bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Samjiyon Orchestra as a North Korean Means for Gender Based Cultural Diplomacy
Authors: Korhonen Pekka , Mori Tomoomi
Published: April 2020

In 2018 it appeared that a peace process on the Korean Peninsula had got underway. Lots of publicity was produced on inter-Korean relations and many types of messages and diplomatic actors started to move across the border with South Korea. One important element in this process was cultural diplomacy, conducted partly by athletes and cheering squads during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, and partly by musical ensembles. Selection of the Samjiyon Orchestra for the Pyeongchang events sheds light on the kind of image the North Korean leadership wanted to display of the country on the international stage. This article analyses the characteristics of the orchestra, where it came from, and why was it suitable for cultural diplomacy. Our wider goal is to understand music as an element in North Korean foreign policy. Evidently, music is considered an important tool for specific occasions, though its use is intermittent rather than regular.
From Production to Consumption: The Socialist Realism/Personality Cult Divide in North Korean Popular Music
Authors: Moody Peter
Published: April 2020

While several historical works have explored the notion of ‘communist consumption’ especially in regards to Eastern European countries, few have looked at the relationship between consumption and the personality cult in a place like North Korea where the state has tended to respond to material shortages with ideological campaigns. This paper uses the lens of popular music to re-conceptualize the notion of consumption as not simply about “how much one consumes” but instead “what kind of things one consumes” and the consequent relation to state objectives for the national economy and political control. From around the time of the state founding in 1948 to the mid-1960s, North Korean music was largely in line with transnational principles of socialist realism, stressing the utilization of local folk forms and the tying of them lyrically to messages of industriousness and socialist construction. However, from the late 1960s when the leadership personality cult kicked into high gear, music simultaneously embraced more outside forms of music while at the same time exhibiting lyrical themes that associated particular items and experiences with a new national heritage centered on exhortations to revere Kim Il Sung and members of his family. The result was a shift in emphasis from exhibiting virtue through production to promoting loyalty through practices of consumption, and this gave impetus to the light music genre in popular music.
Effect of diet on breeders and inheritance in syngnathids: application of isotopic experimentally derived data to field studies
Authors: Planas M , Chamorro A , Paltrinieri A , Campos S , Jiménez A , Nedelec K , Hernández-Urcera J
Published: April 2020

Syngnathids are vulnerable ovoviviparous fishes in which males undergo repeated brooding within a reproductive season. The isotopic effects of diet on both breeders (pooled sexes) and parent-egg transmission have been demonstrated in a few fish species but never in syngnathids. Quantifying isotopic changes due to diet is necessary to assess parent-newborn conversions and to estimate accurate trophic enrichment factors (TEF). We assessed the isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) effects of 3 experimental diets on TEFs in seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus breeders and isotopic inheritance. Our results suggest that H. guttulatus follows an income-capital continuum pattern for parent-egg transmission. The isotopic variability in diets for breeders and the resulting experimentally derived TEFs were compared with fixed TEFs from reviews to estimate their impact on the relative contribution of potential prey sources in syngnathids from the Cíes archipelago (Atlantic Islands National Park, NW Spain). We estimated source contributions using stable isotope mixing models (SIMMs) by combining prey sources into ecologically informative groups and incorporating informative priors. We demonstrate that (1) most frequently used TEFs from reviews might not be suitable for all fish species, particularly syngnathids, and (2) dietary source variability has a great effect on source contribution estimates. This study is also the first to provide specific TEFs for syngnathids.
Morphine Decreases Social Interaction of Adult Male Rats, While THC Does Not Affect It
Authors: ŠLAMBEROVÁ R. , MIKULECKÁ A. , MACÚCHOVÁ E. , HREBÍČKOVÁ I. , ŠEVČÍKOVÁ M. , NOHEJLOVÁ K. , POMETLOVÁ M.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the present study was to compare effect of three low doses of morphine (MOR) and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on social behavior tested in Social interaction test (SIT). 45 min prior to testing adult male rats received one of the drugs or solvents: MOR (1; 2.5; 5 mg/kg); saline as a solvent for MOR; THC (0.5; 1; 2 mg/kg); ethanol as a solvent for THC. Occurrence and time spent in specific patterns of social interactions (SI) and non-social activities (locomotion and rearing) was video-recorded for 5 min and then analyzed. MOR in doses of 1 and 2.5 mg/kg displayed decreased SI in total. Detailed analysis of specific patterns of SI revealed decrease in mutual sniffing and allo-grooming after all doses of MOR. The highest dose (5 mg/kg) of MOR decreased following and increased genital investigation. Rearing activity was increased by lower doses of MOR (1 and 2.5 mg/kg). THC, in each of the tested doses, did not induce any specific changes when compared to matching control group (ethanol). However, an additional statistical analysis showed differences between all THC groups and their ethanol control group when compared to saline controls. There was lower SI in total, lower mutual sniffing and allo-grooming, but higher rearing in THC and ethanol groups than in saline control group. Thus, changes seen in THC and ethanol groups are seemed to be attributed mainly to the effect of the ethanol. Based on the present results we can assume that opioids affect SI more than cannabinoid.
Does Effect From Developmental Methamphetamine Exposure on Spatial Learning and Memory Depend on Stage of Neuroontogeny?
Authors: HREBÍČKOVÁ I. , ŠEVČÍKOVÁ M. , NOHEJLOVÁ K. , ŠLAMBEROVÁ R.
Published: April 2020

