Yielded Mean Values Research Articles

Effect of Amino Acids and Chitosan Foliar Application on Yield, and Fruit Quality of Mango “Alphonse”

Proper nutritional condition is essential for the fruiting phase of mango trees. In this regard, plant bio-stimulants are substances that improve nutritional and physiological changes, hence boosting production. This study assessed the impact of bio-stimulants, specifically amino acids (tryptophan, cysteine, and methionine) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 ppm, and chitosan at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%, applied foliarly both singly and in combination, on the productivity and fruit quality of ‘Alphonse’ mango trees. The experiment was place in a private orchard situated near Tunah Al-Jabal Village, Mallawi Centre, Minia Governorate, spanning two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. Bio-stimulant leaf treatments were administered in three phases: at the onset of vegetative growth, post-fruit set, and after a one-month. The results indicated no influence between the two greatest concentrations. Foliar application of chitosan was more efficacious than amino acids, particularly at a concentration of 0.2%, followed by 0.1%. The highest mean values for yield, fruit quality, and reduction in total acidity were obtained with 200 ppm amino acids combined with 0.2% chitosan, followed by 100 ppm amino acids with 0.1% chitosan, with no significant difference between the two. Thus, it can be stated that the application of 100 ppm amino acids combined with 0.1% chitosan through foliar spraying three times is the most cost-effective approach for enhancing yield and fruit quality of Alphonse mango.

Site-specific effects of fertilizer on hay and grain yields of oats: evidence from large-scale field experiments.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable crop due to its strong adaptability to marginal environments, making it an important component of agricultural systems in regions where other cereals may not thrive. The application of chemical fertilizer can influence oat hay and grain yield significantly. However, large-scale meta-analytical studies of the size and variability of oat hay and grain yields in response to fertilizer addition are still lacking. Based on 83 studies worldwide, this meta-analysis quantifies the impact of the addition of fertilizer on oat hay and grain yields under varying environmental conditions (e.g., soil nutrient levels, texture, and climate). The results confirmed that the fertilizer application increased oat hay yield by 48.9% and grain yield by 36.2%. This study demonstrated that balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium generally enhances oat hay and grain yield despite large temporal and spatial variations. Boosted regression tree (BRT) models suggest that changes in hay and grain yield were primarily dominated by soil pH and nitrogen fertilizer. The response ratio (the natural logarithm of the mean values of hay yield or grain yield with and without fertilization, respectively) of hay yield declined linearly with soil pH. Elevation was the second most important factor affecting the change in response ratio of hay yield and the third most important factor affecting the change in response ratio of grain yield but climatic conditions were not the dominant factors affecting changes in oat hay or grain yield. Overall, these results will benefit producers considering site-specific fertilization management of oat. They could increase yields and save investment in fertilizer, and help to facilitate the genetic breeding of oat varieties with high nutrient use efficiency. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Experimental and numerical study on behavior of UHPC-filled circular stainless steel tube stub columns under eccentric compression

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) filled stainless steel tube (UFSST) is a newly proposed composite structure specifically designed to withstand harsh natural environments. To study the behavior of the UFSST column, 3 axial compression and 9 eccentric compression UFSST stub columns were tested respectively. And a comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted by employing a refine finite element model validated by the test data. The results show that the thickness (t) of stainless steel tubes is a key parameter affecting the eccentric compression performance of UFSST stub column. The increase in t can significantly improve the performance of UFSST stub columns, including the ultimate bearing capacity (Nu), ultimate bending moment (Mu), and ductility (DI). Finally, a modified computational model for the bearing capacity of UFST and UFSST stub columns under eccentric compression was proposed and showed a higher prediction accuracy. For UFST and UFSST stub columns, the prediction model yielded mean values of 0.99 and 1.00 for the ratio of predicted to experimental results, with standard deviations of 0.06 and 0.08, respectively.

