Plot Method Research Articles

Winter wheat harvest detection via Sentinel-2 MSI images

ABSTRACT Wheat is one of the most important staple crops globally. Timely mapping and monitoring of wheat harvests are essential for efficiently scheduling large-scale harvesters, ensuring the timely completion of the harvest, and maintaining grain quality. Traditional manual survey methods for obtaining wheat harvest information are neither highly accurate nor cost-effective and do not meet the needs of agricultural management departments. This study introduces two novel indices for wheat harvest detection: the optical-band brightness harvest index (OBHI) and the visible-band brightness harvest index (VBHI). The research is structured into three primary components: (1) Extraction of wheat planting areas, utilizing phenological features from multiple growth stages; (2) Extraction of wheat harvesting features, where the proposed OBHI and VBHI are analysed using the box plot method to identify the harvesting characteristics of wheat croplands; and (3) Wheat harvest detection, employing the OBHI, VBHI, and a threshold method to determine the harvest status. The key findings are as follows: (1) Combining the OBHI with a threshold method achieves the highest accuracy in detecting wheat harvest using Sentinel-2 MSI images; (2) Integrating Sentinel-2 multispectral remote sensing imagery with the OBHI threshold method enables real-time monitoring of wheat harvest progress. In the study area, the wheat harvest commenced on 1 June 2023 (0.62%) and was nearly complete by 13 June 2023 (97.94%). The OBHI and VBHI proposed in this study have the potential to assist agricultural management departments in improving the efficiency of wheat harvest supervision. However, further research and validation are necessary to determine the generalizability and applicability of this method.

Structural Parameters of CVD Synthesized Ga2O3 Nanostructures from X-ray Diffraction Analysis Derived by Scherrer, Williamson-Hall, Size-Strain Plot and Halder-Wagner Methods- A Comparative Study

Gallium oxide () nanostructures (NSs) have been synthesized by hydrogen-reducing chemical vapor deposition method at various substrate angles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the polycrystalline nature of the NSs with monoclinic structure. Here, a series of X-ray peak profile analysis models such as Scherrer method, Monshi-Scherrer (M-S) plot, Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot, Size-Strain plot (S-S-P) and Halder-Wagner (H-W) technique have been utilized to estimate the crystallite size and lattice strain. All the models are evaluated with their merits and demerits in detail, and the structural parameters determined from different models are compared. Among the X-ray peak profile analysis methods, S-S-P method is the most suitable since the data points more accurately fit in this method with the highest average goodness of fit, value. It has also been suggested that the anisotropic strain could have increased and shifted to lower angles crystallographic reflections as the substrate angle was 67.5 .

Spin assignment, hyperfine structure, and isotope shift measurements of optical transitions in dysprosium I

Abstract High resolution crossed beam laser spectroscopy has been performed on dysprosium I to measure the hyperfine structure and isotope shifts in six optical transitions. Excited states accessed by transitions at: 296.4600, 299.6833, and 301.4279 nm have been found to have different J values to those given in the literature. Field and mass factors for each transition have been extracted using the King plot method and Seltzer moments have been iterated upon to produce an order of magnitude improvement in precision.

P-54. High Dose Intramuscular Influenza Vaccine in Solid Organ Transplant Patients. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza can cause serious illness and even death, especially in immunocompromised people such as solid organ transplant recipients (SOT). Early results from some studies show that high dose (HD) intramuscular (IM) vaccine might help boost the body's immune response in transplant patients. Given the uncertain benefits and harms associated with various IM vaccine doses a synthetized appraisal of the evidence is warranted.Figure 1:Seroconversion rate in Influenza A(H1N1) (SC H1N1) Forest plot Methods Randomized controlled trials of adults who underwent SOT and received IM influenza vaccine and compared , IM influenza HD vaccine with standard dose. The outcomes of interests are seroconversion rate (SCR) for H1N1,H3N2, and graft rejection after vaccination. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL until Jan 2024. Screening, data extraction, risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessment were assessed by two reviewers.Figure 2:Seroconversion rate in Influenza A (H3N2) (SC H3N2) Forest plot Results Pooling data from the 5 studies (1281 patients) shows moderate quality of evidence in the SCR towards using HD influenza vaccine in H1N1 type and high-quality evidence for H3N2 type . (RR 1.87 (1.25 to 2.79), RR 1.54 [1.31 to 1.80]). Analysis of five studies indicated that HD influenza vaccine results in no difference in graft rejection. (RR 0.73 [0.37 to 1.45]). High quality evidence showed that HD influenza vaccine reduce serious adverse events in SOT patients. (RR 0.71 [0.52 to 0.96]). Data from three studies shows HD influenza vaccine may results in little to no difference in confirmed clinically influenza. (low certainty of evidence) (RR 1.16 [0.58 to 2.29]).Figure 3:Graft rejection (GR) Forest plot Conclusion Our systematic review indicates that HD influenza vaccine probably increases SCR in H1N1 and increases SCR in H3N2.HD vaccine, also may not increase graft rejection and reduces serious adverse events in SOT patients. GRADE Summary of Findings (SoF) Table Disclosures Reza Rahimi Shahmirzadi, MD, Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Meisam Abdar Esfahani, MD, Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Michael Silverman, MD, FRCP, FACP, AAHIVMed, Pfizer: Grant/Research Support

