bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofeedback flutter device for managing the symptoms of patients with COPD
Authors: Kaja Rekha , Vaiyapuri Anandh , Sirajudeen Mohamed Sherif , Muthusamy Hariraja , Unnikrishnan Radhakrishnan , Waly Mohamed , Devaraj Samuel Sundar Doss , Seyam Mohamed Kotb , S Gopal Nambi
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: Flutter is a device used in removing excess lung secretions. The conventional flutter lacks a biofeedback component to facilitate optimal use by the patients. OBJECTIVE: The current research aims to compare the effects of biofeedback flutter devices with the conventional flutter in managing the symptoms of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (conventional), Group B (visual biofeedback), Group C (auditory biofeedback) and Group D (visual and auditory biofeedback). All groups were treated five days for 20 minutes. Outcome measures included wet sputum weight [during intervention (T1) and 1 hour after intervention (T2)], oxygen saturation and dyspnea score (before and after intervention) on all days. RESULTS: The wet sputum expectorated (T2) by Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P< 0.001), Group C (P< 0.001) and Group D (P< 0.05). The dyspnea score for Group B (P< 0.05), Group C (P< 0.05) and Group D (P< 0.05) was significantly lower than Group A. The post-intervention oxygen saturation level was higher in Group D followed by Groups B, C and A. CONCLUSION: The use of biofeedback flutter is effective in the removal of secretion, reducing dyspnea and improving oxygen saturation when compared to conventional flutter.
Clinical and radiological features of novel coronavirus pneumonia
Authors: Zheng Qiuting , Lu Yibo , Lure Fleming , Jaeger Stefan , Lu Puxuan
Published: June 2020

Recently, COVID-19 has spread in more than 100 countries and regions around the world, raising grave global concerns. COVID-19 transmits mainly through respiratory droplets and close contacts, causing cluster infections. The symptoms are dominantly fever, fatigue, and dry cough, and can be complicated with tiredness, sore throat, and headache. A few patients have symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and diarrhea. The severe disease can progress rapidly into the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Next-generation sequencing (NGS) are the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. Chest imaging is used for cross validation. Chest CT is highly recommended as the preferred imaging diagnosis method for COVID-19 due to its high density and high spatial resolution. The common CT manifestation of COVID-19 includes multiple segmental ground glass opacities (GGOs) distributed dominantly in extrapulmonary/subpleural zones and along bronchovascular bundles with crazy paving sign and interlobular septal thickening and consolidation. Pleural effusion or mediastinal lymphadenopathy is rarely seen. In CT imaging, COVID-19 manifests differently in its various stages including the early stage, the progression (consolidation) stage, and the absorption stage. In its early stage, it manifests as scattered flaky GGOs in various sizes, dominated by peripheral pulmonary zone/subpleural distributions. In the progression state, GGOs increase in number and/or size, and lung consolidations may become visible. The main manifestation in the absorption stage is interstitial change of both lungs, such as fibrous cords and reticular opacities. Differentiation between COVID-19 pneumonia and other viral pneumonias are also analyzed. Thus, CT examination can help reduce false negatives of nucleic acid tests.
Proyectos de acción social
Authors: López de Ceballos Paloma
Published: June 2020

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Теоретичні та методичні засади професійної підготовки майбутніх психологів із соціальної психології старості
Authors: Коваленко Олена
Published: June 2020

У статті розглядаються зміст і методичні засади викладання дисципліни «Соціальна психологія старості» майбутнім психологам, бакалаврам спеціальності 053 «Психологія» з додатковою спеціалізацією «Соціальна психологія». Зазначені мета та завдання дисципліни, а також знання й уміння студентів після опанування її змістом. Змістовно вона складається із дев’яти тем: соціальна психологія старості як міждисциплінарна галузь знань, загальна характеристика розвитку людини у старості, вікові зміни особистості у старості, міжособистісне спілкування людини у віці пізньої дорослості, сім’я в житті старіючої людини, особи літнього та старечого віку в суспільстві, психологічні особливості соціальної адаптації у старості, соціальна активність людей у літньому та старечому віці, соціальна та психологічна допомога людині на етапі старості. Опанування таким змістом передбачає лекційні, семінарські та практичні заняття, самостійну й індивідуальну роботу. Вивчення дисципліни закінчується підсумковим модульним контролем. Охарактеризовані особливості цих форм організації навчання, подано їхній зміст. Діяльність студентів оцінюється модульною оцінкою у 100 балів. Обґрунтовується система нарахування балів за різні види робіт.
Деякі аспекти школотворчої функції баянно-акордеонного мистецтва
Authors: Євтушенко Анастасія
Published: June 2020

