bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning approach to estimate soil matric potential in the plant root zone based on remote sensing data
Authors: Maia Rodrigo Filev , Lurbe Carlos Ballester , Hornbuckle John
Published: August 2022

There is an increasing interest in using the Internet of Things (IoT) in the agriculture sector to acquire soil- and crop-related parameters that provide helpful information to manage farms more efficiently. One example of this technology is using IoT soil moisture sensors for scheduling irrigation. Soil moisture sensors are usually deployed in nodes. A more significant number of sensors/nodes is recommended in larger fields, such as those found in broadacre agriculture, to better account for soil heterogeneity. However, this comes at a higher and often limiting cost for farmers (purchase, labour costs from installation and removal, and maintenance). Methodologies that enable maintaining the monitoring capability/intensity with a reduced number of in-field sensors would be valuable for the sector and of great interest. In this study, sensor data analysis conducted across two irrigation seasons in three cotton fields from two cotton-growing areas of Australia, identified a relationship between soil matric potential and cumulative satellite-derived crop evapotranspiration (ETcn) between irrigation events. A second-degree function represents this relationship, which is affected by the crop development stage, rainfall, irrigation events and the transition between saturated and non-saturated soil. Two machine learning models [a Dense Multilayer Perceptron (DMP) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) algorithms] were studied to explore these second-degree function properties and assess whether the models were capable of learning the pattern of the soil matric potential-ETcn relation to estimate soil moisture from satellite-derived ETc measurements. The algorithms performance evaluation in predicting soil matric potential applied the k-fold method in each farm individually and combining data from all fields and seasons. The latter approach made it possible to avoid the influence of farm consultants’ decisions regarding when to irrigate the crop in the training process. Both algorithms accurately estimated soil matric potential for individual (up to 90% of predicted values within ±10 kPa) and combined datasets (73% of predicted values within ±10 kPa). The technique presented here can accurately monitor soil matric potential in the root zone of cotton plants with reduced in-field sensor equipment and offers promising applications for its use in irrigation-decision systems.
“Net” value co-creation: The effect of interactions on consumer citizenship behavior in online travel communities
Authors: Guan Biyu , Chen Haiquan , Liu Yunhao , Liu Rui , Wu Ailing
Published: August 2022

Online traveling community is initiated by companies, but its survival is inextricably linked to consumer citizenship behavior (e.g., out-group recommendation, in-group helping, and inward response). The majority of researches have investigated consumer behavior of brand community such as consumer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and purchase intention. A few scholars try to explore consumer behaviors beyond the purchase, like participation, which was concerned as the value co-creation. However, the value co-creation of the community should depend on consumers’ citizenship behaviors instead of their pure participation. Therefore, this study empirically examines the effect of consumer interaction on consumer psychology and citizenship behaviors of the online travel community. The findings demonstrated that consumer interaction facilitated participants’ self-identity and their perceived social support, which enhanced their community identification and thus their citizenship behaviors. Furthermore, the motivation of participation plays a moderator in this process. Specifically, symbolic motivation moderates the relationship between consumer interaction and their self-identity, while utilitarian motivation moderates the effect of consumer interaction on their perceived social support. These findings contributed to the intervention of consumer citizenship behavior in online traveling community and provide insights into the management of the online travel community from the perspective of the value co-creation.
Influence of circulating nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD on insulin secretion in the development of T2DM
Authors: Huang Kangkang , Liang Yunlai , Wang Kun , Wu Jiahui , Luo Huidan , Yi Bin
Published: August 2022

Aims

To evaluate the correlation of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD levels with β-cell insulin secretion and their influence on insulin secretion in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods

75 patients with T2DM, 67 with prediabetes and 37 heathy participants were recruited in this study. Serum levels of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD were quantified and statistically analyzed.

Results

The levels of nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD in T2DM were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) compared to either in prediabetes or in healthy control, and significant reduction of these biomarkers was also observed in prediabetes when compared to the control (P < 0.001). Circulating nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD were not only strongly correlated with β-cell insulin secretion, but also exerted remarkable influence on the secretion.

Conclusion

Serum nesfatin-1, GSH and SOD are important factors involving insulin secretion in the development of T2DM, which may help provide new ideas for forthcoming investigations on the roles of these factors in pathogenesis of T2DM, as well as for active prediction and prevention of prediabetes before it develops into overt T2DM.
Exploring time-varying impact of world pandemic uncertainty on China's commodity prices using TVP-SVAR-SV model
Authors: Cao Qiang , Yang Xiu-qi , Chen Hu , Yu Wenmei
Published: August 2022

