Use Of Access Research Articles

Morphological Diversity among Accessions of Apple Tree (Malus × Domestica Borkh)

Worldwide, apple ranks fourth in terms of economic importance after citrus, grapes, and bananas with a world production of above 71 million tonnes per year. Apple accessions that are in cultivation throughout the world appear to have come from a genetically similar source. Their diversity has further been decreased through the use of preferred few accessions in breeding programmes. Determination of morphological diversity among the accessions maintained at Nyanga Experimental Station is key for identification and informed use of the accessions in adaptive research. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of morphological diversity among apple accessions conserved at Nyanga Experimental Station, Zimbabwe, and identify promising accessions for use as cultivars in warmer environments. Sixty-eight Malus domestica accessions of worldwide provenance all maintained at Nyanga Experimental Station were evaluated in a complete randomized design with three replications. The experiment was managed following the standard cultural practices for apples. Characterization using morphological markers was done following the format of the International Board for Plant and Genetic Resources (IBPGR). Data were subjected to cluster analysis based on the unweighted paired group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) method. A narrow genetic diversity was observed as reflected by the pairwise genetic similarity matrix that ranged from 80 to 100%. Promising accessions such as Anna, Mayaan, Michal, Elah, Tydeman’s Early Worcester, Discovery, and Mollies Delicious were identified for use as cultivars in warmer areas.

Modelling the Innovative Competitiveness of an Enterprise with a Change in Investment Provision

The article deals with modern problems of modelling the innovative competitiveness of an enterprise operating in the real sector of the economy. An attempt has been made to form a tool that allows analysts, based on the given parameters, to form a model that will enable one to assess certain innovative competitive advantages visually. The competitive environment of the modern market predetermines special requirements for the process of effective use of the investment and innovation potential of an enterprise, which is why the article considers an approach to modelling the competitiveness of an enterprise from these two positions.The approach proposed by the authors is designed to form a feeling of completeness and completeness of the mathematical model, not complicated by additional data, but at the same time giving a complete picture of the real state of affairs of the enterprise from the standpoint of competition in the market. The mathematical and economic model is based on several critical aspects designed to reflect the competitive potential of an enterprise in terms of innovation processes.The formed model of innovative competitiveness takes into account modern economic realities and emphasises the changeable feature of the investment resources available to enterprise management. From accessibility for use, the investment support of innovative activity can be modelled as a variable that carries the nature of uncertainty.

Sentiment analysis of popular-music references to automobiles, 1950s to 2010s

In recent years, there has been a scholarly debate regarding the decrease in automobile-related mobility indicators (car ownership, driving license holding, VMT, etc.). Broadly speaking, two theories have been put forward to explain this trend: (1) economic factors whose impacts are well-understood in principle, but whose occurrence among young adults as a demographic sub-group had been overlooked, and (2) less well-understood shifts in cultural mores, values and sentiment towards the automobile. This second theory is devilishly difficult to study, due primarily to limitations in standard data resources such as the National Household Travel Survey and international peer datasets. In this study we first compiled a database of lyrics to popular music songs from 1956 to 2015 (defined by inclusion in the annual “top 40”), and subsequently identified references to automobiles within this corpus. We then evaluated whether there is support for theory #2 above within popular music, by looking at changes from the 1950s to the 2010s. We demonstrate that the frequency of references to automobility tended for many years to increase over time, however there has more recently been a decline after the late 2000s (decade). In terms of the sentiment of popular music lyrics that reference automobiles, our results are mixed as to whether the references are becoming increasingly positive or negative (machine analysis suggests increasing negativity, while human analysis did not find a significant association), however a consistent observation is that sentiment of automobile references have over time become more positive relative to sentiment of song lyrics overall. We also show that sentiment towards automobile references differs systematically by genre, e.g. automobile references within ‘Rock’ lyrics are in general more negative than similar references to cars in other music genres). The data generated on this project have been archived and made available open access for use by future researchers; details are in the full paper.

