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Thinning is an important routine for apple growers to manage crop load and improve fruit quality, which can be accomplished through manual, chemical, or mechanical manipulation of flowers and fruitlets. Traditionally, blossom thinning relies on human experts’ visual evaluation of the flower load, a leading indicator of crop load, which can be imprecise and prone to errors. This study aimed to develop an apple blossom density mapping algorithm utilizing point clouds reconstructed through unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based red-green-blue (RGB) imagery and photogrammetry. The algorithm was based on grid average downsampling and white color thresholding, and it was able to generate top-view blossom density maps of user-defined tree height regions. A preliminary field experiment was carried out to evaluate the algorithm’s accuracy using manual blossom counts of apple tree row sections as ground truths, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.85, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1307, and a normalized RMSE (NRMSE) of 9.02% were achieved. The algorithm was utilized to monitor the blooming of the apple tree rows and was demonstrated to effectively show blossom density variations between different tree rows and dates. The study results suggested the potential of UAVs as a convenient tool to assist precise blossom thinning in apple orchards, while future research should further investigate the reliability of photogrammetry techniques under different image qualities and flight settings as well as the influence of blossom distribution on algorithm accuracy.

The article describes characteristics of the life cycle of potentially toxicogenic diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha Lundholm, Moestrup et Hasle and P. pungens (Grunow ex PT Cleve) Hasle living in the Black Sea. The rate of decrease in the length of cells when kept in culture has been studied. The duration of the life cycle and the critical size limit determined transition from one phase of the life cycle to another have been defined. The duration of the prereproductive phase was calculated. Changes in cell length are shown in P. calliantha from 147 µm in the largest initial cells at the beginning of the life cycle to 21 µm in extremely thinned ones, which made it possible to expand the previously known boundaries of the size range characteristic of the species. For P. calliantha, the absence of dependence of the size of the initial cells on the size of the parental cells is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment mass accumulation rate (MAR) is a proxy for paleoceanographic conditions, especially if biological productivity generated most of the sediment. We determine MAR records from pelagic calcareous sediments in Tasman Sea based on analysis of 11 boreholes and >3 million seismic reflection horizon picks. Seismic data from regions of 10,000–30,000 km2 around each borehole were analyzed using data from International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 371 and other boreholes. Local MAR was affected by deepwater currents that winnowed, eroded, or deposited seafloor sediment. Therefore, it is necessary to average MARs across regions to test paleoceanographic and productivity models. MARs during the Miocene Climate optimum (18–14 Ma) were slightly lower than Quaternary values but increased on southern Lord Howe Rise at 14–13 Ma, when global climate became colder. Intensification of the Indian and East Asian monsoons at ∼8 Ma and ∼3.6 Ma approximately corresponds to the start and end, respectively, of the Biogenic Bloom, which had MARs at least double Quaternary values. On northern Lord Howe Rise, we recognize peak MARs at∼7 Ma and ∼5 Ma. There is no correlation between Neogene MAR and ocean pH or atmospheric CO2 concentration. Neogene MARs are on average higher than Quaternary values. We posit that future long‐term productivity in the southwest Pacific could be higher than Quaternary values, but new computer models that can fit our observations are required to test this hypothesis. Plain Language Summary: Global climate is likely to get warmer, and we want to know what will happen to marine life. We can study ancient warm periods to better predict the future. The ocean is a global carbon sink, because some organisms form shells by combining calcium with carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater. Once dead, their calcium carbonate shells sink to the seabed. Over millions of years, the southwest Pacific accumulated huge deposits. We used geophysical surveying and drilling to measure this history of deposition, which is a proxy for ancient biological productivity (how much marine life existed). A warm period 18–14 million years ago had high atmospheric carbon dioxide (2–4 times preindustrial levels) and slightly lower ocean productivity. In contrast, 8–4 million years ago, atmospheric carbon dioxide was similar to predicted 21st century levels and productivity was much higher: more than double recent values. Rates of calcium carbonate deposition in the past do not correlate with ocean acidity or atmospheric carbon dioxide; but they were mostly higher than today. Hence, long‐term biological productivity and carbon sequestration in the southwest Pacific might increase in future, but computer models that fit our observations are needed to test this idea. Key Points: Marine carbonate productivity in Tasman Sea varied by a factor of 3–5 since 25 MaPeak Neogene productivity was at 7–5 Ma and was more than double that since 2 MaCurrents and gravity flows resulted in high spatial variability of mass accumulation rate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: determine in almond cv. Guara and cv. Marinada the date of transition between endodormancy and ecodormancy, and chill and heat requirements to breaking autumn-winter. Materials and methods: to determine the transition date between endodormancy and ecodormancy, a correlation method was used between the date of full bloom and periods of average air temperature. The cold requirement was determined using three different models: chill hours (CH), chill units (CU) and chill portions (CP). Heat accumulation was calculated as growing degree hours (GDH °C) for the three models of cold accumulation. Results: the average transition date between endodormancy and ecodormancy wasJuly 29 for cv. Guara and July 27 for cv. Marinada. The CP model estimated the date of full bloom one day before that observed in the field. The CH model six days earlier, and the CU model six days later. Conclusion: the most suitable model was the CP model. Cultivars Guara and Marinada have the same cold requirement (41 CP) and different heat requirements (4626 and 5552 GDH °C, respectively), for blooming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, translation training is provided in the form of certificate and degree programs. Those who do not choose to pursue a degree (but are interested in translation as a source of income) enroll in certificate programs and acquire the fundamentals of translation in a rather shorter amount of time. Compared to degree programs, certificate programs have the great advantage of meeting market needs where an unlimited number of pages are waiting to be translated by a limited number of (human) translators. Iran is a country that, despite its great potential to recruit many translators, lacks such certificate programs. To fill the gap, a modular curriculum for translation training in Iran was designed. As learning and translation are intertwined cognitive processes, the researchers chose to link Bloom's learning objectives with Chesterman's domains of translation skill development. Finally, a modular curriculum was proposed to be tested in the context of Iran. The researchers believe that, with a few adaptations, this curriculum can be used in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creseis acicula is a swimming shelled pteropod species, widely distributed in the world’s oceans. In 2020, an unprecedented bloom of C. acicula was observed in Daya Bay, and lasted from June to July. To date, there is very limited information on the physiological characteristics of this species, which is essential to understand bloom dynamics. In the present study, the physiological performances of C. acicula in response to temperature (17–35°C) and salinity (18–38 ppt) were investigated. The oxygen consumption (OCR) and calcification rates (CR) of C. acicula peaked at 32 and 26°C, respectively, while ammonia excretion rate (AER) significantly increased with increasing temperature. The thermal coefficient Q10 (respiration) of C. acicula dropped to a minimum value between 32 and 35°C, suggesting that they were in a stressful status. The O:N ratio ranged from 3.24 to 5.13, indicating that protein was the major catabolism substrate. Temperature exerted a stronger effect on the OCR and AER of C. acicula. Salinity has a more influence on CR. The preferable temperature for C. acicula ranges from 29 to 32°C, and the preferable salinity ranges from 28 to 33 ppt. Based on a comprehensive consideration, we presumed that the warmer seawater temperature around the thermal discharge area of Daya Bay nuclear power plant is a possible cause for the bloom of C. acicula.

