Orientador: Leila Trevisan Braz / Resumo: Polinizações manuais na cultura do meloeiro apresentam taxa de sucesso de cerca de 40%, entretanto, pouco se relata na literatura sobre os aspectos que afetam esta taxa, tornando-a baixa, e como incrementa-la. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a biologia reprodutiva do meloeiro, e estratégias para aumentar a taxa de pegamento de frutos na cultura. Para tal, foram estudados a viabilidade polínica e receptividade estigmática em genótipos de meloeiro ao longo do dia da antese, e, o impacto de diferentes protocolos de polinização na fixação de frutos. Desta forma, foram desenvolvidos três experimentos, um de viabilidade polínica in vitro, e um de receptividade estigmática, estes envolvendo três genótipos de melão rendilhado e cinco horários de coleta de flores, visando entender o comportamento floral do meloeiro ao longo do dia. E um terceiro trabalho, onde foi estudado a fixação de frutos, massa total e massa de mil sementes dos frutos formados sob diferentes protocolos de polinização, para tal empregou-se autopolinizações e hibridações, em dois horários e soluções diretamente nos estigmas da flor hermafrodita, com o objetivo de beneficiar a germinação e estrutura dos tubos polínicos, propiciando fecundações mais eficientes. Após as avaliações, os dados foram submetidos a análise estatística e comparados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Foi possível concluir que a viabilidade polínica do meloeiro é afetada pelo genótipo, e os genótipos, JAB 11, JAB 20 e Fantasy, ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Manual pollination in melon crop has a success rate of about 40%, however, little is reported in the literature about the aspects that affect this rate, making it low, and how to increase it. This work aimed to study the reproductive biology of melon, and strategies to increase the fruit set rate in the crop. To this end, we studied the pollen viability and stigmatic receptivity in melon genotypes throughout the day of anthesis, and the impact of different pollination protocols on fruit fixation. Thus, three experiments were carried out, one with in vitro pollen viability and one with stigmatic receptivity, involving three tracery melon genotypes and five flower collection schedules, aiming to understand the floral behavior of melon throughout the day. And a third work, where the fruit fixation, total mass and mass of one thousand seeds of the fruits formed under different pollination protocols was studied. in order to benefit the germination and structure of pollen tubes, providing more efficient fertilization. After the evaluations, the data were submitted to statistical analysis and compared by Tukey test at 5% of significance. It was concluded that the pollen viability of melon is affected by genotype, and the genotypes, JAB 11, JAB 20 and Fantasy, used in this work present viability peak at 09am. Stigmas remain receptive throughout the day of anthesis, allowing pollinations to be made throughout the day if pollen is viable. In JAB 20 hermaphrodite flowers, the applicatio... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Recently, magnetic nanoparticles are finding an increased use in biomedical applications and research. Nanobeads are widely used for cell separation, biosensing and cancer therapy, among others. Due to their properties, nanowires (NWs) are gaining ground for similar applications and, as with all biomaterials, their cytotoxicity is an important factor to be considered before conducting biological studies with them. In this work, the cytotoxic effects of nickel NWs (Ni NWs) were investigated in terms of cell viability and damage to the cellular membrane. Ni NWs with an average diameter of 30-34 nm were prepared by electrodeposition in nanoporous alumina templates. The templates were obtained by a two-step anodization process with oxalic acid on an aluminum substrate. Characterization of NWs was done using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDAX), whereas their morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell viability studies were carried out on human colorectal carcinoma cells HCT 116 by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) cell proliferation colorimetric assay, whereas the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) homogenous membrane fluorimetric assay was used to measure the degree of cell membrane rupture. The density of cell seeding was calculated to obtain a specific cell number and confluency before treatment with NWs. Optical readings of the cell-reduced MTT products were measured at 570 nm, whereas fluorescent LDH membrane leakage was recorded with an excitation wavelength of 525 nm and an emission wavelength of 580 - 640 nm. The effects of NW length, cell exposure time, as well as NW:cell ratio, were evaluated through both cytotoxic assays. The results show that cell viability due to Ni NWs is affected depending on both exposure time and NW number. On the other hand, membrane rupture and leakage was only significant at later exposure times. Both cytotoxic assessment assays showed an earlier cytotoxic effect in case of shorter NWs, with longer ones having a more marked toxicity, albeit with a delay in time. These findings demonstrate that different levels of biocompatibility can be obtained with specific doses and properties of Ni NWs and can serve as guideline for future experiments.

