bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Termite Taxa in Different Habitats in the Middle Montane Ecozone of Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wale Melaku , Nega Desalegn
Published: June 2019

Background: Knowledge of the diversity and occurrence of termites is important for environmental management, but this is unknown in the Bahir Dar Zuria area of northwestern Ethiopia, which represents tepid to cool sub-moist mid-highlands or also known as the middle montane ecozone. The objective of this study was to identify termite taxa and determine the diversity and distribution of termites in different habitats in the middle montane ecozone. Data were collected for eight months starting from December 2016 to July 2017. Termites were collected from different habitats using maize stalks as baits.
Results: A total of over 16,000 termite individuals representing one family (Termitidae), two subfamilies, i.e., Macrotermitinae and Termitinae, and five genera (Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Microtermes, Amitermes and Microcerotermes) were found. More Microtermes and Macrotermes termite individuals were found than on other genera. Microtermes and Macrotermes were more abundant. Shannon’s diversity index and Simpson's index of diversity values appeared to be higher in the protected vegetation. The distribution of termites in the different habitats showed that protected vegetation had more genera (five genera), followed by grass and cultivated lands (four genera each). Termite populations were significantly higher during the rainy season. The genus Odontotermes occurred more during the dry season than the wet season, indicating its foraging behaviour on dry ground. Season, habitat and weather variables were the main factors dictating the type of taxa, distribution and abundance of termites in the study area. Generally, number of individuals increased in the wet and declined in the dry season. Microcerotermes was not found in grasslands and Amitermes in cultivated fields, indicating distinct difference in habitat preference.
Conclusions: Some taxa could be used as indicators of different habitats and seasons because they specialize in these attributes. They also show the degree of environmental degradation and the need for remedial action.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Isoptera, Termites, Abundance, Microtermes, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Habitat, northwestern Ethiopia
Identification of NHXs in Gossypium species and the positive role of GhNHX1 in salt tolerance
Authors: Long Lu , Zhao Jing-Ruo , Guo Dan-dan , Ma Xiao-Nan , Xu Fu-Chun , Yang Wen-Wen , Gao Wei
Published: June 2019

Background
Plant Na+/H+ antiporters (NHXs) are membrane-localized proteins that maintain cellular Na+/K+ and pH homeostasis. Considerable evidence highlighted the critical roles of NHX family in plant development and salt response; however, NHXs in cotton are rarely studied.
Results
The comprehensive and systematic comparative study of NHXs in three Gossypium species was performed. We identified 12, 12, and 23 putative NHX proteins from G. arboreum, G. raimondii, and G. hirsutum, respectively. Phylogenetic study revealed that repeated polyploidization of Gossypium spp. contributed to the expansion of NHX family. Gene structure analysis showed that cotton NHXs contain many introns, which will lead to alternative splicing and help plants to adapt to high salt concentrations in soil. The expression changes of NHXs indicate the possible differences in the roles of distinct NHXs in salt response. GhNHX1 was proved to be located in vacuolar system and intensively induced by salt stress in cotton. Silencing of GhNHX1 resulted in enhanced sensitivity of cotton seedlings to high salt concentrations, which suggests that GhNHX1 positively regulates cotton tolerance to salt stress.
Conclusion
We characterized the gene structure, phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal location, and expression pattern of NHX genes from G. arboreum, G. raimondii, and G. hirsutum. Our findings indicated that the cotton NHX genes are regulated meticulously and differently at the transcription level with possible alternative splicing. The tolerance of plants to salt stress may rely on the expression level of a particular NHX, rather than the number of NHXs in the genome. This study could provide significant insights on the function of plant NHXs, as well as propose promising candidate genes for breeding salt-resistant cotton cultivars.
UPLCMS/MS-based Untargeted Metabolic Profiling Reveals Changes in the Plumbago auriculata Lam. Metabolome Following Heteromorphic Incompatibility System Interactions
Authors: Hu Di , Li Wenji , Gao Suping , Lei Ting , Hu Ju , Shen Ping , Li Yurong , Li Jiani
Published: June 2019

Background

Heteromorphic self-incompatibility (HetSI), which is regulated by gametophytes, occurs in some species as a strategy to promote cross-pollination. Studies on HetSI are rare, and there is little evidence to establish the mechanism of HetSI. This research aimed to reveal metabolic changes occurring in HetSI. We used fluorescence microscopy as a tool to compare growth behavior in self-incompatible (SI) and self-compatible (SC) pollination in both pin and thrum flowers of Plumbago auriculata and to identify the ideal timepoint for sample collection for subsequent experiments. We also employed environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) to evaluate intermorph structural differences in the pollen grain and stigmas in relation to heteromorphic self-incompatibility. Importantly, UPLC-MS/MS was applied in this study to identify metabolites, compare metabolic differences between pin and thrum styles and monitor metabolic changes in styles and SC and SI pollinations in the two type of flowers.

Results

The metabolites mainly included amino acids, flavonoids, glycosides/sugars, phenols, other organic acids, fatty acids/lipids, amines and alcohols. Surprisingly, high-energy nutrients such as amino acids, flavonoids, phenols alcohols and tricarboxylic acid cycle-related metabolites were found at higher levels in SI pollinations than in SC pollinations.