Complex biochemical characteristics of Coriandrum sativumL

Background. Coriandrum sativumL. is a valuable vegetable crop with early maturity and high nutritional benefits. Green biomass of coriander is rich in vitamins, especially ascorbic acid and carotene. The feasibility of using coriander as a natural food additive is due to its high antioxidant activity. The aim of this research was to study the biochemical composition of the green biomass in the accessions of C. sativumfrom the VIR global collection and identify promising accessions for use in breeding for quality.Materials and methods.The green biomass of 67 coriander accessions from different countries maintained in the VIR collection served as the research material. The study was carried out according to the guidelines developed by VIR.Results.As a result of the study, the feasibility of using C. sativumas a source of bioactive compounds was theoretically justified and experimentally confirmed, thus attesting to the prospects of coriander accessions from the VIR collection for quality-targeted breeding programs. New data were obtained on the biochemical composition of coriander green biomass. A factor determining such biochemical composition is the genotypic features of coriander associated with its origin. Biochemical parameters in coriander varied significantly depending on the origin of an accession. The highest variability was observed in the content of carotenes (CV 41%). The effect of an accession’s precocity was not confirmed. Sources for individual quality indicators were highlighted.Conclusion. Accessions with an optimal component composition for a balanced human diet were identified and recommended for quality-oriented breeding, including the development of cultivars for health-friendly, curative and preventive nutrition. The selected accessions are of interest as source material for breeding programs and practical utilization.

Comparative varieties characteristics of watermelon accessions of ukrainian and foreign breeding

Aim. Evaluation of the common watermelon gene pool in terms of yield, marketable fruit weight and dry soluble matter content and isolation of the most valuable accessions for use in breeding programs. Results and Discussion. The article presents the results of studies on the assessment of 153 samples of common watermelon of Ukrainian and foreign selection in terms of yield, weight of marketable fruit and the content of dry soluble substances. One accession with very high level of fruit yield (> 113% to the standard) was selected – accession Lad (62,3 t/ha) from Ukraine. With high level of yield (> 101% to the standard), samples from Russia were selected: Solntsedar (55,7t/ha), Podarok Solntsa (58t/ha) and Samurai (58,3t/ha). With yield closed to the standard (97,7%) there was a sample from Russia – Shapka Imperatora (53,5t/ha). The mass of marketable fruit, 5 samples were the best: Solntsedar (2,5 kg), Lad (2,6 kg), Yatum (2,86 kg), Samurai (3,04 kg), Podarok Solntsa (3,99 kg). According to the content of dry soluble matter, samples from Ukraine were selected as a source for breeding: Alyi solodkyi (14%) and accession from Czech Republic Sugar baby (15%). According to the complex of features (consistently high yield, high taste), the following samples are of practical value for breeding: Lad, Yatum, Alyi solodkyi (Ukraine); Solntsedar, Podarok Solntsa, Samurai (Russia), Sugar baby (Czech Republic). Conclusions. Based on the results of the study of 153 collection accessions of common watermelon during 2018–2020. Accessions were selected: 4 by yield (55,7-62,3t/ha), 5 by fruit weight (2,51-3,99 kg), 2 by content of dry soluble matter (14-15 mg%), 7 by complex of valuable features.