ABSTRACT Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are key for the transformation of ammonia to oxidized forms of nitrogen in aquatic environments around the globe, including nutrient-rich coastal and estuarine waters such as San Francisco Bay (SFB). Using metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries, we found that AOA are more abundant than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), except in the freshwater stations in SFB. In South SFB, we observed recurrent AOA blooms of “Candidatus Nitrosomarinus catalina” SPOT01-like organisms, which account for over 20% of 16S rRNA gene amplicons in both surface and bottom waters and co-occur with weeks of high nitrite concentrations (>10 μM) in the oxic water column. We observed pronounced nitrite peaks occurring in the autumn for 7 of the last 9 years (2012 to 2020), suggesting that seasonal AOA blooms are common in South SFB. We recovered two high-quality AOA metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including a Nitrosomarinus-like genome from the South SFB bloom and another Nitrosopumilus genome originating from Suisun Bay in North SFB. Both MAGs cluster with genomes from other estuarine/coastal sites. Analysis of Nitrosomarinus-like genomes show that they are streamlined, with low GC content and high coding density, and harbor urease genes. Our findings support the unique niche of Nitrosomarinus-like organisms which dominate coastal/estuarine waters and provide insights into recurring AOA blooms in SFB. IMPORTANCE Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) carry out key transformations of ammonia in estuarine systems such as San Francisco Bay (SFB)—the largest estuary on the west coast of North America—and play a significant role in both local and global nitrogen cycling. Using metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries, we document a massive, recurrent AOA bloom in South SFB that co-occurs with months of high nitrite concentrations in the oxic water column. Our study is the first to generate metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from SFB, and through this process we recovered two high-quality AOA MAGs, one of which originated from bloom samples. These AOA MAGs yield new insight into the Nitrosopumilus and Nitrosomarinus-like lineages and their potential niches in coastal and estuarine systems. Nitrosomarinus-like AOA are abundant in coastal regions around the globe, and we highlight the common occurrence of urease genes, low GC content, and range of salinity tolerances within this lineage.