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing body of literature has focused on the impact of the uncertainty of the world pandemic (WPU) on commodity prices. Using the quarterly data from the first quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2020, we run the TVP-SVAR-SV model to study the time-varying impact of WPU on China's commodity prices. Specifically, we select minerals, non-ferrous metals, energy and steel commodities for a categorical comparison and measure the impact of WPU accordingly. The findings are as follows. First, WPU has a significant time-varying impact on China's commodity prices, and the short-term effect is greater than the long-term effect. Second, compared with the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008 and China's stock market crash in the second quarter of 2015, WPU had a greatest impact on Chinese commodity prices during the COVID-19 pandemic event in the fourth quarter of 2019. Third, significant differences exist in the impact of WPU on the four major commodity prices. Among them, WPU has the largest time-varying impact on the price of minerals but the smallest time-varying impact on that of steel.
Hot topics and frontier evolution in college flipped classrooms based on mapping knowledge domains
Authors: Sun Liyan , Yang Li , Wang Xue , Zhu Junqi , Zhang Xuesen
Published: August 2022

With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the development of online teaching, the online flipping teaching mode has attracted increasing attention. Systematic analysis of the research status and development trend of the flipped classrooms is significant for guiding the improvement of the quality of online flipped teaching. This study used the metrology software CiteSpace to draw a scientific knowledge map of relevant research in the web of science database from 2013 to 2021. It performed visual analysis of research authors, research institutions and countries, keyword clustering, keywords co-occurrence, and keyword time zone distribution. The results showed that: (1) The flipped classrooms research has attracted increasing attention from the social and educational circles, however, the relationship between relevant research authors, institutions, and countries is not close enough, and there is little cooperation. We need to strengthen cooperation further and realize the sharing of high-quality resources; (2) Based on keyword co-occurrence cluster analysis, this study identified three hot topics, namely, preparation before class, classroom activities and consolidation after class; (3) According to the keyword time zone map, this study divided three frontier evolution trends: exploration period, adaptation period, and growth period; (4) Finally, with the spread of novel coronavirus, it is suggested to promote the online flipped classroom teaching mode, and put forward reasonable suggestions from the perspective of teachers, students and researchers, and look forward to the future digital development direction of the flipped classroom.
Understanding the effect of retirement on health behaviors in China: Causality, heterogeneity and time-varying effect
Authors: Yan Ziju , Xiang Nan , Meng Jia , Liang Hang , Yue Zhang
Published: August 2022

Retirement is an important turning point during the course of life, but few studies have examined the effects of retirement on a broad range of health behaviors in China. We use the longitudinal data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 2004 to 2015 to conduct empirical analysis. Fuzzy discontinuity regression was used to assess the association between retirement and health behaviors in the entire sample and subgroups based on gender and education. A time-varying effect model was used to measure the anticipatory effect, immediate effect and lag effect of retirement. We observed that the transition to retirement was associated with healthier lifestyle habits, such as reduced smoking and alcohol consumption and increased exercise motivation. However, the transition was associated with worse sedentary behavior. No significant statistical association was found between retirement and sleep duration. Men and those with higher education levels are more likely to experience the impact of retirement. The anticipatory effect suggests that as the statutory pension age is predictable, workers adjust their behaviors 4 and 5 years before retirement. The lagged effect indicates that it takes time to develop new habits; thus, retirees change their behaviors 2–3 years after retirement. The paper discusses possible reasons for our findings and proposes several policy implications from the perspectives of the government and society to facilitate the realization of healthy aging.
Phytostimulants in sustainable agriculture
Authors: Bano Asghari , Waqar Aqsa , Khan Asadullah , Tariq Haleema
Published: August 2022

The consistent use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in traditional agriculture has not only compromised the fragile agroecosystems but has also adversely affected human, aquatic, and terrestrial life. The use of phytostimulants is an alternative eco-friendly approach that eliminates ecosystem disruption while maintaining agricultural productivity. Phytostimulants include living entities and materials, such as microorganisms and nanomaterials, which when applied to plants or to the rhizosphere, stimulate plant growth and induce tolerance to plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. In this review, we focus on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), beneficial fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, azolla, and lichens, and their potential benefits in the crop improvement, and mitigation of abiotic and biotic stresses either alone or in combination. PGPR, AMF, and PGPF are plant beneficial microbes that can release phytohormones, such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and cytokinins, promoting plant growth and improving soil health, and in addition, they also produce many secondary metabolites, antibiotics, and antioxidant compounds and help to combat biotic and abiotic stresses. Their ability to act as phytostimulator and a supplement of inorganic fertilizers is considered promising in practicing sustainable agriculture and organic farming. Glomalin is a proteinaceous product, produced by AMF, involved in soil aggregation and elevation of soil water holding capacity under stressed and unstressed conditions. The negative effects of continuous cropping can be mitigated by AMF biofertilization. The synergistic effects of PGPR and PGPF may be more effective. The mechanisms of control exercised by PGPF either direct or indirect to suppress plant diseases viz. by competing for space and nutrients, mycoparasitism, antibiosis, mycovirus-mediated cross-protection, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) have been discussed. The emerging role of cyanobacterial metabolites and the implication of nanofertilizers have been highlighted in sustainable agriculture.
Screening and identification of drought tolerance of spring soybean at seedling stage under climate change
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Xiaomei , Dong Shoukun
Published: August 2022

