bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of ecological soil conditions on the radiation situation formation in the areas contaminated after the accident on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Prister B. , Pronevych V.
Published: December 2021

The features of formation radiation situation in agricultural production in the areas contaminated by the Chernobyl accident were considered. On the basis of the summarized post-accident experience, assessment was made of the effectiveness of countermeasures to reduce the level of radioactive contamination of agricultural products. The current problems and scientific challenges to support agricultural production in the area of radioactive contamination in the remote period after the accident were formulated. It is shown that the use of modern technology and employing profitable agricultural production is the best way of rehabilitation contaminated areas. Natural processes of rehabilitation will not help to normalize the radiation situation theretore carrying out countermeasures in contaminated areas is vital. The developed technologies are the most effective which make it possible to carry out targeted countermeasures in individual households and small arrays. Monitoring the distribution of radioactive pollution, behavior of radionuclides in the related environment and forecast of their migration allows developing and implementing the most reasonable management decisions to improve the radioecological situation.
Environmental radiation monitoring residential areas in the region of Ukrainian Polissya
Authors: Chobot’ko H.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents a theoretical analysis and established regularities to identify critical ecosystems and factors that determine the irradiation dose of the population of the Ukrainian Polissya rural residential areas, radioactively contaminated by the Chernobyl accident. It was determined that the definition of critical ecosystems as an essential component of the radiation monitoring should include several basic stages of analysis of factors determining the dose for the region population: first of all, defining the role of forests and forest products in the formation of population doses; defining the contribution and the role of pastures and hayfields in the formation of the region population dose through contamination of milk and meat; defining the actual population diets, which largely determine the doses value; establishing the role of garden products in the formation of the region population doses; establishing the role of countermeasures in the formation of the region population doses. The establishment of these regularities is necessary to determine the critical ecosystems and the factors that determine the value of population doses of Ukrainian Polissia residential areas contaminated with radionuclides due to the CNPP accident. At the prospect it is necessary to plan the research that would consist of two parts : the radiation-hygienic (detection of features of diet and 137Cs internal exposure doses received by residents of Ukrainian Polissya abundant areas due to food consumption) and predictive (mathematical modeling of 137Cs content in forest food products, that significantly affect the population internal dose). The combination of these two parts will help to predict exposure of people as well as specific risks to their health.
Current requirements for quality and standardization of medicinal plants
Authors: Zelysko D. , Kravchuk Zh.
Published: December 2021

Medicinal herbs and preparations from them are used in both developed and developing countries and represent a significant part of the global pharmaceutical market. Standardization is one of the most important mechanisms to ensure quality control of herbal medicines. The term «standardization» is used to describe all measures taken during the manufacturing process and quality control, leading to obtaining a product with reproducible quality. In order to receive high-quality herbal medicines, we must take care of all stages of production, since the proper identification and cultivation of plants, the season and the region of their collection and ending extraction and purification process of herbal medicines. The most widely used instrumental methods of analysis are chromatographic «fingerprinting», spectroscopic analysis and hybrid methods of analysis. In this review the majority of modern methods, approaches and trends in standardization of herbal medicines are characterized
Prospects for the selective investigations of medicinal and essential oil plants in Ukraine
Authors: Kutsenko N.
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with the historical aspects of becoming breeding of medicinal and aromatic plants as one of the areas of scientific research. The basic results of breeding research on these groups of crops in Ukraine for almost a hundred years are given. The basic methods used to create varieties are shown. Impact of the application of different methods in terms of crops is specified. It has been determined that the most effective method is individually kin selection, with the application of which was created more than 60% of all varieties of medicinal plants. The current state of high-grade resources of medicinal and aromatic species is determined. It is noted that the most effective were studies with Mint and Echinacea purpurea. The role of the leading institutions in the formulation and selection of medicinal and aromatic plants is noted. The main directions of modern breeding research are given. It is noted that the main use of medicinal and aromatic crops is the pharmaceutical industry, which focuses on processing of medicinal plants in accordance with European norms on qualitative and quantitative yields of biologically active substances. We marked other promising areas of medical and ether-oil with species that provide a comprehensive approach to exploit the potential of this group of plants.
Iridoids content in aboveground plant organs of berry crops
Authors: Levon V. , Skrypchenko N. , Vasiuk Ye. , Knysh V. , Bezpalko O.
Published: December 2021

