bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategias didácticas para la enseñanza de la lecto-escritura en Educación Básica Elemental
Authors: Montilla-Estaba Ricardo , Prieto-López Yeimer
Published: May 2022

El objetivo principal del presente artículo es diseñar estrategias didácticas para la enseñanza de la lecto-escritura en Educación Básica Elemental en el retorno a la presencialidad. Luego de la aplicación de la sistematización teórica y del método histórico-lógico permitió a esta investigación sustentar los principales autores que han abordado las variables, se destacan: Avendaño y Copertari (2022), Cassani (2020), Dussel (2020), Navarrete (2021), Santos Guerra (2020). El tipo de investigación, se fundamentó mediante la metodología de los estudios descriptivos y documental, como método se asume el hermenéutico aplicando la técnica de triangulación científica, lo que permitió conocer los aspectos relevantes en la descripción de la enseñanza de la lecto-escritura para la postpandemia, concluyendo en que la educación  se necesita evolucionar aplicando Estrategias didácticas de enseñanza flexible, orientada al desarrollo de la motricidad fina para la escritura y el reconocimiento de sonidos, palabras y oraciones para la comprensión lectora, que permita integrar de manera colectiva a todos los alumnos del nivel de Educación Básica Elemental.
La educación virtual en el contexto pandémico de las universidades
Authors: Moreira-Choez Jenniffer , Lamus de Rodríguez Tibisay
Published: May 2022

Este trabajo es relevante y significativo, dado que obedeció a una situación problemática. En ese sentido, se planteó como propósito interpretar el estado actual en el que se encuentra la educación virtual en el contexto de las universidades. Caso de estudio, Universidad Técnica de Manabí (UTM). La metodología fue desarrollada bajo el paradigma interpretativo, con enfoque cualitativo y método hermenéutico. La técnica utilizada fue la revisión documental analizada mediante el círculo hermenéutico. En los hallazgos emergieron cinco categorías: Nivel de preparación tecnológica de las instituciones universitarias, migración de la educación presencial a la virtual, aspectos socioeconómicos de los estudiantes, condiciones de salubridad y deserción del estudiante. Al ser amalgamadas, se obtuvo el estado actual de la educación virtual en la UTM, apreciando su compromiso y responsabilidad. Se concluyó el grado de éxito de la educación virtual de la UTM en correspondencia con el nivel de preparación preexistente.
Upaya Peningkatan Kemampuan Kognitif Anak Melalui Media Loose Parts
Authors: Kulsum Umi
Published: May 2022

Pembelajaran jarak jauh untuk anak usia dini hasilnya kurang optimal. Terutama kemampuan kognitif anak. Kendalanya antara lain terbatasnya media belajar di rumah. Masalah ini dapat diatasi dengan metode Media Loose Part. Media loose parts merupakan benda-benda lepasan yang ditemukan di sekitar rumah dan digunakan sebagai media permainan konstruktif. Anak dapat mengombinasi, membuat susunan, merakit, memodifikasi, dan lain sebagainya sesuai dengan keinginan dan kreativitasnya.. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penggunaan media loose parts dalam meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif pada peserta didik kelompok A2 TKIT Al Madinah Nogosari selama belajar dari rumah. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media loose parts dapat meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif anak. Pada kemampuan awal 42,99% menjadi 62,29% dan kemudian meningkat jadi 78,08 %. Media loose parts cukup efektif membantu guru dalam memberikan inspirasi kegiatan kepada anak dan dapat mempermudah orang tua dalam mendampingi anak-anak selama pembelajaran jarak jauh. Kata Kunci: loose Part, Media, Kemampuan Kognitif
Analisis Peran Orang Tua Dalam Penanaman Nilai-Nilai Karakter (Suatu Studi Kasus Pada Orang Tua Dari Paud Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun Di Paud Negeri Pembina 1 Kota Ternate
Authors: Sangaji Rosihan , Alhadad Bujuna , Achmad Fatoni
Published: May 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peran orangtua dalam penanaman nilai-nilai karakter anak. Jenis Penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kualitatif deskriptif. Penelitian kualitatif adalah cara-cara, strategi untuk memahami realitas, dan langkah-langkah yang sistematis untuk memecahkan rangkaian sebab akibat berikutnya. Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk mengungkap data dan informasi sebanyak mungkin tentang peran orang tua dalam penanaman nilai-nilai karakter anak pada kelompok B usia 4-5 tahun di PAUD negeri pembina 1 Kota Ternate. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh memperlihatkan bahwa peran orangtua dalam penanaman nilai-nilai karakter pada anak yaitu mendidik anak melalui contoh perilaku yang dilakukan dengan bersikap tegas, bertutur kata yang lembut, pemberian nasehat, kemudian membiasakan untuk mentaati peraturan agama seperti melaksanakan ibadah tepat waktu, baca qur’an setiap waktu sore. Sedangkan tutur kata orang tua dengan anak di lakukan dengan pemberian arahan untuk tidak mengejek teman lain. dan yang terakhir orang tua menerapkan mengatur waktu yang dilakukan dengan mengawasi anak dalam hal sikapnya, ibadahnya, dan tutur katanya. Kata Kunci : Peran Orangtua, Nilai-Nilai Karakter, Anak
MENINGKATKAN MOTORIK KASAR MELALUI KEGIATAN BERMAIN JUNGKAT-JUNGKIT PADA ANAK USIA 5-6 TAHUN DI TK BARUNAWATI KOTA TERNATE
Authors: Farid Santi , Mahmud Nurhamsa , Samad Rita
Published: May 2022