У статті розглядається проблема розвитку сучасного баянно-акордеонного мистецтва крізь призму школотворчої функції баянно-акордеонного мистецтва. Процес формування українського музичного мистецтва тісно пов’язаний з історичними та соціокультурними передумовами, які увібрали традиції вітчизняної та західноєвропейської музичних культур. З цієї точки зору значний інтерес викликає баянно-акордеонне мистецтво в Україні, в якому віддзеркалено музично-історичні тенденції розвитку: академічного, народно-інструментального виконавства. Автор робить висновок, що важливим завданням української баянно-акордеонної школи є підготовка не лише високопрофесійного фахівця, але й всебічно розвиненої особистості, здатної вільно орієнтуватися в інформаційно-культурному просторі, постійно самовдосконалюватися і розширювати горизонти й можливості власного пізнання та творчих здобутків. Баянно-акордеонне мистецтво в ході історичного розвитку ствердило методичну та виконавську функції як невід’ємні складові школотворення, яке відбувалося за участі видатних діячів баянно-акордеонного мистецтва.
TURUNNYA KEKUASAAN REZIM ORDE BARU DALAM PERSPEKTIF TEORI KONFLIK
Authors: Tuanaya Halimah Humayrah
Published: June 2020

Konflik merupakan realitas sosial yang tidak dapat dihindari. Perbedaan kepentingan antara kelompok penguasa orde baru dan kelompok masyarakat yang didominasi, telah menghasilkan konflik yang berujung gejolak kekerasan. Walaupun secara konseptual konflik memiliki dampak positif dalam menghadirkan perubahan sosial di masyarakat, namun analisa atas tumbangnya rezim orde baru perlu dilakukan guna mencari formula terbaik dalam menyikapi konflik kekuasaan yang mungkin terjadi di kemudian hari. Serangkaian kebijakan yang diambil oleh kelompok penguasa orde baru dalam merespon konflik menjadi masalah yang akan dianalisa pada penelitian ini, sekaligus mencari solusi efektif yang dihasilkan dari penggunaan antithesis konsep teori konflik dalam memandang tumbangnya rezim orde baru. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian normatif, dengan pendekatan yang bersifat yuridis-normatif, serta menggunakan bahan hukum sekunder. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan; pertama, hal-hal yang menjadi cikal bakal tumbangnya rezim orde baru menurut asumsi teori konflik, seperti dominasi kelompok penguasa orde baru atas pembentukan dan penegakan hukum; tertutupnya ruang negosiasi untuk mencapai konsensus atas konflik kepentingan yang ada; dan lain sebagainya, telah membawa perubahan sosial atas nama reformasi. Kedua, penggunaan antithesis konsep teori konflik, menunjukkan adanya solusi dalam upaya menyikapi konflik kekuasaan, diantaranya dengan membuka ruang-ruang negosiasi dalam menghasilkan konsensus dari berbagai kelompok kepentingan masyarakat.
Technological rise of China: New challenges for Russia
Authors: Kheyfets B. A.
Published: June 2020

The paper discusses the trend towards the formation of a bipolar global technological space in connection with the rapid technological development of China, which over the past 15—20 years has become a global technological leader. Moreover, in many positions in the technological race, China is already ahead of the United States and offers other countries attractive forms of cooperation in mastering the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution. The features of the current stage of interaction between Russia and China in the field of high technologies are analyzed, and an assessment of the risks and opportunities for Russia’s participation in the new project “Digital Silk Road”, which is becoming an important component of the Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative”, is given.
Book review: “Economic policy. Turbulent decade 2008—2018” by Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy
Authors: Porfiriev B. N. , Shirov A. A.
Published: June 2020

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Assessment of the tax system and tax authorities efficiency in Russia
Authors: Borshchevskiy G. A.
Published: June 2020

In this paper we propose a comprehensive methodology for assessing the development of the tax system and tax service of the Russian Federation in 1991—2018. Then we have tested this methodology on statistical data and calculated the indices, and compiled a chronology of key events in the development of the tax system of the Russian Federation and the development of tax authorities. Also we have verified the hypothesis of the presence of statistical relationship in the development of the tax system and tax authorities. We reveal a high degree of statistical compliance of the tax system and the tax service development indices. Mismatch in the dynamics of their development in the period of 2014—2018 is caused by both the post-crisis slowdown in economic growth and negative trends in government regulation (the emergence of new taxes, increased tax burden on businesses, etc.).
MEWUJUDKAN ANAK SUPUTRA MENURUT AJARAN HINDU MELALUI KEGIATAN POSYANDU
Authors: SAPUTRA I GUSTI NGURAH ALIT
Published: June 2020

Terwujudnya anak yang suputra sangat besar manfaatnya bagi pembangunan disegala bidang baik phisik maupun mental. Keberadaan Posyandu sangat besar manfaatnya untuk meningkatkan kualitas sumber daya manusia, karena melalui Posyandu akan mendapat pelayanan kesehatan secara teratur dan lengkap sesuai kebutuhan phisik seperti; penimbangan bulanan balita, distribusi vitamin A setiap enam bulanan, pemberian kapsul minyak beryodium pada beberapa desa tertentu dan penyuluhan gizi dan kesehatan serta sesekali ada kegiatan Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) dan secara mental yaitu melalui penyuluhan–penyuluhan yang diberikan kepada ibu-ibu Balita, yang meliputi; penyuluhan kesehatan tentang kesehatan ibu dan anak.
BANTAL SIU PADA UPACARA PAWIWAHAN DI KELURAHAN BALER BALE AGUNG KECAMATAN NEGARA KABUPATEN JEMBRANA
Authors: Ngurah I Gusti Ayu , Mahyuni Ni Ketut Caturadi , Paramita I Gusti Agung
Published: June 2020