Evolution, identification, evaluation, and characterization of a stable salinity tolerant sugarcane variety CoG 7

From the fluff generated during 2005, after the preliminary experiments (2005–2007), a promising clone G2005047 has been identified. It showed moderate resistance to red rot (3.6 on a 9-scale scoring system), less susceptibility to shoot borer (13.25%) and internode borers (25.35%), and resistance to woolly aphid (0%). In the Advanced Yield Trials (2008–2011), it showed advantages over check for cane yield (CY) (11.79%), commercial cane sugar percent (CCSP) (0.35%), and sugar yield (SY) (20.33%). To ascertain its large-scale cultivation suitability, it has experimented under adaptive research trials (2012–2014) at farmers’ fields. It exhibited 18.04%, 1.27%, and 19.55% supremacy over the check Co 86032 for CY, CCSP, and SY respectively. The stability of G2005047 under salinity was ascertained through a multi-environment-based experiment (2015–2017). AMMI (Additive Main-effects and Multiplicative Interactions) and GGE (Genotype × Genotype-Environment interaction) biplots were utilized. ANOVA revealed that the genotypic variation exerted the most significant effect followed by genotype × environment interaction and environment. G2005047 had the highest mean values for yield and quality traits with minimal ASV (AMMI stability value) (2.38:CY; 0.57: CCSP; & 0.58:SY) indicating its good-yielding ability and stability. AMMI I, AMMI II, and GGE biplots confirmed the stability of G2005047. In the jaggery quality assessment trials (2018 and 2019), it yielded 37.1% increased jaggery over the check. Also, the clone G2005047, exhibited moderate resistance to red rot disease, less susceptibility to shoot borer (13.25%) and internode borer (25.35%), and resistance against sugarcane woolly aphid (SWA). Due to supremacy for yield, quality, better performance under salinized situations, and tolerance to disease and pests, the clone G2005047 was released as a variety CoG 7 in 2022.

Participatory evaluation and demonstration of furrow irrigation systems with full irrigation application on Onion (Allium cepa L.) yield, yield component and water use efficiency at Docha Dembela in Demba Gofa woreda, South Ethiopia

Poor irrigation water management is one of the major factors limiting crop production in Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted at farmers filed at Docha Dambal kebele in Demba Gofa woreda, Gofa zone, South Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2019 & 2020) to evaluate and demonstrate the effect of furrow irrigation systems on onion yield and water use efficiency. The treatments consisted of three furrow irrigation systems (conventional, alternative and fixed). The irrigation treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications and participant farmers were used as a replication. Results indicated that highest mean value of marketable bulb yield (27758.2 kg ha-1) was brought under Conventional furrow system. However the lowest mean value of marketable bulb yield was recorded from the fixed furrow system (20482.5). However, Superior water use efficiency of 13.33kg/m3 was recorded from alternative furrow irrigation system. The lowest water use efficiency (7.78 kg/m3) was recorded from the Conventional furrow system. Therefore, It could be concluded that alternate furrow irrigation system maximized water use efficiency of onion with tolerable yield penalty at the study area. This result is important for farmers to irrigate supplemental lands with water saved, thus achieving a more efficient and rational use of land and water resources in the water limited area. If areas with no water scarcity, conventional furrow system could be a potential approach for promoting onion bulb yield under field conditions.

Effect of Different Irrigation Levels on Yield Attributes of Black Pepper (<em>Piper nigrum</em> L.)

The growth of black pepper cultivations in Sri Lanka has been restricted to the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka due to lack of sufficient soil water in the Dry Zone as well as in certain parts of the Intermediate Zone. Therefore, identification of optimum irrigation level to get a higher yield of black pepper is vital as such information is limited. A pot experiment was conducted under protected environmental conditions to determine the effect of different irrigation levels on yield attributes of black pepper. Weekly irrigation was administered to three-year-old MB-12 vines at three different levels (8, 4, and 2 L vine-1 week-1; 8 L vine-1 week-1 represents near field capacity) with 3 replicates each. The experiment design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Black pepper vines provided with an irrigation level of 8 L vine-1 week-1, recorded significantly higher (P<0.05) mean values for yield attributes such as dry weight of berries of 10 spikes (40.5 g), spike length (11.76 cm), number of spikes per vine (81), number of berries per spike (87.4), and spike filling percentage (88.9%). In conclusion, irrigation level near field capacity (8 L vine-1) is preferable to get a greater yield from black pepper. Further studies are suggested at the field level before making a solid recommendation.