Biosynthesis of zero-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures for potential photocatalytic applications

This study introduces a sustainable approach to synthesize zero-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures using Allium sativum (garlic) clove extract as a biogenic capping and reducing agent. The synthesized particles were dried at 80 ºC for 24 hours and calcined at 450 ºC for 2 hours. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, and photocatalytic activity analysis were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the prevalence of the tetragonal anatase phase in the synthesized nanostructures, with an average crystallite size of 6.45 nm. The Williamson-Hall plot method was employed to evaluate the type of strain induced in the synthesized particles, and the crystallinity of TiO2 nanostructures was estimated to be 74.91%. The Rietveld analysis calculated the lattice parameters, cell volume, and other relevant parameters. FESEM image showed spherical nanostructures with an average size of 45.08 nm. UV-vis spectroscopy indicated an optically active region at ~361 nm, and the direct bandgap, calculated using the Tauc plot, was 3.28 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 for methylene blue degradation reached 86.23% within 90 minutes, showing its potential for environmental remediation.

Enhancing Student Academic Success Prediction Through Ensemble Learning and Image-Based Behavioral Data Transformation

Predicting student academic success is a significant task in the field of educational data analysis, offering insights for personalized learning interventions. However, the existing research faces challenges such as imbalanced datasets, inefficient feature transformation methods, and limited exploration data integration. This research introduces an innovative method for predicting student performance by transforming one-dimensional student online learning behavior data into two-dimensional images using four distinct text-to-image encoding methods: Pixel Representation (PR), Sine Wave Transformation (SWT), Recurrence Plot (RP), and Gramian Angular Field (GAF). We evaluated the transformed images using CNN and FCN individually as well as an ensemble network, EnCF. Additionally, traditional machine learning methods, such as Random Forest, Naive Bayes, AdaBoost, Decision Tree, SVM, Logistic Regression, Extra Trees, K-Nearest Neighbors, Gradient Boosting, and Stochastic Gradient Descent, were employed on the raw, untransformed data with the SMOTE method for comparison. The experimental results demonstrated that the Recurrence Plot (RP) method outperformed other transformation techniques when using CNN and achieved the highest classification accuracy of 0.9528 under the EnCF ensemble framework. Furthermore, the deep learning approaches consistently achieved better results than traditional machine learning, underscoring the advantages of image-based data transformation combined with advanced ensemble learning approaches.

Development and validation of machine learning models for MASLD: based on multiple potential screening indicators.

Multifaceted factors play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to utilize multifaceted indicators to construct MASLD risk prediction machine learning models and explore the core factors within these models. MASLD risk prediction models were constructed based on seven machine learning algorithms using all variables, insulin-related variables, demographic characteristics variables, and other indicators, respectively. Subsequently, the partial dependence plot(PDP) method and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were utilized to explain the roles of important variables in the model to filter out the optimal indicators for constructing the MASLD risk model. Ranking the feature importance of the Random Forest (RF) model and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model constructed using all variables found that both homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride glucose-waist circumference (TyG-WC) were the first and second most important variables. The MASLD risk prediction model constructed using the variables with top 10 importance was superior to the previous model. The PDP and SHAP methods were further utilized to screen the best indicators (including HOMA-IR, TyG-WC, age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ethnicity) for constructing the model, and the mean area under the curve value of the models was 0.960. HOMA-IR and TyG-WC are core factors in predicting MASLD risk. Ultimately, our study constructed the optimal MASLD risk prediction model using HOMA-IR, TyG-WC, age, AST, and ethnicity.

