Artificial Conditions Research Articles

Flux and symmetry effects on quantum tunneling

AbstractMotivated by the analysis of the tunneling effect for the magnetic Laplacian, we introduce an abstract framework for the spectral reduction of a self-adjoint operator to a hermitian matrix. We illustrate this framework by three applications, firstly the electro-magnetic Laplacian with constant magnetic field and three equidistant potential wells, secondly a pure constant magnetic field and Neumann boundary condition in a smoothed triangle, and thirdly a magnetic step where the discontinuity line is a smoothed triangle. Flux effects are visible in the three aforementioned settings through the occurrence of eigenvalue crossings. Moreover, in the electro-magnetic Laplacian setting with double well radial potential, we rule out an artificial condition on the distance of the wells and extend the range of validity for the tunneling approximation recently established in Fefferman et al. (SIAM J Math Anal 54: 1105–1130, 2022), Helffer & Kachmar (Pure Appl Anal, 2024), thereby settling the problem of electro-magnetic tunneling under constant magnetic field and a sum of translated radial electric potentials.

Investigation on the Durability of a Polypropylene Geotextile under Artificial Aging Scenarios

Geosynthetics are widely used in various civil engineering applications, such as geotextiles in coastal protection, and display a sustainable alternative to natural mineral materials. However, the full benefits of using geosynthetics can only be gained with a long service lifetime of the products. With the use of added stabilizers to the polymers, service lifetimes can be achieved in the range of 100 years. Therefore, accelerated aging methods are needed for the assessment of the long-term performance of geotextiles. In the present study, the behavior of geosynthetic materials made of polypropylene was investigated under artificial aging conditions involving elevated temperatures ranging from 30 to 80 °C, increased oxygen pressures ranging from 10 to 50 bar in water-filled autoclaves, and UV irradiation under atmospheric conditions. ATR-IR spectroscopy was employed to detect the increase in the carbonyl index over various aging durations, indicating the oxidative degradation of the geotextile. The most pronounced increase was observed in the case of aging through UV irradiation, followed by thermal aging. Elevated pressure, on the other hand, had a lower impact on oxidation. High-temperature size exclusion chromatography was utilized to follow the reduction in molar mass under different degradation conditions, and the results were consistent with those obtained from ATR-IR spectroscopy. In polyolefins such as polypropylene, Hindered Amine Stabilizers (HAS) are used to suppress oxidation caused by UV radiation. The quantitative analysis of HAS was carried out using a UV/Vis method and HPLC. The degradation of UV stabilizers during the aging of geotextiles is responsible for the oxidation and the reduction in the molar mass of polypropylene. From the results, it can be concluded that applications of PP geotextile without soil or sand cover might cause the risk of the formation of microplastic particles. Material selection, design, and maintenance of the construction must follow best practices, including the system’s removal or replacement at end-of-life. Otherwise, a sustainable use of geotextiles in civil engineering is not possible.

What we really know about the dormancy, reproduction, germination and cultivation of charophytes (Characeae)

This expanded review aims to provide information on previous basic research by charophyte experts in the areas of reproduction, dormancy, germination of oospores and cultivation. Therefore, published information, the author’s PhD thesis and further results have been combined to summarise the current state of knowledge for Characeae of permanent and temporary waterbodies. The understanding of evolutionary, systematic and molecular pathways require multidimensional approaches using combined results of morphology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, geobotanics and ecology. The application of zonobioms from geobotanies for performed germination studies resulted in a linkage between environmental conditions and dormancy breakage treatment. Besides this, the combination of environmental logger data and species-specific cultivation knowledge resulted in an optimised in-vitro system that allow the successful gametangia initiation and maturation under artificial laboratory conditions in monoecious diplostichous Chara species.

