bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic Plasticity and its Modulation by Alcohol
Authors: Avchalumov Yosef , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: March 2020

Alcohol is one of the oldest pharmacological agents used for its sedative/hypnotic effects, and alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) continues to be major public health issue. AUD is strongly indicated to be a brain disorder, and the molecular and cellular mechanism/s by which alcohol produces its effects in the brain are only now beginning to be understood. In the brain, synaptic plasticity or strengthening or weakening of synapses, can be enhanced or reduced by a variety of stimulation paradigms. Synaptic plasticity is thought to be responsible for important processes involved in the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity, and occurs via N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR or GluN) dependent and independent mechanisms. In particular, NMDARs are a major target of alcohol, and are implicated in different types of learning and memory. Therefore, understanding the effect of alcohol on synaptic plasticity and transmission mediated by glutamatergic signaling is becoming important, and this will help us understand the significant contribution of the glutamatergic system in AUD. In the first part of this review, we will briefly discuss the mechanisms underlying long term synaptic plasticity in the dorsal striatum, neocortex and the hippocampus. In the second part we will discuss how alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) can modulate long term synaptic plasticity in these three brain regions, mainly from neurophysiological and electrophysiological studies. Taken together, understanding the mechanism(s) underlying alcohol induced changes in brain function may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic agents to reduce AUDs.
Inductance calculation of conical winding Tesla transformer based on finite element method
Authors: Jiang Jinbo , Yang Linsen , Yang Wen , Su Yi , Liu Chang , Qiu Li , Chen Long , Yu Kun
Published: March 2020

Coil inductance calculation is one of the difficulties in Tesla transformer design. The estimation formulas of the conical winding Tesla transformers with different structures are derived by the simplified equivalent of magnetic circuits, and the estimation results are quite different and inaccuracy. This paper provides an energy method based on the FEM (finite element method) to calculate the coil inductance for a double-core conical winding Tesla transformer. A two-dimensional FEM simulation model is established, the magnetic flux density and flux lines distribution have been analysis. And the primary and secondary inductances of the transformer are calculated. Compared the estimation formula results with the FEM results, the results show that the error difference calculated by the formula estimation is about 3.61%, and the FEM error difference is about 0.4%. The calculation results of FEM are more accurate and convenient, and this method can provide reference for the design of conical winding Tesla transformers.
Consideration on the improvement of assistive products’ availability and the awareness of rehabilitation professionals in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Md Mehedi Hasan , Oku Hidehisa , Nakagawa Akio , Sano Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

In Bangladesh, 9.1% of people are disabled, but production and distribution of assistive products (AP) have not been sufficient up to now. Ensuring APs are in the market, and suggesting appropriate APs to the users, are two crucial points in Bangladesh, but there are no data about available APs and the awareness of rehabilitation professionals (RP). To improve this situation, this research was carried out to reveal the number of available APs and the awareness of RPs about APs.

METHOD:

Data from two important disability-oriented organizations in Bangladesh were collected, including RPs from those organizations.

RESULTS:

The result revealed that 23 out of 50 kinds of APs from the assistive products list (APL) of WHO were available in Bangladesh. In terms of awareness, an average of 24 APs from the APL were known by the RPs. Only 6% of RPs knew all the 23 APs available in Bangladesh. A total of 47% of RPs got information on APs from the internet, but 92% of them didn’t know any database of APs.

CONCLUSION:

The study indicated that APs are insufficient, and the awareness of RPs about APs is inadequate in Bangladesh.
IDENTIFYING HERITAGE OF URBAN AREAS – CONDAO TOURISM, ITS ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES IN THE BUILDING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CON DAO IN THE OVERALL ORGANIZATION OF BA RIA - VUNG TAU MARINE SPACE
Authors: Tran Luong Thi Thu
Published: March 2020

Based on the overall look of heritage in urban areas and on the special features of urban Con Dao heritage, the paper identifies and analyses characterictics of various types of heritage in Con Dao so as to work out vision for urban planning and development in Con Dao. The paper also presents some suggestions for the building and development of the operating system in urban Con Dao tourist zone as a heritage.
DIFFICULTIES FACED BY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR NEEDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Authors: Do Nga Hanh
Published: March 2020

This paper analyzes difficulties of families with handicapped children and their needs for social services. The data collected from 105 parents of children with developmental disabilities attending specialized schools in the city revealed the time they discovered signs of their children's developmental delays, difficult familial problems after the discovery, and the desire to be supported by the society. Survey outcomes showed parents’ lack of knowledge about signs of child developmental delay, shortage of social workers to assist them in the early detection, diagnosis and assessments of their child's disability, as well as to help parents look for social services; thereby, proposing some tasks to be fulfilled by social workers to support families with child developmental disabilities.
公路工程施工技术要素与全过程管理
Authors: 刘 东岗 , 赵 阳
Published: March 2020

