Terms Of Traits Research Articles

Detection of MC4R Gene Genotypes and A Relationship SNP13 to Productive and Reproductive Performance in Iraqi Local Goats and Shami Goats

The study was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the Agricultural Research Department / Ministry of Agriculture, for the period from 1/12/2021 - 30/10/2022, the current study revealed the relationship between the genotypes of the MC4R gene and its relationship with the productive and reproductive traits in goats. Using 50 goats under the same breeding conditions (25 Syrian goats and 25 Iraqi goats). The results showed that the 13SNP mutation in the MC4R gene in the mothers of Shami goats showed a significant relationship, where the genotype GA was significantly (P≤0.05) superior to the genotype GG in this strain for the characteristic of the daily milk production rate (kg), as well as for the characteristic of the length of the peak of production (day), as well as the characteristic of the percentage of protein in milk (%), and the characteristic of the weight gain of the mother between birth and weaning, with an average of (541.07, 426.76), (43.01, 34.17), (3.16, 3.01), respectively. Conclusion it is the Mutations in genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in livestock animals in terms of productive and economic traits. Thus, the effects of mutations in the MC4R gene were found to have an impact on some productive and reproductive traits in goats.

Response of Growth, Yield and Quality of Two Industrial Potato Cultivars to the Addition of some Nutrients

The experiment was conducted in Abu Ghraib District, Baghdad, during the spring season of 2022 to study the response of two potato varieties, Agria and Arsinal, to eight different fertilizer levels [1-Control, 2-Full recommended dose, 3-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid, 4-½ recommended dose + potassium, 5-½ recommended dose + calcium, 6-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid + potassium, 7-½ recommended dose + humic acid + calcium, 8-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid + potassium + calcium]. The experimental trial was conducted according to a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with sixteen treatments and three replications. The results revealed the superiority of the Agria variety in terms of plant height, with the highest average of 77.72 cm. The results also showed the superiority of the Arsinal variety in terms of the number of stems, with the highest average of 2.50 stems plant-1. However, the Agria variety excelled in terms of the percentage of chlorophyll in potato with 66.586 SPAD. Regarding the treatments, the treatment with half recommended fertilizer + phosphoric acid + humic acid showed the highest average plant height of 80.22 cm and 3.65 stems plant-1. In terms of yield characteristics, the same treatment outperformed others with a yield of 124.60 g plant-1 for average tuber weight. It also produced the highest plant yield of 0.52 kg plant and 25.098 tons hectare-1. In terms of qualitative traits, the Arsinal variety showed superiority in most traits, with the highest average dry matter content of 20.58 % and 14.29% starch content.

Comparison of capillary wick and trickle irrigation systems by assessing the effects of fertigation in various soil textures on growth traits of greenhouse cucumber plant

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the capillary wick irrigation (CWI) influence on the cucumber's growth characteristics when compared to trickle irrigation (TI) over the two growing seasons. The study incorporated three different soil textures, namely clay loam (CL) – S1, sandy clay loam (SCL) – S2, and sandy loam (SL) – S3, along with four fertilizer levels (F1, F2, F3, and F4) applied at 0.7, 0.85, 1.0, and 1.15 times the plant's nutrient requirements. According to the study findings, the combination of F4 fertilizer with TI yielded the best results in terms of reproductive traits, resulting in an average of 18.66 fruits and a total fruit weight of 1,229.5 g. In the case of CWI, the highest number of fruits and their combined weight were observed at the F3 fertilizer level, with 13.42 fruits and 846.3 g, respectively. The study also revealed that TI with soil texture S1 produced the highest average yield for all growth traits, while CWI with the lighter soil texture S3 exhibited superior results in vegetative and reproductive growth traits. The maximum fruit weight (1,460.26 g) was achieved using TI and S1F4, and the highest fruit weight (995.57 g) was obtained from S3F3 when using CWI.