Conclusion

This result indicates that physiological changes in pollen-stigma interactions are different in pin, thrum styles and SC, SI pollinations and that energy deficiency may not be one of the reasons for HetSI.
Comparison of serum biomarkers for the early diagnosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Yang Danhong , Xie Yuanjun , Zhang Qiang , Huang Yicheng , Dai Yining , Yu Wei , Pan Hongying
Published: June 2019

Background

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) can cause serious negative effects among patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). . It is very important to finding methods for early diagnose and intervene early in these patients.This study was to assess the accuracy of early diagnostic value of serum biomarkers in patients with LC and SIRS.

Methods

A total of 123 LC patients were enrolled, 64 of whom were diagnosed with SIRS and 59 patients without SIRS. Various biomarkers and cytokines were measured in two groups of patients: LC+SIRS and LC−SIRS. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to assess the ability of tested biomarkers to diagnoseLC with SIRS.

Results

White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage(N%), as well as levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin(PCT), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were significantly higher in the LC+SIRS group than in the LC−SIRS group. But only sTREM-1 had high accuracy of the early diagnosis for LC+SIRS. The WBC count, N% as well as levels of CRP, PCT, IL-6, andTNF-α had moderate diagnostic value, and IL-10 had low diagnostic value.The cutoff value of sTREM-1was 179.23 pg/mL and showed 84.4% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity.The AUC of sTREM-1 was 0.904(95%CI 0.899–0.982) and higher than that of the WBC count as well as levels of CRP, PCT, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α. In addition, 24 (37.50%) LC+SIRS cases died during 90-day follow-up. Neutrophil percentage as well as levels of CRP, PCT, sTREM-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher those who died than in those who survived.

Conclusion

The WBC count,N% and levels of CRP, PCT, sTREM-1, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α are helpful for the early diagnosis of LC+SIRS.Serum sTREM-1 cut-off levels provide better accuracy than customary levels for cirrhosis with SIRS and appears to be a useful early marker to discriminate between SIRS and no-SIRS.It may also be helpful for implications in the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis and SIRS/sepsis.
The midline approach for endotracheal intubation with GlideScope video laryngoscopy could provide a better glottis exposure in adults:A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Lianxiang , Qiu Shulin , Zhang Peng , Yao Weidong , Chang Yan , Dai Zeping
Published: June 2019

Background: Previous studies demonstrated that the common laryngoscopic approach (right-sided) and midline approach are both used for endotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy. Although a midline approach is commonly recommended for video laryngoscopy (VL) in clinical, lacking of published evidences to support it. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different video laryngoscopic approach on intubation.
Methods: Two hundred and sixty-two patients aged 18 years who underwent elective surgery in general anesthesia, requiring endotracheal intubation, were included in the prospective, randomized, controlled study. Participants were randomly and equally allocated to right approach (Group R) or midline approach (Group M). All intubations were conducted with GlideScope video laryngoscopy by experienced anaesthetists. The primary outcomes were Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic views (CLV) and first-pass success (FPS) rate. The secondary outcomes were time to glottis exposure, time to tracheal intubation, hemodynamic response and other adverse events. Comparative analysis was performed between the both groups.
Results: All patients ultimately were successfully intubated. No significant differences were observed in patient characteristics and airway assessments (P＞0.05). Compared with Group R, Group M had a better CLV (χ2=14.706, P=0.001) and shorter time to glottis exposure (8.82±2.04 vs 12.38±1.81, t=14.94, P<0.001) and tracheal intubation (37.19±5.01 vs 45.23±4.81, t=13.25, P<0.001), but no difference in FPS rate (70.2% vs 71.8%, χ2=0.074, P=0.446). Between groups, the rates of hoarseness or sore throat, minor injury, hypoxemiaand changes of SBP and HR were noted no significant difference (P＞0.05).
Conclusion: Although FPS rate did not differ based upon laryngoscopic approach type; however, the midline approach could provide a better glottis exposure, shorter time to glottis exposure and intubation. The midline approach should be recommended for teaching in VL-assisted endotracheal intubation.
Trial registration: The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-RNC-13003898).
Keywords: endotracheal intubation; video laryngoscopic; laryngoscopic approach
Influence of Measurement Principle on Total Hemoglobin Value
Authors: Hayashi Keisuke , Hitosugi Takashi , Kawakubo Yoshifumi , Kitamoto Norihisa , Yokoyama Takeshi
Published: June 2019

