bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Regeneration from Leaf-derived Callus Cultures of Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Authors: Hayta Sadiye , Smedley Mark A. , Li Jinhong , Harwood Wendy A. , Gilmartin Philip M.
Published: February 2019

Efficient micropropagation of Primula species is important both for fundamental scientific studies and commercial applications. Primula vulgaris (Huds), along with other Primulaceae species, exhibits floral heteromorphy with two distinct forms of hermaphroditic flower. Studies to identify genes that control heteromorphic flower development require propagation of floral mutants, and efficient regeneration is a key requirement for plant transformation. Several species, including P. vulgaris cultivars and P. ×polyantha hybrids, are important horticultural crops in Europe, United States, and Japan and semidouble/double Primula varieties offer a high-end product. Vegetative propagation of sterile double forms, and as a means to increase numbers of inbred parent plants for F1 seed production is, however, slow. Micropropagation offers the most efficient way of increasing these varieties quickly and efficiently. To date, most Primula micropropagation protocols require explant material derived from in vitro grown seedlings or use floral parts as donor material with seasonal limitations. Therefore, an effective and efficient protocol was developed for in vitro regeneration of P. vulgaris via indirect organogenesis from adult leaf–derived explants. Exposure of leaf explants of P. vulgaris to media containing synthetic cytokinin, thidiazuron (TDZ), and auxin [1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)] resulted in undifferentiated cell proliferation and followed by differentiated growth as shoot organogenesis. Silver nitrate improved in vitro callus growth and increased shoot regeneration further, with up to 72% of explants producing shoots. Regenerated plants developed normally and produced normal fertile flowers within 7 months. The system was also successfully applied for the micropropagation of sterile double-flowered P. vulgaris ‘Sue Jervis’. The protocol reported here enables propagation of P. vulgaris without seasonal limitation or destruction of valuable parent donor material. The protocol, with further development, has the potential to underpin development of a transformation system for Primula, which would be of value in studies on flower development and disease resistance in laboratory grown plants.
Low Nitrogen Fertigation Promotes Root Development and Transplant Quality in Globe Artichoke
Authors: Leskovar Daniel , Othman Yahia
Published: February 2019

Effective nutrition and irrigation are important nursery strategies to produce high-quality seedlings able to withstand heat and drought stress in the field. The objectives of this study were 2-fold, first to identify the influence of two nitrogen (N) levels (75 and 150 mg·L−1) and two fertigation (FR) methods, overhead (OH) and flotation (FL) of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus cv. Green Globe Improved) transplants on root/shoot growth and leaf physiology during the nursery period. A repeated greenhouse experiment was conducted and morphophysiological measurements were determined at 4 and 7 weeks after seeding (WAS). The second objective was to determine the impact of the nursery treatments (FR method and N level) on the subsequent crop growth and yield under three field irrigation methods [surface drip, subsurface drip, and overhead-linear system (OH-L)]. Field measurements were conducted at 50 and 150 days after field transplanting (DAT) during Fall–Winter 2015. Transplants fertilized with 75 mg·L−1 N (low N) had improved root components as compared to those with 150 mg·L−1 N (high N), especially at 4 WAS. The low N transplants had higher root surface area, root length, root branching, thinner root diameter, and less shoot area than the high N transplants. Wilting for low N transplants was 13.5% less than that for high N at 5 DAT, with a total yield similar or slightly higher than those of high N. Although growth of OH and FL transplants was statistically similar at transplanting, those irrigated with OH (greenhouse) had a 10% higher yield than FL irrigated transplants, regardless of the field irrigation method evaluated. Overall, low N level (75 mg·L−1 N) applied with OH irrigation in the nursery positively improved the transplant root system and transplant quality of artichoke seedlings.
Far-red and Blue Light Synergistically Mitigate Intumescence Injury of Tomato Plants Grown Under Ultraviolet-deficit Light Environment
Authors: Eguchi Tomomi , Hernández Ricardo , Kubota Chieri
Published: February 2019

Intumescence injury is an abiotic-stress-induced physiological disorder associated with abnormal cell enlargement and cell division. The symptom includes blister- or callus-like growths on leaves, which occur on sensitive cultivars of tomato when they are grown under ultraviolet (UV)-deficit light environment, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Previous studies suggest that intumescence can be reduced by increasing far-red (FR) or blue light. In the present study, effects of end-of-day FR (EOD-FR) light and high blue photon flux (PF) ratio during the photoperiod on intumescence injury were examined using ‘Beaufort’ interspecific tomato rootstock seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum habrochaites), a cultivar highly susceptible to intumescence injury. Our study showed that EOD-FR light treatment moderately suppressed intumescence injury. Using EOD-FR light treatment, the percent number of leaves exhibiting intumescences was reduced from 62.0–70.7% to 39.4–43.1%. By combining high blue PF ratio (75%) during the photoperiod and EOD-FR light treatment, the percent number of leaves exhibiting intumescences was further suppressed to 5.0%. Furthermore, the combination of high blue PF ratio and EOD-FR light treatment inhibited undesirable stem elongation caused by EOD-FR light treatment. We found that high blue PF ratio during the photoperiod combined with a small dose of EOD-FR lighting (≈1 mmol·m−2·d−1 provided by 5.2 µmol·m−2·s−1 FR PF for 3.3 minutes) could inhibit the problematic intumescence injury of tomato plants grown under LEDs without negatively influencing growth or morphology.
Nutritionally Important Pigments in Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Differ between Cultivars and in Response to Nitrogen
Authors: Kopsell Dean A. , Whitlock Kimberly J. , Sams Carl E. , Kopsell David E.
Published: February 2019