Drought is one of the major abiotic stress factors limiting soybean growth and yield, and it frequently occur globally. Therefore, exploring resistant varieties from soybean germplasm is important under climate change. To screen drought resistant spring soybean varieties at seedling stage, pot experiment was used to detect the Survival percentage after drought stress of 60 soybean varieties at seedling stage, twice drought rehydration treatments on seedlings, to evaluate the drought tolerance of spring soybean. The results showed that at the seedling stage, seven varieties were considered drought tolerant, 17 varieties were considered drought sensitive, and 36 varieties were considered to be moderately drought tolerant. Based on this experiment, number 44 (heinong37), 48 (heinong44), 49 (heinong45), 52 (heinong48) is considered the best drought resistant, and number 3 (dongnong48), 4 (dongnong52), 27 (suinong25), 60 (heinong65) is the most sensitive. These varieties provide a reference for further study on drought tolerance and stress resistance gene screening of soybean at the molecular level. The selected soybean varieties can be planted in areas with suitable climates and frequent drought to meet the local soybean demand. In other regions, although cannot be directly grown, they can still be used as parents of selected varieties or as materials for gene screening and extraction, to assist crop breeding at the molecular level in response to increasingly severe drought stress problems under the current climate trends.
A Vibration Based Automatic Fault Detection Scheme for Drilling Process Using Type-2 Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Paul Satyam , Turnbull Rob , Khodadad Davood , Löfstrand Magnus
Published: August 2022

The fault detection system using automated concepts is a crucial aspect of the industrial process. The automated system can contribute efficiently in minimizing equipment downtime therefore improving the production process cost. This paper highlights a novel model based fault detection (FD) approach combined with an interval type-2 (IT2) Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy system for fault detection in the drilling process. The system uncertainty is considered prevailing during the process, and type-2 fuzzy methodology is utilized to deal with these uncertainties in an effective way. Two theorems are developed; Theorem 1, which proves the stability of the fuzzy modeling, and Theorem 2, which establishes the fault detector algorithm stability. A Lyapunov stabilty analysis is implemented for validating the stability criterion for Theorem 1 and Theorem 2. In order to validate the effective implementation of the complex theoretical approach, a numerical analysis is carried out at the end. The proposed methodology can be implemented in real time to detect faults in the drilling tool maintaining the stability of the proposed fault detection estimator. This is critical for increasing the productivity and quality of the machining process, and it also helps improve the surface finish of the work piece satisfying the customer needs and expectations.
CNN Based on Transfer Learning Models Using Data Augmentation and Transformation for Detection of Concrete Crack
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Hossain Md. Belal , Akhtar Md. Nasim , Moni Mohammad Ali , Hasan Khondokar Fida
Published: August 2022

Cracks in concrete cause initial structural damage to civil infrastructures such as buildings, bridges, and highways, which in turn causes further damage and is thus regarded as a serious safety concern. Early detection of it can assist in preventing further damage and can enable safety in advance by avoiding any possible accident caused while using those infrastructures. Machine learning-based detection is gaining favor over time-consuming classical detection approaches that can only fulfill the objective of early detection. To identify concrete surface cracks from images, this research developed a transfer learning approach (TL) based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). This work employs the transfer learning strategy by leveraging four existing deep learning (DL) models named VGG16, ResNet18, DenseNet161, and AlexNet with pre-trained (trained on ImageNet) weights. To validate the performance of each model, four performance indicators are used: accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. Using the publicly available CCIC dataset, the suggested technique on AlexNet outperforms existing models with a testing accuracy of 99.90%, precision of 99.92%, recall of 99.80%, and F1-score of 99.86% for crack class. Our approach is further validated by using an external dataset, BWCI, available on Kaggle. Using BWCI, models VGG16, ResNet18, DenseNet161, and AlexNet achieved the accuracy of 99.90%, 99.60%, 99.80%, and 99.90% respectively. This proposed transfer learning-based method, which is based on the CNN method, is demonstrated to be more effective at detecting cracks in concrete structures and is also applicable to other detection tasks.
LED Lighting Agrosystem with Parallel Power Supply from Photovoltaic Modules and a Power Grid
Authors: Tikhonov Pavel , Morenko Konstantin , Sychov Arseniy , Bolshev Vadim , Sokolov Alexander , Smirnov Alexander
Published: August 2022

The paper considers the operation of an LED lighting system with a parallel power supply from photovoltaic modules and a power grid. Such systems are supposed to be widely applicable in premises with limited natural lighting, particularly agrosystems where artificial light of a certain spectrum is specifically required to ensure efficient plant growth. The paper presents the scheme of the developed LED lighting system, as well as an assembled prototype containing a single 36-watt lamp. The data of the experimental study are provided on the developed LED lighting system using the developed monitoring system. The experimental study demonstrates an efficient power take-off and the reliability of the proposed scheme to competently select the characteristics and circuit solutions for the converter of voltage from the PV module. The proposed LED system allows simplification of the PV system by eliminating circuits with an inverter and storage devices, hence significantly reducing the cost of the photovoltaic systems. Likewise, such a simplicity has a positive effect on PV system reliability, which benefits the cost as well.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Path Tracking Control of Unmanned Rice Transplanter
Authors: Li Jinyang , Shang Zhijian , Li Runfeng , Cui Bingbo
Published: August 2022