Study of genotype × environment interaction on the morphological and chemical features of geranium (Pelargonium graveleons L'Her Ex Ait.)

Geranium is a multi-harvest perennial plant in the Geraniaceae family grown for its sweet-scented herbs and essential oils. It is well-known for its imposing rose-like aroma. Geranium essential oil is commonly used in the soap, fragrance, and cosmetic industries to isolate rhodinol, an aromatic compound found in most high-grade perfumes. The current study evaluated a total of 5 geranium genotypes across three years, at two locations, to identify the superior and stable geranium genotypes. "The pooled ANOVA results showed substantial genotype × environment interactions for all the traits under study. The CIM-Bio 171 genotype had the highest essential oil production per plant (g) (X9), followed by Kelkar (rank II, 10.24), Algerian CIM-Pawan (rank III, 10.03), CIM-Pawan (rank IV, 7.63), and Bourbon (rank V, 7.24) g/plant. For the trait citronellol content (X10), the Algerian genotype ranked top (37.83%), followed by CIM-Pawan (rank II, 30.81%), CIM-Bio 171 (rank III, 28.33%), Bourbon (rank IV, 26.89%), and Kelkar (rank V, 12.58%). The Kelkar genotype ranked the highest (6.20%) in the trait 10-epi-γ-Eudesmol content (X16), followed by CIM-Pawan (rank II, 5.89%), Algerian (rank III, 4.56%), Bourbon (rank IV, 4.29%), and CIM-Bio 171 (rank V, 4.25%). The genotype CIM Bio 171 exhibited the highest mean value for essential oil yield, and cis-Rose oxide content (%). The following genotypes, such as CIM Bio 171, Algerian, and CIM Pawan, emerged as high-mean performers and exhibited stability across diverse environments. The genotype CIM Bio 171 is closer to the ideal genotype, followed by CIM Bio 171, Algerian, and CIM Pawan as the most desirable genotypes. Similarly, the year Y3 was determined to be the most desirable based on GGE-biplot environment evaluations at both locations. Therefore, CIM Bio 171 has been released for commercial cultivation because of its exceptional performance in essential oil yield and quality attributes across locations and years. Kew wordscis-Rose oxide; essential oil; environment ranking; GGE-biplot; genotype × environment interaction.

Tribological and magnetic properties of AlCrCuFeNi high entropy alloy fabricated by MA-SPS

In this study, the AlCrCuFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) with two FCC and BCC crystalline phases was successfully synthesized through 60 h of mechanical alloying (MA) followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). After the sintering process, these solid solutions underwent further transformation, resulting in the coexistence of FCC, BCC, and σ phases. This highlights the considerable significance of considering mixing enthalpy in the context of determining phase formation in HEAs. The mechanical properties of the bulk specimen were assessed using nano-hardness, micro-hardness, and shear punch tests, yielding mean values of 781 ± 10 Vickers for nano-hardness and 762 ± 10 Vickers for micro-hardness. Additionally, the alloy exhibited a yield tensile strength of 367 ± 4 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 445 ± 5 MPa. Examination of fracture surface of the sintered HEA illustrated cleavage fractures, likely attributed to the presence of the BCC phase. Furthermore, the tribological behavior of the alloy was investigated through pin-on-disk wear tests at different temperatures (ambient, 250 °C, and 500 °C). The results indicated a shift in the wear mechanism and an increase in the coefficient of friction with rising temperature. These changes correlated with the temperature-dependent increase in the volume fraction of the FCC phase, as observed in XRD patterns, suggesting its potential influence on altering the wear mechanism. Eventually, the magnetic behavior of the alloy was analyzed using vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis, confirming its ferromagnetic behavior.