Psychostimulants, including methamphetamine (MA), have neurotoxic effect, especially, if they are targeting CNS during its critical periods of development. The present study was aimed to examine cognitive changes after prenatal and neonatal MA treatment in combination with chronic MA exposure in adulthood of male rats. Eight groups of male rats were tested in adulthood: males whose mothers were exposed to MA (5 mg/kg) or saline (SA, 1 ml/kg) during the first half of gestation period (GD 1-11), the second half of gestation period (GD 12-22) and neonatal period (PD 1-11). In addition, we compared indirect neonatal application via the breast milk with the group of rat pups that received MA or SA directly by injection (PD 1-11). Males were tested in adulthood for cognitive changes in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). MWM experiment lasted for 12 days: Learning (Day 1-6), Probe test (Day 8) and Retrieval Memory test (Day 12). Each day of the MWM animals were injected with MA (1 mg/kg) or SA (1 ml/kg). Prenatal MA exposure did not induce changes in learning abilities of male rats, but neonatal exposure to MA leads to an increase search errors and latencies to find the hidden platform. Prenatal and also neonatal MA exposure impaired cognitive ability to remember the position of the platform in Retrieval Memory test in adulthood. Animals exposed to the prenatal treatment within the second half of gestation (ED 12-22) swam longer, slower and spent more time to find the hidden platform in Retrieval Memory test than animals exposed throughout other periods. The present study demonstrated that stage of development is crucial for determination the cognitive deficits induced by prenatal or neonatal MA exposure.
Early Changes of Brain Perfusion After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage – the Effect of Sodium Nitroprusside
Authors: KOLAR M. , NOHEJLOVA K. , MARES J. , PACHL J.
Published: April 2020

Causes of early hypoperfusion after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) include intracranial hypertension as well as vasoconstriction. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on early hypoperfusion after SAH. Male Wistar rats (220-240 g) were used, SAH group received 250 μl of fresh autologous arterial blood into the prechiasmatic cistern; sham-operated animals received 250 μl of isotonic solution. Therapeutic intervention: ICV administration of 10 μg SNP; 5 μl 5 % glucose (SNP vehicle) and untreated control. Brain perfusion and invasive blood pressure were monitored for 30 min during and after induction of SAH. Despite SNP caused increase of perfusion in sham-operated animals, no response was observed in half of SAH animals. The other half developed hypotension accompanied by brain hypoperfusion. There was no difference between brain perfusion in SNP-treated, glucose-treated and untreated SAH animals during the monitored period. We did not observe expected beneficial effect of ICV administration of SNP after SAH. Moreover, half of the SNP-treated animals developed serious hypotension which led to brain hypoperfusion. This is the important finding showing that this is not the option for early management in patient after SAH.
A Novel Experimental Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Pig
Authors: OTÁHAL M. , MLČEK M. , VÍTKOVÁ I. , KITTNAR O.
Published: April 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is severe medical condition occurring in critically ill patients and with mortality of 33-52 % is one of the leading causes of death in critically ill patients. To better understand pathophysiology of ARDS and to verify novel therapeutical approaches a reliable animal model is needed. Therefore we have developed modified lavage model of ARDS in the pig. After premedication (ketamine and midazolam) 35 healthy pigs were anesthetized (propofol, midazolam, morphin, pipecuronium) and orotracheally intubated and ventilated. Primary ARDS was induced by repeated cycles of lung lavage with a detergent Triton X100 diluted in saline (0.03 %) heated to 37 °C preceded by pre-oxygenation with 100 % O2. Single cycle included two subsequent lavages followed by detergent suction. Each cycle was followed by hemodynamic and ventilation stabilization for approx. 15 min, with eventual administration of vasopressors according to an arterial blood pressure. The lavage procedure was repeated until the paO2/FiO2 index after stabilization remained below 100 at PEEP 5 cm H2O. In 33 pigs we have achieved the desired degree of severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2<100). Typical number of lavages was 2-3 (min. 1, max. 5). Hemodynamic tolerance and the need for vasopressors were strongly individual. In remaining two animals an unmanageable hypotension developed. For other subjects the experimental ARDS stability was good and allowed reliable measurement for more than 10 h. The present model of the ARDS is clinically relevant and thus it is suitable for further research of the pathophysiology and management of this serious medical condition.
The ‘Spirit of Liberal Reform’: Representation, Slavery and Constitutional Liberty in the Glasgow Advertiser, 1789–1794
Authors: Benchimol Alex
Published: April 2020