A study of iridoid content in fruits, leaves and sprouts of untraditional berry plants — Actinidia polygama, Actinidia macrosperma, Viburnum opulus and Lonicera caerulea is presented. The highest content of iridoids is observed in the fruits, buds and leaves of V. opulus. It was determined, that their content in the bark and the leaves of the plants during vegetation almost do not change and reach 2–3%. Meanwhile the content of iridoids in the fruits varies in more broad bounds and depends on the phase of growth of the plants. So, it reaches 6.85% at the end of July, but it was equals to 3.75% at the end of September. The highest content of iridoids was found in unripe fruits of Viburnum. The fruit, bark and leaves of bitter-fruited form V. opulus have the higher content of iridoids compared to sweet-fruited. There were not any iridoids in roots of both forms of V. opulus. The presence of iridoids in the fruit and leaves of A. polygama and A. macrosperma in the introduction of conditions in the forest-steppe of Ukraine was found. Given this, the leaves of these species, especially A. macrosperma, can be used as a medicinal plant. It was found, that A. polygama leaves, which change its color to silver, have higher contents of iridoids compared to green ones (silver leaves — 0.22%, green leaves — 0.18%). In fruits of honeysuckle, which do not have a bitter taste, iridoids are not found, while, forms and varieties of L. caerulea with bitter fruits accumulate the largest quantity of iridoids. So, when using fruits V. opulus and L. caerulea as medicinal plants, bitter-fruited forms should be preferred.
Viral diseases of cacti (Cactaceae Juss.)
Authors: Mudrak T. , Koroteeva G. , Polishchuk V.
Published: December 2021

There are about 220 genera and 3000 species in Cactaceae family. Since its discovery in XV cacti gained much popularity among botanists, gardeners and collectors because of unusual and highly decorative appearance. Cactus viruses are known for about a century now. The first definitive indication came in 1951 in Europe. Currently, 13 viruses are known to infect plants of Cactaceae family: five members of the genus Potexvirus (CVX, OpVX, SchVX, ZyVX and PiVX), four members of the genus Tobamovirus (SOV, TMV, CMMoV and RCNaV), one representative of the Carlavirus (CV-2), one representative of the Carmovirus (SgCV) and two representatives of the genus Tospovirus (TSWV and INSV). Potexviruses are best described among the viruses infecting Cactaceous plants. Some infections are mostly symptomless, when others demonstrate both external and internal symptoms. Externally symptoms include chlorotic rings and spots on the pads of Opuntia sp., reddening of the fronds of the Zygocactus sp., etc. Occasionally more severe symptoms, such as bending, marked yellowing and dieback of stems occur. The article discusses the viruses infecting Cactaceae family members, their biological characteristics, geographical distribution and history of their discovery. It covers the problem of genetic differentiation between some Asian and European isolates of potexviruses, and describes peculiarities of mono- and co-infections in different species of cacti. The article also considers the practical value of cacti for the gardening and exemplifies the use of their biologically active substances in medicine and pharmaceutical industry. Viral infections can damage cacti rendering raw material inapplicable for practical use. Hence it is necessary to apply not only technical protective measures, but also timely application of modern methods of diagnosis and the establishment of diversity of viruses circulating in the collections.
Component composition of essential oil in the forms of thymus serpyllum (Thymus serpillum L.) and thyme flea (Thymus pulegioides L.) species in conditions of Kherson region
Authors: Svydenko L. , Hlushchenko L.
Published: December 2021

Plant forms were selected from seed generation of Thymus serpillum L. and Thymus pulegioides L. introduced in Kherson region. These forms differ by morphobiological grounds and the content and composition of essential oil. In the process of chemical research we selected forms of T. serpillum and T. pulegioides and found that the maximum mass fraction of essential oil was found in the form of T. Serpillum-No.17-07 and amounted to 0.29% of freshly weight or 1.1% by weight air-dry material. In plants form T. serpillum18-07, those indicator was slightly lower — 0.18 and 0.67% respectively. Composition component of essential oil was studied. The dominant components of the essential oil of two forms of Thymus serpillum is thymol and γ-terpynen. Mass fraction of thymol in oil in the form No.17-07 is 40.70%, in the form No.18-07 — 40.29%. Mass fraction γ-terpynenu — 12.88% and 23.31% respectively. The main components of the essential oil of Thymus pulegioides L. form No.2/6-07 are neral and heranial (amounting to 50.25%).
Influence of biogenic metals nanoparticles on the morphogenetic processes effectiveness of mint peppery (Mentha piperita L.) in the culture in vitro
Authors: Talankova-Sereda T.
Published: December 2021