To decrease the impact of uncertainty disturbance such as sideslip from the field environment on the path tracking control accuracy of an unmanned rice transplanter, a path tracking method for an autonomous rice transplanter based on an adaptive sliding mode variable structure control was proposed. A radial basis function (RBF) neural network, which can precisely approximate arbitrary nonlinear function, was used for parameter auto-tuning on-line. The sliding surface was built by a combination of parameter auto-tuning and the power approach law, and thereafter an adaptive sliding controller was designed. Based on theoretical and simulation analysis, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated by field tests. After the appropriate hardware modification, the high-speed transplanter FLW 2ZG-6DM was adapted as a test platform in this study. The contribution of this study is providing an adaptive sliding mode path tracking control strategy in the face of the uncertainty influenced by the changeable slippery paddy soil environment in the actual operation process of the unmanned transplanter. The experimental results demonstrated that: compared to traditional sliding control methods, the maximum lateral deviation was degraded from 17.5 cm to 9.3 cm and the average of absolute lateral deviation was degraded from 9.1 cm to 3.2 cm. The maximum heading deviation was dropped from 46.7° to 3.1°, and the average absolute heading deviation from 10.7° to 1.3°. The proposed control method not only alleviated the system chattering caused by uncertain terms and environmental interference but also improved the path tracking performance of the autonomous rice transplanter. The results show that the designed control system provided good stability and reliability under the actual rice field conditions.
Assessing the Genetic Improvement in Inbred Late Rice against Chilling Stress: Consequences for Spikelet Fertility, Pollen Viability and Anther Characteristics
Authors: Ren Maofei , Wang Weiqin , Pu Siwei , Shi Wanju , Hu Teng , Tang Qiyuan , Xu Huaqin
Published: August 2022

The development of varieties with strong tolerance is one of the important strategies to diminish the negative impact of chilling stress during heading on the spikelet fertility and yield formation of late-season rice. However, whether such genetic improvement has been made in inbred late rice lines in China is not clear. In the present study, three late-season inbred rice varieties, Xiangwanxian2 (XWX2, released in 1988), Xiangwanxian8 (XWX8, released in 1998) and Xiangwanxian17 (XWX17, released in 2008) were subjected to moderate (20 °C) and extreme (17 °C) chilling stress during heading, and the grain yield components and flowering-related traits of the three varieties in response to different temperature were investigated. The results showed that the newly released inbred late rice variety XWX17, demonstrated better chilling tolerance during heading than the early released varieties with respect to higher grain filling percentage. The improved grain filling percentage in XWX17 might be the results of increased spikelet fertility, which was attributed to the increase in pollen viability, anther dehiscence length and anther volume. In addition, the SPAD value and the chlorophyll a content of the flag leaf can be used as indicators to predict the rice spikelet fertility when suffering from chilling stress during heading. The present study provides evidence that the genetic approach has been made to improve the chilling tolerance of inbred late rice lines during heading; however, further research is needed to explore the physiological and molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between leaf characteristics and function with rice spikelet fertility.
Nitrogen Distribution and Soil Microbial Community Characteristics in a Legume–Cereal Intercropping System: A Review
Authors: Lai Huiling , Gao Fuyun , Su Hao , Zheng Peng , Li Yaying , Yao Huaiying
Published: August 2022

Intercropping systems can flexibly use resources such as sunlight, heat, water, and nutrients in time and space, improve crop yield and land utilization rates, effectively reduce continuous cropping obstacles and the occurrence of diseases and insect pests, and control the growth of weeds. Thus, intercropping is a safe and efficient ecological planting mode. The legume–cereal intercropping system is the most common planting combination. Legume crops fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through their symbiotic nitrogen fixation abilities, and the fixed nitrogen can be transferred to and utilized by cereal crops in various ways. The symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency of legume crops was improved by reducing the inhibition of soil nitrogen on nitrogenase activity through competitive absorption of soil nitrogen. However, the effects of nitrogen transformation and distribution in intercropping systems and microbial community structure characteristics on nitrogen transfer need to be further explored. In this review, (ⅰ) we present the transformation and distribution of nitrogen in the legume–cereal intercropping system; (ⅱ) we describe the soil microbial community characteristics in intercropping systems; and (ⅲ) we discuss the advantages of using modern biological molecular techniques to study soil microorganisms. We conclude that intercropping can increase the diversity of soil microorganisms, and the interaction between different plants has an important impact on the diversity and composition of the bacterial and fungal communities. The extensive application of modern biological molecular techniques in soil microbial research and the great contribution of intercropping systems to sustainable agriculture are particularly emphasized in this review.
Effects of Tillage System, Sowing Date, and Weather Course on Yield of Double-Crop Soybeans Cultivated in Drained Paddy Fields
Authors: Han Soon-Suk , Park Hyun-Jin , Shin Taehwan , Ko Jonghan , Choi Woo-Jung , Lee Yun-Ho , Bae Hui-Su , Ahn Seung-Hyun , Youn Jong-Tak , Kim Han-Yong
Published: August 2022

