bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mixed blessing of responsibility relief: An application to household recycling and curbside waste collection
Authors: Andersson Sara , Söderholm Patrik , Berglund Christer
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses the role of personal norms and warm glow in influencing households' waste recycling preferences. The purpose is to explore inter-household differences in the preferences toward the introduction of curbside recycling, which implies that households are relieved from the responsibility of transporting sorted waste to assigned drop-off stations. The main theoretical point of departure for the analysis is an existing model that integrates norm-motivated behavior into neoclassical utility theory. This builds on the assumption that the household members have preferences for upholding a self-image as responsible—norm-compliant—persons, and it also contains a warm-glow component. The empirical investigation relies on a postal survey to households in a Swedish municipality, and this asks households about their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the introduction of a curbside recycling scheme, as well as about time use and the presence of personal norms and warm glow motives. The results are based on a Heckman selection specification and show that individuals expressing a strong personal norm for recycling are more likely to be willing to pay for curbside recycling, while those with strong warm glow motives are less likely to do so. This suggests the existence of a mixed blessing of responsibility relief. Curbside recycling implies that households are relieved from a moral responsibility that takes time away from leisure activities, but they also experience a loss in warm glow as such a scheme removes the possibility to pursue something that they have learned to appreciate. There could then exist ‘motivational inertia' making it difficult for policy makers to activate personal norms for new pro-environmental household activities in replacement of existing ones.
A singular value decomposition approach for detecting and delineating harmful algal blooms in the Red Sea
Authors: Gokul Elamurugu Alias , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Brewin Robert J. W. , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have adverse effects on marine ecosystems. An effective approach for detecting, monitoring, and eventually predicting the occurrences of such events is required. By combining a singular value decomposition (SVD) approach and satellite remote sensing observations, we propose a remote sensing algorithm to detect and delineate species-specific HABs. We implemented and tested the proposed SVD algorithm to detect HABs associated with the mixed assemblages of different phytoplankton functional type (PFT) groupings in the Red Sea. The results were validated with concurrent in-situ data from surface samples, demonstrating that the SVD-model performs remarkably well at detecting and distinguishing HAB species in the Red Sea basin. The proposed SVD-model offers a cost-effective tool for implementing an automated remote-sensing monitoring system for detecting HAB species in the basin. Such a monitoring system could be used for predicting HAB outbreaks based on near real-time measurements, essential to support aquaculture industries, desalination plants, tourism, and public health.
Epididymitis, orchitis, and epididymo-orchitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients: A systematic review
Authors: Inouye Daniel , Baker Zoë , Peña Adam , Vasquez Evalynn
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Epididymitis, orchitis, and epididymo-orchitis (EO) are common disorders in pediatric patients which may be caused by infection, trauma, or inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 associated EO has been previously described, particularly in adults. However, no systematic reviews of these manifestations in pediatric patients yet exist. We present a systematic literature review of epididymitis, orchitis, and EO associated with SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients to shed light on these relatively rare, yet potentially severe, conditions to understand presentation, course of illness, management options, and outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review was performed using specified key terms to search PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, and Embase. Articles were independently screened by two reviewers. Manuscripts with detailed descriptions of SARS-CoV-2 associated epididymitis, orchitis, or EO in pediatric patients were included. Exclusion criteria included: no clear diagnosis of the target diseases and no detailed clinical course described. Quality and bias were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports.

Results

60 records were initially identified, with 6 case reports included in the systematic review. All 6 patients included presented with fever and genitourinary symptoms. Four patients were also diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). One patient underwent surgical exploration for presumed testicular torsion, though intraoperatively there was no evidence of torsion. All patients recovered without documented long-term sequelae.