Mapping artificial drains in peatlands—A national‐scale assessment of Irish raised bogs using sub‐meter aerial imagery and deep learning methods

AbstractPeatlands, constituting over half of terrestrial wetland ecosystems across the globe, hold critical ecological significance and are large stores of carbon (C). Irish oceanic raised bogs are a rare peatland ecosystem offering numerous ecosystem services, including C storage, biodiversity support and water regulation. However, they have been degraded over the centuries due to artificial drainage, followed by peat extraction, afforestation and agriculture. This has an overall negative impact on the functioning of peatlands, shifting them from a moderate C sink to a large C source. Recognizing the importance of these ecosystems, efforts are underway for conservation (rewetting and rehabilitation), while accurately accounting for C stock and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the implementation of these efforts requires accurate identification and mapping of artificial drainage ditches. This study utilized very high‐resolution (25 cm) aerial imagery, and a deep learning (U‐Net) approach to map the visible artificial drainage (unobstructed by vegetation or infill) in raised bogs at a national scale. The results show that artificial drainage is widespread, with ~20 000 km of drains mapped. The overall accuracy of the model was 80% on an independent testing dataset. The data were also used to derive the Fracditch which was 0.03 (fraction of artificial drainage on industrial peat extraction sites). This is lower than IPCC Tier 1 Fracditch and can aid in IPCC Tier 2 reporting for Ireland. This is the first study to map drains with diverse sizes and patterns on Irish‐raised bogs using optical aerial imagery and deep learning methods. The map will serve as an important baseline dataset for evaluating the artificial drainage ditch conditions. It will prove useful for sustainable management, conservation and refined estimations of GHG emissions. The model's capacity for generalization implies its potential in mapping artificial drains in peatlands at a regional and global scale, thereby enhancing the comprehension of the global effects of artificial drainage ditches on peatlands.

Artificial aging conditions for Artemisia argyi leaves based on quality-inflammation-quality marker transformation

BackgroundAppropriate conditions for storage of Artemisia argyi leaves reduce irritation during treatment and increase the active ingredient content. Naturally aged A. argyi leaves (≥1 year) are optimal for moxibustion; however, this process is time-consuming and costly. A comprehensive understanding of the conditions for artificial aging of A. argyi leaves and the mechanism of quality-marker conversion are required to guarantee A. argyi quality and moxibustion efficacy. ObjectiveTo identify the optimal conditions for artificial aging of A. argyi leaves and clarify the mechanism of quality-marker conversion. MethodGas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), colorimeter (CD), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were used to determine the chemical composition of A. argyi leaves before and after artificial and natural (1 year) aging and to determine the optimal artificial aging conditions. The effects of both artificially and naturally aged A. argyi leaves were then evaluated in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC). The main chemical components of aged A. argyi leaves were then analyzed to determine quality-markers and the transformation mechanism. ResultsComprehensive analysis of volatile and non-volatile components, color values, and characteristic near-infrared spectra revealed that the quality of artificially aged A. argyi leaves was similar to that of naturally aged A. argyi leaves. In the mouse model, artificially and naturally aged A. argyi leaves not only improved the symptoms of UC with the same therapeutic effects, but also safeguarded the barrier of the colonic mucosa and prevented the release of colitis-related substances. In addition, the content of caffeic acid converted from L-phenylalanine in A. argyi leaves increased during the aging process. ConclusionConditions for artificial aging of A. argyi leaves were identified for the first time, and the equivalent efficacy of artificially aged A. argyi leaves and naturally aged A. argyi leaves for improving UC was confirmed. This method for artificial aging of A. argyi leaves not only reduces the time and cost associated with this process, but also provides technical support to ensure the quality and stability of artificially aged A. argyi leaves. In addition, caffeic acid was identified as a potential quality-marker for establishing standards and specifications for aging A. argyi leaves for the first time, and its possible transformation mechanism was preliminarily elucidated.

