Trunk Size Research Articles

Genetic diversity and population structure of superior shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) using SNP markers for the establishment of a core collection in Côte d'Ivoire.

The shea tree is a well-known carbon sink in Africa that requires a sustainable conservation of its gene pool. However, the genetic structure of its population is not well studied, especially in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, 333 superior shea tree genotypes conserved in situ in Côte d'Ivoire were collected and genotyped with the aim of investigating its genetic diversity and population structure to facilitate suitable conservation and support future breeding efforts to adapt to climate change effects. A total of 7,559 filtered high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using the genotyping by sequencing technology. The gene diversity (HE) ranged between 0.1 to 0.5 with an average of 0.26, while the polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged between 0.1 to 0.5 with an average of 0.24, indicating a moderate genetic diversity among the studied genotypes. The population structure model classified the 333 genotypes into three genetic groups (GP1, GP2, and GP3). GP1 contained shea trees that mainly originated from the Poro, Tchologo, and Hambol districts, while GP2 and GP3 contained shea trees collected from the Bagoué district. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified 55% variance within populations and 45% variance within individuals, indicating a very low genetic differentiation (or very high gene exchange) between these three groups (FST = 0.004, gene flow Nm = 59.02). Morphologically, GP1 displayed spreading tree growth habit, oval nut shape, higher mean nut weight (10.62g), wide leaf (limb width = 4.63cm), and small trunk size (trunk circumference = 133.4cm). Meanwhile, GP2 and GP3 showed similar morphological characteristics: erect and spreading tree growth habit, ovoid nut shape, lower mean nut weight (GP2: 8.89g; GP3: 8.36g), thin leaf (limb width = 4.45cm), and large trunk size ( GP2: 160.5cm, GP3: 149.1cm). A core set of 100 superior shea trees, representing 30% of the original population size and including individuals from all four study districts, was proposed using the "maximum length sub-tree function" in DARwin v. 6.0.21. These findings provide new knowledge of the genetic diversity and population structure of Ivorian shea tree genetic resources for the design of effective collection and conservation strategies for the efficient use of inbreeding.

Effect of trunk size on the effectiveness of pistachio harvesters

Effect of trunk size on the effectiveness of pistachio harvesters

An investigation of the effect of randomness in trunk size and location on the attenuation of sound through forests generated by Lindenmayer systems

This presentation provides an overview of what is known about the influence of randomness in trunk size and location on the attenuation of sound through forests. It also provides an explanation of the Lindenmayer system (L-system) approach to modeling plants and trees in addition to the multiset L-system approach to modeling the dynamics of forest ecosystems, investigating its applicability to the problem of optimizing sound attenuation through forests. This project was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, Institute of Acoustics, Milton Keynes, UK, under the mentorship of Dr. Keith Attenborough.

Growth, yield and oil quality of adult pedestrian olive orchards grown at four different planting systems.

