5 NM to 3 NM. This paper shows that a separation minima reduction will bring significant fuel savings, flight delay reduction, air traffic controller workload drop, and overall improvement of safety.
Effect of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on Soil and Water Productivity of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus) Crop in Semi-Arid Region of Tunisia
Authors: Mahmoudi Malika , Khelil Mohamed , Hechmi Sarra , Latrech Basma , Ghrib Rim , Boujlben Abdelhamid , Yacoubi Samir
Published: November 2022

Under semi-arid conditions, irrigated agriculture faces hard competition for water. It is against this backdrop that appropriate management of irrigation techniques and water resources becomes a major concern. This study investigated the effect of surface (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) with domestic treated wastewater (TWW) and fresh water (FW) on soil water dynamics, salinity, yield, and mineral nutrition of okra. The experimental design was set-up based on two adjacent plots according to the water quality: Fresh Water (FW) T1 and domestic Treated Wastewater (TWW) T2. Results showed that measured soil water contents (SWCs), under TWW treatment (T2), were greater than their corresponding measurements under FW (T1), and in particular at 35 cm depth. Meanwhile, for both water qualities, soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) registered at 5 cm depth was higher than those measured at 35 cm, with values ranging from 0.14 to 0.36 mS·cm−1 and from 0.20 to 0.47 mS·cm−m for T1 and T2, respectively. Regarding crop yield, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.05) in okra fresh yield was observed when TWW was used. Fresh yield in SDI was 2.55 t·ha−1 and 3.9 t·ha−1 in T1 and T2, respectively. Nevertheless, results indicated that lateral depth did not significantly affect okra fresh yield. Moreover, a significant higher irrigation water productivity (WPirrig) with TWW (1.08 ± 0.26 and 1.23 ± 0.18 kg m−1) was observed, which was nearly double those obtained with FW (0.72 ± 0.33 to 0.78 ± 0.18 kg m−1). Appropriate use of SSDI with TWW stands as an irrigation management technique to improve yield and irrigation water productivity of okra crops.
Design and Experiment for Inter-Vehicle Communication Based on Dead-Reckoning and Delay Compensation in a Cooperative Harvester and Transport System
Authors: Ding Fan , Zhang Wenyu , Luo Xiwen , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Mingchang , Li Hongkai , Peng Mingda , Hu Liwen
Published: November 2022

To achieve high-frequency and effective inter-vehicle communication between harvesters and transport vehicles during cooperative harvesting, a protocol for wireless communication was designed by analyzing actual communication requirements. Two different wireless communication modes (radio and 4G) were selected for the hardware design; then, a Kalman Filter was designed based on real-time Dead-reckoning and inter-vehicle Communication data after delay Compensation (KFDCC). Finally, the relative longitudinal deviation between two vehicles was obtained and updated steadily at a 10 Hz frequency. By using the relative longitudinal deviation of two vehicles, calculated after aligning the UTC stamp with the local GNSS data from the harvester and transport vehicle as a comparative metric, accuracy evaluation experiments were conducted regarding radio and 4G. The maximum absolute errors of the KFDCC output value were 0.03783 and 0.07381 m, respectively, and the mean square errors were 0.00392 and 0.01317 m, respectively. Compared with systems without the KFDCC method, the mean square errors were reduced by 88.76% and 90.60%, respectively. The KFDCC method can also effectively solve the problems of data delay, packet loss, blockage, error, and so on, in wireless communication, and has short-time breakpoint endurance capabilities. Field experiments showed that the proposed method can provide accurate data support for the dynamic alignment and unloading processes of harvesters and transport vehicles, and it can also provide algorithmic support for real-time communication data fusion between different wireless communication modes. Overall, the inter-vehicle communication mode and data-processing method designed in this paper have good effects and adaptability, and they can guarantee that the whole process of autonomous harvesting operates properly.
Graphical and Numerical Analysis of the Components of Gene Effect on the Quality Traits of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Varying Environmental Conditions
Authors: Chaudhari Gita R. , Patel D. A. , Kalola A. D. , Kumar Sushil
Published: November 2022