Artikel ini membahas tentang sarana upacara dalam bentuk bebantenan bantal siu pada upacara pawiwahan di Kelurahan Baler Bale Agung, Kecamatan Negara Kabupaten Jembrana. Banten ini memiliki keunikan dan berbeda dengan daerah lain, namun tetap mengacu pada ajaran Agama Hindu. Topik yang akan dikaji yakni tentang bentuk dan fungsi banten Bantal Siu ini pada upacara pawiwahan. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif, pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara lapangan, studi dokumen dan observasi. Dari analisis hasil data, maka hasil penelitian yang didapat yaitu: 1) Bentuk Banten Bantal Siu yang digunakan di Kelurahan Baler Bale Agung dalam prosesi mempelai berdua melaksanakan pengraos (pala dara). 2) Dalam Banten Bantal Siu digunakan beberapa fungsi, yaitu: fungsi religi, fungsi sosial, fungsi estetika, dan fungsi pendidikan.
Six Sigma” pada UMKM Rina Payakumbuh Untuk Minimasi Defect Produk Sanjai
Authors: Marlina Winny Alna , Khairi Khairi , Poni Poni
Published: June 2020

Based on Survey data in 2018, Payakumbuh has a cracker industry of 44%, a wet cake industry 37%, 11% of the food industry which is not yet included in any group, and 8% of the bread and similar industries. One of the SMEs that produce Sanjai in Payakumbuh is Sanjai Rina. Sanjai Rina's business has been established since 1990. The production system at Sanjai Rina is still simple in its processing, so there are defective products every month. The number of defects in December 2018 will be 50 kg, with a production of 3300 kg. For this reason, Six Sigma at Rina Payakumbuh MSMEs for Minimizing Defect Sanjai Products. The use of Six Sigma to prevent and reduce product defects, save costs, and customer satisfaction. Results Sigma scores of Sanjai defective products at Rina's UMKM were 4% and exceeded Sigma's standard by 3%. In minimizing defects in Sanjai products by using the Six Sigma methodology, which includes DMAIC. Sanjai Rina's product damage classification consists of 32% because the packaging is caused by plastics exposed to the heat of the frying pan, 29.8% due to expired products, and 38.2% technical problems, namely a large number of requests by the retailer due to running out of stock. Technical errors cause the most significant product defect, so UKM Rina will provide training to employees and provide training in producing sanjai to minimize the number of defective products to increase company profits.
Effect of Water Stress, Nitrogen and Organic Manure Fertilizer on Nitrogen Use Efficiency Indices and Grain Protein Content of Wheat in a Semi-arid Environment
Authors: Mohamad Ahmed Badr ELdin Abdelgadir , Ahmed Faisal Elgasim , Dessougi Hanadi Ibrahim
Published: June 2020

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 on the Demonstration Farm of the Faulty of Agriculture, University of Kassala at New Half. Nitrogen use efficiencies (i.e. agronomic AE, internal IE, physiological PE and recovery RE) and grain protein content were investigated at different level of watering regimes and organic manure application of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). The watering regime treatments were irrigation every 7, 14 and 21 days, and the nitrogen fertilizer levels were zero, 43, 86 kg N ha-1 without or with 4 tons of chicken manure ha-1. Frequent irrigation, addition of high N level and organic manure significantly increased AE, IE, PE, RE and grain protein content compared to their respective treatments. Mixing of organic manure and nitrogen fertilizer increased AE, IE and RE but resulted in a slightly increase in PE than both treatments when they were added solely. Further, the magnitude of organic manure on AE, IE, RE and grain protein content was significantly greater under normal watering regime. Wheat plants under optimum conditions (frequent watering, high N level plus organic manure) used N, as indicated by AE, PE, IE and RE, more efficiently than under other treatment combination.
IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM INFORMASI KEHADIRAN SISWA PADA SMKN 2 KABUPATEN TANGERANG
Authors: Martono Aris , Setyawan Eko Arjun , Pambudi Alda Dwi
Published: June 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memantau kehadiran siswa dengan menggunakan sistem berbasis website di Lingkungan SMKN 2 Kabupaten Tangerang. Permasalahan sistem kehadiran siswa pada SMKN 2 Kabupaten Tangerang ini masih menggunakan sistem yang manual dengan jumlah siswa yang cukup banyak yaitu 2320 siswa. Penggunaan sistem kehadiran ini menyulitkan karena melibatkan banyak pihak, belum lagi memakan proses yang cukup panjang, Sehingga keakuratan data belum terjamin karena sering terjadi kecurangan dalam pelaksanaanya. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan cara observasi, wawancara, dan juga studi pustaka. Menggunakan analisis SWOT untuk menemukan faktor-faktor kekurangan dan kelebihan sistem guna mengatasi kelemahan serta menambah kelebihan. Untuk mengetahui kebutuhan sistem, dilakukan analisis kebutuhan elisitasi dan menghasilkan 27 kebutuhan fungsional sistem dan 2 kebutuhan non-fungsional.  Pembuatan model sistem dengan Unified Modelling Language (UML) untuk menggambarkan rancangan sistem konseptual dan rancangan sistem detail. Dalam perancangan prototype, tampilan layar sistem dibuat berlevel seperti struktur menu yang terdiri dari menu login, rekam, proses, laporan, utility, dan logout. Dengan adanya sistem ini memudahkan para pengguna untuk mengoperasikan.
Biblioteki polonijne w krajach Ameryki Łacińskiej, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem Argentyny
Authors: Smolana Robert Brzóska, Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