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan motorik kasar anak kelompok B TK Barunawati melalui kegiatan bermain jungkat-jungkit pada aspek keseimbangan dan kordinasi antar anggota tubuh. Seperti merangka, berjalan, melompat, atau berlari. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas (classroom action research) kolaboratif. Subjek penelitian kelompok B berjumlah 10 anak. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan lembar observasi dan dokumentasi. Analisis data menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil Penelitian yang diperoleh dapat disimpulkan yakni motorik kasar anak kelompok B di TK Barunawati kota ternate dapat di tingkatkan melalui kegiatan bermain untuk meningkatkan motorik kasar anak, dengan besar peningkatan persentase perkembang motorik kasar anak, pada siklus I siswa yang tuntas sebanyak 6 siswa atau sebesar 60% dan pada siklus II meningkat sebanyak 80 % sehingga 10 siswa dapat mencapai sebesar 100%. Kata kunci: Motorik Kasar, Bermain Jungkat-Jungkit, Anak
Penanaman Sikap Nasionalisme Pada Anak Usia Dini
Authors:   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Nurpatimah Aam
Published: May 2022

Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui metode penanaman sikap nasionalisme pada anak usia dini di PAUD. Pendidikan anak usia dini merupakan jenjang pendidikan sebelum memasuki pendidikan dasar yang di tujukan kepada anak usia 0-6 tahun. Penanaman sikap nasionalisme dan pembentukan karakter pada anak usia dini sangatlah penting. Dalam menghadapi era globalisasi ini banyak pembaharuan yang terjadi, untuk itu penanaman sikap nasionalisme harus ditanamkan sejak usia dini supaya anak mengenal dan memahami bangsa dan negaranya, serta menjauhkan anak dari perilaku yang tidak bermoral. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode study literature. Data penelitian diperoleh dari berbagai macam sumber pustaka yang didapat dari beberapa jurnal sebelumnya yang berkaitan dengan sikap nasionalisme dan anak usia dini. Dari berbagai macam sumber referensi yang ada menjadikan penyusunan dalam artikel ini berjalan dengan baik. Dari hasil penelitian memperoleh empat metode pembelajaran dalam menanamkan sikap nasionalisme pada anak usia dini yaitu, metode bernyanyi, metode bercerita, melakukan karya wisata, dan metode menggambar. Kata kunci: Nasionalisme, Pembelajaran, Pendidikan
Analisis Perkembangan Motorik Halus Menggunakan Teknik Mozaik Pada Anak Kelompok B Di PAUD Alkhairaat Gambesi Kota Ternate
Authors:   Universitas Khairun, Agustan Arifin Andi , Mufidatul Ummah Dewi , Alim Silva
Published: May 2022

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana upaya guru dalam mengembangkan motorik halus anak menggunaan teknik mozaik di PAUD Alkhairaat Gambesi Kota Ternate yang dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli 2021. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif, melibatkan dua orang guru. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kelima cara perkembangan motorik halus menggunakan teknik mozaik pada anak kelompok B tersebut dapat dijadikan sebagai satu alternatif dalam proses perkembangan motorik halus. Berdasarkan Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan teknik mozaik dalam perkembangan motorik halus anak adalah sebagai berikut: (I) Guru memilih pola gambar untuk kegiatan mozaik sesuai dengan tema, (II) Guru membuat rancangan alat dan bahan yang akan digunakan dalam kegiatan mozaik, (III) Guru memberikan pengarahan dalam proses kegiatan mozaik kepada anak, (IV) Guru memberikan pengawasan dan pengamatan pada saat kegiatan mozaik, (V) Guru S mengetahui bagaimana upaya guru dalam mengembangkan motorik halus anak menggunaan teknik mozaik di PAUD Alkhairaat Gambesi Kota Ternate yang dilaksanakan pada bulan Juli 2021. Kata kunci: Teknik Mozaik, Motorik Halus, Anak Usia Dini
Zihinsel Dayanıklılık Konulu Lisansüstü Tezlerin İçerik Analizi
Authors: Süleymanoğulları Mesut , Bayraktar Gökhan
Published: May 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, zihinsel dayanıklılık konusunda yayımlanmış olan lisansüstü tezlerin içerik analizini çeşitli ölçütler dâhilinde yaparak konu ile ilgili gerçekleştirilen çalışmaların genel özelliklerini ve araştırma eğilimlerini ortaya koymaktır. İçerik analizi tekniğinin tercih edildiği bu çalışma kapsamında Yükseköğretim Kurulu Başkanlığı, Ulusal Tez Merkezi veri tabanına kayıtlı toplam 46 ulusal lisansüstü teze erişim sağlanmıştır. Tezler; tez türü, yayım yılı, yayımlandığı üniversite ve anabilim dalı; kullanılan araştırma yöntemi, deseni, envanter ve zihinsel dayanıklılık ile ilişkilendirilen kavramlar şeklinde belirlenen ölçütler dâhilinde incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonrasında zihinsel dayanıklılık konusunda yayımlanan tezlerin toplamda 29 farklı üniversite bünyesinde ve genellikle (%35) Beden Eğitimi ve Spor anabilim dalında hazırlandığı tespit edilmiştir. En fazla sayıda tezin 2019 yılında yayımlandığını işaret eden araştırma bulguları, bu tezlerde büyük ölçüde nicel araştırma yönteminde (%94) ilişkisel tarama deseninin (%62) tercih edildiğini, ayrıca yine yüksek oranda (%91) veri toplama aracı olarak Sheard, Golby ve Wersch (2009) tarafından geliştirilen ‘Sporda Zihinsel Dayanıklılık’ envanterinin kullanıldığını göstermektedir. Son olarak, zihinsel dayanıklılık konulu çalışmaların ilişkilendirildiği kavramlar incelendiğinde ‘duygusal zekâ’ kavramının yüksek oranda (%18,7) tercih edilmiş olması bu çalışmanın bir diğer bulgusudur. Sonuç olarak, zihinsel dayanıklılık konulu lisansüstü tezlerde pozitivist paradigma geleneğinin baskın olduğu ve bu yaklaşımda nicel araştırma yöntemlerinin sıklıkla tercih edildiği söylenebilir.
ANTIVIRAL HERBS
Authors: İNCE KÖSE Tuğçe , GENÇLER ÖZKAN Ayşe Mine
Published: May 2022