文章针对我国公路施工过程中的技术管理开展相关论述,望能够有一定的参考价值。
探究园林景观设计中对问题的渗透探究园林景观设计中对问题的渗透
Authors: 吴 仲楠
Published: March 2020

城市园林景观设计是城市化必不可少的一项内容,对于美化城市环境、提升市民居住的生活的舒适度有着重要的作用。而且在净化空气、降低噪音等方面都发挥着很重要的作用。因此在进行园林景观设计时就非常有必要注意其设计布局以最大程度的发挥出园林景观的作用,本文分析了当前园林景观设计中存在的问题,并提出了解决措施以及发展前景和方向。
简论房产测绘中的测量面积质量控制
Authors: 周 小丹
Published: March 2020

房产测绘中的测量面积质量控制对购房者具有重要影响,但在实践测绘过程中,由于受到诸多因素影响,使其存在诸多问题,因此为了保障测绘质量,本文阐述了房产测绘中的测量面积问题,对房产测绘中的测量面积质量控制策略及其意义进行了探讨分析。
Податкове право : навчальний посібник (для здобувачів вищої освіти денної форми навчання)
Authors:   Національний університет ", Голоядова Тетяна Олексіївна ,   Одеська юридична академія", Латковський Павло Павлович
Published: March 2020

Підготовлено відповідно до освітньо-професійної програми підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти першого (бакалаврського) рівня в Національному університеті «Одеська юридична академія» галузь знань – 08 «Право» спеціальність – 081 «Право».
When Accessibility of Public Space Excludes. Shopping experience of people with vision impairments
Authors: Eskytė Ieva
Published: March 2020

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) recognises access to consumer goods and services in the mainstream private market as essential for full participation in society. Nevertheless, people with impairments rarely enjoy the same rights and consumer experience as non-disabled individuals. This paper argues that (in)accessibility of public space is an important factor shaping how accessible the private market is for people who do not ‘fit’ conventional norms and standards. It demonstrates how category-driven accessibility provisions in some geographical areas and not in others segregate disabled people within certain providers, create social and consumer isolation, and become a marker that accentuates difference and separation between disabled consumers who live in accessible districts, and the rest of the population. To illustrate the case, the paper uses empirical evidence from mystery shopping in retail outlets and qualitative interviews with people with vision impairments who live in the ‘Blind district’ in Lithuania. The district was developed by the Soviet Union (1949-1990) to boost people with vision impairments’ participation in the socialist labour market economy.
Ngeloop Haga Puasa: Social and Cultural Practices to Welcoming Ramadan for Strengthening Muslim Identity
Authors: Napsiah Napsiah
Published: March 2020

The practice of “Ngeloop” (bathing and soaking in seawater) when welcoming Ramadan fasting is a tradition of the South Lampung ethnic group. But in practice, this tradition is not only carried out by the South Lampung ethnic group, but also other ethnic groups that are Muslim. This research aims to determine the actions of Muslims in Lampung in carrying out the local tradition of “Ngeloop Haga Puasa”. This research was a descriptive qualitative research with interview and observation methods. The informants were selected using the purposive sampling and snowball sampling technique. The location of the research was conducted in Kalianda, South Lampung District, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The results of the research concluded that the religious value which obliges Muslims to practice fasting has been internalized which is expressed in the form of the practice of ngeloop. Expression in the form of local cultural practices is a strengthening of Muslim identity in South Lampung.
Duck Genetic Resources, Their Improvement And Conservation In Bangladesh: A Review
Authors: Hamid MA
Published: March 2020

The present article addresses the scenario of duck genetic resources, their production and reproduction performances, their improvement and conservation in Bangladesh. The duck, among other poultry species available in the country, are used for meat and egg production. The duck germplasm available in the country are indigenous/native, improved native, exotic and their crosses. The native duck population is comprised of Indigenous Non-descript, Deshi White, Deshi Black, Nageshwari, Sylhet Mete etc. The improved native such as, BLRI-1 and BLRI-2 are developed by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. The exotic duck such as, Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner, Jending, Muscovy, White Pekin, Cherry Valley, Thailand Black etc. are also used at farms level. The crossbred of different ducks are used in the country at different farming systems. Improvement and conservation of native duck are ongoing both in-situ and ex-situ in vivo by DLS, BLRI, BAU and also by others. The present study provided baseline information on duck germplasm of Bangladesh which could be useful for future genetic characterization, improvement and conservation.

SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 31-42 (2019)
An Economic Analysis Of Government Custom Hiring Services For Different Farm Machineries In Bhutan
Authors: Kinga N , Chetem W
Published: March 2020

Farmers in Bhutan trend to own agricultural machineries though the individual area under farm mechanization is not enough. Hiring out or in of farm machineries as a business enterprise need to be advocated. Therefore, an effort was made in this study to generate some parameters regarding farm machinery business at farm level based on practical experience. Bhutanese Government has endorsed some users’ parameters including cost and return which are used to guide the custom rates for different machineries for farmers and service providers. The study’s objective was to generate different empirical formula for different farm machineries which shall help to propose varying custom hiring rates based on the projected operation days based on the government endorsed parameters. It is also to ascertain whether the present rates charged by Farm Machinery Corporation Limited bring a positive return to its custom hiring business for different machines. The study revealed that the operation cost of farm machinery includes both fixed cost and variable cost. Cost, return and break-even data for different farm machineries give a confident opinion for the owners and Farm Machinery Corporation Limited (FMCL) to take up the hiring scheme as a profitable business. The custom hiring rate also gives a good guide on the custom hiring rates to be charged based on the operating days in the country. On endorsed hiring rates and parameters by government, FMCL shall be able to make a huge profit annually especially on tractors and mini combine harvesters as compared to other machineries by Nu 0.51M and 0.39 M respectively. All other machines are also making a profit annually under the government endorsed parameters. However, there is also an opportunity to reduce the custom rates to bring down the overall cost of cultivation of respective crops using the machines.

SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 93-101 (2019)
Perception, Impact And Determinants Of Climate Change Adaptation Among Vegetable Growers Of Dhading District Of Nepal
Authors: Dahal BR , Shrestha B , Shrestha J
Published: March 2020

Climate change is one of the most challenging problems for the agricultural development. The purpose of this study is to analyze perception of climate change, its impacts and determinants among vegetable growers and to identify major adaptation strategies used by them. The study was based on survey of 75 vegetable growers; 34 from Benighat Rorang rural municipality and 41 from Siddhalek rural municipality of Dhading district of Nepal. Data were collected using face to face interview. The study provided empirical evidence of decreased in intensity, duration and frequency of rainfall and increase in annual temperature, drought duration and frost severity. Incidence of disease and pest, decline in soil fertility, scarcity of water and severe frost/hailstones were major problems. The 45.33% vegetable growers were compelled to change planting and 54.67% of them to change harvesting due to climate change effect. The adaptation practices such as mulching (24%), green/plastic house (29.3%), drip irrigation (8%), IPM (12.5%), change in crop variety (31.3%) and cropping pattern were found common practices adopted by farmers. The probability of adapting climate change mitigating factors was 70.26% higher for those who had received training in vegetable cultivation. Use of new climate smart agricultural technologies and providing training about vegetable cultivation were found suitable strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 239-251 (2019)
Narcissism, Personality Traits and Conspicuous Consumption of Brand in Youth
Authors: Khan Sabeen , Khalid Ruhi
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship among Narcissism, personality traits and conspicuous consumption of brands in youth. This used quantitative research design with a sample consisting of 50 Men and 50 Women. The age ranged between 18 – 22 years. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. The findings revealed that there was a relationship among conspicuous consumption and traits of personality. It was also uncovered that there are gender differences in conspicuous consumption of brands, narcissism and personality traits. Further it was concluded that narcissism is positively associated with conspicuous consumption of brands. Narcissism was likely to be a positive predictor of conspicuous consumption of brands and personality traits are likely to be a predictor of conspicuous consumption of brands.
Cytogenetic Analysis of HER2 in Ovarian Cancer Patients by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization
Authors: Alzeyadi Mohammad , Imarah Ameer A. , Khayoon Sinan Q. , Alhamadani Isra M.
Published: March 2020

One of the most common crucial cancer that occur in femal is the ovarian cancer. Approximately evaluated new cases 21,550 and deaths 14,600 from ovarian cancer in the America in 2009. "Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 1" HER2 it's once of agents stands and is a protein show higher rate of offensive in ovarian cancer. HER2 most famous protein which target in Herceptin therapy of ovarian cancer in metastatic status in case the tumor resulting of protein over expression. FISH technique used on TMA with HER2 specific probes it is the most commonly prove method had been use and have important role in analysis for HER2 status revelation and copy number changes. In this study we detected HER2 overexpression and cytogenetic analysis in ovarian cancer patients by using new technology tissue microarrays (TMA) and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH). In tumors with low malignant potential there is no amplification also that we are found in Benign ovarian tumors. While we notice that HER2 increase in malignancies tumor, low malignant ovarian tumors and finally in benign ovarian tumors. In conclusion conceder the detecting and simultaneous quantification of HER2 overexpression gene by means of FISH assay, might enable the showing of a more precise stratification of ovarian cancer patients.
Evaluation of the performance of Alcohol and Drug Awareness Courses provided in the ACT
Authors: Thompson James , Wundersitz Lisa , Raftery Simon
Published: March 2020