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent weedy annual in much of the United States. In other parts of the world, purslane is grown as a specialty crop, valued for its nutritional quality. As a leafy crop, purslane contributes carotenoid phytochemicals in the typical Mediterranean diet. Nitrogen (N) influences plant growth and alters pigment composition and accumulation. However, little is known about the impact N fertility may have on pigment concentrations in purslane shoot tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of N fertility levels on biomass and concentrations of nutritionally important carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments in purslane. Green Leaf and Golden Leaf purslane cultivars were grown in nutrient solution culture under N concentrations of 13, 26, 52, or 105 mg·L−1. Plants were harvested at 45 days after planting (DAP), and measured for concentrations of shoot pigments using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodology. There was no influence of N treatment concentration on purslane shoot tissue fresh weight (FW) accumulation. Nitrogen treatment significantly influenced shoot tissue β-carotene (BC), lutein (LUT), neoxanthin (NEO), total carotenoids, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and the chlorophyll a to b ratio in purslane shoot tissues. Concentrations of LUT, NEO, violaxanthin (VIO), chlorophyll b, total xanthophyll cycle pigments, and the chlorophyll a to b ratio differed between the purslane cultivars. Increases in N concentrations acted to increase concentrations of nutritionally important shoot tissue carotenoid pigments in only the Green Leaf purslane cultivar. Therefore, N fertility management and cultivar selection should be considered when producing purslane as a nutritious specialty vegetable crop.
Combining Ability for Winter Survival and Turf Quality Traits in St. Augustinegrass
Authors: Kimball Jennifer A. , Isleib Thomas G. , Reynolds William C. , Zuleta Maria C. , Milla-Lewis Susana R.
Published: February 2019

New elite st. augustinegrass cultivars with improved cold tolerance and desirable turf quality are needed for the turf industry, especially in the transitional climatic region of the United States. To efficiently use sources of cold tolerance in a breeding program, an understanding of the genetic control of this trait and its relationship to important turf quality traits is required. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate general and specific combining abilities for cold response and turf quality traits. Six diploid genotypes of st. augustinegrass were selected as parents for a diallel mating design without reciprocals and evaluated over 3 years at two locations. The true hybridity of crosses was confirmed using simple sequence repeats (SSR). Combining ability analysis revealed that both general and specific combining abilities were significant across years and locations. Specific combining ability (SCA) was the largest source of genetic variation for winter survival, genetic color, turf density, and end-of-season cover indicating that nonadditive gene effects play a key role in the inheritance of these traits. The parental genotype ‘GF2’ was identified as a promising parent for future breeding efforts as it provided positive general combining ability (GCA) effects for both cold tolerance and turf quality traits, which were not significantly correlated with one another. Lines identified as parental selfs generally showed lower cold response and inferior turf quality than the original parental lines indicating that inbreeding depression can occur in st. augustinegrass. This study provides information regarding the combining ability of cold response and turf quality traits in st. augustinegrass, which will ultimately aid in parental selection for our future breeding efforts.
Interspecific Hybrid of Xeric Shepherdia rotundifolia and Riparian Shepherdia argentea: Description, and Traits Suitable for Low-water Urban Landscapes
Authors: Sriladda Chalita , Kratsch Heidi A. , Larson Steven R. , Monaco Thomas A. , Shen FenAnn , Kjelgren Roger K.
Published: February 2019

Shepherdia rotundifolia Parry (roundleaf buffaloberry), a shrub endemic to the U.S. Colorado Plateau high desert, has aesthetic and drought tolerance qualities desirable for low-water urban landscapes. However, slow growth and too often fatal sensitivity to wet or disturbed soil stymies nursery production and urban landscape use. The goal of this study was to create an interspecific hybrid between the evergreen-xeric S. rotundifolia and its widely adapted, fast-growing, deciduous relative Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry) distributed in western North America riparian habitats. Genetics and leaf morphology of the resulting S. argentea × S. rotundifolia hybrid are described and compared with the parents, as well as hybrid gas exchange as a reasonable proxy for growth rate and potential tolerance of poor soil. Hybrid genotypes were heterogenous, but contained an intermediate and equal contribution of alleles from genetically heterogenous parent populations. Leaf morphology traits were also intermediate between both parents. Aesthetic leaf qualities (silver-blue color and revolute margins) sought from S. rotundifolia were conserved in all offspring. However, gas exchange responses varied widely between the two surviving hybrids. Both hybrids showed greater tolerance of wet, fertile substrate—and promise for use in low-water landscapes—than S. rotundifolia. However, one hybrid conserved faster growth, and by inference possibly greater tolerance of wet or disturbed soil, from S. argentea, while the opposite was observed in the second hybrid. Following botanical nomenclature, we named this hybrid Shepherdia ×utahensis.
Vermicompost Affects Soil Properties and Spinach Growth, Physiology, and Nutritional Value
Authors: Xu Chenping , Mou Beiquan
Published: February 2019