Wheat is one of the main cereals. At this time, the crucial difficulty in improving nutritional traits is the influence on genotypes of different environments. Selecting superior genotypes on the basis of a gene effects analysis for varying environments is demanded. In this study, 10 different genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were used. Parents, hybrids, and two standard checks were evaluated in a complete randomized block design with three replicates in four environments: E1 and E2 (normal and late sown, Rabi 2018-19) & E3 and E4 (normal and late sown, Rabi 2019-20). The analysis of the components of the gene effect revealed that most of the characters were governed by additive and dominant gene actions in the environments; for gluten, the wet gluten (E2) and starch (E3) content were the only dominant components (H1 and H2) with a significant gene effect. Overdominance, asymmetrical distribution of positive–negative and dominant–recessive genes, and narrow-sense heritability were observed in most of the characters in all environments. In a graphical analysis, the regression value b was observed to be in unity among protein content (E1 and E3), sedimentation value (E1, E2, and E3), and starch content (E1), indicating the absence of digenic interactions. Based on the intercept of the regression line on the Wr axis, the degree of dominance for protein content (E1 and E3), sedimentation value (E1, E2, and E3), and starch content (E1) was depicted as overdominance. Therefore, a given population may be improved to isolate superior recombinants for the development of desired parents in future breeding programs.
Optimal Irrigation under the Constraint of Water Resources for Winter Wheat in the North China Plain
Authors: Shi Xiaoli , Shi Wenjiao , Dai Na , Wang Minglei
Published: November 2022

The North China Plain (NCP) has the largest groundwater depletion in the world, and it is also the major production area of winter wheat in China. For sustainable food production and sustainable use of irrigated groundwater, it is necessary to optimize the irrigation amount for winter wheat in the NCP. Previous studies on the optimal irrigation amount have less consideration of the groundwater constraint, which may result in the theoretical amount of optimal-irrigation exceeding the amount of regional irrigation availability. Based on the meteorological data, soil data, crop variety data, and field management data from field experimental stations of Tangshan, Huanghua, Luancheng, Huimin, Nangong, Ganyu, Shangqiu, Zhumadian and Shouxian, we simulated the variation of yield and water use efficiency (WUE) under different irrigation levels by using the CERES-Wheat model, and investigated the optimal irrigation amount for high yield (OIy), water saving (OIWUE), and the trade-off between high yield and water saving (OIt) of winter wheat in the NCP. Based on the water balance theory, we then calculated the irrigation availability, which was taken as the constraint to explore the optimal irrigation amount for winter wheat in the NCP. The results indicated that the OIy ranged from 80 mm to 240 mm, and the OIWUE was 17% to 67% less than OIy, ranging from 0 mm to 200 mm. The OIt was between 80 mm and 240 mm, realizing the co-benefits of high yield and water saving. Finally, we determined the optimal irrigation amount (62–240 mm) by the constraint of irrigation availability. Our results can provide a realistic and scientific reference for the security of both grain production and groundwater use in the NCP.
Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation of Tropical Fruit (Mango and Mangosteen) Purée Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Pornchaloempong Pimpen , Sharma Sneha , Phanomsophon Thitima , Srisawat Kraisuwit , Inta Wasan , Sirisomboon Panmanas , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Nakawajana Natrapee , Lapcharoensuk Ravipat , Teerachaichayut Sontisuk
Published: November 2022

Mango and mangosteen are commercially important tropical fruits with a short shelf life. Fruit processing is one of the alternatives to extend the shelf life of these fruits. Purée is one of the processed products of fresh fruit. In this research, the quality of mango and mangosteen purée was analyzed. Titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) were predicted using non-destructive near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed based on the NIR spectra with a wavelength ranging from 800 to 2500 nm. The PLSR model returned a coefficient of determination (r2) and a ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) of 0.955 and 4.7 for TSS, and 0.784 and 2.2 for TA, in the mango purée. Similarly, the best model was selected for the TSS prediction in the mangosteen purée through PLSR, with an r2, a root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and RPD of 0.799, 0.3% malic acid, and 2.2, respectively. The results show the possible application of NIR spectroscopy in the product processing line, although a larger number of samples with wide variation in future studies are needed as an input to update the model, in order to obtain a more robust model.
Fluopsin C: A Review of the Antimicrobial Activity against Phytopathogens
Authors: Afonso Leandro , Andreata Matheus Felipe de Lima , Chryssafidis Andreas Lazaros , Alarcon Stefani Fabiola , das Neves Ana Paula , da Silva João Vittor Frossard Rodrigues , Gonçalves Gilmar da Silva , Abussafi Leonardo Dib de Sousa , Simionato Ane Stefano , Cely Martha Viviana Torres , Andrade Galdino
Published: November 2022