Na terenie Argentyny funkcjonują dwie duże biblioteki polonijne: Biblioteka Polska im. Ignacego Domeyki w Buenos Aires oraz biblioteka oo. franciszkanów w Martin Coronado pod Buenos Aires. Autorzy pragną zaprezentować dzieje obu zbiorów i ich twórców na tle polonijnego ruchu bibliotecznego i wydawniczego, poczynając od drugiej połowy XIX w. Będzie to próba przedstawienia stanu zachowania kolekcji, problemów z ich utrzymaniem i udostępnianiem oraz czytelnictwa polskiego w Argentynie. Autorzy postarają się opisać rolę pełnioną przez te biblioteki w życiu Polonii argentyńskiej tak w chwili ich powstania, jak i dzisiaj. Przedstawią też perspektywy dalszego funkcjonowania obu bibliotek widziane z Polski.
Polski socjolog i bibliograf Wiktor Stanisław Żółtowski (1900-1969) – założyciel francuskiej szkoły historii statystycznej twórczości intelektualnej
Authors: Koredczuk Bożena
Published: June 2020

Postać Wiktora Żółtowskiego nie jest bliżej znana w świecie nauki polskiej. Większość życia uczony spędził we Francji. Celem artykułu jest przybliżenie jego osoby i dokonań naukowych. Francuski bibliolog Robert Estivals uznał W. Żółtowskiego za założyciela, opartej na metodzie bibliograficznej, francuskiej szkoły historii statystycznej produkcji intelektualnej. Oryginalność jego badań polegała na wykorzystaniu danych zawartych w różnego typu spisach, głównie w „Bibliographie de la France”, do analizy ilościowej produkcji wydawniczej tekstów naukowych. Prace W. Żółtowskiego powstały na styku bibliologii, historii piśmiennictwa i socjologii.
The Effectiveness of Implementation Family Planning Village Program at Village Beting of Bugis Dalam Subdistrict East Pontianak District in Pontianak City And Village Sepadu Semparuk District Sambas Regency
Authors: Rianawati Rianawati , Mokhtar Aida , Lutfi M. , Primastuti GMS.
Published: June 2020

This study is motivated by the high rate of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in West Kalimantan, which is at 3.1 children per woman. In addition, information was also found that unwanted and unplanning pregnancies were still high at 9.1 percent, unmet need in 2016 was still 15.8 percent, and the development in family planning participation in the recent decade was still very slow. Generally, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of the KB Village. The study conducted in this study is an evaluative study with data collection carried out through quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative approach aims to obtain in-depth information about input, process, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting as well as achievement indicators of success. Meanwhile, the quantitative approach was carried out using a structured questionnaire to obtain knowledge, attitudes and community participation related to activities contained in the KB Village Program. The results obtained in this study are the number of active MKJP participants increased from 18 people initially to 28 people. In the aspect of unmet need before the declaration, 22.94% decreased to 19.49% 8) Community knowledge and participation related to activities and programs in the KB Village Beting Village all the people received information about the KB Village from the PPKBD / Sub PPKBD cadres, namely as many as 34 people (68%). Whereas in Sepadu Village, information about the KB Village was obtained from 7 people (14.29%) from PPKBD / Sub PPKBD cadres, the rest was obtained from community leaders of 14 people (28.59%), other sources were 10 people (20, 41%), from PLKB/PKB as many as 5 people (10.20%), PKK as many as 2 people (4.08%) and from nurses/midwives as many as 1 person (2.04%). There is no public participation outside the management in Beting, while in Sepadu there are 62 people.
Mood Disorders in Late-Life
Authors: Strauss Rachel , Kurdyak Paul , Glazier Richard H
Published: June 2020

Background: Mental health concerns in late-life is a growing public health challenge as the population aged 65 and older rapidly increases locally and worldwide. An updated understanding of the causes of mood disorders in late-life and their consequences could guide interventions for this underrecognized and undertreated problem. We undertook a population-based analysis to quantify the prevalence of mood disorders in late-life in Ontario, Canada and to identify potential risk factors, and consequences.

Methods: Individuals aged 65 or older participating in 4 cycles of a nationally-representative survey were included. A self-reported diagnosis of a mood disorder was used to classify individuals with mood disorders. Using linked administrative data, we quantified associations between potential risk factors, such as demographic/socioeconomic factors, substance use, and morbidity, and mood disorder. We also determined associations between mood disorders and outcomes (health service utilization and mortality) 5 years after the index interview date.

Findings: The overall prevalence of mood disorders was 6.1% (4.9% among males,7.1% among females). The proportion of individuals with a mood disorder was higher among females for all potential risk factors. Statistically significant associations with mood disorder included age, sex, food insecurity, chronic opioid use, smoking, and morbidity. Individuals with mood disorders had increased odds of all long-term consequences, including hospitalization (adjusted OR [odds ratio]=1.55 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.31-1.83); admission to long-term care (adjusted OR=2.28 95% CI: 1.71-3.02); and death (adjusted OR=1.35 95% CI: 1.13-1.63).