The period from 1789 to 1794 in Britain witnessed both an accelerated momentum for reform movements as well as a crisis point for the realisation of their aims, in part through widespread official panic about the domestic appropriation of notions of political liberty associated with the French Revolution. In Scotland, the trajectory for political reform reached back before these crisis years through the movement to make the administration and representation of the nation's expanding cities more transparent and accountable to an ascendant commercial class. The burgh reform movement, like the campaign to abolish the slave trade and the movement for parliamentary reform in the early 1790s, took advantage of periodical print as a principal vehicle for the dissemination of its key legislative aims. The essay examines John Mennons's Glasgow Advertiser (1783–1801) as an important case study for how this Scottish public sphere projected these three temporally and ideologically overlapping reform campaigns during a compressed and concentrated period of political volatility, focusing in particular on the newspaper's attempts ‘to maintain a posture of strict independence in the face of sharply polarizing opinions and official harassment’, as Bob Harris argued. The essay maps the trajectory of these three reform movements in the Advertiser's pages, and details how its column inches during the 1792–4 crisis years reflected a commitment to presenting key issues around parliamentary reform to meet a new demand for constitutional information amongst the west of Scotland's labouring classes, whilst continuing to maintain its pages as a platform for the ideological concerns (and manifest anxieties) of the region's propertied readers. What resulted was a unique Scottish periodical space that reconstructed binary debates on the nature of the British constitution—sometimes in items directly juxtaposed on its pages—emerging from increasingly segregated spatial contexts within the Scottish public sphere.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF QUANTUM DOT SPECTRUM CALCULATION ON THE BASE OF MONTE CARLO METHOD
Authors: Popov Alexander Mikhailovich
Published: April 2020

The work is directed to numerical simulation of quantum dots spectrum for molecular nanostructure of small size for creation of new nanotechnology. Quantum dots are the small peaces of semiconductor which presents the molecular system heterostucture. The cariers of charge are confined in small region. The main acsent is made on development of effective method for determination of eigenfuncions and eigenvalues of quantum dot. Quantum dots are used in nanoelectronics, in bio-sensors of nanosize, and in the systems of medical diagnostics of high precision.
MANAGEMENT OF VALUE-ADDED REPRODUCTION CHAINS IN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS BASED ON A COGNITIVE APPROACH
Authors: Abdikeev Niyaz Mustjakimovich , Losev Anton Alekseevich
Published: April 2020

The Concept of competitive value chains in production systems, as an institutional structure operating on network principles, was the impetus for the development of a system of models of inter-industry digital platform for the management and optimization of cooperation of high-tech network production systems. The paper describes the process of working with the cognitive model of decision support in the management of value chains in production systems, the algorithm for constructing a conflict resolution diagram, the ways of integrating it into business processes in interaction with other models, for example, simulation. The practical implementation of the system of such models is a separate software product-an intersectoral digital platform for participants to create new high-tech products and their components.
DEVELOPMENT OF ALGORITHM PROCEDURE OF STRATEGY DECISION-MAKING IN A CEMENT INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES
Authors: Zaytseva Elena Vyacheslavovna
Published: April 2020

The problem statement (relevance). The article illustrates the outcome of analytical research in the area of substantiation of organizational and managerial structures of cement companies on the basis of conducting an integral estimation of complex conditions of operation (manufacturability of mining and geological conditions of cement production, level of production and technical conditions and social conditions) and outputs (production and technical level and financial level). Integrated assessment is provided by the appropriate methodology, the purpose of which supports an increase in the objectivity, reliability and reliability of decisions in the development of technological systems of cement enterprises.Purpose: development of an enlarged flowchart of the decision-making procedure algorithm for development strategies for cement enterprises. Methods used: the work used the method of “vector norm”, based on the methodological principles of the theory of complex decision making, utility theory, game theory, qualimetry, expert survey method and other generally accepted methods and principles.Novelty. The elements of novelty include an improved method of integrated assessment of the technological structure of cement enterprises in the conditions of external and internal environments of operation.Result. The article presents an iterative algorithm and decision-making procedure for structurally selected groups of cement enterprises with the choice of a specific form of their development. The results of the work made it possible to form the key areas of training and a list of information technologies that ensure technological readiness for the implementation of the directions of digitalization in relation to cement enterprises.Practical significance: the organizational and management apparatus with the appropriate mathematical reinforcement for the selection and justification of strategies for the development of cement enterprises. The practical implication of the outcome of the study due to the possibility to increase the effectiveness of organizational-technological and managerial solutions based on the developed methodology, technique and algorithm of formation of innovative strategy of development of the mining enterprises of the cement industry. The main provisions of the work are used in the holding “EUROCEMENT” in the development and implementation of plans for the development of industrial production in the short and long term.
METHODS OF TESTING RING SAMPLES MADE OF PLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS USED IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY AND THE ESTIMATED EVALUATION OF THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Polovin Mikhail Mikhailovich , Nazarov Egor Vadimovich , Zhuravlev Evgeniy Vasilyevich , Shavelkin Denis Sergeevich
Published: April 2020