Wind-Induced Cooling Effects on Photovoltaic Panel Performance

This investigation evaluated the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) panel system under varied cooling speeds of a calibrated wind generator. The objectives encompassed the calibration of wind speed, integration of the wind generator with the PV panel system, monitoring the performance of the PV panel with wind-induced cooling, and analyzing overall performance under different wind generator settings. Parameters assessed included open circuit voltage, short circuit current, PV panel surface temperature, and power output. The tests were carried out both with and without wind cooling and under artificial and natural lighting conditions. Under artificial lighting conditions, the solar PV panel demonstrated suboptimal short circuit current compared to natural lighting conditions, leading to an overall decrease in power output. Moreover, the findings revealed a significant relationship between simulated wind speed and the overall performance of the PV panel, with notable variations in surface temperature, voltage level, current level, and power output. The statistical analysis supported these findings, with all dependent variables exhibiting statistically significant differences. The practical implications of these observations are pertinent to the design of more efficient and sustainable PV and PV-wind cooling systems. By comprehending the influence of wind on PV panel performance, system designers and operators can make informed decisions to maximize energy production and enhance the overall efficiency of the PV system.

Diallel Analysis of Wheat Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Accumulation under Conditions of Artificial Inoculation and Natural Infection.

Breeding resistant wheat cultivars to Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium spp., is the best method for controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to estimate general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for FHB resistance in a set of eight genetically diverse winter wheat cultivars to identify potential donors of FHB resistance for crossing. FHB resistance of parents and F1 crosses produced by the half diallel scheme was evaluated under the conditions of artificial inoculation with F. graminearum and natural infection. Four FHB related traits were assessed: visual rating index (VRI), Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol and zearalenone content in the harvested grain samples. Significant GCA effects for FHB resistance were observed for the parental cultivars with high FHB resistance for all studied FHB resistance related traits. The significant SCA and mid-parent heterosis effects for FHB resistance were rare under both artificial inoculation and natural infection conditions and involved crosses between parents with low FHB resistance. A significant negative correlation between grain yield under natural conditions and VRI (r = -0.43) and FDK (r = -0.47) under conditions of artificial inoculation was observed in the set of the studied F1 crosses. Some crosses showed high yield and high FHB resistance, indicating that breeding of FHB resistant genotypes could be performed without yield penalty. These crosses involved resistant cultivars with significant GCA effects for FHB resistance indicating that that they could be used as good donors of FHB resistance.

Effect of climate and wood type on elastic modulus of heat-treated wood and its optimization by the Taguchi method

Wood, as the oldest building material, provides some of the basic needs of human beings, including shelter and protection. Wood is used in exterior cladding, carrier systems, joinery, ceiling-floor coverings, windows, doors, and furniture production. When wooden material is exposed to external weather conditions, due to its hygroscopic structure, its physical and mechanical properties deteriorate from exposure to moisture, temperature, and biological organisms. The bending modulus of elasticity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), oak (Quercus petraea L.), and chestnut (Castanea sativa M.) wood that was tannin-impregnated and heat-treated at 160 °C, was investigated using Taguchi L9 (33). The sequence was optimized. After heat treatment, the carrier elements were subjected to artificial climate conditions. In the optimization of the data obtained, it was understood that the highest impact factor was the tree type. In contrast, the climate on the elastic modulus was the lowest impact factor. In Taguchi analysis, a mathematical prediction model was created using actual and predicted data using the S/N ratio’s biggest-best equation. The R2 of the model can be predicted with an accuracy rate of 98.6%.

MANAGEMENT OF INNOVATION PROCESSES

Irma Chkhaidze E-mail: chkhaidze.irma@bsu.edu.ge Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Batumi, Georgia https://orcid.org/000-0003-4430-181X   Lela Devadze E-mail: devadzelela@gmail.com Doctoral student in Business Administration, Assistant, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Batumi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1900-8024   Abstract. In the article, it has been studied models of “1G-Technology Push”, 2G-attracting the market”, “3G-R&D and market coupling”,“4G-Integrated Business Processes”,“5G-system integration and network” on the one hand. Consecutive phases of failure and development of the essence of artificial intelligence from its origin to the present day on the other hand. It`s been analyzed the convergence of the development of innovation process models with the phases of formation and development of artificial intelligence. “6G-open innovation model” of innovation process has been reviewed as an actual issued in the article, the formation and development of which is related to the period of popularization of artificial intelligence, and recognition of the advantages of artificial intelligence, which takes into account the generation and rapid processing of large and varied data in a short time interval. Based on the results of research, existing and expecting trends of the development of artificial intelligence in the world market has been analyzed, which are characterized by significant growth trends and can have a positive impact on achieving the rates of economic growth of the country, region, on increasing the level of employment, developing the business sector, gaining competitiveness. The research determined the existing level of development of artificial intelligence, factors, conditions and opportunities for hindering the development.   Keywords: innovation, innovative processes, artificial intelligence, management.   JEL classification: O.03.032.