Диагностические экспресс-тесты в амбулаторной практике врача-педиатра

The purpose of the work is to analyze the modern screening diagnostic tests used in the outpatient practice of a pediatrician in conjunction with classical diagnostic methods. To assess the significance of screening diagnostic tests in a differentiated approach to therapy and health improvement of children, in order to reduce the unjustified prescription of antibacterial drugs. To highlight the main advantages of screening diagnostic tests. To determine the scope of their application in outpatient practice. To characterize the available modern screening approaches in the work of a pediatrician. Results. In recent years, medicine is increasingly interested in the issues of introducing rapid diagnostic tests into the outpatient practice of a pediatrician. The speed of obtaining a reliable result when using rapid tests makes them the optimal tool for mass screening, since the sensitivity of rapid tests reaches 95% and the specificity is almost 100%. The obtained test results allow a district pediatrician to quickly make a decision on early diagnosis and therapeutic tactics in an urgent situation. Accessibility of use, minimal training and the ability to visually evaluate the results significantly reduce the number of errors at the preanalytical phase. Conclusion. This methodological approach is undoubtedly valuable in the work of pediatricians, especially in an outpatient network. Their active implementation into everyday practice makes it possible to predict the course of the disease at the earliest stages of its development and to differentiate the appointment of therapy in each personified case.

Mobile Application Design with IoT for Environmental Pollution Awareness

In the present study, we have seen that many people are affected by environmental pollution, so we proposed a mobile application prototype to facilitate awareness of this environmental problem. The methodology that will help us make this application will be the Scrum methodology, since it is adaptable to the constant changes in the mobile application development process. We will also use an Internet of Things and Fire based technology to collect data from the various air pollution sensors. Since users require a visualization of the contamination in real time. The mobile application to which users will automatically register will have easy access for use in monitoring and controlling atmospheric pollution, whose reception data will be through sensors. The result that has been obtained is that it was achieved with the implementation of the application that people are aware of the damage that these pollutants cause to the environment.

Percutaneous Axillary Access for Placement of Microaxial Ventricular Support Devices

Background: There has been increasing utilization of short-term mechanical circulatory support devices for a variety of clinical indications. Many patients have suboptimal iliofemoral access options or reasons why early mobilization is desirable. Axillary artery access is an option for these patients, but little is known about the utility of this approach to facilitate short-term use for circulatory support with microaxial pump devices. Methods: The Axillary Access Registry to Monitor Safety (ARMS) was a prospective, observational multicenter registry to study the feasibility and acute safety of mechanical circulatory support via percutaneous upper-extremity access. Results: One hundred and two patients were collected from 10 participating centers. Successful device implantation was 98% (100 of 102). Devices were implanted for a median of 2 days (interquartile range, 0–5 days; range, 0–35 days). Procedural complications included 10 bleeding events and 1 stroke. There were 3 patients with brachial plexus–related symptoms all consisting of C8 tingling and all arising after multiple days of support. Postprocedural access site hematoma or bleeding was noted in 9 patients. Device explantation utilized closure devices alone in 61%, stent grafts in 17%, balloon tamponade facilitated closure in 15%, and planned surgical explant in 5%. Duration of support appeared to be independently associated with a 1.1% increased odds of vascular complication per day ([95% CI, 0.0%–2.3%] P =0.05). Conclusions: Percutaneous axillary access for use with microaxial support pumps appears feasible with acceptable rates of bleeding despite early experience. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the pilot data presented here.

Crop wild relatives of the United States require urgent conservation action

The contributions of crop wild relatives (CWR) to food security depend on their conservation and accessibility for use. The United States contains a diverse native flora of CWR, including those of important cereal, fruit, nut, oil, pulse, root and tuber, and vegetable crops, which may be threatened in their natural habitats and underrepresented in plant conservation repositories. To determine conservation priorities for these plants, we developed a national inventory, compiled occurrence information, modeled potential distributions, and conducted threat assessments and conservation gap analyses for 600 native taxa. We found that 7.1% of the taxa may be critically endangered in their natural habitats, 50% may be endangered, and 28% may be vulnerable. We categorized 58.8% of the taxa as of urgent priority for further action, 37% as high priority, and 4.2% as medium priority. Major ex situ conservation gaps were identified for 93.3% of the wild relatives (categorized as urgent or high priority), with 83 taxa absent from conservation repositories, while 93.1% of the plants were equivalently prioritized for further habitat protection. Various taxonomic richness hotspots across the US represent focal regions for further conservation action. Related needs include facilitating greater access to and characterization of these cultural-genetic-natural resources and raising public awareness of their existence, value, and plight.