In relation to the increase in the proportion of composite materials used in the design of modern aircraft, the most acute issue is the issue of confirming the characteristics of materials during their testing. In this paper, the methods of testing composite materials used in the elements of the glider design are analyzed, and the estimated assessment of the methods analyzed is made.Within the limits of the given work the comparative analysis of existing and perspective methods of carrying out of tests of ring samples from composite materials for the purpose of an estimation of their efficiency regarding definition of mechanical properties is carried out. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are determined.
Pengaruh Motivasi Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT Pyridam FarmaTbk Jakarta
Sam Cay
Authors: Cay Sam , Irnawati Jeni
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this research is to find out how the forms of motivation provided by PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk, to find out how the efforts made by PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk to improve employee performance and to find out how the influence of motivation on employee performance at PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk. The research method used is descriptive quantitative with hypothesis testing. The population obtained from the data of employees working at PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk, and respondents obtained as many as 110 employees were calculated using the Slovin formula with a difficulty level of 5% so that a sample of 86 respondents was obtained. Data analysis methods used are Validity Test, Reliability Test, Correlation Coefficient, Determination Coefficient, Simple Linear Regression, Significance and Hypothesis Test. X (motivation) with variable Y (performance). Meaning the motivation variable (X) influences employee performance (Y) by 74.1321% while (100-74.13%) = 25.87% Y variable is influenced by other variables. The price of t arithmetic 15.50 then compared with t table if the error level is 5% (95% confidence level DK: degree of freedom) = n-2 or DK = 86-2 = 84, then the obtained t table = 1.663 Ha ha accepted because there is a positive and significant effect between motivation variables (X) and employee performance variables (Y).

Abstrak

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui bagaimana bentuk motivasi yang diberikan PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk, untuk mengetahui bagaimana usaha yang dilakukan PT Pyridam Farma ,Tbk untuk meningkatkan kinerja karyawan dan untuk Mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh motivasi terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan bersifat deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pengujian Hipotesis. Populasi yang didapat dari data karyawan yang bekerja pada PT Pyridam Farma, Tbk, dan responden yang didapat sebanyak 110 karyawan dihitung menggunakan rumus slovin dengan taraf kesukaran 5% sehingga diperoleh sampel sebanyak 86 responden. Metode analisa data yang digunakan adalah Uji Validitas, Uji Reliablitas, Koefesien Korelasi, Koefisien Determinasi, Regresi Linier Sederhana,Uji Signifikansi dan hipotesis.Hasil penelitian diperoleh diperoleh nilai r sebesar 0,861 dengan demikian menandakan hubungan yang “sangat kuat” artinya terdapat pengaruh positif antara variabel X (motivasi) dengan variabel Y (kinerja).Artinya variabel motivasi (X) berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan (Y) sebesar 74,1321 % sedangkan ( 100- 74,13 %) = 25,87 % variabel Y dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain.Harga t hitung 15,50 selanjutnya dibandingkan dengan t tabel bila taraf kesalahan 5% (taraf kepercayaan 95% DK: derajat kebebasan )= n-2 atau DK= 86-2=84, maka diperoleh t tabel =1,663 sehangga Ha diterima karena terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan antara variabel motivasi (X) dan variabel kinerja karyawan (Y).

Kata Kunci : Motivasi, Kinerja Karyawan
TANGGUNG JAWAB NOTARIS DALAM SENGKETA PARA PIHAK TERKAIT AKTA PERJANJIAN PENGIKATAN JUAL BELI (PPJB) YANG DIBUATNYA
Authors: Rosadi Aulia Gumilang
Published: April 2020

Public Notary as an official appointed by the Government who has the authority (bevoegdheid) and responsibilities which, if reviewed comprehensively, could potentially be subjected to administrative, civil or criminal claims when a dispute related to the deed which is made by him/her. The main issues discussed in this study are; 1) How chosen for a notary and parties in the binding sales purchase agreement ? 2) How responsibility the parties upon an agreement in the agreement on binding sales of a bell Which is drawn up before the notary ? 3) How a form of responsibility the notary in dispute the parties related the binding sales purchase agreement made ? The research is a normative juridical research with statute approach. The data used are secondary data in the form of; primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. The results shows that the notary is administratively, civil and criminally responsible for the deed and the process of forming the deed itself, so the notary needs to implement a policy based on regulations so that he/she with the deed he/she made and the parties can be protected by law.
PELAKSANAAN HAK ASUH ANAK SETELAH TERJADINYA PERCERAIAN
Authors: Khair Umul
Published: April 2020