In temperate monsoon areas, major constraints of soybean production in drained paddy fields are excess soil water during monsoon seasons. To further understand how agronomic practices and weather course affect the yield of soybeans, we conducted field experiments at Gwangju, Korea (35°10′ N, 126°53′ E) over three years (2018–2020). Double-crop soybeans were grown at two tillage systems (TS) [rotary tillage (RT), deep plowing followed by rotary tillage (DPRT)] and three sowing dates (SD) (June 10–15, June 25–30, and July 10–15) in drained paddy fields. Flowering phenology (R2) was accelerated by 5 days with each 15-day delay in SD. This resulted in a significant reduction in vegetative growth up to R2, with subsequent reductions in CGR and NAR through R2–R5 (beginning of grain filling). With a 30-day delay in SD, yield was significantly reduced by 27.0%. The better performance of RT over DPRT was demonstrated by greater yields (13.7%). In addition, yield was greatly varied with weather volatility among years, ranging from 123.8 to 552.0 g m−2. Weather volatility was the greatest contributor to yield variability (30.4%), followed by SD (17.0%) and TS (10.3%). Our results suggest that the yield might be mainly determined by how much growth has already been achieved before flowering and through R2–R5.
Development of Broad Spectrum and Durable Bacterial Blight Resistant Variety through Pyramiding of Four Resistance Genes in Rice
Authors: Pradhan Kartik Chandra , Pandit Elssa , Mohanty Shakti Prakash , Moharana Arpita , Sanghamitra Priyadarsini , Meher Jitendriya , Jena Binod Kumar , Dash Prasanta K. , Behera Lambodar , Mohapatra Pavitra Mohan , Bastia Debendra Nath , Pradhan Sharat Kumar
Published: August 2022

Bacterial blight (BB) disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is a major biotic constraint on obtaining higher grain yields in rice. Marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) was performed by the pyramiding of Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21 resistance genes in the popular variety, Ranidhan. A foreground selection in BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC3F1 progenies detected all the target genes in 12, 7 and 16 progenies by using the closely linked markers from a population size of 446, 410, and 530, respectively. The BB-positive progenies carrying the target genes with a maximal similarity to the recipient parent was backcrossed in each backcross generation. A total of 1784 BC3F2 seeds were obtained from the best BC3F1 progeny. The screening of the BC3F2 progenies for the four target genes resulted in eight plants carrying all the four target genes. A bioassay of the pyramided lines conferred very high levels of resistance to the predominant isolates of bacterial blight disease. In addition, these pyramided lines were similar to Ranidhan in 16 morpho-quality traits, namely, plant height, filled grains/panicle, panicles/plant, grain length, grain breadth, grain weight, milling, head rice recovery, kernel length after cooking, water uptake, the volume expansion ratio, gel consistency, alkali-spreading value, and the amylose content.
Agronomic and Physiological Indices for Reproductive Stage Heat Stress Tolerance in Green Super Rice
Authors: Zafar Syed Adeel , Arif Muhammad Hamza , Uzair Muhammad , Rashid Umer , Naeem Muhammad Kashif , Rehman Obaid Ur , Rehman Nazia , Zaid Imdad Ullah , Farooq Muhammad Shahbaz , Zahra Nageen , Saleem Bilal , Xu Jianlong , Li Zhikang , Ali Jauhar , Ali Ghulam Muhammad , Yang Seung Hwan , Khan Muhammad Ramzan
Published: August 2022

Optimum growing temperature is necessary for maximum yield-potential in any crop. The global atmospheric temperature is changing more rapidly and irregularly every year. High temperature at the flowering/reproductive stage in rice causes partial to complete pollen sterility, resulting in significant reduction in grain yield. Green Super Rice (GSR) is an effort to develop an elite rice type that can withstand multiple environmental stresses and maintain yield in different agro-ecological zones. The current study was performed to assess the effect of heat stress on agronomic and physiological attributes of GSR at flowering stage. Twenty-two GSR lines and four local checks were evaluated under normal and heat-stress conditions for different agro-physiological parameters, including plant height (PH), tillers per plant (TPP), grain yield per plant (GY), straw yield per plant (SY), harvest index (HI), 1000-grain weight (GW), grain length (GL), cell membrane stability (CMS), normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), and pollen fertility percentage (PFP). Genotypes showed high significant variations for all the studied parameters except NDVI. Association and principal component analysis (PCA) explained the genetic diversity of the genotypes, and relationship between the particular parameters and grain yield. We found that GY, along with other agronomic traits, such as TPP, SY, HI, and CMS, were greatly affected by heat stress in most of the genotypes, while PH, GW, GL, PFP, and NDVI were affected only in a few genotypes. Outperforming NGSR-16 and NGSR-18 in heat stress could be utilized as a parent for the development of heat-tolerant rice. Moreover, these findings will be helpful in the prevention and management of heat stress in rice.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of YABBY Gene Family in Juglans regia and Juglans mandshurica
Authors: Liu Hengzhao , Ye Hang , Wang Jiangtao , Chen Shenqun , Li Mengdi , Wang Gang , Hou Na , Zhao Peng
Published: August 2022

