Unfavorable External Conditions Research Articles

Vascular tissue - boon or bane? How pathogens usurp long-distance transport in plants and the defence mechanisms deployed to counteract them.

Evolutionary emergence of specialised vascular tissues has enabled plants to coordinate their growth and adjust to unfavourable external conditions. Whilst holding a pivotal role in long-distance transport, both xylem and phloem can be encroached on by various biotic factors for systemic invasion and hijacking of nutrients. Therefore, a complete understanding of the strategies deployed by plants against such pathogens to restrict their entry and establishment within plant tissues, is of key importance for the future development of disease-tolerant crops. In this review, we aim to describe how microorganisms exploit the plant vascular system as a route for gaining access and control of different host tissues and metabolic pathways. Highlighting several biological examples, we detail the wide range of host responses triggered to prevent or hinder vascular colonisation and effectively minimise damage upon biotic invasions.

The European Union in Global Competition of Jurisdictions

International legal regimes are a factor in regulating relationships between subjects of international relations, constructive interaction, policy coordination and resolution of contradictions. When conflicts arise, the interaction of the legal systems of states, regional associations and international organizations can be both complementary and competitive in nature, affecting the legal qualification of the parties’ actions. Competitiveness manifests itself in the interpretation of the actions of the same entities within different jurisdictions. The conflict of interests of the parties, as confirmed by examples from the contractual legal practice of relations between the EU and the USA, Canada and a number of other countries, is quite surmountable. The cluster of contradictions characterizing the current situation on the European continent gives an existential character to the search by all parties for a rational strategy for resolving the crisis. The purpose of international law is to put contradictions into the legal plane in order to avoid escalation of tension in relations between the warring parties. An objective assessment of the positions of the world centers of power and the basic legal principles that guide them in the strategy of global presence requires taking into account the problems that gave rise to the replacement of the previous attitude towards «integration of integrations» by a direct clash of the parties. A critical analysis of the key areas of the EU’s implementation of external competencies, including sanctions (implemented with varying degrees of effectiveness in recent years), is important for understanding the strategy that Brussels is implementing. The current crisis is a serious test of the EU’s resistance to stress, and of the Union’s value system for resilience in unfavorable external conditions. The subject of this paper is the real possibilities of the European Union to offer an alternative to the confrontational scenario.

Strategy Selection of Healthcare Sector Development and Risk Management of its Implementation

Introduction. The topic of this study is the necessity to implement all stages of strategic planning for health sphere development, such as analysis of the internal and external environment, selection of a specific strategy for further development, and identification and management of risks associated with the implementation of the chosen strategy.
 Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to justify a comprehensive strategy for health sphere development based on the results of SWOT analysis, the characteristics of its main components, the identification of fundamental and specific risks of its implementation, and the development of their minimization directions.
 Results. The study offers an application of recovery, restructuring, and reengineering strategies based on a SWOT analysis of the health sector in Ukraine. It offers cost management and risk management strategies as additional strategies. This study analyzes the fundamental and specific risks of health sector strategic development based on expert assessments. It determines that socio-political (weighted score of 7.28 points), personnel (7.94 points), and production and financial risks (7.67 points) pose the greatest threat in 2023. In addition, social and political risks tend to increase during the next two years to 7.67 points, personnel risks to 8.12 points, and production and financial risks could decrease to 6.39 points.
 Conclusions. The strategy of functioning of socio-economic system could be chosen under both favorable and unfavorable external and internal conditions; the implementation of the recovery strategy is appropriate for solving the problem of unsatisfactory regulatory and legal support for functioning of industry; restructuring strategy envisages the implementation of organizational, economic, technological and social transformations aimed at improving quality of medical services and managing the assets of medical institutions; the implementation of reengineering strategy creates the necessary prerequisites for a fundamental rethinking of essence, tasks, techniques and methods of marketing activity of medical institutions in general, as well as the development of effective solutions for the formation and implementation of their assortment, communication and service policy in particular.

Nest Box Bacterial Loads Are Affected by Cavity Use by Secondary Hole Nesters.