Investigation of the influence of nanoparticles of copper and cobaltous on the micropropagation of plants of peppermint (M. piperita L.) in such varieties as «Mama», «Chornolist» and «Lydia» on the basis of a complex of culture methods of isolated tissues and organs in vitro is carried out. According to the research, it can be stated that there is the positive influence of the cobaltous and copper nanoparticles on the morphogenesis of peppermint explants in culture in vitro. After 28 days of cultivation in MurashigeSkoog growth medium (MS) with nanoparticles of copper with concentration of 0.8 mg/l there was a significant increase in the quantity of the bines of such varieties as «Mama» for 50%, «Сhernolistnaya» — 43%, in growth medium with addition of copper with a concentration of 1.2 mg/l the plants of peppermint of variety «Lydia» has the enlargement of 48% (p<0.05). The number of nodes in a nutrient medium with copper nanoparticles with a concentration of 0.8 mg/l was larger in comparison with controlled medium of variety «Mama» for 29% (p<0.05), «Сhernolistnaya» — 31% (p<0.05), and in the medium with copper nanoparticles with a concentration of 1.2 mg/l of mint plants of such variety as «Lydia» for 43% (p<0.05). The optimum density of cobaltous in the MS growth medium was identified. It is 0.4 mg/l and the optimum concentration of copper is 0.8–1.2 mg/l. The usage of such modification of Murashige-Skoog growth medium allows to receive more (an average 27%) regenerated peppermint by plants. After 28 days the coefficient of reproduction of peppermint plants of variety «Mama» was 1:14, «Lydia» — 1:13, «Сhernolistnaya» — 1:15.
Development of land relations in the context of government decentralization in Ukraine
Authors: Palapa N. , Pron N. , Ustymenko O.
Published: December 2021

It is determined the essence and suitability of de- centralization reform being provided in Ukraine, in particular its impact on the further development of rural areas. The main attention is focused on the issues of land relations as an effective management tool of the newly created united territorial communities. The modern state of functioning and activities of personal peasant households as representatives of small agribusiness on rural areas in Ukraine are presented. The question of appropriateness of local agro-food markets formation for the purpose of agricultural products realization is highlighted. Article deals with possible threats in the process of unification of territorial communities, such as insufficient attention focused on issues of ecological state in those territories, along with their socio-economic development. It is considered the European experience of local government reforms, particularly the peculiarities of the smallest administrative units functioning in the Republic of Poland — gminas. The results of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine are summed up and it is highlighted information concerning the formation and functioning of united territorial communities in all regions of Ukraine.
Influence of hydrothermal regime of vegetation on the ecological state of soil and corn yield
Authors: Demyanyuk O. , Sherstoboieva O. , Klymenko A. , Chabaniuk Ya.
Published: December 2021

In a field experiment it has been found that the biological activity of the soil under agriculture, as an indicator of its ecological health, depends much on the weather. In extreme excessive humidity and temperatures exceeding average 2–5°C for periods compared to the same hot, but arid periods the number of total microbial mass increases in soil, synthetic processes are intensified and carbon emissions are activated. Accordingly, the yield of green mass of corn is raised, though grain yield reduces significantly. In the year of high temperature and lack of providing moisture harvest of green mass reduces significantly, but the crop is formed at the level of optimal under the weather conditions of the year, due to relative drought-resistance of the crop.
Features of the determination of drinking water toxicity
Authors: Аrystarkhova Е.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of the determination of drinking water toxicity in the system of water supply of Zhytomyr сity. An increase of reliability of control of drinking water quality is especially important in the conditions of tense ecological situation. That’s why it is expediently to apply so-called sets of test-organisms in which the representatives of vegetable and animal forms have to become as obligatory components for determination of water ecotoxicological potential. The results of such a biological testing enable more fully to estimate influence of contaminents on living creatures. It was suggested during the leadthrough of quality testing of drinking water to use Daphnia magna Straus and Tradescantia fluminensis Vellozo in the presented researches. On the basis of test-objects reactions the index of drinking water toxicity was calculated. The harmful influence of water secondary pollution on the living organisms (index of toxicity 50%, group D1) is noted. It was found out the specificity of  sensitiveness of tradescantia (on 8th day) and daphnia (on 15th day) to chronic effect of drinking water components.
Peculiarities of cold resistance and methods of ecological assessment of frost resistance of winter grain crops
Authors: Dubovyi V. , Parfeniuk S.
Published: December 2021

The article gives analysis of existing problems of winter crops hardiness (wheat, rye, triticale) and methods of assessment the it frost hardiness. Based on the results we suggested an improved method of environmental assessment and selection by frost, winter hardiness of winter crops on the basis of temperature and light factors during the autumn growing season, data monitoring and forecasting features wintering in specially created extreme natural conditions. Research was carried out in the forest-steppe (Myronivka Institute of Wheat named. V.N. Remeslo) and continued in terms of Polissia (Zhytomyr National Agroecological University). Some of the determining factors affecting the level of preparedness of winter crops to winter are temperature and light conditions during autumn vegetation season as well as different technological factors that determine metabolic activity in plants while entering into winter. Obviously, an important role in survival of winter crops plays accordance of genetically determined ability of the sort to resist variety of unfavourable conditions and peculiarities of different agro-ecological systems in which it is grown. In some years crops were damaged dramatically. Unfortunately, despite many scientists’ long-term efforts there is no significant practical progress in solving this problem. This situation requires a search for new or improvement of existing concepts as for the frost, winter resistance of winter crops. The system of monitoring and fore- casting of wintering of plants needs to be improved. The study of methods of environmental assessment of frost and winter resistance of winter crops in the conditions of steppe and woodlands showed that organic combination of created provocative temperature with field soils contribute to the effective assessment and selections of plants whose generation can be the source of material to create new frost, winter resistant varieties. In terms of climate change and the economic crisis introduction of assessment methods will make it possible to improve the environmental performance of selection significantly.
Peculiarities of forming weed consortia parameters depending on species genotype and composition of representatives of the tribe Triticeae under the ecotone Polissia-Forest-Steppe
Authors: Hrynyk I. , Moskalets T. , Moskalets V.
Published: December 2021