Fluopsin C (FlpC) is an organocupric secondary metabolite with low-molecular-weight, produced by some Pseudomonas and Streptomyces bacteria. The compound was identified in 1970 as prismatic dark-green crystals, with strong antimicrobial activity against several human and phytopathogens. Due to its high cytotoxicity, research on this compound decreased after the 1970s. During the early 2000s, FlpC gained more attention as a promising compound by which to develop new antimicrobials to control human, animal, and plant pathogens. This study provides an overview of the results pertaining to the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of pure FlpC, as well as semi-purified fractions containing FlpC, against phytopathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the bioprospection history of the extensively researched FlpC-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV strain and the related molecular evidence regarding the compound’s biosynthesis are discussed. Overall, FlpC is proposed to be an important alternative to antimicrobial resistance in human and animal health, and in tackling the negative environmental impacts caused by the exacerbated use of pesticides against phytopathogens.
The Role of Plant Growth Regulators in Miscanthus × giganteus Growth on Trace Elements-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Mamirova Aigerim , Newton Robert Ato , Stefanovska Tatyana , Zhukov Oleksandr , Tsygankova Viktoria , Shapoval Pavlo
Published: November 2022

Soil contamination with trace elements (TEs) is a pressing problem limiting the cultivation of agricultural crops; however, the non-food energy crop Miscanthus × giganteus (M×g) can be grown on such soil. The effect of a new plant growth regulator (PGR), Kamethur, and conventional Charkor was studied when M×g was cultivated in TE-contaminated soils from Všebořice and Chomutov, in the Northern Czech Republic. Kamethur was beneficial for achieving a higher leaves and stem biomass (by 57.1 and 126%, respectively) in the more contaminated Všebořice soil, while Charkor increased only the leaves biomass (49.5%). Analysis of the comprehensive bio-concentration index showed that Charkor decreased stem accumulation of elements essential for plant development (EEs), as well as the potentially toxic (PTEs) elements, by 33.3 and 11.4%, respectively. Kamethur decreased stem accumulation of EEs by 11.4% and increased the accumulation of PTEs by 23.3%. Statistical evaluation of the current results and literature data illustrated the ability of Charkor to reduce the uptake of PTEs, which is critical for converting clean biomass to bioproducts. Further research should confirm the influence of PGRs on the bioparameters and phytoremediation processes of M×g at the field plantation level.
The Coal Humic Product EldORost Shows Fertilizing and Growth Stimulating Properties on Diverse Agricultural Crops
Authors: Zhilkibayev Oral T. , Aitbayev Temirzhan E. , Zhirkova Anastasiya M. , Perminova Irina V. , Popov Alexander I. , Shoinbekova Sabina A. , Kudaibergenov Mukhtar S. , Shalmaganbetov Kairzhan M.
Published: November 2022

The use of environmentally safe products of natural origin is a global trend today. A particular point of interest is the use of humic fertilizers. This is due to the growing awareness of the positive impact of humic substances on plant growth and development as well as on the quality of agricultural products and soil fertility. Humates are physiologically active substances. As a result, they regulate and intensify metabolic processes in plants and soil, and contribute to the bioavailability of nutrients to plants. EldORost is a new-generation humic product that contains humic substances with a high humification degree. In addition to humates, this product contains a complex of amino acids, macro-, and microelements in a bioavailable form for plants. The product is eco-friendly and completely soluble in water, which is a substantial advantage for drip irrigation systems. It can be used for all types of agricultural crops on a wide diversity of soils and climatic zones. It displays the properties of plant hormones while its optimum concentration is as low as 0.0001% (wt). The efficiency of this novel humic product was tested in laboratory and field tests conducted on potatoes and vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, onions, beets). The obtained results showed high efficiency displayed in the significantly improved sowing quality of vegetable seeds, nominally increased the germination degree and seed germination energy, intensively stimulated the side root development in plants, accelerated the growth of biomass, increased the fruiting period, and reduced maturation on the yield of potatoes and vegetable crops. The obtained data allowed us to characterize this novel humic product from the perspective of an eco-friendly fertilizer and growth promoter.
Determination of Cassava Leaf Area for Breeding Programs
Authors: Phoncharoen Phanupong , Banterng Poramate , Vorasoot Nimitr , Jogloy Sanun , Theerakulpisut Piyada
Published: November 2022