Background: Spring frosts pose an important threat to orchard productivity in temperate zones and predictions of future occurrences do not exclude damaging events. However, there is no up-to-date and systematic comparison of the effectiveness and conditionality of the existing passive and active damage prevention strategies. This review seeks to answer the questions "How do the performances of spring frost damage reduction strategies in temperate fruit orchards compare?" and "How do environmental conditions affect frost damage reduction strategies in temperate fruit orchards?". Methods and output: The review covers on-site frost damage prevention mechanisms and interventions for the most important temperate pome, stone and citrus fruit trees as well as grapevine. Searches include the core collection and regional databases on the Web of Science platform, Scopus, as well as specialized libraries like Agris, Agricola, CAB Abstracts, Groenekennis and selected institutional websites. Included studies report on the effectiveness of at least one intervention in reducing spring frost damage or increasing temperatures in the field. The validity of the studies will be evaluated based on their risk of general research bias and on topic-specific, stakeholder co-designed validity criteria. Data will be extracted regarding the study setup (study design, location, characteristics of frosts) and the resulting temperature increase, crop development alteration and/or damage reductions. The effectiveness of interventions will be evaluated in terms of yields, damage to flowers, ambient temperature and/or crop development. An Evidence Atlas will identify general and geographic research gaps, as well as research trends. Meta-regression of effectiveness on environmental conditions will be attempted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of mechanical soft reduction on carbon segregation in the continuous casting of 300 × 400 mm 42CrMo alloy structural steel blooms was comparatively investigated by adjusting the casting speed, which was systematically optimized through numerical simulation. When the casting speed is 0.60 m · min−1, during the soft reduction process, the central solidification structure of the bloom becomes dense, and carbon segregation is improved. Moreover, the distribution of carbon in the samples before and after rolling was analyzed. Combined with the soft reduction process, the uniformity of carbon across the cross section of the bloom /bar distinctly improved for casting speeds of 0.50 m · min−1, 0.55 m · min−1 and 0.60 m · min−1, this was predominantly reflected in the core areas. The effective segregation length proportion of the bloom and rolled bar is approximately 40%. This phenomenon fully verifies the heredity characteristics of the elements in the rolling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, it is aimed to determine how prospective teachers prepare the activities by using the cognitive categories of Revised Bloom's Taxonomy (RBT) for effective teaching of conjunctions. In this study, which was designed as quasi-experimental, data were collected according to a single-group interval time series design. In this context, the participants were asked to prepare activities in order to determine the prior knowledge before the training. Participants prepared activities at the end of the training. A rubric developed by the researchers was used during the data collection and analysis process. The total average scores of the activities prepared before the training and the activities prepared after the training were compared. Activity-based training and the success levels of the prepared activities were evaluated. According to the results achieved in this context, the activity preparation training given to the participants was effective. It was determined that successful activities were prepared for the teaching of conjunctions by making use of the cognitive categories of RBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Human Sciences (19922876) is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study shows the causes of sociology education students' difficulties in making higher order thinking (HOT) tests. The method applied is the mix method through FGD data collection and questionnaires. The results showed that it was difficult for students to make HOT questions because 1) it was challenging to create stimulus questions, 2) lack of understanding of sociology material, 3) lack of mastery of Bloom's taxonomy application, 4) insufficient learning time, and 5) lecturer explanations were not good. Therefore, recommendations for effective learning improvement are needed, including using the principle of discovery learning

Abstract The impact of environmental variables and processes of nutrient enrichment on phytoplankton community at Epe lagoon was studied for 18 months (November 2012–April 2014). Two cyanobacterial bloom incidences were observed in the two dry seasons during this period. Rainfall pattern regulated nitrogen limitation which triggered cyanobacterial bloom development and influenced the bloom duration. Nutrient-laden influx from agricultural practices accounted for the increase in nitrate, phosphate and the relatively low silicate. Hypoxic conditions during the two bloom episodes reflected the vulnerability of this lagoon ecosystem. The cyanobacterial blooms were dominated by potentially toxic species; Anabaena circinalis, A. flos-aquae, A. limnetica and A. spiroides. A comparison of ambient nutrient ratios with the Redfield ratio (N/P/Si = 16:1:16) showed clear temporal variations that coincided with phytoplankton dynamics and the bloom regime. Low N/P ratios were recorded during the first 8 months, and there was a shift to higher ratios during the subsequent 8 months, followed by low N/P ratios in the last 2 months. Higher silicate values coincided with decreased cyanobacterial biomass, cyanobacteria bloom collapse and proliferation of diatoms during the first annual cycle. Cyanobacterial abundance exceeded the alert level 1 and almost reached alert level 2 which call for continuous environmental monitoring and management of coastal waters.