Objective: Viruses are agents that can infect all kinds of living organisms, and the most important hosts are humans, animals, plants, bacteria and fungi. Viral diseases are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality worldwide, are a major threat to public health, and remain a major problem worldwide. The recently prominent Coronaviruses (CoVs) within this group belong to the Coronaviridae family, subfamily Coronavirinae, and are large (genome size 26−32 kb), enveloped, single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA ) viruses that can infect both animals and humans. The world has experienced three epidemics caused by betaCoVs in the last two decades: SARS in 2002−03, MERS in 2012, and COVID-19, first identified in 2019. COVID-19 continues to be our current health problem and studies on the subject continue.Result and Discussion: The term "antiviral agents" is defined in very broad terms as substances other than virus-containing vaccine or specific antibody that can produce a protective or therapeutic effect for the clearly detectable effect of the infected host.Nature has the potential to cure humanity's helplessness against viruses with many different plant species with strong antiviral effects. During the screening of plants with antiviral effects, focusing on plants used in folk medicine is of great importance in terms of maximizing the benefit to humanity - saving time and effort by dealing with valuable ancient knowledge on a scientific basis.In this review, viral diseases and the plants used in these diseases and determined to be effective are mentioned.
Authenticity's "TikTok"-ing Clock: Exploring the Implications of Sophisticated Tools for Performing Authenticity on TikTok
Authors: Gault Grace
Published: May 2022

Authenticity has undoubtedly emerged as a dominant “buzzword” in 21st century society, positioned as the ultimate goal in terms of psychological well-being, professional success, relationships, and more. It is particularly prominent as a guiding logic for self presentation on social media, specifically for the individuals whose livelihood is dependent on their “authentic” appeal, i.e., influencers. While authenticity itself hinges on the notion that all humans have an ultimate and absolute “true” self that is accessible and discoverable, it is rooted in a paradox when viewed in relation to sociological theorizations of the self. Accordingly, this research puts socio-philosophical theory into practice to investigate the contradictions inherent to the commodified self and its performance of authenticity. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that creative labor on social media can carry enormous costs in terms of emotional well-being and self-image, ultimately leading to widespread burnout within the influencer industry. Through textual analysis of interviews with TikTok influencers, this paper refines existing scholars’ analyses of creative labor on social media and builds an argument around TikTok as a platform that affords influencers particularly sophisticated tools for performing authenticity and fostering intimacy with audiences. Through its distinct sociological approach, this research looks across disciplines in order to build a hypothesis around authenticity’s role within the uniquely psychological consequences associated with being an influencer. Accordingly, this thesis directly ties influencer burnout to the paradoxical nature of authenticity in relation to performance and the costs it inevitably imparts upon the self-concept; this connection paves the way for a new terminology to explain these costs as a direct result of the distinct mingling of self with the emotional labor intrinsic to the job. By exploring the themes yielded from influencer interviews, I examine the implications of TikTok’s sophisticated platform tools and illustrate the ways in which influencers’ self-narrated experiences are anchored by the tensions implicit to authenticity as a guiding logic on social media. In this way, my research provides insight into the durability of authenticity within modern society and points to its fragility in the face of new platform development and advancement.
Simultaneous Identification of Free and Supported Frequency Response Functions of a Rotor in Active Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Kreutz Michael , Maierhofer Johannes , Thümmel Thomas , Rixen Daniel J.
Published: May 2022