Reconstruction of 3D Chromosome Structure from Single-Cell Hi-C Data via Recurrence Plots.

We describe an approach for reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) structures from single-cell Hi-C data. This approach has been inspired by a method of recurrence plots and visualization tools for nonlinear time series data. Some examples are also presented.

A comparative X-ray diffraction analysis of Sr2+substituted hydroxyapatite from sand lobster shell waste using various methods.

This study aims to investigate the crystallographic properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) obtained from sand lobster shells (SLS) using various analytical methods. HAp and SrHAp were synthesized by the hydrothermal method using sand lobster (Panulirus homarus) shell waste as a calcium precursor. SLS were calcined at 0°C, 600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). HAp and SrHAp were analyzed by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results revealed that SLS calcined at 1000°C displayed a Ca(OH)2 phase, while those calcined at other temperatures showed a CaCO3 phase. The characterization also verified the diffraction patterns of HAp and SrHAp according to the reference model. Various methods, including the Scherrer method, linear straight-line Scherrer method, Monshi-Scherrer method, Williamson-Hall plot, size-strain plot, and Halder-Wagner method, were employed to investigate the microstructure parameters (crystallite size and microstrain). All methods resulted in varied yet comparable results of crystallite size, except for the linear straight-line Scherrer method. The TEM results showed that the particle sizes of HAp and SrHAp were approximately 130nm. In this study, the W-H plot was regarded as the best method for providing additional information on anisotropy elasticity and consistent crystallite size results.

Characterization of a novel PET radioligand for mitochondrial complex I in nonhuman primate.

The role of mitochondrial complex I (MC-I) dysfunction is well-documented across a range of neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand, [18F]CNL02, has been synthesized to target MC-I. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive characterization of [18F]CNL02, using nonhuman primate as a model system. In the brain of a rhesus macaque, [18F]CNL02 demonstrated specific binding in regions expressing MC-I. All observed brain regions showed rapid kinetic profiles. Analysis of arterial plasma indicated a swift clearance of [18F]CNL02 from the bloodstream. Metabolite analysis identified two predominant radiometabolites in the plasma. The regional brain time-activity curves (TACs) for [18F]CNL02 were effectively characterized through a two-tissue compartment model (2TCM). Furthermore, the total distribution volume was reliably estimated employing the Logan plot method. Consequently, continued development and refinement of [18F]CNL02 are imperative.

New complexes of [5,10,15,20-(tetraphenylporphyrin)] and dichloride (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato) antimony(V) hexachloridoantimonate(V) functionalized with polyethyleneimine: Synthesis, characterization, and application in Eriochrome Black T adsorption from water

In the current work, new complexes namely [5,10,15,20 (tetraphenylporphyrin)] /Polyethyleneimine (H2TPP-PEI) and Dichlorido(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)antimony(V) hexachloridoantimonate(V)/Polyethyleneimine ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI) were successfully prepared and characterized. The prepared compounds were thoroughly analysed using 1H NMR, UV, XRD, XRF, TGA-DTA, SEM, and EDAX. SEM analysis showed that the addition of polyethyleneimine to the porphyrin core clearly changed the morphological properties. The optical gap values were calculated using the tauc plot method and were equal to 1.877, 2.030, 1.862, and 2.017 eV for H2TPP, [Sb(TPP)Cl2] [SbCl6], H2TPP-PEI and ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI), respectively. The existence of sharp peaks at 2θ between 16° and 80° displayed the crystalline nature of the prepared porphyrinic compounds. The change in thermal decompositions for H2TPP, [Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6], H2TPP-PEI and ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI) revealed that the addition of polyethyleneimine to porphyrin affected the thermal characteristics. The prepared complexes were, further, investigated for the adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (an anionic dye) from water. Highest adsorption capacities were accomplished using [Sb(TPP)(Cl2)]-PEI (164 mg/g) and H2TPP-PEI (82 mg/g) under the following experimental conditions (pH = 5, temperature = 19 °C, time = 60 min). However, the adsorption capacities remains poor for H2TPP and Sn(TPP)(Cl2). The adsorption data complied well with pseudo second order, Freundlich, and Temkin equations. Overall, the adsorption results had confirmed that polyethyleneimine functionalized porphyrins could be used as a proficient adsorbent of anionic dyes from water.