Ocena obiektów cebuli (Allium cepa L.) pod względem tolerancji na suszę w fazie kiełkowania i wzrostu siewek

Celem badań była ocena wpływu niedoboru wody na zdolność kiełkowania nasion i wzrost siewek cebuli oraz identyfikacja obiecujących obiektów do wykorzystania w przyszłych programach hodowli nowych odmian cebuli tolerancyjnych na stres suszy. Oceniono 150 linii/odmian cebuli pochodzących z polskich i zagranicznych firm hodowlano-nasiennych oraz z Banku Genów Instytutu Ogrodnictwa w Skierniewicach. Doświadczenia prowadzono w warunkach laboratoryjnych indukując stres suszy przez zastosowanie 18% poliglikolu etylenowego (PEG8000) w fazie kiełkowania nasion i 10% PEG w fazie siewek. Badane obiekty cebuli wykazały istotne zróżnicowanie pod względem tolerancji na stres suszy, potwierdzone wysokimi wartościami współczynnika zmienności (CV) dla ocenianych parametrów: maksymalny procent skiełkowanych nasion (35,3%), świeża masa siewek (38,5%), długość liścieni siewek (42,9%) i długość korzeni siewek (56,3%). Zanotowano, że niedobór wody najmniej ograniczył kiełkowanie nasion o 23%, następnie długość korzeni o 36%, a najbardziej świeżą masę siewek i długość liścieni, odpowiednio o 52% i 53,5%. Stwierdzono silną korelację (r = 0,81‒0,86) między cechami opisującymi wzrost siewek w warunkach suszy, wskazując, że deficyt wody redukuje wzrost całych siewek. Natomiast zależności pomiędzy nimi a kiełkowaniem w stresie suszy okazały się nieistotne (r = 0,19‒0,24). Spośród 150 obiektów cebuli, genotyp 171026 wykazał wysoki poziom tolerancji na suszę zarówno w fazie kiełkowania, jak i w fazie siewek.

Express diagnostics of accelerated human aging using the questionnaire

Abstract. An express method of diagnosing accelerated aging of a person has been developed with the help of a questionnaire, which includes 15 indications of somatic aging, 12 indications of psychological aging and 10 objective indicators. The Bayesian method is used for the calculation of biological age. The accuracy of the definition for the biological age was 8.3 years. The method developed is notable for its simplicity, ease and accessibility for use in the outpatient and inpatient conditions. This method can be used for pre-selection of the patients with the risk of accelerated aging for the further in-depth studies. Keywords: biological age; accelerated aging; indicators of aging; Bayesian formula

Express diagnostics of accelerated human aging using the questionnaire

Abstract. An express method of diagnosing accelerated aging of a person has been developed with the help of a questionnaire, which includes 15 indications of somatic aging, 12 indications of psychological aging and 10 objective indicators. The Bayesian method is used for the calculation of biological age. The accuracy of the definition for the biological age was 8.3 years. The method developed is notable for its simplicity, ease and accessibility for use in the outpatient and inpatient conditions. This method can be used for pre-selection of the patients with the risk of accelerated aging for the further in-depth studies. Keywords: biological age; accelerated aging; indicators of aging; Bayesian formula

Whole genome SNPs and phenotypic characterization of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) germplasm in the semi-deciduous forest ecology of Ghana