Effects of Different Chemical Treatments of Murta Cane (Schumannianthus Dichotomus L.) On the Quality of Shitalpati (Mat) In Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at Farmers’ home of Kamdebpur village of Nalchity upazila under Jhalakati district (2019-2020) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barishal (2020-2021) to develop suitable protocol of chemical treatment of murta cane for improving the quality of shitalpati (cooling mat) in Bangladesh. There were nine treatments in the experiment viz., T1 = Boiled with Tamarind leaf + Cowa leaf (50g leaf/liter water), T2 = Soaking and boiled with fermented rice starch (250ml/liter water), T3 = Boiled with white vinegar (100ml/liter water), T4 = Boiled with cowa leaf + Vinegar (25g cowa leaf/liter water and 50ml vinegar/liter water), T5 = Boiled with Detergent powder (10g/liter water), T6 = Boiled with Fermented rice starch + Arrowroot (fermented rice starch 250ml/liter water and arrowroot 5g/liter water), T7 = Boiled with Tamarind leaf + Cowa leaf + Rice starch (50g leaf/liter water and fermented rice starch 250ml/liter water), T8 = Boiled with Rice starch + Fermented milk (fermented rice starch: milk = 10: 1), and T9 = Control (no treatment). The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The chemical treatment had significant effect on the quantitative and qualitative traits of murta cane. In terms of qualitative traits, the lowest average value (2.58) was recorded in treatment T7 that denoted from very good to good quality of shitalpati followed by T4 treatment (rating 2.67). The rating from good to moderate qualities of shitalpati were found in T6 (3.33), closely followed by T2 (3.42) and T1 (3.42) treatment. Considering the average value of the qualitative traits (brightness, surface glossiness, surface smoothness and comfort), the treatments T7, followed by T4 and T8 could be applied for the treatment of murta cane towards weaving very good to good qualities of shitalpati.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 303-308, September 2022

Study on biological characteristics and excellent characters of Baling Tieshan organic bighead carp

Baling Tieshan Reservoir is one of the important artificial inland lakes in Hunan Province, with abundant aquatic resources, including high-quality fish species such as organic bighead carp. In order to further utilize the resource advantages of Baling Tieshan Reservoir and create a high-quality brand, this experiment analysis the biological characteristics and excellent traits of Baling Tieshan organic bighead carp (BTOBC) through techniques such as gene cloning, qRT-PCR, and paraffin section, and provides experimental basis for improving the quality of BOTBC. Pond-cultured bighead carp (PCBC) was used as a control for comparison. The findings reveal that BTOBC exhibits excellent traits in terms of body color, body shape and meat quality, which better meets the market and consumers' demands. Analysis of muscle nutrient composition and observation of muscle fiber histomorphology demonstrate a higher muscle fat proportion, and umami amino acid (AA) content, higher muscle fiber density, enhanced taste in BTOBC. Blood index and liver histology observation indicate that BTOBC has relatively healthier physiological conditions. mRNA expression detection of umami taste receptor genes T1r1 and T1r3 in various tissues shows that the meat of BTOBC has a more delicious taste. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional characteristics of BTOBC and explores its excellent traits, which can serve as a reference for subsequent processing, comprehensive utilization, and healthy breeding in the reservoir area. Moreover, it offers a scientific basis for the rational use of reservoir resources and the sustainable development of reservoir fisheries.

Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Five Local Maize Varieties for Baby Corn Variety Breeding

In Indonesia, the production of baby corn is generally derived from composite varieties because not many varieties have been exclusively bred for baby corn purposes. This study aimed to determine the quantitative and qualitative traits of five local maize varieties to obtain potential parent materials for baby-corn-purposed lines. The research was conducted at the Experimental Field of State Polytechnic Jember using a non-factorial randomized block design with five local maize varieties (‘Kretek Madura’, ‘Bisma’, ‘Provit A1’, ‘Srikandi Kuning’, and ‘Sukmaraga’). The data obtained were analyzed with ANOVA and followed by the Fisher’s Least Significant Difference Test at a 5% error level. The results indicated that all five varieties tested met the standards of Codex for baby corn in terms of diameter, length, and qualitative traits. In terms of plant height, female flowering, and number of ears, V1 ‘Madura Kretek’ was observed to have the most potential as it had the shortest plant height (173.60 cm), the fastest female flowering (43.64 days), and harvest age (47.67 days), as well as the highest number of ears (2.55). However, this variety showed a lower baby corn weight, which might affect the total yield. It is suggested that the next quest of parent material for the baby-corn-purposed line can be also focused on the weight of the baby corn.

