bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Descriptions of Aquatic Arthropods in an Unpolluted Native Forest Relict (Rucamanque, 38° S, Araucaria Region, Chile)
Authors: De los Rios-Escalante P. , Alejandro Espinosa A. , Nunez P.
Published: June 2021

The Araucania region (38° S, Chile) originally had native perennial forest in middle valleys regions, that was gradually replaced by towns and agricultural zones during the last century, nevertheless there is some relicts of these native forests that are preserved, one of these relicts is Rucamanque, a protected area in the surrounding of Temuco town. The aim of the present study was a first aquatic Arthropoda description in a stream of this protected area using species co-occurrence and niche overlap null models. The results of species co-occurrence null model revealed that species associations are random, whereas the results of niche sharing revealed that species reported have different ecological niches, and in consequence there is not interspecifi c competence. The exposed results revealed the presence of aquatic fauna representative for unpolluted streams; similar descriptions were found for other similar inland water ecosystems in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.
Biodiversity of the Regional Landscape Park Samara Plavni within the first large reservoir in Europe Biodiversity of the Regional Landscape Park Samara Plavni within the first large reservoir in Europe
Authors: Baranovski B. A. , Ivanko I. A. , Gasso V. Y. , Ponomarenko O. L. , Dubyna D. V. , Roshchyna N. O. , Karmyzova L. O. , Polevа J. L. , Nikolaieva V. V.
Published: June 2021

The creation of reservoirs in river valleys for the accumulation of fresh water has been and remains an important issue around the world. This process has both positive and negative consequences for people and nature. Significant changes in the regime of rivers and their valleys, flooding of meadows and forests, flooding of soils and changes in the composition of flora and fauna of adjacent territories are taking place. In this article, we consider the restoration of the biodiversity of a site of disturbed lands after the creation of one of the first large reservoirs in Europe – the Dnieper (Zaporozhe) on the River Dnieper, which has existed since 1933. The territory of the Samara floodplains was formed on the floodplain of the mouth of the Samara River, as a result of which the territories of various forest, meadow and bog biotopes were flooded. For almost 90 years, new biotopes have been developing, and populations of plant and animal species, especially waterfowl, have been renewed and enriched. In the conditions of climate change and anthropogenic pressure, the existence of this territory has fallen into question. To control the conservation of biodiversity, it is necessary to apply various management methods, one of which is creation of nature reserves. The article presents the results of a complex of scientific studies that were carried out during the zoning of the regional park Samara Plavni to improve the management of the protection of water areas and river banks. We have investigated: hydrological features, species diversity of the flora and coenotic diversity of the vegetation, fauna of aquatic invertebrates, and terrestrial vertebrates. Zoning of the Regional Landscape Park was based on the composition of stable components of ecosystems. When applying the protected regime in different zones, conditions will be created for the preservation of habitats of species, including those protected in Europe: higher plants (Senecio borysthenicus (DC.) Andrz. ex Czern., Tragopogon borystenicus Artemcz.), reptiles (Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758), Vipera renardi (Christoph, 1861)), birds (Aythya ferina (Linnaeus, 1758), Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus, 1758), Haematopus ostralegus Linnaeus, 1758, Numenius arquata (Linnaeus, 1758), Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758), Lanius excubitor (Linnaeus, 1758)), mammals (Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758)). Such changes would increase the implementation of the reproductive potential of all species without exception in the studied ecosystems.
The biology of Simulium noelleri and Simulium dolini: morphological, ecological and molecular data
Authors: Zinchenko M. O. , Sukhomlin K. B. , Zinchenko O. P. , Tepliuk V. S.
Published: June 2021

Molecular genetic research has revolutionized the taxonomy and systematics of the Simuliidae family. Simulium noelleri Friederichs, 1920 is a species of blackfly, common in the Holarctic, reported for 33 countries. In 1954, Topchiev recorded it in Ukraine for the first time. Simulium dolini Usova et Sukhomlin, 1989 has been recorded at the borders of Ukraine and Belarus. It was described for the first time by Usova and Sukhomlin in 1989 from the collection from the territory of Volyn region in 1985. Usova and Sukhomlin, Yankovsky, Adler state that S. noelleri and S. dolini are different species by the morphological characteristics that differ in all phases of development. Adults differ in the structure of the genital appendages, palps, the margin and shape of the face and forehead, the colour of the legs; the larva – in the pattern on the frontal capsule, the number of rays in the fans, mandibular teeth and the hypostoma, the structure of the hind organ of attachment; pupae – in the branching way of gills. Molecular data are becoming an increasingly important tool in insect taxonomy. Therefore, we had to check that these two closely related species also have genetic difference. The development of S. noelleri and S. dolini was studied in four small rivers of Volyn region, Ukraine (Chornohuzka, Konopelka, Putylivka, Omelyanivka) in the period from 2017 to 2019. During initial processing of insect samples, we used the standard protocols EPPO PM7/129. We obtained the nucleotide sequence of S. dolini. It was proved that the populations of S. noelleri and S. dolini from medium and small rivers of Volyn differ in biological, morphological, behavioural and genetic characteristics. Comparison of the species S. noelleri with the data of the GenBank confirms the identification of three distinct morphotypes from Volyn, Great Britain and Canada. As a result of the conducted researches, it was confirmed that two close species of S. dolini and S. noelleri from the noelleri species group differ in the structure of mitochondrial DNA, which confirms their independent taxonomic status. Additional studies comprising more individuals from larger areas of Europe are required to verify the taxonomic position of these two species.
Bacillariophyta of the Yavorivsky National Park, Broadleaf Forest Zone of Ukraine, including Сaloneis albus-columba, sp. nov.
Authors: Bukhtiyarova L. N.
Published: June 2021

Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) are one of the major biological components in all kinds of aquatic ecosystems both in freshwater and marine ones. The nature reserve fund of Ukraine includes 52 national parks, in the vast majority of which Bacillariophyta have not been studied. This investigation presents first data on the diatoms in Yavorivsky National Park located in Lviv region. The material consists of the epiphytic samples of microalgae that were collected from different substrates in aquatic ecosystems of the Yavorivsky National Park in 2014. In the hydrotopes of the park 180 diatom species from 56 genera were found, among them Achnanthidium catenatum (Bily & Marvan) Lange-Bertalot, Cymbopleura apiculata Krammer, Fallacia sublucidula (Hustedt) D. G. Mann in Round, Crawford & Mann, Gomphonema lagenula Kützing, G. supersedens Reichardt, G. pseudopusillum Reichardt, Paraplaconeis minor (Grunow) Lange-Bertalot, Placoneis constans (Hustedt) E. J. Cox, Psammothidium bioretii (Germain) Bukhtiyarova & Round, P. vernadskyi Bukhtiyarova et Stanislavskaya, Sellaphora gracillima Zidarova, Kopalová & Van de Vijver, S. insolita (Manguin) Hamilton et Antoniades, Stauroneis fluminopsis Van de Vijver et Lange-Bertalot were recorded for the first time in Ukraine. Besides that, Amphora hemicycla Stoermer & J. J. Yang and Sellaphora bacilloides (Hustedt) Levkov, Krstic & Nakov also were new findings in the country from the Broadleaf Forest Zone of Ukraine. Many species rare in the world flora and in Ukraine were found. A new diatom species Сaloneis albus-columba Bukhtiyarova, sp. nov., was described from the pond in stationary recreation area Kozulka. This new species possesses strongly three-undulate valves with three rhombic segments, which in morphology is most similar to Caloneis lamella Zakrzewski, however it differs from it by having rhombic distal valve segments instead of oval ones as well as noticeably smaller width of the central valve segment. The morphology of other similar species is discussed. For proper description of the new species new definitions for the raphe system morphology were grounded on functional morphology of the diatom frustule. New combinations Iconella alaskaensis (Foged) Bukhtiyarova, comb. et stat. nov., Iconella baltica (Schumann) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella brebissonii (Krammer & Lange-Bertalot) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella brightwellii (W. Smith) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov., Iconella constricta (Grunow) Bukhtiyarova, comb. et stat. nov., Iconella didyma (Kützing) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov. and Iconella elegans (Ehrenberg) Bukhtiyarova, comb. nov. were formally proposed. The lectotype for Eunotia glacialis F. Meister was designated here. Illustrations with light and scanning electron microscopy are presented. A primary inventory of Bacillariophyta and their subsequent study on protected territories in Ukraine is still an important task in the context of preservation of biodiversity of the country.
republicanism of Coluccio Salutati and its Augustinian influence
Authors: Cerqueira Marcone Costa
Published: June 2021

In this brief article we will seek to support the thesis that there is in the thought of Coluccio Salutati, 14th century Florentine chancellor and prominent humanist, a clear republicanism that turns to the issue of the freedom of the republic and the active life of the individuals participating in it. However, in connection with this demonstration, we will also maintain that such republicanism has strong traces of Augustinian influence, mainly in view of the disposition of laws in the political arrangement, as well as the relationship between active life and the search for a human being’s own good. In view of this, we intend to demonstrate that, in general, Salutati’s Renaissance republicanism turns to the defence of the republic, its freedom and its characteristic of the proper scenario for the active life of individuals, however, it still maintains an ethical-political perspective typical of the medieval period, centrally influenced by Augustinian thought.
Evaluation of oxidative and an­tioxidant status in dairy calves before and after weaning
Authors: Majlesi A. , Yasini S. P. , Azimpour S. , Mottaghian P.
Published: June 2021