Diversity assessment in crop germplasm is an essential component towards its improvement and conservation. This study was undertaken to determine the genetic diversity within 87 cassava accessions using agro-morphological traits and Diversity Array Technology by sequencing based SNP (DArTseq). Results indicated that, the accessions significantly vary for most traits. Principal component analysis further showed the extent to which height and levels of branching, petiole length and colour, yield, cassava mosaic severity and above ground biomass contribute to the variability among the genotypes. Cassava mosaic disease was also significantly negatively correlated with most of growth and yield traits including shoot biomass and tuber yield. High heritability estimates and genetic advance was obtained for most of the traits indicating a positive response to selection. The uniqueness of each genotype and enormous variability in accessions based on agro-morphological data were debunked by the DArT-based SNP markers as redundant accessions were obtained which goes to confirm the environmental sensitivity of genetically identical genotypes. SNP markers identified fifteen accessions as being redundant based on Gower's distance matrix with nine of these being landraces which shows the continuous exchange of planting materials among cassava growers hence their removal from the collection will enhance the management of the cassava germplasm. This has implication for cassava breeders to make informed choices in the selection of parental accessions for use in breeding programs. The narrow genetic base of the accessions as established by the SNPs necessitate the need to broaden the genetic base.

A single nucleotide polymorphism assay sheds light on the extent and distribution of genetic diversity, population structure and functional basis of key traits in cultivated north American cannabis

BackgroundThe taxonomic classification of Cannabis genus has been delineated through three main types: sativa (tall and less branched plant with long and narrow leaves), indica (short and highly branched plant with broader leaves) and ruderalis (heirloom type with short stature, less branching and small thick leaves). While still under discussion, particularly whether the genus is polytypic or monotypic, this broad classification reflects putative geographical origins of each group and putative chemotype and pharmacologic effect.MethodsHere we describe a thorough investigation of cannabis accessions using a set of 23 highly informative and polymorphic SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers associated with important traits such as cannabinoid and terpenoid expression as well as fibre and resin production. The assay offers insight into cannabis population structure, phylogenetic relationship, population genetics and correlation to secondary metabolite concentrations. We demonstrate the utility of the assay for rapid, repeatable and cost-efficient genotyping of commercial and industrial cannabis accessions for use in product traceability, breeding programs, regulatory compliance and consumer education.ResultsWe identified 5 clusters in the sample set, including industrial hemp (K5) and resin hemp, which likely underwent a bottleneck to stabilize cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) accumulation (K2, Type II & III). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) resin (Type I) makes up the other three clusters with terpinolene (K4 - colloquial “sativa” or “Narrow Leaflet Drug” (NLD), myrcene/pinene (K1) and myrcene/limonene/linalool (K3 - colloquial “indica”, “Broad Leaflet Drug” (BLD), which also putatively harbour an active version of the cannabichrometic acid Synthase gene (CBCAS).ConclusionThe final chemical compositions of cannabis products have key traits related to their genetic identities. Our analyses in the context of the NCBI Cannabis sativa Annotation Release 100 allows for hypothesis testing with regards to secondary metabolite production. Genetic markers related to secondary metabolite production will be important in many sectors of the cannabis marketplace. For example, markers related to THC production will be important for adaptable and compliant large-scale seed production under the new US Domestic Hemp Production Program.

Phenotypic characterization of Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla germplasm: a potential new fruit crop

Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla is perennial, evergreen vine producing large edible fruits commonly known as “Jiuyuehuang” (September yellow) in China. In fact, rich nutritional value and favorite taste of S. obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla give it new potential as a new edible fruit crop. Investigation on genetic diversity is the basis for the conservation and utilization of genetic resources in agriculture. In the current study, we compared 16 morphological traits including single fruit weight (SFW), fruit length (FL), fruit width (FW), peel thickness (PT), peel weight (PW), soluble solids content (SSC), seed weight, edible ratio (ER), hundred-seed weight, seed length, seed width, seed number, petiole length of compound leaf, petiolule length, leaflet length and leaflet width of S. obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla populations collected from four regions in Hunan Province, China. The results showed that the fruit weight in the four populations ranged from 70.38 to 263.27 g with an average of 155.99 g, FL and FW ranged from 69.85 to 154.16 mm and 40.54 to 63.38 mm, respectively. The SSC and ER varied from 10.10 to 20.60% and 24.84 to 68.14%, respectively. ANOVA indicated that the variances of SFW, FL, FW, PT, and PW that related to fruit traits between populations were greater than within populations while the fruit traits SSC, ER has no significant differences between populations. The fruit weight showed highly positive correlations with FL (r = 0.89, p < 0.01), FW (r = 0.80, p < 0.01), PT (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) and PW (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Morphological cluster analysis showed two distinct clusters between the evaluated individuals, the genotypes JS-9, ZJ-19, JS-12, JS-7, ZJ-17, ZJ-18 and JS-8 that can be considered as elite accessions for use in the future breeding programmes. The present study provides the baseline information for further evaluation and the exploitation of germplasm of S. obovatifoliola subsp. urophylla.