Discussion

While observational studies are prone to bias, this systematic review suggests that epididymitis, orchitis, and EO are significant manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 that may mimic urologic emergencies (i.e., testicular torsion). Providers should suspect these conditions in pediatric COVID-19 patients with scrotal symptoms, particularly with associated MIS-C. The long-term genitourinary sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 should be investigated, including the effects on pediatric patients undergoing reproductive development.
Sample size requirements for riverbank macrolitter characterization
Authors: de Lange Sjoukje I. , Mellink Yvette , Vriend Paul , Tasseron Paolo F. , Begemann Finn , Hauk Rahel , Aalderink Heleen , Hamers Eric , Jansson Peter , Joosse Nonna , Löhr Ansje J. , Lotcheris Romi , Schreyers Louise , Vos Vivien , van Emmerik Tim H. M.
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic litter is omnipresent in terrestrial and freshwater systems, and can have major economic and ecological impacts. Monitoring and modeling of anthropogenic litter comes with large uncertainties due to the wide variety of litter characteristics, including size, mass, and item type. It is unclear as to what the effect of sample set size is on the reliability and representativeness of litter item statistics. Reliable item statistics are needed to (1) improve monitoring strategies, (2) parameterize litter in transport models, and (3) convert litter counts to mass for stock and flux calculations. In this paper, we quantify sample set size requirement for riverbank litter characterization, using a database of more than 14,000 macrolitter items (>0.5 cm), sampled for 1 year at eight riverbank locations along the Dutch Rhine, IJssel, and Meuse rivers. We use this database to perform a Monte Carlo based bootstrap analysis on the item statistics, to determine the relation between sample size and variability in the mean and median values. Based on this, we present sample set size requirements, corresponding to selected uncertainty and confidence levels. Optima between sampling effort and information gain is suggested (depending on the acceptable uncertainty level), which is a function of litter type heterogeneity. We found that the heterogeneity of the characteristics of litter items varies between different litter categories, and demonstrate that the minimum required sample set size depends on the heterogeneity of the litter category. This implies that more items of heterogeneous litter categories need to be sampled than of heterogeneous item categories to reach the same uncertainty level in item statistics. For example, to describe the mean mass the heterogeneous category soft fragments (>2.5 cm) with 90% confidence, 990 items were needed, while only 39 items were needed for the uniform category metal bottle caps. Finally, we use the heterogeneity within litter categories to assess the sample size requirements for each river system. All data collected for this study are freely available, and may form the basis of an open access global database which can be used by scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to improve future monitoring strategies and modeling efforts.
Mountaintop removal coal mining impacts on structural and functional indicators in Central Appalachian streams
Authors: Burke Roger A. , Fritz Ken M. , Johnson Brent R. , Price Rachel
Published: January 2023

Mountaintop removal coal mining (MTR) has been a major source of landscape change in the Central Appalachians of the United States (US). Changes in stream hydrology, channel geomorphology and water quality caused by MTR coal mining can lead to severe impairment of stream ecological integrity. The objective of the Clean Water Act (CWA) is to restore and maintain the ecological integrity of the Nation's waters. Sensitive, readily measured indicators of ecosystem structure and function are needed for the assessment of stream ecological integrity. Most CWA assessments rely on structural indicators; inclusion of functional indicators could make these assessments more holistic and effective. The goals of this study were: (1) test the efficacy of selected carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and microbial structural and functional indicators for assessing MTR coal mining impacts on streams; (2) determine whether indicators respond to impacts in a predictable manner; and (3) determine if functional indicators are less likely to change than are structural indicators in response to stressors associated with MTR coal mining. The structural indicators are water quality and sediment organic matter concentrations, and the functional indicators relate to microbial activity and biofilm production. Seasonal measurements were conducted over the course of a year in streams draining small MTR-impacted and forested watersheds in the Twentymile Creek watershed of West Virginia (WV). Five of the eight structural parameters measured had significant responses, with all means greater in the MTR-impacted streams than in the forested streams. These responses resulted from changes in source or augmentation of the original source of the C and N structural parameters because of MTR coal mining. Nitrate concentration and the stable carbon isotopic ratio of dissolved inorganic carbon were the most effective indicators evaluated in this study. Only three of the fourteen functional indicators measured had significant responses to MTR coal mining, with all means greater in the forested streams than in the MTR-impacted streams. These results suggest that stressors associated with MTR coal mining caused reduction in some aspects of microbial cycling, but resource subsidies may have counterbalanced some of the inhibition leading to no observable change in most of the functional indicators. The detritus base, which is thought to confer functional stability, was likely sustained in the MTR-impacted streams by channel storage and/or leaf litter inputs from their largely intact riparian zones. Overall, our results largely support the hypothesis that certain functional processes are more resistant to stress induced change than structural properties but also suggest the difficulty of identifying suitable functional indicators for ecological integrity assessment.
Agricultural soils and microplastics: Are biosolids the problem?
Authors: Radford Freya , Horton Alice , Hudson Malcolm , Shaw Peter , Williams Ian
Published: January 2023

Biosolids are the solid by-product of the wastewater treatment system. They are regularly applied to agricultural land in the UK to fertilize and increase crop yields, but they have been shown to contain high concentrations of microplastics. Here we sampled a selection of agricultural soils in the Southeast of England which had received or never received biosolid treatment. Sites were sampled on two occasions in the summer and winter. Microplastic (MP) numbers were high in both the biosolid treated fields (874 MP/kg) and the untreated fields (664 MP/kg) and a wide variety of polymers were found across sites. However, there was a lack of significant difference between treated and untreated soils. This suggests the influence of other microplastic sources e.g. agricultural plastic and general littering, and external conditions e.g. farm management and rainfall. Microplastic concentrations were higher in the summer suggesting that erosion, runoff, and wind transport may be removing microplastics from these systems. The dynamic nature of the agricultural soils may result in them becoming a vector for microplastics into the wider environment. The high variability in results seen here highlights the complexity of microplastic concentrations in heterogeneous agricultural soils. This study suggests that biosolids, whilst are likely a contributor, are not the sole source of microplastics in agricultural soils. Further research is required to determine source and sink dynamics in these systems. Understanding the sources of microplastic contamination in soils is imperative for future mitigation strategies to be effective.
Business models for smart local energy systems—A triple layered perspective
Authors: Pappas Dimitrios , Braunholtz-Speight Timothy , Hannon Matthew , Webb Janette , Fuentes González Fabián , Sharmina Maria
Published: January 2023