Pteropods are marine pelagic calcifier mollusks sensitive to chemical changes in seawater due to their highly soluble aragonite shells. Increased acidity (reduced pH) of seawater causes difficulties in precipitating their shells and/or results in their dissolution, which is related to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations and warming of seawater. They are therefore indicators of environmental changes. In this paper, we present the first record of the straight-needle pteropod Creseis acicula Rang, 1828 bloom in the surface waters of the Ҫanakkale Strait, Turkey (NE Aegean Sea), encountered in July 2020, when the highest sea surface temperatures and pH levels since 2007 were recorded. In coastal zones, such as the Ҫanakkale Strait, anthropogenic activity contributes significantly to environmental changes. Consequently, the increase in pH at elevated temperatures indicates an auxiliary factor (i.e. anthropogenic activity) that triggered the C. acicula bloom, rather than global atmospheric CO2 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qarun Lake is a unique saline basin. Its phytoplankton species abundance and dynamics in relation to the Red Tide phenomenon is the focus of this study. Samples were collected from May 2015 to April 2016 in twelve successive cruises. Phytoplankton productivity attained the highest level on July with the bloom of Dinophyceae, while showing negative correlation with water transparency (r = −0.72) and positive correlation with DO (r = 0.84). The causative species was Gymnodinium lantzschii. Another incident of Dinophyceae bloom was observed in March when chlorophyll a recorded 158.4 mgm−3, chl. b was (92.7 mgm−3 and chl. c was 160 mgm−3. The causative species were Prorocentrum aporum and Prorocentrum micans and the lake's water turned to red color; the "Red Tide phenomenon". Chlorella vulgaris bloom was recorded for the first time in the lake on August at site (4) with green water discoloration. The water temperature of the lake was one of the main phytoplankton bloom's drivers as the dominant species grew and flourished within a narrow range of temperature (30.4–34.9 °C). The results showed that there were strong correlations between carbonate, bicarbonate, DO and nutrients indicating that the dinoflagellate bloom was due to the high eutrophication of the lake. Finally, the Red tide phenomenon may influence the lake fisheries causing significant economic loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize the specific-time importance of phytoplankton variability in the semi-enclosed marine basin (Eastern Harbour of Alexandria), the present study based on a short-time scale was conducted during a year cycle. The harbour is characterized by abrupt temporal variations of multitudes of different environmental variables, and experiences a high degree of pressure from natural and anthropogenic activity. The instability of the system and rapid phytoplankton variations hinder the full understanding the mechanism that underlying the differences in the community composition and production. The community structure responded quickly to modifications, consequently, displacement of different species occur in a couple of days. The study stresses the crucial role of temperature as a steering factor in determining the timing, magnitude, and composition of the spring bloom. Water mixing conditions and organic matter concentrations influence deeply the phytoplankton variability. The study examines the ecology of the massive blooms of potentially harmful/toxic species of different classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warming winters due to climate change may critically affect temperate tree species. Insufficiently cold winters are thought to result in fewer viable flower buds and the subsequent development of fewer fruits or nuts, decreasing the yield of an orchard or fecundity of a species. The best existing approximation for a threshold of sufficient cold accumulation, the "chilling requirement" of a species or variety, has been quantified by manipulating or modeling the conditions that result in dormant bud breaking. However, the physiological processes that affect budbreak are not the same as those that determine yield. This study sought to test whether budbreak-based chilling thresholds can reasonably approximate the thresholds that affect yield, particularly regarding the potential impacts of climate change on temperate tree crop yields. County-wide yield records for almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera), and walnut (Juglans regia) in the Central Valley of California were compared with 50 years of weather records. Bayesian nonparametric function estimation was used to model yield potentials at varying amounts of chill accumulation. In almonds, average yields occurred when chill accumulation was close to the budbreak-based chilling requirement. However, in the other two crops, pistachios and walnuts, the best previous estimate of the budbreak-based chilling requirements was 19-32 % higher than the chilling accumulations associated with average or above average yields. This research indicates that physiological processes beyond requirements for budbreak should be considered when estimating chill accumulation thresholds of yield decline and potential impacts of climate change.

The environmental conditions in estuaries display distinct variability along the river-ocean mixing continuum from turbid, eutrophic freshwater to clear, oligotrophic offshore oceanic water. In order to understand the effects of suspended particulate matter (SPM), nutrient, and salinity on phytoplankton growth, this study investigated the response of a harmful dinoflagellate (Amphidinium carterae Hulburt) to the ecological gradients in estuary environments. Rapid nutrient uptake and growth of A. carterae were detected in the nutrient-rich clear water, while nutrient concentration had little impact on the cellular chlorophyll a (Chl-a) content at the stationary phase. Light attenuation caused by SPM not only inhibited the specific growth rate of A. carterae but also prolonged its adaption period in turbid water, resulting in a delayed and weakened growth response. The elevated cellular Chl-a content under high SPM conditions resulting from photo-acclimation led to the decoupling of cell density and Chl-a concentration, indicating that Chl-a is not a reliable indicator for phytoplankton abundance in turbid environments. The combined effect of SPM and nutrient on specific growth rate of A. carterae can be explained by the comparative effect model, while the multiplicative effect model better predicted their interactive effect on the growth inhibitory rate (GIR). There is a transit of dominant limiting factor for phytoplankton growth along the salinity gradient in estuary environments. Salinity (for marine phytoplankton cannot survive under low salinity condition) and SPM are the dominant limiting factors at low salinities in nearshore turbid environments, while nutrient depletion exerts the dominant inhibitory effect in high salinity offshore water. Depending on the balance between enhancing nutrient limitation and reducing light limitation with increasing salinity, blooms most likely occur in the “optimal growth region” at intermediate salinities where light and nutrient are both suitable for phytoplankton growth.