Infectious fungal diseases pose a substantial threat to susceptible plant species, causing host declines, limiting host populations’ community role, and threatening the sustainability of natural ecosystems. Evaluating disease severity and progression is essential for understanding the impacts of these diseases, and this information could provide insights into developing future interventions. On Roan Mountain, Tennessee, native monocot Veratrum viride (Röhl.), was recently discovered to be infected with a fungal pathogen, Pseudocercosporella sublineolata (Thüm. U. Braun.), a Veratrum-specific leaf spot disease. To understand the prevalence and impacts of this disease, a demographic and disease severity study was performed. We hypothesized that P. sublineolata infection was associated with the decline of leaves and the premature seasonal senescence of V. viride plants, and that the increase in the number of leaf spots over the growing season was associated with the decline in plant health. To test these hypotheses, twenty plants from two different populations on Roan Mountain were systematically selected and tagged for a total of forty plants. From June through September 2021, demographic characteristics (plant height, number of leaves, and whether the plant flowered), and disease data (plant health, number of leaf spots, diameter of spots, and whether spots harbored P. sublineolata spores) were recorded over seven visits. To diagnose the disease, leaf spot samples were collected, slides were prepared and examined for spores at 100/200X magnification. We confirmed the diagnosis of P. sublineolata infection based on the conidia’s shape, size, and number of cells. The relationship between P. sublineolata and plant senescence was strengthened because the samples had abundant conidia that were present as pure isolates rather than a mixture of other potential microbial pathogens. All plants in the study declined progressively throughout the growing season, and they senesced earlier than expected, i.e., before the first frost. This early season decline likely limits reserves stored in the overwintering bulb and inhibits seed maturation, thereby posing a threat to the viability of these V. viride populations on Roan Mountain.

Les épidémies humaines sont un problème important de santé publique dans le monde. La modélisation mathématique fait partie de la panoplie des instruments pour les combattre. La thèse "Optimisation et contrôle viable de modèles épidémiologiques de dengue" se penche sur le cas de la dengue, une maladie endémique en Colombie. Le document de thèse est organisé en deux grandes parties, une partie I plus théorique et une partie II plus appliquée. Dans la partie I théorique, la dynamique de propagation d’une maladie infectieuse transmise par vecteur (comme la dengue, par moustiques) est représentée par des systèmes d'équations différentielles, reliant populations d'individus et de vecteurs. Nous considérons le modèle épidémique de Ross-Macdonald et le modèle endémique SIR SI. Après l'analyse quantitative de ces modèles, ce travail de thèse comporte deux contributions théoriques originales. L’étude du comportement transitoire traite du contrôle d'un épisode épidémique dans sa phase aiguë, avant son éventuelle extinction asymptotique. Nous cherchons, en jouant sur la variable de contrôle qu'est la mortalité du vecteur, à maintenir la proportion d'humains infectés (état) sous un seuil donné pour tous les temps (contrainte de viabilité). Par définition, le noyau de viabilité est l'ensemble des états initiaux pour lesquels il existe au moins une trajectoire de contrôles qui permette de satisfaire la contrainte de viabilité. Notre principale contribution est une description complète du noyau. Nous discutons de possibles contrôles viables, dont l'application garantit la satisfaction de la contrainte. Ensuite, nous analysons deux problèmes de contrôle optimal. L’un est la gestion d'un épisode épidémique à une échelle de temps courte. L’autre traite d'une maladie infectieuse endémique à une échelle plus longue où sont prises en complètes naissances et les morts des populations (humains et vecteurs).Nous déterminons les conditions nécessaires d'existence d'une solution optimale en utilisant le principe du maximum de Pontryagin. Nous abordons aussi l'analyse du cas de ressources limitées dans le temps. Dans la partie II, nous appliquons les approches de la partie I théorique à la gestion d'épisodes de dengue dans la ville de Santiago de Cali. Nous estimons les paramètres des modèles par moindres carrés, avec les données fournies par le Programme de vigilance épidémiologique du Secrétariat municipal de santé. Nous calculons numériquement le noyau de viabilité ajusté aux données observées durant les épisodes épidémiques de 2010 et 2013.Pour ce qui est du contrôle optimal, nous utilisons l'algorithme traditionnel de balayage avant et arrière, et comparons plusieurs alternatives pour le contrôle chimique du moustique. La meilleure stratégie est une combinaison d'aspersion d'un insecticide de faible létalité et d'implémentation de mesures de protection qui réduisent modérément le taux de piqûre du moustique. Enfin, nous abordons le problème de contrôle dynamique de la dengue sous incertitude. Nous développons un modèle de type Ross-Macdonald en temps discret avec incertitudes. Le noyau robuste de viabilité est l'ensemble des états initiaux tels qu'il existe au moins une stratégie d'aspersion d’insecticide qui garantisse que le nombre de personnes infectées se maintienne au-dessous d'un seuil, pour tous les temps, et ce quelles que soient les incertitudes. Sous des hypothèses appropriées sur l'ensemble des scénarios d'incertitudes(correspondant à l'indépendance temporelle), une équation de programmation dynamique permet de calculer numériquement des noyaux. Après avoir choisi trois ensembles d'incertitudes emboîtés, un déterministe (sans incertitude), un moyen et un grand, nous pouvons mesurer l'incidence des incertitudes sur la taille du noyau, notamment sur sa réduction par rapport au cas déterministe (sans incertitude) / Human epidemics are an important problem of public health in the world. Mathematical modelling is part of the instruments to fight them. The thesis «Optimization and viable control of epidemiological models of dengue» deals with the case of the dengue, an endemic disease in Colombia. The document is organized in two parts, a more theoretical Part I, and a Part II centered on applications. In Part I, the dynamics of propagation of an infectious vector-borne disease (such as dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes) is represented by systems of differential equations, connecting populations of individuals and vectors. We consider the epidemic model of Ross-Macdonald, and an endemic model of SIR-SI type. After the stability analysis of these dynamical models, this work brings forward two original theoretical contributions. The study of the transitory behavior deals with the control of an epidemic episode in its acute phase, before its possible asymptotic extinction. We look, by playing on the variable of control that is the mortality of the vector, to maintain human infected proportion (state) under a given threshold for all times (viability constraint). By definition, the viability kernel is the set of all initial states for which there is at least a trajectory of controls which allows to satisfy the viability constraint. Our main contribution is a complete description of the kernel. We discuss possible viable controls, whose application guarantees the satisfaction of the constraint. Then, we analyze two problems of optimal control. First problem is concerned with handling of an epidemic outbreak over a short timescale. Second one deals with an endemic infectious disease over a longer scale, where births and deaths within both populations (human and vector) are taken into account. We determine the necessary conditions of existence of an optimal solution by using the maximum principle of Pontryagin. We also tackle the case of resources limited over the time span. In part II, we apply the theoretical approaches of part I to the management of episodes of dengue in the city of Santiago of Cali. We estimate the parameters of the models by least squares, with the data supplied by the Program of epidemiological vigilance of the Municipal Secretariat of Public Health. We calculate numerically the viability kernel, fitted to the data observed during the epidemic episodes of 2010 and 2013.As for optimal control, we use the traditional forward-backward sweep algorithm, and compare several alternatives for the chemical control of the mosquito. The best strategy is a combination of spraying of an insecticide of low lethality, together with implementation of protective measures, which moderately reduce the biting rate of the mosquitos. Finally, we tackle the problem of dynamic control of the dengue under uncertainty. We develop a Ross-Macdonald model at discrete time with uncertainties. The robust viability kernel is the set of all initial states such as there is at least a strategy of insecticide spraying which guarantees that the number of infected people remains below a threshold, for all times, and whatever the uncertainties. Under proper assumptions on the set of scenarios of uncertainties (corresponding to temporal independence), an equation of dynamic programming allows to numerically calculate kernels. Having chosen three nested subsets of uncertainties a deterministic one (without uncertainty), a medium one and a large one we can measure the incidence of the uncertainties on the size of the kernel, in particular on its reduction with respect to the deterministic case (without uncertainty)