Genome-wide association study exploring the genetic architecture of eggshell speckles in laying hens

BackgroundEggshell speckle phenotype is an important trait in poultry production because they affect eggshell quality. However, the genetic architecture of speckled eggshells remains unclear. In this study, we determined the heritability of eggshell speckles and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on purebred Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens at 28 weeks to detect potential genomic loci and candidate genes associated with eggshell speckles.ResultsThe heritability of eggshell speckles was 0.35 at 28 weeks, and the speckle level is not related to other eggshell quality traits in terms of phenotypic correlation. We detected 311 SNPs (6 significantly, and 305 suggestively associated) and 39 candidate genes associated with eggshell speckles. Based on the pathway analysis, the 39 candidate genes were mainly involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, GnRH signaling pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and MAPK signaling pathway. Ultimately, ten genes, LOC423226, SPTBN5, EHD4, LOC77155, TYRO3, ITPKA, DLL4, PLA2G4B, PLA2G4EL5, and PLA2G4EL6 were considered the most promising genes associated with eggshell speckles that were implicated in immunoregulation, calcium transport, and phospholipid metabolism, while its function in laying hens requires further studies.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into understanding the genetic basis of eggshell speckles and has practical application value for the genetic improvement of eggshell quality.

Yield analysis of spring barley varieties under conditions of environmental variability

In conditions of increasing continentality of climate in recent decades, spring barley breeding should be aimed at creating drought-resistant, early-ripening, high-yielding varieties with sufficiently high technological qualities of grain. In addition to the economic and biological properties of the variety established by the breeders, external conditions in the region of cultivation also have a significant impact on the stabilization of the yields. The variability of productivity of spring barley varieties was assessed in terms of such traits as stability, ecological plasticity and adaptability in different ecological and geographical conditions. The research was conducted in 2020–2022 on 17 varieties of spring barley in ecological trial in Samara and Rostov regions. The experiment was laid in fourfold repetition with a plot area of 10 m². In the years of research, the "growing region" factor (98.7%) had the greatest influence. Evaluation of the index of environmental conditions (Ij) revealed that the best conditions for the vegetation of spring barley plants were formed in the experiment in the Rostov region (Zernogradsky district) (Ij = +0.99). The yield of the varieties depended not only on the location of the seed-trial ground but also on the year of cultivation. The linear regression coefficient ranged from 0.67 to 1.36, dividing the varieties into responsive, weakly responsive and adaptive to changes in the cultivation conditions. The varieties Zernogradsky 1717 and Zernogradsky 1724 formed the highest yield in the experimental plots and were classified as stable under cultivation under different soil and climatic conditions, with high breeding value, stress tolerance and level of variety stability.

Assessment of different elite mango varieties suitable for North western plain zones of Uttar Pradesh

The evaluation of different mango varieties was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four varieties, namely, Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Dashehari-51, each replicated three times. The plants were spaced at 4x4 m intervals. The results obtained demonstrated significant variations in various parameters, ranging from minimum to maximum values. The canopy spread ranged from 1.77 to 7.49 m, stem girth from 16.67 to 40 cm, number of fruits per plant from 21 to 118, fruit length from 92.04 to 123.28 mm, fruit width from 56.02 to 77.41 mm, and fruit weight from 202 to 591 g. However, the number of primary branches (2-3) and plant height (1.54-4.35 m) were found to be nonsignificant. Based on the morpho-economic traits, Pusa Arunima appeared to be a superior variety in terms of tree morpho-economic traits, while others were considered moderate. Considering the average number of fruits per plant and fruit weight (g) over a two-year period, Pusa Arunima clearly outperformed the other three varieties in terms of yield. Furthermore, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Ambika exhibited more marketable fruit traits. These findings emphasize the significant diversity among the examined mango cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and preserve these valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing novel and commercially viable cultivars.