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a significant road safety issue. As of November 2011, drivers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who have been found guilty of a drink or drug driving offence are required to undertake an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course (ADAC) before being issued with a restricted or probationary licence. This study evaluated the performance of the ADACs. Key performance indicators on their provision (e.g. enrolments) were obtained from the ACT Government for 2012 to 2017. Surveys of knowledge and attitudes towards drink and drug driving were given to 94 attendees immediately before and after ADACs between August and November 2017. Data on drink driving detections in the ACT between 2002 and 2016 were also obtained from the ACT Government. Completion rates for ADAC attendees increased from 94% in 2012 to 98% in 2016 and 99% in the first half of 2017. Results of the surveys suggested that the courses improved attitudes towards drink driving, although this result may be unreliable due to methodological limitations. The limitations of the surveys may also have contributed to the finding that knowledge of drink and drug driving information did not improve. Finally, the introduction of ADACs has correlated with a reduction in drink driving detections in the ACT between 2012 and 2016. However, the reduction is also likely to be at least partially due to other factors (e.g. other drink driving countermeasures). Based on these findings, the ADAC program has been performing well since its inception.
Theoretical and infrared spectroscopy study of the structure of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate and the products of its thermolysis
Authors: Matulis Vitaly E. , Ragoyja Ekaterina G. , Zuraev Alexander V. , Grigoriev Yuri V. , Ivashkevich Oleg A.
Published: March 2020

The structure of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate and the products of its thermolysis has been studied by means of density functional theory and infrared spectroscopy. Copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate has been obtained and subsequently subjected to thermolysis. Infrared spectra of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate and the products of its thermolysis have been recorded. The possible ways of coordination of copper(II) ions with tetrazole-containing ligands were established by analyzing the calculated molecular electrostatic potential distribution and comparing the calculated IR-spectra of the model structures to the experimental ones. It has been shown that the best agreement between the calculated and experimental data is observed for the model with three-coordinated copper(II) ions, which includes both the tetrazole-containing ligands coordinating two copper(II) ions through N(1)- and N(3)-atoms of the tetrazole ring, and the tetrazolecontaining ligands coordinating one copper(II) ion through either the N(2)- or the N(3)-atom. Recently we have shown that the product of thermolysis of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate exhibits high catalytic activity in homocoupling of phenylacetylene and Huisgen [3 + 2]-cycloaddition. To establish the structure of the products of thermolysis of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate, seven possible products have been proposed based on the analysis of the structure of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate and the experimental IR-spectrum. IR-spectra of all proposed products have been calculated and the results of the calculations have been compared with the experimental IR-spectrum of copper(II) poly-5-vinyltetrazolate thermolysis product. It has been shown that the main product of thermolysis is cis-polycyanoacetylene.
The influence of bacteria acdS-gene of Pseudomonas putida B-37 on Nicotiana tabacum transgenic plants under abiotic stress conditions
Authors: Rutkevich Daria A. , Karaleva Katsiaryna S. , Khramtsova Elena A.
Published: March 2020

In the present work was carried out selection of transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum carrying acdS-gene of bacteria Pseudomonas putida B-37. Using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers, the presence of the target gene was proved. Transgenic plants selected on a selective medium were planted in the ground and subjected to abiotic stress caused by soil contamination with heavy metal salts (15 mg / kg for Cu2+ and 30 mg / kg for Cr6+ and Pb2+ ) and salinization of the soil (200 mmol/L NaCl). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted and confirmed the transcriptional activity of the bacterial acdS-gene in transgenic plant cells at a level with the reference gene Ef-1a. Determination of activity of ACC-deaminase, the product of expression of the acdS-gene, confirmed the formation of the active enzyme in the leaf tissues of transgenic tobacco plants. The beneficial effect of the acdS-gene of the bacteria P. putida B-37 on transgenic N. tabacum plants under abiotic stress has been proven.
Perancangan Video Infografis Siklus Hidup Nyamuk Demam Berdarah dan Cara Pencegahannya
Authors: Hakim Adi Azizi , Ramadhan Ali
Published: March 2020

AbstrakInfografis adalah sebuah informasi yang disajikan dalam bentuk gambar. Gambar pada suatu infografis sangat berperan penting sebagai media informasi yang menjelaskan isi dari informasi dengan menggunakan gambar. Suatu gambar memiliki sifat universal karena semua orang dengan suku, bahasa, maupun tulisan yang berbeda tetap akan mengerti maksud dari gambar tersebut. Penyakit demam berdarah dengue (DBD) hingga saat ini masih merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan masyarakat di indonesia yang dapat menimbulkan dampak sosial dan ekonomi serta berkaitan dengan perilaku manusia. Dengan menggunakan metode perancangan berupa metode pengembangan sistem jenis FAST (Framework for The Application of System Thinking) dimaksudkan untuk dapat memberikan suatu opsi lain dalam memberikan informasi dalam bentuk infografis. Perancangan infografis ini bertujuan untuk mensosialisasikan kesadaran masyarakat agar lebih mengerti bagaimana cara mencegah terjadinya demam berdarah. Karena tidak sedikit masyarakat yang belum memahami cara penanggulangan demam berdarah dengan baik dan benar. Sehingga dengan menggunakan media video infografis dapat menjadi pilihan dalam mendapatkan informasi berupa bahayanya penyakit demam berdarah dan cara pencegahannya. Kata kunci: demam berdarah, infografis, nyamuk, perancangan, siklus hidup                                                                                       Abstract                                                                           An infographic is a piece of information presented in the form of images. The image on an infographic is exceedingly important because it is a medium of information that explains the contents of information using images. A picture has a universal characteristic because of people with different ethnicities, languages, and writings would still understand the purpose of the image. Dengue fever (DHF) is still one of the public health problems in Indonesia that can cause social and economic impacts and related to human behavior. By using the design method in the form of the FAST system development method (Framework for The Application of System Thinking) intended to be able to provide another option in providing information in the form of an infographic. This infographic design aims to promote public awareness to ger a better understanding on how to prevent dengue fever. Because not many people who do not understand the ways to deal with dengue fever properly. So that by using infographic video media can be an option in getting information in the form of the danger of dengue fever and how to prevent it. Keywords: dengue fever, design, infographic, life-cycle, mosquitoes
varieties of selflessness
Authors: Milliere Raphael
Published: March 2020