This study evaluated growth, yield and olive oil quality of mature pedestrian olive orchards. Trees of three Sicilian cultivars Calatina, Nocellara del Belice and Abunara were planted at four combinations of planting densities and training forms. Trees at 2 × 5m were trained to central leader (CLx2), those at 3 × 5m to free palmette (FPx3), those at 4 x 5 to globe vase (GVx4), and those at 5 x 5 to poly-conic vase (PVx5). 'Calatina' had the smallest trees in terms of trunk size in all growing systems, while canopy size of trees at higher densities was similar for all three cultivars. 'Calatina' was also the most growth efficient (m3 of canopy per cm2 of TCSA) and produced the least amount of pruning wood in the hedgerow systems (CLx2 and FPx3). Fruit yield per tree tended to be higher in more vigorous cultivars (Abunara and Nocellara) grown to 3D systems (GVx4 and PVx5), while 'Calatina' was the most yield efficient (kg of fruit per cm2 of TCSA) especially in the hedgerow growing systems. Fruit and oil yield per ha and average production value tended to be highest in CLx2 trees and lowest in GVx4 trees, with 'Calatina' showing the sharpest changes and 'Nocellara' the smallest changes among growing systems. According to the Jaen index, CLx2 tended to induce earlier fruit maturation, followed by PVx5, GVx4, and FPx3. The growing system did not affect oil fatty acid composition, while 'Calatina' had the highest amount of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids. 'Abunara' oils exhibited the highest amount of total phenols in CLx2, while 'Calatina' and 'Nocellara' oils exhibited the highest amount in FPx3 and PVx5. Both, trans-2-hexenal ("cut grass" sensory note) and hexenyl acetate ("floral" sensory note) tended to be lowest in oils from trees grown at CLx2 and highest in those from trees grown at GVx4, showing a somewhat inverse relationship with fruit ripening degree. The outcome of the present study on mature pedestrian orchards shows that proper combinations of cultivars, planting densities, and training forms (canopy shape) may result in efficient intensive systems for growing olive in areas where super-high density systems cannot be profitable due to agronomic and environmental limitations (water shortage, steep sloping sites, small farm size, etc.). Pedestrian growing systems can also be used to exploit olive biodiversity by allowing the use of available local genotypes. For this reason, they may represent an effective and sustainable solution against unexpected climate changes and associated emerging diseases.

Description and molecular data for a new acanthocephalan parasite, Polymorphus circi n. sp. (Polymorphidae) from the Australasian harrier (Circus approximans Peale) in New Zealand.

Species of genus Polymorphus Lühe, 1911 (Polymorphidae) are acanthocephalans found in fish-eating birds and waterfowl. Although found in many parts of the world, including Australia, no records exist from New Zealand. Because of the largely aquatic intermediate host, Polymorphus species are rarely found in terrestrial birds of prey. During a study of the helminths of the Australasian harrier Circus approximans Peale specimens of Polymorphus were recovered that were found to be new to science. Polymorphus circi n. sp. is formally described and genetic sequence data presented. Specimens were distinguished from all other species by a combination of characters, including their proboscis hook arrangement (20-22 rows of 11-13 hooks), as well as absence of sexual dimorphism, trunk size, proboscis shape and egg size. These acanthocephalans were found in birds from areas with the potential to support freshwater, brackish or marine amphipods, but as yet the actual intermediate hosts are unknown.

Reidentification of Wayaosaurus bellus and the conservative trunk and tail shape of Thalattosauria

ABSTRACT Thalattosauria is an enigmatic marine reptile clade that from the Middle to Late Triassic. The taxonomy and relationships within this clade remain controversial. Here, we redescribed the holotype of Wayaosaurus bellus, GZDB 0005, from the Upper Triassic rocks of Guanling, Guizhou Province, China. The specimen was originally and previously misidentified as a pachypleurosaur, but we hereby emend its diagnosis and discussed its taxonomy and systematic affinity. Miodentosaurus brevis shares diagnostic characters with GZDB 0005, suggesting that M. brevis may be a junior synonym of W. bellus. We also investigated evolutionary trends in thalattosaur morphology. Compared to Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia, the trunk size and tail length/trunk length ratio showed a reversed evolutionary trend in Thalattosauria. Categories within the morphospaces of thalattosaur rostrum types are isolated, while their functional significance still remains unclear. Our results suggest that the diverse morphotypes of Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia were related to ecological specialisation and adaptation to oceanic environment and pelagic environments in the Middle-Late Triassic, while Thalattosauria may have been restricted in the nearshore. Thalattosauria may have been outcompeted by Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia in the oceanic environment due to their conservative trunk and tail shape, and their diversity declined after the Carnian.