Background: Total hemoglobin measurement is indispensable for determining the stroke type (haemorrhagic vs. ischaemic) and need for blood transfusion. Conductivity- and absorbance-based measurement methods are used for blood gas analysis of total hemoglobin. For conductivity-based measurement, total hemoglobin is calculated after converting blood conductivity into a hematocrit value, whereas absorbance measurement is based on light absorbance after red blood cell hemolysis. We previously reported hemolysis observed after infusion or transfusion during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and total hemoglobin differed between conductivity and absorbance measurement methods possibly due to plasma electrolyte changes and hemolysis.
Methods: In this study, test samples with controlled electrolyte changes and hemolysis were created by adding sodium chloride, distilled water or hemolysed blood to blood samples collected from healthy volunteers, and total hemoglobin values were compared between both methods.
Results: Conductivity-based measurement revealed reduced total hemoglobin value (from 15.49 to 13.05 g/dl) following the addition of 10% sodium chloride, which was also reduced by the addition of hemolysate. Conversely, the addition of distilled water significantly increased total hemoglobin value than the expected value. In the absorbance method, there was no significant change in total hemoglobin value due to electrolyte change or hemolysis.
Conclusions: The absorbance method should be used when measuring total hemoglobin in patients with expected blood conductivity changes. However, when using this method, the added contribution of hemoglobin from hemolysed erythrocytes lacking oxygen carrying capacity must be considered.
Improved recording of work relatedness during patient consultations in occupational primary health care: A cluster randomized controlled trial using routine and register data
Authors: Atkins Salla , Reho Tiia , Talola Nina , Sumanen Markku , Viljamaa Mervi , Uitti Jukka
Published: June 2019

Background

Prolonging working careers is a key policy goal in ageing populations in Europe, but reaching this goal is complex. Occupational health services are in the best position to contribute towards prolonging working careers, through preventing illnesses that cause work disability and early pensions. However, this requires close follow-up and recording of patient health status during consultations, as well as continuity of care. We aimed to determine whether a combined educational and electronic reminder system could improve the recording and follow-up of patient primary care visits in occupational health care, and through this, to impact on sickness absence rates.

Methods

This study is a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial using medical record data. Data were extracted from routine patient registers collected by Pihlajalinna Työterveys from 2015 to 2017. Data were cleaned and analysed intention-to-treat using ANCOVA.

Results

There was no significant difference between intervention and control sites in terms of sickness absences of different duration. Process indicators suggested that there was a change in physicians’ practice following the educational component of the intervention.

Conclusion

Education with an electronic reminder can change physicians’ practice, but longer term follow-up is needed to determine whether this impacts on patients’ sickness absences.
Foliar Application of Aviglycine Reduces Natural Flowering in Pineapple
Authors: Kuan Ching-San , Yu Chih-Wen , Lin Mei-Li , Hsu Hsin-Tszu , Bartholomew Duane P. , Lin Chin-Ho
Published: June 2019

Natural flowering of pineapple is a serious problem for commercial growers of pineapple because it disrupts fruiting schedules, decreases harvesting efficiency and increases costs, and may reduce the percentage of marketable fruit. Aviglycine ([S]-trans-2-amino-4-(2 aminoethoxy)-3-butenoic acid hydrochloride), an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, was applied as a foliar spray to evaluate its potential to prevent natural flowering in 1-year-old `Tainon 18' pineapple. Two experiments were conducted between 10 Oct. and 10 Apr. during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 production seasons. For the 2001-02 season, single or double applications of aviglycine at 100 mg L-1 had no significant effect on natural flowering. A double application of aviglycine at 500 mg L-1 first applied on 9 Nov. reduced flowering from 95.0% in the control to 51.3% when evaluated on 25 Feb. 2002. In the 2002-03 production season, triple applications of aviglycine applied at 20-day intervals beginning on 10 Nov. 2002 significantly reduced natural flowering when evaluated on 28 Mar. 2003. There was 95.8% flowering in the control, 64.6% with 250 and 375 mg L-1 aviglycine, and 50% with 500 mg L-1 aviglycine. Aviglycine has the potential to partially control precocious flowering of pineapple, which will reduce crop losses associated with such flowering.
Resistance of Greenhouse, Laboratory, and Native Populations of Western Flower Thrips to Spinosad
Authors: Loughner Rebecca L. , Warnock Daniel F. , Cloyd Raymond A.
Published: June 2019

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] collected from greenhouse, laboratory, and native populations were evaluated for resistance to the insecticide spinosad. Individual cut stems of transvaal daisy (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex Hook. f.) were inoculated with 25 adults from 1 of 9 thrips populations and maintained in isolation chambers. Treatments of no spray, water spray, spinosad at one-half label rate (0.41 mL·L-1) and spinosad at the recommended label rate (0.81 mL·L-1) were applied to the flowers. Three days after treatment, the number of live and dead thrips was recorded. Significantly more thrips were recovered from the control treatments than the spinosad treatments. Thrips survival varied by treatment and insect population. Based on an odds ratio analysis, the likelihood of recovering live thrips was greater in the IL-GH1 (Illinois greenhouse) population than in the NV-N1 (Nevada native) reference population for both spinosad treatments, suggesting resistance to spinosad in the IL-GH1 population. The IL-GH1 population was collected from a greenhouse regularly sprayed with spinosad whereas the NV-N1 population was collected in Incline Village, Nev., on wildflowers with no history of exposure to spinosad. This is the first documented indication of spinosad resistance in a thrips population. In comparison to the NV-N1 reference population, none of the populations collected from laboratory or native nonagricultural environments exhibited evidence of resistance to spinosad. Resistance to an insecticide with a novel mode of action, such as spinosad, indicates the necessity of rotating insecticides and implementing alternative methods of managing western flower thrips. Chemical names used: spinosad including spinosyn A and spinosyn D (Conserve SC).
Grape Phylloxera Gallicole and Radicicole Activity on Grape Rootstock Vines
Authors: Granett Jeffrey , Kocsis Laszlo , Horvath Laszlo , Horvathne Eva Baracsi
Published: June 2019