Based on law, children under the age of ten, should be passed into their mother. Whereas for children over the age of ten have a right to choose, even though, in reality, they will be more is taken care of by their father. This study aims to find out how the implementation of child custody after the divorce occurred in the Jopang Manganti kenagarian?. In addition, the study was made to find out what obstacles arose in the implementation of child custody after the divorce took place in Jopang Manganti? As well as how is the solution to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of child custody after the divorce took place in Jopang Manganti? This study uses a sociological juridical approach which concludes that the implementation of child custody after the divorce in the Jopang Manganti religion is in fact incompatible with the decision of the religious court with the constraints. These constraints include: Lack of a sense of responsibility of the mother, the mental condition of the mother who is not ready to face divorce, lack of religious knowledge of the mother. The researcher also recommends that the solution to this obstacle is to give the mother an understanding of the responsibility that the child is entrusted by God. Another solution is to provide an understanding that not every divorce has a negative impact, increasing the understanding of religion that God has predestined divorce.
Experimental Study of Airfoil Leading Edge Combs for Turbulence Interaction Noise Reduction
Authors: Geyer Thomas , Wasala Sahan , Sarradj Ennes
Published: April 2020

The interaction of a turbulent flow with the leading edge of a blade is a main noise source mechanism for fans and wind turbines. Motivated by the silent flight of owls, the present paper describes an experimental study performed to explore the noise-reducing effect of comb-like extensions, which are fixed to the leading edge of a low-speed airfoil. The measurements took place in an aeroacoustic wind tunnel using the microphone array technique, while the aerodynamic performance of the modified airfoils was captured simultaneously. It was found that the comb structures lead to a noise reduction at low frequencies, while the noise at high frequencies slightly increases. The most likely reasons for this frequency shift are that the teeth of the combs break up large incoming turbulent eddies into smaller ones or that they shift turbulent eddies away from the airfoil surface, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations acting on the airfoil. The aerodynamic performance does not change significantly.
Special Issue: Civil and Military Airworthiness: Recent Developments and Challenges
Authors: Kourousis Kyriakos I.
Published: April 2020

Airworthiness, as a field, encompasses all those technical and non-technical activities required to design, certify, produce, maintain and operate safely an aircraft throughout its lifespan [...]
Towards Intensive Co-operated Agribusiness: A Gender-Based Comparative Borich Needs Assessment Model Analysis of Beef Cattle Farmers in Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini Sicelo Ignatius , Huang Wen-Chi
Published: April 2020

Beef cattle farming assumes a pivotal role in economic growth, household food security, and poverty alleviation in Eswatini. However, paucity of information dissemination, and competence are drawbacks that accord a steady annual increase in beef imports and a decline in exports. Therefore, the study conducted a gender-based comparative assessment of training needs for beef cattle farmers. Primary data were collected through personal interviews, guided by a reliability-tested questionnaire, from a sample of 397 farmers. The Borich Needs Assessment Model was adopted for data analysis and inferential statistics were employed to evaluate statistically significant differences between the gender groups. On a scale of 5, farmers were found to be less proficient (M = 1.891, SD = 0.529) in cattle production and agribusiness management practices. Female farmers were significantly less proficient than males (t = −6.004, p = 0.000). Statistically significant differences in mean weighted discrepancy scores (t = 5.280, p = 0.000) revealed a strong training need for females compared to men. It is recommended that dissemination of training information should be prioritized as follows: (1) agribusiness management concepts, (2) feed and feeding concepts, (3) cattle health concepts, (4) farmer-organizational concepts, (5) farm structures, and (6) breeding and rearing concepts.
Determinants of Economic Farm-Size–Efficiency Relationship in Smallholder Maize Farms in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Obi Ajuruchukwu , Ayodeji Balogun Taofeek
Published: April 2020

The economic farm-size–efficiency relationship for maize remains unclear. A question that has yet to be answered conclusively is whether farm size affects productivity. The debate on land-appropriation-without-compensation ultimately revolves around the optimal land size and conditions under which farmers can benefit from a more rational utilization of available land. As important as the farm-size–efficiency debate is, it has not received much attention since the launch of the land reform programme. Again, the farm sizes examined in the previous studies reflected large-scale commercial agriculture and were mainly in relation to wheat production rather than the dietary staple of maize. This paper applied parametric efficiency measures under alternative distributional assumptions to data generated from 267 maize-farming households, to understand the economic farm-size–efficiency relationships and their determinants. It emerged that, while farm size is a key determinant of economic efficiency in maize production, its effect on technical efficiency is still contested. Findings suggest that farmer support should be prioritized, and the government’s efforts to make farmers more productive should emphasize gender equity and optimal use of land.
Factors Governing Total and Permanganate Oxidizable C Pools in Agricultural Soils from Southern Italy
Authors: Badagliacca Giuseppe , Romeo Maurizio , Lo Presti Emilio , Gelsomino Antonio , Monti Michele
Published: April 2020

