Valuable Characteristics Research Articles

Sideritis syriaca – A New Species Introduced into Culture in Romania

Sideritis syriaca is an endemic plant in the mountains of Crete, well-known from the antiquity (Karousou R. et al., 1992). Also named Malotira, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and analgesic agent in folk medicine (Goulas V. et al. 2014). In Romania, the Domnesc variety was created in 2019 as a result of breeding and acclimatization to S scardica. Acclimatization, identification of suitable areas for cultivation in Romania and breeding to obtain genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressiveness that meet the international norms of the DUS test are the study’s purpose. The genetic resources are from the germplasm collection of P.G.R.B. and endemic resources acquired from the area of origin and the breeding methods used are repeated individual selection followed by negative mass selection. Type E was selected from the 5 varieties obtained, based on its valuable phenotypic characteristics and good response to environmental conditions; during the three years of study, the plants were monitored, biometric measurements were performed, the culture technology was established; the observations showed an optimal evolution and development of the plants: biomass was 286 g in the first year and 1495 g in the third year. The establishment scheme of the culture was 70 cm between rows and 40 cm between plants/row. Breeding and acclimatization of the S. syriaca species to the climatic conditions of our country were achieved, conditions for the approval of a new variety were created, culture technology was developed.

Modified Screen-Printed Microchip for Potentiometric Detection of Terbinafine Drugs

The development of miniaturized microchips has widespread and growing interest in manufacturing potentiometric sensors with extremely valuable modifying response characteristics. In this context, here, we demonstrate microfabrication, electrochemical evaluation, and analytical applications of disposable thin-film potentiometric microsensors responsive to terbinafine antifungal medication. Miniaturized microchips have been realized by integration of the sensitive layer membrane modified by carbon nanotubes onto the surface of the plastic screen-printed microchip support using a new approach, which has been recently developed. The sensitive membrane comprises terbinafine HCl: ammonium heptamolybdate complex ion pair as ionophore, o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as a solvent mediator, potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate as an anion excluder, and polyvinyl chloride as support. The microsensor based on this plasticised sensitive membrane provides the Nernstian response and covers a wide concentration range of terbinafine of 10−8–10−2 mole·L−1. The merits offered by the elaborated terbinafine microchip over the bulk-based electrode include reasonable sensitivity (58.5 mV/concentration decade), fast response time (∼30 s.), long-term stability (4 months), integration, and automation feasibility. Furthermore, microfabricated terbinafine chips were successfully applied to the measurements of the investigated medication in some real samples with high accuracy (96.9%) and precision (<3%).

Оптимізація азотно-сіркового живлення сорго суданського (Sorghum x drummondii) в умовах нестійкого зволоження

Goal. To assess collection samples of spring barley of different eco-geographical origins according to valuable economic characteristics (duration of the growing season, plant height, resistance against diseases and lodging, weight of 1000 grains, yield), and on this basis to select valuable source material for selection. Methods. General scientific (analysis and synthesis) — for differentiation and generalization of the obtained results, field — for determination of the resistance of samples against diseases and lodging, dispersive — for determination of reliability assessment of experimental data. Results. During 2016–2020, at the V.Ya. Yuriev Institute of Plant Growing of NAAS, an assessment of the diversity of 457 collection samples of spring barley from 27 countries of the world had been carried out according to the manifestation of valuable economic characteristics. Sources of early maturity, stunted growth, resistance against powdery mildew and dark brown helminthosporous spotting and lodging, high grain size, and increased yield were identified. Conclusions. The material, which was diverse in terms of countries of origin, and the conditions of years of research, which varied in terms of temperature and level of moisture supply, made it possible to identify sources of valuable economic characteristics among the collected samples of spring barley. The greatest selection value had the samples that combine a high level of a complex of valuable traits in their genotype, MIP Visnyk, Mouravi, Dar Nosivshchyny, Airis, Yavir (UKR); Dialoh (RUS); Trebon (CZE); KWS Aliciana, KWS Bambina (DEU). The selected samples are of promising starting materials for combinatorial selection.

Synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromene derivatives using porous copper oxide as nanocatalyst and their electrochemical study

<p>This research describes a multi-component condensation reaction of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromene from aldehydes, Dicyanomethane, and 4-Hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one in a solvent system having water and ethanol at ambient temperature. The ratio of water and ethanol was 1:1. Mild reaction temperatures, quick reaction durations, facile product isolation, use of less hazardous solvents, and excellent yields are all essential and valuable characteristics of this approach. In addition, nanoparticles showed perfect catalytic activity since they have more surface area. The electrochemical study of the synthesized product has been done by cyclic voltammetry.</p>

Acceleration of the selection process in the population of Black and Spotted cattle by using genetic markers

Genetic researches of cattle breeds in the western region of Ukraine are ecologically necessary, and they also become the most actual in connection with the formation of breed associations. In addition, the research of the genetic characteristics of various breeds for use in agricultural production is an attempt to identify the most common genetically determined characteristics in the herd. The choice of such economically valuable characteristics is determined by modern methods of research in agriculture by selecting herds with such a gene pool in which this characteristic is the most typical. The genetic structure was evaluated by genetically determined polymorphism of blood groups and genetic-biochemical systems. Experiments were carried out on erythrocytes and blood plasma. Blood from the animals was taken from the jugular vein in a test tube with heparin. Polymorphism of proteins and enzymes was evaluated using the method of electrophoretic separation of proteins in 13 % starch gel in horizontal chambers followed with subsequent histochemical staining. Group erythrocyte antigens were determined according to the generally accepted methodology based on hemolytic tests using 48 reagents of 9 genetic systems. The genetic structure of this breed is characterized by the following features: the transferrin locus is characterized by the greatest heterozygosity – 0.729, but according to the Hardy-Weinberg law, this locus is in a balanced state (Р – 0.104). The dominant frequency of occurrence is the allele Tf A – 0.438, mainly as a result of AD1 and AD2 heterozygotes. The amylase locus (AM-l) is in an unbalanced state – there are not enough heterozygotes and too many homozygotes (Р – 0.013). The frequencies of occurrence of two alleles Am-l B and Am-l C are the same and amount to 0.500. Hemoglobin is monomorphic in all investigated animals (hemoglobin AA). For purine nucleoside phosphorylase (NP), there are no significant differences within the studied group of animals.The higher frequency of occurrence of the Np L allele is 0.872, but the Np H allele occurs less often, its frequency is 0.128, the heterozygosity of this locus is 0.225. As for blood groups, the vast majority of antigens detected with the help of 48 specific antisera are found in the antigenic spectrum of the investigated Black and Spotted dairy breed. However, the frequency of some antigens (less than 0.057) is extremely low (I1, Q, T1, T2, P1, P2, Y, R, U, I', B'', H''), others (J, B ', U') is slightly higher (0.082-0.099), and some (A2, G2, G3, B2, I2, O1, O2, Y2, D', G', E'2, O', Q', G'', C1, C2, E, W, X2, L, F, S, H'', Z) was sufficiently high (from 0.11 to 0.888). The Black and Spotted dairy breed has a unique genetic structure based on the investigated loci.

Evaluation of promising hybrid variety numbers of potato according to the complex of economically valuable traits in the conditions of the Smolensk region

The article presents the results of work on testing promising potato hybrid variety numbers in the natural and climatic conditions of the Smolensk region for 2019-2021 on a number of economically valuable characteristics: yield, marketability, starch content, taste qualities. Based on comparative estimates of variety numbers of different maturation periods, the Udacha ? Breeze hybrid with the highest yield of 34.6-38.5 t/ha with a coefficient of variation of 5.2 %, which is 1.5 % lower than the average for the early group, but 2.1 % higher than the Udacha standard, turned out to be the most adapted to local conditions in the early ripeness group. The variety number also had the largest increase in yield to the standard (36.4 %). In the mid-early maturity group, the Udacha ? Topaz hybrid with a yield of 33.8-36.2 t/ha with a coefficient of variation of 3.4 % was the most stable, which is 5.7 % lower than the average for the mid-early group, as well as the standard Elizaveta variety by 2.4 %. The increase in yield to the standard in the mid-early maturity group of this variety number was 58.2 %.