The peculiarities of consortia weeds parameters formation depending on the genotype and species composition of perspective ecological and adaptive members of the tribe Triticeae were considered under ecotone Polissia-Forest-Steppe. It was found that un- der the conditions of Polissia-Forest-Steppe ecotone coenotic composition phytocenoses tribe Triticeae is presented by mainly terophytes, less –gemikriptophytes, kriptophytes and geophytes. It is shown that in the conditions of Forest-Steppe Polissia dominant associations weeds in crops of short stature and semi-dwarf varieties of tribe Triticeae are six dominant species communities: Viola-Capsella, Matricaria-Galium, Elytrigia-Galeopsis, Chenopodiu-Sonchus, Thlaspi-Euphоrbiа; and among tall and medium growing crops there are four of them: Cirsium-Convolvulus, Apera-Galeopsis, Elytrigia-Linaria, Galeopsis-Galium. Medium-grown, intermediate varieties and lines of wheat (Zoriana Nosivska, Zirka Nosivska, Л 4639/ 96), rye (Olympiada 80), a three-species triticale (ПС_1-12, ПС_2-12, Vivate Nosivske, УП_1-12) are the most competitive to the development of segetal vegetation compared to other medium-grown and semi-dwarf varieties of such crops as КС 5, КС 1, КС 14 (wheat), Chaian, ДАУ 5, Д-5_2010 (Triticale), Borotba (rye).
Regulatory and legal support of intellectual property protection in the defense sphere (in the development of armaments and military equipment; in the implementation of international military- technical cooperation)
Authors: Zaikivskyi Oleksandr , Onistrat Oleksandr
Published: December 2021

Keywords: defence capability, intellectual property, regulatory and legal support,armament and military equipment, military-technical cooperation

The condition of regulatory and legal support of defencecapability of Ukraine and problems concerning protection of intellectual propertyand protection of state interests in this sphere are investigated. The importance ofprotection of intellectual property rights to ensure the enhancement of the state's defencecapabilities is noted.Ensuring Ukraine’s defence capability largely depends on equipping the ArmedForces of Ukraine with modern types and models of armaments and military equipmentdeveloped on the basis of the intellectual property rights.It is the military-technical sphere where the objects of intellectual property rightsbelonging to the sphere of national security and defence are created, and the state isobliged to ensure their protection. This will increase the competitiveness of the domesticdefence industry and make it impossible for anyone in the mass production ofarmaments and military equipment for their own needs and for exports, that directlyaffects defence capabilities.This requires proper protection of intellectual property rights both in the processof own production of weapons and military equipment, and in military-technical cooperation.The legislation of Ukraine on national security and defence determines the need touse scientific and technical achievements and the introduction of new technologies toincrease the state's defence capabilities. However, the issue of intellectual property,which is the basis of these achievements and technologies, is not raised. It is notedonly that the acquisition, security, protection of intellectual property rights to scientificand technical (applied) results are carried out in accordance with the law, and incase of infringement of intellectual property rights is protected in the manner prescribedby administrative, civil and criminal law.Thus, all issues related to the defence and protection of intellectual property rightsmust be resolved within the framework of special legislation on intellectual property.Recommendations for improving the regulatory and legal support of Ukraine's defencecapabilities with a purpose of solution of intellectual property issues in this areaand compliance with national interests and security of the state on intellectual propertyrights in the development of armaments and military equipment, as well as internationalmilitary-technical cooperation were submitted.
Prosecution of Property Rights of Intellectual Property to the Results of Works under the Contract for Research, Development and Engineering
Authors: Denysenko Roman
Published: December 2021

Keywords: results of work, subjects of property rights of intellectual property, jointproperty rights of intellectual property