The present investigation was aimed to quantify the three principal components of the soil carbon (C) stock, namely inorganic, organic and permanganate oxidizable, in 0–5 cm and 5–30 cm soil layers, of the main Mediterranean agricultural land coverages: olive grove, olive forest, citrus grove, vineyard, arable irrigated, arable rainfed and natural soil covered by Mediterranean scrub and garrigue. We assessed the contribution of soil properties and climatic variables on soil TOC and POxC by Pearson’s correlations, multiple linear regressions, principal component analyses and variance partitioning. NAT and both olive cropping systems showed the highest TOC concentration while the other land covers showed values ranging between 8.0 and 26.6 g kg−1. Soil POxC represented between 0.5% and 2.2% of the total soil C. A large number of interrelated factors govern soil C accumulation in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Rainfall and temperature had a selective effect on soil C distribution between the sampling areas, while among soil properties, texture exerted a prominent effect, resulting in positive effects from clay and negative effects from sand. Soil POxC concentration showed a similar trend to soil TOC in all land uses although on each of them represent a different TOC portion.
Variability of Phytochemicals by Breeding Year, Usage and Seed Size of Korean Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Varieties
Authors: Hwang Tae-Young , Park Byoung-Deok , Sung Jwakyung , Kim Hong-Sig
Published: April 2020

The interest in phytochemicals from crops has grown in recent years, with soybean, as a functional crop, having great potential for providing a high level of nutrition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate phytochemicals from Korean soybean varieties, and to provide the basic information necessary for targeted breeding of soybean. The seeds of 172 soybean varieties were collected from various domestic institutes, and their phytochemicals were analyzed and compared based on agronomic characteristics (color, size, usage, etc.) using cluster analysis. We found that the soybean varieties contained relatively higher levels of the following phytochemicals: lutein (3 var., >7.0 μg g−1 seed), tocopherols (26 var., >300 μg g−1 seed), and phytosterols (33 var., >1000 μg g−1 seed). Overall, phytochemical levels were higher in varieties released since 2000 and with small-sized seeds (<12 g, 100-seed weight). The distribution of phytochemicals varied according to the usage (cooking, sauce, sprouts, etc.), even though the highest levels of each phytochemical were mainly observed in sprouts. The cluster analysis using three main components classified the varieties into five groups. Of them, group III showed relatively higher tocopherols, group IV had relatively higher lutein, and group I had relatively higher phytosterols. Jonam and Manpoong (group I) were observed in varieties high in phytochemicals. Overall, some Korean soybean varieties were found to have relatively higher levels of phytochemicals compared to those reported in previous studies of other origins. In conclusion, our findings suggest that some varieties might provide suitable breeding material for target-centered improvement of soybean varieties, and a comparison between different origins is necessary for providing better knowledge for soybean breeding.
Mapping Maize Cropping Patterns in Dak Lak, Vietnam Through MODIS EVI Time Series
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Thu , Nguyen Loc Van , de Bie C.A.J.M (Kees) , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Nguyen Duc Anh , Nguyen Minh Van , Nieto Luciana , Schwalbert Rai , Nguyen Long Viet
Published: April 2020

Land use maps specifying up-to-date acreage information on maize (Zea mays L.) cropping patterns are required by many stakeholders in Vietnam. Government statistics, however, lag behind by one year, and the official land use maps are only updated at 5-year intervals. The aim of this study was to apply the Savitzky–Golay algorithm to reconstruct noisy Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series (2003–2018) from Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Vegetation Indices (MOD13Q1) to allow timely detection of changes in maize crop phenology, and then to employ a linear kernel Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier on the reconstructed EVI time series to prepare the present-day maize cropping pattern map of Dak Lak province of Vietnam. The method was able to specify the spatial extent of areas cropped to maize with an overall map accuracy of 79% and could also differentiate the areas cropped to maize just once versus twice annually. The by-district mapped maize acreage shows a good agreement with the official governmental data, with a 0.93 correlation coefficient (r) and a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 1624 ha.
Environmental Application of Ash from Incinerated Biomass
Authors: Wierzbowska Jadwiga , Sienkiewicz Stanislaw , Żarczyński Piotr , Krzebietke Sławomir
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ash from combustion of plant biomass of energy willow and Pennsylvania fanpetals on yields of willow grown as an energy crop and on soil properties. A three-year pot experiment was carried out on substrates with a loamy sand texture. Ash application rates were based on the potassium fertilisation demand. An incubation experiment was carried out to determine the effect of biomass-based ash on soil properties. Three soils with textural categories were incubated for 3 months with the ashes, the doses of which were determined on the basis of the hydrolytic acidity of soils (¼; ½ and 1.0 Hh). It was found that ashes generated from burning willow or Pennsylvania fanpetals can be applied instead of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium fertilisers in the cultivation of energy willow. The plant uptake of P, K and Mg from the ashes did not diverge from their absorption by plants when supplied with mineral salts. The application of these alkaline ashes will increase the soil content of phytoavailable forms of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. The examined ashes enriched the soil with micronutrients.
Introgression of Two Quantitative Trait Loci for Stripe Rust Resistance into Three Chinese Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Hu Tian , Zhong Xiao , Yang Qiang , Zhou Xinli , Li Xin , Yang Suizhuang , Hou Lu , Yao Qiang , Guo Qingyun , Kang Zhensheng
Published: April 2020