Microcystis-dominated blooms cause environmental and ecological impacts worldwide. However, it is sometimes challenging to correctly identify Microcystis and its related genera. Radiocystis fernandoi Komárek et Komáková-Legnerová 1993, characterized by large cells and correspondingly large colonies with gas vesicles, has been frequently found in cyanobacterial blooms in Brazil. However, its molecular and phylogenetic identity is unknown because no valuable DNA sequences are available in GenBank. In this study, a strain with R. fernandoi morphology was successfully isolated from a cyanobacterial bloom sample in Lake Erhai, a subtropical plateau lake in China. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and cpcBA genes revealed that the strain is different from the type species of the genus Radiocystis but formed a well-supported clade with the Microcystis species. The comparative results of the ITS region between 16S–23S rRNA genes also showed that the strain had very similar secondary structures to the species of Microcystis, supporting it as a new member of the genus Microcystis. Therefore, we propose the transfer of Radiocystis fernandoi into Microcystis fernandoi comb. nov. The correct identification and further taxonomic procedure for the bloom-forming cyanobacterial genera, such as Microcystis, Radiocystis, and Sphaerocavum, are also discussed in this study.

Extracellularpolysaccharides of bacteria contribute to biofilm formation, stress tolerance, and infectivity. Cyanobacteria, the oxygenic photoautotrophic bacteria, uniquely produce sulfated extracellular polysaccharides among bacteria to support phototrophic biofilms. In addition, sulfated polysaccharides of cyanobacteria and other organisms have been focused as beneficial biomaterial. However, very little is known about their biosynthesis machinery and function in cyanobacteria. Here, we found that the model cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, formed bloom-like cell aggregates embedded in sulfated extracellular polysaccharides (designated as synechan) and identified whole set of genes responsible for synechan biosynthesis and its transcriptional regulation, thereby suggesting a model for the synechan biosynthesis apparatus. Because similar genes are found in many cyanobacterial genomes with wide variation, our findings may lead elucidation of various sulfated polysaccharides, their functions, and their potential application in biotechnology.

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis secretes a specific sulphated polysaccharide to form floating cell aggregates.