The article deals with an issue of allocation of rights to the results ofworks that are intellectual property subject-matter, created during research or developmentand engineering works. It is considered what can be the result of works andin what form.It analyses problematic issues of the multiplicity of subjects of intellectual propertyrights to the results of work under the contract and the relationship between themon the prosecution of the joint intellectual property rights to the results of work. It isdetermined that the subjects of contractual relations of research or development andengineering works in addition to the executor and the customer should also includethe creator (author, inventor) — a specialist working in a research institution or in acompany, whose creative work resulted in the intellectual property subject-matter.Attention is drawn to the joint rights to service subject-matters created as a consequenceof labour-related duties execution.The norms of special legislation on the relationship on the use of an invention(utility model) and an industrial design, the disposal of property rights of each of theholders (owners) of a patent (certificate) are studied.Laid out in the article gives the ground for making conclusion about the need to supplementthe regulation of relations on the prosecution of the joint intellectual propertyrights to the results of work by including general provisions on the procedure for the useof intellectual property subject-matter and disposal of property rights on conditions establishedby the contract for research or development and engineering in Article 896 ofthe Civil Code of Ukraine. The author proposes to supplement Article 896 of the CivilCode of Ukraine with Chapter 3 as follows: «3. If the results of works have features ofintellectual property subject-matter, then special details of prosecution of propertyrights of intellectual property can be provided in the contract».
Key issues of legal regulation of the supplementary protection of inventions in the field of pharmacy in the national legislation of Ukraine
Authors: Homeniuk Anastasiia
Published: December 2021

Keywords: supplementary protection certificate, basic patent, procedure for obtainingsupplementary protection certificate

Key issues of legal regulation of the supplementary protection of inventionsin the field of pharmacy in the national legislation of UkraineThe article is devoted to the study of key issues of legal regulation of supplementaryprotection of inventions after the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Amendmentsto Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Patent Legislation Reform» in the absenceof bylaws to regulate the procedure for issuing supplementary protection certificates.The study also highlights the main shortcomings and gaps in the regulation ofcertain issues of application of supplementary protection certificates in the currentLaw of Ukraine «On protection of rights to inventions and utility models.»The author in details analyses European Union approaches to definition of thesubject matter of the supplementary protection, providing criteria which are recommendedto use in order to decide whether the product is covered by the basicpatent in force. Also, the paper is focusing on the issues related to verification ofdata and materials provided together with the application for a certificate — suchas whether the requirement that the medicinal product must be submitted formarketing authorization in Ukraine no later than during one year after it’s first marketing authorization in the world, whether the authorization provided is thefirst authorization in Ukraine, etc.Another problem which is highlighted in the study is the application of the rule tosubmit the petition for obtaining supplementary protection to those patents and marketingauthorizations which were issued before the amendments to the Law came inforce, as this question remained unresolved due to the lack of transitional provisionsin the Law. Also author points out the necessity to align the provisions of the Article271 of the Law of Ukraine «On Protection of Rights to Inventions and Utility Models»regarding the definition of the subject matter of supplementary protection in accordancewith patent legislation by excluding application of the medicinal product fromthe list as it is not patentable according to Ukrainian law. In addition, the author emphasizedthe urge to adopt relevant bylaws (procedure) regulating the issue of certificatesof supplementary protection.
Ensuring the confidentiality of patient information obtained during a clinical trial of a medicinal product
Authors: Ponomarova Olena
Published: December 2021

Keywords: clinical trial, confidential information, personal data, patient

Clinical trials are conductedin accordance with legal norms, subject to human rights and in accordance with internationalethical principles. Each clinical trial for the patient (subject) begins on a voluntarybasis and with acquaintance of the patient (subject) about the features of the study, itspurpose and purpose, explanation of possible risks, in addition, the patient is informedabout innovative drugs and access to free treatment during research. The patient participatesin the study of the drug of his own volition, signing a voluntary informed consent.It is important to ensure that the rights of the patient (subject) in the clinical trial of themedicinal product to privacy and the protection of personal data, which is confidential informationabout the person who is the subject of the study, are respected. During clinicaltrials, researchers and all persons involved in the research process should treat responsiblythe person participating in the study of the medicinal product as the object of study,namely with respect for the human right to privacy and its secrecy. Individuals and legalentities should be able to protect information legally under their control from disclosure,acquisition or use by others without their consent in a manner contrary to fair commercialpractice, if such information is confidential in the sense that it is as a whole or in theexact configuration and combination of its components, commonly known or available topersons in the circles normally involved with the information in question. It is importantto note that any information that becomes known about the patient (subject) during theclinical trial of the drug should be carefully protected by the party conducting the study.Therefore, it is important to note that the right of a patient not to disclose confidentialinformation about him is guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. The right to medicalsecrecy is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine "Fundamentals of Health Legislation". Incases where the rights of the patient (subject) have been violated, the legislator providesfor criminal liability for intentional disclosure of medical secrets to a person who becameknown in connection with the performance of professional or official duties, if such an actcaused serious consequences and for illegal collection, storage, use, destruction, disseminationof confidential information about a person or illegal change of such informationcomes criminal liability.
Notes on the Location of Happiness
Authors: Nyqvist Anette
Published: December 2021

This article explores the world making capabilities of travel writing (Goodman 1978; Youngs 2013). The premise is that literary products are key elements in the configuration of the world itself and that specifically authors of travel accounts mediate the world to their readership at home (Archetti 1994).