Frequency response functions (FRFs) of rotor systems can be used as indicator functions for condition monitoring. Component-wise FRFs are of high interest to locate errors in the case of defects. To enable continuous monitoring, measurements should be taken during operation. This contribution shows methods of using active magnetic bearings (AMBs) for simultaneously determining different FRFs of a rotor system. The AMBs, in addition to supporting the rotor, are used simultaneously as sensors and actuators. Two different types of FRFs, namely, the one associated with the free rotor and with the supported rotor can be determined from a single experiment. This procedure does not need any change in the assembly because the AMBs are simultaneously used as bearing and excitation device. Considering as excitation the total bearing force of the AMBs results in the FRF of the free rotor. The FRF of the supported system is determined by considering a perturbation force only, which is applied on top of the controlled AMB force. As a showcase, an academic rotor test rig is used with and without rotation to verify the applicability of the method. To evaluate and interpret the results of the experiments, a numerical model of the rotor using finite-element formulations is used.
Research on Control Strategy of Heavy-Haul Train on Long and Steep Downgrades
Authors: Yu Huazhen , Tai Guoxuan , Lin Zhengnan , Huang Youneng
Published: May 2022

The control of heavy-haul trains has always been the focus of China’s railway transportation development. One key challenge is the coordination of electric braking and air braking control when the electric-air combined braking is applied on long and steep downgrades. This is normally reliant on manual driving and thus is not cost-effective. To improve the safety and efficiency of train operation in existing heavy-haul railway lines, a multi-label random forest (ML-RF) based approach for heavy-haul train (HHT) operation is proposed. The control characteristics of electric braking and air braking on long and steep downgrades are analyzed first. A prediction model of control strategy is then established with the combination of line conditions and definition of multi-label learning. To evaluate the performance of the model, the 10-fold cross-validation method is adopted. Furthermore, a model parameter optimization algorithm based on evaluation metrics is designed. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by the testing results on the actual train running data of one railway line.
Fusion Localization Algorithm Based on Robust IMM Model Combined with Semi-Definite Programming
Authors: Wang Yan , Cheng Yang , Cheng Long
Published: May 2022

With the continuous development of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology, WSN has gradually become one of the key technologies of the Internet, and is widely used in indoor target location technology. However, the obstacles will have a great influence on the distance measurement, and it will result in a large positioning error. Therefore, how to deal with the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) error becomes an important problem. In this paper, Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) was used to identify NOLS/LOS. The NLOS probability was calculated by Markov transform probability, and the likelihood function was calculated by extended Kalman filter (EKF). The NLOS probability was compared with the LOS probability to judge whether the measurement contained the NLOS error. A robust algorithm combining IMM model with semidefinite programming (IMM-SDP) was proposed. The improved convex programming algorithm was proposed to reduce the NLOS error. Simulation and experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the influence of NLOS error and achieve higher positioning accuracy compared with the existing positioning methods.
Power and Politics in Different Change Discourses
Authors: Maes Guido , Van Hootegem Geert
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this article is to examine how different views on power and politics manifest in organizational change, and how they can be integrated into a single model. Methods: Our research was based on an extensive literature review about power and politics and their relationship with organizational change. We used the systems model of organizational change developed by Maes and Van Hootegem to map the different views on power and politics in organizational change. This systems model integrated different change discourses and allowed us to post the various aspects of power and politics in organizational change. Results: Using the systems model as a reference to look at power and politics from different angles led to a better understanding of the role they play in organizational change so that actors can enter the political arena of change better prepared and play the game of change at a tactically higher level. Conclusions: The analysis contributes to the study of power and politics in three respects. First, using the metamodel of organizational change to map the different views on power and politics offers a more detailed and varied understanding of the use of power and politics in organizational change. Second, looking at power and politics from different discourses can accommodate greater complexity and nuance. Third, it shows that change projects rarely run smoothly but are constantly traversed by all kinds of obstacles and barriers that require specific political astuteness. Members of an organization, who have been introduced to political skills, will be better able to navigate the pitfalls of organizational change and its rhetoric and thus be better agents of change or better able to resist unreasonable change.
Structural Damage Assessment Using Multiple-Stage Dynamic Flexibility Analysis
Authors: Sun  Yun , Yang Qiuwei , Peng Xi
Published: May 2022

Vibration-based damage assessment technology is a hot topic in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. In this paper, a damage assessment approach using multiple-stage dynamic flexibility analysis is proposed for structural safety monitoring. The proposed method consists of three stages. The content of Stage I is to determine the number of damaged elements in the structure by the rank of dynamic flexibility change. The content of Stage II is to determine damage locations by the minimum rank of flexibility correlation matrices. Finally, the damage extents of those damaged elements are calculated in Stage III. The proposed approach fully uses the filtering ability of matrix rank analysis for data noise. A 27-bar truss structure and a steel frame structure are used as the numerical and experimental examples to demonstrate the proposed method, respectively. From the numerical and experimental results, it is found that structure damages can be successfully identified through the multiple-stage dynamic flexibility analysis. By comparative study, the proposed method has more powerful antinoise ability and higher calculation accuracy than the generalized flexibility method. The proposed method may be a promising tool for structural damage assessment.
Integrating Sowing Date with Chickpea Genotypes in Managing Fusarium Wilt in Morocco
Authors: Amine Elbouazaoui , Douira Allal , Ilyass Maafa , Ahmed Seid
Published: May 2022