The evaluation of leaf area provides valuable information for decision-making for the cassava yield trail. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the relationship between the leaf area and yield of the segregating populations and (2) to investigate the suitable mathematical model for calculating cassava leaf area. The single-row trial for 60 segregating progenies of Kasetsart 50 × CMR38–125–77 was conducted from 2021 to 2022. The trial for eighteen progenies and the Kasetsart 50 and CMR38–125–77 was carried out in 2022. The sampled leaves for each genotype were collected to measure the leaf area. The length (L) and width of the central lobe (W), number of lobes (N), the product of the length and width (L × W; K), and the product of the length and number of lobes (L × N; J) were recorded for developing the mathematical models. The result showed that there were statistically significant correlations between the maximum individual leaf area and the total crop fresh weight and storage root fresh weight. The mathematical model LA = −3.39L + 2.04K + 1.01J − 15.10 is appropriate to estimate the maximum individual leaf area and leaf area index (LAI). This mathematical model also provided the estimated individual maximum leaf area that had the highest correlation with actual biomass at the final harvest as compared to the other three functions. The results showed statistical significance for the estimated LAI and biomass correlation.
Long-Term Organic Manure Application Alters Urease Activity and Ureolytic Microflora Structure in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Wang Li , Xiong Xiang
Published: November 2022

Ureolytic microbes in soil produce urease to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea to NH3/NH4+. Manure is widely applied in agriculture and has the potential to influence soil urease activity. In this study, we examined the responses of the ureolytic microbial community to manure application in two agricultural soils from north (N) and south (S) China using high-throughput sequencing of the ureC genes. We found that N soil and S soil harbored significantly distinct ureolytic communities, as no OTU was shared between two locations. The slight variation of the ureolytic community (32.2%, Adonis) was observed in N soil where low rates of manure were applied. However, dramatic alteration of the structure of ureolytic community (83.4%, Adonis) was found, possibly by promoting the growth of Betaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria and the suppression of the growth of Actinobacteria in S soil where high rates of manure were inputted. The total C and C/N ratio were the main environmental factors driving the microbial communities. The relative ratios of ureC to 16S rRNA genes ranged from 1.5 to 3.5% among the two soils. The abundance of ureC genes was significantly and positively correlated with total phosphorus (TP, r = 0.87, p < 0.001). Positive correlations between the urease activity and soil available NH4+ (r = 0.81, p = 0.001), TP (r = 0.84, p = 0.001), and the abundance of ureC (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) were observed in our study. We speculate that sufficient soil phosphorus promotes the growth of ureolytic microbes, which results in higher urease activity and the greater release of available NH4+.
Phosphorus Sorption following the Application of Charcoal and Sago (Metroxylon sagu) Bark Ash to Acid Soils
Authors: Johan Prisca Divra , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Hasbullah Nur Aainaa , Omar Latifah , Paramisparam Puvan , Hamidi Nur Hidayah , Jalloh Mohamadu Boyie , Musah Adiza Alhassan
Published: November 2022

Acidic cations such as Al, Fe, and Mn tend to fix P in soils, and this reaction make P unavailable for plant uptake. Several conventional strategies for farmers had been proposed to ameliorate Al toxicity either via liming or continuous P fertilization. However, these approaches are not only expensive but are also environmental unfriendly. Thus, a sorption study was carried out using charcoal and sago bark ash as soil amendments to determine their effects on P sorption characteristics of low pH soils. Phosphorus sorption determination was based on standard procedures and the P adsorption data for the samples tested in this study were fitted to the Langmuir equation. The results suggest that the combined use of charcoal and sago bark ash decreased P adsorption and increased P desorption relative to the untreated soils. Organic matter in the charcoal reduced P sorption by providing more negatively charged surfaces, thus increasing anion repulsion. Apart from increasing the amount of P adsorbed in the soil, the use of the sago bark ash increased the amount of P desorbed because the primary reaction between the sago bark ash and soils is an acid neutralization reaction. These improvements do not only reduce P fixation in acid soils but they also promote the effective utilization of nutrients via the timely release of nutrients for maximum crop production. In conclusion, the incorporation of charcoal and sago bark ash to the soil had a positive effect on replenishing the soil solution’s P. The organic matter of the charcoal reduces P sorption capacity by blocking P binding sites, increasing the negative electric potential in the plane of adsorption, causing steric hindrance on the mineral surfaces and decreasing goethite and hematite-specific surface areas. However, there is a need for the inclusion of more soil chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties in predicting soil P sorption to enhance the reliability of the findings.
Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub) Responses to Sowing Date, Fertilization Scheme, and Chitosan Application
Authors: Karkanis Anestis , Tsoutsoura Georgia , Ntanovasili Evangelia , Mavroviti Vasiliki , Ntatsi Georgia
Published: November 2022