The use of vermicompost to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yield has gained considerable momentum due to its contribution to agroecological sustainability. Short-term (35 days after transplanting) effects of vermicompost, applied either as a soil amendment (5% and 10%, v/v) or a drench (40 mL of vermicompost extract at 0, 14, 21, and 28 days after transplanting), on soil properties and spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.) were evaluated in a greenhouse. After harvesting, the amendments left high residual levels of nutrients, organic matter and carbon, and increased soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and water-holding capacity (WHC). Drench treatment of unamended soil increased soil nutrients, CEC, and WHC. All vermicompost treatments, especially amendment at 10% rate, increased leaf number, area, fresh and dry weight (FW and DW), shoot FW and DW, root DW, and water use efficiency (WUE). Vermicompost increased leaf chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency, yield, and electron transport rate (ETR) of mature leaves, as well as increased leaf succulence, and carotenoid, protein, and amino acid content. Vermicompost soil amendment reduced phenolics and flavonoids, leading to lower antioxidant capacity, whereas drench treatment only decreased betacyanin content. Vermicompost improved soil fertility, prompted leaf production, delayed leaf senescence, and enhanced growth of spinach. It also favorably influenced spinach quality by increasing leaf succulence and carotenoid, protein, and amino acids content, although it, as soil amendment, reduced flavonoid content leading to low antioxidant capacity.
Effects of Foliar Spray Application of Selected Micronutrients on the Quality of Bush Tea
Authors: Khathutshelo Maedza V. , Mpumelelo Nkomo , Wonder Ngezimana , Fhatuwani Mudau N.
Published: February 2019

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) is a herbal beverage and medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. The aim of the study was to provide the baseline for foliar spray application of micronutrients to enhance the quality of bush tea. A trial was conducted to determine the effect of micronutrients on the quality of bush tea. Four separate trials for boron (B), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were laid out in a completely randomized block design. Treatments consisted of an unsprayed control and single foliar sprays of B, Fe, Zn, and Cu, with 10 replicates. The levels of each element were unsprayed control, 50 mL·L−1, 100 mL·L−1, and 150 mL·L−1. Parameters recorded were leaf tissue B, Fe, Zn, and Cu, and total polyphenol, total antioxidant, total flavonoids, and total tannin contents. Results from this study demonstrated that foliar application of B did not induce significant response in terms of total polyphenol content after B application. There was a quadratic response for total flavonoids (167 mg·g−1), with most of the total flavonoids reaching maximum at 100 mL·L−1. Foliar application of Fe exhibited a quadratic response, with most of the total polyphenols (45.1 mg·g−1) reaching maximum at 100 mL·L−1. All treatments showed a linear response for total antioxidant, total flavonoids, and total tannin contents. Treatments elicited a quadratic response for total polyphenols (70.6 mg·g−1), total antioxidants (78.3 mg·g−1), total flavonoids (148.9 mg·g−1), and total tannin contents (78.3 mg·g−1) after foliar Zn application, reaching maximum at 100 mL·L−1. Foliar application of essential elements in bush tea led to a significant increase in the Zn, Fe, Cu, and B content; application at 100 mL·L−1 is recommended for improved chemical composition of bush tea. A further trial with treatment combinations is required to determine chemical responses of bush tea.
Vegetative and Reproductive Traits of Two Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Grafted onto Vaccinium arboreum Rootstocks
Authors: Casamali Bruno , Darnell Rebecca L. , Kovaleski Alisson P. , Olmstead James W. , Williamson Jeffrey G.
Published: February 2019