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.p ciceris (Foc) is a devastating soil-borne disease of the chickpea. The disease causes crop losses in late-planted chickpeas and no available management option currently exists to recommend to farmers. In order to determine the effect of integrating sowing dates with chickpea genotypes on disease parameters and yield, a field experiment was undertaken in naturally infested soil at Merchouch station during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. The results showed that significant differences were observed among chickpea genotypes for the three disease parameters, and among sowing dates for final disease incidence. For seed yield, only the sowing dates showed significant differences and all interactions between factors were non-significant for all measured parameters. Late sowing showed high values for the three disease parameters. A high seed yield was obtained from early-planted compared to late-planted chickpeas. In conclusion, the integration of early sowing and chickpea genotypes with good levels of resistance can be recommended for farmers to increase chickpea productivity in Morocco.
The Dynamics of the Implementation of Organic Farming in Romania
Authors: Fortea Costinela , Antohi Valentin Marian , Zlati Monica Laura , Ionescu Romeo Victor , Lazarescu Ioana , Petrea Stefan Mihai , Cristea Dragos Sebastian
Published: May 2022

Organic farming is a branch of interest in the context of the global economy oriented at reducing pollution, increasing food quality and reducing the impact on the environment. The objective of this research is to identify the main components of organic farming in Romania and their dynamics in the period 2010–2020 to identify changes in agricultural policy elements with an impact on the development strategy of Romanian agriculture in the medium term. The methodology used aims at the analytical and empirical research of the changes in the agricultural policy in the period 2010–2020 and the quantification of a statistical tool to evaluate the impact of these changes in the development of organic farming. The results are useful for decision makers to adopt viable medium-term strategies for organic farming.
Research and Experiment on the Removal Mechanism of Light Impurities of the Residual Mulch Film Recovery Machine
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Xuegeng , Wen Haojun
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problem of high impurity rate in the recycled residual film, combined with the existing installation (4JMLE-210 agricultural residual film recycling machine), the removal mechanism of light impurities on the film surface was analyzed. The statics and kinematics analysis of light impurity particles in different spatial positions were carried out to determine the conditions for the movement of impurity particles. By analyzing critical conditions, such as ideal collision and throwing capacity, the structural dimensions of the straight pipe section and its outlet section were determined. Using Origin 2018 software, the movement track of the impurity particles left from the upper and lower limit positions and the ideal curve of the throwing arc were plotted, and the trapezoidal section was determined at the outlet of the throwing arc section. Finally, trial-produce prototype, and a field test was carried out on the performance of the machine by selecting the impurity rate in the recovered residual film as the test index. The results showed that when the forward speed of the machine and the rotating speed of the cutter roll were in the range of 5.4–5.8 km/h and 1440–1460 r·min−1, the light impurity rate and working efficiency could keep a good balance. The light impurity rate in the recovered residual film was between 10.9% and 31.4%, and the average light impurity rate was around 18.7%, which met the design and application requirements.
The Application of a Bio-Stabilized Municipal Solid Waste-Based Fertilizer for Buckwheat Production
Authors: Martinez Sara , Gabriel José , Allende-Montalbán Raúl , San-Juan-Heras Raúl , Delgado María
Published: May 2022

In a circular economy framework, waste valorization in crop production promotes sustainability in the agricultural sector. Buckwheat (BW; Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) has promising nutritional and economic value. Its sustainable production can be promoted by applying organic fertilizers. Aimed at determining the effect of a bio-stabilized municipal solid waste (MSW) amendment on BW, a greenhouse experiment was performed combining two different soils (clay and sandy) with three previous fertilization treatments (no fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, or MSW fertilizer) from the precedent faba bean crop and three present fertilization treatments (no fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, or MSW fertilizer) from the precedent wheat crop. The present fertilizer treatments followed the same procedure and fertilization rates (7.9 g/kg clay soil and 6.7 g/kg sandy soil of MSW amendment and 0.14 g/kg clay soil and 0.12 g/sandy soil of mineral fertilizer) as the previously fertilized treatments to study the effects on BW crop and soil. Results indicated a positive response of biomass production (on average 34.4 g/plant) and seed yield (on average 10.6 g/plant) to direct organic fertilization, obtaining comparable results with respect to the mineral fertilization treatments. Additionally, organic fertilization significantly enhanced seed quality and nutrient content compared to mineral fertilization, which resulted in a higher chlorophyll content. The findings revealed that the residual effect from the previous bio-stabilized MSW amendment was not sufficient to provide the total nutrients necessary for BW potential growth and biomass production, although slight tendencies toward increase were observed. Soil properties, such as organic matter and nitrogen content, as well as soil nutrient concentrations, were positively affected by organic fertilization, presenting adequate levels of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd). The insights of this study are valuable to determine the effects of reusing waste by-products for BW crop fertilization to reduce or substitute for chemical fertilizers.
Elimination of Clogging of a Biogas Slurry Drip Irrigation System Using the Optimal Acid and Chlorine Addition Mode
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Wang Jiandong , Wang Haitao , Wang Chuanjuan , Sun Yuechao , Li Guangyong
Published: May 2022