Bristly oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides (L.) Holub) is a broad-leaved weed species that is commonly found in cereal crops. However, it is also an edible species whose leaves are consumed at the rosette growth stage of the plant. Three pot experiments were conducted to evaluate different cultivation protocol suggestions for this underutilized wild leafy vegetable. In the first experiment, early sowing (14 October) increased the rosette diameter and fresh biomass of bristly oxtongue compared with late sowing (13 November). In the second experiment, the application of calcium ammonium nitrate (26-0-0) at a rate of 100 kg ha−1 (N10 treatment) increased the relative chlorophyll content in the leaves compared with the control treatment. Similarly, the highest rosette diameter, leaf number, and fresh biomass values were recorded in the N10 treatment, while chitosan application had no impact on growth of plants. In the third experiment, increased root dry biomass was obtained with top dressing application of calcium ammonium nitrate at a rate of 100 kg N ha−1 compared with 0 or 50 kg N ha−1, regardless of the basal fertilization (15-5-20) rate applied. Moreover, the highest rosette diameter, relative chlorophyll content, and fresh biomass values were recorded in the treatment where the highest top dressing rate of calcium ammonium nitrate was applied. In conclusion, our results reveal that the appropriate selection of the sowing date, as well as the combination of the basal fertilizer (15-5-20) at a rate of 250 kg ha−1 with 100 kg N ha−1 calcium ammonium nitrate, can maximize the growth and yield of bristly oxtongue.
Organic or Inorganic Amendments Influence Microbial Community in Rhizosphere and Decreases the Incidence of Tomato Bacterial Wilt
Authors: Wang Sai , Bai Zhanbing , Zhang Zhuo , Bi Jingjing , Wang Enzhao , Sun Miaomiao , Asante-Badu Bismark , Zhang Jiayin , Njyenawe Marie Claire , Song Alin , Fan Fenliang
Published: November 2022

There are many kinds of soil amendments that consist of different materials. The soil amendment is usually of benefit to plant health. However, the effects of the soil amendments on plant disease have rarely been compared and the involved mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the influences of five contrasting soil amendments (i.e., potassium silicate (PS), calcium silicate (CS), biochar (BC), calcium silicate humic acid (SCHA), and bio-organic fertilizer (BOF)) on tomato bacterial wilt. In addition, we dissected the mechanism with high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that BC, SCHA, and BOF significantly reduced the incidence and delayed the disease, while BOF significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial wilt disease in the whole tomato growing period. In the early stage of the disease, BC, SCHA, and BOF significantly reduced the soil pH compared to CK. However, the contents of soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N were significantly increased. Some beneficial bacteria genera (Burkholderia, Mortierella, and Trichoderma) had a certain correlation with the incidence. Burkholderia and Mortierella were negatively associated with morbidity, but Trichoderma was positively associated with morbidity. Particularly, the Spearman correlation and the least partial squares path analysis indicated that Trichoderma was significantly positively correlated with the disease incidence, the soil physicochemical properties, and the numbers of soil pathogens (NSP) were significantly positively correlated with the number of root pathogens (NRP) and the physicochemical properties of plants were negatively correlated with the disease incidence. Moreover, BOF had better inhibitory effect on the occurrence of tomato bacterial wilt. Our results have implications for the better integrated management of tomato bacterial wilt.
Effects of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Its Fate in Maize Fields in Mollisols in Northeast China: A 15N Tracing Study
Authors: Liu Ming , Song Fang , Yin Zhihao , Chen Peng , Zhang Zhongxue , Qi Zhijuan , Wang Bai , Zheng Ennan
Published: November 2022