Waterbirds habitat mapping using unmanned aerial vehicle in Belawan Mangrove Ecosystems, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Waterbirds are ecologically dependent on wetlands. Monitoring waterbird species diversity and habitat conditions is very important to protect natural resources from threats and habitat destruction. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology can overcome survey constraints for preserving mangrove ecosystems, which have difficult access and take a long time. This study aims to identify waterbirds' habitat in mangrove ecosystems in the Belawan Bird Island area of Medan City using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). This research was conducted in June-August 2022 in the Bird Island area on the coast of Medan City, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The method used in the observation of waterbirds is using the path method. Field surveys for vegetation analysis use the census plot method. Furthermore, aerial photo processing and Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) of the mapping results through UAVs are carried out. Image processing with OBIA goes through the stages of segmentation, classification, and accuracy testing. We found 4 bird species found in Burung Island, namely, Egretta garzetta, Egretta alba, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris and Bubulcus ibis. The results of mapping using UAVs obtained a mangrove forest waterbird habitat covering an area of 1,01 hectares. The results of aerial photo identification found that the number of birds in the study area was 23,454 birds with a density of about 2 birds/m2. Vegetation found on bird islands are Avicenia marina, Rhizophora apiculata, and Nypah fruticans. Waterbirds in the Belawan mangrove area are local birds. The accuracy test results of waterbirds' habitat mapping with the OBIA method obtained an overall Overall Accuracy result of 77%. We conclude that the results of UAV mapping of waterbird habitats are reliable for use as final classification results.

Effects of Sowing Methods, Nitrogen and Seed Rates on Straw weight and Grain Yield of Acha (Digitaria exilis Kippis Stapf) at Naraguta Village, Jos, Plateau State

The Study was carried out at the experimental Research field of the Department of Crop Production, Naraguta Village, University of Jos during 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons to determine the appropriate sowing method, nitrogen and seed rates to step up the production of straw and grain of Acha for livestock and human use. The experimental design was a split- plot with three replications Nitrogen and seed rates were assigned to the main plot and sowing methods in the sub-plots. the treatments consisted of two sowing methods (broadcasting and drilling (at 50 cm inter-row spacing), three Nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 60 kg Nha-1) and three seed rates (10, 20 and 30kg ha-1) respectively. Each treatment was accommodated in a plot size of 4.0 m x 5. 0 m and alleyways of 0.5m and 1.0m were maintained between plots and replications respectively. The seeds were sown by broadcasting and drilling at 50cm inter- row spacing. The parameters measured were number of tillers, plant height, straw weights and grain yields. The results indicated that treatments had significant (P < 0.05) effect on all the parameters measured (number tillers, straw and grain yields) except plant height. Based on the results of the study, drilling method of sowing, nitrogen and seedings rates at 30kgha-1 and 60kg Nha-1 were optimum for straw production. While drilling method, nitrogen at 30kg Nha-1 and seeding rate also at 30kg ha-1 produced the highest grain yield over the remaining treatments.

Quinoa productivity and quality under irrigated conditions through crop establishment methods in Pakistan

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is gaining global recognition for its nutritional benefits and adaptability to various environments. However, there is limited data on how different planting methods affect the productivity and quality of quinoa genotypes with varying panicle shapes, especially under irrigated conditions. We hypothesized that different crop establishment techniques influence the performance of quinoa genotypes in terms of phenology, weeds, growth, and yield aiming to enhance both yield and grain quality. To test this, a 2‐year field experiment (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) was conducted at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The experiment used split‐plot design with three replications incorporating three sowing methods in main plots: ridge sowing (RS), line sowing (LS), and broadcasting (BC) and three quinoa genotypes with different panicle architectures: UAF‐Q7 (intermediate), Line‐105 (glomerulate), and Line‐22 (amarantiform) in subplots. Results indicated that LS method improved morphological and yield attributes like stem thickness, terminal panicle length and weight, grain yield, 1000‐grain weight, and biological yield compared to RS and BC. Among genotypes, Line‐105 showed superior performance in morphology, biomass, and yield, while UAF‐Q7 had higher grain protein content. Panicle number per plant showed positive correlation with terminal panicle weight, grain yield, 1000‐grain weight, and harvest index. LS also resulted in highest crop growth rate and grain quality. The study suggests that LS is a better planting technique and Line‐105 is a suitable genotype for achieving high grain yield under irrigated conditions.