As an emerging contaminant, the clogging substances of emitters in biogas slurry drip irrigation systems affect the efficient return and utilization of biogas slurry to the field to a great extent. This can be prevented using acid and chlorination as engineering measures. Through a hydraulic performance test and sampling detection and analysis, under the same acid addition conditions (pH = 5.5–6.0), three chlorine addition concentrations (0, 1–3, and 4–9 mg/L) and four chlorine addition cycles (6, 10, 14, and 20 days) were tested, aimed to clarify the influence of acid and chlorine addition parameters (chlorine adding cycle, chlorine adding concentration, etc.) on the anti-clogging performance of emitters in biogas slurry drip irrigation system. The results showed that compared with no acid and chlorination treatment (CK), only acid and a reasonable combination of acid and chlorination can significantly reduce the probability of serious and complete clogging of biogas slurry drip irrigation emitters, and they can stabilize the relative average flow of emitters by more than 75%. The measures of adding acid and chlorine change the distribution characteristics of clogging substances at the front and rear of the drip irrigation belt. Furthermore, they promote the migration of clogging substances to the rear of the drip irrigation belt, facilitating the clogging of emitters located thereat. The measures of acid addition and sequential addition of acid and chlorine significantly inhibit the growth of an extracellular polymer in the emitter, and the effect of inhibiting the increase in extracellular polymer concentrations is relatively poor when the acid addition period is excessively long or short. There exists a negative correlation between the extracellular polymer content in the emitter and the change in the emitter flow. Based on the obtained results, to ensure excellent anti-clogging performance of biogas slurry drip irrigation systems, for acid-only treatment measures, the acid dosing cycle is recommended to be 10 days. When acid and chlorination measures are implemented sequentially, the acid chlorination cycle is recommended to be 14 and 10 days when the chlorine concentration is 1–3 and 4–9 mg/L, respectively. This study has important scientific significance and practical value for the establishment of long-term operation management and protection technologies of large-scale biogas slurry drip irrigation systems.
Gene Expression, Activity and Localization of Beta-Galactosidases during Late Ripening and Postharvest Storage of Tomato Fruit
Authors: Fanourakis Dimitrios , Nikoloudakis Nikolaos , Paschalidis Konstantinos , Christopoulos Miltiadis V. , Goumenaki Eleni , Tsantili Eleni , Delis Costas , Tsaniklidis Georgios
Published: May 2022

Beta-galactosidases (β-GALs) hold a key role in both fruit softening and the increase of total soluble solids during maturation. Despite determining both quality and potential postharvest longevity, β-GAL activity during ripening, with a special focus on the postharvest period, has not been adequately addressed in a spatial and temporal manner. This study focused on the regulation of gene expression in relation to the total β-GAL enzyme activity during the ripening of tomato fruit attached on the plant, as well as harvested fruit ripened for 5 d at 4, 10, or 25 °C. The transcription of genes coding for β-GAL isoenzymes was significantly affected by both the fruit maturation stage (unripe vs. red ripe) and postharvest storage temperature. Cold stressed tomatoes (4 °C) exhibited a remarkably higher transcription of most β-GAL genes compared to on-plant red ripe fruit and to fruit exposed to either 10 or 25 °C, indicating a low temperature response. However, enzymatic activity and water-soluble pectin content increased with elevated temperature exposure, peaking in fruit stored at 25 °C. β-GAL activity was present in the pericarp, while it was less detected in locular parenchyma. These findings highlight the dual role of β-GAL not only in maturation, but also in the metabolism during postharvest homeostasis and cold acclimation of tomato fruit.
Vascular Bundle Characteristics of Different Rice Variety Treated with Nitrogen Fertilizers and Its Relation to Stem Assimilates Allocation and Grain Yield
Authors: Li Guohui , Chen Xin , Zhou Chiyan , Yang Zijun , Zhang Chenhui , Huang Zepeng , Pan Wen , Xu Ke
Published: May 2022

The vascular bundle plays a vital role in photoassimilates transportation in rice. However, the vascular bundle characteristics of basal internode and its relationship with stem assimilates allocation and yield remain unclear. In this study, experiments with four different types of rice varieties subjected to three nitrogen application levels were conducted. The results showed that large vascular bundles (LVB) and small vascular bundles (SVB)-related traits of basal internode exhibited genotypic differences. Indica-japonica hybrid varieties had the highest number of cross sectional areas and phloem areas of LVB and SVB, thus the highest stem nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) translocation, grain filling percentage and grain yield, followed by indica hybrid varieties and indica conventional varieties, and those were the lowest in japonica conventional varieties. The LVB and SVB related traits were significantly and positively correlated with stem NSC translocation, grain filling percentage and grain yield, respectively These results suggested that improving the characteristics of basal internodes was beneficial to enhance stem NSC translocation and consequently increase grain yield. Nitrogen application increased LVB and SVB related traits. Therefore, varieties with developed vascular bundles of basal internodes and cultivation techniques for improving vascular bundle related traits should be considered as the effective route for increasing grain yield.
Neural Network Model for Greenhouse Microclimate Predictions
Authors: Petrakis Theodoros , Kavga Angeliki , Thomopoulos Vasileios , Argiriou Athanassios A.
Published: May 2022