Smart and local energy systems (SLES) offer an alternative to large-scale energy provision and a boost to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. However, the Business Model Canvas (BMC), an increasingly used framework for analyzing SLES, does not adequately describe the multiple value streams that can characterize the business models of numerous SLES projects. In this research, we modify and use the triple-layered BMC to analyze 18 SLES projects selected globally. The decarbonisation, digitalization and democratization associated with SLES, means that the value proposition extends beyond straightforward economic value and towards environmental and social value, and we find a wide reporting gap of environmental and social elements. We argue that the triple-layered BMC, which incorporates the environmental and social layers into its analysis, better reflects real-world business model complexity. We provide a common framework to SLES stakeholders for identifying and adding environmental and social value to their business models.
Survey of cassava brown streak disease and association of factors influencing its epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems of coastal Kenya
Authors: Munguti Florence Mutave , Nyaboga Evans Nyaega , Kilalo Dora Chao , Yegon Hillary Kipkoech , Macharia Isaac , Mwango'mbe Agnes Wakesho
Published: January 2023

Cassava productivity is threatened by viral diseases which have become the main phytosanitary problems in cassava farmers. Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a devastating viral disease caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) which are transmitted by whitefly vectors and mainly disseminated through the use of infected stem cuttings as planting materials. The aim of the current study was to: (1) assess farmers' knowledge, perceptions on spread, causes and current management practices of CBSD; (2) determine the factors associated with farmers' satisfaction with cassava planting material; and (3) determine the distribution, incidence, and severity of CBSD and association of factors influencing the disease epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems in coastal Kenya. Information was collected using semi-structured questionnaire administered to 250 smallholder farmers through face-to-face interviews coupled with field visits to assess the incidence, severity and distribution of CBSD. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cassava leaf samples were collected for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the causal viruses of CBSD. The results revealed that majority of the farmers (96.6%) could recognize CBSD symptoms on the roots, and only 11.5% could recognize the foliar symptoms of the disease. The cause of the disease was unknown to the farmers, with no effective management methods available to them. Majority of farmers (82.5%) recycled own cassava cuttings from previous season's crop as planting material followed by exchanging/borrowing from neighbors (67.5%). The field incidence of CBSD was highest in Kilifi (27.9%) followed by Kwale (24.7%) and Taita Taveta (10.8%), with severities ranging from 2 to 3 in the three Counties. RT-PCR analysis indicated that 91% of the symptomatic samples tested positive for either of the two viruses occurring either singly or as dual infection. Approximately 3.2% of the asymptomatic samples tested positive for only CBSV. Findings from this study demonstrates the need for awareness creation of farmers on the causes, spread and management practices to control CBSD and the importance of strengthening certified cassava seed systems to reduce the impact of the disease. The study provides base-line information imperative for development of management strategies of CBSD.
Phenotypic screening and molecular characterization of cassava mosaic disease resistance in Côte d'Ivoire cassava germplasm
Authors: Amoakon William J-L. , Combala Mariam , Pita Justin S. , Mutuku J. Musembi , N'Zué Boni , Otron Daniel H. , Yéo Edwige F. , Kouassi Nazaire K. , Sié Raoul
Published: January 2023

Cassava is the staple food crop for hundreds of millions of people in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, it is a main source of calories for over 26 million people. However, cassava mosaic disease (CMD), caused by cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs) threaten its production. The development, adoption, and use of CMD resistant varieties remain a key CMD management strategy. Therefore, 610 accessions from the Côte d'Ivoire national cassava germplasm maintained by Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) research stations in the cities of Man and Bouaké were characterized to assess their resistance to CMD. We found 72 accessions which were symptomless at both sites. Thirty five out of these 72 accessions were infected by African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) without any CMD symptoms and 37 were virus free. None of the 72 symptomless accessions were infected by East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCMV). The remaining 538 accessions were CMD infected and displayed clear CMD symptoms. The promising 72 accessions (10 locals and 62 improved) were then tested for the presence of resistance genes, CMD1, CMD2 or CMD3. Except for 2 accessions for which no resistance gene was found, the remaining 70 accessions contained one or more resistance genes. Genotyping of the 69 symptomless accessions revealed that 56 were unique genotypes and 13 were potential duplicates. Accessions were structured in three groups with the variabilities at the individual's level. These findings reveal the existence of potential tolerant/resistant cassava accessions in CNRA's germplasm, which can contribute to CMD control and the increase of cassava production in Côte d'Ivoire.
Reducing susceptibility to drought under growing conditions as set by farmers: The impact of new generation drought tolerant maize varieties in Uganda
Authors: Habte Endeshaw , Marenya Paswel , Beyene Fekadu , Bekele Adam
Published: January 2023