By highlighting three different examples of travel writing, the article discusses the persistent notion of the tropical island as an actually existing paradise on earth. More specifically, the discussion focus around the notion that happiness exists in places to which one can travel to.

The examples at hand are two eighteenth century travel logs one French and one English; Louise-Antoine de Bougainville’s from 1772 and William Bligh’s from 1792, while the third and final example is a contemporary Swedish travel piece written by Anders Mathlein and first published in 2001.
Acceleration of Dynamic Ice Loss in Antarctica From Satellite Gravimetry
Authors: Diener Theresa , Sasgen Ingo , Agosta Cécile , Fürst Johannes J. , Braun Matthias H. , Konrad Hannes , Fettweis Xavier
Published: December 2021

The dynamic stability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the largest uncertainties in projections of future global sea-level rise. Essential for improving projections of the ice sheet evolution is the understanding of the ongoing trends and accelerations of mass loss in the context of ice dynamics. Here, we examine accelerations of mass change of the Antarctic Ice Sheet from 2002 to 2020 using data from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment; 2002–2017) and its follow-on GRACE-FO (2018-present) satellite missions. By subtracting estimates of net snow accumulation provided by re-analysis data and regional climate models from GRACE/GRACE-FO mass changes, we isolate variations in ice-dynamic discharge and compare them to direct measurements based on the remote sensing of the surface-ice velocity (2002–2017). We show that variations in the GRACE/GRACE-FO time series are modulated by variations in regional snow accumulation caused by large-scale atmospheric circulation. We show for the first time that, after removal of these surface effects, accelerations of ice-dynamic discharge from GRACE/GRACE-FO agree well with those independently derived from surface-ice velocities. For 2002–2020, we recover a discharge acceleration of -5.3 ± 2.2 Gt yr−2 for the entire ice sheet; these increasing losses originate mainly in the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Sea Embayment regions (68%), with additional significant contributions from Dronning Maud Land (18%) and the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf region (13%). Under the assumption that the recovered rates and accelerations of mass loss persisted independent of any external forcing, Antarctica would contribute 7.6 ± 2.9 cm to global mean sea-level rise by the year 2100, more than two times the amount of 2.9 ± 0.6 cm obtained by linear extrapolation of current GRACE/GRACE-FO mass loss trends.
Searching Monotone Arrays: A Survey
Authors: Cappelle Márcia R. , Foulds Les R. , Longo Humberto J.
Published: December 2021

Given a monotone ordered multi-dimensional real array A and a real value k, an important question in computation is to establish if k is a member of A by sequentially searching A by comparing k with some of its entries. This search problem and its known results are surveyed, including the case when A has sizes not necessarily equal. Worst case search algorithms for various types of arrays of finite dimension and sizes are reported. Each algorithm has order strictly less than the product of the sizes of the array. Present challenges and open problems in the area are also presented.
Optimal CNN–Hopfield Network for Pattern Recognition Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Keddous Fekhr Eddine , Nakib Amir
Published: December 2021

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have powerful representation learning capabilities by automatically learning and extracting features directly from inputs. In classification applications, CNN models are typically composed of: convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected (FC) layer(s). In a chain-based deep neural network, the FC layers contain most of the parameters of the network, which affects memory occupancy and computational complexity. For many real-world problems, speeding up inference time is an important matter because of the hardware design implications. To deal with this problem, we propose the replacement of the FC layers with a Hopfield neural network (HNN). The proposed architecture combines both a CNN and an HNN: A pretrained CNN model is used for feature extraction, followed by an HNN, which is considered as an associative memory that saves all features created by the CNN. Then, to deal with the limitation of the storage capacity of the HNN, the proposed work uses multiple HNNs. To optimize this step, the knapsack problem formulation is proposed, and a genetic algorithm (GA) is used solve it. According to the results obtained on the Noisy MNIST Dataset, our work outperformed the state-of-the-art algorithms.
A Triad of Uppsala Internationalization of Emerging Markets Firms and Challenges: A Systematic Review
Authors: Igwe Paul Agu , Rugara David Gamariel , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: December 2021