Among the environmental factors that affect bird nesting in nest boxes, the influence of microbial communities is relatively poorly understood. In this study, nest boxes used for breeding by secondary cavity nesters were sampled before the start of the breeding season to assess the bacterial loads of the nest box in relation to their previous year status. Different parts of the wooden nest box offer variable conditions for the development of bacteria. During the breeding season, the nest box entrance hole is wiped out by birds, delivering bacteria to their bodies, but during winter, it is exposed to unfavourable external conditions. The interior of the nest box, in turn, is also wiped by birds, but the conditions during winter are more stable there. Therefore, samples from the entrance hole and the interior of the nest box were taken at two different study sites: an urban parkland and a natural forest. We predicted that both the occupancy of the nest boxes during the previous breeding season by birds and the nesting sites would influence the bacterial load of the nest box. To verify this prediction, two categories of nest boxes were sampled at both study sites: nest boxes occupied by any of the two tit species (Great Tit or Blue Tit) in the previous season for breeding and nest boxes that had remained empty that year. The interior bacterial load of the nest box was higher in the nest boxes occupied in the previous breeding season, but only in the forest area. Furthermore, the bacterial load of both the entrance hole of the nest box and the interior was significantly higher in the forest study area in both occupied and unoccupied nest boxes. Our results show that the bacterial load of the nest box is positively related to the presence of nests in the previous breeding season and can vary between different sites.

Agricultural Greenhouses: Resource Management Technologies and Perspectives for Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Resource management in agriculture is considered a pivotal issue because greenhouse farming and agriculture-related activities generate about 10–29% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The problem of high greenhouse gas emissions is still unresolved due to the rapid expansion of arable land to meet global food demand. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to generate new perspectives and insights regarding the development of resource management and optimized environments in greenhouses, thereby lowering energy requirements and CO2 emissions. This review sought to answer what technologies and inventions could be used to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions through efficient energy-saving mechanisms while considering their technical and economic viability. The synthesis of the findings led to several themes which included energy-saving techniques for greenhouses, systems that reduced unfavorable external conditions and renewable energy systems. Other themes identified regarded energy storage systems, systems for managing conditions in greenhouses, carbon capture and storage, and factors influencing the performance of different technologies to enhance resource management and ensure zero carbon emissions. The findings also revealed various technologies used in the design of energy-saving techniques in greenhouses including proportional–integral–derivatives (PID), fuzzy, artificial neural networks, and other intelligent algorithms. Additionally, technologies that were a combination of these algorithms were also examined. The systems that reduced unfavorable external conditions included the use of insulation panels and intelligent shading systems. Greenhouse covers were also optimized by smart glass systems, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Renewable energy systems included PV (solar) panels, wind turbines, and geothermal electricity. Some of the thermal energy storage systems widely studied in recent research included underground thermal energy storage (UTES) (for seasonal storage), phase-change materials (PCMs), and water tanks, which are used to address short-term shortages and peak loads. The adoption of the various technologies to achieve the above purposes was constrained by the fact that there was no isolated technology that could enable agricultural producers to achieve zero energy, zero emissions, and optimal resource utilization in the short term. Future research studies should establish whether it is economical for large agricultural companies to install smart glass systems and infrastructure for slow fertilizer release and carbon capture in greenhouse structures to offset the carbon footprint.

Bioenhanced degradation of toluene by layer-by-layer self-assembled silica-based bio-microcapsules.

In this study, micron-sized monodisperse SiO2 microspheres were used as sacrificial templates, and chitosan/polylactic acid (CTS/PLA) bio-microcapsules were produced using the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method. Microcapsules isolate bacteria from their surroundings, forming a separate microenvironment and greatly improving microorganisms' ability to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. Morphology observation indicated that the pie-shaped bio-microcapsules with a certain thickness could be successfully prepared through LBL assembly method. Surface analysis showed that the LBL bio-microcapsules (LBMs) had large fractions of mesoporous. The biodegradation experiments of toluene and the determination of toluene degrading enzyme activity were also carried out under external adverse environmental conditions (i.e., unsuitable initial concentrations of toluene, pH, temperature, and salinity). The results showed that the removal rate of toluene by LBMs can basically reach more than 90% in 2 days under adverse environmental conditions, which is significantly higher than that of free bacteria. In particular, the removal rate of toluene by LBMs can reach four times that of free bacteria at pH 3, which indicates that LBMs maintain a high level of operational stability for toluene degradation. Flow cytometry analysis showed that LBL microcapsules could effectively reduce the death rate of the bacteria. The results of the enzyme activity assay showed that the enzyme activity was significantly stronger in the LBMs system than in the free bacteria system under the same unfavorable external environmental conditions. In conclusion, the LBMs were more adaptable to the uncertain external environment, which provided a feasible bioremediation strategy for the treatment of organic contaminants in actual groundwater.