Vaccinium arboreum Marsh is a wild species adapted to high pH (above 6.0) and low organic matter soils (below 2.0%). The use of V. arboreum rootstocks may be a viable option to increase soil adaptation of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) (Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrid) under marginal soil conditions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the vegetative and reproductive traits of ‘Farthing’ and ‘Meadowlark’ SHB own-rooted or grafted onto V. arboreum and grown in pine bark–amended or nonamended soil. The study was conducted from 2012 through 2014 at a research center in Citra, FL, and a grower’s farm in Archer, FL. Vaccinium arboreum rootstock generally induced the same effects in both cultivars. Grafted plants in both soil treatments had reduced canopy growth in the first year after field planting compared with own-rooted plants in amended soil. However, canopy volume of grafted plants was greater than own-rooted plants in nonamended soil and similar to own-rooted plants in amended soil 2 years after field planting for ‘Meadowlark’ and 3 years after planting for ‘Farthing’. Fruit yield was lower in grafted plants compared with own-rooted plants in the first fruiting year (2 years after field planting). By the second fruiting year, yields of grafted plants were similar to or greater than yields of own-rooted plants when grown in nonamended soil, whereas in amended soil, yields of grafted plants were similar to yields of own-rooted plants. Grafted plants had greater mean berry weight, but lower berry firmness; however, the firmness values were still considered acceptable (greater than 160 g⋅mm−1). Internal fruit quality [total soluble solids (TSS) and total titratable acidity (TTA)] was not consistently affected by the rootstock or soil treatments. These results suggest that grafting SHB onto V. arboreum does not increase yield in the establishment years compared with own-rooted SHB when grown in amended soils, but may have the ability to increase yield with no negative effects on fruit quality when grown in nonamended soils.
Improvement of Seed Germination in Three Medicinal Plant Species by Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Elhindi Khalid M. , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Asrar Abdul-Wasea , Abdel-Salam Eslam , El-Din Ahmed Sharaf , Ali Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) are important medicinal plants in the pharmacological industry. These plants are produced in commercial scale but their seeds exhibit low germination percentages under favorable germination conditions. Enhancing seed germination is thus crucial for improving the production of these plants. The influence of gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indol-3-butyric acid (IBA), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on seed germination of the three plants were investigated. The seeds were soaked in each plant growth regulator at 50, 100, and 150 mg·L−1 for 24 hours at 25 ± 2 °C. Seed germination was checked daily for 20 days and germination parameters including final germination percentage (FGP), corrected germination rate (CGRI), and number of days lapsed to reach 50% of FGP (GT50) were recorded. The phosphorus and protein contents were determined in germinated seedlings on day 21 of culture. All plant growth regulators enhanced seed germination as compared with control. However, GA3 improved seed germination more than IAA, IBA, and NAA. GA3 at 100 mg·L−1 significantly increased the FGP from 22.3% and 33.3% (control) to 74% and 65.6% for peppermint and sweet basil, respectively. Low concentration of GA3 at 50 mg·L−1 increased the FGP for coriander from 27% to 52.3%. GA3 also increased CGRI, GT50, phosphorus, and protein contents in germinated seedlings as compared with control. Seeds of peppermint, sweet basil, and coriander possess a physiological dormancy that could be elevated by GA3 presowing treatment. This study established a successful methodology for optimizing seed germination to satisfy the demand for the medicinal parts of these plants in the pharmacological industry.
Increasing In Vitro Shoot Elongation and Proliferation of ‘G.30’ and ‘G.41’ Apple by Chilling Explants and Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Geng Fang , Moran Renae , Day Michael , Halteman William , Zhang Donglin
Published: February 2019

These studies were conducted to determine the most effective methods for increasing shoot elongation during the initial proliferation stage of micropropagation in two dwarfing apple, Malus ×domestica (Borkh.), rootstock cultivars. Several experiments were conducted to compare explant collection date, exposure to chilling (5 ± 1 °C) temperatures, and varying concentrations of plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Microshoot growth of ‘Geneva 41’ (‘G.41’) was very low and unaffected by chilling duration from 0 to 8 weeks or by gibberellic acid (GA3) concentration from 0 to 1.0 mg·L−1, but was improved by an additional subculture which increased shoot length from 1 to 15 mm. In ‘Geneva 30’ (‘G.30’), shoot elongation was most affected by date, chilling explants, and by optimizing cytokinin concentration and type. Explant collection date in April increased shoot growth compared with August or November. Microshoot growth of ‘G.30’ was increased by chilling nodal explants for 4 and 6 weeks when explants were collected in August and November, but not in April. Eight weeks chilling was detrimental for explants collected in April, and generally had little or no effect with August and November. The cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) increased shoot number to a greater extent than thidiazuron (TDZ) or zeatin (ZT), and was also more effective for increasing shoot elongation with concentrations of 0 to 2.0 mg·L−1. In ‘G.30’, GA3 increased shoot growth at the optimum concentration of BA, but not with lower concentrations. ‘G.30’ microshoots were fewer and shorter with 24-epi-brassinolide (EBR) at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg·L−1. Chemical names: N-phenyl-N’-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea (TDZ), 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino)purine (ZT).
Soy-composite Biocontainers Allow for Reduced Fertilizer Inputs during Container-crop Production
Authors: McCabe Kenneth G. , Schrader James A. , Currey Christopher J. , Grewell David , Graves William R.
Published: February 2019

Bioplastics and bioplastic composites are a group of emerging sustainable materials that exhibit favorable characteristics for use in horticulture-production containers. Biocontainers made from composite materials of soy [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] bioplastic and poly(lactic) acid (PLA) have been shown to release nitrogen (N) at a rate suitable for supporting plant growth. We hypothesized that fertilizer applications can be reduced while maintaining adequate nutrition levels for plant production when using soy-based containers. To test this hypothesis and quantify potential reduction of fertilizer, we grew marigold ‘Honeycomb’ (Tagetes patula L.) in five prototypes of soy-composite biocontainers [soy bioplastic compounded with PLA or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)] and a petroleum-plastic (polypropylene) control container with five fertilizer treatments supplying 1) 60N‒4P‒49K; 2) 75N‒5P‒61K; 3) 105N‒7P‒85K; 4) 150N‒10P‒122K; or 5) 300N‒20P‒244K mg. At harvest, plants grown in all soy‒PLA composite biocontainers and protein + PLA biocontainers had higher concentrations and contents of N and P compared with plants grown in petroleum-plastic containers across all fertilizer treatments. Shoot K concentrations were highest for plants grown in all soy‒PLA and soy‒PHA biocontainers compared with plants grown in petroleum-plastic containers across all fertilizer treatments, whereas shoot K concentrations in plants grown in protein + PLA biocontainers were equal to or lower than plants in petroleum-plastic containers. Total plant dry weight was greater for plants grown in biocontainers made of 50% soy‒50% PLA and protein + PLA than for plants grown in control containers across all fertilizer treatments except at the highest rate of fertilizer in which plants received 300N‒20P‒244K mg. Our results support the hypothesis that fertilizer inputs can be reduced when using soy-composite biocontainers. Biocontainers made with equal parts soy bioplastic and PLA showed strong potential for achieving adequate plant growth with reduced fertilizer input. Our results demonstrate that fertilizer can be reduced by as much as 80% when growing marigold in containers made of 50% soy‒50% PLA for 6 weeks.
The Variation Characteristics and Blooming Phenophase of Monoecious Pistacia chinensis Bunge
Authors: Bai Qian , Su Shuchai , Lin Zhu , Leng Pingsheng , Wang Wenhao
Published: February 2019