Geochemical indices and sedimentation rates in the Pardo River basin, São Paulo state, Brazil

Sediment geochemical indices and sedimentation rates data from the Pardo River watershed, São Paulo State, Brazil, provide relevant reference guidelines for stakeholders to plan future actions aiming to achieve the appropriate management of that hydrographic basin. The watershed includes 20 municipalities where about 650,000 inhabitants are living and whose waters after withdrawal and treatment supply ∼300,000 people in that region. Six sediment cores provided the geochemical and radiometric dataset, which was obtained from sampling sites located in the following cities: Ourinhos, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, Águas de Santa Bárbara, Avaré, Botucatu, and Pardinho. The concentration data for some metals were compared with the reference values established by the Brazilian environmental legislation for sediment dredging because currently there is a lack of specific quality guidelines for marine or fluvial sediment in Brazil. Also, the entire dataset was used in the calculation of two traditional geochemical indices, i.e., the enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). In some cores, both indices provided insight revealing possible anthropogenic inputs of magnesium oxide (MgO), potassium oxide (K2O), sulfur trioxide (SO3), vanadium oxide (V2O5), copper (II) oxide (CuO), and other constituents due to development of activities related to the crop production. The constant rate of supply (CRS) of the unsupported/excess lead 210 (210Pb) model has been successfully applied to the obtained a radiometric 210Pb dataset, yielding mean values of the mass accumulation rate (MAR) between 0.86 and 7.23 g/(cm2·y) and linear sedimentation rates (LSR) ranging from 2.9 to 7.1 cm/y. Both of these rates exhibited a significant correlation, representing physical weathering processes occurring in the basin. Chemical weathering rates reported in the literature indicate values much lower than the physical weathering rates and such findings have also been confirmed in the current study when the obtained data were compared with results from previous investigations in the Pardo River watershed. The CRS 210Pb chronological model was useful to track historical changes in the MgO and CuO concentration in the sediment cores, allowing curves to be plotted exhibiting major peaks in core 1 (1980–2010) and core 3 (2000–2010), a continuous increase from 1970 onwards until 2010 (core 4), and a sharp increase at the end of the monitoring period, 2017 (cores 5 and 6). Data available for the harvested area at a municipality located within the basin for the period 1990–2022 have indicated a more pronounced increase over the last years in the production of sugar cane, soybeans, and oranges, implying an increasing use of fertilizers and agricultural correctives for crop production, whose chemical composition would justify the trends observed for MgO and CuO concentrations in the sediment cores. The current study also revealed a wide range of significant relations involving the concentration of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and other analyzed constituents, with iron tending to accumulate in the finer grain sizes (from 0.125 to <0.037 mm) of the sediment. The CRS 210Pb chronological model permitted evaluation of the history of the iron flux up to the present, which could represent baseline guidance levels for indicating future anthropic inputs in the basin.

Evaluation of sugarcane genotypes (Saccharum sp. hybrid) for multi-trait stability analysis across diverse environments

The current study evaluated a total of 21 sugarcane genotypes across 27 diverse environments, including nine locations over three cropping seasons, to identify the superior and stable sugarcane genotypes. The pooled ANOVA results showed substantial genotype-environment interactions among the 21 genotypes under study. The genotype Co 11015 exhibited the highest mean value for CCS yield, CCS percentage, and sucrose percentage. With the help of GGE analysis and biplots, both stable genotypes as well as mega environments were identified. The following genotypes such as Co 13014, Co 11015, Co 13018 and Co 14016 emerged as the high-mean performers and exhibited stability across diverse environments. The outcomes from ‘which-won-where’ patterns suggested the existence of different mega environments which are classified as ME1, ME2, and ME3. When the genotypes were ranked, it revealed that Co 14016 is closer to the ideal genotype, followed by Co 13014, Co 11015, and Co 13018 as the most desirable genotypes. Similarly, the environments E8, E25, and E26 were identified as the most desirable ones, based on GGE biplot environment rankings. The Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) values highlighted the following genotypes such as Co 13018, Co 13003, and Co 11015 as stable ones with high performance across the traits and environments. The MGIDI (Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index) values inferred that Co 11015, Co 15007, and Co 13018 are the superior genotypes. Consequently, Co 11015 was released for commercial cultivation based on its stability and superior performance for biomass yield and quality traits across the locations and environments.