The impact of organizational support for the project management process on project and firm performance

PurposeThis research draws on the resource-based view of the firm from strategic management and applies it to a study of competitive advantage in the project management context. The relationship between the characteristics of project management resources, focusing on organizational support for the project management process, and outcomes of the project management process are examined.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data gathered from 437 North American project management professionals with an existing survey tool that was used in a prior smaller sample study. The study uses Barney’s VRIO framework that assesses resources as valuable (V), rare (R), inimitable (I) and organizationally supported to leverage their value (O). The conceptual model hypothesizes relationships between the project management asset characteristics (valuable, rare, and inimitable), organizational support for the project management process, and project management performance outcomes (both project and firm level). Hypotheses are tested using factors extracted from a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The factors extracted include two factors representing valuable project management asset characteristics, one factor representing rare project management asset characteristics, one factor representing inimitable project management asset characteristics, two factors representing organizational support for the project management process, one factor representing project-level performance and one factor representing firm-level performance.FindingsProject management assets that are considered valuable and organizational support for the project management process are found to contribute positively to project management process outcomes. No advantage was perceived from rare and inimitable project management assets. Project-level performance was found to significantly mediate the relationship between organizational support and firm-level performance.Practical implicationsThis study draws managerial attention to organizational support for the project management process as a source of competitive advantage through its positive affect on both project-as well as firm-level performance.Originality/valueThe study uses a survey tool from previous research with a new, larger dataset to contribute to the understanding of the importance of organizational support for the project management process in a quest for both project success as well as a firm's competitive advantage.

Systematic dissection of key factors governing recombination outcomes by GCE-SCRaMbLE

With the completion of Sc2.0 chromosomes, synthetic chromosome rearrangement and modification by loxP-mediated evolution (SCRaMbLE) becomes more critical for in-depth investigation of fundamental biological questions and screening of industrially valuable characteristics. Further applications, however, are hindered due to the lack of facile and tight regulation of the SCRaMbLE process, and limited understanding of key factors that may affect the rearrangement outcomes. Here we propose an approach to precisely regulate SCRaMbLE recombination in a dose-dependent manner using genetic code expansion (GCE) technology with low basal activity. By systematically analyzing 1380 derived strains and six yeast pools subjected to GCE-SCRaMbLE, we find that Cre enzyme abundance, genome ploidy and chromosome conformation play key roles in recombination frequencies and determine the SCRaMbLE outcomes. With these insights, the GCE-SCRaMbLE system will serve as a powerful tool in the future exploitation and optimization of the Sc2.0-related technologies.

Study of varieties and promising varieties of table watermelon in the conditions of the Volgograd Volga region

Relevance. Selection and analysis of the source material for crossing varieties with an individual ability to transmit economically valuable traits to offspring is an important breeding task. Breeders conducted research aimed at obtaining highly productive varieties and hybrids of table watermelon of various ripeness groups, resistant to adverse environmental conditions and having high taste qualities in comparison with standards. When studying the varieties and varietals of table watermelon, samples were selected according to the following characteristics: the growing season, yield, bright color of the pulp, excellent taste, dry matter content.Materials and methods. Scientific research was carried out in 2019-2020 in the breeding nursery and breeding nursery in the fields of the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station located in the Bykovsky district of the Volgograd region. 2 varieties of Malachite, Timosha and 3 cultivars 697, 728, 750 having an advantage in valuable economic characteristics over the best zoned varieties in the middle–ripening group – Sinchevsky, and in the late-ripening group – Kholodok were studied.Results. Studies have shown that in the middle–ripening group, the new Timosha variety is the most productive (27.3 t/ha), and the variety also stood out with a high dry matter content (13.4 - 14.8%). In the late-maturing group, a variety of 750 (27.5 t/ha) was distinguished by yield. Indicators of dry matter, the percentage of dry matter higher in the cultivar 728 ranged from 13.8 to 14.8%, The tests proved the relevance of further study in the breeding nursery of selected cultivars isolated by a complex of economically valuable traits to create new promising varieties of watermelon. Work in this direction will contribute to an increase in the volume and quality of manufactured products, contribute to the further development of the melon industry.

Characteristics of new breeding material of winter rape by important economic and valuable characteristics at different stages of breeding process