The economic advancement of emerging markets such as China, Brazil, and India has been regarded as one of the benefits of a globalized world. This paper revisits and evaluates the Uppsala model to teases out the process, speed, determinants, and challenges of early internationalization approaches of firms in transition and emerging markets (TEMs). Applying Systematic Literature Review (SLR), this article collects, disintegrates, and categorizes previous studies, synthesizing the theoretical models to shed light on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) characteristics, behaviour, and motives to internationalise, as well as the approaches to internationalisation. This method identified 183 articles published between 2008–2018 from 84 international journals. A triad (a set of three related things) highlights the three main features of the Integrated Uppsala Model including the basic assumptions, influential factors, and competitive strategies of firms. The findings suggest that the institutional–legal environment constitutes key barriers that firms in TEMs must overcome to develop an early internationalization strategy. It appears that internationalization literature focusing on emerging markets is biased towards China. The review identifies a need for future studies to (i) focus on emerging markets firms in Africa and South America; and (ii), provide a cross-country analysis and evaluation of internationalization strategies of TEMs.
Water Management of Czech Crop Production in 1961–2019
Authors: Malec Karel , Gebeltová Zdeňka , Maitah Mansoor , Appiah-Kubi Seth Nana Kwame , Sirohi Jitka , Maitah Kamil , Phiri Joseph , Pańka Dariusz , Prus Piotr , Smutka Luboš , Janků Jaroslav
Published: December 2021

This study aims to evaluate the water balance of the crop mix of the Czech Republic and the tendencies of its development during the period 1961–2019. For calculating water deficits, methodology from ČSN 750434 (Czech technical standards) was used and on its basis, the deficits of the ten most frequently represented crops of the Czech Republic were calculated. These results were then put into the context of the development of precipitation totals and the development of average annual temperatures in the observed period. Furthermore, statistical tools were used for the identification of relationships between the observed variables and the tested hypotheses to verify the statistical significance of the observed changes. The results show that the overall irrigation deficit nearly doubled in Czech agriculture when comparing the averages for the periods 1961–1970 and 2010–2019. This change was evaluated as statistically significant. Furthermore, there were also statistically significant increases in water deficits in the cases of wheat, barley, rye, oats, legumes, and rapeseed. The sowing areas of the observed crops recorded statistically significant change in all cases. Only in the case of wheat, maize and rapeseed were there increases in sowing area, specifically 146%, 642.4%, and 1132.7%, respectively. For other crops, a decrease in sowing areas was observed. This finding points to decreasing commodity diversity in Czech agriculture, which, in combination with a high degree of intensification and selected agrotechnical practices, contributes to a lower retention capacity for the soil and landscape to retain water, which in turn influences the overall water balance of the Czech agrarian sector.
Biochemical and Rapid Molecular Analyses to Identify Glyphosate Resistance in Lolium spp.
Authors: Gerakari Maria , Cheimona Nikolina , Tani Eleni , Travlos Ilias , Chachalis Demosthenis , Loddo Donato , Mathiassen Solvejg Kopp , Gitsopoulos Thomas K. , Scarabel Laura , Panozzo Silvia , Kristensen Michael , Kudsk Per , Sattin Maurizio
Published: December 2021

Lolium spp. are troublesome weeds mainly found in winter cereal crops worldwide, including Europe. In recent years resistant mechanisms have been evolved to several important herbicides. In this study we investigated the mechanisms responsible for conferring glyphosate resistance in some Lolium spp. populations. A holistic approach was used, based on dose-response experiments, determination of shikimic acid concentration in plant leaf tissue, as well as molecular analyses. More specifically, in three Lolium spp. populations the existence of a mutation in the Pro-106 codon of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene was investigated as well as the relative transcript levels of four ABC-transporter genes were monitored at three time points after glyphosate application. The results demonstrated that glyphosate resistance is a multifactor phenomenon. Relative transcript levels of the ABC-transporter genes were abundant at very early time points after glyphosate treatments. Dose-response experiments and shikimate analyses were in accordance with the findings of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses. We suggest that relative expression ratio of ABC-transporter genes can be a useful tool to rapidly identify Lolium spp. populations resistant to glyphosate.
Application of Multiplex TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assay in Survey of Five Lily Viruses Infecting Lilium spp.
Authors: Xu Leifeng , Song Meng , Ming Jun
Published: December 2021

Lily symptomless virus (LSV), Lily mottle virus (LMoV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Shallot yellow stripe virus (SYSV), and Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) are five of the economically important viruses infecting lilies (Lilium spp.) worldwide. In order to prevent the occurrence and spread of these viruses, it is necessary to develop a rapid, effective, and sensitive detection method for the simultaneous detection and specific quantification of these viruses. In this study, specific primers and probes for multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assays designed from conserved regions of the coat protein sequence of each virus were used for the simultaneous detection of these viruses in lilies (Lilium spp.). The optimal concentration of primers and probes and reaction annealing temperature were 20 µM and 55.9 °C, respectively. The detection limits of the assay were 1.33 × 102, 1.27 × 101, 1.28 × 101, 2.33 × 102, and 2.01 × 102 copies·μL−1 for LSV, LMoV, CMV, SYSV, and PlAMV, respectively. Specificity was determined using seven viral pathogens of lilies. Variability tests of intra- and inter-assays showed high reproducibility with coefficients of variation <2%. The multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay was used to detect these viruses from lily samples in China. In brief, our developed assay showed high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of five lily-infecting viruses and can be used for certification and quarantine programs.
Inter- and Intra-Individual Variation in the Behavior of Feed Intake on Nutrient Availability in Early Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Rumphorst Theresa , Scheu Theresa , Koch Christian , Sundrum Albert
Published: December 2021