Methodological refinement of the submillimeter galaxy magnification bias

Aims.The main goal of this work is to test the results of a methodological improvement in the measurement of the magnification bias signal on a sample of submillimeter galaxies. In particular, we investigate the constraining power of cosmological parameters within the ΛCDM model. We also discuss important points that can affect the results.Methods.We measured the angular cross-correlation function between a sample of foreground GAMA II galaxies in a single wide spectroscopic redshift bin of 0.2 &lt; z &lt; 0.8 and a sample of background submillimeter galaxies fromHerschel-ATLAS. We focused on the photometric redshift range of 1.2 &lt; z &lt; 4.0, with an improved methodological framework. Interpreting the weak lensing signal within the halo model formalism and performing a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm, we obtained the posterior distribution of both the halo occupation distribution and cosmological parameters within a flat ΛCDM model. Our analysis was also performed with additional galaxy clustering information via a foreground angular auto-correlation function.Results.We observed an overall remarkable improvement in terms of uncertainties in both the halo occupation distribution and cosmological parameters with respect to previous results. A priori knowledge aboutβ, the logarithmic slope of the background integral number counts, is found to be paramount to derive constraints onσ8when using the cross-correlation data alone. Assuming a physically motivated prior distribution forβ, we obtain mean values of Ωm = 0.23−0.06+0.03and σ8 = 0.79−0.10+0.10and an unconstrained distribution for the Hubble constant. These results are likely to suffer from sampling variance, since one of the fields, G15, appears to have an anomalous behavior with a systematically higher cross-correlation. We find that removing it from the sample yields mean values of Ωm = 0.27−0.04+0.02andσ8 = 0.72−0.04+0.04and, for the first time, a (loose) restriction of the Hubble constant is obtained via this observable:h = 0.79−0.14+0.13. The addition of the angular auto-correlation of the foreground sample in a joint analysis tightens the constraints, but also reveals a discrepancy between both observables that might be an aggravated consequence of sampling variance or due to the presence of unmodeled aspects on small and intermediate scales.

Gamma rays and sodium azide induced variations in bio-physiological and agronomical traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Linseed is a valuable oilseed crop with huge therapeutic importance due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It is a self-pollinated crop with a low-yielding potential that restricts its improvement endeavors. To overcome low-yielding potential, individual and combination treatments of gamma rays and sodium azide were employed in widely grown linseed varieties. The results revealed a dose-dependent decline in seed germination, seedling height, pollen fertility, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents and a dose-independent decline in carbonic anhydrase activity. Bio-physiological parameters decreased substantially in combination treatments compared to individual treatments of gamma rays and sodium azide. In contrast, lower doses of gamma rays, sodium azide, and their combinations effectively increased mean values of yield and yield-attributing traits in a few putative mutants. Such putative mutants represent a valuable genetic resource that could be used in future breeding programs for the genetic improvement of linseed and related medicinal plants.

Sunflower Growth and Grain Yield under Different Tillage Systems and Sources of Organic Manure on Contrasting Soil Types in Limpopo Province of South Africa

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of tillage systems (TSs) and manure rates (MRs) on sunflower growth and yield at the University of Limpopo Experimental Farm (Syferkuil) which is on sandy loam soils and University of Venda Experimental Farm (UNIVEN) clayey soils, both located in Limpopo Province of South Africa for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 cropping seasons. The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. The main plot was the tillage treatments: conventional (CON) and in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH), while the subplots were the manure treatments: viz. poultry and cattle manures at rates of 20 and 35 t ha−10, plus a control (no manure application). The IRWH is a tillage technique that collects rainwater on a 2 m wide runoff strip into the 1 m wide basin where it infiltrates deep into the soil beyond the evaporation zone but is available for crop use. The results revealed that at Syferkuil IRWH had a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) on grain yield, head diameter, head dry matter and aboveground dry matter yield in both cropping seasons, whereas at UNIVEN, the significant increase was obtained on grain yield, head diameter, aboveground dry matter, plant height and stem girth during both cropping seasons. The effect of manure rate significantly increased with the application rate, with poultry manure at the highest rate of 35 t ha−1 significantly recording high mean values of grain yield, head diameter, head dry matter, aboveground dry matter, plant height and stem girth at both sites during the two cropping seasons. The increase in leaf area index and 100 seed weight by IRWH and manure rate application varied across the growing stages and cropping seasons with no consistent trend. At Syferkuil, TS and MR interaction was significant on head diameter and on aboveground dry matter at flowering stage in the first cropping season, whereas at UNIVEN, it was significant on head diameter in the first cropping season. Therefore, these results suggest that IRWH combined with poultry manure (35 t ha−1) can be adopted to improve sunflower crop yield under similar management and environmental conditions. In the absence of poultry manure, farmers may opt to use cattle manure at a rate of 35 t ha−1 for better improved yield.