Given the challenges brought about by the increasing frequency of climatic stressors (droughts) and other biotic challenges (pests and diseases), breeding for tolerance to these traits is now seen as an indispensable adjunct to the enhancement of yield potential. Drought tolerant (DT) maize varieties that do well under moderate drought and outperform (or do not underperform) commercial checks under normal rainfall are becoming available. This study examines the role of these maize varieties in mitigating the effects of drought on maize yields in drought-prone areas of eastern Uganda. We estimate the causal impact of these new generations of maize varieties using a multinomial endogenous switching regression treatment effect framework. The average treatment effects of adopting DT maize show that farmers who actually cultivated DT maize achieve 30% more yield than what they would have obtained with non-DT hybrids. Similarly, average treatment effects on the untreated, revealed that farmers who grew non-DT modern and local maize would have 32 and 54% more yield, respectively, if they instead had adopted DT maize. While being superior to all other maize seeds, the magnitudes of the benefits of DT maize varieties were more pronounced in areas with comparatively less rainfall amount providing strong evidence that the yield potential of these varieties is stable across space and a wide range of rainfall conditions. If the genetic gains of these varieties can be secured over the long term, their impacts in improving the resilience of maize farming systems are likely to be considerably large and favorable.
Genomic epidemiology of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from Germany
Authors: Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Hotzel Helmut , Tomaso Herbert , Didelot Xavier , Brandt Christian , Seyboldt Christian , Linde Jörg , Schwarz Stefan , Neubauer Heinrich , El-Adawy Hosny
Published: January 2023

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed trade-relevant disease characterized by severe reproductive losses, such as infertility, early embryonic death and abortion in cattle. BGC has significant economic implications that have prompted several countries to adopt stringent eradication and surveillance measures to contain the disease. In Germany, there has been a low incidence of BGC cases over the past 28 years. This study aimed to illustrate the genomic diversity of German Cfv strains isolated from different federal states in Germany. This study analyzed 63 Cfv strains, collected between 1985 and 2015, by whole-genome sequencing and compared them with genome data of 91 international Cfv isolates. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Cfv population is genetically conserved and has geographic clusters. In Germany, one phylogenetic lineage comprising all strains was identified. This German lineage was part of a subclade that probably emerged in the nineteenth century and diversified over time. The results of this study point to a non-recurrent cross-border introduction of Cfv in Germany. The BGC control interventions in Germany can be considered successful as no outbreaks were reported since 2015.
MDM2 promotes cancer cell survival through regulating the expression of HIF-1α and pVHL in retinoblastoma
Authors: Zhang Shouhua , Xu Hongyan , Li Weiming , Ji Jianfeng , Jin Qifang , Chen Leifeng , Gan Qiang , Tao Qiang , Chai Yong
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia is an important tumor feature and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a master regulator of cell response to hypoxia. Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) promotes cancer cell survival in retinoblastoma (RB), with the underlying mechanism remaining elusive. In this study, we investigated the role of MDM2 and its relation to HIF-1α in RB. Expression analysis on primary human RB samples showed that MDM2 expression was positively correlated with that of HIF-1α while negatively correlated with von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL), the regulator of HIF-1α. In agreement, RB cells with MDM2 overexpression showed increased expression of HIF-1α and decreased expression of pVHL, while cells with MDM2 siRNA knockdown or MDM2-specific inhibitor showed the opposite effect under hypoxia. Further immuno-precipitation analysis revealed that MDM2 could directly interact with pVHL and promotes its ubiquitination and degradation, which consequently led to the increase of HIF-1α. Inhibition of MDM2 and/or HIF-1α with specific inhibitors induced RB cell death and decreased the stem cell properties of primary RB cells. Taken together, our study has shown that MDM2 promotes RB survival through regulating the expression of pVHL and HIF-1α, and targeting MDM2 and/or HIF-1α represents a potential effective approach for RB treatment.
Percutaneous tracheostomy: Comparison of three different methods with respect to tracheal cartilage injury in cadavers—Randomized controlled study
Authors: Bódis Fruzsina , Orosz Gábor , Tóth József T. , Szabó Marcell , Élő László Gergely , Gál János , Élő Gábor
Published: January 2023

Background: Performing tracheostomy improves patient comfort and success rate of weaning from prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation. Data suggest that patients have more benefit of percutaneous technique than the surgical procedure, however, there is no consensus on the percutaneous method of choice regarding severe complications such as late tracheal stenosis. Aim of this study was comparing incidences of cartilage injury caused by different percutaneous dilatation techniques (PDT), including Single Dilator, Griggs’ and modified (bidirectional) Griggs’ method.