A simple new approach predicting how microalgae culture systems will perform under sunlight and artificial light conditions

There are many problems associated with the methods for scaling microalgae culture systems. Mathematical models - predictive models in particular - are considered key, but most of them require specialist programming and computer science skills. Even where these skills are available, new parameters (such as radiative properties for determining the effect of light attenuation on photosynthetic growth) have to be determined with each application of the model for a new strain of microalgae, and this in itself is highly complex. Consequently, the methods used in the field are still mainly (semi-)empirical. A simplified method of determining maximal performance and the corresponding optimal operating points (i.e. biomass concentration, harvesting rate) for a given culture system, strain and culture condition (including solar) is presented here. The approach involves engineering equations, which are smartly adapted in this study to eliminate parameters that are difficult to obtain, with a few conventional small-scale experiments to determine the remaining key parameters relevant to the strain. The method is applied with two strains: Haematococcus pluvialis (in green phase and under continuous light) and a Picochlorum maculatum strain isolated from the Qatar desert (in both continuous and diurnal light cycles). A deviation of <10 % was achieved between the predicted data and the experimental data. The proposed method, which eliminates several months of experiments and is relatively simple to apply, appears to be an appropriate tool for optimizing and accelerating the scaling-up of microalgae culture systems.

Use of concomitant anesthesia (endotracheal anesthesia and femoral nerve block) in cardiac surgery: a prospective, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia reduces pain impulse transmission, which reduces hormonal and metabolic responses to operational stress. No studies have reported on the use of combined anesthesia, such as endotracheal anesthesia and femoral nerve block, in cardiac surgery.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of combined anesthesia by analyzing the cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels in cardiac surgery.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METODS: Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included 60 cardiac surgery patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, with endotracheal anesthesia and femoral nerve blockade, and group 2, with endotracheal anesthesia (control group). All patients underwent aortocoronary bypass grafting under artificial circulation conditions. Cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels at the five stages of the perioperative period were investigated.&#x0D; RESULTS: Data analysis showed that the cortisol level of patients with combined anesthesia was significantly 1.2 times lower (p=0.042) than that in the control group in step 2. Glucose levels were significantly lower in the combined anesthesia group by 1.28 times (p=0.0017) than in the control group in step 4 and significantly lower by 1.2 times (p=0.0016) in step 5. Additionally, lactate level was significantly lower in the combined anesthesia group than in the control group in step 4 by a factor of 1.3 (p=0.03) and in step 5 by a factor of 1.35 times (p=0.005).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The determination of cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels can be used as a component of endocrine-metabolic anesthesiological monitoring when performing cardiac surgery under artificial circulation conditions. Stable parameters of endocrine-metabolic monitoring were established using both anesthesia methods. The use of femoral nerve block in combined anesthesia reduces stress response to surgery.

Comparison of different screening methods for the selection of Ascochyta blight disease on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important edible food grain legume, widely grown all over the world. However, the cultivation and production of chickpea are mainly affected by the Ascochyta blight (AB) disease, which causes losses of up to 100% in areas with high humidity and warm temperature conditions. Various screening methods are used in the selection of chickpea genotypes for resistance to AB disease. These methods are natural field condition (NFC), artificial epidemic field condition (AEC), marker-assisted selection (MAS), and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The study was conducted with 88 chickpea test genotypes between the 2014 and 2016 growing seasons. The results of the screening were used to sort the genotypes into three categories: susceptible (S), moderately resistant (MR), and resistant (R). Using MAS screening, 13, 21, and 54 chickpea genotypes were identified as S, MR, and R, respectively. For RT-PCR screening, 39 genotypes were S, 31 genotypes were MR, and 18 genotypes were R. In the AEC method for NFC screening, 7, 17, and 64 genotypes were S, MR, and R, while 74 and 6 genotypes were S and MR, and 8 genotypes were R-AB disease. As a result of screening chickpea genotypes for AB disease, it was determined that the most effective method was artificial inoculation (AEC) under field conditions. In the study, Azkan, ICC3996, Tüb-19, and Tüb-82 were determined as resistant within all methods for Pathotype 1.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Two Rice Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Lines with Contrasting Seed Storability after Artificial Accelerated Aging Treatment.