Green-mediated sol-gel fabrication of CuO/ZnO nanoparticles from orange peel extract for environmental remediation: insights from x-ray diffraction analysis using various models

Abstract This study introduces an eco-friendly and simple approach for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), and ZnO-CuO composite nanoparticles using orange peel extract, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals while enhancing their antibacterial and photocatalytic properties. The nanoparticles were annealed at 400 °C for 2 h in the air. Characterization was conducted using x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible Spectroscopy. XRD revealed that ZnO and CuO nanoparticles crystallized in hexagonal wurtzite and monoclinic structures, respectively, with crystallite size and lattice strain analyzed through Williamson–Hall, Size-Strain Plot, Halder-Wagner, and Wagner-Aqua methods. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Zn-O and CuO bonds, verifying successful synthesis. The optical bandgaps measured were 3.07 eV for ZnO, 2.702 eV for CuO, and 1.842 eV for the ZnO-CuO nanocomposite. Antimicrobial efficacy, assessed via the disc diffusion method, showed the ZnO-CuO composite exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains compared to individual ZnO and CuO. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that under sunlight, the ZnO-CuO nanocomposite achieved 78% degradation of 10 ppm methylene blue within 90 min, outperforming individual ZnO (55%) and CuO (38%). These results highlight the ZnO-CuO composite’s potential for effective dye degradation and environmental remediation applications.

Influence of planting patterns and integrated weed management practices on weed biomass, growth and yield of Spring maize

Weed infestation is a serious problem in corn production that impacts global production and with increasing food demand worldwide, certain manipulation is required in agronomic practices to improve corn production. This experiment was conducted on the Research farm of the Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara to evaluate the impact of planting patterns and integrated weed control treatments on maize crops during the Spring season of 2023 and 2024. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with 3 planting methods in main plots viz., M1 - Flat sowing with single row, M2 - Flat sowing with paired row and M3 - Ridge sowing and 5 weed control treatments in subplots viz., T1 - atrazine + pendimethalin (0.75 + 0.75 kg/ha), pre-emergence followed by straw mulching, T2 - pendimethalin (0.60 kg ha-1), pre-emergence + intercropping cowpea f. b. earthing up (EU) and straw mulching (SM), T3 - intercropping dhaincha f. b. earthing up and straw mulching, T4 - 2 hand weedings (4 and 6 WAS) and T5 - unweeded (control) with 4 replications. The results indicated that sowing of maize crops on ridges produced significantly better crop growth and yield with significantly lesser weed biomass than paired row sowing. Among the weed control treatments, the intercropping treatments, followed by earthing up and straw mulching, were effective in weed control and produced significantly higher growth and yield than other weed control treatments. It can be concluded that planting maize on ridges with intercropping followed by earthing up and straw mulching produced the best results, which can be adopted by the farmers to sustainably improve the yield and earn better profits as the methods involved are environment friendly and do not require any additional investment.

Degradation of air pollutants from waste burning using photocatalyst TiO2 with Co(NO3)2 doped under ultraviolet irradiation

Air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and methane (CH4), can harm the respiratory organs of humans and cause several diseases. This study successfully utilized a photocatalyst from TiO2 with Co(NO3)2 doped to degrade these air pollutants from waste burning. The photocatalyst layer was produced by dissolving TiO2 and Co(NO3)2 in distilled water, and then the solution was coated on a mica surface using a spray coating method. The coated mica was then dried in an oven. The crystallite structure of TiO2/Co(NO3)2 was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The obtained crystallite size was (15.38 ± 0.03) nm with lattice parameters a and c were (3.8 ± 0.3) Å and (9.3 ± 0.3) Å, respectively, which shows that it is an anatase phase. The band gap energy was measured by diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy and analyzed by Tauc's plot method. The measured band gap energy of the photocatalyst was 2.81 eV, which can be easily activated by ultraviolet (UV) light. The photocatalyst sheets successfully degraded air pollutants from waste burning, including 53.139% CO2 for 4 hours, 100% HCN for 10 minutes, and 72.381% CH4 for 40 minutes. Therefore, the fabricated photocatalyst in this study can potentially be an alternative to degrading air pollutants, especially CO2, HCN, and CH4.

