Abstract The presence of weeds in areas of agricultural activities is a hinderance to the development of these activities. It is important to take advantage of the vast open spaces suitable for ...agriculture and provide food security for humans, and also it is an important indicator for determining the feasibility of growing crops, benefiting from yield and determining the percentage of loss, clearing fields through agricultural practices, that protect crops from weed attack and agricultural practice method must be followed that will reduce weed presence. This study was conducted during the years 2018 to 2020 to evaluate Portulacaceae of Flora in the Taif area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at different altitudes (Area 1 =1700 m, Area 2 =1500 m, Area 3 =1500 m, Area 4 =500 m ِ Area 5 = 2200 m, and Area 6 = 2200 m). The results show that there were 2,816 individuals of Portulaca oleracea weed, with the highest density found in A 1, followed by A 2, while in A 5 and A 6, no weeds were recorded. The highest density of weeds were in the Pomegranate fields, followed by Grape fields. The lowest density was found in A man field. The results of this study will help to take the necessary measures to combat weeds and its management in areas of agricultural activity, while more studies are needed to survey the ecology of weeds of Taif in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Resumo A presença de plantas daninhas em áreas de atividades agrícolas é um entrave ao desenvolvimento dessas atividades. É importante aproveitar os vastos espaços abertos adequados para a agricultura e dar segurança alimentar para o homem. Também é um indicador importante para determinar a viabilidade de cultivo de lavouras, beneficiando-se da produtividade e determinando o percentual de perda, desmatando campos agrícolas, práticas que protegem as lavouras do ataque de ervas daninhas, e métodos de práticas agrícolas devem ser seguidos para reduzir a presença de ervas daninhas. Este estudo foi realizado durante os anos de 2018 a 2020 para avaliar Portulacaceae de flora na área de Taif, no Reino da Arábia Saudita, em diferentes altitudes (Área 1 = 1.700 m, Área 2 = 1.500 m, Área 3 = 1.500 m, Área 4 = 500 m, Área 5 = 2.200 m, e Área 6 = 2.200 m). Os resultados mostram que houve 2.816 indivíduos de planta daninha Portulaca oleracea, com a maior densidade encontrada em A 1, seguida de A 2, enquanto em A 5 e A 6, nas plantas daninhas foram registrados. A maior densidade de ervas daninhas estava nos campos de romã, seguido pelos campos de uva. A densidade mais baixa foi encontrada no campo A man. Os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a tomar as medidas necessárias para combater as ervas daninhas e seu manejo em áreas de atividade agrícola, enquanto mais estudos são necessários para levantar a ecologia das ervas daninhas de Taif na Arábia Saudita.
There is a compelling economic incentive to develop concrete materials that can repair its own damage, increase durability and prevent structural failure. This research investigated the potential of ...adding two different mineral producing bacteria into two types of cementitious mortar matrix to enhance self-healing ability for autonomous crack repair. In this study, zeolite was used as a carrier material to protect bacteria in high pH environment normally exists in concrete. The spore forming ability and ureolytic activity of zeolite-immobilized bacteria were investigated in order to examine potential for producing healing compounds. The self-healing ability of bacteria incorporated normal and fiber reinforced mortars was judged based on the development of compressive strength and permeation properties of cracked specimens with age as well as micro-structural characterization of crack healing compounds using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction.
•Studied self-healing characteristics of bacteria incorporated mortar composites.•Used zeolite as a bacterial carrier and studied influence of bacteria on strength and permeation properties.•SEM, EDS and XRD studies were conducted to confirm the presence of calcite precipitation at cracks.•All bacteria incorporated mortar composites exhibited excellent self-healing characteristics.
The current study examines the effect of steel fiber content on the uniaxial compressive response of lightweight concrete to propose a stress-strain model in cyclic loading. For this purpose, 150 x ...300 mm cylindrical specimens containing different volume ratios of steel fiber (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) were tested to plot the cyclic curves of steel fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete (SFRLWAC). The best combination of two types of steel fibers was used in this research: straight hooked-end and crimped fibers with aspect ratios of 50 and 28.5, respectively. Key points on cyclic curves were examined, and the compressive behavior of lightweight concrete was investigated. The results show that the integration of steel fibers reduces the plastic strain and stiffness degradation of the reloading paths. Furthermore, a rise in steel fiber volume fraction is associated with increased common-point coordinates. A stress-strain relationship was proposed to define the compressive cyclic behavior of SFRLWAC. The model was compared with the experimental findings to confirm its validity. The proposed model shows satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. Keywords: compressive behavior; cyclic loading; lightweight concrete; steel fiber; stress-strain model.