Aim. Comparative assessment of new promising numbers of winter rape by a complex of economic and valuable traits in nurseries of the breeding process and selection of the best of them for further testing. Methods. In 2019–2021, in the nurseries of variety testing, an evaluation of the breeding material of winter rape of the breeding of the NSC “Institute of Agriculture of the NAAS” was carried out. Field studies were conducted on research fields of breeding and seed crop rotation, located in the Fastiv district of the Kyiv region. The main methods of research: measurement-weighing, analytical, calculation-comparative, mathematical-statistical. Analyzes to determine the biochemical composition of seeds were carried out by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. Results. The breeding material was primarily analyzed for seed yield and oil content, as well as the content of erucic acid in oil, glucosinolates in meal, and protein content in seeds. The numbers were assessed for winter hardiness, plant height and weight of 1000 seeds. Based on the results of a three-year study, the best numbers were selected based on individual valuable indicators and a set of economically important features. In the competitive variety test in terms of seed yield, the best numbers were KSV 2/21, KSV 9/21, KSV 10/21, KSV 11/21 (up to 5.18 t/ha), which are relatively resistant to lodging and diseases and have oil 00 − of zero quality. KVS numbers 9/21 and KVS 2/21 are selected for the combination of high yield and high oil content (47.4 and 48.2%), for high oil content − KVS numbers 6/21 and KVS 3/21 (47.1 and 47.3%), protein − KVS 4/21, KVS 5/21 and KVS 6/21 (23.0 −24.0%). In the preliminary variety test, the numbers PSP 21/21, PSP 17/21 and PSP 19/21 (5.10−5.42 t/ha) were selected according to the highest yield, according to the set of characteristics (increased seed yield, oil content and yield) - numbers PSP 17/21, PSP 18/21, PSP 19/21 and PSP 21/21. Number PSP 15/21 is allocated for the increased content of oil (50.0%), and number PSP 14/21 – for the combination of increased content of oil (50.3%) and protein (24.0%). In the control nursery, in terms of seed yield, content, and oil yield, the numbers KS 30/21, KS 26/21, KS 33/21, KS 39/21, KS 28/21 were characterized by the best indicators, which provided a yield level from 2.82 to 5 ,18 t/ha and oil content 47.3−49.4%. The numbers KS 34/21, KS 31/21 and KS 50/21 (from 48.4% to 49.5%) were selected for the increased oil content, protein – KS 50/21, KS 30/21 (22.0%). Conclusions. Selected numbers are valuable sources and are involved in hybridization schemes to create new breeding material with a given set of traits. The best rapeseed numbers of the winter competitive variety test are promising for transfer to the Ukrainian Institute of Plant Varieties Examination for qualification examination.

The Study Of The Impact Of “New Organic Fertilizer, Derived From Biohumus” And “Biohumus, Derived Form Organic Wastes” On The Agronomic Characteristics Of Tomatos In The RA Ararat Valley

We studied the impact of biohumus, derived from organic wastes, and Organomix, an organic fertilizer derived form biohumus, the two products of ORWACO, Armenian-Norwegian joint venture, on the growth, development and yield of tomatoes. We studied and estimated the impact of different varieties of “New organic fertilizer, derived from biohumus”and “Biohumus, derived from organic wastes”on the biological and economical valuable characteristics and features of various species of tomatoes.

Методы создания позднеспелых и раннеспелых сортов клевера лугового на диплоидной и тетраплоидной основе

To increase the volume of production of vegetable protein feeds, meadow clover plays an important role. In the conditions of Western Siberia, a late-ripening variety based on the diploid SibNIIK 10 was created by the polycross method. Together with the Federal Research Center "VIK named after V.R. Williams", as a result of a combination of mutagenesis, polyploidy, hybridization and selection methods, for the first time in Siberia, the Meteor — winter-hardy, early-ripening type variety on a tetraploid basis was created, and as a result of a combination of hybridization and selection methods, a Prima — early-ripening type variety on a diploid basis with high seed yield was created. The early-maturing varieties Prima (2x) and Meteor (4x) exceeded the late-maturing variety SibNIIK 10 by 36 and 46%, respectively, in terms of dry matter yield for two mowing. In terms of seed yield and plant seeding in the first year of use, the early-maturing diploid variety Prima was at the level of the late-maturing diploid variety SibNIIK 10, and in unfavorable years it exceeded by 17%. New varieties of the early-maturing type on a diploid (Prima) and tetraploid basis (Meteor) are characterized by high plasticity and have a significant advantage over the late-maturing SibNIIK 10 variety in terms of basic biological and economically valuable characteristics.

