bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of media and technology, academic procrastination, and academic achievement in adolescence
Authors: TÜREL Yalın Kılıç , DOKUMACI Ozlem
Published: November 2021

In today’s learning society, use of media and technology affects students in all educational levels. There are a number of studies conducted among university students in this context. However, adolescents, who are sensitively exposed to the negative effects of the excessive use of media and technology, have been neglected. The aim of this study is to investigate the association among adolescents’ use of media and technology, their academic procrastination behavior, and academic achievement. This study also examines the possible mediating effect of academic procrastination behavior on the relationship between adolescents’ media and technology use and academic achievement. This quantitative study included data from 1278 middle and high school students. We collected data via a questionnaire comprising of the demographic information form, media and technology usage and attitude scale, and academic procrastination behavior scale as well as students’ grade point averages to measure students’ academic achievement. The results revealed that as media and technology usage increased, students’ academic achievement decreased. In addition, academic procrastination behavior had a mediating effect on this relationship. In other words, adolescents' media and technology use cause academic procrastination behaviour to adversely affect their academic achievement. The implications for future research and the limitations of the study were also discussed
Some comments on the taxonomy of Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) in western Oregon
Authors: Chambers Kenton L.
Published: November 2021

In preparing the treatment of Delphinium for a future volume of Flora of Oregon, some taxonomic decisions were made that conflict with the 1997 treatment of the genus by Warnock in Flora of North America. The choice of groups to be recognized is based on the present author’s opinion that rapid evolution of Delphinium taxa occurred in the Willamette Valley following habitat disturbance caused by catastrophic flooding from the late-glacial-age Spokane Floods. Delphinium pavonaceum Ewan, D. leucophaeum Greene, and D. oreganum Howell, which are endemic to the Willamette Valley, may have evolved in the ca. 12,000 years since the floods occurred. These 3 groups are here given species rank, unlike their treatment in Flora of North America. This is in line with how the taxa are viewed by Oregon botanists concerned with the rare and endangered species of the state. Lectotypification is necessary for D. pavonaceum. A further taxonomic change is the reduction of D. basalticum M.J. Warnock to synonymy under D. glareosum Greene.
Microlicia bahiensis (Melastomataceae: Microlicieae): lectotypification, redescription, and affinities
Authors: Almeda Frank , Pacifico Ricardo
Published: November 2021

Microlicia bahiensis, a rare species known only from the type that was collected over 100 years ago, is redescribed, illustrated, and lectotypified. It is compared to and mapped with three probable relatives, all of which are largely centered on the Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, Brazil, where they are mostly restricted to the mosaic of mountaintop “islands” dominated by campos rupestres (rocky grasslands). A diagnostic key is also included to help differentiate it from other glandular-pubescent Bahian species that appear to be its closest probable relatives.
The identity and typification of Valliera triplinervis (Salicaceae)
Authors: Dorr Laurence J. , Alford Mac H.
Published: November 2021

The genus Valliera is reduced to synonymy under Neosprucea. Its sole species, V. triplinervis, is considered to be conspecific with N. grandiflora. A lectotype is designated for the former species name.
Stomata length is a reliable characteristic for distinguishing infraspecies and ploidy levels of Opuntia mesacantha (Cactaceae)
Authors: Adanick Paul , Drezner Taly Dawn , Stock A. Dean
Published: November 2021

Opuntia mesacantha includes two subspecies, O. mesacantha subsp. mesacantha (tetraploid) and O. mesacantha subsp. lata (diploid), that are difficult to distinguish in the field. We show that (1) stomata length is effective for distinguishing the two subspecies, and (2) this can be visually assessed, reliably and non-destructively, using a microscope with a reticle (ocular data). We compare our ocular results with digital imaging and chromosome counts from mitosis in root tips to confirm that our approach is effective for these taxa.
A floristic inventory of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Collier County and Lee County), Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Wilder George J. , McCollom Jean M.
Published: November 2021

Documented presently as growing wild within Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Collier Co. and Lee Co., Florida, U.S.A) are individuals of 126 families, 401 genera, 756 species, and 773 infrageneric taxa of vascular plants. Those data, combined with records from previous workers, yield a total of 770 species and 787 infrageneric taxa documented for the Sanctuary. Of the 773 infrageneric taxa documented presently, 611 (79.0%) are native to Florida. Herein, seven main kinds of habitats are recognized for the study area, and individual taxa inhabit one or more of those habitats. Twenty-nine presently reported infrageneric taxa are listed as Endangered (16 taxa) or Threatened in Florida (13 taxa). For South Florida, 36 infrageneric taxa listed as Extirpated (3 taxa), as Historical (5 taxa), or as Critically Imperiled (28 taxa) were documented during this study.
Databasing and georeferencing historical collections to discover potential sites for rare and endangered plants of New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Kelloff Carol L. , Kass Lee B.
Published: November 2021