Weaning is a stressful step in calf rearing which can lead to oxidative stress. The purpose of the present study was to investigate oxidative stress and antioxidant status in calves pre and post weaning. A total of 22 clinically healthy female Holstein calves at the same age were selected and their blood samples were examined to measure the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) in red blood cells and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Sampling was performed in 4 consecutive stages: 7 days pre-weaning, the day of weaning, 24 and 72 hours after it. The results indicated that the activity of SOD and GPx enzymes increased significantly on the weaning day compared to the previous week. CAT activity increased 24 and 72 hours after weaning and its increase was significant 72 hours after weaning compared to the day of weaning. An increase was observed in MDA level on the day of weaning compared to a week before, and the trend was towards increase after the weaning. Weaning stress leads to disturbances of oxidative system balance and causes oxidative damage in calves. This imbalance can be probably resolved by improving the antioxidant system and supplementing antioxidants such as vitamins E and C against free radicals produced during weaning.
Unknown diversity: survey of Neuroptera (Insecta) in Paraná, southern Brazil, reveals 14 species newly recorded from the state and country
Authors: Schuster Phillip Alves , Jose Pires Machado Renato
Published: June 2021

The PROFAUPAR project (1986–1987) studied insect diversity in the Atlantic rainforest through collections made at eight different sites in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Here, we review and identify the collected neuropterans, carry out a bibliographic review, and compose a list of the Neuroptera species that occur in the state. This study includes 14 new records in Paraná, including the first records of Ascalaphinae (Myrmeleontidae) and a new record of Dilaridae for Brazil. It increases by 29.2% the number of species of Neuroptera known from Paraná. Forty-seven Neuroptera species are now known to occur in the state.
Ocena skuteczności programu „Rodzina 500+” w zakresie ograniczenia ubóstwa i zwiększenia dzietności w Polsce
Authors: Kucharska Paulina
Published: June 2021

Objective: The article evaluates the effectiveness of Poland’s “Family 500+” programme in reducing poverty and increasing the fertility rate.Research Design & Methods: The research method used is analysis of statistical data and source literature in Polish and English.Findings: The study proves that Poland’s “Family 500+” programme has been partially effective. The additional child allowance has helped reduce poverty, but has not noticeably increased the fertility rate.Implications / Recommendations: A number of pro-natalist barriers coupled with a fertility rate persistently below 2.0 since the early 1990s has meant that financial aid alone cannot sufficiently encourage Poles to start a family. Demographic development stimulation should consist of comprehensive policies, including not only financial transfers but particularly activities mitigating the negative effects of socio-cultural changes.Contribution: The article evaluates the effectiveness of the “Family 500+” programme, and thus the economic validity of introducing the most expensive family policy in the history of the Third Republic of Poland. The paper provides a multidimensional view on the causes of low fertility and the socio-economic consequences of lowering the poverty rate.
The Continuity of Chronic Medications in Multimorbid Patients during Perioperative Period: Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Nigmatkulova Maria D. , Kleymenova E. B. , Yashina Liubov P. , Sychev Dmitry A.
Published: June 2021

Background. Failure of continuity at care transitions results in 50% of all medication errors and up to 20% of adverse drug events (ADEs). In surgical patients medication errors occur more often than in medical patients due to perioperative corrections of medications and greater number of in-hospital transitions. The frequency of ADE in surgical patients varies from 2.3 to 27.7%.
Aims to determine the prevalence and structure of unintentional discrepancies (UDs) in medications at admission to and discharge from surgery departments, report their potential clinical impact and analyse possible risk factors.
Methods. Retrospective observational study was conducted in a general hospital in Russia. The study included patients hospitalized for elective surgery in Surgical Departments from January to June 2019. The pre-admission Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) for every patient was obtained. The BPMHs were compared with admission medication orders and hospital discharge prescriptions to identify UDs. Detected UDs were analysed for potential ADE with severity evaluation.
Results. 206 patients were included, 55.83% were female, mean age 63.85 (9.38), median of chronic medications was 3 drugs. At least one UD was detected in 70.87% of patients at admission and in 92.72% at discharge, respectively, with averages of 1.30 and 2.81 discrepancies per patient. Cardiovascular drugs were the most frequent class involved at both admission (72.2%) and discharge (68.05%) in UDs. The most often UDs at both admission (51.68%) and discharge (94.65%) were omissions, incorrect dose (22.47% and 2.25%), and additional medications (11.6% and 1.55%). UDs had the potential to cause significant ADEs in 81.27%, serious ADEs in 18.35% of cases. Only 0.37% of UDs could contribute to life-threatening ADEs. The relative risk of discrepancies in patients of 60 years and older was 1.292-fold higher; three and more chronic medications increase risk 1.565-fold; diabetic or thyroid medications increase risk 1.932-fold.
Conclusions. We reported on the first study of medication discrepancies conducted in Russian hospital. Estimated frequency, structure and risk factors of UDs in medications at admission to and discharge from surgery departments are similar to those from other countries. To decrease UDs in medications, implementation of medication reconciliation is needed.
Risk management for healthcare organizations
Authors: Nikolaeva Natalia G. , Priimak Elena V. , Razina Irina S. , Kazanceva Maria A.
Published: June 2021