Assessment of the weather conditions influence on the economic and value characteristics of Lavandula аngustifolia L. in the conditions of Kherson region

Assessment of the prospects of introduced and created varieties of Lavandula angustifolia L. in the conditions of the Southern Steppe in terms of yield and essential oil content in raw materials, as well as the influence of the weather conditions of the year on these economically valuable traits is given. The study included 11 samples of Lavandula angustifolia L. Ecological and phenological observations were carried out for the studied plants. During the period of mass flowering of plants, the crop was recorded. The mass fraction of the essential oil was determined by the Ginsberg method on the Clevenger apparatus. The main results of the multi-year research work on the assessment of collection samples for economic and valuable characteristics of Lavandula angustifolia depending on weather conditions are highlighted. On the basis of the State Enterprise «Experimental Farming “Novokakhov”» of the Institute of ClimateOriented Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, collection plots of narrow-leaved lavender samples were established for introductory study and testing in the conditions of the Southern Steppe. For 20 years in this region, Lavandula angustifolia underwent multi-vector study as an ornamental and essential oil crop.During this period, new variety samples and varieties adapted to local conditions were created, which have increased decorative indicators, as well as high yield and mass share of essential oil in raw materials. In particular, Lydia, Victoria and Sinieva Nadiyi varieties, with the following characteristics: plant height, cm — 65, 60.0 and 60.0, respectively; inflorescence length, cm — 8.0, 5.0 and 13.0; number of inflorescences on a plant, pcs. — 95, 230 and 200; number of flowers in an inflorescence, pcs. — 80, 49 and 90; essential oil content, % — 3.0, 3.8 and 3.25; collection of essential oil, kg/ha — 64.0, 83.0 and 71.0; content of linalyl acetate in essential oil, % — 48.0, 34.2 and 20.1; duration of the flowering period, days — 30; inflorescence yield, t/ha — 0.53, 0.55 and 0.55; frost resistance, score (1–9) — 9; resistance against pests, score (1–9): ant (Lasiusnsger) — 9; causative agents of diseases, score (1–9) — 9 — not detected (village Lidia), sora rot — 9 (village Victoria) and not detected (village Sinieva Nadiyi); zoning area — steppe. The period 2016–2021 is of particular interest, considering the study of the adaptability of culture. The weather conditions in the mentioned years differed among themselves in terms of temperature, amount of precipitation and their distribution, etc. Such conditions made it possible to assess comprehensively the influence of the weather conditions on the manifestation of economic and valuable characteristics of collections of lavender samples in this region, including newly created varieties of this valuable culture. Observations revealed deviations in the passage of phenological phases and the accumulation of essential oil. The minimum yields and essential oil content of all samples occurred in 2016, which is associated with a sharp drop in temperature and freezing of plant shoots. The maximum yield of raw materials was recorded in 2020, which is associated with the optimal amount of precipitation in the phase of growth and budding. The maximum indicators of the mass fraction of essential oil in raw materials were recorded in 2018, which is associated with high average daily temperatures and the absence of precipitation and dry weather during flowering. The results of the long-term evaluation of the samples of narrow-leaved lavender L. angustifolia based on the main economic and valuable characteristics indicate the prospects of industrial cultivation of the crop in the conditions of the Southern Steppe, and also convincingly prove the presence of genetic material of domestic origin adapted to the conditions of the region.

Valorization of cultural heritage and land take reduction: an urban compensation model for the replacement of unsuitable buildings in an Italian UNESCO site

The enhancement of historical, artistic and cultural assets is a topic of significant interest in the international and national context within the policies able to reduce the land take. However, it often happens that the full conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage site is hindered by recently built buildings that are inconsistent with the valuable characteristics of the surrounding urban environment. Aim of the work is to define and implement an innovative compensation-based model to enable the demolition and reconstruction of unsuitable buildings that prevent the enhancement of historic city centers. It represents a decision support system for the Public Administration in the determination of the building rights to be transferred to the Private Entrepreneur involved, by ensuring financial convenience, environmental purposes and overall positive public effects. The analysis of the results obtained by applying the compensation-based model to the city of Alberobello, a UNESCO Italian heritage site, demonstrates its usefulness, efficiency and flexibility.

A Novel Hybrid Group Decision Making Approach Based on EDAS and Regret Theory under a Fermatean Cubic Fuzzy Environment