Warning Labels Referring to Electronic Information - Combination Safety Symbol, URL, and QR Code as Supplemental Directive

As safety information and product manuals continue to move online, and as smartphone ownership and use approach market saturation, establishing clear, simple methods for linking users to online information becomes more important. This may be particularly helpful for technical products requiring online access for use or for globalized on-product labels that minimize text. This practice-oriented paper reports on one approach to provide access to information online via a combination of the standardized ISO “Refer to instruction manual/booklet” symbol, a URL, and a QR code. Findings support the understandability and usefulness of this approach. A version including a safety alert symbol within the QR was also tested and is not currently recommended due to potential confusion. Examples and practitioner takeaways are included.

Challenges in digitisation of cultural heritage material in the Western Cape, South Africa

Background: Digitisation of cultural heritage material creates both opportunities and challenges for access and preservation for future generations. Objectives: Digital cultural heritage can be sustainably preserved and used for information and research purposes if the challenges experienced during digitisation can be identified and addressed by memory institutions. Method: A quantitative approach was used to analyse challenges for digitisation identified in the literature review. The theory of constraints was used as the theoretical framework for the study. Twenty-eight memory institutions in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan and Cape Winelands District municipalities were selected with non-probability sampling and data were collected with a cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Results: The digitisation of cultural heritage material is embraced by memory institutions and a wide variety of cultural heritage material has been selected for digitisation. Memory institutions are following professional or international guidelines, but the lack of a national policy on digitisation has possible consequences for interoperability and limited access. Open access to digitised cultural heritage material is encouraged, but access for use is still limited. The challenges identified in the literature review are experienced by the memory institutions studied, especially those relating to expertise and human resources. Conclusion: Challenges in digitisation can be addressed with the knowledge of how to manage these constraints. International guidelines and policies can give directives to the management of digitisation if no national or local guidelines exist.

High active-site availability on Fe–N–C oxygen reduction electrocatalysts derived from iron(II) complexes of phenanthroline with a K2C2O4 promoter

The appropriate optimization of catalytically active sites and the number of exposed sites is extremely significant to boost the activity of carbon-based electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we propose a new method to design Fe–N–C catalysts with a high active-site accessibility for use in the ORR via a high-temperature calcination of Fe(II) ions coordinated with 1,10-phenanthroline dispersedly supported on a nanocarbon surface with the assistance of a K2C2O4 promoter. The optimized catalyst possesses a relatively high content of pyridinic-nitrogen ORR-active species and a homogeneous distribution of accessible nitrogen-rich active sites. As a result, compared to the commercial Pt/C catalyst, the obtained catalyst shows a similar ORR electrocatalytic activity with a half-wave potential of ∼0.84 V (vs. RHE) and an ORR limited current density of ∼5.8 mA cm−2, as well as a better stability (an approximately 15-mV negative shift after an accelerated aging test) and tolerance to methanol in an O2-saturated 0.1 mol l−1 KOH solution. We also conclude that these active species (e.g., pyridinic-N, Fe–N and graphitic-N) may be the ORR catalytic sites for our catalysts. The improved ORR catalytic performance enables the prepared catalyst to be a promising replacement candidate for commercial Pt-based materials towards the ORR in alkaline media.