Participatory variety evaluation and selection of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties; an underpinning to novel technology uptake in northwestern Ethiopia

The productivity and production of chickpeas can be improved by using access-improved varieties that are suitable for the specific agroecology. However, the foundation for adopting new technology is participatory variety selection (PVS). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best adaptively improved chickpea varieties in northwestern Ethiopia based on the preferences of farmers in Adet and Fogera Districts. The experiment consisted of ten improved chickpea varieties (Desi and Kabuli) that were evaluated in three replications using the mother baby trail approach, including on-station and on-farm evaluations. According to this trail, the highest grain yield among different types of chickpeas was observed in the varieties Teketay (2327.8 kg/ha), Dalota (2175.9 kg/ha), and Geletu (2123.6 kg/ha). Among the Kabuli types, Koka (2813.2 kg/ha) and Dhera (2325.7 kg/ha) showed the highest mean values of grain yield. At Adet location, the varieties Teketay (2772.2 kg/ha), Dalota (2459.7 kg/ha), and Geletu (2270.8 kg/ha) produced the highest grain yield. Similarly, Koka (3195.8 kg/ha), Dhera (2604.2 kg/ha), and Ejere (2601.4 kg/ha) were the top-yielding Kabuli chickpea varieties. Farmers from Adet location in Senkengha Kebele selected three Desi and three Kabuli chickpea varieties, namely Geletu, Teketay, and Dalota, in that order, as well as Koka, Hora, and Ejere. Meanwhile, farmers in Mousobo Kebele identified Koka, Dhera, and Hora from the Kabuli type as the best varieties. The varieties Geletu (1976.4 kg/ha), Dalota (1891.9 kg/ha), and Teketay (1883.3 kg/ha) had the highest mean grain yield at Fogera location. Similarly, in the Kabuli chickpea varieties, the highest mean value of grain yield was obtained from Koka (2430.6 kg/ha) followed by Hora (2097.2 kg/ha), and Dhera (2047.2 kg/ha). Farmers have chosen three of the best Desi and Kabuli chickpea varieties, i.e Geletu, Teketay, and Dalota, and Local check (Shasho) followed by Koka and Ejere at Fogera location, Geina Kebele in that order. In conclusion, the adoption and dissemination of new improved varieties for the new environment can assist the producers such as the farmers for effective chickpea production. This leads to sustainable self-sufficiency of food at the household and country level.

Fractionation Mechanism and Flux Estimation of Strontium Isotopes During Basalt Weathering

AbstractThe fluxes of metal cations and isotopes released by weathering of silicate rocks are crucial and a prerequisite for constraining geochemical fluxes to rivers and oceans. This study presents mineral and elemental compositions along with 87Sr/86Sr and δ88Sr data from a basaltic weathering regolith on Hainan Island, South China to elucidate Sr isotope fractionation and weathering fluxes. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios vary from 0.703936 to 0.706338 as a result of differential weathering of the minerals. δ88Sr values in the weathering regolith range from −0.29 to 0.37‰, with the majority of the weathering regolith having lower δ88Sr values than the parent rock. Sr is leached into the soil solution during plagioclase decomposition, while 86Sr is preferentially adsorbed on the surface of secondary minerals. As weathering progresses, smectite decomposes and kaolinite desorbs under weakly acidic conditions, releasing the previously adsorbed 86Sr into the soil solution. The differential weathering of kaolinite and smectite controls the δ88Sr values of the weathering regolith, with pH being an important determinant of isotope fractionation. Furthermore, Sr elemental fluxes (SrFlux) and Sr isotopic fluxes (δ88SrFlux) of this weathering regolith were calculated using a mass balance model, yielding mean values of 0.20 (mg cm−3 Myr−1) and 0.052 (‰ (mg cm−3 Myr−1)), respectively. The δ88SrFlux exhibits a nonlinear positive correlation with the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), indicating that enhanced weathering leads to significant stable Sr isotope fractionation at CIA values below 95%. Our research promotes the understanding of Sr recycling and the fractionation behavior of stable Sr isotopes during consecutive weathering.