Interpretation: Mood disorders in late-life were strongly correlated with demographic and social/behavioural factors as well as long-term health utilization outcomes. The understanding of correlations between potential risk factors for mood disorders in late-life provides a basis for potential interventions to reduce their occurrence and consequences. Interventions that target females, younger age groups, those with food insecurity or substance use, and individuals with co-morbidities may be promising.
Religious tourism management: prospects for development in Ukraine
Authors: Svitlana Panchenko
Published: June 2020

The subject of the study is the management of religious tourism. the purposeof the study are ways to improve the sphere of religious tourism with the help ofthe main management functions. the research methodology consists in the application of methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, forecasting,as well as in the use of systemic, activity, historical and cultural approaches.theresults of the work – proposals are presented for solving the problems of religioustourism, taking into account the specifics of this sphere. The problematic issuesin the field of religious tourism from the point of main management functions arehighlighted. conclusions – the study found that religious tourism has great potential in terms of management and marketing research in the field of tourism.
Sparse Logistic Regression: Comparison of Regularization and Bayesian Implementations
Authors: Zanon Mattia , Zambonin Giuliano , Susto Gian Antonio , McLoone Seán
Published: June 2020

In knowledge-based systems, besides obtaining good output prediction accuracy, it is crucial to understand the subset of input variables that have most influence on the output, with the goal of gaining deeper insight into the underlying process. These requirements call for logistic model estimation techniques that provide a sparse solution, i.e., where coefficients associated with non-important variables are set to zero. In this work we compare the performance of two methods: the first one is based on the well known Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) which involves regularization with an ℓ 1 norm; the second one is the Relevance Vector Machine (RVM) which is based on a Bayesian implementation of the linear logistic model. The two methods are extensively compared in this paper, on real and simulated datasets. Results show that, in general, the two approaches are comparable in terms of prediction performance. RVM outperforms the LASSO both in term of structure recovery (estimation of the correct non-zero model coefficients) and prediction accuracy when the dimensionality of the data tends to increase. However, LASSO shows comparable performance to RVM when the dimensionality of the data is much higher than number of samples that is p > > n .
Styrenic-Rubber Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with Inherent Stiffness Compensation
Authors: Moretti Giacomo , Sarina Luca , Agostini Lorenzo , Vertechy Rocco , Berselli Giovanni , Fontana Marco
Published: June 2020

Up to date, Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) have been mostly based on either silicone or acrylic elastomers, whereas the potential of DEAs based on inexpensive, wide-spread natural and synthetic rubbers has been scarcely investigated. In this paper, a DEA based on a styrene-based rubber is demonstrated for the first time. Using a Lozenge-Shaped DEA (LS-DEA) layout and following a design procedure previously proposed by the authors, we develop prototypes featuring nearly-zero mechanical stiffness, in spite of the large elastic modulus of styrenic rubber. Stiffness compensation is achieved by simply taking advantage of a biaxial pre-stretching of the rubber DE membrane, with no need for additional stiffness cancellation mechanical elements. In the paper, we present a characterization of the styrene rubber-based LS-DEA in different loading conditions (namely, isopotential, isometric, and isotonic), and we prove that actuation strokes of at least 18% the actuator side length can be achieved, thanks to the proposed stiffness-compensated design.
An Integrated Approach to Unravelling Smallholder Yield Levels: The Case of Small Family Farms, Eastern Region, Ghana
Authors: Wahab Ibrahim , Jirström Magnus , Hall Ola
Published: June 2020

Yield levels and the factors determining crop yields is an important strand of research on rainfed family farms. This is particularly true for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which reports some of the lowest crop yields. This also holds for Ghana, where actual yields of maize, the most important staple crop, are currently about only a third of achievable yields. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the factors underpinning these yield levels is key to improving them. Previous research endeavours on this frontier have been incumbered by the mono-disciplinary focus and/or limitations relating to spatial scales, which do not allow the actual interactions at the farm level to be explored. Using the sustainable livelihoods framework and, to a lesser extent, the induced innovation theory as inspiring theoretical frames, the present study employs an integrated approach of multiple data sources and methods to unravel the sources of current maize yield levels on smallholder farms in two farming villages in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study relies on farm and household survey data, remotely-sensed aerial photographs of maize fields and photo-elicitation interviews (PEIs) with farmers. These data cover the 2016 major farming season that spanned the period March–August. We found that the factors that contributed to current yield levels are not consistent across yield measures and farming villages. From principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR), the timing of maize planting is the most important determinant of yield levels, explaining 25% of the variance in crop cut yields in Akatawia, and together with household income level, explaining 32% of the variance. Other statistically significant yield determinants include level of inorganic fertiliser applied, soil penetrability and phosphorus content, weed control and labour availability. However, this model only explains a third of the yields, which implies that two-thirds are explained by other factors. Our integrated approach was crucial in further shedding light on the sources of the poor yields currently achieved. The aerial photographs enabled us to demonstrate the dominance of poor crop patches on the edges and borders of maize fields, while the PEIs further improved our understanding of not just the causes of these poor patches but also the factors underpinning delayed planting despite farmers’ awareness of the ideal planting window. The present study shows that socioeconomic factors that are often not considered in crop yield analyses—land tenure and labour availability—often underpin poor crop yields in such smallholder rainfed family farms. Labour limitations, which show up strongly in both in the MLR and qualitative data analyses, for example, induces certain labour-saving technologies such as multiple uses of herbicides. Excessive herbicide use has been shown to have negative effects on maize yields.
Leaf Characteristics at Recovery Stage Affect Seed Oil and Protein Content Under the Interactive Effects of Nitrogen and Waterlogging in Rapeseed
Authors: Kuai Jie , Li Xiaoyong , Xie Yan , Li Zhen , Wang Bo , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: June 2020