Temporal variation of the phytoplankton community and environmental factors were investigated over 8 months: from January 2018 to November 2018 in the Sidi Saad reservoir (central Tunisia): May, June (spring season), July, August (summer season) September, October and November (autumn season), and January (winter season). The relationships between phytoplankton and environmental factors were explored using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). General linear models (GLMs) were used to predict the phytoplankton abundance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis that the abundance of each group of taxa differed between sampling months. The results of chemical analysis of the reservoir showed that the environment was enriched in nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, and orthophosphate, especially in May. Carlson's trophic index using average chemical variables showed that Sidi Saad has a mesotrophic statute. There is temporal phytoplankton succession in the Sidi Saad reservoir. Cyanophyceae dominated over the year except in winter and late autumn (November and January). Chlorophyceae was the dominant group in winter month. The CCA results showed that six environmental factors, orthophosphates (PO43−), total phosphates (TP), Secchi disc depth (SD), total nitrogen (TN), temperature (T), and nitrite (NO2−) had significant influences on the changes in phytoplankton. GLM showed that PO43−, TP, TN, SD, and T were the significant predictors of phytoplankton abundance. Phytoplankton composition is largely dominated by the species Microcystis aeruginosa which formed a bloom with excessive abundance (up to 89.76 billion cell l−1 in spring). We recommend banning the fishing and their consumption during the period of Microcystis bloom and installing a system of biomonitoring of the levels of toxins in the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Foreign Literature Studies is the property of Foreign Literature Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cyanobacteria are able to grow rapidly when induced by suitable conditions and form blooms. These cyanobacterial blooms can lead to wide ranges of water quality problems which include depletion of dissolved oxygen and subsequent fish kills and unsafe drinking water. To a greater extent, cyanobacteria can severely degrade aquatic habitats, decrease the utilisation of water bodies as potable water supply, limit recreational activities and reduce in-lake fisheries. Previous researches conducted showed that plant leaves released anti-cyanobacterial compounds. Hence this study investigated the abilities of 15 terrestrial wild plant leaves leachates from Penang, Malaysia to inhibit the growth of 8 isolated cyanobacteria. The results showed that most leaves effectively controlled all cyanobacterial growth but at different rates, depending on the species of cyanobacteria and the plant leaves used. The outcomes suggest that the wild plant terrestrial leaves released effective anti-cyanobacterial substances, giving new insight to terrestrial leaves as natural biological controls of cyanobacterial bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices and is rich in pharmacological and biological active ingredients. We explored the community structure and diversity of the fungi growing on the surface of saffron corms having different growth characteristics. Thirty corm samples having different growth characteristics, i.e., infected, unable to germinate, able to germinate but not bloom, able to germinate and produce one flower per corm, and able to germinate and produce two flowers per corm, were collected from South Tai Lake Agricultural Park, Huzhou central hospital. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) method was employed to detect the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA in fungus. The community structure of fungi on the surface of corms having different growth characteristics was described using bioinformatics tools, and the specific fungus on the corm surface was identified. The fungi on the surface of corms exhibited different developmental features. The abundance of Trichocomaceae and Talaromyces was high in infected corms, whereas that of Aspergillaceae was high in corms that were unable to germinate. Penicillium and Dothideomycetes were observed in corms that could germinate but not bloom, and in corms that could germinate and produce two flowers per corm, respectively. Differences were observed in Cladosporium, Lambertella, Passalora, Penicillium, and Talaromyces among the five groups at the genus level. An understanding of the fungal diversity on the corm surface might provide useful information for improving germination and blooming of saffron corms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we provide the first evidence of a bloom formation of coccolithophore Syracosphaera halldalii in a salt‐wedge estuary of Krka River (Mediterranean Sea), during stratified conditions. The increase of coccolithophore abundance was firstly noticed in August 2017 and occurred again in October 2017. The increased abundance appeared over wide salinity (16.9–35.3) and temperature ranges (16.4–23.3ºC). On these two occasions, the highest abundance of S. halldalii confirmed by SEM counts reached 2.51 × 106 cells L−1 at halocline in October. The contribution of S. halldalii to total coccolithophore assemblage was more than 97%. Vertical distribution of total coccolithophores abundance varied over time and followed the temperature curve, with the highest abundances co‐occurring with maximum temperature in the water column. A positive association of coccolithophore abundances with nitrates was found, but pulses of both organic nitrogen and nitrites seem to be important for sustaining the bloom after the initial proliferation. During the entire study period, S. halldalii was found only in the heterococcolith‐bearing phase, and the absence of the holococcolith‐bearing phase could be related to increased turbulence in the estuary. SEM analysis of cell morphology was in concordance with earlier descriptions, with apical coccoliths and body coccoliths of approximately equal size and both having distinct protruding teeth along the inner rim. A single exothecal coccolith was found in association with two S. halldalii cells indicating possible dithecatism of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we contemplate the dynamics of an aquatic system consisting of three interacting species, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. We assume that the evading risk of fish predation induces fear in zooplankton species, which affects its growth dynamics radically. On the other hand, zooplankton develop an anti-predator defense by taking temporary refuge. Interestingly, the system potentially exhibits multi-stable configurations under identical ecological conditions by allowing different bifurcation scenarios, including multiple saddle–node and transcritical bifurcations with varying levels of nutrients, strength of phytoplankton toxicity, zooplankton refuge size and the cost of fear imposed by fish population. Further, by adding Gaussian white noise, we have extended the deterministic system to its stochastic version. We find that white noise appears to regulate the survival and extinction of model species. Comprehensive numerical simulations are consistent with mathematical results prognosticated by linear analysis. Overall, our study may provide a new insight into the mechanisms of emergence and mitigation of plankton blooms. • We study plankton-fish dynamics, including fear, refuge, and toxins. • The system exhibits multi-stability, abrupt transitions with toxicity, fear, etc. • Environmental forcing influences species persistence and extinction. • Estimated results offer insights into plankton bloom mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kayseri region of Turkey, is an old and well-established wine-growing regions. Kayseri is famous for its vineyards and grapes such as Gesi Vineyards and Erkilet Vineyards. Kayseri has a rich genetic diversity from the past. This study was carried out in the vineyard areas determined and representing in Gesi region of Kayseri province in 2018. A total of 9 different local grape genotypes known, loved and widely used by the local people for many years in cultivation were chosen. During the vegetation period, bud burst and full bloom observations were made and recorded as day / month. At the end of the study, differences were found among local genotypes in terms of phenological stages. The earliest bud burst was recorded on 27 March with GES 01 named Sık Dimrit and the latest bud burst was observed on April 2. The full bloom time has ranged from June 2 to June 8 among local grapevine genotypes. Ripening time of genotypes ranged from 15-20 September.

Oil spills in oceans have substantial influence on marine ecosystems. This study investigates 21 oil spills in the world. Analyzing Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiomerer (MODIS) data after Penglai oil spills on 4 June 2011, found a bloom with peak value of Chl-a (13.66 mg m−3) spread over an area of 800 km2 during 18–25 June 2011, and a pronounced increase in the monthly Chl-a concentration (6.40 mg m−3) on June 2012 in the Bohai Sea. Out of the 21 oil spills, 14 blooms were observed, while 11 blooms associated with oil spills in the time interval of 3–10 months. In total, about 75% blooms occurred during June–August. Among all 14 blooms, 72% appeared when temperature was warm (20–30 °C), 7% appeared when temperature was low (10–20 °C), and the remaining 21% occurred when temperature was lower than 10 °C. This research concludes that the odds of a phytoplankton bloom after an oil spillage are higher at the time of higher temperature (>20 °C). The short-term impact of the oil spills on ecosystem could mainly depend on the quantity and composition of oil, while the long-term impact of the oil spills on ecosystem could be related to biodegradation of microorganisms.

