scholarly journals Boron Toxicity and Deficiency in Agricultural Plants

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milka Brdar-Jokanović
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Membrane Structure ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Boron Toxicity ◽  
Plant Metabolism ◽  
Hormone Transport ◽  
Agricultural Plants

Boron is an essential plant micronutrient taken up via the roots mostly in the form of boric acid. Its important role in plant metabolism involves the stabilization of molecules with cis-diol groups. The element is involved in the cell wall and membrane structure and functioning; therefore, it participates in numerous ion, metabolite, and hormone transport reactions. Boron has an extremely narrow range between deficiency and toxicity, and inadequate boron supply exhibits a detrimental effect on the yield of agricultural plants. The deficiency problem can be solved by fertilization, whereas soil boron toxicity can be ameliorated using various procedures; however, these approaches are costly and time-consuming, and they often show temporary effects. Plant species, as well as the genotypes within the species, dramatically differ in terms of boron requirements; thus, the available soil boron which is deficient for one crop may exhibit toxic effects on another. The widely documented intraspecies genetic variability regarding boron utilization efficiency and toxicity tolerance, together with the knowledge of the physiology and genetics of boron, should result in the development of efficient and tolerant varieties that may represent a long-term sustainable solution for the problem of inadequate or excess boron supply.

scholarly journals Methods to Prevent Future Severe Animal Welfare Problems Caused by COVID-19 in the Pork Industry

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 830
Author(s):  
Temple Grandin
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Electrical Parameters ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pork Industry ◽  
Third Party Auditing ◽  
The Cost ◽  
High Welfare

In the U.S., the most severe animal welfare problems caused by COViD-19 were in the pork industry. Thousands of pigs had to be destroyed on the farm due to reduced slaughter capacity caused by ill workers. In the future, both short-term and long-term remedies will be needed. In the short-term, a portable electrocution unit that uses scientifically validated electrical parameters for inducing instantaneous unconsciousness, would be preferable to some of the poor killing methods. A second alternative would be converting the slaughter houses to carcass production. This would require fewer people to process the same number of pigs. The pandemic revealed the fragility of large centralized supply chains. A more distributed supply chain with smaller abattoirs would be more robust and less prone to disruption, but the cost of pork would be greater. Small abattoirs can coexist with large slaughter facilities if they process pigs for specialized premium markets such as high welfare pork. The pandemic also had a detrimental effect on animal welfare inspection and third party auditing programs run by large meat buyers. Most in-person audits in the slaughter plants were cancelled and audits were done by video. Video audits should never completely replace in-person audits.

scholarly journals Enhanced Antimycobacterial Response to RecombinantMycobacterium bovis BCG Expressing Latency-Associated Peptide

2001 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 6676-6682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben G. Marshall ◽  
Arun Wangoo ◽  
Peadar O'Gaora ◽  
H. Terry Cook ◽  
Rory J. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Mycobacterial Infection ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Memory Response

ABSTRACT With a view to exploring the role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) during mycobacterial infection, recombinant clones of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were engineered to express the natural antagonist of TGF-β, latency-activated peptide (LAP). Induction of TGF-β activity was reduced when macrophages were infected with BCG expressing the LAP construct (LAP-BCG). There was a significant reduction in the growth of LAP-BCG in comparison to that of control BCG following intravenous infection in a mouse model. The enhanced control of mycobacterial replication was associated with an increase in the production of gamma interferon by splenocytes challenged during the acute stage of infection but with a diminished recall response assessed after 13 weeks. Organ weight and hydroxyproline content, representing tissue pathology, were also lower in mice infected with LAP-BCG. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that TGF-β has a detrimental effect on mycobacterial immunity. While a reduction in TGF-β activity augments the initial response to BCG vaccination, early bacterial clearance may adversely affect the induction of a long-term memory response by LAP-BCG.

Enhancing delivery: algorithms supporting performance management in the logistics sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaldoon Al-Htaybat ◽  
Larissa von Alberti-Alhtaybat
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Organisation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to contribute an actor-network-theory (ANT) perspective of how algorithms are used and whether this reflects positively on organisational practices and related perceptions of organisation performance, by both customers and employees. Furthermore, the organisation’s view of adopting algorithms to manage their performance is explored. Design/methodology/approach The current study is a study set in this virtual space, as it seeks to use data available online from different stakeholders of the case organisation. Online “virtual space” studies have become more common over the past few years. Primary and secondary data are shared online, for instance on relevant rating websites for customers (such as TrustPilot) and employees (such as Indeed), which serve as a reflection of the organisational performance and the communication of their values. This type of study has become more prevalent, either as a study undertaken online fully (Hine, 2007) or partially (for instance Baxter et al., 2019), which provides a different perspective to traditionally carried out face-to-face interactions. Findings The current study has contributed insights from a global case organisation in the logistics sector originating in the Middle East (ME). The case organisation clearly indicates that its algorithm, in line with particular presentations and discussions on online platforms, is focussed on analysing limited factors, which are prediction of accurate delivery timeslot, preferred and precise location for delivery and speed of delivery overall. This reflects an inherent bias of the delivery industry, which the case organisation operates in, and may focus attention on delivering on those objectives, with a detrimental effect on the organisation’s broader organisational mindset. This refers to long-term values and sustainability-related objectives. Originality/value Findings will reflect on whether algorithms can be used to align a multi-national organisation to achieve its desired performance and related desirable results. This will be one of the main contributions of the current study, which engages with a multi-national organisation in the logistics sector that is based in the ME region.

scholarly journals Machine Learning Approach to Quantity Management for Long-Term Sustainable Development of Dockless Public Bike: Case of Shenzhen in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Qingfeng Zhou ◽  
Chun Janice Wong ◽  
Xian Su
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Clustering Algorithms ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Classification Algorithms ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
High Efficient ◽  
Machine Learning Approach