Many authors argue that conscious experience involves a sense of self or self-consciousness. According to the strongest version of this claim, there can be no selfless states of consciousness, namely states of consciousness that lack self-consciousness altogether. Disagreements about this claim are likely to remain merely verbal as long as the target notion of self-consciousness is not adequately specified. After distinguishing six notions of self-consciousness commonly discussed in the literature, I argue that none of the corresponding features is necessary for consciousness, because there are states of consciousness in which each of them is plausibly missing. Such states can be said to be at least partially selfless, since they lack at least one of the ways in which one could be self-conscious. Furthermore, I argue that there is also preliminary empirical evidence that some states of consciousness lack all of these six putative forms of self-consciousness. Such states might be totally selfless, insofar as they lack all the ways in which one could be self-conscious. I conclude by addressing four objections to the possibility and reportability of totally selfless states of consciousness.
Land Equivalent Ratio in the Intercropping of Cucumber with Lettuce as a Function of Cucumber Population Density
Authors: Ribas Rodolfo Gustavo Teixeira , Cecílio Filho Arthur Bernardes , Dutra Alexson Filgueiras , Barbosa José Carlos , Rolim Glauco de Souza
Published: March 2020

Lettuce and cucumber are two important vegetables cultivated in greenhouses. Intercropping can increase the yield without increasing the demands for inputs. A more efficient use of resources in production systems can reduce costs and environmental impacts. We evaluated the land equivalent ratio (LER) of intercropping cucumber and lettuce as a function of the cucumber population. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to evaluate the cucumber population density (100, 85, 70, and 55% of 2.35 plants m−2) and two lettuce cultivars, ‘Lucy Brown’ and ‘Vanda’. The cucumber population density affected the amount of photosynthetically active radiation that reached the lettuce. The higher the density, the lower the total fresh mass and yield of the two lettuce cultivars. Fruit yield per plant and per area decreased and increased, respectively, as the density increased. LER was highest when cucumber was intercropped with ‘Vanda’ lettuce. LER increased with the density of ‘Vanda’ but decreased for ‘Lucy Brown’. ‘Lucy Brown’ produced commercial traits (head formation) only at the lowest density (55%). The presence of lettuce did not affect the cucumber yield per plant or per area. The intercropped system used land more efficiently than monocultured crops of lettuce and cucumber, with better results for ‘Vanda’ than ‘Lucy Brown’.
Genetic Variability of Eggplant Germplasm Evaluated under Open Field and Glasshouse Cropping Conditions
Authors: Mat Sulaiman Nur Nadzirah , Rafii Mohd Y. , Duangjit Janejira , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Phumichai Chalermpol , Oladosu Yusuff , Datta Debi Rani , Musa Ibrahim
Published: March 2020

Knowledge of agro-morphological genetic variation and cropping conditions on vegetative and yield-related traits plays a significant role in varietal improvement and production of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Following this premise, the current study was conducted to critically asses the genetic variation of 29 eggplant accessions by using agro-morphological characterization evaluated under two cropping conditions, namely, glasshouse and open field. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data on vegetative and yield characteristics were collected and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.4, while variance components were estimated manually. The results obtained from the analysis of variance indicated a highly significant difference (p ≤ 0.01) for all characteristics studied in both cropping conditions. The evaluated accessions were grouped into six major clusters based on agro-morphological traits using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram. Hence, crosses between group I with VI or V could be used to attain higher heterosis and vigor among the accessions. Also, this evaluation could be used as a selection criterion for important yield agronomic traits in eggplant. The methodology and the approaches used may provide a model for the enhancement of other vegetable crop diversity towards adaptability to the cropping condition decision. This result displayed importance for preserving eggplant germplasm for future varietal development and revealed that open field cropping condition is more suitable under Malaysia’s agroecology.
New Eco-Friendly Polymeric-Coated Urea Fertilizers Enhanced Crop Yield in Wheat
Authors: Gil-Ortiz Ricardo , Naranjo Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Navarro Antonio , Caballero-Molada Marcos , Atares Sergio , García Carlos , Vicente Oscar
Published: March 2020