Over 400 years of natural history inventories of preserved specimens and vouchers in museums and research institutions are now important repositories of invaluable information and permanent records documenting life on earth. Plant collections, in particular, play roles in understanding climate change, conservation modeling, molecular and medicinal studies, invasive-species management, and biodiversity assessments. Researchers reexamine these collections in order to establish conservation priorities for threatened and endangered taxa. Herbarium specimens, spanning many decades, can provide data on a natural population’s geographical range and its shift over time. Although historical specimens provide valuable information about past distributions, label information may lack geographic coordinates or precise locations, or may have descriptions that are too vague or confusing to be useful. Here we present a case study for plant specimens collected by Thomas F. Lucy in the late 1800’s in Chemung County, New York. The goal of this research was to determine if Lucy’s label localities could be improved using historical land use and topographic maps, and georeferenced using Google Earth©. Lucy documented 134 plant families for the Chemung County area: 106 species of flowering plants (ca. 982 taxa, excluding hybrids), 12 fern and fern allies (48 taxa), 13 mosses (21 taxa), and one species each for lichens, liverworts, and algae. Nine taxa are noteworthy for the state of New York. Fourteen taxa are listed as endangered, threatened, or unknown: Chaerophyllum procumbens (Apiaceae), Arabis shortii (Brassicaceae), Cacalia suaveoleus and Lactuca floridana (Compositae), Carex retroflexa (Cyperaceae), Hydrangea arborescens (Hydrangeaceae), Allium cernuum and Chamaelirium luteum (Liliaceae), Liparis lilifolia and Platanthera hookeri (Orchidaceae), Polygonum erectum (Polygonaceae), Lysimachia quadrifolia (Primulaceae), Geum virginianum (Rosaceae) and Vitis vulpine (Vitaceae). Nine other plants are recommended for protection: Panax quinquefolius (Araliaceae), Rudbeckia fulgida (Compositae), Carex conjuncta (Cyperaceae), Pterospora andromedea (Ericaceae), Aesculus grabra (Hippocastanaceae), Epilobium ciliatum (Onagraceae), Cypripedium arietinum (Orchidaceae), and Calamagrostis porteri and Panicum scoparium (Poaceae).
Phylogenetic relationships of the Mexican tussilaginoid genera (Asteraceae: Senecioneae)
Authors: Quedensley Taylor S. , Gruenstaeudl Michael , Jansen Robert K.
Published: November 2021

The Mexican tussilaginoid genera (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) consists of 13 genera distributed from the USA to Panama, with most species occurring in montane regions from Central Mexico to Guatemala. Presently, 142 species are recognized in this clade, with many considered to be endemic to threatened pine-oak or cloud forest ecosystems. Endemism is abundant among the clades identified, with over half of the species restricted to relatively small geographic areas. Moreover, most members of the Mexican tussilaginoid inhabit montane regions at or above 1500 m in Mexico and Guatemala and are thus under immense pressure from human land use. We conducted a phylogenetic investigation of the Mexican tussilaginoid genera and outgroup taxa, using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences of 74 species from 17 different genera. We also compared competing hypotheses regarding the monophyly of three genera that were supported as monophyletic in previous investigations using topology-based hypothesis testing. The results of our analyses support thirteen clades within the Mexican tussilaginoid genera. Topology-based hypothesis testing indicated that the genera Pittocaulon, Psacaliopsis, and Roldana are not monophyletic. The genus Telanthophora, by contrast, was found monophyletic, but nested within Roldana.
Paradrymonia badia (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the Guiana Shield
Authors: Feuillet Christian , Skog Laurence E. , Barabé Denis
Published: November 2021

Paradrymonia badia sp. nov. is described from cultivated material originally collected in the Guianas. The new species has the same habit and grows in similar habitat as P. campostyla, but differs mainly from P. campostyla by the characters of the corolla: shape, size, and by the color and pattern of the markings inside the corolla tube.
Fossil flowers of Lachnociona camptostylus sp. nov., a second record for the genus in mid-Cretaceous Myanmar Amber
Authors: Poinar, Jr. George O. , Chambers Kenton L.
Published: November 2021

Two flowers embedded in a single block of amber from Myanmar are here proposed as a second species of the previously described fossil genus Lachnociona. The mid-Cretaceous age of the fossils was earlier established through paleontological and U-Pb isotope dating methods. Because they lie within millimeters of each other in the amber, the flowers are assumed to have come from the same parent plant. One flower is hermaphrodite while the other is functionally pistillate. They differ by the number of styles—4 in the perfect flower and 5 in the unisexual one—and most notably by the presence, in the perfect flower, of 10 conspicuous nectar glands forming a disc above the whorl of stamens. The pistillate flower has no such glands. In the new species, the arched styles are widely divergent and the ovary is fully inferior, while in the earlier-described Lachnociona terriae, the flower is functionally pistillate, with styles that are erect and connivent or connate. It could not be determined whether the ovary is superior or half-inferior. The best-preserved anther in the perfect flower of L. camptostylus resembles, in its dorsal filament attachment and hooked filament tip, a vestigial anther present in the flower of L. terriae. Pollen of the new species is tri- or tetracolpate. As proposed in the previous paper, the genus may have participated in the early diversification of the rosid clade of eudicots.
Petiole length in Boerhavia (Nyctaginaceae) approximates the golden ratio phi
Authors: Williams Justin K.
Published: November 2021