Geospatial modeling and mapping of soil erosion in India

Soil erosion generally removes the topmost fertile layer of soil, affecting agricultural productivity on a larger scale. As a significant portion of the Indian economy depends on agricultural productivity, granular assessment of the impact of soil erosion becomes critical. However, a national-scale assessment of soil erosion and an impact classification system currently doesn’t exist over India. Given the resource-intensive and time-consuming nature of field experiments required for the measurement of soil loss across a vast country, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was extensively utilized for soil erosion calculations due to its simplicity, streamlined data requirements, and accuracy. This study estimates the yearly potential soil loss throughout India at a spatial resolution of 250 m and quantifies its variability considering districts, soil texture, soil type, land use and land cover, and basins. The relative importance of individual and combined impact of multiple parameters on quantified soil loss has been assessed using a random forest model. Rainfall erosivity (R-factor) emerges as the most crucial feature in estimating soil erosion in Indian conditions while rainfall intensity, combined with the topographic factor, demonstrated the highest influence on soil erosion in Indian conditions when the combined impact was assessed. Further, we mapped the Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) and Specific Sediment Yield (SSY) to assess the actual soil loss reaching downstream of basins across the national boundary. The national mean values for Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) and Sediment Yield (SSY) stand at 0.11 and 2.61 tons per hectare per year, respectively. The yearly potential soil loss for India is calculated at 21 tons per hectare per year, and nine out of the twenty districts with the highest susceptibility to soil erosion are in the state of Assam. Finally, a novel impact-based erosion-severity classification system has been introduced which finds that 29.46% of the landmass is prone to minor erosion while 3.17% experiences catastrophic erosion. This is the first comprehensive national-scale assessment of both soil erosion and sediment yield mapping over India, and the consequent classification system will enable the planning and implementation of soil conservation strategies locally as well as nationally.

Estimate the Genetic Diversity with PCA in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was carried out on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop during rabi season with the aims of analysis of genetic diversity with the help of principle component analysis. The experimental sample size included 80 genotypes, in an augmented block design with three replications. Observation was based upon twenty-six quantitative characteristics. For all characteristics Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (28) followed by cluster II (5), cluster IV, cluster V and cluster VI had presented (4), cluster VII and VIII (3), cluster III, cluster IX, cluster X, cluster XI and cluster XII (2) whereas cluster had presented one entry in each group. The minimum intra cluster distance (0.00) was found for XIII to XXXI and maximum was found for cluster XII (2.10). The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster XX to XXVII (11.08). The minimum inter- cluster D2 value found in case of cluster IV to XVI and XXX to XXXI (2.12). Cluster XVIII showed earliest mean value for day to 50 per cent flowering (75.24 day) and most important character maximum mean value for yield per plot (536.13). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the five principal components (PC1 to PC5) showed 50.37 per cent of the total variability. The five different groups positive maximum variable loaded component PC I for grain yield per plant (23.2542), PC II flag leave area (19.4005), PC III for peduncle length (23.9893), PC IV grain length /width ratio (21.0627), PC V for physiological maturity (16.7492). As a result of the foregoing data, it is possible to conclude that there is great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present wheat germplasm.

Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Female Lidia Cattle Slaughtered at Different Ages.