Investigation on the compaction process of steel bridge deck pavement based on DEM-FEM coupling model

ABSTRACT Compared with the compaction of general highway asphalt pavement, that of steel bridge deck pavement (SBDP) is more complicated and vulnerable due to special supporting conditions and severe construction environment. Besides, the existing simulation models are not suitable for the analysis of SBDP compaction. To clarify the compaction mechanism and characteristics of SBDP under unfavorable construction conditions, the particles were generated using a random particle generation algorithm and the asphalt mixture layer was simulated through the discrete element method (DEM); the steel bridge deck with weld seam was taken as an example of unfavorable external conditions and simulated through the finite element method (FEM). On this basis, the spatial movement and contact state of the particles during the compaction process were tracked and investigated using the DEM-FEM coupling model. Results show that the DEM-FEM coupling model is effective and feasible to simulate SBDP compaction process. The spatial movement and contact state of the particles are described. The findings could contribute to improving SBDP compaction quality. The coupling of DEM-FEM also provides the method reference to the research of other SBDP compaction problems, such as the influence of temperature field variation and bridge vibration.

АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ МЕТОДОВ ДИАГНОСТИРОВАНИЯ ГАЗОПОРШНЕВЫХ АГРЕГАТОВ С СИНХРОННЫМИ ГЕНЕРАТОРАМИ НА ОБЪЕКТАХ ДОБЫЧИ НЕФТИ

Relevance One of the best available technologies for the utilization of associated petroleum gas and the generation of electrical energy is the use of gas piston units at oil and gas production enterprises. At the same time, limited funds for equipment repairs and unfavorable external conditions often force industrial enterprises to switch to a repair strategy based on technical condition. The type of organization of repairs based on the technical condition of the main power and electrical equipment can be used if the electric power industry entity has technical diagnostic tools and an automated system for monitoring the technical condition of the main equipment, which is a hardware and software complex that ensures the process of remote monitoring and control of the condition of the equipment and (or) object (operating equipment), its diagnosis and prediction of changes in technical condition based on collected data (historical data on the condition of the equipment) and operational data received from data collection systems installed on the equipment. At the same time, when organizing repairs based on the technical condition of equipment, the list and scope of repair measures should be determined based on the results of the performed monitoring and diagnosis of its technical condition. Thus, diagnostics and assessment of the technical condition, the emergency shutdown of which can cause the shutdown of the oil-producing well stock, is an important task, the solution of which helps to reduce operating costs, increase reliability, reduce the number of emergencies, reduce costs and losses of working time associated with unscheduled repairs of equipment and technological problems. Aim of research The aime of the study is to analyze the current methods for diagnosing gas piston units, as well as promising technologies in the field of diagnostics. Methods Analytical review of scientific literature. Results The article analyzes methods for technical diagnostics of gas piston units with synchronous alternating current generators, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages. Promising directions for the development of diagnostic systems of electrical machines are considered.

Challenges of Energy Management in the Food Industry in Poland in the Context of the Objectives of the European Green Deal and the “Farm to Fork” Strategy

The Common Agricultural Policy defines the framework directions for the structural changes of the agri-food sector until 2030. The main reason for the actions is a fundamental change in the European Union’s approach to environmental protection issues and the dynamically changing conditions on the market for energy and agricultural raw materials. The European Green Deal, the key element of which is the “Farm to Fork” strategy, is the expression of the announced changes. The assumption of the documents is the long-term restructuring and modernization of the EU economy, which will be characterized, among others, by a closed cycle, low greenhouse gas emissions, and food and energy security. The challenges and the current situation in the markets of energy carriers are of significance in the activities of the food industry, which shows a high demand for energy. The aim of the article is to assess the level of consumption and energy efficiency of food industry enterprises in Poland, to identify challenges related to energy management and to formulate conclusions and recommendations in the field of changes adapting to the new conditions. The research results indicate that many positive changes took place in the energy economy of Polish food industry enterprises, among others, as a result of the implemented investments, the energy consumption of production, CO2 emissions and the amount of generated waste decreased. Due to unfavorable external conditions, it is necessary, however, to further improve the energy efficiency of enterprises, so that they can maintain cost competitiveness and meet the growing requirements in the field of environmental protection.