Effect of Rootstock on Vineyard Establishment Using Green-Growing Benchgrafts

Demand for vine plant material has increased drastically due to the ongoing expansion of viticulture, and recent widespread replanting efforts. Nurseries and growers are turning to green-grafted vines to meet demand. Unfortunately, most vineyard establishment studies have centered around dormant benchgrafted vines. Thus, little is known regarding the specific establishment trends of green-growing benchgrafts. This study aimed to explore the role rootstock selection has in green-growing benchgraft establishment and development over the first four years post-planting. Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon blanc was grafted onto multiple rootstocks of varying parentage, including ‘101-14MGT’ (V. riparia × V. rupestris), ‘1103P’ (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris), ‘110R’ (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris), ‘420A MGT’ (V. berlandieri × V. riparia), and ‘Teleki 5C’ (V. berlandieri × V. riparia). The experimental site was organized using a completely randomized design (n = 12) with all vines managed to industry-standard cultural practices. Vines grafted onto 1103P had the largest average trunk diameter (p = 0.0012) and circumference (p < 0.0001) at 22.2 mm and 7.57 cm, respectively. Vines grafted onto 110R had the second-largest trunk circumference at 6.65 cm. Vines grafted onto 110R had the largest concentration of total non-structural carbohydrates at planting at 1.47 g/L, followed by 1103P at 1.25 g/L (p < 0.0001). Total non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in the trunk during dormancy was the highest in 110R at 16.0% total dry weight (p = 0.0008). The larger trunk size and more extensive carbohydrate reserves suggest that green-growing benchgrafts using 110R or 1103P have a higher capacity and likelihood of establishment success.

Tree Trunk Detection of Eastern Red Cedar in Rangeland Environment with Deep Learning Technique

Uncontrolled spread of eastern red cedar invades the United States Great Plains prairie ecosystems and lowers biodiversity across native grasslands. The eastern red cedar (ERC) infestations cause significant challenges for ranchers and landowners, including the high costs of removing mature red cedars, reduced livestock forage feed, and reduced revenue from hunting leases. Therefore, a fleet of autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) is proposed to address the ERC infestation. However, detecting the target tree or trunk in a rangeland environment is critical in automating an ERC cutting operation. A tree trunk detection method was developed in this study for ERC trees trained in natural rangeland environments using a deep learning-based YOLOv5 model. An action camera acquired RGB images in a natural rangeland environment. A transfer learning method was adopted, and the YOLOv5 was trained to detect the varying size of the ERC tree trunk. A trained model precision, recall, and average precision were 87.8%, 84.3%, and 88.9%. The model accurately predicted the varying tree trunk sizes and differentiated between trunk and branches. This study demonstrated the potential for using pretrained deep learning models for tree trunk detection with RGB images. The developed machine vision system could be effectively integrated with a fleet of AGVs for ERC cutting. The proposed ERC tree trunk detection models would serve as a fundamental element for the AGV fleet, which would assist in effective rangeland management to maintain the ecological balance of grassland systems.

BIOMETRIC INDICATORS OF TREES OF WALNUT VARIETIES

Tree height and trunk size, branch size, projection, and branch size were determined in walnut orchards of 16 varieties in the walnut collection.

Technical Features of the Experimental Target Device for Denervation of the Pulmonary Arteries

Objectives: Creation of a device that allows additionally performing a procedure to correct high pulmonary hypertension during heart valve replacement surgery. Methods: In laboratory conditions, a number of parameters of the pulmonary vessels were measured - the wall thickness in various areas, the diameter of the pulmonary trunk in the initial state (without squeezing it) and the transverse size of the pulmonary trunk when squeezing until its inner walls were completely closed.

The elevation of a unique population of Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the Caspian seal, Pusa caspica, in the Caspian Sea to Corynosoma neostrumosum n. sp.

An isolated population of 700 specimens initially described as Corynosoma strumosum (Rudolphi, 1802) Lühe, 1904 and currently reassigned to Corynosoma neostrumosum n. sp. was collected from one young male Caspian seal, Pusa caspica (Gmelin) in the southern land-locked Caspian Sea in April 2009. Collected worms were morphologically unique compared with those reported by other observers in open waters, especially in shape and distribution of proboscis hooks and trunk spines, dorso-ventral differences in proboscis hooks and their organization, the baldness of anterior proboscis, consistently smaller size of trunk and testes, larger eggs, the rough egg topography, epidermal micropores, and variations in the female gonopore. Molecular data from the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA and the mitochondrial cox1 gene was also provided to supplement the morphological study of the new species.