The leaves of Boerhavia exhibit anisophylly. It is here hypothesized that the scale of the uneven leaves exhibits a determined pattern, rather than an arbitrary difference in size. To test for this, the opposite petioles of Boerhavia diffusa and B. erecta from both regional and local populations were measured, and the ratio of the measurements were compared to the Golden Ratio. One-paired t-tests for a critical mean indicate that the ratios of paired petioles for both species are not statically different from the value 1.6180339887…. These tests indicate that petiole length in Boerhavia approximates the Golden Ratio. The significance of this observation is that the Golden Ratio is here expressed as a line segment rather than as a spiral, which is how the Golden Ratio has been previously observed and reported in plant growth.
A lost Caribbean mistletoe rediscovered: new record for Antidaphne wrightii (Santalaceae) in Puerto Rico
Authors: Caraballo-Ortiz Marcos A. , Morales-Pérez Alcides L.
Published: November 2021

The rare Caribbean mistletoe Antidaphne wrightii was known in Puerto Rico from a single historical collection by Paul E.E. Sintenis (5347) made on October 30, 1886 at Sierra de Naguabo on the eastern side of the island. Since then, this mistletoe has been considered extremely rare and possibly extirpated. Here we report the rediscovery of the species in Puerto Rico at the western Central Cordillera in Yauco and provide basic demographic information for the population. In addition, we summarize the known collections, illustrate the species with full color photographs, and present a distribution map for the genus Antidaphne in the Caribbean.
The vascular flora and plant communities of Lawther-Deer Park Prairie, Harris County, Texas, U.S.A.
Authors: Singhurst Jason R. , Mink Jeffrey N. , Emde Katy , Shen Lan , Verser Don , Holmes Walter C.
Published: November 2021

Field studies at the Lawther - Deer Park Prairie Preserve, an area of approximately 21 ha (51 acres) of the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes vegetation area, have resulted in a description of the vegetation associations and an annotated checklist of the vascular flora. Six plant community associations occur on the property: (1) the Upper Texas Coast Ingleside Sandy Wet Prairie; (2) Eastern Gamagrass - Switchgrass - Yellow Indiangrass Herbaceous Vegetation; (3) Gulf Cordgrass Herbaceous Vegetation; (4) Texas Gulf Coast Live Oak - Sugarberry Forest; (5) Little Bluestem - Slender Bluestem - Big Bluestem Herbaceous Vegetation, and (6) Natural Depressional Ponds. The checklist includes 407 species belonging to 247 genera and 86 families. Forty-six species are non-native. The best-represented families (with species number following) are Poaceae (84), Asteraceae (68), Cyperaceae (33), and Fabaceae (19). West Gulf Coastal Plain (eastern Texas and western Louisiana) endemics include Helenium drummondii, Liatris acidota, Oenothera lindheimeri, and Rudbeckia texana. One Texas endemic, Chloris texensis, a Species of Greater Conservation Need, is present. Other noteworthy species are Andropogon capillipes, Digitaria texana, and Platanthera nivea.
A new species of Ophiocaryon (Sabiaceae) from the Amazonian slope of the eastern Cordillera of Colombia
Authors: Aymard C. Gerardo A.
Published: November 2021

Ophiocaryon nicolasii, from the “Camino de los Andaquíes,” in the Amazonian slope of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, Caquetá department, is described and illustrated and its morphological relationships with other similar Ophiocaryon species are discussed. This new species is a small tree from the foothills to montane forest (500–1000 m). Morphologically it is related to O. manausense (W.A. Rodrigues) Barneby, but it differs by: smaller leaves, petioles, petiolules, and inflorescences; leaflets with 8–16 secondary veins; leaflets, bracteoles, staminodes and ovary with different shape; margins of sepals erose. Information about the Andakí region and its ancestral inhabitants is presented. An updated key to the species of Ophiocaryon is provided.
Observations on anthesis, fruit development, and seed dispersal in Gordonia lasianthus (Theaceae)
Authors: Brown Herrick H.K. , Wethey David S.
Published: November 2021

The development of the flowers and fruits of loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) is described in detail. Tests of meteorological conditions affecting the opening and closing of mature capsules reveals that seeds are typically released only when relative humidity falls below a critical threshold of 67%. Seedfall tests indicate that differences in the expressed aerodynamic pattern may account for variation in observed seedfall densities and affect horizontal displacement.
First report of a strict dragon tree species (Dracaena cambodiana: Asparagaceae) from India
Authors: Sarma Jatindra , Barbhuiya Hussain Ahmed , Dey Santanu
Published: November 2021

Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagnep., a dragon tree species, is reported here for the first time from India. Its taxonomic relationships with other closely related species of genus Dracaena Vand. ex L. are examined and discussed. A detailed taxonomic description, along with color photographs is provided to facilitate its future identification. Recent surveys confirm that the habitat and regional population of the plant is under severe threat. Hence, following IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is regionally categorized as Critically Endangered.
Notes on several Asian species of Styrax series Cyrta (Styracaceae)
Authors: Li Gary , Fritsch Peter W.
Published: November 2021