Since the number of bicycles is critical to the sustainable development of dockless PBS, this research practiced the introduction of a machine learning approach to quantity management using OFO bike operation data in Shenzhen. First, two clustering algorithms were used to identify the bicycle gathering area, and the available bike number and coefficient of available bike number variation were analyzed in each bicycle gathering area’s type. Second, five classification algorithms were compared in the accuracy of distinguishing the type of bicycle gathering areas using 25 impact factors. Finally, the application of the knowledge gained from the existing dockless bicycle operation data to guide the number planning and management of public bicycles was explored. We found the following. (1) There were 492 OFO bicycle gathering areas that can be divided into four types: high inefficient, normal inefficient, high efficient, and normal efficient. The high inefficient and normal inefficient areas gathered about 110,000 bicycles with low usage. (2) More types of bicycle gathering area will affect the accuracy of the classification algorithm. The random forest classification had the best performance in identifying bicycle gathering area types in five classification algorithms with an accuracy of more than 75%. (3) There were obvious differences in the characteristics of 25 impact factors in four types of bicycle gathering areas. It is feasible to use these factors to predict area type to optimize the number of available bicycles, reduce operating costs, and improve utilization efficiency. This work helps operators and government understand the characteristics of dockless PBS and contributes to promoting long-term sustainable development of the system through a machine learning approach.

scholarly journals A biopsychosocial framework for recovery from COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1021-1039
Author(s):  
Kaz Stuart ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Elaine Bidmead ◽  
Ruth Browning ◽  
Catriona Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper proposes a biopsychosocial (BPS) analysis of COVID-19 experiences which enhances understanding of complex and interrelated factors and leads to the proposition of a BPS recovery framework.Design/methodology/approachOnline narrative research was used to explore people's experiences of COVID-19 and was conducted over a four-month period. The call was distributed via a short open-ended qualitative online survey advertised on social media platforms and 305 responses came from across England.FindingsThe findings illustrate people with a narrow range of BPS characteristics experienced over a wide range of BPS impacts which are nuanced, complex and dynamic. Left unaddressed these may create future adverse BPS characteristics. An integrated BPS framework for recovery is proposed to avoid such further negative outcomes from the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample contained a bias in age, gender and living arrangements.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a clear framework to enable integrated holistic recovery/regrowth planning.Social implicationsUsing the framework would reduce social and health inequities which have been recently deepened by COVID-19 in the long-term.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its use of a BPS analytical framework.

scholarly journals Design of an Integrated Remote and Ground Sensing Monitor System for Assessing Farmland Quality

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 336
Author(s):  
Feiyang Zhang ◽  
Guangxing Wang ◽  
Yueming Hu ◽  
Liancheng Chen ◽  
A-xing Zhu
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Data Transmission ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Sensing Data

Quality monitoring is important for farmland protection. Here, high-resolution remote sensing data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and long-term ground sensing data, obtained by wireless sensor networks (WSNs), are uniquely suited for assessing spatial and temporal changes in farmland quality. However, existing UAV-WSN systems are unable to fully integrate the data obtained from these two monitoring systems. This work addresses this problem by designing an improved UAV-WSN monitoring system that can collect both high-resolution UAV images and long-term WSN data during a single-flight mission. This is facilitated by a newly proposed data transmission optimization routing protocol (DTORP) that selects the communication node within a cluster of the WSN to maximize the quantity of data that can be efficiently transmitted, additionally combining individual scheduling algorithms and routing algorithms appropriate for three different distance scales to reduce the energy consumption incurred during data transmission between the nodes in a cluster. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated based on Monte Carlo simulations by comparisons with that obtained by a conventional system using the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol. The results demonstrate that the proposed system provides a greater total volume of transmitted data, greater energy utilization efficiency, and a larger maximum revisit period than the conventional system. This implies that the proposed UAV-WSN monitoring system offers better overall performance and enhanced potential for conducting long-term farmland quality data collection over large areas in comparison to existing systems.

scholarly journals Mental health and poverty in the UK – time for change?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jed Boardman ◽  
Nisha Dogra ◽  
Peter Hindley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
The Uk

Poverty and income inequality have increased in the UK since the 1970s. Poverty and mental ill-health are closely associated and disadvantage can have long-term consequences. In addition, the recent recession and austerity measures have had a detrimental effect on people with mental health problems and the mental health of the population. Mental health services can play a role in addressing the problems of poverty and inequality.

Membrane Transport at the Biotrophic Interface: an Overview

1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
FA Smith ◽  
SE Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Membrane Transport ◽  
Nutrient Transfer ◽  
Cell Wall Metabolism ◽  
Mutualistic Symbiosis ◽  
Transfer Processes ◽  
Mycorrhizal Associations ◽  
Bidirectional Transport ◽  
Membrane Level

Many studies of interactions between the organisms which form biotrophic symbioses have concentrated on extracellular events such as signals and responses that involve modifications to cell wall metabolism. It is clear, however, that formation of a biotrophic association must also involve signals and responses at the membrane level and modifications to membrane activity resulting in changes in the transfer of nutrients. In parasitic biotrophs the modifications to membrane transport result in unidirectional transport (at least in the long term). In mycorrhizal associations, lichens and N2-fixing symbioses, it appears that well regulated bidirectional transport of nutrients between symbionts must occur, thus allowing a persistent compatible (and mutualistic) symbiosis. Evidence for such membrane modifications comes from changes in ATPase activity. The overall question to be considered in mutualistic symbioses is whether nutrient transfer processes have analogies elsewhere in the physiology of plants or whether 'new' transport events are switched on as a result of interactions between the organisms.

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