Abstract Responses of three tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hybrids viz. 'Luanova', 'Savarona' and 'Tessera' to various doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g L-1) of soil application of humic acid ...(HA) were evaluated in terms of plant growth, productivity and quality of fruits, under greenhouse conditions, during 2011-12 and 2012-13. In addition to improved quality characteristics, higher values for yield and yield components were recorded for tomato fruits harvested from plants of 'Tessera' cultivar compared to those harvested from other hybrids tested, regardless of growing seasons. Plants from 'Luanova' cultivar were, however, earlier in fruiting with higher number of fruits per plant. Soil application of HA presented positive effects on yield and physicochemical quality of tomato fruits irrespective of the dose of HA and the cultivar investigated, in both seasons. Soil application of HA at higher dose 1.5 g L-1 exhibited better results in all the three tomato cultivars tested, in terms of their vegetative and reproductive growth, and significantly improved the physicochemical quality of their fruits. Conclusively, the tomato hybrid 'Tessera' was found suitable for cultivation under greenhouse conditions while soil application of aqueous solution of HA @ 1.5 g L-1 substantially resulted in higher production of quality tomato fruits.
Resumo Respostas de três híbridos de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) viz. 'Luanova', 'Savarona' e 'Tessera' para várias doses (0, 0,5, 1,0, 1,5 e 2,0 g L-1) de aplicação de ácido húmico (AH) no solo foram avaliadas em termos de crescimento da planta, produtividade e qualidade de frutas, em casa de vegetação, durante 2011-12 e 2012-13. Além das características de qualidade melhoradas, valores mais elevados para o rendimento e os componentes do rendimento foram registrados para frutos de tomate colhidos de plantas do cultivar 'Tessera' em comparação com aqueles colhidos de outros híbridos testados, independentemente das estações de cultivo. As plantas do cultivar 'Luanova', no entanto, frutificaram mais cedo com maior número de frutos por planta. A aplicação de AH no solo apresentou efeitos positivos sobre a produtividade e a qualidade físico-química dos frutos de tomate, independentemente da dose de AH e do cultivar investigado, nas duas safras. A aplicação de HA no solo na dose maior de 1,5 g L-1 apresentou melhores resultados nos três cultivares de tomate testados, quanto ao crescimento vegetativo e reprodutivo, e melhorou significativamente a qualidade físico-química dos frutos. Conclusivamente, o híbrido de tomate 'Tessera' foi considerado adequado para cultivo em casa de vegetação, enquanto a aplicação no solo de solução aquosa de HA @ 1,5 g L-1 resultou substancialmente em maior produção de frutos de tomate de qualidade.
Cadmium (Cd) is one of non-essential heavy metals which is released into environment naturally or anthropogenically. It is highly persistent toxic metals that are exceptionally distressing industrial ...and agriculture activities by contaminating soil, water and food. Its long-duration endurance in soil and water results in accumulation and uptake into plants, leading to the food chain. This becomes a serious global problem threatening humans and animals as food chain components. Living organisms, especially humans, are exposed to Cd through plants as one of the main vegetative food sources. This review paper is concentrated on the symptoms of the plants affected by Cd toxicity. The absorption of Cd triggers several seen and unseen symptoms by polluted plants such as stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis and wilting. Apart from that, factors that affect the uptake and translocation of Cd in plants are elaborated to understand the mechanism that contributes to its accumulation. By insight of Cd accumulation, this review also discussed the phytoremediation techniques-phytoextraction, phytostimulation, phytostabilization, phytovolatization and rhizofiltration in bioremediating the Cd.
The axial behavior of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) columns confined with engineered cementitious composite (ECC) was investigated through experimental and analytical investigations. Both square ...and cylindrical-shaped columns were considered in the study. The other variables of the study were the presence or absence of longitudinal reinforcement, the thickness of ECC confinement, and the loading types. The behavior of the columns was evaluated in terms of the axial load-deflection response, strain characteristics, ultimate load-carrying capacity, ductility, energy absorption capacity, and modes of failure. It was found that the ECC confinement significantly increased the ultimate axial load capacity and energy absorption of the SCC columns. The confined columns also exhibited enhanced ductile behavior compared to the corresponding core column under axial loading. The confined concrete strengths predicted by existing analytical models were found to be in satisfactory agreement with the experimentally obtained values. Keywords: axial behavior; confined column; ductility; energy absorption capacity; engineered cementitious composite (ECC); load-deflection response; self-consolidating concrete (SCC); ultimate load capacity.