Geographic range extensions are documented for the Asian species Styrax japonicus and S. odoratissimus of S. series Cyrta. Implications of the range extension in S. japonicus for the taxonomic distinctness and phylogenetic relationships of S. formosanus are discussed.
Exalloanthum, a new name for a fossil angiosperm flower in Myanmar amber
Authors: Poinar, Jr. George O.
Published: November 2021

In a recent article, a flower from Burmese amber was described as Diaphoranthus burmensis. It was later discovered that the genus Diaphorathus Meyen had been used previously for an asterid, Diaphoranthus fuscus (Meyen 1834). The new name for Diaphoranthus burmensis is changed below to Exalloanthum burmense.
Geniş boyunlu paraoftalmik anevrizmaların akım çevirici stent implantasyonu ile endovasküler tedavisi
Authors: GÜZELDAĞ Hamit , ONAN Bilen , PİŞKİN Ferhat Can , SÖZÜTOK Sinan
Published: November 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, amacımız geniş boyunlu paraoftalmik anevrizmaların tedavisi için kullanılan akım çevirici stentlerin erken ve orta dönem klinik sonuçlarını sunmak idi.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Hastanemizin girişimsel radyoloji ünitesinde Ekim 2008-Ocak 2020 tarihleri arasında internal karotid arterin paraoftalmik segmentinde yer alan geniş boyunlu anevrizma nedeniyle akım çevirici stent ile tedavi edilen toplam 87 hastanın verileri retrospektif olarak analiz edildi.

Bulgular: Bu çalışmada yaş ortalaması 51,1 ± 8 olan 66’sı (% 75,8) kadın toplam 87 hasta yer aldı. Otuz dört (% 39) hastada birden fazla olmak üzere, toplam 100 paraoftalmik segment yerleşimli anevrizma, akım çevirici stentler ile tedavi edildi. Kırk (% 40) paraoftalmik segment anevrizmanın tedavisi için akım çevirici stente ek olarak koil embolizasyonu da yapıldı. Tüm stentler istenilen lokalizasyona yerleştirildi (Teknik başarı % 100). Bir hastada tedaviden sonra 5. günde intrakraniyal kanama nedeniyle ölüm gerçekleşti (Mortalite oranı: % 1,1). Uzun dönem takiplerde 3 hastada ileri düzeyde (stent lümenin %50 nin üzerinde daralaması) stent stenozu gelişti ve tedavi gerektirdi. Hastalar ortalama 29,8 ± 3 ay takip edildi. Yapılan kontrollerde ilk 3-6. ayda 77 (%81,9) anevrizma ve 6. ay sonrası kontrollerde 88 (%92,6) anevrizma kapalı idi.

Sonuç: Paraoftalmik anevrizmaların endovasküler tedavisinde akım çevirici stent implantasyonu tek başına veya koil embolizasyonu ile birlikte güvenilir ve etkin bir yöntemdir.
ACAN SPEED, ATTACK ANGLE AND CUTTING FORCE, AFFECT THE QUALITY OF SUGARCANE HARVEST?
Authors: Dos Santos Moura Michel , Carpes Aldir , Grudtner Guinther Hugo , Lanças Kléber Pereira
Published: November 2021

The base cut of cultures is one of the most studied parameters, and the variables involved in this process should be better evaluated under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using an electromechanical device, under controlled conditions, the influence of the cutting angle and the machine's translation speed on the impact force generated on sugarcane stalks in mechanized harvesting. The study was carried out at the Nempa - Center for Testing of Agroforestry Machines and Tires (NEMPA) at UNESP/Botucatu. For the tests, the Sugarcane Basal Cut Testing Device (BCTD) was used. The collected data were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis, using the stepwise method. The results showed that the angulation of the cutting blades is the most significant variable in relation to the impact force generated in the cutting process of sugarcane stalks, this research also managed to assess that the intensity of the angulation effect is more than 2 times greater than the effect generated by the displacement speed in the mechanized harvesting process.
Tissue culture applied to carnivorous species
Authors: Caldeira Mariana Maestracci Macedo , Jesus José Victor Maurício de , Magalhães Hemelyn Soares , Carvalho Maria Antônia Santos de , Andrade Monielly Soares , Nunes Claudineia Ferreira
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the review is to comment on available data on the application of plant tissue culture to carnivorous plants. Thus, the review encompassed publications from 1979 to 2017 along in vitro germination studies and micropropagation techniques, such as somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis, which emphasized the responses of plant materials to the stimuli offered during in vitro culture. Tissue culture in carnivorous plants is presented as a tool to promote the increase of the population of these plants either for scientific and commercial purposes or for the conservation and reintroduction in their natural habitat, in order to ensure a sustainable exploitation of this nutritional pattern of plants. In general terms, the studies carried out were limited to the following aspects: cultivation technique, explant source, exogenously applied substances and culture medium. The review also revealed the absence of defined protocols for in vitro multiplication of large-scale carnivorous plants.
Corn response to phosphogypsum, base saturation and lime application method
Authors: Besen Marcos Renan , Cassim Bruno Maia Abdo Rahmen , Cordioli Vitor Rodrigues , Moreira Lucas Simas de Oliveira , Inoue Tadeu Takeyoshi , Batista Marcelo Augusto
Published: November 2021