Water scarcity is the main limiting factor for fruit trees in arid regions of Tunisia. In this area, almond is widespread, but severe conditions are a key issue for nuts production and kernel quality. In this study, phenological features and kernel quality of local and foreign almond cultivars irrigated with low water quality were investigated. Local cultivars presented an early flowering and seemed to be more appropriate to regional conditions and water salinity. All almond cultivars performed respectable kernel nutritional quality. In conclusion, local cultivars showed better adaptation with early bloom and higher fruit quality under warm conditions.

Ethephon (ET) is an ethylene-releasing plant growth regulator (PGR) that can delay the bloom time in Prunus, thus reducing the risk of spring frost, which is exacerbated by global climate change. However, the adoption of ET is hindered by its detrimental effects on tree health. Little knowledge is available regarding the mechanism of how ET shifts dormancy and flowering phenology in peach. This study aimed to further characterize the dormancy regulation network at the transcriptional level by profiling the gene expression of dormant peach buds from ET-treated and untreated trees using RNA-Seq data. The results revealed that ET triggered stress responses during endodormancy, delaying biological processes related to cell division and intercellular transportation, which are essential for the floral organ development. During ecodormancy, ET mainly impeded pathways related to antioxidants and cell wall formation, both of which are closely associated with dormancy release and budburst. In contrast, the expression of dormancy-associated MADS (DAM) genes remained relatively unaffected by ET, suggesting their conserved nature. The findings of this study signify the importance of floral organogenesis during dormancy and shed light on several key processes that are subject to the influence of ET, therefore opening up new avenues for the development of effective strategies to mitigate frost risks.

To ensure drinking-water safety, it is necessary to understand the factors that regulate harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) and the toxins they produce. One controlling factor might be any relationship between fungi and the cyanobacteria. To test this possibility, water samples were obtained from Harsha Lake in southwestern Ohio during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 bloom seasons, i.e., late May through September. In each water sample, the concentration of the filamentous fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, and Microcystis aeruginosa microcystin-gene transcript copy number (McyG TCN) was quantified by reverse-transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) analyses. The results showed that during each bloom season, the C. cladosporioides concentration and McyG TCN appeared to be interrelated. Therefore, C. cladosporioides concentrations were statistically evaluated via regression on McyG TCN in the water samples for lag times of 1 to 7 days. The regression equation developed to model the relationship demonstrated that a change in the C. cladosporioides concentration resulted in an opposing change in McyG TCN over an approximately 7-day interval. Although the interaction between C. cladosporioides and McyG TCN was observed in each bloom season, the magnitude of each component varied yearly. To better understand this possible interaction, outdoor Cladosporium spore-count data for the Harsha Lake region were obtained for late May through September of each year from the South West Ohio Air Quality Agency. The average Cladosporium spore count in the outdoor air samples was significantly greater in 2016 than in either 2015 or 2017, and the M. aeruginosa McyG TCN was significantly lower in Harsha Lake water samples in 2016 compared to 2015 or 2017. These results suggest that there might be a “balanced antagonism” between C. cladosporioides and M. aeruginosa during the bloom season.

Abstract Members of the genus Cylindrospermopsis represent an important environmental and health concern. Strains CS-508 and MVCC14 of C. raciborskii were isolated from freshwater reservoirs located in Australia and Uruguay, respectively. While CS-508 has been reported as non-toxic, MVCC14 is a saxitoxin (STX) producer. We annotated the draft genomes of these C. raciborskii strains using the assembly of reads obtained from Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The final assemblies resulted in genome sizes close to 3.6 Mbp for both strains and included 3202 ORFs for CS-508 (in 163 contigs) and 3560 ORFs for MVCC14 (in 99 contigs). Finally, both the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and the similarity of gene content indicate that these two genomes should be considered as strains of the C. raciborskii species.

Knowing the magnitude and timing of pelagic primary production is important for ecosystem and carbon sequestration studies, in addition to providing basic understanding of phytoplankton functioning. In this study we use data from an ecosystem cruise to Kong Håkon VII Hav, in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, in March 2019 and more than two decades of satellite-derived ocean color to study phytoplankton bloom phenology. During the cruise we observed phytoplankton blooms in different bloom phases. By correlating bloom phenology indices (i.e., bloom initiation and end) based on satellite remote sensing to the timing of changes in environmental conditions (i.e., sea ice, light, and mixed layer depth) we studied the environmental factors that seemingly drive phytoplankton blooms in the area. Our results show that blooms mainly take place in January and February, consistent with previous studies that include the area. Sea ice retreat controls the bloom initiation in particular along the coast and the western part of the study area, whereas bloom end is not primarily connected to sea ice advance. Light availability in general is not appearing to control the bloom termination, neither is nutrient availability based on the autumn cruise where we observed non-depleted macronutrient reservoirs in the surface. Instead, we surmise that zooplankton grazing plays a potentially large role to end the bloom, and thus controls its duration. The spatial correlation of the highest bloom magnitude with marked topographic features indicate that the interaction of ocean currents with sea floor topography enhances primary productivity in this area, probably by natural fertilization. Based on the bloom timing and magnitude patterns, we identified five different bloom regimes in the area. A more detailed understanding of the region will help to highlight areas with the highest relevance for the carbon cycle, the marine ecosystem and spatial management. With this gained understanding of bloom phenology, it will also be possible to study potential shifts in bloom timing and associated trophic mismatch caused by environmental changes.