Food production and energy consumption are two important factors when assessing greenhouse systems. The first must respond, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to the needs of the population, whereas the latter must be kept as low as possible. As a result, to properly control these two essential aspects, the appropriate greenhouse environment should be maintained using a computational decision support system (DSS), which will be especially adaptable to changes in the characteristics of the external environment. A multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN) was designed to model the internal temperature and relative humidity of an agricultural greenhouse. The specific NN uses Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation as a training algorithm; the input variables are the external temperature and relative humidity, wind speed, and solar irradiance, as well as the internal temperature and relative humidity, up to three timesteps before the modeled timestep. The maximum errors of the modeled temperature and relative humidity are 0.877 K and 2.838%, respectively, whereas the coefficients of determination are 0.999 for both parameters. A model with a low maximum error in predictions will enable a DSS to provide the appropriate commands to the greenhouse actuators to maintain the internal conditions at the desired levels for cultivation with the minimum possible energy consumption.
Spirulina platensis Biofertilization for Enhancing Growth, Photosynthetic Capacity and Yield of Lupinus luteus
Authors: Shedeed Zeinab A. , Gheda Saly , Elsanadily Sara , Alharbi Khadiga , Osman Mohamed E. H.
Published: May 2022

Cyanobacteria can play an important role in sustainable agriculture by improving crop growth and production, as well as environmental quality. The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of Spirulina platensis extract in the improvement of growth, photosynthetic capacity and yield of Lupinus luteus. Different concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0%) of S. platensis methanolic extract were used for priming seeds and foliar spraying applications. Growth, photosynthetic pigment content and activity were recorded at 35 days of cultivation. The yield measurements and protein profile of seeds were performed at 60 days. For both treatments, the lower concentration (0.25%) of the extract was the most successful in improving all growth metrics and the phytohormonal level of L. luteus. Photosynthetic pigment and capacity, nutrient content and yield components of L. luteus were improved with the extract of 0.25% concentration. However, the growth was significantly inhibited at the higher concentration (1.0%), recording lower values of the measured characters than the control. A positive correlation was observed between the total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, yield parameters and carbohydrate accumulation by the application of the S. platensis extracts. The protein profile of seeds revealed that spraying treatment triggered the appearance of a new band of 30.56 KDa. The promotion of growth could be attributed to the nutrients, bioactive molecules and phytohormones in the extract. The use of Spirulina-based stimulators is reliable with the concept of sustainable agriculture by enhancing photosynthetic pigment content and rate ensuring the correlation between the yield and those measured parameters of L. luteus.
Assessing the Effect of Physicochemical Properties of Saline and Sodic Soil on Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Gao Junzhi , Zhao Qingzhou , Chang Dongdong , Ndayisenga Fabrice , Yu Zhisheng
Published: May 2022

Soil physicochemical properties are the main driving factors affecting the stability and diversity of the soil microbial community. The impacts of the saline–alkali situation and associated soil degradation need to be understood and reversed as soil diversity and communities are increasingly affected by saline–alkaline soil. However, the differences between salinization and alkalization soil and their impact on microbiota have been overlooked. The object of this study is to demonstrate the differences in salinization and alkalization soil and the driving factors affecting microbiota. In this study, 12 soil samples collected from saline–alkaline spots were used to detect the differences in soil physicochemical properties. The soil microbial community was sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. The results of ESP and EC in the soil samples indicated that the soil samples were categorized as saline soil and sodic soil. Venn diagrams indicated that unique OTUs in saline soil showed higher adaptation and environmental tolerance. Partial Mantel tests showed that the differences in pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), C/N, Na, and K between saline and sodic soil were the primary determinants affecting the relative abundance of bacterial and fungal communities, besides electrical conductivity (EC). In the KEGG analysis, ESP mainly affected the cellular processes in the archaea. Metabolism in the bacterial function was positively correlated with K only in sodic soil. These results indicated that the proportions in sodic soil were more strongly affecting soil microbiota.
Dielectric Properties of Hydrothermally Modified Potato, Corn, and Rice Starch
Authors: Beh Chong You , Cheng Ee Meng , Mohd Nasir Nashrul Fazli , Abdul Majid Mohd Shukry , Khor Shing Fhan , Mohd Jamir Mohd Ridzuan , Mohd Tarmizi Emma Ziezie , Lee Kim Yee
Published: May 2022

The effect of starch granule sizes, shapes, composition, and frequency on the dielectric properties (dielectric constant, loss factor, and conductivity) of native and hydrothermally modified starches (potato, corn, and rice starch) are investigated in this work. Dielectric properties are determined from 5 Hz to 5 GHz. The modified starches exhibit lower dielectric properties than the native starches from 5 Hz to 5 GHz due to the disruption of the native polysaccharide’s molecular arrangement. The modified potato starch shows the highest loss factor (208.12 at 50 Hz and 19.95 at 500 Hz) and stable conductivity (~5.33 × 10−7 S/m at 50 Hz and 500 Hz) due to the larger continuous network structure after hydrothermal modification. The rice starch shows the largest difference in dielectric constant (47.30%) and loss factor (71.42%) between the modified form and native form in the frequency range of 5 MHz–5 GHz. This is due to the restriction of dipole motions in the closely packed structure after hydrothermal modification. The findings indicate that the quality of starch modification can be characterized by dielectric properties for assisting starch-based plastic production’s design.
Energy, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of Sweet Potato Production on Plantations of Various Sizes in South China
Authors: Tang Chaochen , Lu Yusheng , Jiang Bingzhi , Chen Jingyi , Mo Xueying , Yang Yang , Wang Zhangying
Published: May 2022