The lime (L) and phosphogypsum (G) promote changes in the chemical attributes of the soil that can alter the development of corn. The objective was to evaluate morphological and yield components of corn after liming and G and to correlate them with yield. The treatments consisted of a 2 x 4 + 3 factorial, with two methods of application of L: surface (SL) and incorporated (IL) to obtain different levels of base saturation (BS): 44, 60, 70 and 90%. Three additional treatments were evaluated involving the use of L and G applied on the surface, being: BS 60% + 3.71 Mg ha-1 of G (60G50); BS 70% + 3.71 Mg ha-1 of G (70G50) and BS 70% + 7.42 Mg ha-1 of G (70G100). Plant height (PH), ear insertion height (EIH) and stem diameter (SD) were not influenced by the treatments. The SL increased the length of the ear (LE), number of grains per row (NGR) and mass of a thousand grains (TMG) up to BS of 72, 80 and 72%, respectively. Thus, there were no advantages of higher base saturation (BS 90%). The combination of L and G promoted improvements in ear diameter (ED), NGF, LE, TMG. The yield in IL was 445 kg ha-1 higher than SL, however when combining G and L the production increased 6 to 12% in relation to BS 44% SL. BS% levels in IL did not influence any response variable. Grain yield was positively correlated to ED, TMG, LE and PH.
Incidence of fungi on yellow passion fruit seeds in the Maranhão State (Brazil)
Authors: Catunda Paulo Henrique Aragão , Silva Edvan Costa da , Costa Maria Aline da Silva
Published: November 2021

In recent years, passion fruit orchards have suffered from the high incidence of microorganisms, causing damage from the seedling phase to the post-harvest of the fruits; among these microorganisms are the fungi that comprise the largest number of species associated with the seeds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of fungi associated with yellow passion fruit seeds in the State of Maranhão. The experiment was carried out in 2014 and conducted at the Seed Laboratory of the State University of Southern Maranhão (UEMASUL), Campus Imperatriz. Fruit seeds collected from six municipalities in the state of Maranhão (Carolina, Capinzal do Norte, Estreito, Imperatriz, Vila Nova dos Martírios and São Luís) were used. A completely randomized design with four replications was adopted. A total of 400 seeds were used per municipality, 50 per gerbox, totaling the processing and analysis of 2400 seeds in general. The incidence of pathogenic agents in the seeds was determined by using the filter paper method with freezing, using four replications of 100 seeds per evaluated municipality. Seven days later, the incidence of pathogens was estimated by using a stereomicroscope, with confirmation of the genus and/or species of the fungus. The incidence of Penicillium sp. in yellow passion fruit seeds occurred in all assessed municipalities collected. The city of Vila Nova dos Martírios has presented the highest incidence of fungi, while the city of Imperatriz has had the lowest rate.
Phyllochron, and root system development of six strawberry cultivars with different photoperiodic flowering responses
Authors: Chiomento José Luís Trevizan , Ferreira Ana Flávia Baccarin , Costa Rosiani Castoldi , Dos Santos Trentin Nicolas , Dos Santos Trentin Thomas , Calvete Eunice Oliveira
Published: November 2021

Bare-root strawberry plants produced in Patagonia accumulate more reserves in the main crown, which allows their immediate development after transplantation. Due to the dependence on these bare-root plants, Brazilian producers use early cultivars, which start the leaves emission and the flower buds differentiation in advance, since these bare-root plants do not always arrive within the estimated time for planting in southern Brazil. The objective of the work was to investigate whether six strawberry cultivars, produced in a greenhouse, differ in their phyllochron, and root system development. Six cultivars were tested, arranged in a randomized block design, with four replications. Bare-root plants were cultivated in soil in a greenhouse. The phyllochron was evaluated by counting the number of leaves, weekly, from the beginning of leaf emission (from the main crown) until the appearance of the first fruit. The roots were digitized by a scanner and the images analyzed by the WinRHIZO® software. ‘Camarosa’ cultivar was considered the earliest to start fruiting, as it had the lowest phyllochron value (69.93ºC day-1 leaf-1), while the cultivar ‘San Andreas’ was the latest (166.67ºC day-1 leaf-1). ‘Albion’ and ‘Aromas’ presented the highest total root length in relation to the other cultivars. In conclusion, the six strawberry cultivars analyzed in this study, with different photoperiodic classifications regarding flowering, differ in relation to their morphophenological performance. In the growing conditions of southern Brazil, phyllochron study indicates that ‘Camarosa’ cultivar is the earliest and ‘San Andreas’ cultivar is the latest. ‘Albion’ and ‘Aromas’ cultivars are more compact plants, with greater potential for the development of the root system.
Quantification of metals in macrophytes in an aquaculture area of the itaipu binational reservoir
Authors: Marengoni Nilton Garcia , Chambo Ana Paula Sartório
Published: November 2021