Presently, there is a growing interest in developing new controlled-release fertilizers based on ecological raw materials. The present study aims to compare the efficacy of two new ureic-based controlled-release fertilizers formulated with water-soluble polymeric coatings enriched with humic acids or seaweed extracts. To this end, an experimental approach was designed under controlled greenhouse conditions by carrying out its subsequent field scaling. Different physiological parameters and crop yield were measured by comparing the new fertilizers with another non polymeric-coated fertilizer, ammonium nitrate, and an untreated ‘Control’. As a result, on the microscale the fertilizer enriched with humic acids favored a better global response in the photosynthetic parameters and nutritional status of wheat plants. A significant 1.2-fold increase in grain weight yield and grain number was obtained with the humic acid polymeric fertilizer versus that enriched with seaweed extracts; and also, in average, higher in respect to the uncoated one. At the field level, similar results were confirmed by lowering N doses by 20% when applying the humic acid polymeric-coated produce compared to ammonium nitrate. Our results showed that the new humic acid polymeric fertilizer facilitated crop management and reduced the environmental impact generated by N losses, which are usually produced by traditional fertilizers.
Molecular Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology in Crop Plant Breeding
Authors: Rasmussen Søren K.
Published: March 2020

A diverse set of molecular markers techniques have been developed over the last almost 40 years and used with success for breeding a number of major crops. These have been narrowed down to a few preferred DNA based marker types, and emphasis is now on adapting the technologies to a wide range of crop plants and trees. In this Special Issue, the strength of molecular breeding is revealed through research and review papers that use a combination of molecular markers with other classic breeding techniques to obtain quality improvement of the crop. The constant improvement and maintenance of quality by breeding is crucial and challenged by a changing climate and molecular markers can support the direct introgression of traits into elite breeding lines. All the papers in this Special Issue “Molecular genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology in Crop Plant Breeding” have attracted significant attention, as can be witnessed by the graphs for each paper on the Journal’s homepage. It is the hope that it will encourage others to use these tools in developing an even wider range of crop plants and trees.
Spraying Agro-Industrial Compost Tea on Baby Spinach Crops: Evaluation of Yield, Plant Quality and Soil Health in Field Experiments
Authors: Ros Margarita , Hurtado-Navarro María , Giménez Almudena , Fernández Juan Antonio , Egea-Gilabert Catalina , Lozano-Pastor Pedro , Pascual José Antonio
Published: March 2020

Compost tea is a liquid fraction extracted from composts, and it is of great interest in sustainable agriculture because it reduces the unsustainable use of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers. In this study, during two spinach field cycles, we evaluated the potential beneficial effect of the foliar application of a compost tea made from onion and vineyard composts either by itself (CT) or implemented with the beneficial microorganism Trichoderma harzianum T78 (CT + Th) on the “healthy quality” and yield of baby spinach. Results showed that both the CT and CT + Th treatments produced a higher spinach yield than the control, but these treatments did not result in an increase in soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA) or soil nutrient content. Furthermore, CT + Th treatment showed the highest yield, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and flavonoid levels. Nitrate levels were below legal amounts, and they were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in the CT and CT + Th treatments than in the control. Data suggest that compost tea extracts from onion waste and vineyard compost and/or enriched with T. harzianum can be used in a sustainable agriculture to increase yield and quality of baby spinach.
High Sowing Densities in Rainfed Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Mexican Semi-Arid Highlands under Future Climate Change
Authors: Baez-Gonzalez Alma Delia , Fajardo-Díaz Ricardo , Garcia-Romero Giovanni , Osuna-Ceja Esteban , Kiniry James R. , Meki Manyowa N.
Published: March 2020

Mexico holds the largest single bean production area in the world that is vulnerable to drought. Using field data and two future climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for the period 2020–2039, this study evaluated three common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars planted under rainfed conditions at different densities in two locations in the north-central Mexican semi-arid temperate highlands. The sowing densities were 90,000, 145,000, and 260,000 plants ha−1 established in single rows (SR), three rows (3R), and six rows (6R), respectively. The climate change scenarios were derived from an assembly model integrating 11 general circulation models (GCM) selected for Mexico with a 30” arc resolution. The baseline climate was for the period 1961–2010. The ALMANACMEX model (USDA-ARS-INIFAP, Temple, USA) was parameterized and evaluated and then re-run using the climate scenarios. Beans planted at 6R showed the highest increase in seed yield in both climate scenarios, although the response varied by cultivar and time periods. For the growth habit III cultivars, Flor de Mayo Bajio showed no difference in yield, while Pinto Saltillo, a drought-resistant cultivar, showed increases of 13% to 16% at 6R only until 2033. Growth habit I cultivar Azufrado 2 showed more than 60% increases at 6R in both climate scenarios for the full period 2020–2039. These results suggest that considering the projected climate conditions, high sowing densities may be a viable agronomic option for common bean production under rainfed conditions in semi-arid temperate regions, such as the highlands of Mexico, in the near future; however, the selection of the cultivar is a key element to consider in this regard.
The Change of Bacterial Spectrum after Storage of X. campestris pv. campestris Inoculated Cabbage Heads (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)
Authors: Ragasová Lucia , Peňázová Eliška , Gazdík Filip , Pečenka Jakub , Čechová Jana , Pokluda Robert , Baránek Miroslav , Grzebelus Dariusz , Eichmeier Aleš
Published: March 2020