Strategi Pemerintah Kota Manado Dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Asli Daerah Melalui Pajak Perhotelan

This research aims to: 1) knowing, reviewing, analyzing Manado City Government's strategy in increasing Regional Original Revenue through hotel taxes, and 2) knowing, studying, analyzing what factors support and hinder Manado City Government in increasing Regional Original Revenue through hotel tax. The type of research used in this research is descriptive qualitative and the collection technique is by observation, interviews and documentation. The informants in this study were the Head of the Manado City Regional Revenue Agency, the Head of the Tax and Retribution Service Division of Manado City Regional Revenue Agency, and hotel taxpayers. The results of the study show that: 1) The strategies adopted by the Manado City Government in increasing PAD through hotel taxes are: (a) Aggressive in applying sanctions and penalties for hospitalitytaxes, (b) Aggressive in improving hotel tax services, (c) Aggressive in increasing communication and counseling on hotel taxes, and (d) Aggressive in increasing the supervision of hotel taxes. Inhibiting factors: (a) Low discipline, compliance of hotel taxpayers to pay taxes, (b) Low honesty, awareness of hotel taxpayers manipulating the amount of income turnover so that tax payments are low, (c) Limited quantity of human resources working and the ineffectiveness of the joint task force in carrying out their duties and responsibilities (d) Administrative sanctionssuch as fines, less effective closures, (e) Lack of supporting facilities 6) Unfavorable external conditions, the spread of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Influence of the wind variability on the calculation of dynamic line rating

This paper presents a novel technique to calculate the ampacity of an overhead transmission line in real time, considering the dynamic evolution of the conductor temperature. In case this method cannot be applied due to lack of adequate information, a correction is proposed for the maximum current, based on Monte Carlo simulations assuming unfavorable external conditions, and validated with real data from a weather station. This technique might be used to avoid the temporary violation of the minimum electrical clearance in transmission lines.

КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ЗАСАДИ УПРАВЛІННЯ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСАМИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА В УМОВАХ НЕСТАБІЛЬНОСТІ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

Creation and implementation of an effective strategy of anti-crisis management of the enterprise in crisis periods is the only way to increase the competitiveness of the company, increase productivity, minimize costs and maximize profits, etc. The instability of the processes of the modern economy requires the company to ensure professional management, quick adaptation to changes in market conditions, management of the company's business processes according to the approaches of rationalism. The methods of induction, deduction, historical and logical methods were used during the scientific research. The purpose of the work was to determine a number of conceptual principles of effective management of the enterprise's business processes in conditions of instability of the national economy. Modern development trends of domestic and international companies in crisis conditions were researched. Historical parallels are drawn regarding the functioning of firms during military conflicts and recessions. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine in 2022 on the development of modern business is determined. The importance of carrying out innovative activities at the enterprise under unfavourable external conditions is established, which is proven by the experience of world-famous corporations. Methods of increasing the use of resources and capital have been determined. The opportunities and prospects of companies in periods of economic destabilization are outlined, which include diversification of activities or reformatting in order to fill new market niches and maximize profits. Approaches to anti-crisis management of the enterprise in periods of unforeseen changes are proposed. It is noted that even under conditions of global market instability, there are ways to ensure the effective functioning of the company, embodying the company's business process management strategy, which is based on the conceptual principles of anti-crisis management. The relevance of research on the topic of effective management is substantiated, based on the peculiarities of the functioning of modern companies in conditions of instability of the national and world economies.

EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: ADVANTAGES AND THREATS TO UKRAINE’S FOREIGN TRADE

Background. In terms of unfavorable external conditions and a significant deterioration of the socio-economic situation, the Ukrainian market has stagnated. Russia’s actions, including its unilateral suspension of the Free Trade Agreement, have led to a reduction in Ukraine's bilateral foreign trade operations. The processes of globalization and integration issue new challenges to the economy of any country, in particular, the questions of evaluation and stimulation of foreign trade of enterprises emerge in the conditions of constant transformation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identifytrends and features of Ukraine’s foreign trade in the context of globalization and integration. Materials and methods. The article is based on a synthesis of research results of domestic and foreign scientists to determine the main influencing factors of cooperation with the EU on the state of development of Ukraine’s foreign trade. Research on this issue was conducted using the methods of theoretical generalization, analysis and synthesis. Results. Ukraine’s position in world trade is determined by the main factors: the dynamics of GDP, rating and index of economic freedom. The peculiarities of Ukraine's foreign trade over the last decade have been studied, the main partner countries; the main challenges that arise in our foreign trade as a result of European integration processes have been identified. It is proved that in the analysis of GDP it is expedient to use the indicator of GDP calculated on purchasing power parity. It is established that in the conditions of the world crisis, the war in the east caused the greatest damage to the economy of Ukraine. It was clarified that Ukraine needs to expand the geography of foreign trade relations, at the same time there is a significant unrealized potential for the development of bilateral relations with EU countries. Conclusion. Ukraine must follow the chosen course of European integration, but at the same must also develop other partnerships with countries on other continents. Unfortunately, Ukraine exports more raw materials and goods with low added value. Therefore, there is a need: to change the content of exports, to introduce tax and customs instruments to support exports, to amend the Association Agreement in terms of international trade. The structure of foreign trade does not stimulate Ukraine's economy to innovative development, so there is an urgent need for domestic policy reforms and changes in external priorities.

Morphological and Ultrastructural Features of Formation of the Skin of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Kernel.

The integumentary tissues of plant seeds protect the embryo (new sporophyte) forming in them from unfavorable external conditions; therefore, comprehensive knowledge about the structural and functional specificity of seed covers in various plants may be of both theoretical and practical interest. As a result of our study, additional data were obtained on the morphological and ultrastructural features of the formation of a multilayer skin of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernel (caryopsis). The ultrastructure research analysis showed that differentiation of the pericarp and inner integument of the ovule leads to the formation of functionally different layers of the skin of mature wheat grain. Thus, the differentiation of exocarp and endocarp cells is accompanied by a significant thickening of the cell walls, which reliably protect the ovule from adverse external conditions. The cells of the two-layer inner integument of the ovule differentiate into cuticular and phenolic layers, which are critical for protecting daughter tissues from various pathogens. The epidermis of the nucellus turns into a layer of mucilage, which apparently helps to maintain the water balance of the seed. Morphological and ultrastructural data showed that the formation of the kernel’s skin occurs in coordination with the development of the embryo and endosperm up to the full maturity of the kernel. This is evidenced by the structure of the cytoplasm and nucleus, characteristic of metabolically active protoplasts of cells, which is observed in most integumentary layers at the late stages of maturation. This activity can also be confirmed by a significant increase in the thickness of the cell walls in the cells of two layers of the exocarp and in cross cells in comparison with the earlier stages. Based on these results, we came to the conclusion that the cells of a majority in the covering tissues of the wheat kernel during its ontogenesis are transformed into specialized layers of the skin by terminal differentiation.

Procedure for determining the resistance of olive varieties to winter frosts

Each plant can withstand a certain temperature according to its biological properties. In the developmental ontogeny of plants, resistance to cold or high temperatures is considered unchanged. In ontogenesis, the interrelationship of genetic factors and environmental factors can be seen. Theoretical Concepts of Introduction I. Vavilov, N. V.It was developed and scientifically substantiated in the continuous scientific work of Tsitsin and P.I. Lapin. One of the latest new methods is the informative method, which determines the resistance of vital processes to acclimatization and deaclimation, or the cold weather resistance of metabolism in cells. Due to their perennial evolution, fruit trees are exposed to unfavorable external climatic conditions for many years in winter, autumn and spring. During their perennial evolution, trees adapt to specific soil climates in specific areas or areas where they grow. It adapts to different conditions from growing to fruiting and during the dormancy period.

Human rights in Ukraine: historical and theoretical dimension

The article presents the result of a historical and theoretical study of human rights in Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on the constitutionaldocuments of different periods and human rights enshrined in them. The problem was considered in the Аncient, Cossack,1917–1921 and Soviet periods, from individual rights, through the freedoms and privileges of the estates, to the expansion of the conceptin terms of volume and range of persons. The conclusion about the continuity of the Ukrainian state and legal tradition and suchfactors influencing the development of human rights as the national liberation struggle, joining various states, the processes of limitingand eliminating Ukrainian autonomy, the development of their own statehood is substantiated.The analyzed constitutional documents of various state formations that existed in Ukraine in 1917–1920 give grounds to assertthat regardless of their political orientation, they consistently developed, consolidated and guaranteed basic natural, social, economicand political human rights. The whole complex of human rights can be divided into two groups: those that were due to specific historicalcircumstances (characteristic of different state entities) and independent of time, universal human rights, which were recognized by all.This group includes the right to life, liberty, religion, equality before the law, equality regardless of gender, origin, nationality, freedomof speech, inviolability of home and secrecy of correspondence. Despite unfavorable external conditions, the lack of some experienceof state and legal construction, the political forces that led the Ukrainian state formation in this period did not follow the path of dictatorshipand oppression of human and civil rights. This creates a certain constitutional tradition of treating human rights as the greatestvalue. As for the Soviet period of development, the topic of human rights was not silenced at all during this period either: the list ofhuman rights was consistently expanded in the Soviet Constitutions, despite their declarativeness and differences with practice.