Modeling and driving function optimization of tree climbing robot

To ensure the tree-climbing robot can complete the up-tree or down-tree process, its arms need to adjust the displacement of the push rod in real-time according to the diameter size of the tree trunk so that the tire can smoothly bypass the smaller tree pile. However, the irregular shape of the trunk surface makes the inflatable tire vibrate during rolling, which will reversely affect the performance of the push rod. Based on this, the three-dimensional model of the tree-climbing robot is established by Solid Works software, and the kinematics simulation model of the tree-climbing robot is established by Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS). The kinematics simulation analysis is carried out. According to the tire displacement curve of the tree-climbing robot, the optimal solution of the push rod driving function is solved. Under the condition of ensuring the trajectory of the spiral rise is unchanged, the mean square deviation of the distance between the two arms of the tree-climbing robot is the smallest, and the push rod is the least affected by the reverse effect of the tire. The simulation results show that under the condition of the optimal solution, the frequency distribution and amplitude of the four springs are basically the same. The force of the four springs is uniform, and the reverse influence of the tires on the two push rods is minimized, which is conducive to the improvement of the stability of the tree climbing robot.

Dependence of flower-bearing on trunk size and trunk origin in four tree species of the subgenus Quercus

ABSTRACT We investigated the flower-bearing properties of four sympatric oak species in the subgenus Quercus commonly grown in semi-natural forests in western Honshu Island, Japan. Quercus variabilis and Quercus acutissima belong to the section Cerris and Quercus serrata and Quercus aliena belong to the section Quercus. The timing and pattern of flower-bearing varied among the four oaks, but were synchronized between the male and female inflorescences within each species. Trunk size was the primary factor affecting the flower-bearing properties; more flowers were borne on thicker trunks. Threshold trunk sizes for flower-bearing, below which no flowers were borne, were identified in the two Cerris section oak species; in contrast, the two Quercus section oak species bore flowers even on the smallest trunks. The smallest flower-bearing trunk sizes of the Quercus section oaks were extremely small compared with the other tall tree species distributed in the temperate zone of Honshu Island. The flowering probability was not clearly influenced by whether the stem originated from a seedling or a sprout, except for the male inflorescences of Q. aliena, which rather showed a positive relationship between sprout-origin and flower-bearing. Thus, no trade-off relationship between sprouting and flowering was observed.

A Missense Mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in PAPSS2 Gene Results in Autosomal Recessive form of Brachyolmia Type 1 (Hobaek Form) in A Consanguineous Family.

Brachyolmia is a skeletal disorder with an autosomal mode of inheritance (both dominant and recessive) in which the patients have a short height, scoliosis and a reduced trunk size. From the Muzaffargarh District in Pakistan, a consanguineous family with multiple Brachyolmia-affected subjects were enrolled in the present study. Basic epidemiological data and radiographs were collected for the subjects. Whole exome sequencing (WES) which was followed by Sanger sequencing was applied to report the geneticbasic of Brachyolmia. The WES identified a missense mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in exon 9 of the PAPSS2 gene that was confirmed by the Sanger sequencing in the enrolled subjects. The mutation followed a Mendalian pattern with an autosomal recessive inheritance mode. Multiple sequence alignment by Clustal Omega indicated that the PAPSS2 mutation-containing domain is highly conserved. The HEK293T whole-cell extract that was transfected with the Myc-tagged PCMV6-PAPSS2 of both the wild and mutant constructs were resolved by SDS-PAGE as well as by a Western blot, which confirmed that there are different PAPSS2 protein expression patterns when they were compared between the control and Brachyolmia patients. This difference between the normal and mutated protein was not evident when the three-dimensional computational structures were generated using homology modeling. We report a missense mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in the PAPSS2 gene that caused Brachyolmia in a consanguineous Pakistani family.