64 Digital Technologies and Machine Learning: a New Way to Look at Novel Traits at Spatial and Temporal Dimensions

Abstract Accurate measurement of target traits in individual animals or groups of animals under different environmental conditions, such as varying diets, disease treatments, and management practices, is crucial for the progress of livestock research. While experimental studies on research farms ensure internal validity of results, observational studies on commercial farms provide external validity, i.e. how such results generalize to commercial settings. Both types of studies require longitudinal follow-up of animals and individual identification for monitoring their well-being, as well as their performance in terms of production, reproduction, and disease traits. Advances in digital technologies, including wearables and remote sensors, coupled with efficient data management and data mining techniques, now allow for accurate monitoring of animals and their environment in both spatial and temporal dimensions. These technologies enable investigations of novel traits such as traits related to product quality, animal behavior and welfare, individual feed intake, and gas emissions. This presentation will highlight our research efforts in developing and adapting tools and methods for livestock applications, including specific research projects that implement such tools. For instance, we will discuss a case study aiming to predict dairy cows’ future performance based on their growth and mammary gland development during calf-heifer stages.

Variability Parameters, Correlation Studies and Path Analysis of Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review

Rice, a staple food crop of global importance exhibits substantial diversity in terms of yield and other agronomic traits, influenced by genetic, environmental, and management factors. Variability parameters, including genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, correlation, and path analysis provide crucial insights into the extent of trait variation and their potential for improvement through breeding programs. Furthermore, correlation studies unveil the interdependencies between different traits, shedding light on potential connections influencing yield. This analysis uncovers important trait associations, guiding breeders and researchers in the pursuit of crop improvement strategies. By identifying both positive and negative correlations, this research offers a deeper understanding of trait interplay and informs targeted trait selection efforts. Path analysis, a pivotal aspect of this review, describes the underlying causal relationships between traits and their direct and indirect effects on yield. This analysis facilitates the ranking of trait contributions and guides decisions for trait prioritization in breeding programs. By illuminating the pathways through which traits influence yield, path analysis enhances the precision of trait selection for improved rice cultivars. The synergy of variability parameters, correlation studies, and path analysis presents a holistic framework for unraveling the complexities of rice yield determination. Understanding these parameters enhances our ability to select and develop high-yielding and resilient rice varieties, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. This abstract delves into the significance of variability parameters in unraveling the complexities of rice yield and trait dynamics, guiding effective crop improvement strategies for the future. This review provides a valuable synthesis of existing knowledge, offering insights that can aid researchers, breeders, and agronomists in their pursuit of enhancing rice yield and overall agricultural sustainability.

Seedling emergence and biomass production of soybean cultivars under wheat-soybean relay cropping.

Diversification and intensification of cropping systems can ensure farm profitability while reducing negative environmental impacts of agriculture. Wheat-soybean relay cropping (RC), which consists in planting soybean into standing wheat prior to its harvest, may have this potential although it is poorly adopted by French and European farmers. One of the reasons underlying this lack of adoption could be poor emergence rates and biomass production of soybean, due to a severe competition from the already established primary crop for water, light and nutrients during the co-growth or intercrop phase. All these constraints during the early plant growth could finally affect soybean grain yield and thus farm profitability. Here, we performed a laboratory experiment followed by a 2-year field trial (2021-2022) to investigate potential differences among seven soybean cultivars belonging to different maturity groups (from very early to late) in terms of early growth traits viz. seed germination, seedling emergence vigor and final rates, and early biomass production in wheat-soybean RC. A reference soybean variety belonging to late maturity group (cv. ES Pallador) was also sown under conventional cropping system as control treatment (hereafter referred to as CC). Under laboratory conditions, the base water potential for germination ranged from -0.65 to -0.45 MPa with significant differences (p<0.001) among the tested cultivars indicating their differential tolerance to water stress. Under field conditions, seedling emergence vigor, an index explaining the speed of emergence, ranged from 0.23 to 0.41 and from 0.24 to 0.33 while final emergence rates ranged from 69% to 93% and from 65 to 90% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. We found significant effect of cultivar, year and cultivar x year interaction on emergence vigor (p<0.001) and final emergence rates (p<0.01, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) of soybean cultivars. Significantly higher emergence vigor of the referent cv. ES Pallador was observed in RC compared to CC cropping system in 2021 (0.40 and 0.34, respectively) but not in 2022 (0.29 and 0.31, respectively). Water stress in the seedbed was higher in RC compared to the CC and was the main cause affecting seed germination and seedling emergence vigor especially in 2022. We found a positive correlation between seedling emergence vigor and seedling final emergence rates indicating that a lower speed of seedling emergence, due to seedbed stress factors, affects final emergence rates of soybean. Post-emergence losses due to pigeons were significantly higher (p<0.001) in CC compared to RC (30% and 2% in 2021, and 29% and 2% in 2022 in CC and RC, respectively). Significantly higher biomass production was observed in CC compared to that in RC both in 2021 (162 vs 33 g/m2 of dry matter; p<0.001) and 2022 (252 vs 60 g/m2 of dry matter; p<0.001). Overall, pre-/post-emergence water stress in the seedbed and post-emergence damage due to pigeons are the most important factors affecting a uniform and robust soybean establishment under RC and CC, respectively under southern French conditions.