It is believed that more than 70% of errors in a medical organization can be prevented, in particular, by using risk management methods and implementing risk management tools in the practice of their activities. To this end, the authors conducted a study based on data from the analysis of scientific papers and regulatory documents regulating quality management and risk management in healthcare. The study summarizes the main approaches to implementing risk management methods in healthcare and suggests an algorithm for analyzing the types and consequences of potential failures in healthcare (HFMEA). As the analyzed process, the process of performing doctors appointments by medical nurses for drug therapy was chosen, which refers to the main medical events, and drug error is a serious problem in drug therapy. The results of the study revealed possible risks associated with each step. The study is appropriate due to the fact that many healthcare institutions are currently implementing a quality management system to improve their processes.
Nutritional quality, fatty acids content and antioxidant capacity of pecan nut fruits from Criolla and Improved walnut varieties
Authors: CURIEL-MACIEL Nidya F. , ARREOLA-ÁVILA Jesús G. , ESPARZA-RIVERA Juan R. , LUNA-ZAPIÉN Edén A. , MINJARES-FUENTES José R. , SIERRA-CAMPOS Erick , MEZA-VELÁZQUEZ Jorge A.
Published: June 2021

In the current study were evaluated the nutrimental quality, fatty acid and mineral content, and antioxidant capacity of pecan nut of Criolla and Improved walnut varieties. Nut fruit samples of three Criolla walnut varieties (‘Nazas I’, ‘Nazas II’ and ‘Norteña’), and two Improved varieties (‘Western’ and ‘Wichita’) were collected in La Laguna (Nazas, Durango) in Northern Mexico. The analyses run in nut samples were: bromatological and mineral content, fatty acids profile and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that Criolla and Improved varieties had similar bromatological content except ‘Nazas I’, which had the lowest protein and fat content. Furthermore, nuts from Criolla varieties had a higher mineral content, including iron (~38 mg/100 g dw), zinc (~51 mg/100 g dw) and manganese (25 mg/100 g dw). Besides, the fatty acid profile indicates a higher rate of oleic acid (71%) in nut oil of Criolla varieties than in Improved varieties (61%). Regarding antioxidant capacity (AC) the obtained values were similar in all varieties, with ‘Norteña’ variety (850 µM trolox equivalent/g of oil) in Criolla, and ‘Western’ (800 µM trolox equivalent/g of oil) in Improved as the highest values of AC among all varieties. Hence, pecan nut fruits of Criolla varieties are good nutrients and beneficial health compounds source for consumers, and their production and marketing represent interesting opportunity areas for nut producers.
Effect of salinity and drought stress on morphological and biochemical properties of two Iranian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) populations
Authors: TAVANGAR Afsaneh , KARAMI Leila , HEDAYAT Mohammad , ABDI Gholamreza
Published: June 2021

In this study, micro propagation of two Iranian fenugreek populations and their morphological and biochemical responses to salinity and drought stresses in in vitro culture condition were conducted using factorial experiment in a completely randomized design in three replications. Different explant type (terminal bud, cotyledon and epicotyledon explant) were cultured in MS medium contain different concentration of plant growth regulators such as kin (0, 0.5 and 1 mg / l) and 2,4-D (0.5, 1 and 2 mg / l). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/l kinetin and 2 mg/l 2,4-D showed the highest callus proliferation rate per explants in both populations. The highest amount of callus volume was obtained from the explants of the terminal bud. Proliferated calli from terminal bud explant were green and yellowish, from cotyledon were yellowish to white with soft texture, and the cotyledons were greenish and compact. The results of salinity stresses with different concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 70 and 120 mM) and drought stress with polyethylene glycol (0, 5 and 10%) showed that both stresses decreased callus growth and increased total protein, proline, catalase, peroxidase and trigonelin content in both populations. Trigonelin measurement showed that ‘Borazjan’ papulation had higher trigonelin content, in vitro, than ‘Ardestan’ papulation.
Effects of exogenous NO on antioxidant system of Taxus plants under simulated acid rain stress
Authors: SUN Bing , LI Mengxi , HU Die , PAN Xiao , FEI Yongjun
Published: June 2021

Taxus is a famous medicinal and landscape tree species. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on the resistance of Taxus plants to acid rain stress and to identify Taxus species with strong acid rain resistance by principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation. In this study, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as the exogenous NO donor. The effects of different SNP solution concentrations on the antioxidant systems of three Taxus species subjected to simulated acid rain stress (pH = 3.0) were compared. In order to achieve this goal, we determined the rate of O2- production, the ASA and GSH contents in leaves of three Taxus plants (Taxus mairei, Taxus chinensis, and Taxus yunnanensis). At the same time, the active leaves of some antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX and GR) were determined. For Taxus chinensis plants subjected to acid rain stress, treatment with an SNP concentration of 0.25 mmol·L-1 led to the most significant improvements in the antioxidant system. For Taxus mairei and Taxus yunnanensis, the treatment with the SNP concentration of 0.50 mmol·L-1 was best for improving their antioxidant systems under stress. Meanwhile, Taxus chinensis had the strongest resistance to simulated acid rain, followed by Taxus mairei and Taxus yunnanensis.
Effects of ABT on the morphogenesis and inclusions of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd f. baokangsis cutting rooting
Authors: HU Die , HE Xinru , MA Yongzheng , FEI Yongjun
Published: June 2021