The objective was to explore temporal distribution of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch), gallicoles on grapevine rootstocks (Vitis sp.) and determine how this distribution arose. We tested the hypothesis that leaf galls are created by individuals arising from the soil in the spring. Galls begin to appear at budbreak and gall averages per leaf increase variably as the season progresses. Initial galling appears to be associated with dry conditions and gall populations decline with rain. Emergence-trap catches show that phylloxera maintain populations on rootstock roots and that these populations disperse above ground. Aerial trap data demonstrated wind dispersal of crawlers and alates. Shielding of canes from soil-emerging phylloxera largely prevented early gall formation. These results suggest alternative testable hypotheses for explaining overwintering of phylloxera in rootstock vineyards.
Screening Short-day Onion Cultivars for Resistance to Fusarium Basal Rot
Authors: Gutierrez Jessica A. , Cramer Christopher S.
Published: June 2019

Fusarium basal rot (FBR), caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f. sp. cepae (H.N. Hans.) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans, is a soilborne fungal disease that affects bulb onions (Allium cepa L.) worldwide. Short-day onion cultivars that are resistant to FBR are lacking. The goal of this project was to screen fall-sown onion germplasm for FBR resistance using a mature bulb field screening at harvest and after 4 weeks in storage. The project was conducted for 2 years, and in each year, 26 fall-sown onion lines were grown in a field known to produce a high incidence of fusarium-basal-rot-infected bulbs. When all the bulbs in a plot were mature, the basal plates of 20 bulbs were cut transversely and each plate was rated for disease severity on a scale of one (no diseased tissue) to nine (70% or more diseased). Bulbs were stored and rerated at 2 and 4 weeks after harvest. Disease severity and incidence were higher in the first year than in the second year. Both severity and incidence increased as bulbs were stored for 4 weeks. NMSU 00-25 exhibited the lowest disease severity and incidence in both years at harvest time and after storage. `Buffalo' and `Cardinal' exhibited the highest severities and incidences across both years and at harvest time and after storage. Other entries exhibited high or low disease severity and incidence but not consistently across years and between harvest time and after storage. In the development of FBR resistant cultivars, breeding lines should be evaluated over multiple years and bulbs should be stored for 4 weeks before being screened.
Carbohydrates and Postharvest Leaf Blackening of Proteas
Authors: Stephens Iain A. , Meyer Celeste , Holcroft Deirdre M. , Jacobs Gerard
Published: June 2019

Glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch concentrations were determined in leaves and inflorescences of protea cutflower cultivars soon after harvest and at the onset of leaf blackening while standing in water. At the onset of leaf blackening sugars and starch were lower in both inflorescences and leaves. Proportionately, sugars and starch decreased more in leaves than in inflorescences. Flower-bearing shoots of `Sylvia' were pulsed individually with 5% glucose solution until each shoot had taken up 10 mL solution. Water served for control treatment. Flowers were then stored for 21 days at 1 °C. After pulsing and after cold storage groups of flowering shoots were separated into inflorescence, leaf and stem components and glucose and starch content determined. Glucose content, determined upon completion of pulsing treatments, was significantly greater in all shoot components of shoots pulsed glucose compared with nonpulsed control shoots. Glucose content of leaves was significantly greater after storage for shoots pulsed than control shoots. Starch content of leaves determined upon completion of pulsing treatments was significantly greater in shoots pulsed with glucose than that of controls. There was a significant decrease in starch content for all tissue types during 21 days of storage. Pulsing flower stems of seven protea cultivars before 3 weeks cold storage significantly reduced the incidence of leaf blackening when assessed both on day 1, and again on day 7 after 3 weeks of cold storage. Supplementing holding solutions with 1% or 2% glucose reduced leaf blackening of proteas pulsed with glucose and cold stored for 3 weeks.
Host Resistance in Pyrus to Fabraea Leaf Spot
Authors: Bell Richard L. , van der Zwet Tom
Published: June 2019

Pear leaf spot, caused by the fungus Fabraea maculata Atk. (anamorph: Entomosporium mespili (DC.) Sacc.) occurs in most areas of the world where pears are grown. Most major cultivars of the european pear, P. communis L., for which data are available are susceptible. Ratings appearing in the literature are sometimes contradictory. This study evaluated resistance/susceptibility within a diverse collection of Pyrus cultivars and other germplasm in a randomized and replicated nursery plot using quantitative measures of disease incidence and severity. The least susceptible genotypes were the P. communis cultivars `Beurre Fouqueray' and `Bartlett', the P. pyrifolia cultivars `Imamura Aki', and the P. communis × P. ussuriensis hybrid NJ 477643275.
Irrigation Frequency Effects on Turgor Pressure of Creeping Bentgrass and Soil Air Composition
Authors: Jordan John E. , White Richard H. , Thomas James C. , Hale Trent C. , Vietor Donald M.
Published: June 2019