The aim of this study was to assess the carcass and meat quality of female Lidia cattle slaughtered at different ages, in order to deepen our understanding of the breed's unique characteristics. The effect of slaughter age on carcass traits and meat quality attributes of m. Longissimus was investigated in Lidia heifers (n = 200) and cows (n = 100) reared and finished in an extensive system. The animals were slaughtered at 24-36 months (Heifer I), 36-48 months (Heifer II) or >48 months (Cull cow). The carcasses (~120 kg) presented poor conformation (O, O+) and medium fatness (2, 2+). The dissection of the 6th rib yielded mean values of 58.6%, 14.3% and 24.8% for lean, fat and bone, respectively. The cows had a higher proportion of dissectible fat (p < 0.05). Subcutaneous fat was classified as dark and yellowish, and meat (aged for 21 days) as dark (L* = 25.5), reddish (a* = 14.4) and moderately yellowish (b* = 12.9), with acceptable water-holding capacity (TL = 5.34%; DL = 0.97%; PL = 8.9%; CL = 22.1%) and intermediate tenderness (WBSF = 4.6 kg/cm2). The b* value of meat was higher (p < 0.05) in cull cows. The meat of cull cows was more yellowish (p < 0.05) and obtained higher scores for flavor (p < 0.05), juiciness p < 0.01), overall tenderness (p < 0.001) and overall acceptance (p < 0.001).

Circadian assessment of heart failure using explainable deep learning and novel multi-parameter polar images

Background and objectiveHeart failure (HF) is a multi-faceted and life-threatening syndrome that affects more than 64.3 million people worldwide. Current gold-standard screening technique, echocardiography, neglects cardiovascular information regulated by the circadian rhythm and does not incorporate knowledge from patient profiles. In this study, we propose a novel multi-parameter approach to assess heart failure using heart rate variability (HRV) and patient clinical information. MethodsIn this approach, features from 24-hour HRV and clinical information were combined as a single polar image and fed to a 2D deep learning model to infer the HF condition. The edges of the polar image correspond to the timely variation of different features, each of which carries information on the function of the heart, and internal illustrates color-coded patient clinical information. ResultsUnder a leave-one-subject-out cross-validation scheme and using 7,575 polar images from a multi-center cohort (American and Greek) of 303 coronary artery disease patients (median age: 58 years [50–65], median body mass index (BMI): 27.28 kg/m2 [24.91–29.41]), the model yielded mean values for the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, normalized Matthews correlation coefficient (NMCC), and accuracy of 0.883, 90.68%, 95.19%, 0.93, and 92.62%, respectively. Moreover, interpretation of the model showed proper attention to key hourly intervals and clinical information for each HF stage. ConclusionsThe proposed approach could be a powerful early HF screening tool and a supplemental circadian enhancement to echocardiography which sets the basis for next-generation personalized healthcare.

Estimating phenotypic stability for relevant yield and quality traits in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using AMMI analysis

The presence of strong G x E (genotype by environment interaction) is a major hurdle for selecting superior genotypes when genotypes are placed into new and unfamiliar production systems. Genotype or cultivar (s) with high yield potential and having less adaptability and stability to particular environment is never a suitable choice for a breeder and farmer particularly. Purposefully, four successive seasons were chosen to enumerate the phenotypic stability of 27 French bean genotypes for yield and quality traits by involving modern statistical tools like AMMI (Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction), GGE [G + (G x E)] and cluster analysis. AMMI analysis of variance witnessed magnitude of G, E and G x E was 81.94%, 11.58% and 6.48% of the total variation respectively. The IPCA I (Interaction Principal Component Axes) was contributed with 55.44%, 73.60%, 71.81%, 81.69% and 72.16% G x E variations of days to 50% flowering, pod length, number of pods per plant, average pod weight and pod yield respectively. For qualitative traits i.e., protein content (mg/100g FW), total soluble solids (%) and total phenol content (mg GAE/g FW) the involvement of IPCA I to total genotype by environment interaction variations were 89.55%, 96.07% and 66.52% respectively. The AMMI biplot revealed French bean genotypes viz., IC632961, Arka Sukomal, IIHR-PV-29, IIHR-PV-30 having low AMMI stability value and higher mean value for relevant yield and quality traits in both late kharif and rabi as two mega-environments. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant higher contribution of pod yield associated traits towards total variations and positive correlation between them. The 27 French bean genotypes formed five groups as per Euclidean distance and the clustering revealed the nature of diversity of French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, IIHR-B-PV-24, Arka Sukomal, Arka Arjun, Ayoka and Phalguni in response to changing environments and can be utilized in future breeding programme. The study revealed pole type French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, Arka Sukomal and bush type French bean genotypes viz., IIHR-B-PV-29, IIHR-B-PV-30 could be promising for utilization in future breeding programmes for the concerned traits.