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important starch-producing crop used worldwide. However, few studies have been conducted on the energy efficient, cost benefit, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of sweet potato production. To address this issue, the data were collected using a questionnaire for face-to-face interviews of 78 sweet potato growers and 74 reference crop (i.e., rice, maize, and potato) growers in Guangdong province. Results revealed that sweet potato production exhibited the highest value of energy efficiency (0.83 kg MJ−1) and economic productivity (0.85 kg CNY−1) among four crops. The GHG emissions from sweet potato production (1165 kg CO2-eq ha−1) were significantly higher than GHG from rice and maize but lower than GHG from potatoes. Moreover, plantation size significantly (p < 0.05) affected inputs of labor, machinery, and diesel fuel and further affected the energy rate, energy efficiency, and GHG emissions of sweet potato production. Sweet potato production in small-size farms (<2.0 ha) exhibited the highest energy efficiency (0.97 kg MJ−1) and the lowest GHG emissions (1045 kg CO2-eq ha−1). Quartering assessments based on energy efficiency, economic productivity, and GHG emissions showed that fertilizers and labor were the major contributors to energy consumption, economic costs, and GHG emissions. Future efforts should be made to reduce fertilizer application and increase fertilizer use efficiency for sustainable sweet potato production.
The Concepts of Seed Germination Rate and Germinability: A Re-Evaluation for Cool-Season Grasses
Authors: Ghaleb Wagdi , Ahmed Lina Q. , Wagner Marie-Hélène , Eprinchard-Ciesla Annie , Olivares-Rodríguez Wendy E. , Perrot Cédric , Chenu Karine , Norton Mark , Escobar-Gutiérrez Abraham J.
Published: May 2022

Temperature is one the most influential environmental factors for the germination and establishment of grass species. The specific objective of this study was to determine the effects of low constant temperature on the time needed to express the full germination capacity of nondormant seedlots. Fifteen accessions, comprising seven of Lolium perenne L., three of Festuca arundinacea Schreb., three of Dactylis glomerata L. and two of Triticum aestivum L., were evaluated at constant temperatures of 5 and 21 °C. As expected, the germination rates were faster at 21 °C than at 5 °C. Indeed, at 5 °C seeds needed up to twenty-one times longer to reach the maximum germination than when tested at 21 °C. The genotypic variability found for the ratio of germination rates between the two temperatures (i.e., germination rate at 5 °C/germination rate at 21 °C) was much more variable than what is found in the literature for perennial cool-season grasses. On the other hand, in most cases, no significant differences were observed in the germinability (the capacity to germinate) response to 5 °C and 21 °C. Within the four species, twelve of the fifteen studied accessions expressed the same germinability at 5 °C and 21 °C, when given enough time. Only three accessions had final germination percentages higher at 21 °C than at 5 °C. Our results suggest that, in general, nondormant seeds at low temperatures germinate as well as nondormant seeds at near-optimal temperatures, provided they have enough time to express their germination capacity. These findings cast doubts on the validity of conclusions drawn in many studies where germination experiments were performed for a period insufficient to obtain full germination at low temperatures. Another major finding in this work concerns the risk of wrongly estimating germinability at low temperatures.
Impact of Reducing Synthetic Chemical Inputs on Pest and Disease Management in Commercial Onion Production Systems
Authors: Regan Karly H. , Nault Brian A.
Published: May 2022

Onion production is reliant on synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides to ensure its profitability. In the Great Lakes region (USA), onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and a complex of bacterial pathogens that cause bulb rot disease threaten the sustainability of onion production. The potential exists for reducing T. tabaci infestations and bulb rot disease incidence in onions by decreasing the amounts of fertilizer applied at planting and the insecticide applied to foliage during the season. In a three-year study that included 20 New York commercial onion fields, the impact of synthetic fertilizer (no fertilizer, half rate, and full rate) and insecticide use (action threshold-based application program and weekly application program) on T. tabaci populations and bulb rot disease incidence was examined. Results indicated that the amount of fertilizer applied to an onion at planting had no impact on T. tabaci population levels, bulb rot disease incidence, or onion bulb size and yield. In contrast, insecticide use had the greatest impact on reducing T. tabaci densities. Both the action threshold-based program and weekly spray program reduced T. tabaci infestation levels below the economic injury level, but the action threshold program averaged 2.3 fewer applications per season. The insecticide program had no effect on bulb rot incidence, bulb size, or yield. We conclude that synthetic fertilizer and insecticide inputs can be reduced substantially without compromising onion bulb yields, and this should lead to greater profits and a reduction of chemicals in the environment.