Changes in the bacterial spectrum of cabbage heads after storage under commonly used storage conditions were examined in this study. Cabbage seeds (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) were artificially inoculated with X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), a serious pathogen of cruciferous plants causing black rot. Isolation of bacterial cultures from Xcc-inoculated and non-inoculated cabbage heads were carried out in two time points—at the day of harvest and after four months of storage. According to our previous research and literature reports, the most frequent genera of bacteria were chosen for PCR testing, i.e., Bacillus cereus group, Bacillus subtilis group, Pseudomonas sp., and X. campestris pv. campestris. A few of the obtained bacterial cultures were negative for the four above-mentioned species. In those, other bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. In both Xcc-inoculated and non-inoculated cabbage heads, changes of the bacterial spectrum over time were observed. The severity of Xcc infection of heads increased after four months of storage. Bacillus species represented the most frequently occurring bacterial genus. The presence of the Bacillus subtilis group increased significantly after storage in non-inoculated cabbage heads. The minor part of the other genera identified by sequencing in the first sampling were not detected in the stored cabbage heads. This was associated with a possible antagonistic behavior of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp.
Biomorphological Characterization of Brazilian Capsicum Chinense Jacq. Germplasm
Authors: Alvares Bianchi Paola , Renata Almeida da Silva Lígia , André da Silva Alencar Antônio , Henrique Araújo Diniz Santos Pedro , Pimenta Samy , Pombo Sudré Cláudia , Erpen-Dalla Corte Lígia , Simões Azeredo Gonçalves Leandro , Rodrigues Rosana
Published: March 2020

Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation become major concerns worldwide, making the conservation process an important strategy for maintaining biodiversity. Capsicum chinense Jacq. is the most Brazilian species of the genus, with representatives in different biomes. Anthropic pressure, such as burns, real estate speculation, and changing cultivation habit has led to risks of genetic erosion. Conservation and characterization of conserved accessions are paramount to ensure genetic diversity, useful for the bioeconomy and for genetic improvement. We report the characterization of 55 C. chinense accessions from four different regions of Brazil and one accession from Peru. The accessions were characterized based on 37 morpho-agronomic variables, Inter Simple Sequence Repeats—ISSR and Simple Sequence Repeat—SSR. Qualitative descriptors were analyzed using a descriptive statistical, while the quantitative descriptors were analyzed via F test and significant differences in mean values were separated using Scott-Knott test. The relative contribution of each quantitative trait was determined. A correlation between morphological and molecular distances was calculated. Color of ripe fruit and fruit shape had the largest number of observed classes. Six distinct groups and the joint analysis presented an entanglement rate of 0.58, evidencing the divergence of accessions between the groups of both dendrograms. Bayesian analysis allowed the distinction of two clusters for SSR. A significant variability was observed among accession with potential to integrate several breeding programs.
Persistence and Changes in Morphological Traits of Herbaceous Seeds Due to Burial in Soil
Authors: Saska Pavel , Foffová Hana , Martinková Zdenka , Honěk Alois
Published: March 2020

Seeds in soil banks can survive for many years before conditions become more suitable for germination. Meanwhile, seeds undergo changes in morphology and viability. In this study, we launched an artificial seed bank experiment that included 26 species of seeds. We excavated cohorts for 6–8 consecutive years after burial (YAB) in order to determine changes in the morphology (mass, volume, density, seed form) and proportion of fresh (thus persistent) seeds using a crush test as a measure of persistence. The change in seed morphology was fitted by linear and logistic regression, and the proportion of persistent seeds was fitted by logistic regression (effectively by the binomial GLM), which enabled estimation of 50 and 5% persistence times (PT50 and PT05). We found that in most species, seed mass, volume and proportion of persistent seeds declined with YAB, while other morphological traits were less variable, and the decline in these traits with YAB was best fitted with logistic regression. The decline in the proportion of persistent seeds was better fitted by the change in mass than by YAB in some species. Among the species included in this study, PT50 ranged from 1.2 to 10.5 years, and PT05 ranged from 2.1 to 24.3 years. These results can contribute to better understanding of the ecology of weed seed bank persistence in soil. Describing the morphological changes that the seeds undergo in the soil bank may improve our understanding of the biology of seed persistence and facilitate the identification of seeds from the soil bank.
Factors Affecting Levels of Airborne Bacteria in Dairy Farms: A Review
Authors: Quintana Álvaro Rafael , Seseña Susana , Garzón Ana , Arias Ramón
Published: March 2020