Pistacia chinensis Bunge is a pioneer tree for afforestation, and of high value as an ornament and for timber and medicine. It has also become the preferred biofuel tree in northern China in current years, with a broader development prospect. However, this development is seriously limited due to its dioecious character (separate sexes), because the male (nonfruit) trees are indispensable for pollination, and this leads to a waste of field and low yields. Fortunately, this bottleneck can be broken with the emergence of rare monoecious (having both female and male flowers, and even bisexual flowers) resources in Hebei Province, China. To determine their cultivation characteristics, the variation characteristics and blooming phenophase of local Pistacia were recorded with text, data, and images, by germplasm resources survey, telephone interviews, and field visits. Results showed that 1) 23 monoecious Pistacia were found, with very complex morphological features. 2) The branches of different gender types, ordered by inflorescence length were female > female on monoecious trees > bisexual flowers > inflorescence with male and female > male on monoecious trees > male. Ordered by inflorescence width: female > bisexual flower > female on monoecious trees > inflorescence with male and female > male on monoecious trees > male. Among these, the inflorescence length, inflorescence width, floret diameter, and floret spacing of bisexual flowers were significantly greater than that of male flowers, providing a basis to judge gender type without destructive sampling. 3) Gender types were unstable in successive years—female, male, mixed, or bisexual flowers could convert to another gender within 1 year, except that no female became male, and the overall trend was from male to mixed or bisexual gender in recent years. 4) The blooming phenophase changed a lot among different strains and sex types, which could enlarge the blooming period.
Seasonal Changes in Growth, Nitrogen Nutrition, and Yield of Hydroponic Lettuce
Authors: Djidonou Desire , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: February 2019

The effect of different nitrogen (N) concentrations on growth changes, leaf N concentration and accumulation patterns, N nutrition index (NNI), fresh weight yield, and N use efficiency (NUE) was determined for lettuce grown over three consecutive seasons (fall, winter, and spring) in a recirculating hydroponic system, under unheated and naturally lit hoop house in Uvalde, TX. The lettuce cultivars Buttercrunch, Dragoon, and Sparx were grown at six N concentrations, initially 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 400 mg·L−1 using a nutrient film technique (NFT). Leaf number, accumulated dry weight (DW) and N, and leaf area index (LAI) followed a logistic trend over time, characterized by a slow increase during early growth followed by a linear increase to a maximum. By contrast, plant total N concentrations were the highest at early stage and decreased slightly over time. Effect of season and cultivar on these growth traits was more pronounced than that of the N concentrations. Averaged across cultivar and N concentrations, DW in spring was 73% and 34% greater than that in fall and winter, respectively. At each sampling date, there were linear, quadratic, or cubic effects of N concentrations on each of these variables. The cultivar Sparx was the most productive, with 63% and 32% higher fresh weight yield in fall, 145% and 114% in spring, than ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Dragoon’, respectively. Increasing nutrient solution N concentrations from 100 to 400 mg·L−1 increased the yield from 5.9 to 6.7 kg·m−2 in fall, 8.1 to 10.7 kg·m−2 in winter, and 10.3 to 12.6 kg·m−2 in spring. The NUE was the highest at the lowest N concentration (100 mg·L−1) and decreased with increasing N concentrations. The NNI during mid- to late-growth stages was near or greater than one, even at the lowest N. These results demonstrated that N concentrations of 100–150 mg·L−1 maximized the growth and yield of hydroponically grown lettuce.
The Performance of Time (or the time of musical performance)
Authors: Teixeira William , Ferraz Silvio
Published: February 2019

In the twentieth century, time became a key-concept for music – maybe the art more dependent on time. Even so, a myriad of definitions did turn this idea not only into a rich element for musical discourse but also into a conceptual battlefield in discourses about music. Unfortunately, there was an issue for this struggle between theoretical ideas and musical composition that always insisted in striking the debate: the performance. Thus, this is the aim of this short reflection: to bring performers as protagonists in the debate, listening to their experience in time and of time in performance. For this, the Augustinian link between Time and Memory is taken as a bottom line for the discussion. In understanding music as a kind of discourse, another important conceptual device will be claimed for this reflection, that is Rhetoric. The first part of this reflection recollects concepts from the Aristotelian and Augustinian approaches on time and discourse, and concludes with a review of the main definitions of time by composers in the twentieth century. The second part reviews three theoretical approaches of musical form as process. A third section comprises the embodiment of those discussions into practice in the Cello Sonata, written by Bernd Alois Zimmermann.
O retorno à vida fática como proposta filosófica em Heidegger
Authors: Provinciatto Luís Gabriel
Published: February 2019