Acoustic correlates of perceived personality from Korean utterances in a formal communicative setting.

The aim of the present study was to find acoustic correlates of perceived personality from the speech produced in a formal communicative setting-that of Korean customer service employees in particular. This work extended previous research on voice personality impressions to a different sociocultural and linguistic context in which speakers are expected to speak politely in a formal register. To use naturally produced speech rather than read speech, we devised a new method that successfully elicited spontaneous speech from speakers who were role-playing as customer service employees, while controlling for the words and sentence structures they used. We then examined a wide range of acoustic properties in the utterances, including voice quality and global acoustic and segmental properties using Principal Component Analysis. Subjects of the personality rating task listened to the utterances and rated perceived personality in terms of the Big-Five personality traits. While replicating some previous findings, we discovered several acoustic variables that exclusively accounted for the personality judgments of female speakers; a more modal voice quality increased perceived conscientiousness and neuroticism, and less dispersed formants reflecting a larger body size increased the perceived levels of extraversion and openness. These biases in personality perception likely reflect gender and occupation-related stereotypes that exist in South Korea. Our findings can also serve as a basis for developing and evaluating synthetic speech for Voice Assistant applications in future studies.

Understanding the impact of sand extraction on benthic ecosystem functioning: a combination of functional indices and biological trait analysis

Marine aggregates have been intensively extracted in the North-East Atlantic over the past decades. This study aimed to assess the effect of sand extraction on benthic ecosystem functioning using a combination of biological traits and functional indices (the bioturbation (BPc) and irrigation potential (IPc) and secondary production (SPc) of the macrobenthic community). Data on macrobenthos, sediment properties and extraction intensity were collected over a time period of ten years (2010 – 2019) for three coarse sediment extraction areas in the Belgian Part of the North Sea, each with a different extraction regime. Sediment parameters such as the medium sand fraction (250 – 500 µm) and median grain size showed a significant effect on all functional indices. Whilst sand extraction variables only significantly affected secondary production estimates. The secondary production of the macrobenthic community decreased following a high yearly extraction intensity, whereas a high cumulative (10-year period) extraction intensity resulted in a slightly increased secondary production. Species-specific responses revealed that these high cumulative extraction volumes increased the abundance of opportunistic species, which could have contributed to the higher SPc values observed in cumulative disturbed areas. Response traits such as tube-living and sessile individuals with a pelagic egg development were positively influenced by a long-term disturbance, an indication of a more disturbance-tolerant community. A short-term disturbance rather seemed to favor a macrobenthic community characterized by a higher burrowing capability. In terms of effect traits, both short- and long-term extraction clearly favored deposit feeders, which can structure organic matter distribution and thus indirectly influence nutrient and oxygen fluxes as well. Future in situ measurements in sand extraction areas could help to unravel and strengthen our understanding of the ecosystem processes linked to these trait-based observations.

Unravelling mechanisms behind population dynamics, biological traits and latitudinal distribution in two benthic ecosystem engineers: A modelling approach