The Determinants of Financial Inclusion for Competitiveness Improvement of SME’s in East Java Province

Abstract: Financial inclusion is an effort to eliminate all forms of constraints with price and non-price characteristics on public access to use financial services. Financial inclusion is a national strategy to boost economic growth through equal income distribution, poverty reduction, and financial system stability. Financial inclusion is defined as the availability and equality of opportunities to access financial services. The elements of financial inclusions are financial literacy, access to financial services, saving habits, education, and government policy. Financial inclusion can also be defined as the use of formal accounts can bring many benefits to individuals. This paper explores the most dominant factor of financial inclusion that generates significant value for competitiveness improvement of Small Medium Enterprises (SME's), especially in East Java Province. Based on the data 2017, total SME's in East Java is 12.1 million units, but only 1.3 million readies for the competition and ready for collaboration in the digital era (Kompas, 19 October 2018). The method that used is multiple regression analysis using SPSS 24 statistics tools. The total respondent is 205 SME's owners that spreading all over East Java. Based on the validity and reliability test, all variables are valid and reliable(see table 7 and table 8). Based on multiple regression analysis – under stepwise method, we found that bank access has the most significant effect that other variables. The second step of the significant variable is education background and the third step is government regulation (see table 10). That means bank access, education and government regulation have a significant effect on competitiveness improvement of SME's in East Java Province. The recommendation from the researcher can be stated as follows: to the SME's owners, they must improve the knowledge through improving educational background to increase their competitiveness. To the banking institution, they shall improve their policy and regulation for giving easiness to the SME's on increasing their working capital. To the government, shall improve their policy orregulation that related to the improvement of the competitiveness of SME’s. Keywords: Financial literacy, bank access, saving habits, education, government policy, competitiveness

Accumulation of radioactive cesium in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) accessions cultivated in Fukushima in 2011 and 2012

ABSTRACT The accident at Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 caused contamination by radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) in surrounding areas. After this accident, concerns about Cs contamination, including food safety, have limited industrial activities and reconstruction in Fukushima. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an annual C4 crop that can be used as biofuel feedstock due to its high biomass. Use of Cs-contaminated fields to produce biofuel feedstock would be more acceptable than use for food or feed crops due to the lower risk of human internal exposure to radioactive Cs. In addition, high-biomass sorghum might be suitable for removal of Cs from fields (phytoremediation). For both applications, it is important to use accessions showing the appropriate level of accumulation of radioactive Cs (low for biofuel feedstock, high for phytoremediation). Here, we examined the accumulation of radioactive Cs in the aerial parts of 56 sorghum accessions grown in Fukushima. Accessions were cultivated in a low-level-contaminated field in 2011 and in a highly contaminated field in a planned evacuation zone in 2012. After cultivation, activity concentrations from 134Cs and 137Cs were measured in the aerial plant parts. In 2011, the activity concentrations of 134Cs and 137Cs were 58.2–350 and 58.6–450 Bq kg−1 dry weight, respectively. In 2012, the concentrations of 134Cs and 137Cs were 54.2–1320 and 57.1–1960 Bq kg−1 dry weight, respectively. Relative to the median values of the accessions grown each year, 3 showed lower activity concentrations and 2 showed higher activity concentrations of radioactive Cs under both cultivation conditions. In contrast to a previous report, there was no significant correlation between biomass and Cs activity concentration. Because both biomass and Cs concentration are important in classifying accessions for use in phytoremediation, we also calculated the Cs accumulation index (single-plant biomass × Cs activity concentration) for each accession. The accession AKLMOI WHITE showed the highest values in both years, suggesting that this accession has the high per-plant accumulation capacity for radioactive Cs. Our data collected from actual contaminated fields is irreplaceable for choosing sorghum accessions for cultivation in Cs-polluted sites such as Fukushima.