Intercity railway is an important system for the development of urban agglomeration, and the site selection of the Line Management Department of Intercity Railway (LMDIR) is a significant task for the railway department when constructing intercity railways. Owing to the complexity and uncertainty during the selection process, we constructed a multiple expert multi-criteria decision making (MEMCDM) method to provide a rational decision support model for a railway management department in the Fermatean cubic fuzzy set context. In this regard, an innovative extension called Fermatean cubic fuzzy sets (FCFSs) that integrates Fermatean fuzzy sets (FFSs) and cubic sets; several basic theories of FCFSs, including the score and accuracy functions; and distance measures are also given. Then, a series of Fermatean cubic fuzzy Hamacher operators are put forward to flexibly fuse Fermatean cubic fuzzy information, and the corresponding valuable characteristics of these operators are also investigated. Thirdly, the Fermatean cubic fuzzy logarithmic percentage-change-driven objective weighting (LOPCOW) approach is recommended based on the score function to recognize the importance of criteria, and the similarity-based method is deployed to identify the expert weight information. Fourthly, a hybrid MEMCDM methodology integrating the proposed Fermatean cubic fuzzy Hamacher operators, the LOPCOW method, whose evaluation is based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method based on regret theory, is designed to ascertain the prioritization of the schemes. Consequently, an empirical test concerning the site selection of LMDIR is shown to validate the feasibility and usefulness of the designed MEMCDM approach. The analysis involving the sensibility test and comparison study with prior methods is displayed to emphasize the effectuality and advantages of the propounded method. The outcomes demonstrate that the hybrid method recommended in this research possesses superior robustness and feasibility to cope with complicated decision issues. The findings of this research show that the presented method can recommend more credible site selection of LMDIR when encountering uncertainties and abundant impact factors.

Peptide profile of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese after simulated gastrointestinal digestion: From quality drivers to functional compounds.

Time of ripening has a strong impact on shaping the valuable and recognizable characteristics of long-ripened types of cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) due to the interrelationship between microbiota and proteolysis that occurs during ripening. The derived peptide profile is linked to cheese quality and represents the canvas for enzymes upon digestion, which could be responsible for the release of potentially bioactive peptides (BPs). In this study, we aimed at investigating the presence of BP in 72 PR cheese samples of different ripening times, from curd to 24 months of ripening, produced in six different dairies, and following their fate after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. A small number of peptide sequences sharing 100% similarity with known antimicrobial, antioxidant, and ACE-inhibitor sequences were found in PR cheeses, while a higher number of potential BPs were found after their simulated gastrointestinal digestion, in different amounts according to ripening time. Taking advantage of the complex organization of the sampling plan, we were able to follow the fate of peptides considered quality drivers during cheese ripening to their release as functional compounds upon digestion.

ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ОПТИМАЛЬНОЇ ГЕТЕРОЗИСНОЇ МОДЕЛІ СЕРЕДНЬОСТИГЛИХ ГІБРИДІВ КУКУРУДЗИ В УМОВАХ ПІВНІЧНОГО СТЕПУ

Topicality. Currently, we can use more effectively the initial material of the working collection due to targeting certain heterosis models. Information about the advantages of different heterotic models in certain cultivation areas makes it easier to search for successful combinations and the selection of promising initial material. Issues. Тo identify of the most promising heterotic models of maize hybrids developed with using lines of different genetic plasms, which characterized by high yields and low grain moisture content compared to standard hybrids adapted to cultivation in the Northern Steppe. Aim. To determine the economic value of maize hybrids developed with using different germplasm lines and the most promising heterotic models for each genoplasm group. To investigate how the plant growing conditions influence on economic valuable indicators of hybrids depending on their genetic origin. Materials and Methods. Visual Method was used for phenological observations; Field and Laboratory Method was used to determine of morphobiological characteristics of plants; Measuring Weight Method – to determine the plant yield and metric characteristics; Mathematical and Statistical Method – to determine the reliability of results, the trait variability indicators, correlation dependence of traits; Analysis of Variance (ANOVA); comprehensive assessment of morphobiological and economically valuable characteristics of inbred lines and hybrids based on different genetic plasms. Results. It was found that testcrosses based on the Lancaster x Iodent model were the most stable by grain yield. However, in the average of three years of research, the highest average level (6.31 t/ha) was recorded in Mixed x Lancaster testcrosses. It was selected testcrosses with a higher grain yield compared to standard hybrids, such as DK3044xDK315, DK3151xDK4454, DK3151xDK3155 and DK365xDK6356 which had a yield of 8.0; 7.59; 7.18; 7.17 t/ha, respectively. We observed the best ratio of yield to grain moisture content (harvest index RH/M) in hybrid combinations of Lancaster x Mixed. Conclusions. It was determined the best testcrosses according to the ratio of yield to grain moisture content: DK315CxDK3821 (Mixed x BSSS) – 0.51; DK633/325xDK365 (Mixed x Iodent) – 0.51; DK365xDK6356 (Iodent x Lancaster) – 0.51; DK3044xDK315 (Lancaster x Mixed) – 0.56; DK3151xDK3155 (BSSS x Mixed) – 0.55; DK633/325xDK3155 (Lancaster x Mixed), based on which are developing the mid-ripening maize hybrids adapted to Steppe zone of Ukraine. Key words: maize, hybrid, line, germplasm, heterotic model, testcross, grain yield and moisture content at harvesting.