Este artigo toma duas preleções do filósofo alemão Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) como ponto de partida: A ideia da filosofia e o problema da visão de mundo (1919) e Ontologia (hermenêutica da facticidade) (1923). Partindo da hipótese de que é possível aproximar ambas as preleções, este trabalho se desenvolve a partir das temáticas próprias de cada texto com a intenção de mostrar que a filosofia se viabiliza para Heidegger a partir do solo da facticidade. Nesse sentido, a vida fática é considerada como tema central tanto em 1919, onde a filosofia é apresentada como ciência originária pré-teórica, quanto em 1923, onde a filosofia se identifica com a fenomenologia ontológico-hermenêutica. Por fim, percebe-se que ambas as preleções são fundamentais para consolidar a vida fática como objeto próprio da filosofia. E mais: para que a tarefa da filosofia se identifique com a da fenomenologia desenvolvida por Heidegger.
Routing Algorithm based on Clustering for Increasing the Lifetime of Sensor Networks by Using Meta-Heuristic Bee Algorithms
Authors: Sedighimanesh Mohammad , Hesami Hesam Zand , Sedighimanesh Ali
Published: February 2019

Background:

Nowadays, the use of wireless sensor networks is developing rapidly. these
networks are applicable in many fields, including military, medical, and environment. these networks
use hundreds or thousands of cheap sensor nodes with low power-low and low energy to perform
large tasks. These networks have limitations that can lead to inefficiency or not cost - effective.
Among these limitations, consumption of energy and issues related to the lifetime of the network.
One of the solutions that can assist the load balancing between sensor nodes, increased scalability,
improving energy consumption and consequently, increasing network lifetime, clustering of sensor
nodes and placing a suitable cluster head in all clusters. Choosing the right cluster head, significantly
reduces energy consumption in the network and increases network lifetime.

Objective:

The purpose of this paper is to increase network lifetime by using the efficient clustering
algorithm, which is used in Meta-heuristic bee colony to select the cluster head. Simulation of this
paper is performed by MATLB software and the proposed method is compared with LEACH and
GACR approaches.

Conclusion:

The simulation findings in this study show that the intended study has remarkably increased
the length of the network lifetime by LEACH and GACR algorithms. Due to the limitation of
energy in the wireless sensor network such solutions and using Meta-heuristic algorithms can give
rise a remarkable increasing in network lifetime.
EPISTEMOLOGI TAFSIR Al-QUR’AN KONTEMPORER
Authors: Gusmian Islah
Published: February 2019

This article discussed about the epistemology of thecontemporary Qur’anic interpretation. As the holy book which isshâlih likulli zaman wa makan, Qur’an would always be understoodby Muslim scholars in order to be able to find out its variousmeanings. In those processes of comprehension, human being as bothreader and interpreter has very important roles. He/she will thenformulate various methods to be able to understand practically, inorder that God’s ideas and meanings being able to be reachcomprehensively. Furthermore, this article showed that contemporaryQur’an hermeneutic, as well as formulated by Fazlur Rahman, Aminal-Khuli, Nasr Hamid Abu Zaid, be possible to be used Inunderstanding the Holy Qur’an comprehensively. Just like thehermeneutic approach from the western thinkers, such as Gadamer.
KOMPLEKSITAS SIMBOL DAN REPRESENTASI MAKNA DALAM TRADISI RAJABAN MASYARAKAT KEBUMEN
Authors: Fathonah Siti
Published: February 2019

This study tries to describe the behavioral-practice and to find out the meaning behind the symbols represented by the Kebumen society through the Rajaban tradition. Kebumen, which is known as the meeting point between the traditions of Islamic Mataram of Yogyakarta which is identically close to the culture of priyayi, and the Banyumasan tradition which is identically known as peripheral community, become its unique consideration of the selected locations of the study. Through an ethnographic approach, based on the theoretical basis of symbolic functionalism as its analysis perspective, the results of the study showed that there is a layer of meaning represented by various symbols used by the Kebumen community during the Rajaban tradition practice. First, the social meaning is the orientation of the community in presenting “berkat”. The “berkat”’s form and model representing the socio-economic status of its provider. Second, "janengan" as an important part in the process of reciting the Prophet's prayer, is believed to be one form of respect for the da'wah that has been carried out by the Wali in spreading Islam in Java.
Sistema de Biofeedback para Rehabilitación de Marcha Asistida por un Exoesqueleto
Authors: Mayor John Jairo Villarejo , Jiménez Nicolas Jacobo Valencia , Hoyos Gloria Patricia Arango , Bravo Eduardo Francisco Caicedo
Published: February 2019