Small burnet (Sanguisorba minor scop.) Is a hardy, relatively long lived evergreen forb native to Eurasia that has potential to improve grazinglands and extend grazing into late fall and winter. Trials evaluating small burnet tolerance to spring and fall postemergence herbicide applications were conducted at the Utah State University Evans farm in Millville, UT. Two small burnet genotypes were grown in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement. Twelve treatments, clethodim, clopyralid, imazamox, 2,4DB, metribuzin, aminopyralid, pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P, bromoxynil, dicamba, quinclorac, and an untreated were applied at moderate field use rates either spring or fall of the establishment year. Plots were rated for visual injury on a 0 to 100 scale where 0 = no injury and 100 = complete mortality. Ratings were done 7, 14, 60 days after treatment (DAT) and the spring following treatment. Seed yield, seed viability, and dry matter yield (DMY) were determined. Fall treatments of aminopyralid reduced seed yield 65%, seed germination 43%, and DMY 67%. Fall applied imazamox treatments reduced DMY by 36%, and seed yield by 33%, but did not impact germination. Visual injury was greatest from spring and fall applied aminopyralid treatments with ratings of 24% and 79%. Spring applied treatments did not impact seed yield or seed germination. Results suggest that clethodim, metribuzin, quinclorac, clopyralid, dimethenamid-P, bromoxynil, and pendimethalin cause little or no injury to small burnet.

No description available.