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases in wheat. Due to the large-scale and widely-distributed planting pattern of wheat, the directional selection pressure of the pathogen is very strong. Therefore, it is urgent to pyramid more stripe rust resistance genes in wheat cultivars to enhance resistance durability and ensure wheat production safety. In this study, two quantitative trait loci (QTL) for adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust, QYr.nafu-2BL and QYr.nafu-3BS, were validated and introgressed from wheat line P9897 into three Chinese elite wheat cultivars, Chuanmai 42, Xiangmai 25, and Zhengmai 9023, through marker validation. The three Chinese elite varieties were used as the female parent to cross with wheat line P9897, and they were selfed to the F6 generation. A total of 114 lines were then selected based on field agronomic traits and stripe rust resistance. Four markers (Xcfd73, Xgwm120, Xbarc87 and Xbarc133) linked with the QTL’s regions were employed to screen the 114 F6 lines. Subsequently, 27 lines combining two target QTL from P9897 were selected. The combination of agronomic traits and disease resistance results showed that 13 of these selected lines had favorable application prospects. The promising lines selected in this study could enrich the genetic resources of wheat stripe rust resistance genes, as well as provide material support and a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of wheat stripe rust in China.
Engineered Durum Wheat Germplasm with Multiple Alien Introgressions: Agronomic and Quality Performance
Authors: Kuzmanović Ljiljana , Rossini Francesco , Ruggeri Roberto , Pagnotta Mario A. , Ceoloni Carla
Published: April 2020

If genetic gains in wheat yield are to be achieved in today’s breeding, increasing the genetic variability of cultivated genotypes is an essential requisite to meet. To this aim, alien gene transfer through chromosome engineering (CE) is a validated and sound strategy. Attempts to incorporate more than one alien segment into cultivated wheat have been rare, particularly for tetraploid durum wheat. Here, we present the agronomic and quality performance of the first successful CE-mediated multiple introgression into the latter species. By assembling into 7AL, 3BS, and 1AS arms of a single genotype homoeologous segments of Thinopyrum ponticum 7el1L, Aegilops longissima 3SlS, and Triticum aestivum 1DS arms, respectively, we have stacked several valuable alien genes, comprising Lr19+Sr25+Yp (leaf and stem rust resistance and a gene increasing semolina yellowness), Pm13 (powdery mildew resistance), and Gli-D1/Glu-D3 (genes affecting gluten properties), respectively. Advanced progenies of single, double, and triple recombinants were field-tested across three years in a typical durum wheat growing area of central Italy. The results showed that not only all recombinants had normal phenotype and fertility, but also that one of the triple recombinants had the highest yield through all seasons compared with all other recombinants and control cultivars. Moreover, the multiple introgressions enhanced quality traits, including gluten characteristics and semolina yellow index. The presence of effective disease resistance genes confers additional breeding value to the novel and functional CE products, which can greatly contribute to crop security and safety.
Transcriptome Analysis of ‘Haegeum’ Gold Kiwifruit Following Ethylene Treatment to Improve Postharvest Ripening Quality
Authors: Tilahun Shimeles , Choi Han Ryul , Kwon Hyok , Park Sung Min , Park Do Su , Jeong Cheon Soon
Published: April 2020

Fruit ripening involves changes in physical, physiological and metabolic activities through the actions of enzymes and regulatory genes. This study was initiated to identify the genes related to the ripening of kiwifruit. Gold ‘Haegeum’ kiwifruit is a yellow-fleshed kiwifruit cultivar usually used for fresh marketing. The fruit is harvested at a physiologically mature but unripe stage for proper storage, marketing distribution and longer shelf life. To identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during ripening, fruit treated with ethylene were compared with control fruit that ripened naturally without ethylene treatment. Firmness, respiration rate, ethylene production rate, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), brix acid ratio (BAR) and overall acceptability were taken during the study as fruit ripening indicators. Total mRNAs were sequenced by Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform and the transcriptome gene set was constructed by de novo assembly. We identified 99,601 unigenes with an average length of 511.77 bp in transcriptome contigs. A total of 28,582 differentially expressed unigenes were identified in the ethylene treatment vs. control. Of these 28,582 unigenes, 13,361 and 15,221 genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, in the treated fruit. The results also showed that 1682 and 855 genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, more than 2-fold at p < 0.05 in fruit treated with ethylene as compared with the control fruit. Moreover, we identified 75 genes showing significantly different expression; 42 were upregulated, and 33 were downregulated. A possible category of the identified ripening-related genes was also made. The findings of this study will add to the available information on the effect of ethylene treatment on ripening and the related changes of kiwifruit at the genomic level, and it could assist the further study of genes related to ripening for kiwifruit breeding and improvement.
Effect of Biogas Digestate and Mineral Fertilisation on the Soil Properties and Yield and Nutritional Value of Switchgrass Forage
Authors: Głowacka Aleksandra , Szostak Bogdan , Klebaniuk Renata
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a three-year application of digestate from an agricultural biogas plant on the physicochemical properties of highly acidic pHKCl 4.4 ± 0.23, silty loam soils with low macronutrient content and on the yield and nutritional value of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass harvested for green fodder. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) O (control)—no fertilisation, (2) NPK—mineral fertilisation with (in kg ha−1) 150 N, 53.0 P and 105 K, (3) biogas digestate at 30 m3 ha−1 and (4) biogas digestate at 60 m3 ha−1. The higher application rate of biogas digestate significantly reduced soil acidity to pHKCl 4.9 ± 0.18 and improved its sorption properties. It also increased the soil organic matter content from 5.6 ± 0.21 to 6.4 ± 0.22 g Corg kg−1 and of K and Zn. The higher level of biogas digestate significantly increased switchgrass yield to 5.15 ± 0.26 t ha−1. The lower application rate of biogas digestate resulted in forage yield of 4.30 ± 0.20 t ha−1 comparable to that obtained after mineral fertilisation (4.33 ± 0.22 t ha−1). Following application of mineral fertilisers and the higher level of biogas digestate, the number of panicles per plant (150 ± 2.49–157 ± 0.6.17), panicle height (107 ± 1.98–114 ± 2.08), crude ash content (61.2 ± 0.43–65.5 ± 0.38) and protein content (106 ± 0.59–92 ± 1.11) in the switchgrass biomass from the first cut were higher than in the case of unfertilised soil (110 ± 3.81, 93 ± 1.32, 55.5 ± 0.40, 80.3 ± 0.37). The use of mineral fertilisers and biogas digestate increased the content of protein, P and Mg in biomass from the second cut. The results suggest that the use of digestate improved the physicochemical properties of highly acidic soil and increased the yield of switchgrass forage without diminishing its nutritional value.
Sustainable Cropping Systems
Authors: Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2020