The macrophytes in natural conditions perform an important role in the maintenance and balance of aquatic environments with a capacity of absorbing the excess of nutrients and pollutants serving as bioindicators of water quality in aquatic ecosystems. The objective was to evaluate the levels of trace metals in three species of macrophytes (Egeria densa - submerged and Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia auriculata - floating) collected around an aquaculture area of cages in the Itaipu Binational reservoir, during the four seasons of the year. The macrophyte samples were submitted of nitroperchloric digestion. Subsequently, the quantification of metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd and Cr) was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry analytical method. The concentration of Cu, Fe and Mn in E. densa and S. auriculata was higher (P<0.05) than in E. crassipes. The samples of S. auriculata and E. crassipes had the lowest concentrations (P<0.05) of Pb. The lowest metal pollution index (MPI) was determined in E. crassipes. There was greater bioaccumulation of metals in the root concerning the stem and leaves of E. crassipes (P<0.05). The results obtained in this study show the influence of seasonal variation in the levels of Fe and Zn and the species analyzed on the concentration of Fe, Zn and Mn accumulated in aquatic macrophytes. The macrophytes E. crassipes and E. densa can be considered efficient accumulators of metals, indicating the exposure of the concentration of trace metals around the aquaculture area intended for the fish production in cages.
Ploidia levels in pyrenic and apyrenic “pitangueira” accessions
Authors: Pirola Kelli , Dotto Marcelo , Wagner Júnior Américo , Castillo Ana Maria , Herrero Maria
Published: November 2021

Pitangueira (E. uniflora) is considered a diploid species with n = 11 and 2n = 22 chromosomes, in genotypes with the presence of seeds in the fruits. With the pitangueira production of apyrenic fruits existence, such behavior may be related to the ploidy level. The objective of this study was to determine the ploidy level of the pitangueira accessions producing fruit with and without seed, as well as to observe the meiotic behavior and possible chromosomal abnormalities. To check the ploidy level of the pitangueira, freshly expanded mature leaves were collected from the pyrenic pitangueira and from two pyrenic accessions, with suspensions of intact nuclei being prepared. Samples were analyzed in a flow cytometer equipped with multiple parameters data acquisition and UV laser. All analyses were performed using peak-height detection (>6000 fluorescent events, for example, nuclei, were analyzed per sample) and logarithmic amplification. The data were presented as histograms of the number of nuclei along the y-axis and the relative fluorescence intensity on the x-axis. The pyrenean pitangueira and other two pyrenic accessions were characterized as diploid.
Physicochemical and microbiological aspects of goat milk
Authors: Cruz Andrea Viana da , Oliveira Ana Lídia Brito de , Silva Bruno Daniel Sales da , Silva Elton Alex Correa da , Lima Allana Lais Alves
Published: November 2021

Goat milk is a high-quality food of fundamental importance for thousands of people involved in the socioeconomic development of this product, and dairy goat farms are well estasblished in the agricultural scenario, especially when analyzing small rural producers. The quality of goat milk is defined by its physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Adequate hygiene, handling, and management practices, from obtaining milk to commercialization, are of fundamental importance for guaranteeing food quality and safety for the consumer market. It is important to know the microbiological quality of milk, since it belongs to one of the most relevant food groups for the population. Brazilian legislation establishes minimum quality requirements for goat milk intended for human consumption in Normative Instruction 37 ̸2000. The goals of this literature review were to present the issues related to the physicochemical composition, microbiological aspects, and nutritional properties of goat's milk as a reference measure and to highlight some characteristics. Despite the similarities with the milk of other animal species, goat milk is a unique product, and the study of this raw material is of great importance for industry as well as for the scientific community.
Foliar silicate fertilization assessment on bean development and its water deficit stress tolerance
Authors: Pohlmann Valeria , Pereira Bruno Moreira , Knies Alberto Eduardo , Lazzari Marcondes , Portalanza Diego , Ludwig Fernanda
Published: November 2021

Bean’s productivity is below its productive potential, and among the related factors is the sensitivity to water deficiency. Silicate fertilization may aid to better tolerate this abiotic stress. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the effects of foliar silicon (Si) doses in the development and tolerance of water deficiency for the bean’s cultivation. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with a completely randomized block design in a 6x2 factorial scheme with four repetitions. Six doses of silicon (0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5 kg Si ha-1) with and without water deficiency in flowering were used. The pots with a capacity of 2 L were filled with dystrophic Red Argisol, and they were maintained with automatic irrigation. The leaf temperature (TF) was analyzed daily, and at the end of the cycle, the plants’ height, aerial and root fresh and dry matter, the number of grains per plant, the number of grains per pod, the number of pods per plant, pod length, and grain fresh and dry matter were determined. After water deficit stress, the percentage of absolute integrity and relative water capacity were determined. The water condition reflected differences in plant height, grain dry matter, number of grains per plant, pods per plant, and the foliar temperature. The silicon doses did not influence the development and tolerance to water deficit for the bean culture.
Dailily cultivar Regina flowering under different NPK doses
Authors: Lopes Borduqui Cavalcante Mateus , Alves Fogaça Luciana
Published: November 2021