Four nitrogen rates (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha−1) were applied to the waterlogging-tolerant variety ZS 9 and the sensitive variety GH01. Seedlings with five leaves were waterlogged for 0 (control) or 10 days to investigate the effects of nitrogen on the quality of waterlogged rapeseed. Compared with controls, the seed oil content of waterlogged rapeseed increased slightly in GH01 and significantly in ZS 9 with nitrogen application, which can be explained by the following. (1) after waterlogging, the biomass distribution in roots and leaves of ZS 9 decreased, which alleviated physiological water shortage. Conversely, biomass distribution in roots of GH01 increased, which was not synchronized with the leaf biomass change. (2) After waterlogging at 90–270 kg N ha−1, the leaf number at bolting and flowering was increased in ZS 9 but decreased in GH01 compared with the control. The decrease in leaf area and SPAD value were greater for GH01 after waterlogging, which limited photosynthesis. (3) The leaf soluble protein at bolting was highest in ZS 9 and lowest in GH01. The sensitive variety showed poor growth. The inhibition of seed protein synthesis resulted in an increase in the oil content of waterlogged rapeseed with nitrogen. The seed oil of the waterlogging-tolerant variety was most significantly negatively correlated with leaf soluble protein content at the flowering stage, while the protein content showed the opposite correlation. The seed oil of the waterlogging-sensitive variety was most significantly negatively correlated with the number of leaves at the bolting and flowering stage, while the seed protein content had opposite correlations.
Weed Infestation and Health of the Soybean Crop Depending on Cropping System and Tillage System
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Haliniarz Małgorzata , Bronowicka-Mielniczuk Urszula , Łukasz Justyna
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated weed infestation and health of the soybean crop grown in crop rotation (CR) and monoculture (CM) under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) conditions. The research proved that growing soybean in monoculture and under no-tillage conditions increases weed infestation and infection of soybean with fungal diseases. In these treatments, increased numbers of most of the dominant species were also found. A significantly higher percentage of monocotyledonous species and a much lower percentage of dicotyledonous ones in total weed dry weight were shown in the CR treatment relative to CM and in the NT system compared to CT. The biodiversity of the weed community was similar in monoculture and crop rotation, and slightly greater in the NT system in comparison with CT conditions. In both tillage systems, Amaranthus retroflexus was the weed species that most infested the soybean crop. In soybean grown after itself, Amaranthus retroflexus was the weed that occurred in the greatest numbers, while, in crop rotation, this was Echinochloa crus-galli. In all years of the study, soybean was infected with Septoria glycines to the highest degree, which was followed by Cercospora sojina, whereas infection with Ascochyta sp. was the lowest. Weather conditions in individual years of the study were proven to affect weed infestation and infection of soybean with fungal diseases. The study results prove that cropping systems and tillage systems significantly affect weed infestation and health of the soybean crop.
Detecting Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle Using Neck-Mounted Activity Collars
Authors: Davison Christopher , Michie Craig , Hamilton Andrew , Tachtatzis Christos , Andonovic Ivan , Gilroy Michael
Published: June 2020

Collar-based activity sensors are in common use as a means of detecting oestrus to optimise farm fertility and, hence, productivity. Recently, the same acceleration-derived signals have been processed to detect the time spent ruminating and eating, which, together, give an insight into animal welfare. Here, the use of neck-mounted accelerometers to provide a quantifiable measure of the time period that an individual animal exhibits signs of heat stress is reported. Heat stress has a significant impact on both animal welfare and productivity. Cattle studied during elevated temperatures were found to exhibit signs of exaggerated breathing motions, an indicator of heat stress, for 8 h on average per day, exceeding the time that cattle spend feeding and is similar to daily rumination times. No similar cases were recorded in the cooler conditions of a Scottish winter. The approach offers a cost-effective measure of heat stress and a potential tool to quantify its impact more generally.
Do Farmers Adapt to Climate Change? A Macro Perspective
Authors: Alvi Shahzad , Jamil Faisal , Roson Roberto , Sartori Martina
Published: June 2020

Greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change, and agriculture is the most vulnerable sector. Farmers do have some capability to adapt to changing weather and climate, but this capability is contingent on many factors, including geographical and socioeconomic conditions. Assessing the actual adaptation potential in the agricultural sector is therefore an empirical issue, to which this paper contributes by presenting a study examining the impacts of climate change on cereal yields in 55 developing and developed countries, using data from 1991 to 2015. The results indicate that cereal yields are affected in all regions by changes in temperature and precipitation, with significant differences in certain macro-regions in the world. In Southern Asia and Central Africa, farmers fail to adapt to climate change. The findings suggest that the world should focus more on enhancing adaptive capacity to moderate potential damage and on coping with the consequences of climate change.
Best Crop Rotation Selection with GIS-AHP Technique Using Soil Nutrient Variability
Authors: Singha Chiranjit , Swain Kishore Chandra , Swain Sanjay Kumar
Published: June 2020