A large amount of nitrogen fertilizer is applied in maize planting in Northeast China, but the recovery rate is low, causing a series of water and soil environmental problems in farmland areas. Thus, based on isotope tracing technology and combining a field plot test with an in situ microzone test, we carried out an experiment under reduced nitrogen fertilizer conditions. Five different nitrogen application levels were set: conventional nitrogen application (N1: 250 kg ha−1), 10%-reduced nitrogen fertilizer (N-10: 225 kg ha−1), 20%-reduced nitrogen fertilizer (N-20: 200 kg ha−1), 30%-reduced nitrogen fertilizer (N-30: 175 kg ha−1), and nitrogen-free (N0: 0 kg ha−1) treatments. Yield, nitrogen accumulation in maize and nitrogen fertilizer fates were studied. The results showed that reducing nitrogen application rates improved the recovery rates of basal fertilizer and topdressing. Specifically, the recovery rate of basal fertilizer was 19.81–26.20%, and the recovery rate of topdressing was 40.24–47.71%. The loss rate of basal fertilizer was 19.96–39.18%, and nitrogen reduction decreased the loss rate of basal fertilizer. The loss rate of topdressing ranged from 36.46 to 41.76%. The residual rates of basal fertilizer and topdressing in the 0–100 cm soil layer were 41.01–53.84% and 12.22–22.30%, respectively. As the nitrogen application rate decreased, corn yield and nitrogen accumulation in maize decreased. Reductions of 20% and 30% in nitrogen fertilizer had a negative influence on plant nitrogen accumulation. This experiment revealed the effect of reducing nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the fate of nitrogen fertilizer, maize yield and nitrogen accumulation in Northeast China. In Northeast China, reducing the nitrogen fertilizer application rate could increase the nitrogen fertilizer recovery rate and reduce nitrogen fertilizer loss amounts and the risk of environmental pollution, but reduce maize yield.
Adaptive Responses of Four Medicinal Plants to High Altitude Oxidative Stresses through the Regulation of Antioxidants and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim A. , Jabbour A. A. , Abdulmajeed Awatif M. , Elhady Mohamed E. , Almaroai Yaser A. , Hashim Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

The conservation of medicinal plants, particularly endangered or endemic species, is of the utmost importance, especially in light of inevitable climate change and its consequences. Species inhabiting high altitudes adopt exceptional defense mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses as a survival strategy. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of altitudinal variations on secondary metabolite accumulation and antioxidant enzyme capacity in four plants (Cotoneaster orbicularis, Crataegus x sinaica, Echinops spinosissimus subsp. Spinosissimus, and Tanacetum sinaicum) growing naturally on the Sinai Peninsula’s high mountains. Plant leaves and soil samples were collected from three altitudes between 1500 and 2250 m a.s.l. to evaluate the adaptive responses of these species in relation to high-altitude oxidative stresses. The results showed that at higher altitudes, the electrical conductivity and the micronutrient contents of the soil decreased, which may be due to the prevalence of silt and clay decreasing at higher altitudes. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ascorbic acid, and total soluble protein showed similar results in relation to higher altitudes for all species. On the other hand, proline, total soluble sugars, carotenoids, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids increased in response to high altitudes. The activity levels of catalase and ascorbic acid peroxidase showed a significant increase aligned with higher altitudes, while a significant decrease in activity levels was obtained for polyphenol oxidase. In conclusion, the present findings showed that Cotoneaster orbicularis exhibited the maximum response for coping with high-altitude stresses, followed by the remaining three species regarding the level of biochemical and physiological responses. The present work will help formulate conservation plans for important medicinal species.
Effect of the Sulfamethazine on Nitrogen Conversion in Alternate Wet and Dry Paddy Fields
Authors: Chen Lina , Wang Haiming , Li Jiang , Wu Wenbo , Guo Guomian
Published: November 2022

Aquaculture wastewaters have been used in rice irrigation directly or indirectly. Antibiotics in aquaculture wastewater entering the rice fields with irrigation will affect the soil physicochemical properties, microbial properties, and nitrogen conversion. A pot experiment irrigated with simulated aquaculture wastewater was performed to study the effects of sulfamethazine in aquaculture wastewater on nitrogen concentration and conversion-related microorganisms in rice fields with different irrigation modes. Sulfamethazine (500 ng/L, 1500 ng/L, and 3000 ng/L) decreased the NH4+ concentration at the late tillering stage and NO3− concentration at the late tillering and jointing–booting stages (p < 0.05) but increased the NH4+ concentration at the late tillering stage (p < 0.05). Sulfamethazine (3000 ng/L) promoted the lowest nitrogen conversion gene (amoA, nirS, and nirK) abundances and the most special community structure of nitrogen conversion microorganism under mild alternate wetting and drying (AWD). Furthermore, Nitrosospira_sp._KAN8, belonging to ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), was sensitive to sulfamethazine. Flora with the same nitrogen conversion genes exhibited different variations under the same treatment. The results show that antibiotic and mild AWD caused more serious adverse effects to soil nitrogen conversion and nitrogen conversion microorganisms, which will increase the environmental risks of sulfamethazine. It can provide a basis for the scientific and rational use of aquaculture water to irrigate rice fields.
Association Mapping for Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Superoxide Dismutase, Flavonoids, Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, γ-Oryzanol and Antioxidant Activity in Rice
Authors: Bastia Ramakrushna , Pandit Elssa , Sanghamitra Priyadarsini , Barik Saumya Ranjan , Nayak Deepak Kumar , Sahoo Auromira , Moharana Arpita , Meher Jitendriya , Dash Prasanta K. , Raj Reshmi , Jena Binod Kumar , Pradhan Kartik Chandra , Lenka Devraj , Basak Nabaneeta , Lenka Srikanta , Pradhan Sharat Kumar
Published: November 2022