This study aims to explore the cutting propagation method of a novel variant on Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd f. baokangsis (T. chinensis baokangsis). Different types of rooting powder and different concentrations were used to treat the cuttage seedlings of T. chinensis baokangsis, and then the external morphology and anatomical morphology of the roots were observed. The membership function evaluation method was used to evaluate the cutting effect. The physiological characteristics of T. chinensis baokangsis cuttings were studied by the correlation analysis of nutrient components and endogenous hormone content. The results showed that the T. chinensis baokangsis belonged to callus rooting type, and the adventitious roots differentiated at about 150 d. For rooting growth indexes, the optimal treatment was ABT-1+400 mg/L. The rooting rate of T. chinensis baokangsis was positively correlated with the content of soluble sugar, soluble starch, and IAA, while extremely significantly negatively correlated with MDA (P <0.01). Moreover, the rooting rate also was negatively correlated with ABA, ZR, and GA3, and significantly negatively correlated with GA3 (P <0.05). This study will provide some technical support and theoretical basis for the conservation and reproduction of T. chinensis baokangsis.
Effects of irrigation intervals and irrigation levels on oil content and fatty acid composition of peanut cultivars
Authors: AKÇURA Sevim , TAŞ Ismail , KÖKTEN Kağan , KAPLAN Mahmut , BENGÜ Aydin Ş.
Published: June 2021

Oil content and fatty acid composition are the most significant quality criteria of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), and these parameters is greatly influenced by irrigation and fertilization practices. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation intervals and irrigation levels on oil content and fatty acid composition of peanuts, under sandy soil conditions in two consecutive years, using ‘Halisbey’, ‘NC-7’, and ‘Sultan’ peanut cultivars, commonly grown in Turkey. Irrigation levels were arranged based on total evaporation from Class-A pan, and irrigations were applied through drip lines. Irrigation intervals were set as two and four days, and irrigation levels were set as 50% (I50), 75% (I75), 100% (I100) and 125% (I125) of Class-A pan evaporations. Oil content, unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids), and saturated fatty acids (palmitic, myristic, arachidic, behenic and lignoceric acids) were determined. For oil content, treatments were identified as the most appropriate irrigation for a two-day irrigation interval of all cultivars, I100 for four-day irrigation interval of ‘Halisbey’ and ‘Sultan’ cultivars and I75 for four-day irrigation interval of ‘NC-7’ cultivar. Oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids of peanuts. Cultivars exhibited different variations in these fatty acids based on irrigation intervals and irrigation levels. In general, oleic acid contents decreased, but linoleic and palmitic acid contents increased with increasing irrigation levels. The greatest oleic acid contents were obtained from two and four-day irrigation intervals of I50 treatments in ‘Halisbey’ and ‘NC-7’ cultivars and from two and four-day irrigation intervals of I75 treatments of the second year in ‘Sultan’ cultivar. Present findings revealed that for quality peanut production, both irrigation intervals and irrigation levels should be taken into consideration.
Do nitrogen and zinc application alleviate the adverse effect of heat stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)?
Authors: MOSAVIAN Seyed Nader , EISVAND Hamid Reza , AKBARI Naser , MOSHATATI Ali , ISMAILI Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Late-season heat stress (LSH) is a limiting factor for wheat production. Besides, low zinc and poor protein diet usually is a problem in low-income countries. The primary calorie source in such countries is prepared from bread. This study aims to mitigate heat stress by zinc and nitrogen application and improve zinc and protein content in wheat grain. We did the field experiments as a split-split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with four replications to assess zinc and nitrogen’s possible mitigation effect on LSH and protein and zinc enrichment of wheat grain during two years. Factors included LSH by delay in planting date (optimum, late, and very late) as the main plot, nitrogen (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha–1) in subplots, and zinc (0, 10, and 20 kg ha–1) as sub-subplots. We measured yield, yield components, physiological traits, zinc, and protein contents in the grain. Results showed that the highest relative water content and cell-membrane thermal stability were attained at the optimum planting date, 150 kg N ha–1 and 20 kg Zn ha–1. The maximum chlorophyll a and carotenoids contents in wheat cells were recorded in the optimum planting date, 225 kg N ha–1, and 20 kg Zn ha–1. Heat stress reduced the grain yield. In the second year of the experiment, the grain number per unit area was more than that of the first year; however, the highest grain yield was achieved in the first year owing to the higher mean grain weight. Nitrogen application decreased the adverse effects of heat stress on grain yield by increasing the grain number. Zinc application diminished the adverse effects of heat stress by increasing the mean grain weight. The adverse impact of the LSH on grain yield was more than that of biological yield. Heat stress reduced the hectolitre weight and zinc content of the grain. Meanwhile, it increased grain protein. In general, under LSH, the application of 225 kg N ha–1 and 20 kg Zn ha–1 can reduce the adverse effects of heat on the grain quality and quantity.
Root hair specification and its growth in response to nutrients
Authors: HUANG Xian , GONG Tianzhi , LI Mei , HU Cenghong , ZHANG Dejian , SUN Mufang
Published: June 2021

