Food security perspectives in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Cadmium-induced turion formation of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden

Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden (giant duckweed) is an extensively studied representative of duckweeds (Lemnoideae subfamily, Araceae). Despite its widespread application in numerous research areas and well-known capability for producing turions, the effects of various toxicants on turion production are sporadically discussed in the scientific literature. Our aim was to study the growth of S. polyrhiza under cadmium stress and to test its potential interference with turion production. Effects of cadmium were assessed in axenic cultures of a local S. polyrhiza clone in 7-days-long duckweed growth inhibition tests. Our results indicated that higher cadmium concentrations decreased the relative growth rates of cultures within 3 days and growth inhibition reached its maximum between the 3rd and 5th days with 0.080 mg l-1 IC50. Parallel with slowed frond production - by mirror image pattern - induction of turion formation was observed. The first turions protruded by the 5th day of treatments in the 0.075-0.75 mg l-1 concentration range. Such rapid onset of turion formation is indicative of an almost immediate switch between normal and turion mode of meristem function upon cadmium stress. The consideration of this mechanism in practical applications of S. polyrhiza is recommended

Cadmium-induced turion formation of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden

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PRISMA Statement for Reporting Literature Searches in Systematic Reviews of the Bioethanol Sector

The bioethanol sector is an extremely complex set of actors, technologies and market structures, influenced simultaneously by different natural, economic, social and political processes. That is why it lends itself to the application of system dynamics modelling. In last five years a relatively high level of experience and knowledge has accumulated related to the application of computer-aided system modelling for the analysis and forecasting of the bioethanol sector. The goal of the current paper is to offer a systematic review of the application of system dynamics models in order to better understand the structure, conduct and performance of the bioethanol sector. Our method has been the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), based on English-language materials published between 2015 and 2020. The results highlight that system dynamic models have become more and more complex, but as a consequence of the improvement in information technology and statistical systems, as well as the increasing experience gained they offer an efficient tool for decision makers in the business and political spheres. In the future, the combination of traditional system dynamics modelling and agent-based models will offer new perspectives for the preparation of more sophisticated description and forecasting

Network analysis for the improvement of food safety in the international honey trade

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Transglutaminase 2 Has Metabolic and Vascular Regulatory Functions Revealed by In Vivo Activation of Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptor

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