Crop production must increase substantially to meet the needs of a rapidly growing human population, but this is constrained by the availability of resources such as nutrients, water, and land. There is also an urgent need to reduce negative environmental impacts from crop production. Collectively, these issues represent one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles, appropriate use of inputs, and soil improvement are the core for integrated approaches to solve this grand challenge. This special issue includes several review and original research articles on these topics for an array of cropping systems, which can advise implementation of best management practices and lead to advances in agronomics for sustainable intensification of crop production.
Negative Energy Balance Influences Nutritional Quality of Milk from Czech Fleckvieh Cows due Changes in Proportion of Fatty Acids
Authors: Ducháček Jaromír , Stádník Luděk , Ptáček Martin , Beran Jan , Okrouhlá Monika , Gašparík Matúš
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of negative energy balance on fatty acids proportion in the milk of Czech Fleckvieh cows after calving. Milk quality was determined based on fatty acid group proportion. Milk quality was evaluated in relation to selected negative energy balance (NEB) traits: body condition change (DEC) and milk citric acid content (CAC) after calving. Milk samples (n = 992) were collected once per week from 248 Czech Fleckvieh cows during the first month of lactation. Fatty acid content (%) in milk samples was determined and results were grouped as saturated (SFA) (hypercholesterolemic or volatile fatty acids) or unsaturated (UFA) (monounsaturated or polyunsaturated). Our results showed that cows with a deep NEB produce milk that is healthier for human consumption. Cows with a more significant DEC or the highest level of CAC in milk had the lowest proportion of SFA and the highest proportion of UFA (p < 0.01). These cows experienced higher physiological stress after calving; however, they produced milk of higher nutritional quality. Nowadays, we can see preventive efforts to mitigate NEB periods as a result of modern breeding trends regarding vitality, robustness, or longevity.
Effects of In Ovo Supplementation with Nanonutrition (L-Arginine Conjugated with Ag NPs) on Muscle Growth, Immune Response and Heat Shock Proteins at Different Chicken Embryonic Development Stages
Authors: Subramaniyan Sivakumar Allur , Kang Darae , Siddiqui Sharif Hasan , Park Jinryong , Tian Weishun , Park Byungyong , Shim Kwanseob
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to analyze the in ovo injection of inorganic and organic synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Brassica oleracea L. var. capitate F. rubra (BOL) conjugation with L-Arginine (L-Arg) on the immune, muscle growth, survivability and hatchability of broiler chickens. The conjugation of L-Arg (100 μg) with 1000 µg of Ag NPs synthesized by (BOL)-extract and L-Arg (100 μg) conjugated with 100 µg of Ag NPs inorganic synthesized were injected into fertile eggs at 8 d, 14 d and 18 d of incubation. Survival and hatching rate were significantly improved in the dose of L-Arg (100 μg) with 1000 µg (BOL-Ag NPs) and L-Arg (100 μg) with 100 µg (C-Ag NPs) on 14 d injection whereas it was decreased on 8 d or 18 d injection. Moreover, the protein expression of muscle development markers such as myogenin and myoD were significantly uprelated in 14 d of incubation whereas the heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSP-60 and HSP-70, were significantly upregulated in 18 d incubation. In addition, the liver function marker of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were significantly decreased and the immunoglobulin (IgM) levels were increased in a 14 d incubation period in serum at the same concentration.