The knowledge of fertilization in ornamental plant production is essential to improve productivity and longevity of plants and their flowers. In the case of Hemerocallis x hybrida Hort. there is only few studies showing this relation. The lack of research in the field led the execution of this study, which aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of NPK on the growth of daylily cultivar Regina. The study was conducted in an experimental area at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, located in Toledo, PR, Brazil. Seedlings were obtained from dividing the parent plants’ clumps which were cultivated in a clonal garden. Subsequently, standardization was carried out regarding the length of the aerial part of 10 cm and root system of approximately 5 cm. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with five treatments, containing four replications with five plants each. The treatments consisted of five doses (0; 4.5; 9.0; 13.5 and 18.0 g pl-1) using NPK (4-14-8). The parameters evaluated were number of shoots per plant, number of leaves per shoot, number of stems per plant, length of stems per plant and number of flower buds per stems. We observed the flowering timing was influenced by the different doses of NPK. There was linear fit for the parameters and the dose of 18 g pl-1 promoted the best results, except for the number of stems per plant. The results indicate that increasing doses of NPK positively influence the flowering period, and promote an increase in the number of shoots, stem length and number of flower buds.
ESTIMATE OF GENETIC COMPONENTS OF BIRTH WEIGHT USING MULTI-BREED MODELS WITH DIFFERENT PEDIGREE STRUCTURES IN MESTIZO SHEEP
Authors: Amarilho-Silveira Fernando , José Laurino Dionello Nelson , Willian Canaza-Cayo Ali
Published: November 2021

The objectives of this paper were to verify the influence of the multi-breed model and pedigree structure in the estimates of the genetic components to birth weight in a mestizo herd. Using 1234 birth weight records in two ways, one dataset with complete pedigree information (n = 1028) and another with incomplete pedigree information (n = 1234). The pedigree was composed for 10 sires, 366 and 448 dams for complete and incomplete pedigree, respectively. Used for analysis the maximum restricted likelihood method about the animal model, considering the birth weight trait, for a dataset with or not complete pedigree, used the WOMBAT program. The direct heritability coefficients in both datasets did not present large difference, 0.06 and 0.09 to best models in the complete and incomplete pedigree, respectively. However, in the incomplete pedigree, the maternal heritability was 0.29. The residual variance, which on the best model of the dataset with complete pedigree presented 0.51 and 0.35 for the best model of the dataset with incomplete pedigree. Concluding, we find the influence of de multi-breed model only in the dataset with complete pedigree, that considered the direct and breed effects. In the dataset with incomplete pedigree, the better model was that considered the direct and maternal additive effects.
Phosphorus contents in the soil in function of the modes of application of phosphate fertilizer in two crops in succession
Authors: Marcos Merten Gean , Sérgio Rabello de Oliveira Paulo , Richart Alfredo
Published: November 2021

Tropical soils are naturally poor in phosphorus and, due to the strong interaction with mineral constituents, the ways of applying phosphate fertilizers can increase the efficiency of absorption by crops. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the distribution of P at different depths depending on the application of phosphate fertilizer in wheat and common bean crops grown in a Dystrophic Red Latosol from Toledo, western Paraná. The work was carried out under field conditions at the experimental unit of the Agronomy course at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Campus from Toledo. The block design was used in the case, in a scheme of sub-subdivided plots in the space, the first factor being the application mode, the second local factor (lines and between lines), and the third-factor sampling depth (0 – 5, 5 – 10, 10 – 15, 15 – 20 cm), and collections were carried out at seven points in each plot, in two consecutive years. The first soil collection was carried out after the wheat harvest, with soil samplings being performed to quantify the amount of P added to the soil. The soil samples were collected at seven points per plot, four between the lines and three in the sowing lines, in a straight line in each plot, the same procedure was performed after harvesting the bean crop and the second collection was carried out after the bean crop harvest, repeating the analyses, using the Mehlich-1 method. Phosphate fertilizer application modes did not influence P contents in the soil. The highest P contents were obtained at 0-5 cm depth, decreasing along the sampled depths.
Household Food Insecurity Status and Determinants: The Case of Botswana and South Africa
Authors: Ndhleve Simbarashe , Dapira Clarah , Kabiti Hlekani Muchazotida , Mpongwana Zibongiwe , Cishe Elphina Nomabandla , Nakin Motebang Dominic Vincent , Shisanya Stephen , Walker Keitirele Patricia
Published: November 2021

This study used a survey questionnaire to investigate the state and determinants of household food security in South Africa and Botswana. In South Africa, 1557 households in two District Municipalities within Eastern Cape Province participated in the study. In Botswana, data was collected from 506 in Southern Kanye, southeast District, and Gaborone households. The paper employed Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and Prevalence to investigate the state food security across the sample population. The Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence was used to determine the characteristics of and changes in household food insecurity of the sample households. The linear and ordinal regression analyses were carried out to outline determinants of food insecurity in the region. Findings emanating from the current study show a high prevalence of food insecurity in both countries. Meanwhile, geographical location, household size, and socio-economic infrastructure emerged as common determinants of food security for Botswana and South Africa. The paper recommends state-mediated intervention to improve access to basic socio-economic infrastructure and address unemployment rates in both countries as key areas to improve food security status.
Analysis of cost of various topical and oral antifungal drugs for superficial fungal infections available in India
Authors: V. Spoorthy H. , Padma L. , P. Srividya B.
Published: November 2021