The mechanistic approach consisting of coupling Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) models to Individual-Based Models (IBMs) allows simulating individual and population biological traits and their dynamics. This approach was developed here to study population dynamics of two sympatric intertidal ecosystem engineers, Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens (Annelida Polychaeta) occurring in the North-East Atlantic from Portugal to Sweden. Latitudinal heterogeneity of the two species’ performances were investigated in terms of population dynamics and biological traits using latitudinal differences in environmental forcing variables. The impact of the forcing variables on population dynamics processes (shore colonisation and migration, spawning and recruitment, etc.) within a specific foreshore (mean values and seasonal patterns) was also assessed. Published DEB parameters were used for A. marina and a specific calibration was undertaken for A. defodiens, combining literature data and new laboratory experiments and field data. Our DEB-IBM simulated super-individuals’ growth and reproduction while lugworms were colonising, migrating and dying over a simulated foreshore. Density rules affected population dynamics. Environmental forcings consisted in monthly values of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations and daily values of SST. Scenarios focusing on the two most contrasted of these forcing variables time series were used to explore their relative effects over populations’ dynamics and on-shore processes were investigated at two sites displaying highly different simulated population abundances. Overall, northern sites with higher chl-a levels performed better displaying higher biomass, maximum length and reproductive outputs for both species. As expected, Sea Surface Temperature (SST) changes between sites did not impact greatly populations dynamics. Under favourable environmental conditions, intra- and inter-specific competitions emerged from the model. Under non-favourable environmental conditions, A. defodiens’ populations crashed and A. marina displayed atypical population processes, with rare spawning events barely allowing the population’s renewal, and lower size at maturity. Further use and development of this model will lead to better insights on the lugworm populations’ evolution over the next decades.

Halobacillus salinarum sp. nov., Halobacillus shinanisalinarum sp. nov. and Halobacillus amylolyticus sp. nov., isolated from saltern soil.

Three bacterial strains, designated SSBR10-3T, SSTM10-2T and SSHM10-5T, were isolated from saltern soil sampled in Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea. Cells were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, flagellated and rod-shaped. The strains grew optimally at 28°C and at pH 7.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains SSBR10-3T, SSTM10-2T and SSHM10-5T were placed within the genus Halobacillus, showing the highest similarity to Halobacillus alkaliphilus FP5T (98.6 %), 'Halobacillus ihumii' Marseille-Q1234T (98.5 %) and Halobacillus locisalis MSS-155T (98.6 %), respectively. The genomic similarity values between strains SSBR10-3T, SSTM10-2T and SSHM10-5T and their related species were 17.6-22.6 % for digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and 69.6-78.5 % for orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI), which were lower than the thresholds recommended for species delineation. The dDDH and OrthoANI values among the three strains were below 38.3 and 89.4 %, respectively. Besides the differences in genomic features, strains SSBR10-3T, SSTM10-2T and SSHM10-5T were distinct from each other and from members of the genus in terms of phenotypic traits related to substrate assimilation. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0, and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7 for all three strains. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid were present in their polar lipid profiles. Based on a polyphasic approach incorporating genomic data, strains SSBR10-3T, SSTM10-2T and SSHM10-5T represent novel species, for which the names Halobacillus salinarum sp. nov. (SSBR10-3T=DSM 114353T=KACC 21935T=NBRC 115504T), Halobacillus shinanisalinarum sp. nov. (SSTM10-2T=DSM 114354T=KACC 21936T=NBRC 115505T) and Halobacillus amylolyticus sp. nov. (SSHM10-5T=DSM 114355T= KACC 21937T=NBRC 115506T) are proposed.

Investigation of Leaf Gas Exchange Parameters of Several Chestnut Population Seedlings at the End of the Growing Season

Changes in temperature and precipitation due to global climate change negatively affect plant species' growth, development, and adaptation to new places. However, genetic structure is the most critical criterion for determining a species's potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Monitoring gas exchange parameters in plants is the simplest way to monitor physiological changes in plants under changing environmental factors. Among species, the Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa) is native and economically important tree species (fruit and wood production). It is naturally distributed from the north side of Turkey, Marmara, and Western Anatolia. However, the Anatolian chestnut is one of the most affected tree species by global climate change. In this study, numerous Anatolian chestnut populations (3 years old) were used to determine leaf gas exchange parameters at the end of the growing season in Düzce. Stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), net photosynthetic rate (Anet), and other parameters were measured. As a result, the leaf gas exchange parameters of chestnut populations changed significantly based on the populations. Marigoule population seedlings had 2-fold Anet values compared to the Ibradı population. Regarding gs, the differences between populations (Erfelek and Ibradı) changed approximately 2.5 folds and the differences (Erfelek and Ibradı) increased more than 3 folds in terms of E values. It can be said that Marigoule and Erfelek populations can adapt more to Düzce climate conditions than other populations. In contrast, Ibradi population seedlings have a low adaptation mechanism in terms of gas exchange traits.