Proper water management is a major responsibility of managers of creeping bentgrass grown on putting greens in the hot and humid southern states. The combination of shallow root systems, sand-based root zones, high temperatures, and high evaporative demands frequently results in severe drought stress on bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) greens. This study was initiated to determine the effects of irrigation frequency on creeping bentgrass turgor pressure and on the O2 and CO2 concentrations in a sand-based root zone mixture. In total, 81 plots, 1.5 × 1.5 m each, were established on a USGA-type root zone mixture and organized into 9 groups of 9 plots each. Each group could be irrigated individually. One plot in each group was planted to either `A-4', `Crenshaw', `Mariner', `L-93', or `Penncross' creeping bentgrass. Irrigation frequency treatments of 1-, 2-, and 4-day replacement of historical PET were imposed on three groups each. After establishment, measurements of the leaf water potential, osmotic potential, soil oxygen concentration, and soil carbon dioxide concentrations were made over a 1- to 2-year period. Bentgrass irrigated every 1 or 2 days had significantly (P = 0.05) greater turgor pressures at 0600 hr as compared to turf irrigated every 4 days in 1997. No differences were seen in 1998 due to drier environmental conditions. Concentrations of O2 and CO2 in the soil air remained in the optimal range for all treatments, indicating that lack of O2 in the root zone as a result of frequent irrigation may not be the primary cause for reduced rooting depth of bentgrass grown on highly permeable sand-based root zone mixtures.
Responses of Strawberry Species and Cultivars to the Root-lesion and Northern Root-knot Nematodes
Authors: Pinkerton Jack , Finn Chad E.
Published: June 2019

The relative susceptibility of 44 genotypes of wild Fragaria L. and commercial cultivars of strawberry Fragaria ×ananassa Duch. to Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood and Pratylenchus penetrans (Cobb) Filipjev & Shuurmans Stekhoven was evaluated in the greenhouse. Eleven genotypes were highly resistant to populations of M. hapla from Washington State and Oregon, with Rf values (initial nematode density/final population density) less than 0.5. However, root growth of most genotypes, including resistant genotypes, was reduced by M. hapla. Thirteen genotypes were ranked more resistant to P. penetrans than F. ×ananassa `Totem', a susceptible cultivar. Root growth of most genotypes was not affected by P. penetrans under these experimental conditions. We conclude that commercial cultivars and wild Fragaria genotypes can provide a readily exploitable source of resistance to M. hapla. Conversely, sources of resistance to P. penetrans were uncommon in the germplasm evaluated. The F. ×ananassa cultivars, which already have commercially important characteristics, appear to be a better source of resistance for both nematode species than the wild, unimproved germplasm.
Sources and Inheritance of Resistance to Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora) in Eastern U.S. Blackberry Genotypes
Authors: Stewart Philip J. , Clark John R. , Fenn Patrick
Published: June 2019

Resistance to fire blight in blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) was studied in both seedling populations and clonally propagated plants. Seedling populations resulted from a partial diallel crossing of seven cultivars (Apache, Arapaho, Chester Thornless, Illini Hardy, Navaho, Triple Crown, and Prime-Jim™). Clonal material evaluated included eleven cultivars (Apache, Arapaho, Chester Thornless, Chickasaw, Kiowa, Illini Hardy, Navaho, Ouachita, Shawnee, Triple Crown, and Prime-Jim) and six breeding selections. Inoculations were made by injection of suspensions of Erwinia amylovora in sterile water. Significant differences in resistance were found among genotypes; `Navaho' was the most susceptible, and `Kiowa' and a breeding selection A-2095, the most resistant. Seedling inoculations showed resistance to be quantitatively inherited and mostly additive, with an overall narrow-sense heritability of h2 = 0.32.
Effects of Long-term Organic Amendments and Soil Solarization on Pepper and Watermelon Growth, Yield, and Soil Fertility
Authors: Ozores-Hampton Monica , Stansly Philip A. , McSorley Robert , Obreza Thomas A.
Published: June 2019

Many vegetable growers rely on methyl bromide or other soil fumigants to manage soil pathogens, nematodes, and weeds. Nonchemical alternatives such as solarization and organic amendments are as yet largely unproven, but do offer promise of more sustainable solutions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term organic amendments and soil solarization on soil chemical and physical properties and on growth and yield of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Manst.). Main plots consisted of a yearly organic amendment or a nonamendment control. Four subplots of soil sanitation treatments consisted of solarization, methyl bromide, Telone, and nonfumigated. Each subplot was divided into two sub-subplots, one with weed control and one without weed control. Plant biomass was higher in plots with organic amendments than in nonamended plots. There were no differences in marketable pepper and watermelon yields between organic amended and nonamended plots during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons, respectively. However, higher pepper yields were produced from organic amended plots in the 1999-2000 season. Soil pH and Mehlich 1-extractable P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu were higher in organic amended plots than in nonamended control plots. Soil organic matter concentration was 3-fold higher in amended soil than in nonamended soil. Effects of soil sanitation and weed management varied with crop and season. The methyl bromide and Telone treatments produced higher yields than soil solarization. In general, weed control did not affect plant biomass and yield for any of the crops and seasons. The results suggest that annual organic amendment applications to sandy soils can increase plant growth and produce higher or comparable yields with less inorganic nutrient input than standard fertilization programs.
Impact of Leaf and Stem Proportions on Dry Matter and Crude Protein In Situ Disappearance of Rhizoma Peanut Genotypes
Authors: Alencar Nayara M. , Vendramini João M. B. , Dubeux José C. B. , dos Santos Antonio C. , Sanchez João M. D. , da Silva Hiran M. , Silveira Maria L. , Sousa Luis F. , Neiva José N. M.
Published: June 2019

Rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) is a warm‐season legume adapted to the southern United States. ‘Florigraze’ is the most cultivated rhizoma peanut; however, recent studies have demonstrated that the genotype Ecoturt has attractive forage characteristics. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of leaf and stem proportions on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) disappearance of Ecoturf and Florigraze rhizoma peanut. Treatments were two genotypes of rhizoma peanut (Florigraze or Ecoturf) and three leaf and stem proportions (100, 50, and 0%) distributed in a randomized complete design with four replicates. Crude protein and DM disappearances were estimated using a nonlinear model. Dry matter and CP fractions were described as rapidly degradable (Fraction A), potentially degradable (Fraction B), and undegradable (Fraction C). Florigraze had greater DM Fraction A than Ecoturf (349 vs. 339 g kg−1), but there was no difference in Fractions B and C (means = 427 and 230 g kg−1, respectively). The leaf and stem proportions have significant impact on DM and CP fractions and effective degradability. There was a linear decrease in DM Fractions A and B and a decrease in Fraction C with increasing leaf proportion. Conversely, CP Fractions A and C increased with increasing leaf proportion, whereas Fraction B decreased. The leaf and stem proportions are important indicators of nutritive value of rhizoma peanut, and the models generated by this study may allow managers to have a more accurate prediction of forage nutritive value for ruminants.
Valleyite: A new magnetic mineral with the sodalite-type structure
Authors: Lee Seungyeol , Xu Huifang , Xu Hongwu , Jacobs Ryan , Morgan Dane
Published: June 2019

Valleyite, Ca4(Fe,Al)6O13, is a new sodalite-type mineral discovered in late Pleistocene basaltic scoria from the Menan Volcanic Complex near Rexburg, Idaho, U.S.A. It is an oxidation product of basaltic glass during the early stage of the scoria formation and is associated with hematite (α-Fe2O3), maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), luogufengite (ε-Fe2O3), and quartz on the surface of vesicles. The measured crystal size of valleyite ranges from ~250 to ~500 nm. The empirical chemical formula of valleyite is (Ca3.61Mg0.39)(Fe3.97Al1.91Ti0.09)O13. The mineral has a space group of I43m. The (Fe,Al)-O bond distance and unit-cell edge are slightly larger than those reported for synthetic Ca4Al6O13, presumably due to the presence of the larger Fe3+ cations, compared with Al3+, in the structure. Density functional theory calculations predict that valleyite may be a metastable phase at low temperatures. Measured Curie temperatures for valleyite and luogufengite are 645 and 519 K, respectively. Their magnetization hysteresis loop indicates the magnetic exchange coupling between valleyite (soft magnet) and luogufengite (hard magnet) that aids in the understanding of magnetic properties and paleo-magnetism of basaltic rocks. This new mineral, valleyite, with the sodalite-type cage structure is potentially a functional magnetic material.
ICPC 14: Os Impactos dessa Norma Contábil nas Sociedades Cooperativas Agropecuárias
Authors: Londero Paola Richter , Santos Ariovaldo Dos
Published: June 2019

A aplicação da ICPC 14, relacionada à IFRIC 2 e IAS 32, nas sociedades cooperativas gerou intensa discussão entre os normatizados, auditores, contadores, pesquisadores e representantes do movimento cooperativista. No Brasil, ao aprovar a ITG 2004, o Conselho Federal de Contabilidade se posicionou contrário a adoção da ICPC 14, dando oportunidade para que estudos sejam realizados sobre a questão. A adoção da ICPC 14 implicaria na reclassificação das cotas de capital dos cooperados do patrimônio líquido para o passivo das entidades, caso o estatuto ou dispositivos legais não determinassem a possibilidade de a cooperativa recusar o resgate das cotas aos cooperados. Como consequência, os índices econômico-financeiros sofreriam mudanças e isso poderia alterar a imagem das cooperativas. Assim, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi verificar quais seriam os impactos da adoção da ICPC 14 nos índices econômico-financeiros das cooperativas agropecuárias brasileiras. Com relação à metodologia, empregou-se o Teste de Wilcoxon para comparação das médias antes e após a simulação da adoção da ICPC 14, dos índices de endividamento, rentabilidade do patrimônio líquido e liquidez corrente das 35 cooperativas agropecuárias listadas na Revista Exame -- Melhores e Maiores de 2015. Como resultado, verificou-se que os três índices econômico-financeiros apresentam diferenças estatísticas, com nível de significância de 1%. Para os casos do índice de endividamento e liquidez, constataram-se alterações que chegaram a mais de 20%. Por outro lado, a reclassificação do capital social para o passivo reduziria o valor do patrimônio líquido e, como consequência, provocaria a melhora da rentabilidade. Como contribuição, a pesquisa auxilia na visualização de um panorama dos impactos da adoção da ICPC 14 nas cooperativas agropecuárias, permitindo subsídios para a compreensão da discussão acerca dessa norma contábil.
Corrupção e Contabilidade: Análise Bibliométrica da Produção Científica Internacional
Authors: Vecchia Leidiane Andreola Dalla , Mazzioni Sady , Poli Odilon Luiz , Moura Geovanne Dias de
Published: June 2019