Los robots proporcionan nuevas formas de terapia para pacientes con desórdenes neurológicos. Las terapias de marcha asistidas con exoesqueletos pueden incrementar la duración y la intensidad de los entrenamientos para los pacientes y reducir el esfuerzo físico del terapeuta. Sin embargo, el uso de estos dispositivos para el entrenamiento de la marcha limita la interacción física entre el terapeuta y el paciente, en comparación con la terapia manual. Una apropiada realimentación de las funciones corporales y biomecánicas en la interacción con el sistema robótico facilita la evaluación del desempeño del paciente, motivándolo en el reaprendizaje de la marcha con resultados superiores. Este artículo presenta el diseño de una interfaz de usuario para un exoesqueleto de miembros inferiores para asistencia en la marcha y en terapias de rehabilitación. Se consideraron aspectos técnicos y clínicos para proporcionar ventajas del exoesqueleto durante las terapias, estableciendo una herramienta de apoyo para la configuración, monitoreo y registro de los parámetros involucrados. Se propuso un esquema de realimentación sensorial para el paciente acerca de la actividad muscular, la presión ejercida en diferentes puntos de los pies y algunas variables biomecánicas. Finalmente, se valida la herramienta con sujetos sanos por medio de un test de usabilidad propuesto.
Biodiversity and population fluctuations of parasitoids of the white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), in kiwifruit orchards in Northern Iran
Authors: Toorani A.H. , Abbasipour H. , Dehghan-Dehnavi L.
Published: February 2019

The white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona Targioni-Tozzetti (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is one of the most important and destructive polyphagous pests of the Rosaceae family trees. Population fluctuations and biodiversity of the hymenopteran parasitoid species associated with the pest were studied in six kiwi orchards in Iran, during one-year period. Parasitoid species abundance, species diversity indices and evenness indices were calculated. Most of the parasitoid species were dominant or eudominant. Based on the alpha diversity indices, the Najarkola region had high diversity and the Kharatkola region had low diversity. The Paeendasteh region (based on Simpson’s Diversity on Camargo evenness indices) and the Samnakola region (based on the modified Nee, and on Smith and Wilson evenness indices) were less uniform. Among the recorded parasitoids, Encarsia berlesei Howard (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), followed by Aphytis proclia Walker (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), had the highest population in all orchards.
Acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccination among Slovenian physicians, 2016
Authors: Učakar Veronika , Kraigher Alenka
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for all healthcare workers including physicians in Slovenia to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce transmission of influenza viruses. The aim of our study is to determine the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination among Slovenian physicians, to identify factors associated with that vaccination and assess their attitudes and beliefs regarding vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed among physician members of the Slovenian Medical Chamber. The link to the anonymous web-based questionnaire was sent to 8,297 physicians. We estimated the overall proportion of physicians who vaccinate against influenza, while the possible associations with collected explanatory variables were explored in univariate analyses.

Results

The response rate to the survey was 10.8%. 75.9% (95% CI: 73.1–78.7%) physicians vaccinate themselves against influenza (regularly or occasionally) and 24.1% (95% CI: 21.2–26.8%) do not vaccinate (not any more or never). In univariate analysis only, the area of work was statistically significant when associated with vaccinating against influenza (p=0.002). Among physicians who expressed some misconceptions regarding vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases (it is better to overcome disease naturally as vaccines pose a higher risk than disease) the proportion of vaccinated against influenza was low (43.2%; 95% CI: 27.9–58.4%, 27.3%; 95% CI: 7.1–47.5%).

Conclusion

Not trusting in vaccination or professional recommendations regarding vaccination and some misconceptions regarding vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases may influence the decision to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza among Slovenian physicians.
Atypical presentation of Type I right common carotid artery (CCA) thrombotic occlusion: a case report
Authors: Singh Sonali , Sharma Bharat Bhushan , Kapur Neeru , Chauhan Shantnu Singh , Aziz Mir Rizwan , Jha Dileep Kumar
Published: February 2019

Background:

Common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion can be noticed while carrying out routine sonography and color flow imaging (CFI) of the carotid vessels. A complete evaluation is required when detected in these types of cases. The presenting feature may vary from minor to the major category. Internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery may or may not be the part of occlusion.

Case Report:

We report a 39-years-old male who reported with sudden loss of vision in the right eye. He underwent carotid ultrasonography and was found to be having complete occlusion of right CCA and ICA.

Conclusion:

Alarming stroke may not always be the finding in complete occlusion of CCA and their distal branches. There can be isolated finding of retinal artery occlusion as happened in our case. CFI is the modality of choice for clinching the diagnosis.
PENGARUH TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) TERHADAP BIAYA KUALITAS DAN KUALITAS PRODUK SERTA IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KINERJA PERUSAHAAN DENGAN BUDAYA KUALITAS SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI
Authors: Dyah Ade
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine and analyze empirically the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) to the cost of quality and product quality, the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) to the cost of quality and product quality by quality culture as the moderating variable, the influence of the cost of quality and product quality the performance of the company.Data collection methods used in this research is in the form of secondary and primary data. The questionnaire distributed by proportional random sampling to 34 people respondent managers who working in the rattan industry in Cirebon. The method used in this research is the analysis of MRA (Moderated Regression Analysis) with SPSS tools.The results of this research are the Total Quality Management (TQM) affect the cost of quality and product quality, Total Quality Management (TQM) with a quality culture not significant effect on the cost of quality and product quality, cost and quality of the product quality no significant effect on the performance of the company.
Analisis Tingkat Kesehatan Koperasi Di Kabupaten Kuningan Berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri Negara Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Republik Indonesia Nomor 14/PER/M.UKM/XII/2009
Authors: Nurhayati Neni , Masruroh Rina
Published: February 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat kesehatan koperasi di Kabupaten Kuningan berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri Negara Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan menengah republik Indonesia Nomor 14/PER/M.UKM/XII/2009. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, dilaksanakan metode penelitian deskripsi analitis dengan sumber data berupa data primer yaitu jawaban responden mengenai kelembagaan dan manajemen dan data sekunder yang bersumber dari Dinas Koperasi Usaha Kecil dan Menengah di Kabupaten Kuningan berupa data jumlah koperasi, laporan keuangan koperasi, laporan RAT koperasi dll. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah koperasi di Kabupaten Kuningan yang memiliki unit usaha simpan pinjam seperti KUD, KSU, KOPONTREN, KSP, dan KOPPAS. Teknik pengambilan sampel dengan menggunakan purposif sampling yaitu penentuan sampel dengan berdasarkan pertimbangan atau kriteria tertentu sehingga diproleh 40 sampel penelitian. Analisa data pada penelitian ini merujuk pada Peraturan Menteri Negara Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Republik Indonesia Nomor : 14/PER/M.KUKM/XII/2009 yang mewakili tentang kondisi keuangan yang terdapat pada koperasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa hasil perhitungan tujuh aspek yang telah dilakukan di Koperasi Kabupaten Kuningan, tingkat kesehatan koperasi pada tahun 2014 dari jumlah 40 koperasi, yang mendapatkan kategori predikat cukup sehat berjumlah 17 koperasi dan 23 koperasi mendapatkan predikat sehat. Sedangkan tahun 2015 dari jumlah 40 koperasi yang diteliti, 38 koperasi mendapatkan kategori cukup sehat sedangkan 2 koperasi mendapatkan kategori prediikat kurang sehat
ANALISIS KINERJA SAHAM SYARIAH SEKTOR PERTANIAN DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE SHARPE, TREYNOR, DAN JENSEN
Authors: Juwenah Firman Hidayat
Published: February 2019

This research is aimed to detect Performance of Sharia Stock Agricultur Sector in Indonesia, especially kind of Stock of within research period 2012-2016. The performance measuring method that is used is Sharpe, Treynor, and Jensen Method. The Data which is used in this research is secondary data by using sample interpretation technique, use purposive sampling. Analysis Technique which is used in this research is decriptive with quantitative approach.  The performance of Sharia Stock’s by using Sharpen’s Method, its founded four Sharia Stock which have Under Performance , those are: PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), PT Gozco Plantations Tbk (GZCO), PT Sampoerna Agro Tbk (SGRO), dan PT Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk (SIMP), and also there are five Sharia Stock which have out perform, those are: PT BISI International Tbk (BISI), PT Bumi Teknokultura Unggul Tbk (BTEK), PT Dharma Samudera Fishing Industries Tbk (DSFI), PT Inti Agri Resources Tbk (IIKP), dan PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk (LSIP).The Performance of Sharia Stock’s by using Treynor Method, there are five Sharia Stock which have under perform, those are PT. Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), PT Gozco Plantations Tbk (GZCO), PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk (LSIP), PT Sampoerna Agro Tbk (SGRO), dan PT Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk (SIMP), and also there are four Sharia Stock which have out perform, Those are PT BISI International Tbk (BISI), PT Bumi Teknokultura Unggul Tbk (BTEK), PT Dharma Samudera Fishing Industries Tbk (DSFI), dan PT Inti Agri Resources Tbk (IIKP).For Sharia Stock’s performance by using Jensen Method cant be achieved the decision whether sharia stock has out perform or under perform.
Mekanisme Islamic Corporate Governance Pada Kinerja Bank Umum Syariah Menggunakan Islamic Performance Index
Authors: Puspasari Oktaviani Rita
Published: February 2019

This study examine how Islamic Corporate Governance mechanism which are : a number of sharia supervisory board meeting, independent directors, a number of audit committee meeting has an effect to the Islamic Bank performance in Indonesia which meassured by Islamic Performance Index, which proxy by : Profit sharing ratio (PSR), Islamic Income Ratio (IIR) and Equitable Distribution Ratio (EDR).� The sample selection method is purposive sampling and obtained 9 Islamic bank in 5 years period observation with 45 data are being sampled.� Multiple regression analysis is used to analyze the data.� The results shows that a number of DPS meeting have a negative effect �to PSR&EDR, however positive effect showed for IIR.� Then, independent directors have a negative effect to the PSR and IIR, however it has positive effect for EDR. As well as, negative effect showed by a number of audit committee meeting to PSR and IIR, while a number of audit committee meeting have positive effect for EDR. However the analysis result show that there are no significant effect from independent variable to the Islamic Bank performance which measured by Islamic Performance Index.Keyword:� A number of Sharia Supervisory Board meetings, Independent Directors, a number of audit committee meeting, Islamic Bank Performance.
Exploration of Chemical Compound, Conformer, and Reaction Space with Meta-Dynamics Simulations Based on Tight-Binding Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Grimme Stefan
Published: February 2019

The semi-empirical tight-binding based quantum chemistry method GFN2-xTB is used in the framework of meta-dynamics (MTD) to globally explore chemical compound, conformer, and reaction space. The approach us used for three common problems, i.e., conformer search, chemical reaction space exploration in a virtual nanoreactor, and for guessing reaction paths. For typical conformational search problems of drug-like organic molecules, the new MTD(RMSD) algorithm yields lower energy structures and more complete conformer ensembles at reduced computational effort compared with its already well performing predecessor.