Materials and methods: Randomized observational study was conducted on 150 cadavers underwent post-mortem percutaneous tracheostomy. Data of cadavers including age, gender and time elapsed from death until the intervention (more or less than 72 h) were collected and recorded. Primary and secondary outcomes were: rate of cartilage injury and cannula malposition respectively.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed that method of intervention was significantly associated with occurrence of cartilage injury, as comparing either standard Griggs’ with Single Dilator (p = 0.002; OR: 4.903; 95% CI: 1.834–13.105) or modified Griggs’ with Single Dilator (p < 0.001; OR: 6.559; 95% CI: 2.472–17.404), however, no statistical difference was observed between standard and modified Griggs’ techniques (p = 0.583; OR: 0.748; 95% CI: 0.347–1.610). We found no statistical difference in the occurrence of cartilage injury between the early- and late post-mortem group (p = 0.630). Neither gender (p = 0.913), nor age (p = 0.529) influenced the rate of cartilage fracture. There was no statistical difference between the applied PDT techniques regarding the cannula misplacement/malposition.

Conclusion: In this cadaver study both standard and modified Griggs’ forceps dilatational methods were safer than Single dilator in respect of cartilage injury.
Audiovisual Biometric Network with Deep Feature Fusion for Identification and Text Prompted Verification
Authors: Atenco Juan , Moreno Juan , Ramirez Juan
Published: January 2023

In this work we present a bimodal multitask network for audiovisual biometric recognition. The proposed network performs the fusion of features extracted from face and speech data through a weighted sum to jointly optimize the contribution of each modality, aiming for the identification of a client. The extracted speech features are simultaneously used in a speech recognition task with random digit sequences. Text prompted verification is performed by fusing the scores obtained from the matching of bimodal embeddings with the Word Error Rate (WER) metric calculated from the accuracy of the transcriptions. The score fusion outputs a value that can be compared with a threshold to accept or reject the identity of a client. Training and evaluation was carried out by using our proprietary database BIOMEX-DB and VidTIMIT audiovisual database. Our network achieved an accuracy of 100% and an Equal Error Rate (EER) of 0.44% for identification and verification, respectively, in the best case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first system that combines the mutually related tasks previously described for biometric recognition.
Cathode Shape Design for Steady-State Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Lu Jinming , Werner Ewald A.
Published: January 2023

The inverse or cathode shape design problem of electrochemical machining (ECM) deals with the computation of the shape of the tool cathode required for producing a workpiece anode of a desired shape. This work applied the complex variable method and the continuous adjoint-based shape optimization method to solve the steady-state cathode shape design problem with anode shapes of different smoothnesses. An exact solution to the cathode shape design problem is proven to exist only in cases when the function describing the anode shape is analytic. The solution’s physical realizability is shown to depend on the aspect ratio of features on the anode surface and the width of the standard equilibrium front gap. In cases where an exact and physically realizable cathode shape exists, the continuous adjoint-based shape optimization method is shown to produce accurate numerical solutions; otherwise, the method produces cathode shapes with singularities. For the latter cases, the work demonstrates how perimeter regularization can be applied to compute smooth approximate cathode shapes suitable for producing workpieces within the range of manufacturing tolerance.
A Systematic Review of Agricultural Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Bathaei Ahmad , Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: January 2023

A rapidly expanding field, sustainable agriculture aims to produce food and energy for people today and future generations. The sustainability concept is different in every field; thus, the indicators are unique in any area and country. Sustainable agriculture contains three main dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. Sustainable agriculture has been the focus of researchers for the past twenty-five years and has attracted much attention. Many researchers tried to identify these dimensions, but there is a lack of new research concerned with grouping all indicators together. Moreover, the indicators will change every year, so the indicators list needs to be frequently updated. This study follows the protocol for SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis) and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Web of Science (WoS) was used for the literature search. A total of 101 indicators were found from previous studies for the three dimensions: social, environment, economic. In order to measure the most important indicators for sustainable agriculture, the paper proposes an appropriate set of indicators, as well as providing the previous papers analyzed by year of publication, continent, and topic.
Adaptation and High Yield Performance of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice in Pakistan with Desirable Agricultural Traits
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad , Zhu Renshan , Ali Muhammad , Xu Zhiyong , Rasheed Abdul , Jamil Muhammad , Shakir Adnan , Wu Xianting
Published: January 2023