Crop selections and rotations are very important in optimising land and labour productivities, enhancing higher cropping intensities, producing better crop yield. A land suitability analysis system based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique coupled with the Geographic Information System (GIS) software environment can be a unique tool for better crop selection. The AHP-GIS technique was used in land suitability analysis in crop rotation decisions, for rice-jute (Kharif season) and potato-lentil (Rabi season) crops in the Hooghly District, West Bengal, India. The study area covering 291 ha was classified based on eight major soil nutrient levels with 70 randomly selected plots for soil sampling and analysis. The soil nutrient variability was examined with descriptive statistics followed by best semivariogram-based model selection for kriging interpolation in the ‘R’ software environment. The pairwise comparison matrix based ranking of parameters and giving weights was carried out considering the importance of each parameter for specific crops. The total area, being under the major rice-potato belt, could be classified from the suitability view point to the ‘highly suitable’(S1) class occupying 29.2%, and ‘not suitable’ (N) class; 4.5% for rice, about 6.5% of land is ‘highly suitable’ (S1), ‘and nearly 2.1% area is ‘not suitable’ (N) for jute; and 21.3% is ‘highly suitable’ (S1) for potato and 12.4% for lentil crops. The yield maps showed nearly 75% and 90% of the area for rice and potato crops, respectively, gave sound crop yield. Furthermore, the GIS platform was used for crop rotation analysis to spread multiple seasons ensuring better crop management in long run. Overall, 25% of the rice crop area for jute in Kharif and 8% of potato crop area for lentil in the Rabi season were recommended as replacements.
On-Farm Evaluation on Yield and Economic Performance of Cereal-Cowpea Intercropping to Support the Smallholder Farming System in the Soudano-Sahelian Zone of Mali
Authors: Sogoba Bougouna , Traoré Bouba , Safia Abdelmounaime , Samaké Oumar Baba , Dembélé Gilbert , Diallo Sory , Kaboré Roger , Benié Goze Bertin , B. Zougmoré Robert , Goïta Kalifa
Published: June 2020

Cereal-cowpea intercropping has become an integral part of the farming system in Mali. Still, information is lacking regarding integrated benefits of the whole system, including valuing of the biomass for facing the constraints of animal feedings. We used farmers’ learning networks to evaluate performance of intercropping systems of millet-cowpea and sorghum-cowpea in southern Mali. Our results showed that under intercropping, the grain yield obtained with the wilibali (short maturing duration) variety was significantly higher than the yield obtained with the sangaranka (long maturing duration) variety whether with millet (36%) or sorghum (48%), corresponding, respectively, to an economic gain of XOF (West African CFA franc) 125 282/ha and XOF 142 640/ha. While for biomass, the yield obtained with the sangaranka variety was significantly higher by 50% and 60% to that of wilibali with an economic gain of XOF 286 526/ha (with millet) and XOF 278 516/ha (with sorghum). Total gain obtained with the millet-cowpea system was significantly greater than that obtained with the sorghum-cowpea system by 14%, and this stands irrespective of the type of cowpea variety. Farmers prefer the grain for satisfying immediate food needs instead of economic gains. These results represent an indication for farmer’s decision-making regarding cowpea varieties selection especially for addressing household food security issues or feeding animals.
Fractal and Topological Analyses and Antioxidant Defense Systems of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Root System under Drought and Rehydration Regimes
Authors: Li Shuo , Wan Liqiang , Nie Zhongnan , Li Xianglin
Published: June 2020

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a nutritious forage plant in dryland regions with strong drought tolerance and broad adaptability. To understand the architectural characters and physiological functions of the root systems in response to different drought stress and rehydration, two experiments were conducted in a glasshouse. Experiment 1 used three alfalfa cultivars and four soil moisture treatments in a split-plot design with four replicates to investigate the response of root systems of different alfalfa cultivars to drought stress and subsequent rehydration. Experiment 2 used one alfalfa cultivar and four soil moisture treatments in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replicates to measure reactive oxidant species and antioxidant defense systems of alfalfa root. The soil moisture treatments included (1) 75–80% of the water-holding capacity (CK); (2) 60–65% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 75–80% of the water-holding capacity; (3) 45–50% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 60–65% and 75–80% of the water-holding capacity; and (4) 30–35% of the water-holding capacity and subsequent rehydration to 45–50%, 60–65% and 75–80% of the water-holding capacity. Our results demonstrated that plants had higher root biomasses (mean = 0.77 g), fractal dimensions (1.47), fractal abundances (3.84), and branching ratios (0.39) under severe water deficit and rehydration than under less stressful soil moisture conditions. Plant root systems tended to exhibit herringbone branching (Topological Index = 0.63) when soil moisture was at 60–65% water-holding capacity with the soil being then rehydrated, whereas they tended to have a smaller lateral root length, root surface area, root volume, and branching ratio and larger root diameter under more favorable soil moisture conditions for less stressful soil moisture treatments. Severe water stress and subsequent considerably improved superoxide (O2−) generation rate, the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Malondialdehyde (MDA), and non-enzyme antioxidant glutathione (GSH), and reduced the content of ascorbate (AsA) and activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It is concluded that Medicago sativa L. cv Zhaodong (ZD) and cv Aohan (AH) exhibited higher drought resistances than cv Golden empress (GE) using topological and fractal analyses. This could be a key contributor to altering optimum soil moisture conditions and screening alfalfa cultivars based on root system architecture and antioxidant defense systems. The molecular functions warrant further investigation which could help explain the observed root phenotypes after drought conditions and rehydration.
Coronatine Enhances Stalk Bending Resistance of Maize, Thickens the Cell Wall and decreases the Area of the Vascular Bundles
Authors: Li Yanxia , Huang Guanmin , Guo Yuling , Zhou Yuyi , Duan Liusheng
Published: June 2020