Seed storability has a significant impact on seed vitality and is a crucial genetic factor in maintaining seed value during storage. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to analyze the seed transcriptomes of two rice thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines, S1146S (storage-tolerant) and SD26S (storage-susceptible), with 0 and 7 days of artificial accelerated aging treatment. In total, 2658 and 1523 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in S1146S and SD26S, respectively. Among these DEGs, 729 (G1) exhibited similar regulation patterns in both lines, while 1924 DEGs (G2) were specific to S1146S, 789 DEGs (G3) were specific to SD26S, and 5 DEGs (G4) were specific to contrary differential expression levels. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that "translation", "ribosome", "oxidative phosphorylation", "ATP-dependent activity", "intracellular protein transport", and "regulation of DNA-templated transcription" were significantly enriched during seed aging. Several genes, like Os01g0971400, Os01g0937200, Os03g0276500, Os05g0328632, and Os07g0214300, associated with seed storability were identified in G4. Core genes Os03g0100100 (OsPMEI12), Os03g0320900 (V2), Os02g0494000, Os02g0152800, and Os03g0710500 (OsBiP2) were identified in protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Seed vitality genes, MKKK62 (Os01g0699600), OsFbx352 (Os10g0127900), FSE6 (Os05g0540000), and RAmy3E (Os08g0473600), related to seed storability were identified. Overall, these results provide novel perspectives for studying the molecular response and related genes of different-storability rice TGMS lines under artificial aging conditions. They also provide new ideas for studying the storability of hybrid rice.

Highly selective ion transport by freestanding Zn-Imidazole complex intercalated graphene oxide membrane for enhanced blue energy harvesting

Generating electricity from seawater by utilizing nanofluidic structures is an appealing strategy for achieving zero-emission energy goals. A nanofluidic channel that is atomically small, tunable, and mechanically stable is the key to solving this problem. In this paper, for the first time, we report the construction of centimeter-sized freestanding zinc-imidazole complex (ZnIm) intercalated graphene oxide (GO) membrane (GO-ZnIm) having uniform 2D nanofluidic channels with interlayer spacing of 9 Å. The pristine GO membrane rapidly disintegrates in an aqueous medium due to membrane swelling; however, treatment with an aqueous zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) suspension, rendering ZnIm complex, provides long-term stability by restricting the excessive interlayer separation of GO sheets. From ion transport, diffusion, and variable load studies, it is observed that, besides stabilizing the GO membrane, intercalation of ZnIm significantly improves average cation selectivity (from 0.46 for GO to 0.74 for GO-ZnIm, measured up to 1000 concentration gradient) and experimental power density (from 1.7 Wm−2 for GO to 10.8 Wm−2 for GO-ZnIm, at 1000 concentration gradient). Moreover, the practical applicability of the GO-ZnIm membrane has also been investigated under artificial estuary conditions at ambient temperature, rendering an osmotic power density of 4.5 Wm−2, which is very close to the commercial benchmark of 5 Wm−2. A mechanically robust and flexible membrane made up of cost-effective components (GO and ZnIm), able to deliver an osmotic power density close to commercial benchmark at ambient temperature is the main highlight of the present GO-ZnIm membrane, which can be a promising candidate for applications such as separation, desalination, and blue energy harvesting.

Synthetic auxin herbicide 2,4-D and its influence on a model BY-2 suspension.