Antioxidant-rich rice is a cheaper way to solve stress-related disorders and other health benefits for the global rice-eating population. Five antioxidant traits, namely, superoxide dismutase, flavonoids, anthocyanins, γ-oryzanol and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) activity were mapped using a representative panel population through association mapping. Potential landraces carrying multiple antioxidant compounds were identified from the population. The population represented four genetic groups and correspondence for presence of antioxidants traits in each group was noticed. The population showed linkage disequilibrium for the studied traits based on the Fst values. A total of 14 significant marker–trait associations were detected for these antioxidant traits. The study validated the QTLs, qANC3 and qPAC12-2 for anthocyanin content and qAC12 for ABTS activity will be useful in marker-assisted breeding. Eleven QTLs such as qTAC1.1 and qTAC5.1 controlling anthocyanin content, qSOD1.1, qSOD5.1 and qSOD10.1 for superoxide dismutase (SOD), qTFC6.1, qTFC11.1 and qTFC12.1 for total flavonoids content (TFC), qOZ8.1 and qOZ11.1 for γ-oryzanol (OZ) and qAC11.1 for ABTS activity were detected as novel loci. Chromosomal locations on 11 at 45.3 cM regulating GO, TFC and TAC, and on the chromosome 12 at 101.8 cM controlling TAC and ABTS activity, respectively, were detected as antioxidant hotspots.
A Label-Free Quantitative Analysis for the Search of Proteomic Differences between Goat Breeds
Authors: Di Luca Alessio , Ianni Andrea , Bennato Francesca , Henry Michael , Meleady Paula , Martino Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

The intensification and standardization of livestock farming are causing a decline in the number of animal breeds in many species, such as the goat. The availability of more studies on the potentiality of goat breeds could raise awareness of their importance, conservation and productive possibilities. Label-free quantitative analysis was applied in this study to investigate the proteomic differences between the autochthon Teramana and Saanen goats that could be useful for defining peculiar features of these breeds. A total of 2093 proteins were characterized in the muscle exudate proteome of the Teramana and Saanen breeds. A total of 41 proteins clearly separated the two breeds. Eukaryotic initiation factor proteins and aldehyde-dehydrogenase 7 family-member A1 were up-regulated in the autochthon breed and associated with its resilience, whereas catalase was down-regulated and associated with lower muscular mass. This study is the most detailed report of goat muscle proteome. Several differentially regulated proteins between the two breeds were identified, providing insights into functional pathways that define this organism and its biology.
The Effect of Background Color on Skin Color Variation of Juvenile Plectropomus leopardus
Authors: Song Feibiao , Shi Liping , Yao Fucheng , Gu Yue , Zheng Da , Zhang Weiwei , Liang Yesong , Zhang Kaixi , Yang Min , Wang Lei , Sun Junlong , Luo Jian
Published: November 2022