O objetivo do estudo consistiu em analisar as principais características da produção intelectual relacionadas à contabilidade e a corrupção, no cenário internacional. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram conduzidos por meio de pesquisa descritiva, análise bibliométrica e abordagem quantitativa.  A coleta considerou a produção indexada nas bases de dados Spell, Scielo, Science Direct e Ebsco, cuja amostra final reuniu um conjunto de cinquenta e três artigos. Os resultados encontrados indicam baixa densidade de relações entre os autores e as instituições, os autores mais produtivos contam com apenas três artigos e, confirmando um pressuposto da Lei de Lotka, 97,44% dos autores possuem apenas um artigo sobre o tema. Não foi observada a presença de elitismo de autores, reforçando o caráter de que a produção científica sobre a temática ainda é incipiente. O maior volume de artigos publicados ocorreu em 2015, 11 artigos. Dentre os artigos de maior impacto, 50% adotaram perspectiva positivista e 50% perspectiva crítica. Os períodos Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Journal of Accounting Auditing & Finance e The Accounting Rewiew publicaram o maior numero de pesquisas sobre a temática abordada neste estudo. Os resultados permitiram observar maior incidência de discussões na relação da corrupção com: práticas de auditoria (atividades do auditor e combate de fraudes); escândalos corporativos (ineficiência contábil) e combate à corrupção por meio da contabilidade.
A facile approach towards copper oxide nanoparticles synthesis using Spirulina platensis and assessment of its biological activities
Authors: Jayakrishnan Priyanga , Razack Sirajunnisa Abdul , Sivanesan Keerthana , Sellaperumal Pavithra , Ramakrishnan Geethalakshmi , Subramanian Sangeetha , Sahadevan Renganathan
Published: June 2019

There is a budding need to develop a method for environmentally benign metal nanoparticle synthesis, that do not use toxic chemicals in the synthesis protocols to avoid adverse effects in medical applications. The present investigation dealt with the synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles from blue green alga, Spirulina platensis. The algal extract consisting of phytochemicals was used as the reducing agent and copper sulphate as the substrate. Synthesised nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM. Antibacterial and anticancer activities were assessed for the CuO nanoparticles. The results indicated that the formed CuO nanoparticles were observed to be nanosheets. FT-IR spectral analysis elucidated the occurrence of biomolecules required for the reduction of copper oxide ions. The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be effective at the concentration of 1 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens. The cytotoxicity activity of CuO nanoparticle was evaluated by MTT Assay against colon cancer cell lines and confirmed that CuO nanoparticle at a concentration of 125 µg/mL had cytotoxic activity. In conclusion, the CuO nanoparticles were synthesized at a low energy supply, in an ecologically safe mode which could be utilized for pharmacological applications and various biotechnological studies.
Use of different doses of glyphosate to control invasive plants: Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis, Digitaria insularis, Ipomoea grandiofolia and Tridax procumbens
Authors: Lacerda André Luiz de Souza , Filho Ricardo Victoria , Souza Zigomar Menezes de , Torres José Luiz Rodrigues
Published: June 2019

Glyposhate is among the most widely used herbicides in Brazil and worldwide and has a broad spectrum of control, low toxicity, non-selective, and systemic action. In Brazil, it has been increasingly consumed after its release to be used in plants with tolerance to the product; however, excessive use has contributed to select resistant or tolerant weed species. Our goal was to evaluate the efficiency of weed control by using glyphosate in a growth chamber at different doses, periods of applications, and weed species. The experimental design was completely randomized – factorial scheme 7 x 5 – by assessing seven doses of glyphosate: 0; 720; 960; 1200; 1440; 1680, and 1920 g ha-1 i.a., in five weeds: black picket, bitter grass, bull herb, viola string, and ragged, with five repetitions. The weeds were sowed in polyethylene pots with three plants per pot. Assessments of dry biomass were conducted after 7, 14, and 21 days of application (DAA) with the treatment of glyphosate in scores from 0 to 100%. We concluded that the herbicide was efficient at controlling the black picket and bitter grass species as 100% of the weed plants 14 DAA died with the doses of 720 g ha-1 i.a. Doses of glyphosate required to reach indices of control above 915 were 1680 g ha-1 i.a. for ragged, 960 g ha-1 i.a. for bull herb, and 1440 g ha-1 i.a. for viola string at 21 DAA – since these are considered hard to control. It is recommended to apply 1440 g ha-1 i.a. of glyphosate for an effective control over 80% of all invasive plants assessed at 21 DAA,.
Implication of some pre-germination treatments on seeds and initial seedling growth of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Monteiro Laís Naiara Honorato , Boliani Aparecida Conceição , Ferreira Antonio Flávio Arruda , Rodrigues Maria Gabriela Fontanetti , Faria Gláucia Amorim , Silva Marcela Sant’anna Cordeiro da , Oliveira Marcela Pacola , Cunha Silvia Regina , Ribeiro Luiza Rocha
Published: June 2019