Honglian type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is one of the three known major CMS types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) commercially used in hybrid rice seed production. Hybrid rice generated by the Honglian type CMS is a special group of hybrid rice, having distinct agricultural characteristics. The main objective of the study was to screen out the Honglian hybrid rice adapted for growing in Pakistan based on desirable traits. Different Honglian-type hybrid rice varietieswere tested locally in different locations in Pakistan based on various desirabletraits. Three Honglian types of hybrids (HP1, HP2, HP3) performed well, had better agricultural traits and showed high yield potential over the check variety. Different qualitative and quantitative traits were studied to conclude the advantages of these varieties for Pakistani local adaptation evaluations. Forty-eight SSR markers were used to study the genetic diversities of the hybrids. Nine selected polymorphic SSR markers (RM-219, RM-236, RM-274, RM-253, RM-424, RM-567, RM-258, RM-481, RM-493) showed genetic variations among Honglian hybrid rice varieties through PCR analysis. In 2019 and 2020, the increment of the yield potential of HP1, HP2 and HP3 was better (+43.90%, +35.44%, +37.13% and +30.91%, +33.37%, +33.62%, respectively, in both years)than the check variety KSK-133. All the desirable traits were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The principal components with more than one eigenvalue showed more variability. The average variability of 74.78% was observed among genotypes and their desirable traits in both years. National Uniform Yield Trial (NUYT) and Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability (DUS) trials are being conducted under the supervision of National Coordinated Rice (NCR) and Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCRD), Government of Pakistan. In the 2020 trial, the average yield of 104 rice varieties/hybrids was 8608 kg/ha; HP1, HP2 and HP3 (8709 kg/ha, 8833 kg/ha, and 9338 kg/ha, respectively) were all higher than the average yield, and HP3 yield was higher than over check varieties (D-121, Guard-53). In the 2021 trial, the average yield of 137 varieties was 7616 kg/ha; the HP1 yield (7863 kg/ha) was higher than the average overcheck varieties/hybrids. Various qualitative and quantitative traits showed desirable genetic diversity among the rice hybrids. It was also observed that, under higher temperatures, the seeds setting rate of Honglian-type hybrid rice was stable, which is the guarantee for stable yield and rice production in Pakistan. Moreover, it was considerably better, suggesting that Honglian-type hybrid rice varieties can be grown in Pakistan because they are less risky under climate change, especially the global warming challenges.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of AgriEngineering in 2022
Authors:   AgriEngineering Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Effects of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on the Physioecological Characteristics and Growth of Walnut Seedlings under Drought Stress
Authors: Liu Fangchun , Ma Hailin , Liu Binghua , Du Zhenyu , Ma Bingyao , Jing Dawei
Published: January 2023

Drought is one of the most brutal environmental factors limiting the productivity of fruit trees. The search for new and efficient microorganisms from unexplored environments that can be used to mitigate the negative effects of water stress is an interesting alternative to alleviate the drought stress experienced by plants. This study aimed to determine the effects of PGPR inoculation on the growth and physioecological characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) seedlings under drought stress. A pot experiment was conducted using J. regia seedlings with controlled water supplies at different levels (light, moderate, and severe drought stress and control) and with or without inoculation with Bacillus cereus L90, a type of PGPR that produces high levels of cytokinins and indoleacetic acid (IAA). Under well-watered conditions, there was no obvious effect of PGPR inoculation on the antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic adjustment levels, and photosynthetic characteristics of J. regia. As the stress intensity increased, B. cereus inoculation increased the antioxidant enzyme activities in walnut seedlings and changed their photosynthetic characteristics. However, levels of osmotic adjustment substances were decreased as a result of PGPR inoculation. Regardless of water status, B. cereus inoculation induced a significant increase in IAA, gibberellins, and zeatin contents in J. regia. Under well-watered and light stress conditions, the abscisic acid content of walnut was significantly increased by B. cereus inoculation. Additionally, B. cereus inoculation significantly promoted the growth of plants in terms of ground diameter and plant height. As a result, PGPR inoculation could improve the drought resistance of J. regia and improve its photosynthetic characteristics and growth, suggesting that it is a useful supplementary measure for use in afforestation in arid and semiarid environments.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Association Mapping for Late Blight Resistance in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Accessions Using SSR Markers
Authors: Bhardwaj Vinay , Kumar Ashwani , Sharma Sanjeev , Singh Baljeet , Poonam  , Sood Salej , Dipta Bhawna , Singh Rajender , Siddappa Sundaresha , Thakur Ajay Kumar , Dalamu Dalamu , Sharma Ashwani Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Lal Mehi , Kumar Devendra
Published: January 2023