Fish skin color is usually strongly affected by the background color of their environment. The study investigated the effects of five different background colors on the skin color of leopard coral groupers (Plectropomus leopardus). More than 450 juveniles were reared in Blue, Red, Black, White, and Transparent background tanks for 56 days. The paraffin section showed that the skin melanin zone of fish in the White group was smaller, whereas the Black and Red groups (especially Black) were nearly the largest. The apparent skin color of P. leopardus was red on the white background, which darkened in response to the other color backgrounds. The Black group revealed the blackest skin color, followed by the transparent group. Moreover, the White group had the highest L*, a*, and b* values. The melanin content and tyrosinase activity in the dorsal and ventral skin of the Black group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05), and the serum α-MSH level was higher in the Black group as well. The carotenoid and lutein contents showed completely different trends among the experimental groups, as carotenoid content was higher in the Red and White groups, while lutein content was higher in the Transparent group. The expression level of scarb1 was highest in the Blue and White groups, followed by the Transparent group, and lowest in the Black group (p < 0.05). The expression trend of scarb1 was similar to the skin color in different backgrounds, indicating that the background color regulated scarb1 expression level through visual center, then influenced the uptake and transport of carotenoids, then influenced the skin color formation of P. leopardus. Moreover, lighter colors inhibited the formation of melanocytes and had a significant effect on carotenoid and lutein contents. Pigment-related genes were involved in the regulation of fish skin color, and they were affected by background color in P. leopardus. These results indicate that a white background is more conducive to maintaining red skin color in juvenile P. leopardus.
Serological and Molecular Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Captive Tigers (Panthera tigris), Thailand
Authors: Sangkachai Nareerat , Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Thongdee Metawee , Suksai Parut , Tangsudjai Siriporn , Wongluechai Peerawat , Suwanpakdee Sarin , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Buddhirongawatr Ruangrat , Prasittichai Luxsana , Skulpong Anurux , Okada Pilailuk Akkapaiboon , Puthavathana Pilaipan , Paungpin Weena
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Given the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in animals is important. To monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection in wildlife in Thailand, we collected 62 blood samples and nine nasal- and rectal-swab samples from captive tigers (Panthera tigris) in Ratchaburi province in Thailand during 2020–2021. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. A real-time RT-PCR assay was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our findings demonstrated that four captive tigers (6.5%, 4/62) had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies against Wuhan Hu-1 and the Delta variant, while no SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome could be detected in all swab samples. Moreover, a low-level titer of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron BA.2 subvariant could be found in only one seropositive tiger. The source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these tigers most likely came from close contact with the infected animals’ caretakers who engaged in activities such as tiger petting and feeding. In summary, we described the first case of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive tigers during the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand and provided seroepidemiological-based evidence of human-to-animal transmission. Our findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of COVID-19 among the captive tiger population and emphasize the need to adopt a One Health approach for preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 zoonotic disease.
Effectiveness of the Organic Acid-Based Antimicrobial Agent to Prevent Bacterial Contamination in Fish Meal
Authors: Pelyuntha Wattana , Yafa Ananya , Charoenwong Baramee , Vongkamjan Kitiya
Published: November 2022

Animal feed production is an important step of the food animal production chain in a farm-to-table model. The contamination of raw ingredients with foodborne pathogens in feed production remains as an important safety issue where pathogens may spread into food animals to cause illnesses in humans when affected food animals are consumed. In the present study, we aimed to examine the quality and microbial contamination of fish meal and to investigate the effectiveness of the organic acid-based antimicrobial agent SALTEC 514TM against Salmonella to prevent bacterial contamination in fish meal. Fish meal samples (n = 4) collected from feed mills at different locations were analyzed for protein and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) content to assess their nutritional value and freshness, and its microbiological quality. The protein and TVBN content ranged from 53.2 ± 3.1 to 67.5 ± 2.3 g/100 g and 73.8 ± 4.5 to 100.4 ± 11.2 mg/100 g meal, respectively. Total plate count of the fish meal samples ranged from 2.0 ± 0.3 to 4.5 ± 0.5 log units, whereas suspected foodborne bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella, were not detected in all samples. Fish meal samples were artificially contaminated (day 0) and re-challenged (day 30 and 90) with Salmonella Enteritidis (3 log CFU/g) to test for the effectiveness of SALTEC 514TM, an organic acid-based antimicrobial formulation, in preventing Salmonella contamination and recontamination during storage. SALTEC 514TM, when applied at three different doses, was found to reduce the number of Salmonella in monitored samples after one day of storage. A low dose of 0.5 kg/ton SALTEC 514TM prevented Salmonella recontamination from occurring in fish meal samples stored for 37 days. In medium (1.0 kg/ton) and high doses (3.0 kg/ton), applications of SALTEC 514TM prevented the Salmonella recontamination for a maximum storage duration of 97 days. The application of SALTEC 514TM in fish meal and/or other feed ingredients may prove to be a safe alternative to reduce the microbial load, especially of foodborne-related microorganisms, to contribute to feed and food safety.