Filtration was used for the separation of microalgae from water collected at the reservoir of a Baxe, in north-western Spain, where cyanobacterial blooms are known to occur. The barks of Eucalyptus globulus were used as bed filters. Filters were made with compacted and non-compacted barks of 0.5, 1 and 2 g. Filtration of water with compacted barks showed the best results with yields of 43.12, 76.85 and 63.67 % for the different weights. The microalgae obtained and the vegetation filters were used for the manufacturing of pellets to be used as fuels. Their energy potential was studied according to different parameters such as calorific value, humidity, volatile matter and ash content, to verify the requirements for the use of pellets as fuel in biomass boilers met the criteria according to UNE Standards. These pellets meet the requirements of UNE standards established and could, therefore, be used in boilers as biofuels. Obtaining a high heating value above to 15.00 MJ/kg, greater than 17.00 MJ/kg for all samples except the pellet sample with only microalgal biomass. The samples have a lower ash content of (10 %), with the exception of the microalgae pellet without eucalyptus bark (13.67 %). The use of Eucalyptus bark is a feasible option for the separation of microalgae in aquatic ecosystems. The next step would be to carry out the experiments on a large scale in a reservoir with eutrophication problems, to test if it works correctly under different conditions. Although the aim of obtaining pellets for boilers does not pursue an economic or commercial objective, the results obtained were promising. This would help towards reducing forest waste and as consequence, reducing environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study correlated the abundance of five jellyfish species in the south-west coast of India, South-eastern Arabian Sea, Crambionella orsini, Lychnorhiza malayensis, Chrysaora caliparea, Netrostoma coerulescens and Cyanea nozakii, with hydrographic parameters. Partial least square (PLS) analysis suggested strong correlations between jellyfish abundance and phosphate, silicate and chlorophyll-a content in water and showed a significant positive relationship with the first PLS component, while pH and sea surface temperature showed a significant negative correlation with the first PLS component, indicating that the abundance of four species, C. caliparea, C. nozakii, L. malayensis and N. coerulescens, increases with phosphate, silicate and chlorophyll-a content and decreases with pH and sea surface temperature. In contrast, the abundance of C. orsini increased with an increase in sea surface salinity and decreased with an increase in dissolved oxygen; except for this species, the abundance of jellyfish in the South-eastern Arabian Sea was positively affected by phosphate content of the water. The continuous decline in abundance of jellyfish from 2016 to 2019 in the south-west coast of India could be due to the influence of regional environmental changes or due to the specific ecological strategies of the jellyfish species in the upwelling zone subjected to high fishing pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kayseri is one of the oldest cities in the world with a history of 6000 years and has a long history of viniculture, famous for its vineyards and grapes. As a result of the fact that the province of Kayseri is the micro gene center of the vine, it has reached a very rich genetic diversity with both natural crosses and mutations over many years. However, in recent years, with the effect of environmental and social factors such as global climate changes, urbanization, and migration; the cultivation of local grape varieties of Kayseri is decreasing day by day. At this point, it is essential to identify and conserve local grapevine genetic resources, which are very valuable for breeding new varieties. This research was carried out in Yüceyar region of Kayseri province, and the phenological stages of budburst, full bloom and maturity of local grape genotypes detected in producer vineyards were examined for 2 years. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the phenological development periods change depending on the genetic structure of the genotype and ecological conditions. It has also been determined that pruning time and annual maintenance operations are effective on phenological stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In steel bar rolling, molten metal in the casting process is solidified into a bloom with a large square cross section, which is then made into a billet. Management of the process yield during rolling is very important. In particular, the length and weight of the crop generated at the front/rear end of the material during rolling vary; however, various studies are being conducted to reduce this to 1% of the actual material yield. In this study, we investigated the factors influencing the crop fish tail and identified new operating parameters to derive optimal operating conditions. In particular, to predict the crop length, we conducted several predictive model analyses to identify the factors affecting the crop length. We investigated the factors related to the length of the crop fish tail, established a length prediction model based on correlation, and optimized the operating conditions based on the prediction model. The upper and lower layers of the furnace soaking zone for the hard steel bloom were operated at 1473, 30 K lower than the existing 1503 K. As a result, the length of the crop fish tail was 147.3 mm, shortened by approximately 13.1 mm, compared to the existing 160.4 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]