Response of riparian plant community to landscape matrix differs by taxonomic and functional diversity: Implications for the planning of riparian landscapes regulated by dams

Local plant communities are embedded within the landscape matrix, and thus, diversity of these communities is largely determined by the spatial pattern of surrounding land-use. However, it is not yet clear how taxonomic and functional diversity within riparian plant communities respond differently to the landscape matrix at different scales, and whether and how these landscape-scale responses can be shaped by flooding conditions in the riparian landscape. This study is based upon field surveys of riparian plant communities in a total of 136 quadrats exposed to two different levels of flooding intensity along the reservoir formed by the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). We investigated the relationship between plant diversity of riparian communities and the surrounding landscape at different scales, which examined how the diversity, in terms of both plant taxonomy and functional traits, was affected by the landscape matrix at 15 different spatial scales ranging from 200 m to 3000 m in increments of 200 m around each sampling site. Furthermore, the community diversity in response to the landscape matrix under different levels of flooding intensity was also examined. Our findings suggested that trait-based functional diversity was more closely related to the landscape matrix at all 15 scales examined, compared to taxon-based diversity. The dispersal trait was found to be more susceptible to landscape connectivity across the matrix. Further, both types of diversity responded more strongly to landscape configurational metrics than compositional metrics. In addition, we observed that, in the communities exposed to high flooding intensity, the two types of diversity tended to have more consistent responses to the landscape matrix compared to those exposed to low flooding intensity. We concluded that while the landscape matrix had different effects on taxonomic and functional diversity, the high flooding intensity could lessen their differences in the riparian landscape. Our findings revealed that the robust local environmental filtering process, which affects the diversity of riparian communities, could lead to both diversity components exhibiting similar responses to the landscape matrix in riparian landscapes.

Counterfeit brands and Machiavellianism: Consequences of counterfeit use for social perception

Despite efforts to study counterfeit consumption, little is known about consequences of such behavior for social perception, particularly how consumers who purchase counterfeit products are perceived by others in terms of their morality. Across two experiments (N1 = 182, N2 = 337) employing different stimuli (brands and models), we tested the effect of counterfeit consumption on the perception of a consumer in terms of Machiavellianism trait. Additionally, we explored the boundary conditions and mechanisms underlying this effect. The findings reveal that the effect of counterfeit consumption on perceptions of consumer Machiavellianism is not universal. Specifically, we discovered that individuals with high (vs. low) levels of brand engagement in self-concept (BESC) tend to perceive individuals using counterfeit brands as more Machiavellian (Study 1). Furthermore, our findings suggest that this negative social perception is driven by an increase in the perception of consumers’ inauthenticity, especially in observers with high levels of BESC (Study 2). This research contributes to the understanding of how users of counterfeit brands are perceived in terms of their morality, shedding light on the underlying factors that influence these perceptions.

Negative first impression judgements of autistic children by non-autistic adults.

Although autism inclusion and acceptance has increased in recent years, autistic people continue to face stigmatization, exclusion, and victimization. Based on brief 10-second videos, non-autistic adults rate autistic adults less favourably than they rate non-autistic adults in terms of traits and behavioural intentions. In the current study, we extended this paradigm to investigate the first impressions of autistic and non-autistic children by non-autistic adult raters and examined the relationship between the rater's own characteristics and bias against autistic children. Segments of video recorded interviews from 15 autistic and 15 non-autistic children were shown to 346 undergraduate students in audio with video, audio only, video only, transcript, or still image conditions. Participants rated each child on a series of traits and behavioural intentions toward the child, and then completed a series of questionnaires measuring their own social competence, autistic traits, quantity and quality of past experiences with autistic people, and explicit autism stigma. Overall, autistic children were rated more negatively than non-autistic children, particularly in conditions containing audio. Raters with higher social competence and explicit autism stigma rated autistic children more negatively, whereas raters with more autistic traits and more positive past experiences with autistic people rated autistic children more positively. These rapid negative judgments may contribute to the social exclusion experienced by autistic children. The findings indicate that certain personal characteristics may be related to more stigmatised views of autism and decreased willingness to interact with the autistic person. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the social inclusion and well-being of autistic people.