The YABBY gene family is a plant transcription factor that exists in all seed plants. YABBY family members have been studied extensively in various plants and were to play significant roles in plant growth and development. Juglans, especially walnuts, are important economic tree species that are widely distributed worldwide. However, the identification and related research of YABBY in Juglans have not been reported to date. In this study, we identified 19 YABBY genes from two Juglans species, namely, J. regia and J. mandshurica. Ten JrYABBY genes and nine JmYABBY genes were divided into five subfamilies (YAB1/3, YAB2, INO, CRC, and YAB5). Sequence analysis revealed that all encoded YABBY protein sequences had a highly conserved YABBY and C2C2 zinc-finger domains. An analysis of the assumed cis-acting elements revealed that JrYABBY and JmYABBY genes were deeply involved in phytohormone and light responses. Further, gene expression pattern analysis suggested that most walnut YABBY genes were likely involved in peel and flower development and responses to biotic stress. This study not only suppled novel insights into the evolutionary basis of YABBY gene families in Juglans, but also provided clues for the further functional verification and investigation of YABBY genes in other tree species.
The Impact of Calcium, Potassium, and Boron Application on the Growth and Yield Characteristics of Durum Wheat under Drought Conditions
Authors: Akhtar Nosheen , Ilyas Noshin , Arshad Muhammad , Meraj Tehseen Ahmad , Hefft Daniel Ingo , Jan Basit Latief , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: August 2022

Water stress affects the growth, development, and yield of crops. The objective of this study is to evaluate the positive effects of nutrients (calcium, potassium, and boron) on durum wheat facing drought stress. Two treatments of calcium, potassium, and boron were used under drought and well-watered conditions on two varieties of durum wheat (V1—Preco; V2—Kronos). The data depict that the exogenous application of these nutrients gave significantly different (p < 0.05) results. The percentage increase in shoot length and root length was 29% and 35% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. There is also an increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and osmolytes. The foliar spray of nutrients enhances the synthesis of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, which reduce the production of free radicals. It also helps to maintain the stability of membranes and other cell organelles. The spray application enhances the yield of durum wheat, i.e., the percentage increase in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight was 23% and 25% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. The use of these nutrients considerably improves the functioning of antioxidant machinery, helping combat the adverse effects of drought. Additionally, they improve the growth- and yield-related parameters. Hence, these sprays can be used as a plant growth regulator.
Non-Native Turtles (Chelydridae) in Freshwater Ecosystems in Italy: A Threat to Biodiversity and Human Health?
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Di Tizio Luciano , Prearo Marino , Dondo Alessandro , Ercolini Carlo , Nieddu Gianpiero , Ferrari Angelo , Pastorino Paolo
Published: August 2022

Marketed globally, freshwater turtles are popular pets. Two species of the Chelydridae family are increasingly reported in Italy: the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). Both pose potential threats to public safety and habitat biodiversity. This update reports on their distribution and impact on biodiversity and human health. The recent increase in the number of C. serpentina in urban and rural areas suggests illegal importation into the country. Findings are reported for the north (35% and 100% for C. serpentina and M. temminckii, respectively) and the central-northern regions (60% for C. serpentina), predominantly Umbria and Latium, and the Tiber River catchment area in particular. Because omnivorous, Chelydridae species can affect native biodiversity; because they are carriers of pathogens, they endanger public health. Monitoring plans need to take account of this neglected threat.
Refining the Camelus dromedarius Myostatin Gene Polymorphism through Worldwide Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Bruno Silvia , Landi Vincenzo , Senczuk Gabriele , Brooks Samantha Ann , Almathen Faisal , Faye Bernard , Gaouar Suheil Semir Bechir , Piro Mohammed , Kim Kwan Suk , David Xavier , Eggen André , Burger Pamela , Ciani Elena
Published: August 2022