2,4-D is a broadly used auxin herbicide. The presence of the 2,4-D synthetic auxin in the medium is imperative for long-term BY-2 tobacco suspension viability. The precise mechanism of this symbiosis of the suspension and the synthetic auxin remains unclear. Our goal was to study the hormonal regulation of the growth of the cell suspension; and to describe the experiments clarifying the interaction between the chosen growth regulators and phytohormones on the cellular level, specifically between the 2,4-D synthetic auxin and the native stress phytohormone - ethylene. This study examined the influence of low 2,4-D concentrations stimulating cell growth in vitro as well as the influence of high herbicide concentrations on the model tobacco BY-2 suspension. The culture took 6 days. Different parameters were evaluated, including the influence of different 2,4-D concentrations on the production of the phytohormone ethylene and its precursor 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in the tobacco cells. The content of 2,4-D in the cells and the medium was established. The observations of the morphological changes showed that a heavy impregnation of the cell walls taking place depending on the concentration of 2,4-D. A dramatic increase in protective polysaccharides and a remodulation of the cell walls by the formation of a pectin shield in artificial conditions were expected and observed. At the same time, massive production of the stress phytohormone ethylene took place, and, because of that, plant mutagenicity, anomalous tumour-type proliferation growth, and the production of supercells were observed. The hypothesis of the protective shield is discussed.

Arthropods as Vectors of Grapevine Trunk Disease Pathogens: Quantification of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on Arthropods and Mycobiome Analysis of Earwig Exoskeletons.

Viticulture worldwide is challenged by grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs). Involvement of arthropods in the dissemination process of GTD pathogens, notably esca pathogens, is indicated after detection of associated pathogens on arthropod exoskeletons, and demonstration of transmission under artificial conditions. The present study is the first to quantify spore loads via qPCR of the esca-relevant pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on arthropods collected in German vineyards, i.e., European earwigs (Forficula auricularia), ants (Formicidae), and two species of jumping spiders (Marpissa muscosa and Synageles venator). Quantification of spore loads showed acquisition on exoskeletons, but most arthropods carried only low amounts. The mycobiome on earwig exoskeletons was described for the first time to reveal involvement of earwigs in the dispersal of GTDs in general. Metabarcoding data support the potential risk of earwigs as vectors for predominantly Pa. chlamydospora and possibly Eutypa lata (causative agent of Eutypa dieback), as respective operational taxonomical unit (OTU) assigned genera had relative abundances of 6.6% and 2.8% in total reads, even though with great variation between samples. Seven further GTD-related genera were present at a very low level. As various factors influence the successful transmission of GTD pathogens, we hypothesize that arthropods might irregularly act as direct vectors. Our results highlight the importance of minimizing and protecting pruning wounds in the field.

Novel cost-effective Hibiscus flower based colorimetric paper sensor containing anthocyanins to monitoring the quality and freshness of raw fish

This article described the low-cost hibiscus flower based colorimetric paper sensor to monitor the quality and freshness of raw fish. The extract of hibiscus flower was used to develop pH sensing paper strips for qualitative analysis. The sensitivity of paper sensor was checked by colorimetric detection of ammonia gas and then it was implemented to monitor the freshness of fish visually. The extract of hibiscus flower containing anthocyanin molecules are the key molecule for visual detection of spoiled food. The above molecule was spectroscopically analyzed with change in pH of the solution before and after the interaction of food products. We also studied the variation of both color and shade of paper sensor with change in pH at natural and artificial light conditions. The color information extracted from images and their relationship with pH was explored in red, green, blue (RGB) and hue, saturation, and value (HSV) color spaces by the image-J software for qualitative monitoring of food. Anthocyanin based paper sensor is used as a convenient and real time smart food sensor in packaging application.