Modeling the Motion of an Aircraft during Vertical Landing in Crosswind Conditions

The paper considers the problem of increasing the safety of landing for small unmanned aerial vehicles under unfavorable external conditions, in particular, in the presence of gusty crosswind. A mathematical model describing the landing of a small unmanned aerial vehicle in the presence of aerodynamic flows and the stabilization in the XY plane is presented.

Photoinduced DNA Lesions in Dormant Bacteria: The Peculiar Route Leading to Spore Photoproducts Characterized by Multiscale Molecular Dynamics*.

Some bacterial species enter a dormant state in the form of spores to resist to unfavorable external conditions. Spores are resistant to a wide series of stress agents, including UV radiation, and can last for tens to hundreds of years. Due to the suspension of biological functions, such as DNA repair, they accumulate DNA damage upon exposure to UV radiation. Differently from active organisms, the most common DNA photoproducts in spores are not cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, but rather the so-called spore photoproducts. This noncanonical photochemistry results from the dry state of DNA and its binding to small, acid-soluble proteins that drastically modify the structure and photoreactivity of the nucleic acid. Herein, multiscale molecular dynamics simulations, including extended classical molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics based dynamics, are used to elucidate the coupling of electronic and structural factors that lead to this photochemical outcome. In particular, the well-described impact of the peculiar DNA environment found in spores on the favored formation of the spore photoproduct, given the small free energy barrier found for this path, is rationalized. Meanwhile, the specific organization of spore DNA precludes the photochemical path that leads to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation.

A Review on Microencapsulation in Improving Probiotic Stability for Beverages Application

Nowadays, probiotic bacteria are extensively used in beverages application to deliver beneficial health effect to the consumer upon ingestion. Different entrapment techniques can be used to maintain the viability of probiotic bacteria during processing as well as during storage of beverage products. Development of artificial microcapsules from entrapment techniques are to support the growth and to provide protection on probiotic cells from unfavorable external conditions that may affect the viability of probiotics in beverages. Techniques that usually applied for probiotic entrapment in beverages are microencapsulation, emulsification, spray drying and extrusion. Biomaterials such as alginate, carrageenan, whey protein, gelatin, chitosan and starch are the most commonly used matrix in entrapment of lactic acid bacteria. Entrapment of probiotic is applied on beverages products such as fruit juice, yoghurt and ice cream. Keywords: Entrapment; Beverages; Matrix materials; Probiotics

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Ethylene Production in Germinating Seeds in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Plant seed germination is a crucial developmental event that has significant effects on seedling establishment and yield production. This process is controlled by multiple intrinsic signals, particularly phytohormones. The gaseous hormone ethylene stimulates seed germination; however, the genetic basis of ethylene production in maize during seed germination remains poorly understood. In this study, we quantified the diversity of germination among 14 inbred lines representing the parental materials corresponding to multiple recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping populations. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling ethylene production were then identified in germinating seeds from an RIL population constructed from two parental lines showing differences in both germination speed and ethylene production during germination. To explore the possible genetic correlations of ethylene production with other traits, seed germination and seed weight were evaluated using the same batch of samples. On the basis of high-density single nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic linkage maps, we detected three QTLs for ethylene production in germinating seeds, three QTLs for seed germination, and four QTLs for seed weight, with each QTL explaining 5.8%–13.2% of the phenotypic variation of the trait. No QTLs were observed to be co-localized, suggesting that the genetic bases underlying the three traits are largely different. Our findings reveal three chromosomal regions responsible for ethylene production during seed germination, and provide a valuable reference for the future investigation of the genetic mechanism underlying the role of the stress hormone ethylene in maize germination control under unfavourable external conditions.