Myostatin (MSTN) is a highly conserved negative regulator of skeletal muscle in mammals. Inactivating mutations results in a hyper-muscularity phenotype known as “double muscling” in several livestock and model species. In Camelus dromedarius, the gene structure organization and the sequence polymorphisms have been previously investigated, using Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing technologies on a limited number of animals. Here, we carried out a follow-up study with the aim to further expand our knowledge about the sequence polymorphisms at the myostatin locus, through the whole-genome sequencing data of 183 samples representative of the geographical distribution range for this species. We focused our polymorphism analysis on the ±5 kb upstream and downstream region of the MSTN gene. A total of 99 variants (77 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and 22 indels) were observed. These were mainly located in intergenic and intronic regions, with only six synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in exons. A sequence comparative analysis among the three species within the Camelus genus confirmed the expected higher genetic distance of C. dromedarius from the wild and domestic two-humped camels compared to the genetic distance between C. bactrianus and C. ferus. In silico functional prediction highlighted: (i) 213 differential putative transcription factor-binding sites, out of which 41 relative to transcription factors, with known literature evidence supporting their involvement in muscle metabolism and/or muscle development; and (ii) a number of variants potentially disrupting the canonical MSTN splicing elements, out of which two are discussed here for their potential ability to generate a prematurely truncated (inactive) form of the protein. The distribution of the considered variants in the studied cohort is discussed in light of the peculiar evolutionary history of this species and the hypothesis that extremely high muscularity, associated with a homozygous condition for mutated (inactivating) alleles at the myostatin locus, may represent, in arid desert conditions, a clear metabolic disadvantage, emphasizing the thermoregulatory and water availability challenges typical of these habitats.
A Survey of Genome-Wide Genetic Characterizations of Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Local Farms in Cambodia
Authors: Mam Somony , Tep Bengthay , Rin Soriya , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Matsuyama Shuichi , Ohkura Satoshi , Murase Tetsuma , Nunome Mitsuo , Morita Yasuhiro
Published: August 2022

To improve the dairy sector in Cambodia in the future, we aimed to reveal the genetic variation and the milk production in Cambodian crossbred dairy cattle. We calculated the percent (%) milk fat content and the average milk yield per cow (L/day) for two farms (Farm R and M) based on the farmers’ records and interviews. The crossbred cows originated from Cambodian local farmers and Thailand breeders in Farm R, whereas the crossbred cows originated in Thailand breeders in Farm M. Then, we performed genetic characterization for 75 individuals from the two farms and an individual Japanese pure Holstein-Friesian cow based on 133,705 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained by the GRAS-Di method. The milk fat contents in the bulk milk in the dry season and the average milk yield per cow on Farm R were 3.77 ± 0.98% and 7.81 ± 2.66 L/day, respectively, and were higher than those on Farm M (3.35 ± 0.54% and 6.5–7.5 L/day). Cattle originating in Cambodia in Farm R possessed a unique genetic character different from cattle from Thailand in Farm M. The present study suggests that the differences in milk fat content between the two farms might be explained by the genetic differences in crossbred cows.
Development of Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detecting Feline Coronavirus
Authors: Rapichai Witsanu , Saejung Wichayet , Khumtong Kotchaporn , Boonkaewwan Chaiwat , Tuanthap Supansa , Lieberzeit Peter A. , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Rattanasrisomporn Jatuporn
Published: August 2022

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a worldwide fatal disease caused by a mutant feline coronavirus (FCoV). Simple and efficient molecular detection methods are needed. Here, sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed to detect the ORF1a/1b gene of FCoV from cats with suspected FIP using neutral red as an indicator. Novel LAMP primers were specifically designed based on the gene of interest. The isothermal assay could visually detect FCoV at 58 °C for 50 min. The RT-LAMP assay was highly specific and had no cross-reactivity with other related feline viruses. The detection limit of FCoV detection by RT-LAMP was 20 fg/µL. A blind clinical test (n = 81) of the developed RT-LAMP procedure was in good agreement with the conventional PCR method. In the light of its performance specificity, sensitivity, and easy visualization, this neutral-red-based RT-LAMP approach would be a fruitful alternative molecular diagnostic tool for veterinary inspection of FCoV when combined with nucleotide sequencing or specific PCR to affirm the highly virulent FIP-associated FCoV.
Description of a Sarcoptic Mange Outbreak in Alpine Chamois Using an Enhanced Surveillance Approach
Authors: Obber Federica , Celva Roberto , Libanora Martina , Da Rold Graziana , Dellamaria Debora , Partel Piergiovanni , Ferraro Enrico , Calabrese Maria Santa , Morpurgo Lia , Pisano Simone Roberto Rolando , Citterio Carlo Vittorio , Cassini Rudi
Published: August 2022

Since 1995, the Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) population of the Dolomites has been affected by sarcoptic mange with considerable management concerns. In this study, 15 years (2006–2020) of passive surveillance and demographic data were analyzed in order to describe a mange outbreak. Furthermore, an enhanced passive surveillance protocol was implemented in order to evaluate the efficiency of ordinary vs. enhanced surveillance protocol in identifying dead chamois in the field and in reaching a correct diagnosis. Our results confirm the role of mange as a determining factor for chamois mortality, while stressing the importance of a wider view on the factors affecting population dynamics. The enhanced passive surveillance protocol increased the probability of carcass retrieval and identification of the cause of death; however, its adoption may be too costly if applied for long periods on a wide scale. Passive surveillance, in both ordinary and enhanced surveillance protocol, should encompass the use of other strategies in the future to study the eco-epidemiology of the disease in wild Caprinae.
Dietary Intervention with Blackcurrant Pomace Protects Rats from Testicular Oxidative Stress Induced by Exposition to Biodiesel Exhaust
Authors: Oczkowski Michał , Wilczak Jacek , Dziendzikowska Katarzyna , Øvrevik Johan , Myhre Oddvar , Lankoff Anna , Kruszewski Marcin , Gromadzka-Ostrowska Joanna
Published: August 2022