Population structure and dynamic characteristics of three endemic Chinese Abies species in southeastern Tibet, China

IntroductionIn the face of escalating climate change, conserving fir forests in southeastern Tibet is paramount. These forests uphold Tibetan biodiversity and support crucial ecological services.MethodsThis study used the typical plot method to investigate the survival status and development trends of three Chinese endemic Abies species, namely, Abies georgei var. smithii, Abies chayuensis, and Abies delavayi var. motuoensis, from the diameter structure, static life table, and survival curve.ResultsThe results revealed that 1) the density of Abies georgei var. smithii, Abies chayuensis, and Abies delavayi var. motuoensis in the community is 408, 320, and 103 trees per hectare, respectively. The structure of the diameter class of the three species of fir trees is a pyramid shape. As the diameter class increases, the number of each population fluctuates to varying degrees, and there is a lack of many medium- and large-diameter trees. 2) The survival curve of Abies georgei var. smithii tends to be similar to the Deevey type II curves, whereas the survival curves of Abies chayuensis and Abies delavayi var. motuoensis tend to be similar to the Deevey type III curves. Various population structures are growth-oriented but highly sensitive to external random disturbances, with mortality and disappearance rates multiple times, indicating poor population development. Survival analysis reveals that all populations begin to decline after the middle age range and that the age structure is relatively unstable.DiscussionThe results of this study contribute to revealing the structural characteristics and dynamic patterns of various spruce populations, providing a theoretical basis for the management and sustainable utilization of fir forests in southeastern Tibet.

The Influence of the Depression Zone of Forest Shelterbelts on the Productivity and Profitability of Winter Wheat

Background: The article presents the results of a study which is characterizing the impact of a forest shelterbelt on the productivity and profitability of winter wheat of the dry steppe zone of Volgograd region (Russia). The relevance of the problem was due to the fact that most of the agriculture is used to be concentrated in the steppe and forest-steppe natural zones. It is known that these territories were used to be forest reclamation facilities in the form of a network of protective forest belts. Also it touched the research aimed n need to evaluate the efficiency of winter wheat production within depression zones. The hypothesis means that the soil and climatic conditions of dry steppe regions, were utilizing these depression zone for arable land which significantly reduced the productivity and profitability of winter wheat cultivation. Methods: The work presents the biological productivity which was taken into account by using the method of meter-long plots in triplicationand a soil moisture was determined by the thermostat-weight method and grain quality was determined by using an infrared analyzer “InfraLUM FT-12”. The territory was visualized by using an unmanned aerial vehicle and chemical analyzes of soil samples were performed in the soil analysis laboratory of the FSC of Agroecology RAS by using generally accepted methods in soil science. Result: The research determined that depression zones arise in the steppe and dry steppe zones on the territory of agroforest landscapes near protective forest plantations. The areas of these zones occupy 4-8% of the total arable land area. Observations have shown that soil moisture in the depression zone in the meter-long layer is lower than in the inter-strip space. At the same time, the lack of mineral nutrition elements leads to a significant decrease in biometric indicators and the quality of winter wheat grown.

Plant Mediated Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Butea monosperma Plant Extract and Their Antibacterial Applications

Plant based nanoparticles (NPs) has become an emerging field in nanotechnology in terms of cost efficiency, less hazardous, biocompatibility and ecologically benignancy. Further, These NPs are being extensively studied for their use as nanomedicines and novel antibacterial agents due to increased growth of hazardous bacteria and their increased resistance to traditional antibiotics. The present studies focused on biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using the chloride derivative of zinc and aqueous extract of Butea monosperma (BM) plant and its antibacterial applications on food borne pathogens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the formation of mixed shaped (spherical and hexagonal) ZnO NPs with size ranging between 20-90 nm. The elemental composition of various constituents present in the resulting samples was confirmed from energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). XRD pattern suggested crystalline nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs. The Scherrer formula is used to evaluate the average crystallite size of the synthesized NPs ranges from 15 to 85 nm. Furthermore, the Tauc plot method was employed to determine the bandgap energies of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs using UV-visible spectra. These NPs were found to be effective against bacterial strains; Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 1272), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (MTCC 4383), Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1457). Overall, this present research describes that synthesized ZnO NPs hold significant importance as potential antibacterial agents against gram positive bacteria.