Pomegranate stands out as healthy fruit due to its phytochemical compounds. Some dormancy studies have stated the need to understand seed physiology, subsequent seedling production, as producers intended to expand the supply of pomegranate, besides facilitating the introduction of such promising crop. Thus, this study aimed to identify possible integumentary dormancy in seeds of pomegranate cultivar Comum and to evaluate the effect of mechanical scarification and water immersion of seeds, as overcoming method. In this study, sarcotesta was removed from scarified and non-scarified seeds, and then immersed in deionised water for up to 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. Then seeds were embedded in trays of expanded polystyrene with organic substrate at greenhouse. The following evaluations were carried out: initial emergence, speed index, mean time of emergence and emergence percentage, besides biometric variables such as leaf number, stem diameter, length of aerial part and root system, fresh matter and total dry matter. A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement (presence or absence of scarification x four immersion time) in a completely randomized design was used, with 4 replicates of 25 seeds each. The results showed that seeds do not need to be scarified and immersed in water, regarding to both emergence and initial seedling growth variables. Results indicated that it was unnecessary to perform scarification and water immersion for emergence and initial growth variables, leading to conclusion that pomegranate seeds cv. Comum have no integumentary dormancy.
Phenotypic diversity and marker-trait association studies under heat stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Alsamir Muhammed , Ahmad Nabil , Arief Vivi , Mahmood Tariq , Trethowan Richard
Published: June 2019

Tomato is a mild season crop and high temperature stress impacts productivity negatively. However, the development of cultivars with improved heat tolerance is possible as genetic variability has been consistently reported. This study aimed to identify candidate genes that impact various traits under heat stress. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted on a diverse set of 144 tomato genotypes collected from various germplasm centers and breeding programs. The genotypes were grown under control and heat stress in poly tunnels having mean temperatures of 30°C and 45°C for two seasons and phenotypic data were collected on seven agro-physiological traits. All individuals were genotyped withthe80K DArTseq platform using 31237 SNP markers. Data were analysed using a mixed model based on restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Pattern analysis of the phenotypic data showed five primary clusters each with genotypes from multiple origins. Based on the genotypic data, three wild tomato genotypes showed a degree of un-relatedness with the other materials as they were distantly located from the rest of the genotypes in the scatter plot. Control treatment data were used to ascertain markers that are exclusively important under high temperature stress. A large number of markers were significantly associated with various traits under heat stress. These included strong marker associations for number of inflorescence/plant (IPP), number of flowers/inflorescence (FPI), fresh fruit weight (FFrW), and electrolyte leakage (EL). High association with EL was found due to two SNPs 7858523|F|0-25:G>A-25:G>A and 4705224|F|0-60:C>G-60:C>G located on Chr 6. Other less pronounced marker-trait associations were observed for plant dry weight (PDW), and number of fruit/plant (FrPP).
Response of spring wheat genotypes to organic farming systems in low-fertility soil
Authors: Ghumaiz Nasser S. AL , Motawei Mohamed I , Soqeer Abdulrahman A Al
Published: June 2019

Low-fertility soil is considered a major challenge for growing wheat (Triticum aestivum) in organic systems. The objective of this study was to identify spring wheat genotype(s) adapted to growing in organic systems with low-fertility soil compared with conventional systems in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Organic and conventional trials were established during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in the arid environment of central region of Saudi Arabia. Both trails were seeded in a sandy loam soil. Eight bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for the following parameters: grain and straw yields, grain-filling rate (GFR), days to heading (DTH), days to maturity (DTM), number of kernels per spike and 1000-kernel weight. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The findings showed that there were significant differences in grain and straw yields between the two systems and among genotypes. The Egyptian genotypes 'Sids 12' and Early-line produced the highest grain yields (7.8 tons ha-1) in the conventional system, whereas in the organic system, Yocora Rojo (control genotype) and Early-line produced the highest yields (5.8 and 5.9 tons ha-1, respectively). Grain and straw yields were higher in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons compared to 2010. Early-line and ICARDA genotypes (IC8 and IC17) had the highest grain-filling rate, whereas the Australian genotypes (P5 and P3) and the local genotype 'Sama' had the lowest grain-filling rate. The genotype Early-line had the shortest time to heading and maturity in both systems. Therefore, Early-line and Yocora Rojo are promising bread wheat genotypes for organic production systems in low-fertility soil.