The allelic variations in a diversity panel of 353 potato accessions, including 256 accessions belonging to Solanum tuberosum sub spp. tuberosum, 49 accessions belonging to Solanum tuberosum sub spp. andigena, and 48 Indian potato varieties were analysed using 25 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR allelic profiles revealed high levels of polymorphism and distinctness among the accessions studied. A total of 343 alleles of 25 SSR markers were observed in the diversity panel of 353 highly diverse tetraploid potato accessions. The number of alleles produced per SSR varied from 8 for the marker STM1053 to 25 for the marker STIKA. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.66 (STG0010) to 0.93 (STM1106) with an average of 0.82. The cluster analysis using the SSR allelic profiles of 353 accessions divided the population into five major groups. The association mapping for late blight resistance identified six markers with the general linear model (GLM), and out of these six markers significance of three markers was reconfirmed with the mixed linear model (MLM). The findings of this study suggest that SSRs are the appropriate markers for evaluating genetic diversity and population structure within different potato germplasm collections. A significant diversity across the tetraploid potato accessions was observed. Moreover, the markers identified in this study could be useful in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding in potato for late blight resistance (LBR).
Exogenous Growth Regulators and Water Stress Enhance Long-Term Storage Quality Characteristics of Onion
Authors: Wakchaure Goraksha C. , Khapte Pratapsingh S. , Kumar Satish , Kumar Paramsivam Suresh , Sabatino Leo , Kumar Pradeep
Published: January 2023

Exogenous growth regulators (GRs) play a crucial role in alleviating water stress and sustaining crop yields in water-stressed areas. However, their effects on onions post-harvest quality, particularly post-monsoon onion—often preferred for long-term storage—were never studied. Therefore, this led us to investigate the interaction between water stress and GRs on the physiochemical and functional quality attributes of onions during long-term storage (9 months, at 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH). Onion crop was raised under four water stress levels i.e., 1.00–0.85, 0.84–0.70, 0.69–0.40, and 0.39–0.10 IW: CPE, designated as no, low, medium, and severe water stress, respectively, using a line source sprinkler system (LSS). GR treatments include potassium nitrate (PN, 15 g L−1), sodium benzoate (SB, 100 mg L−1), thio-urea (TU, 450 ppm), and gibberellic acid (GA, 25 ppm). Results reveal that the significant temporal changes in the dry matter, rehydration ratio, total soluble sugar (TSS), protein, and total phenolics content (TP) of the onion bulbs during storage, indicate the cumulative impact of the treatments on overall physicochemical status. Water stress increased onion biochemical attributes, especially pyruvic acid content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activity. Storage quality of onions progressively decreased with the increase in storage period. Stressed onions, especially those produced under severe water stress condition, showed high weight losses, presenting poor keeping quality. However, application of GRs, especially SB, TU, and PN, reduced bulb weight losses together with maintaining slightly better bulb physicochemical properties, thereby improving the overall storage quality, particularly with a moderate level of water stress (0.69–0.40 IW:CPE). The exogenous application of GRs with moderate water stress is suggested as a key strategy in improving the keeping quality of onion bulbs and ensuring its availability during the lean season.
Genetic Variation for Traits Related to Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Vigna Species
Authors: Kothari Deepali , Pargaien Nirmala , Tewari Lalit Mohan , Dikshit Harsh Kumar , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Aski Muraleedhar S. , Bansal Ruchi , Gupta Sanjeev , Kumar Shiv , Nair Ramakrishnan Madhavan
Published: January 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a major limiting nutrient reducing crop yields especially in weathered soils of the subtropics and tropics. P exhibits poor mobility and availability to plants in soil. To overcome P deficiency in soil, phosphatic fertilizers are added. Global phosphate rock reserves are finite, and the addition of phosphatic fertilizers is not financially and ecologically sustainable. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is important grain legume for nutritional security. Attempts are being made to develop mungbean varieties with better P-use efficiency through enhanced P uptake and utilization. In the present study, 327 accessions of 18 Vigna species were examined for inter- and intra-specific variation for traits related to phosphorus uptake and utilization efficiency under hydroponic conditions at two levels of phosphorus. Significant species-specific variation was recorded for studied traits. Among the studied Vigna species, mungbean exhibited higher phosphorus use efficiency. Seven mungbean genotypes (IC 251950, IC 585931, V1002532AG, IC 371653, IC 331615, V1001400AG, and V1000532BG) were found to be promising for both PupE and PutiE. Using mean and standard deviation as criteria, mungbean genotypes identified with high phosphorus-use efficiency include IC 25950 and IC 583664. Mungbean genotypes KPS 1546, IC 277060, IC 697141, IC 343440, and Pusa 0831 were identified based on the stress tolerance index as genotypes that performed better under P stress. Cultivated species revealed higher PUE in comparison withwild forms. The most promising genotype identified from this study for PUE can be used as a parent for the development of a mapping population of mungbean for understanding genetics of PUE under a low-phosphorus environment.
Water and Nitrogen Regulation Effects and System Optimization for Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under Film Drip Irrigation in the Dry Zone of Ningxia China
Authors: Yang Yingpan , Yin Juan , Ma Zhenghu , Wei Xiaodong , Sun Fubin , Yang Zhen
Published: January 2023