This review attempts to reflect the importance of different factors that affect the environmental quality of dairy farms and must, therefore, be taken into account when considering the importance of environmental microbiology as a tool in the improvement of the quality of milk and dairy products. The effect of a factor such as temperature is vital for the dairy farm environment, especially when the temperatures are extreme, because a proper choice of temperature range improves the quality of the air and, thus, animal welfare. Similarly, the appropriate level of relative humidity in the environment should be taken into consideration to avoid the proliferation of microorganisms on the farm. Air quality, well-designed livestock housing, proper hygienic practices on the farm, stocking density, and the materials used in the livestock houses are all important factors in the concentration of microorganisms in the environment, promoting better welfare for the animals. In addition, a ventilation system is required to prevent the pollution of the farm environment. It is demonstrated that proper ventilation reduces the microbial load of the environment of dairy farms, enhancing the quality of the air and, therefore, the wellbeing of the animals. All this information is very useful to establish certain standards on dairy farms to improve the quality of the environment and, thereby, achieve better quality milk and dairy products.
A Novel Therapeutic Reagent, KA-1002 for Alleviating Lysophosphatidic Acid-Mediated Inflammation Related Gene Expression in Swine Macrophages
Authors: Hwang Hyeon-Jeong , Park Tamina , Kim Miok , Shin Hee-su , Hwang Wooyeon , Min Yong Ki , Song Suk-gil , Park Daeui , Lee Chang Hoon
Published: March 2020

Stresses and various infectious reagents caused multiple inflammatory diseases in swine in a livestock industrial environment. Therefore, there is a need for an effective therapeutic or preventive agent that could alleviate chronic and acute inflammation. We found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a stress-induced potent endogenous inflammatory molecule, causes a broad range-regulation of inflammation related genes inflammation in swine macrophages. We further investigated the genome scaled transcriptional regulatory effect of a novel LPA-signaling antagonist, KA-1002 on swine macrophages, inducing the alleviated LPA-mediated inflammation related gene expression. Therefore, KA-1002 could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic or preventive agent to maintain physiologically healthy and balanced conditions of pigs.
Whole Genome Sequencing for the Analysis of Drug Resistant Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Systematic Review for Bedaquiline and Delamanid
Authors: Nieto Ramirez Luisa Maria , Quintero Vargas Karina , Diaz Gustavo
Published: March 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the deadliest Infectious disease worldwide, partially due to the increasing dissemination of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant (MDR/XDR) strains. Drug regimens containing the new anti-TB drugs bedaquiline (BDQ) and delamanid (DLM) appear as a last resort for the treatment of MDR or XDR-TB. Unfortunately, resistant cases to these drugs emerged just one year after their introduction in clinical practice. Early detection of resistant strains to BDQ and DLM is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of these drugs. Here, we present a systematic review aiming to define all available genotypic variants linked to different levels of resistance to BDQ and DLM that have been described through whole genomic sequencing (WGS) and the available drug susceptibility testing methods. During the review, we performed a thorough analysis of 18 articles. BDQ resistance was associated with genetic variants in Rv0678 and atpE, while mutations in pepQ were linked to a low-level of resistance for BDQ. For DLM, mutations in the genes ddn, fgd1, fbiA, and fbiC were found in phenotypically resistant cases, while all the mutations in fbiB were reported only in DLM-susceptible strains. Additionally, WGS analysis allowed the detection of heteroresistance to both drugs. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive panel of gene mutations linked to different levels of drug resistance to BDQ and DLM.
Simple and Accurate HPTLC-Densitometric Method for Quantification of Delafloxacin (A Novel Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic) in Plasma Samples: Application to Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Alam Prawez , Iqbal Muzaffar , Ezzeldin Essam , Khalil Nasr Y. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Shakeel Faiyaz
Published: March 2020

Delafloxacin (DLX) is a recently-approved fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which is recommended for the treatment of “acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections”. A thorough literature survey revealed only a single published method for the estimation of DLX using UPLC-MS/MS technique in biological samples. There is no high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been reported for the estimation of DLX in dosage forms and/or biological samples. Therefore, a selective, sensitive, rapid and validated HPTLC-densitometry technique has been used for the estimation of DLX in human plasma for the first time. HPTLC quantification of DLX and internal standard (IS; gatifloxacin) was carried out on glass coated silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using the ternary mixture of ethyl acetate:methanol:ammonia solution 5:4:2 (%, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. Densitometric detection was done at 344 nm. The Rf values were recorded as 0.43 and 0.27 for the DLX and the IS, respectively. The linearity range of DLX was obtained as 16–400 ng/band. A simple protein precipitation method was used for the extraction of analyte from plasma using methanol. The proposed HPTLC technique was validated for “linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness”. The proposed HPTLC technique was successfully utilized for the assessment of pharmacokinetic profile of DLX in rats after oral administration. After oral administration, the peak plasma concentration of DLX was obtained as 194.19 ng/ml in 1 h. The proposed HPTLC method could be applied in study of pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic drug monitoring of DLX in clinical practice.