HER2-low breast cancers: incidence, HER2 staining patterns, clinicopathologic features, MammaPrint and BluePrint genomic profiles

AbstractRecently, clinical trials have demonstrated promising efficacy for novel HER2-targeted therapies in HER2-low breast cancers, raising the prospect of including a HER2-low category (immunohistochemical [IHC] score of 1+, or 2+ with non-amplified in-situ hybridization [ISH]) in the HER2 evaluation of breast cancers. In order to better understand this newly-proposed HER2 category, we investigated the incidence, HER2 staining patterns, clinicopathologic features, and genomic profile of HER2-low breast cancers. HER2-stained slides of 281 consecutive breast cancers were re-reviewed and the clinicopathologic information, MammaPrint, and BluePrint results of these cases were retrospectively analyzed. HER2-low breast cancers were identified in 31% of cases and were more common in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive than ER-negative breast cancers (33.6% vs 15%, p = 0.017). HER2-low cancers were generally clinical stages I–II (79%), ER-positive (93.1%), had homogenous HER2 staining (59.2%), HER2 IHC score of 1+ (87.4%), ductal phenotype (81.6%), histologic grades of 1 or 2 (94.2%) and luminal molecular subtypes (94.3%). Three HER2-low patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and none of them achieved pathologic complete response. When compared to HER2-negative (IHC of 0+) and HER2-positive (IHC of 3+ or IHC of 2+ with amplified ISH) cancers, HER2-low breast cancers had significantly lower Ki-67 (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively) and higher ER positivity (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). HER2-low breast cancers were less likely to be basal molecular subtype when compared to HER2-negative cancers (p < 0.01) and were less likely to have a HER2 molecular subtype when compared to HER2-positive cancers (p < 0.01). When adjusted for ER status, there was no significant difference on all the examined variables between HER2-low and HER2-negative groups. Our study provides valuable baseline characteristics of HER2-low breast cancers deriving from consecutive, real-world cases with a consensus confirmation of HER2 status, and would help to increase our understanding of this newly-proposed HER2 category in breast cancers.

Introduced and registered switchgrass varieties (Panicum virgatum L.) as a source material for breeding for biomass productivity

Purpose. On the basis of multi-year research on the complex of economically valuable characteristics, the best switchgrass varieties (Panicum virgatum L.) ‘Patfinder’, ‘Carthage’, ‘Blackwell’, ‘Morozko’, ‘Liadovske’ and ‘Zoriane’ were singled out as a source material for breeding for productivity. Methods. The research was conducted during 2017–2021 on the basis of the Poltava State Agrarian University. The soils of the experimental site of the “Energy Crops” collection are typical chernozems with a humus content of 3.4%. Plots were planted with randomized placement of options in four-fold repetition according to the methods of experimental work in agronomy. Also, approved scientific-practical and methodical recommendations for growing energy crops were applied. To confirm the significant difference between the studied varieties, dispersion analysis using Excel and Statistica programs was used. Results. Switchgrass varieties were grouped according to the duration of the growing season into: early- (up to 160 days), medium- (161–171 days) and late ripening (more than 170 days). The complex resistance of switchgrass varieties to drought, frost and plant lodging: ‘Cave-in-Rock’, ‘Zoriane’, ‘Morozko’ and ‘Liadovske’ was revealed. It was determined that economically valuable characteristics depend to a greater extent on varietal characteristics than on growing conditions. The yield of ground vegetative mass based on dry residue for the studied varie­ties varied from 12.1 to 15.6 t/ha. Сonclusions. The varieties ‘Cave-in-Rock’, ‘Zoriane’, ‘Morozko’, ‘Liadovske’ were the most adaptable to growing conditions. The switchgrass varieties ‘Kanlow’ and ‘Cave-in-rock’ provided the highest plant stand and switchgrass variety ‘Dacotah’ provided the lowest plant stand. Varieties ‘Pathfinder’, ‘Blackwell’, ‘Shelter’, ‘Carthage’ and ‘Zoriane’ were singled out according to the number of stems and productivity. The latter, together with the Ukrainian variety ‘Zoriane’, are recommended to be used as starting material for crop selection based on biomass productivity.