Potatoes require water and fertilizer management systems to optimize economic outcomes and fertilizer use, especially in arid areas such as Ningxia, China. In this study, three irrigation quotas (1200 (W1), 1650 (W2), and 2100 (W3) m3/hm2) and three nitrogen application treatments (110 (N1), 190 (N2), and 270 (N3) kg/hm2) were evaluated. Potato growth, final yield, and quality indices were assessed in relation to fertility periods, irrigation utilization efficiency, nitrogen and fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency, using the TOPSIS model. Stem thickness and plant height varied significantly with irrigation and nitrogen treatments; total yield and vitamin C, reducing sugar, and starch contents were the highest under the W3N1, W3N1, W1N2, and W2N3 treatments, increasing by 54.56, 17.00, 69.00, and 45.00%, respectively, compared with those in the control. The regression relationships between water and nitrogen regulation and yield, irrigation water use efficiency, nitrogen fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency agreed with the binary quadratic regression model, and the coefficients of determination (R2) were >0.85. W3N1 was optimal for model yield, nitrogen fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency, and W1N3 was optimal for irrigation water use efficiency. Our findings will help optimize potato management in central Ningxia.
Risk Assessment and Limiting Soil Factors for Vine Production—Cu and Zn Contents in Vineyard Soils in Galicia (Rías Baixas D.O.)
Authors: Vázquez-Blanco Raquel , González-Feijoo Rocío , Campillo-Cora Claudia , Fernández-Calviño David , Arenas-Lago Daniel
Published: January 2023

Characteristics of vineyard soils and management practices can be assessed to determine the soil trend evolution, risks, and limits of soils for vine production through soil factors and foliar diagnosis. This study was made with soils from a vineyard divided into two plots belonging to the Rías Baixas D.O. The vineyard soils were sampled and characterized for three years. The total and available Cu and Zn contents and the physicochemical characteristics of the soils were determined annually and every four months, respectively. The main objective was to assess edaphic properties, phytosanitary treatments, fertilization, and tillage applied to indicate the quality of the vineyard soils. The soils presented certain limitations associated with mechanization, trafficability, and ease of tillage for cultivation. The soils showed a sandy loam texture, which makes the application of compost necessary to improve water retention and cation exchange capacity. Phytosanitary treatments and fungicides caused phytotoxic contents of Cu and Zn in the soils without being detrimental to the vines. In conclusion, the edaphic factors and foliar analysis were adequate to evaluate the condition of the soils and vines and to establish the necessary measures to improve the edaphic conditions of the vineyard soils to improve plant production.
Seed Storage Protein, Functional Diversity and Association with Allergy
Authors: Jain Abha
Published: January 2023

Plants are essential for humans as they serve as a source of food, fuel, medicine, oils, and more. The major elements that are utilized for our needs exist in storage organs, such as seeds. These seeds are rich in proteins, show a broad spectrum of physiological roles, and are classified based on their sequence, structure, and conserved motifs. With the improvements to our knowledge of the basic sequence and our structural understanding, we have acquired better insights into seed proteins and their role. However, we still lack a systematic analysis towards understanding the functional diversity associated within each family and their associations with allergy. This review puts together the information about seed proteins, their classification, and diverse functional roles along with their associations with allergy.
Diagnostic Approach to Enteric Disorders in Pigs
Authors: Luppi Andrea , D’Annunzio Giulia , Torreggiani Camilla , Martelli Paolo
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of enteric disorders in pigs is extremely challenging, at any age. Outbreaks of enteric disease in pigs are frequently multifactorial and multiple microorganisms can co-exist and interact. Furthermore, several pathogens, such as Clostridium perfrigens type A, Rotavirus and Lawsonia intracellularis, may be present in the gut in the absence of clinical signs. Thus, diagnosis must be based on a differential approach in order to develop a tailored control strategy, considering that treatment and control programs for enteric diseases are pathogen-specific. Correct sampling for laboratory analyses is fundamental for the diagnostic work-up of enteric disease in pigs. For example, histology is the diagnostic gold standard for several enteric disorders, and sampling must ensure the collection of representative and optimal intestinal samples. The aim of this paper is to focus on the diagnostic approach, from sampling to the aetiological diagnosis, of enteric disorders in pigs due to different pathogens during the different phases of production.