Plant root hairs are cylindrical tubular projections from root epidermal cells. They increase the root surface area, which is important for the acquisition of water and nutrients, microbe interactions, and plant anchorage. The root hair specification, the effect of root hairs on nutrient acquisition and the mechanisms of nutrients (calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that affect root hair development and growth were reviewed. The gene regulatory network on root hair specification in the plant kingdom was highlighted. More work is needed to clone the genes of additional root hair mutants and elucidate their roles, as well as undertaking reverse genetics and mutant complementation studies to add to the current knowledge of the signaling networks, which are involved in root hair development and growth regulated by nutrients.
An analysis of the profitability of the restitution of sessile oak forests affected by wildfires in Serbia
Authors: RATKNIĆ Tatjana , RATKNIĆ Mihailo , SUBIĆ Jonel , PODUŠKA Zoran , ŠEKULARAC Gordana , AKSIĆ Miroljub , VJEŠTICA Sunčica
Published: June 2021

Wildfires caused by climate change in Europe have numerous and long-lasting ecological, economic, and social implications for sustainable development (natural environment, economy, and society as a whole). Artificial revitalization of sessile oak forests destroyed by wildfires in Serbia is feasible, but it is quite expensive compared to the spontaneous regeneration. Cost-benefit analysis (an economic approach to comparing and estimating the benefits and shortcomings of a particular business plan, i.e., an investment project by analyzing its costs and benefits) is aimed at finding the best solutions and making the best decisions about the desirability of a project. It was concluded that the investment in the restitution of sessile oak forests could be profitable only if it was based on wood production. Wood production may bear slightly higher interest rates compared to previous estimates which ranged mainly around 3%. This primarily applies to better site classes, while poor quality sites require lower rates. At lower discount rates, it takes more time to reach the break-even point, while the period of time needed to reach the break-even point shortens with higher discount rates. The length of the production cycle plays an important role in determining the investment profitability, especially regarding the relationship between the length of the production cycle and production targets (the type and the quality of wood assortments produced). According to the results of the analysis of intangible benefits and costs, the costs outweigh the benefits, which makes the restitution of sessile oak forests destroyed by fires unacceptable.
Water use efficiency, growth and anatomic-physiological parameters of Mediterranean xerophytes as affected by substrate and irrigation on a green roof
Authors: TASSOULA Lamprini , PAPAFOTIOU Maria , LIAKOPOULOS Georgios , KARGAS George
Published: June 2021

The water use efficiency, growth and anatomic-physiological parameters of Mediterranean medicinal xerophytes on a green roof was investigated, under the effect of water stress and different types of substrate. Rooted cuttings of Convolvulus cneorum, Origanum dictamnus, Sideritis athoa, Atriplex halimus and Lomelosia cretica were planted on a roof in Athens, Greece. Two substrate types, 10 cm deep, were used, i.e. grape marc compost: perlite: soil: pumice (3:3:2:2, v/v) and a lighter one, i.e. grape marc compost: perlite: pumice (3:3:4, v/v). Two irrigation frequencies were applied during the dry period (summer), normal and sparse, when substrate moisture was 17-20% and 5-11%, respectively. Water use efficiency was increased by sparse irrigation in A. halimus and L. cretica and by soil substrate in C. cneorum. Sparse irrigation reduced dry weight in O. dictamnus, S. athoa and L. cretica and in A. halimus in combination with soilless substrate. It increased leaf thickness in all species and reduced Chlολ in all species, other than S. athoa, while in C. cneorum, O. dictamnus and L. cretica this was evident only in the presence of soil in the substrate. In summer, one d before irrigation, stomatal resistance (Rleaf) was increased and maximum quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSIIο) decreased indicating water limitation, while both parameters were restored to normal levels one d after irrigation indicating that both can serve as sensitive indicators of the onset of water stress. ΦPSIIο values, never fell to critical levels, excluding irreversible damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Therefore, all five plant species are recommended for use on extensive green roofs in semi-arid areas.
Temperature-mediated shifts in chlorophyll biosynthesis in leaves of chlorophyll b-lacking rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: NGUYEN Khiem Minh , YANG Zhi-Wei , SHIH Tin-Han , LIN Szu-Hsien , LIN Jun-Wei , NGUYEN Hoang Chinh , YANG Chi-Ming
Published: June 2021