Abstract Objective To determine whether exposures to infectious illness during childhood involving the CNS or elsewhere is associated with adult schizophrenia or other psychoses. Method Systematic ...review and meta-analysis of published literature identified by electronic and manual search meeting three inclusion criteria: population-base, objective assessment of childhood infection at the individual level, standard definition of adult psychotic outcomes. We calculated risk ratio for all CNS infection, and separately for viral and bacterial infection in relation to non-affective psychosis and schizophrenia, which was combined in meta-analysis. Results Seven studies were included. Meta-analysis involving 2424 cases and over 1.2 million controls showed CNS viral infection was associated with nearly two-fold increased risk of adult non-affective psychosis (risk ratio 1.70; 95% CI 1.13–2.55; p = 0.01). There was no significant heterogeneity between studies ( p = 0.26; I 2 = 20%). Separate meta-analysis involving 1035 cases and over 1.2 million controls suggested all childhood CNS infections, particularly viral infections, may be associated with nearly two-fold risk of adult schizophrenia. However, there was evidence of some heterogeneity between these studies ( p = 0.07; I 2 = 70%). CNS bacterial infections were not associated with risk of psychosis. Data on childhood infections with no obvious involvement of the CNS is insufficient. Conclusions These findings indicate childhood CNS viral infections increase the risk of adult psychotic illness. Possible mechanisms may include both direct effects of pathogens, and the effects of inflammatory response on the developing brain.
•At symptom level, IL-6 is associated with diurnal variation in mood, concentration difficulties, fatigue and sleep disturbances.•These are so-called somatic/neurovegetative symptoms of ...depression.•At dimension level, IL-6 is associated with both somatic/neurovegetative and psychological symptom dimensions.•Somatic/neurovegetative symptoms could be useful treatment targets and markers of treatment response in clinical trials of anti-inflammatory treatment for depression.
Low-grade inflammation is associated with depression, but studies of specific symptoms are relatively scarce. Association between inflammatory markers and specific symptoms may provide insights into potential mechanism of inflammation-related depression. Using longitudinal data, we have tested whether childhood serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with specific depressive symptoms in early adulthood.
In the ALSPAC birth cohort, serum IL-6 and CRP levels were assessed at age 9 years and 19 depressive symptoms were assessed at age 18 years. We used modified Poisson generalised linear regression with robust error variance to estimate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each depressive symptom. In addition, we used confirmatory factor analysis to create two continuous latent variables representing somatic/neurovegetative and psychological dimension scores. Structural equation modelling was used to test the associations between IL-6 and these dimension scores.
Based on data from 2731 participants, IL-6 was associated with diurnal mood variation, concentration difficulties, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The adjusted RRs for these symptoms at age 18 years for participants in top, compared with bottom, third of IL-6 at age 9 years were 1.75 (95% CI, 1.13–2.69) for diurnal mood variation, 1.50 (95% CI, 1.11–2.02) for concentration difficulties, 1.31 (95% CI, 1.12–1.54) for fatigue, and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.01–1.52) for sleep disturbances. At dimension level, IL-6 was associated with both somatic/neurovegetative (β = 0.059, SE = 0.024, P = 0.013) and psychological (β = 0.056, SE = 0.023, P = 0.016) scores.
Inflammation is associated with specific symptoms of depression. Associations with so-called somatic/neurovegetative symptoms of depression such as fatigue, sleep disturbances and diurnal mood variation indicate that these symptoms could be useful treatment targets and markers of treatment response in clinical trials of anti-inflammatory treatment for depression.
Meta-analyses implicate immune dysfunction in depression confirming increased levels of circulating immune proteins (e.g., cytokines) in depression cases compared to controls. White blood cells (WBC) ...both produce and are influenced by cytokines, and play key roles in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses, but their role in depression remains unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of studies of various WBC subsets in depression is required for a greater understanding of the nature of immune dysfunction in this illness.
We searched PubMed and PsycINFO databases (inception to 5
April 2022) and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of identified studies comparing absolute count and/or relative percentage of flow cytometry-derived WBC subsets between depression cases and controls. Selected studies were quality assessed. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed.
Thirty-three studies were included and 27 studies (n = 2277) were meta-analysed. We report an increase in mean absolute counts of WBC (seven studies; standardised mean difference SMD = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.61-1.53; P < 0.01; I
= 64%), granulocytes (two studies; SMD = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.45-2.68; P < 0.01; I
= 0%), neutrophils (four studies; SMD = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.23-1.58; P < 0.01; I
= 82%), monocytes (seven studies; SMD = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.19-1.01; P < 0.01; I
= 66%), CD4
helper T cells (11 studies; SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15-0.45; P < 0.01; I
= 0%), natural killer cells (11 studies; SMD = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.38-2.08; P < 0.01; I
= 95%), B cells (10 studies; SMD = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.03-0.57; P = 0.03; I
= 56%), and activated T cells (eight studies; SMD = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.66; P < 0.01; I
= 0%) in depression, compared to controls. Fewer studies reported relative percentage, indicating increased neutrophils and decreased total lymphocytes, Th1, and Th2 cells in depression.
Depression is characterised by widespread alterations in circulating myeloid and lymphoid cells, consistent with dysfunction in both innate and adaptive immunity. Immune cells could be useful biomarkers for illness subtyping and patient stratification in future immunotherapy trials of depression, along with cytokines, other biomarkers, and clinical measures.
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