The exposure to diesel exhaust emissions (DEE) contributes to negative health outcomes and premature mortality. At the same time, the health effects of the exposure to biodiesel exhaust emission are still in scientific debate. The aim of presented study was to investigate in an animal study the effects of exposure to DEE from two types of biodiesel fuels, 1st generation B7 biodiesel containing 7% of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or 2nd generation biodiesel (SHB20) containing 7% of FAME and 13% of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), on the oxidative stress in testes and possible protective effects of dietary intervention with blackcurrant pomace (BC). Adult Fisher344/DuCrl rats were exposed by inhalation (6 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks) to 2% of DEE from B7 or SHB20 fuel mixed with air. The animals from B7 (n = 14) and SHB20 (n = 14) groups subjected to filtered by a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or unfiltered DEE were maintained on standard feed. The rats from B7+BC (n = 12) or SHB20+BC (n = 12), exposed to DEE in the same way, were fed with feed supplemented containing 2% (m/m) of BC. The exposure to exhaust emissions from 1st and 2nd generation biodiesel resulted in induction of oxidative stress in the testes. Higher concentration of the oxidative stress markers thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs), 25-dihydroxycholesterols (25(OH)2Ch), and 7-ketocholesterol (7-KCh) level), as well as decreased level of antioxidant defense systems such as reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH/GSSG ratio, and increased level of oxidized glutathione (GSSG)) were found. Dietary intervention reduced the concentration of TBARS, 7-KCh, LOOHs, and the GSSG level, and elevated the GSH level in testes. In conclusion, DEE-induced oxidative stress in the testes was related to the biodiesel feedstock and the application of DPF. The SHB20 DEE without DPF technology exerted the most pronounced toxic effects. Dietary intervention with BC in rats exposed to DEE reduced oxidative stress in testes and improved antioxidative defense parameters, however the redox balance in the testes was not completely restored.
Dicarbonyl-Dependent Modification of LDL as a Key Factor of Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerotic Vascular Wall Damage
Authors: Lankin Vadim Z. , Tikhaze Alla K. , Melkumyants Arthur M.
Published: August 2022

The review presents evidence that the main damage to the vascular wall occurs not from the action of “oxidized” LDL, which contain hydroperoxy acyls in the phospholipids located in their outer layer, but from the action of LDL particles whose apoprotein B-100 is chemically modified with low molecular weight dicarbonyls, such as malondialdehyde, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal. It has been argued that dicarbonyl-modified LDL, which have the highest cholesterol content, are particularly “atherogenic”. High levels of dicarbonyl-modified LDL have been found to be characteristic of some mutations of apoprotein B-100. Based on the reviewed data, we hypothesized a common molecular mechanism underlying vascular wall damage in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. The important role of oxidatively modified LDL in endothelial dysfunction is discussed in detail. In particular, the role of the interaction of the endothelial receptor LOX-1 with oxidatively modified LDL, which leads to the expression of NADPH oxidase, which in turn generates superoxide anion radical, is discussed. Such hyperproduction of ROS can cause destruction of the glycocalyx, a protective layer of endotheliocytes, and stimulation of apoptosis in these cells. On the whole, the accumulated evidence suggests that carbonyl modification of apoprotein B-100 of LDL is a key factor responsible for vascular wall damage leading to atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction. Possible ways of pharmacological correction of free radical processes in atherogenesis and diabetogenesis are also discussed.
Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG): A Time for a New Player in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases?
Authors: Mokra Daniela , Adamcakova Jana , Mokry Juraj
Published: August 2022

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol of green tea that possesses a wide variety of actions. EGCG acts as a strong antioxidant which effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes including NADPH oxidase, activates antioxidant systems including superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione, and reduces abundant production of nitric oxide metabolites by inducible nitric oxide synthase. ECGC also exerts potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, pro-apoptotic, anti-tumorous, and metabolic effects via modulation of a variety of intracellular signaling cascades. Based on this knowledge, the use of EGCG could be of benefit in respiratory diseases with acute or chronic inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotizing processes in their pathogenesis. This article reviews current information on the biological effects of EGCG in those respiratory diseases or animal models in which EGCG has been administered, i.e., acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory infections, COVID-19, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and lung embolism, and critically discusses effectiveness of EGCG administration in these respiratory disorders. For this review, articles in English language from the PubMed database were used.