Gait Classification Using Machine Learning for Foot Disseises Diagnosis

Person recognition systems based on biometrics have recently attracted a lot of attention in the scientific community. It’s an ever-evolving technology that aspires to do biometric recognition automatically, rapidly, precisely, and consistently. In recent decades, gait recognition has emerged as a type of biometric identification that focuses on recognizing individuals using personal measures and correlations, such as trunk and limb size, as well as space-time information linked to intrinsic patterns in individuals’ motions. Lower-limb surgery is one of the leading causes of loss of autonomy in patients. An improved rehabilitation process is a vital aspect for care facilities since it improves both the patient’s quality of life and the associated costs of the post-surgery procedure. Proper progress monitoring is critical to the success of a rehabilitation program. In this paper, we employed machine learning methods as classifiers to classify foot diseases and then monitor the progress in the patient case. Five classifiers were utilized to train and test the EMG dataset in the lower limb. These classifiers are K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Logistic Regression (LR), and Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD). The experimental results show high accuracy reaching 99% in both KNN and RF classifiers and 97% in the DT classifier. The fundamental benefit of the suggested procedures is their high estimation accuracy, which leads to better therapeutic results.

EFFECT OF GUMMOSIS CAUSED BY PHYTOPHTHORA SPP. ON LEAF AREA AND TRUNK SIZE OF CITRUS IN DISTRICT SARGODHA, PAKISTAN

Gummosis disease of citrus, caused by Phytophthora spp. is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus in Pakistan. Considering the menace of this disease, the present study was conducted to determine the disease incidence and its effect on the trunk size and leaf area of affected plants. A comprehensive survey was conducted in 75 citrus orchards in 3 tehsils (Sargodha, Bhalwal, and Kot Momin) of the district Sargodha for the prevalence of the disease. The diseased plants were marked from each orchard, trunk size was measured and leaf area was recorded using leaf area meter. The leaves from diseased plants of tehsil Sargodha showed the highest leaf area with an average of about 2685 mm2 followed by Bhalwal 2548 mm2. There was a huge difference in the trunk size of healthy and diseased trees. The highest average healthy trunk size (102 cm) was recorded in Kot Momin while the diseased trunk in Bhalwal was found 9 cm in size. Healthy leaf area and trunk size were not significantly different from tehsil to tehsil, but diseased trees were significantly different from each other at P0.05. Gummosis is a widespread disease in citrus growing areas and continues to gain importance as a constraint in citrus production. Therefore, concerted efforts should be implemented towards educating farmers and extension personnel about the disease's spread and management.

Individualized body geometry correction factor (K B) for use when predicting body composition from bioimpedance spectroscopy

Objective. Prediction of body composition from bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurements using mixture theory-based biophysical modelling invokes a factor (K B) to account for differing body geometry (or proportions) between individuals. To date, a single constant value is commonly used. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in K B across individuals and to develop a procedure for estimating an individualized K B value. Approach. Publicly available body dimension data, primarily from the garment industry, were used to calculate K B values for individuals of varying body sizes across the life-span. The 3D surface relationship between weight, height and K B, was determined and used to create look-up tables to enable estimation of K B in individuals based on height and weight. The utility of the proposed method was assessed by comparing fat-free mass predictions from BIS using either a constant K B value or the individualized value. Results. Computed K B values were well fitted to height and weight by a 3D surface (R 2 = 0.988). Body composition was predicted more accurately compared to reference methods when using individualized K B than a constant value in infants and children but improvement in prediction was less in adults particularly those with high body mass index. Significance. Prediction of body composition from BIS and mixture theory is improved by using an individualized body proportion factor in those of small body habitus, e.g. children. Improvement is small in adults or non-existent in those of large body size. Further improvements may be possible by incorporating a factor to account for trunk size, i.e. waist circumference.