Adaptability and stability of new spring triticale varieties and lines

Purpose and objectives. The purpose was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of spring triticale varieties and breeding lines for yield and expression of valuable economic characteristics in environmental trials and to identify the best genotypes with a set of valuable features.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We studied 13 spring triticale genotypes (2020–2021) in two different agroclimatic environments (Eastern Forest-Steppe [PPI] and transitional zone from forest-steppe to steppe [UESPP]). The experimental plots of 2 m2 in three replications were arranged in series. The field assessments were performed in accordance with methods of qualification examination of plant varieties. The adaptability parameters were determined by AV Kilchevskiy and PV Khotylyova’s method.&#x0D; Results and discussion. The yield stability and valuable economic characteristics were assessed and the best genotypes with a set of valuable features were identified. A high yield capacity (6.85–7.44 t/ha) and high plasticity (bi 1.34−1.82) were intrinsic to Darkkhliba Kharkivskyi, Svoboda Kharkivska, YATKH 23-19, YATKH 29-19, and YATKH 40-19, which indicates their ability to effectively fulfill their performance potentials under favorable conditions. Svoboda Kharkivska, Kripost Kharkiv, and Opora Kharkivska were found to be the most adaptable to environmental changes varieties. These varieties can be recommended for cultivation under different growing conditions throughout Ukraine to a wide range of producers.&#x0D; Svoboda Kharkivska consistently gave a high yield on average across the experiment (6.24 t/ha), showed high levels of general and specific adaptability, and a high genotype’s breeding value. This variety is noteworthy for easy threshing and its plants are consistently of medium height (108 cm).&#x0D; Kripost Kharkivska consistently gave a high yield (5.66 t/ha), showed relative stability and was of genotype’s breeding value. Its plants were consistently short under different conditions (84−93 cm); the 1000-grain weight was increased (40.2 g); and the score of resistance to septoria tritici blotch was 7 points; the “seedlings-earing” period was extended (60 days).&#x0D; Opora Kharkivska gave a stable yield of 5.84 t/ha) and stood out for its general and specific adaptability and genotype’s breeding value. Its plants were of medium height (108 cm); its “seedlings-earing” period was shorter (56 days).&#x0D; Darkhlib Kharkivskyi showed high plasticity and general adaptability. At UESPP, it produced a high (compared to other varieties) yield (6.75 t/ha) and demonstrated increased resistance to septoria tritici blotch.As to the lines, the highest breeding value in terms of yield and adaptability was found for YATKH 40-19, YATKH 23-19, and YATKH 29-19.&#x0D; YATKH 40-19 gave a high yield on average across the experiment (5.88 t/ha). It was highly plastic. Under the favorable conditions (UESPP, 2020), it stood out for the highest yield of 7.44 t/ha. It also demonstrated increased resistance to septoria tritici blotch (7.5 points).YATKH 23-19 and YATKH 29-19 were highly plastic. Under the favorable conditions, they gave high yields (7.04 and 7.09 t/ha, respectively). YATKH 23-19 also showed high levels of general adaptability and genotype’s breeding value. It produced over 5 t/ha regardless of growing conditions.&#x0D; Conclusions. As a result of the environmental trials, the most valuable genotypes in terms of adaptability, yield and valuable economic characteristics were identified.&#x0D; High yield capacity (6.85–7.44 t/ha) and high plasticity (bi 1.34–1.82) were noted for varieties Darkkhliba Kharkivskyi and Svoboda Kharkivska and for lines YATKH 19-19, YATKH 29-19, and YATKH 40-19.Svoboda Kharkivska, Kripost Kharkivska, and Opora Kharkivska were found to be the most adaptable to environmental changes varieties. That is, the yields harvested from these varieties fluctuated to a lesser extent under the influence of environmental conditions. At the same time, they optimally combine a high yield capacity and stability, as evidenced by their high genotype’s breeding values. They produced over 5 t/ha even under the unfavorable growing conditions. These varieties can be recommended for growing under different conditions throughout Ukraine to many producers. As to the lines, the highest breeding value was observed for YATKH 23-19 and YATKH 40-19. The selected accessions are also valuable material in breeding for yield capacity and adaptability.