Background: In tropical countries like India, superficial fungal infections are quite common and certain infections like tinea is rampantly spreading in epidemic proportions and frequent relapses after treatment have increased the need for long term therapy significantly increasing the cost of treatment, so the treatment of fungal infection can raise economic burden on the patient. The aim of the study was to analyze the cost variation of topical antifungal drugs and oral antifungal drugs of various brands for superficial fungal infection available in India.Methods: Cost in Indian Rupees (INR) of antifungal agents manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India was collected from the Current index of medical specialities (CIMS) October to December 2019. Minimum cost, maximum cost, cost ratio, cost variation was calculated.Results: In oral dosage form, fluconazole, Itraconazole show the maximum cost variation. In topical single drug therapy luliconazole, terbinafine show maximum cost variation.Conclusions: There is wide cost variation among antifungal agents available in Indian Market. There is need of strict actions for cost policy regulation and sensitization of doctor for selection of appropriate brand drugs.
Impact of the Integration of a STATCOM Controlled by LQG/H2 Regulator in an Energy System
Authors: Mekki Mohammed , Boulouiha Houari Merabet , Allali Ahmed , Denai Mouloud
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, the reactive power consumption is becoming a serious problem for electricity network management. To overcome this problem, several solutions are proposed in the literature. In the present study, the static reactive power compensator (STATCOM) solution is used to keep the network voltage within its rated range. The STATCOM is modeled in the axes of Park reference frame and is driven controlled by a SVPWM strategy. Its control scheme is based on a multivariable Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG/H2) controller, which has the advantage of being applied to systems whose condition is not measured. Simulations are performed using the MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Results are presented, compared and discussed.
Stochastic Modelling and Stability Analysis of Large-Scale Wind Power Generation System with Dynamic Loads
Authors: Attachie Joseph C. , Amuzuvi Christian K. , Diamenu Godwin
Published: November 2021

As a result of dwindling fossil fuel reserves and the negative impact of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on the environment, it is important that the search for a power grid that will comprise of only variable renewable energy (VRE) generation sources such as wind or solar energy which is available everywhere for free is given much attention. The main challenge associated with these sources of energy is their variability and random nature. It is as a result of instability introduced by the VRE generation sources, that is why there is a strict control measures put in place by the regulators as to how much VRE generation sources can feed into the power grid in the case of its integration into an existing power grid. It becomes imperative to consider implications for grid stability and reliability when considering a power grid that will consist of VRE generation only. Eigenvalue approach was used to analysed the performance of anticipated large-scale VRE grid to ascertain its behaviour. Eigenvalue approach is one of the methods to examine the stability of a power system’s dynamic performance. The results indicated that it is possible to attain the necessary stability provided the assumptions made during the modelling stage is revised to improve upon the model.
Power Quality Improvement Using Dynamic Voltage Restorer on Grid-Connected Wind Energy System
Authors: Yadav M. Praful , Sujatha P. , Kumar P.B.
Published: November 2021

Reduction of fossil fuels and increasing technology made importance of wind generation as renewable energy sources. With increasing number of wind farms fed to grid increases grid fault issues due to various wind systems disconnected from grid during grid faults. To get better grid operation, wind farms are probable to be carried during disturbance related to grid faults extensively known as fault ride through capability. In proposed system a fault ride through method in wind farm management system connected to grid is investigated in term of critical clearing time. This paper examines the use of dynamic voltage restorer on the enhancement of fixed-speed wind generator systems. The controller capability performance, drive performance, and cost factor are considered. Simulation is performed using MATLAB Simulink for constant speed wind generators with closed-loop controller-based DVR are tested. The constant speed drive called synchronous generator-based wind system feed to an infinite bus system. Simulation results show the wind system with DVR has better fault ride-through capability other compensated voltages and is more efficient in minimizing voltage fluctuations called sag/swell and wind generator’s speed. Additionally, DVR aids wind generators to maintain voltage sag/swell with the grid limits requirements with economical as compared to other voltage compensating systems.
Sensorless Direct Torque Control of PMSM Based on Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control with Full Order Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Arbi Idriss Baba , Allag Abdelkrim
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an implementation of Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control for Sensorless Direct Torque Control (DTC) of a Permanent Magnets Synchronous Machine as a combination between the known performances of direct torque control on the one hand and the robustness of sliding mode control on the other hand. The fuzzy controller is introduced to reduce the effect of chattering phenomenon which is the major disadvantage of sliding mode control technique. The proposed controller is used to replace the conventional PI angular speed controller that generates the electromagnetic reference torque for DTC, in order to improve the dynamic and the permanent behaviors of the angular speed control response as well the electromagnetic torque. The proposed control technique is implemented without using speed or position sensors, where a Full Order Sliding Mode Observer is used. It is shown that the proposed control technique has given improved simulation results with different speed ranges and different load values.