Estimation of proper shaking parameters for pistachio trees based on their trunk size

Trunk shaking is the most common mechanical harvesting system for harvesting pistachio. Harvesting machine operators often subjectively decide how to set the shaking parameters such as frequency and duration and this requires experience. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of tree morphology and shaking parameters such as trunk size and shaking pattern on the energy distribution through the branches and to optimise the shaking intensity of individual pistachio trees based on a tree-specific feedback loop. Wireless 3D accelerometer sensors were built and used to measure vibration transmission through the tree canopy at different locations and to monitor the energy transmission between the machine shaker head and the tree trunk. Thirty trees were selected for this study and were divided into three groups based on the trunk circumference size. To study the effect of a shaking pattern on the vibration transmission through the tree, four shaking patterns were selected and tested. Shaking duration was measured and it showed an average of 30% longer time compared to the shaking pattern duration. The effect of all four shaking patterns was analysed using continuous wavelet transform. The responses of trees were analysed and the optimum shaking intensity for each tree was determined. A model was developed to estimate the optimum shaking intensity for pistachio trees based on their trunk size. The model showed that 37, 57, and 65% are the optimum shaking intensity percentages for small, medium, and large trees, respectively. • Mechanical harvesting systems for pistachio trees were studied. • Vibration transmission through the pistachio tree canopy was measured and analysed. • Wavelet analysis was used to find proper shaking intensity for each tree. • A model for optimum shaking intensity based on trunk size was developed.

Expert System to Diagnose Bonsai Plant Pests with Certainty Factor Method

Bonsai ornamental plants are dwarf plants which are generally planted in shallow pots. The main element in bonsai is harmony between pots and plants, in addition to harmony between pots and plants there are also other elements such as trunk size, tree height, root distribution, twigs, and leaf size as well as diseases and pests that attack the bonsai plants need to be considered. The difficulty of the community in conducting consultations and the unavailability of funds and time, so that the community has never conducted consultations about diseases and pests that attack their bonsai plants to experts or plant extension workers from the relevant agencies. Therefore, it is necessary to take action to anticipate the increasing number of bonsai farmers who do not consult on diseases and pests of bonsai plants. This is due to the delay in the diagnosis of the disease. The unavailability of experts or plant extension workers who are close, the community does not have time to conduct consultations and requires money. An expert system is a computer-based system that uses knowledge, facts, and techniques and reasoning in solving problems that can usually only be solved by an expert in the field. The Certainty Factor method is efficient enough to be used in diagnosing the diseases and pests of the bonsai plant. This system can provide early diagnosis of diseases and pests on the bonsai plant based on the symptoms and intensity of the symptoms that are visible from the outside. Users only need to enter the Web to take the first step in solving bonsai plant diseases and pests and choose the symptoms of the disease they are experiencing without having to ask an expert directly. This system is made web-based with PHP programming language and MySQL database.

Expert System to Diagnose Bonsai Plant Pests With Certainty Factor Method

Bonsai ornamental plants are dwarf plants which are generally planted in shallow pots. The main element in bonsai is harmony between pots and plants, in addition to harmony between pots and plants there are also other elements such as trunk size, tree height, root distribution, twigs, and leaf size as well as diseases and pests that attack the bonsai plants need to be considered. The difficulty of the community in conducting consultations and the unavailability of funds and time, so that the community has never conducted consultations about diseases and pests that attack their bonsai plants to experts or plant extension workers from the relevant agencies. Therefore, it is necessary to take action to anticipate the increasing number of bonsai farmers who do not consult on diseases and pests of bonsai plants. This is due to the delay in the diagnosis of the disease. The unavailability of experts or plant extension workers who are close, the community does not have time to conduct consultations and requires money. An expert system is a computer-based system that uses knowledge, facts, and techniques and reasoning in solving problems that can usually only be solved by an expert in the field. The Certainty Factor method is efficient enough to be used in diagnosing the diseases and pests of the bonsai plant. This system can provide early diagnosis of diseases and pests on the bonsai plant based on the symptoms and intensity of the symptoms that are visible from the outside. Users only need to enter the Web to take the first step in solving bonsai plant diseases and pests and choose the symptoms of the disease they are experiencing without having to ask an expert directly. This system is made web-based with PHP programming language and MySQL database.