Extreme temperatures have become a threat to crop yields. To maintain plant growth and yield, chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis plays a crucial role in adaptation to temperature stress. This study investigated the influence of temperature on the biosynthesis and characteristics of pigments (Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoids) in the leaves of Chl b-lacking mutant rice (Chlorina 1, ch1) and wild-type rice (Norin No.8, wt). The ch1 showed thinner stacked grana caused by a decrease in thylakoid membranes per granum at 15 °C, whereas the destacked grana were observed at 35 °C after 12 h incubation. However, the grana are stacked normally, along with the absence of Chl b, and a significantly decreased amount of Chl a in both wt and ch1 were observed after heat stress exposure, demonstrating that light-harvesting complex II proteins are involved in grana stacking. Ch1 was sensitive to 15 °C during the first 4 h of incubation but it subsequently adapted to the cold environment. In addition, there were no significant differences in the photosynthesis between wt and ch1 after 12 h incubation at 35 °C. Differentially expressed gene (DEGs) analysis revealed that GluRS expression decreased, which resulted in a decline in Chl biosynthesis in wt and ch1 at 35 °C. At 8 h and 12 h, there were no significant differences in the expression of DEGs involved in Chl biosynthesis and degradation between wt and ch1 at 15 °C. ALAD expression in wt and ch1 at 15 °C decreased until it was undetectable. These findings suggested that ch1 may adapt to temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 35 °C.
The optimization of a conventional extraction of bioactive compounds from Cornus mas by RSM and the determination of favourability factors by GIS technique
Authors: ENACHE Iuliana-Maria , COMAN Gigi , ROȘCA Sanda , VIZIREANU Camelia , MIHALCEA Liliana
Published: June 2021

Rich in vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids, carbohydrates, with a high antioxidant activity, cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is one of the 65 species of Cornaceae family, fruits that are used in food industry, cosmetic industry or homeopathic medicine. The valuable bioactive compounds and the high economical potential of this tree makes suitable to be considered as a raw material to study the optimum extraction conditions in order to maximize the bioactive compounds’ concentration. In this study, the main purpose was to investigate both the favourable and restrictive conditions for Cornus mas using the GIS technique. The Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technique indicated the favourability factors for Cornus mas trees in Romania country. The response surface methodology was employed to study the effect of temperature, time and solvent concentration on the flavonoids’ (TFC) and polyphenols (TPC) concentrations and the antioxidant activity values. The maximum concentration of TPC (24.70 mg GAE/g raw material) and TFC (1.36 mg QE/g raw material) were obtained with 60% ethanol concentration at different temperature and time values. The cube model with centred faces for the Box-Behnken central composition revealed the highest value of the concentration of TAA (101.31 mg TE/g raw material) at 100% ethanol concentration, 50 °C extraction temperature and the maximum extraction time of 30 min. The most relevant variable was the solvent concentration and the obtained results suggested that the central-face cube model (86% for TPC, 97% for TFC and 95% antioxidant activity) approximated the experimental data.
Winter wheat crop water consumption and its effect on yields in southern Romania, in the very dry 2019-2020 agricultural year
Authors: BERCA Mihai , ROBESCU Valentina-Ofelia , HOROIAS Roxana
Published: June 2021

Researches on winter wheat in the south part of Romanian Plain during the dry years 2019 and 2020 have been focused on the crop water consumption issue in excessive conditions of air and soil drought. The wheat crop water consumption in the research sites (Calarasi and Teleorman counties), for the entire vegetation period, autumn – spring – summer, is between 1000 and 1050 m3 of water for each ton of wheat produced. Only in the spring-summer period, the wheat extracts a quantity of about 5960 m3 ha-1, i.e. 851 m3 t-1. The useful water reserve is normally located at about 1500 m3/ha-1, at a soil depth of 0-150 cm. In the spring of 2020, it has been below 400 m3 ha-1, so that at the beginning of May the soil moisture had almost reached the wilting coefficient (WC). Wheat plants have been able to survive the thermal and water shock of late spring - early summer, due to enhanced thermal alternation between air and soil. For a period of about 34 days, this alternation brought the plants 1-1.5 mm water, i.e. approximately 442 m3 ha-1, which allowed the prolongation of the plant’s agony until the rains of the second half of May. Yields have been, depending on the variety, between 1500 and 3000 kg ha-1, in average, covering only 60% of the crop costs. Other measures to save water in the soil have also been proposed in the paper.
Agronomical, physiological and molecular evaluation reveals superior salt-tolerance in bread wheat through salt-induced priming approach
Authors: ALZAHRANI Othman , ABOUSEADAA Heba , ABDELMONEIM Taghreed K. , ALSHEHRI Mohammed A. , EL-MOGY Mohamed , EL-BELTAGI Hossam S. , ATIA Mohamed A. M.
Published: June 2021