Disease Reaction Studies for Turcicum Leaf Blight (Exserohilum Turcicum) Disease in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Under Artificial Epiphytotic Conditions

Maize is widely cultivated around the globe under varied climatic conditions. India is one of the major maize producing countries and stands fourth in terms of production. Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) disease caused by the pathogen, Exserohilum turcicum is one of the major diseases of maize causing varying extent of grain yield loss from 15 to 30%. To overcome the losses due to the disease, resistant cultivars needs to be developed. Hence, the identification of resistant sources is important in order to develop TLB resistant hybrids. Present investigation was conducted to identify TLB resistant inbreds and hybrids. Simplified Triple Test Cross (STTC) design was employed to develop 96 hybrids using twenty inbred lines. Further the hybrids and inbred lines along with two checks (Resistant –NAI 137; Susceptible – CM 202) were evaluated for TLB disease reaction under artificial epiphytotic condition during rabi 2019 in simple lattice design with two replications. Scoring was done from 60 to 80 days after sowing based on 1-9 TLB disease scale. Among the inbred lines V-86, MAI-295, V-70, MAI-214, V-85, 40375, V-72, V-39, 40061 were resistant and MAI-288, V-24 were susceptible. Among hybrids, 36 were resistant, 44 were moderately resistant. 14 were moderately susceptible and two hybrids were susceptible to TLB disease. Identified TLB resistant hybrids needs to be further evaluated to test their performance and stability across locations. These resistant sources can be used to transfer TLB disease resistance.

The accumulation of active ingredients of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is associated with soil characteristics and bacterial community.

With the increasing demand for health products derived from Polygonati rhizoma (PR), people begin to artificially plant Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. To promote P. cyrtonema cultivation and increase farmers' income, efforts are needed to understand the ways to obtain high-quality PR under artificial cultivation conditions. Rhizomes of artificial planting P. cyrtonema and rhizosphere soils were collected across five regions in Zhejiang Province, China. Subsequently, the contents of the main active ingredients of P. cyrtonema and soil properties were analyzed, and both rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria of P. cyrtonema were detected by 16S rDNA sequencing. The relationship between the active ingredients and soil properties, and the dominant bacteria were investigated by correlation analysis. The content of active ingredients of P. cyrtonema from the five regions varied significantly, especially polysaccharides and saponins. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in all samples, and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia was the main endophytic bacterial genus in rhizome. In addition, the bacterial diversity and richness of rhizosphere soil samples were higher than those of rhizome samples. Soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were significantly different across regions, leading to notable variations in the community structures of rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria. Redundancy analysis (RDA) displayed that pH and urease (UE) were the major factors altering shifting rhizosphere bacteria community structure. Moreover, the composition and diversity of rhizome endophytic bacteria were principally affected by both soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities. Soil properties and bacteria from rhizosphere soil and rhizome had a considerable impact on certain active ingredients in P. cyrtonema under artificial cultivation conditions after Pearson correlation analysis. Polysaccharides were significantly correlated with nutrient-rich soil and endophytic bacteria, such as Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Bacillus. However, flavonoids were associated with nutrient-poor soil. Saponins were positively correlated with OM and available phosphorous (AP) and were significantly negatively affected by rhizosphere bacterial communities. The study demonstrated that bacterial microorganisms were involved in the accumulation of active ingredients of P. cyrtonema together with soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, which provided a theoretical basis for the scientific and effective artificial cultivation of high-quality P. cyrtonema.

An Efficient Local Artificial Boundary Condition for Infinite Long Finite Element Euler–Bernoulli Beam

To solve the wave propagation problems of the Euler–Bernoulli beam in an unbounded domain effectively and efficiently, a new local artificial boundary condition technology is proposed. It replaces the residual right-hand side of the truncated discrete equation with an equivalent linear algebraic system. First, the equivalent Schrodinger equation is discussed. Its artificial boundary condition is obtained by first rationalizing the Dirichlet-to-Neumann condition in the frequency domain with a Pade approximation and then inverse transforming each Pade term back into the time domain by introducing auxiliary degrees of freedom. Frequency shifting is employed such that it performs better near a prescribed frequency. Then, the artificial boundary condition of the finite element Euler–Bernoulli beam is obtained by simple algebraic manipulations on that of the corresponding Schrodinger equation. This method only makes local changes to the original truncated discrete dynamic system and thus is very efficient and easy to use. The accuracy of the proposed method can be improved by using more Pade terms and a proper shift frequency. The numerical example shows, with only a few additional degrees of freedom, the proposed artificial boundary condition effectively eliminates the spurious reflection. The idea of the proposed method can also be used in other dispersive wave systems.