Coronatine (COR) is a phytotoxin produced by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, it has a structure similar to that of jasmonates (JAs), but it is much more active as a plant growth regulator. The goal of this study was to gain more insight into the effect and the mechanism of COR effects on stalk characteristics are related lodging resistance of maize. The agronomic traits, stalk ultrastructure, and endogenous hormones in maize stalks were studied in field trails and greenhouses, using hybrid cultivar “Xianyu 335” (XY335), “Zhengdan 958” (ZD958) and inbred line B73 as materials in 2018 and 2019. Different concentration of COR were sprayed onto maize foliar surfaces at the seven-expanded-leaves (V7) stage. Foliar application with 10 µmol L−1 of COR at the V7 stage decreased plant and ear height, increased weight and diameter of the basal internodes, and increased penetration strength and stalk bending resistance. Compared to the control treatment, in COR-treated plants, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) were decreased significantly in stalks. The treatment of 10 µmol L−1 of COR enhanced lignin accumulation, the integrity, and the thickness of cell walls in maize stalks in the early stages of stem growth in the inbred line B73, as revealed by autofluorescence microscopy and scanning electron micrographs. Our results indicated that COR improved stalk bending resistance of maize not only by optimizing stalk morphological characteristics, but also by altering hormone levels, which may led to greater lignin accumulation, thickens cell wall, and decreased the area of vascular bundles.
Epimeric Mixtures of Brassinosteroid Analogs: Synthesis, Plant Growth, and Germination Effects in Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Soto Nitza , González César , Mellado Marco , Olea Andrés F. , Coll Yamilet , Díaz Katy , Espinoza Luis
Published: June 2020

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play an important role in the growth and development of plants. Herein, we describe the synthesis of epimeric mixtures of BR analogs with 24-norcholane type side chains, S/R configuration at C22 and A/B ring cis-type fusion. All epimeric mixtures were synthetized from hyodeoxycholic acid. The biological activity of mixtures was evaluated by using rice lamina inclination test and germination of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) seeds. The results show that these epimeric mixtures exhibit similar bioactivity to brassinolide in both bioassays. Thus, our results corroborate that the A/B junction has almost no effect on bioactivity and open the possibility of using epimeric mixtures instead of pure compounds. In this approach, the synthesized BR analogs maintain a good level of bioactivity, whereas the synthesis is shorter, cheaper and with higher yields. All these factors make this alternative very interesting for potential application.
Contribution of Root Anatomical Characteristics in Fruit Profile of Pomegranate Genotypes to Expand Production Area in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Tahir , Nafees Muhammad , Maqsood Ambreen , Naqvi Summar Abbas , Shahzad Umbreen , Haider Muhammad Salman , Aslam Muhammad Naveed , Shafqat Waqar , Hameed Mansoor , Khan Iqrar Ahmad , Ahmar Sunny , Jafar Jaskani Muhammad , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: June 2020

Pomegranate adaptation to abiotic stress conditions has led to its wide dispersion in Pakistan and to the appearance of new, local genotypes. These genotypes are important to characterize for breeding programs aimed towards the production of new cultivars suitable to arid, semi-arid, and moderate weather regions. In this study, eleven pomegranate accessions were investigated for fruit morphological and biochemical traits, and root anatomic adaptation under diverse climates. The commercial accession (Sava) had the maximum fruit weight (373.97 g) compared to accessions KK-I (60.94 g) and KK-II (71.63 g), which were old plantations established since United India. Most of the accessions were juicy with a wood portion index (WPI) ranging from 0.93 to 1.06%; however, the non-commercial accession of Khushab Kanhatti (KK-I) showed the highest WPI (4.38%). A high variation occurred among all accessions for total soluble solids, total sugars, and total ascorbic acid contents with a maximum in accession Sava (16.46 °Brix), TK-II (53.16%), and QW-I (0.68%), respectively. Root anatomical studies in accessions depicted significantly high variation, and accession Sava of semi-arid climate produced maximum root epidermis (97.43 µm2), phloem (2730.78 µm2), and metaxylem (717.77 µm2) area. In contrast, high cortex thickness (104.74 µm), cortex area (462.74 µm2), and vascular area (114,382.10 µm2) was measured in accessions KK-II and KK-III of Khushab district with an arid climate. The germplasm of diverse regions showed a strong association and clustered into two main classes based on fruit morpho-chemical and root anatomical characteristics. These traits are likely to provide clues towards plants adaptation to various growing conditions and can be exploited successfully in crop improvement programs.