Since energetic deficits in dairy cows can only be reduced at an animal level, the objective of the present study was to determine the extent of variation in intake behavior within and between animals during early lactation, to explore the magnitude of interactions between feed intake, intake behavior and nutrient digestibility, and to identify levers for maximizing feed intake at the individual animal level. Feeding behavior, intake and nutrient digestibility of 28 German Holstein dairy cows, fed TMR with 7.0 MJ NEL, were studied between the 2nd and 15th week after calving. Dry matter intake was assessed daily and nutrient digestibility weekly, with iNDF240 as an intrinsic marker. Results showed high intra- and inter-individual variation in intake behavior parameters with coefficients of variation (CV) up to 0.58 in meal frequency. Nutrient digestibility varied only slightly with CV values up to 0.10 in crude protein. Milk yield, meal frequency, feeding time, feeding rate and meal size had significant positive effects on DMI (p < 0.01). To achieve long-term improvements in feed intake, it is important to optimize feed intake and feeding behavior of individual animals by improving feeding conditions and develop technical tools to identify animals with insufficient feed intake.
Functional Characterization of Melanocortin-3 Receptor in a Hibernating Cavefish Onychostoma macrolepis
Authors: Wu Lian , Yu Huixia , Mo Haolin , Lan Xianyong , Pan Chuanying , Wang Lixin , Zhao Haiyu , Zhou Jishu , Li Yang
Published: December 2021

Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) plays an important role in the energy homeostasis of animals under different nutritional conditions. Onychostoma macrolepis is a hibernating cavefish found in the northern part of the Yangtze River, and its adaptation to a nutrient-poor environment has attracted growing interest. In this study, we characterized the protein structure of Onychostoma macrolepis Mc3r (omMc3r), examined its tissue distribution, and investigated its function in mediating cellular signaling. We showed that the CDS of omMc3r is 978 bp, encoding a putative protein of 325 amino acids. Homology and phylogenetic analyses indicated that omMc3r is evolutionary close to cyprinids. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that omMc3r was highly expressed in the liver and brain. The functions of omMc3r to mediate ligands activating downstream signaling have also been confirmed by using signal pathway-specific reporters. The four agonists α-MSH, β-MSH, NDP-MSH, and ACTH (1–24) can all activate the cAMP and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, albeit with different potency orders. The “primitive” ligand ACTH (1–24) had the highest potency on the cAMP signaling pathway, while the synthetic ligand NDP-MSH had the highest activation effect on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This research will lay the foundation for studying the energy regulation mechanism of cavefish in an oligotrophic environment.
Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation during Pregnancy Influences Insulin Sensitivity in Rabbit Does but Not in Their Offspring
Authors: Brecchia Gabriele , Sulce Majlind , Curone Giulio , Barbato Olimpia , Canali Claudio , Troisi Alessandro , Munga Albana , Polisca Angela , Agradi Stella , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Vigo Daniele , Quattrone Alda , Draghi Susanna , Menchetti Laura
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the effects of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) dietary supplementation during pregnancy on insulin sensitivity of rabbit does and their offspring. Starting from two months before the artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were fed only commercial standard diet (C) or supplemented with 1% (G1) and 3% (G3) of Goji berries. Their offspring received a standard diet but kept the nomenclature of the mother’s group. Fasting and intravenous glucose tolerance test-derived indices were estimated at 21 days of pregnancy on rabbit does and at 90 days of age on the offspring. No difference was found in the fasting indices, while the diet modulated the response to glucose load of rabbit does. In particular, G3 group had the lowest glucose concentrations 5 min after the bolus administration (p < 0.05) and, as a result, differed in the parameters calculated during the elimination phase such as the elimination rate constant (Kel), the half-life of the exogenous glucose load (t1/2), and apparent volume of distribution (Vd; for all, p < 0.05). The high dose of Goji supplementation could thus enhance the first-phase glucose-induced insulin secretion. Findings on the offspring were inconsistent and therefore a long-term effect of Goji supplementation during pregnancy could not be demonstrated. Further study on the effect of Goji on the secretory pathway of insulin could clarify its hypoglycaemic action, while different protocols are needed to investigate its potential effects on foetal programming.