Salt stress significantly limit wheat crop productivity worldwide. Exposure to non-lethal levels of salt stress, referred to as "salt-priming", allows plants to persist subsequent lethal conditions; the priming effect continues even after an extended salt stress-free period. This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of the salt-induced priming approach to cope with the toxic effects of long-term salinity stress in wheat. After 22 days of gradual salt acclamation to reach 250 mM NaCl, plants were recovered for eight days and finally shocked with 250 mM NaCl (priming+shock) for 7 days. After that, physiological parameters and gene expression of six salt-responsive genes were assessed. Additionally, 120 days after germination (at the end of the season), agronomic traits were recorded. Analysis of the agronomical traits revealed higher productivity in the salt-pretreated group (priming+shock) plants than the non-pretreated (shock only). Consistently, salt-pretreated plants maintained higher photosynthetic pigments level and decreased proline and MDA content than non-pretreated, suggesting enhanced salt tolerance. Moreover, salt-pretreated plants sustained high expressional levels of salt-responsive genes (TaNHX1, TaSOS1, TaSOS4, TaHKT1, TaHKT2, and TaAKT1) comparing with non-pretreated, indicating a vital role in ion homeostasis and conferring salt tolerance. Ultimately, this finding could facilitate novel smart approaches to improve wheat productivity under salt stress.
Silicon Valley in the South
Authors: KAGAMI MITSUHIRO , KUCHIKI AKIFUMI
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT New trends are now taking place within manufacturing industries led by multi-national corporations (MNCs). Globalization and liberalization together with the information technology (IT) revolution has accelerated “fables” industry in the network economy, i.e. outsourcing production processes and global parts procurement by MNCs. As a consequence of this, the primary function of the MNC has changed from that of manufacturer to ‘service’ provider by outsourcing production processes to foreign contract manufacturers (CMs). NAFTA in fact mutated Mexico into a production platform toward the US and Canada as well as Latin American countries. We can observe these dramatic changes, for instance, in Guadalajara in Mexico, now called the “Silicon Valley in the South”. Since MNCs use their brand names to sell products, their business function becomes close to that of the fashion industry. They market their products in the same way as Gucci and Chanel sell products of original design carrying their brand names. Therefore, product design and marketing become highly important for MNCs to achieve success in business while domestic providers have been left behind for their parts and components supply in this new global supply chain.
Biochemical parameters and antioxidant property of three Salvia L. taxa endemic in Turkey
Authors: Emre İ. , Kursat M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the fatty acids, lipid soluble vitamins, sterols, phenolics, and antioxidant capacities of three endemic Salvia L. taxa (S. euphratica var. Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham leiocalycina (Rech. Fil.) Hedge, S. euphratica var. Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham euphratica (Rech. Fil.) Hedge and S. pseudoeuphratica Rech.Fil.) and to evaluate these results systematically. The fatty acid compositions were determined by using gas chromatography, while the lipid soluble vitamins, sterols, and phenolics were determined by using HPLC. Also, the antioxidant capacities of three Salvia taxa were measured in vitro. Palmitic acid was found as major saturated fatty acid while oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and erucic acid were found as major unsaturated fatty acids in the present study. It was found that S. euphratica var. euphratica had lower palmitic acid (8.94 ± 0.71%), total saturated fatty acid (19.16 ± 0.15%), and higher unsaturated fatty acid content (82.08 ± 0.52%) than other studied taxa. Furthermore, it was shown that S. euphratica var. euphratica had different 18.3/18:2 (0.36) unsaturated/saturated fatty acid (4.28) ratios. However, this study demonstrated that Salvia taxa had low lipid soluble vitamins, sterol contents. On the other hand, it was shown that Salvia taxa had similar catechin (509.2 ± 4.21 µg/g and 552.2 ± 9.21 µg/g) and vanillic acid amounts (351.2 ± 2.17 µg/g and 396.8 ± 4.1 µg/g) in this study. And also, it was found that Salvia taxa had high rosmarinic acid content while S. euphratica var. leiocalycina had the highest rosmarinic acid content (1480 ± 7.57 µg/g). On the other hand, it was shown that the two ferulic acid contents of S. euphratica varieties were higher (1175 ±/5.21 µgmg-1740.2 ± 4.82 µg/mg) than the ferulic acid content of S. pseudoeuphratica of which was the lowest (19.2 ± 0.97 µg/mg). The present results suggested that the biochemical results guided the morphological studies, and Salvia taxa have a potent antioxidant capacity.
Antiadhesion and antibiofilm potential of Fagonia indica from Cholistan desert against clinical multidrug resistant bacteria
Authors: Aslam N. , Hayat S. , Ali T. , Waseem M. , Siddique M. H. , Afzal M. , Muzammil A. , Naz G. , Sarwar A. , Muzammil S.
Published: June 2021

Abstract High resistance to antimicrobials is associated with biofilm formation responsible for infectious microbes to withstand severe conditions. Therefore, new alternatives are necessary as biofilm inhibitors to control infections. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Fagonia indica extracts were evaluated against MDR clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica has antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The extract exhibited its antibiofilm effect by altering adherence and disintegration of bacterial cell wall. Fagonia indica had antibacterial effect as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 125 to 500 µg mL-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was 500-3000 µg mL-1 against MDR isolates. The maximum inhibitory effects of Fagonia indica chloroform extract on biofilm formation was observed on Staphylococcus aureus (71.84%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (70.83%) after 48 hrs showing that inhibition is also time dependent. Our results about bacterial cell protein leakage indicated that MDR isolates treated with chloroform extract of Fagonia indica showed maximum protein leakage of K. pneumoniae (59.14 µg mL-1) followed by S. aureus (56.7 µg mL-1). Cell attachment assays indicated that chloroform extract resulted in a 43.5-53.5% inhibition of cell adherence to a polystyrene surface. Our results revealed that extracts of Fagonia indica significantly inhibited biofilm formation among MDR clinical isolates, therefore, could be applied as antimicrobial agents and cost effective biofilm inhibitor against these MDR isolates.