The Multidimensional Quality Metrics (MQM) framework is a new system for creating customized translation quality assessment and evaluation metrics designed to fit specific translation needs. In this study I test the viability of MQM to determine whether the framework in its current state is ready for implementation as a quality assessment framework in the translation industry. Other contributions from this study include: (1) online software for designing and using metrics based on the MQM framework; (2) a survey of the typical, real-world quality assessment and evaluation practices of language service providers in the translation industry; and (3) a measurement scale for determining the viability of translation quality assessment and evaluation frameworks such as MQM. The study demonstrates that the MQM framework is a viable solution when it comes to the validity and practicality of creating translation quality metrics for the translation industry. It is not clear whether those metrics can be used reliably without extensive training of qualified assessors on the use of MQM metrics.

<p> This thesis explored the feasibility of using a decision-making approach to explain changing agricultural land-use patterns in the rural-urban fringe. The change in farm ownership to a non-farmer user was assumed to reflect a change in land use. A basic objective was to identify and describe the types of elements which composed the farmers mode of perception of the decision-making context. Variations in the modes of perception were then related to an array of socio-economic characteristics of the landowner. </p> <p> The investigation confirmed the utility of the decision-making approach and confirmed the importance of the land appreciation component to the decision context. The selling price which the farmer appraised his property at was critical in determining whether the property was sold. Empirical analysis suggested a significant relationship between the selling price and the economic viability of the farm operation.</p> / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

Stage of maturity at harvest and relative seed size can affect seed vigor. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of seed maturity on seed vigor, storability, and subsequent plant growth of four cultivars of snap bean (Topcrop, Provider Black, Provider White, and Cherokee Wax). Seeds harvested between physiological maturity (PM) and harvest maturity (HM) showed the highest seed vigor and storability. At PM, seed moisture content was about 55%. A drop in seed fresh weight and a pod color change from green to yellow appear to signal the stage of PM. Delaying harvest past HM reduced seed vigor. The three cultivars with colored seed coats showed higher seed vigor than Provider White. Climatic and weathering effects on maturity, vigor, and yield of Topcrop and Cherokee Wax seed were evaluated at three locations (L-I, L-2, and L-3) in Sri Lanka having different agro-climatic conditions. Seeds that developed and matured under cooler conditions (L-l) produced higher yields and had larger size, better color, and higher vigor. Seeds developed and matured faster under warmer conditions (L-3); however, seed vigor and yields were lower and seed vigor dropped prior to HM. Cherokee Wax was the most tolerant to field weathering. Seeds of Topcrop and Cherokee Wax were separated by weight into three seed sizes (small, medium, and large) and evaluated for crop performance in two plantings (12/90 and 3/91). Field emergence was higher from larger seeds in the second planting, where the soil conditions were more stressful. Seedlings and plants at the flowering stage were larger and pod yields higher from larger seeds. The cultivar x seed size interaction was significant for pod yield per plant. Topcrop showed no differences, while with Cherokee Wax, pod yield per plant increased with increase in seed size during both plantings. Seeds produced from small seeds were similar or higher in vigor, indicating that small seeds could be used for seed production purposes. The data from these experiments indicate that vigor in snap bean seeds can be optimized by harvesting at an early stage after PM and by grading to remove small seeds. / Ph. D.

The agricultural industry is changing every day, and new innovations are being developed faster than educational resources can be developed. Secondary agricultural education is faced with the challenges of keeping up with the changes in the industry. Determining how to bring cutting edge innovative content to the classroom is difficult and without a clear vision of what is relevant it is impossible. The purpose of this case study was to determine how modern agricultural education programs may be designed and developed to support innovative agricultural content. The researcher focused on the planning theory of (Cervero and Wilson, 2006), as well as the Diffusion of Innovations Theory (Rogers, 2003) for the theoretical framework of the research. The case study used a qualitative approach to examine the phenomenological views of stakeholders and artifacts collected to support the innovative program design. This qualitative study used interviews to describe and find the meanings to how modern agricultural education programs may be designed and developed to support innovative agricultural content. The findings of this study delivered a clear picture of this innovative agricultural education program. There were five categories and nine themes to emerge from the data collected, these categories and themes support the role the participants have played in the design and development of this innovative agricultural education program. The study showed that teachers were the key to a successful program. Teachers were then connected to professional development, program support, curriculum, and expectations of students at the end of their agricultural education program. / PHD / This case study looked at a modern rural high school agricultural education program in Southwest Virginia. The purpose of the study was to determine how this modern agricultural education program was designed and developed to support innovative agricultural content. The researcher focused on the data collected to describe the methods and resources used to establish the current program. There were twenty-one stakeholders interviewed to examine their views and lived experiences during the development of the program, also artifacts were collected to support the innovative program design. The findings of this study delivered a clear picture of this innovative agricultural education program. There were five categories and nine themes to emerge from the data collected, these categories and themes support the role the participants played in the design and development of this innovative agricultural education program. The study showed that teachers were the key to a successful program. Teachers were then connected to professional development, program support, curriculum, and expectations of students at the end of their agricultural education program.