scholarly journals Phytolith Formation in Plants: From Soil to Cell

Plants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Amjad Nawaz ◽  
Alexander Mikhailovich Zakharenko ◽  
Ivan Vladimirovich Zemchenko ◽  
Muhammad Sajjad Haider ◽  
Muhammad Amjad Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Science ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Plant Phylogeny ◽  
Silicon Transporter ◽  
Plant Body ◽  
Precise Understanding ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Solid Form ◽  
Channel Type

Silica is deposited extra- and intracellularly in plants in solid form, as phytoliths. Phytoliths have emerged as accepted taxonomic tools and proxies for reconstructing ancient flora, agricultural economies, environment, and climate. The discovery of silicon transporter genes has aided in the understanding of the mechanism of silicon transport and deposition within the plant body and reconstructing plant phylogeny that is based on the ability of plants to accumulate silica. However, a precise understanding of the process of silica deposition and the formation of phytoliths is still an enigma and the information regarding the proteins that are involved in plant biosilicification is still scarce. With the observation of various shapes and morphologies of phytoliths, it is essential to understand which factors control this mechanism. During the last two decades, significant research has been done in this regard and silicon research has expanded as an Earth-life science superdiscipline. We review and integrate the recent knowledge and concepts on the uptake and transport of silica and its deposition as phytoliths in plants. We also discuss how different factors define the shape, size, and chemistry of the phytoliths and how biosilicification evolved in plants. The role of channel-type and efflux silicon transporters, proline-rich proteins, and siliplant1 protein in transport and deposition of silica is presented. The role of phytoliths against biotic and abiotic stress, as mechanical barriers, and their use as taxonomic tools and proxies, is highlighted.

scholarly journals Beyond Arabidopsis: BBX Regulators in Crop Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2906
Author(s):  
Urszula Talar ◽  
Agnieszka Kiełbowicz-Matuk
Keyword(s):  
Stress Tolerance ◽  
Crop Plants ◽  
Abiotic Stress Response ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Photoperiodic Regulation ◽  
Large Families ◽  
Stress Related Genes ◽  
Unique Domain ◽  
Clock Mechanism

B-box proteins represent diverse zinc finger transcription factors and regulators forming large families in various plants. A unique domain structure defines them—besides the highly conserved B-box domains, some B-box (BBX) proteins also possess CCT domain and VP motif. Based on the presence of these specific domains, they are mostly classified into five structural groups. The particular members widely differ in structure and fulfill distinct functions in regulating plant growth and development, including seedling photomorphogenesis, the anthocyanins biosynthesis, photoperiodic regulation of flowering, and hormonal pathways. Several BBX proteins are additionally involved in biotic and abiotic stress response. Overexpression of some BBX genes stimulates various stress-related genes and enhanced tolerance to different stresses. Moreover, there is evidence of interplay between B-box and the circadian clock mechanism. This review highlights the role of BBX proteins as a part of a broad regulatory network in crop plants, considering their participation in development, physiology, defense, and environmental constraints. A description is also provided of how various BBX regulators involved in stress tolerance were applied in genetic engineering to obtain stress tolerance in transgenic crops.

The Entrepreneurship Educator: Understanding Role Identity

2020 ◽  
pp. 251512742097966
Author(s):  
Birgitte Wraae ◽  
Candida Brush ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Role Identity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Perceptions Of Students ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Role Identity Theory ◽  
Depth Interviews

Significant research explores effectiveness of entrepreneurial curriculum, teaching innovations and programs, but less often studied is the role of entrepreneurship educators. The way that the educator sees his or her role relative to the students is of critical importance because this directly influences pedagogy choices, expectations for students and learning outcomes, as well as job satisfaction. While recent studies propose typologies characterizing pedagogical approaches of educators, few of these are based on the data from entrepreneurship educators. Framed within role identity theory, we conducted 13 in–depth interviews to examine how entrepreneurship educators perceive their role. Using the qualitative data analysis tool (NVivo), we analyzed how the relationship between their perceptions of their role and core value orientation is connected to teaching approaches. Results show that these educators view their roles as teacher-focused, network-focused, or student-focused and that these perspectives are associated with different perceptions of students’ role and learning objectives. Further, we find different levels of emphasis on roles and that personal core values are differentially linked to these roles. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

scholarly journals The Arctic as a “Strategic” and “Important” Chinese Foreign Policy Interest: Exploring the Role of Labels and Hierarchies in China’s Arctic Discourses

2021 ◽  
pp. 186810262110186
Author(s):  
Patrik Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
International Relations ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Chinese Foreign Policy ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Precise Understanding ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Political Priority

Research confirms that China is becoming more engaged in the Arctic. However, international relations scholarship often extrapolates from relatively few instances of activity to wide-ranging claims about Chinese priorities. Fortunately, Chinese political discourse is organised by labels that allow us to study how the Arctic is classified and ranked along China’s other foreign policy priorities. This article analyses two such classifications – “important maritime interest” and “strategic new frontier,” exploring how they have come about, what they mean, and how they add political priority to the Arctic. It argues that hierarchies are constructed in two ways: by adding gradients and by including/excluding categories of priority. It views categories as performative: they not only convey information about character and relative importance of interests but are also used for achieving different objectives. By focusing on foreign policy classifications, the article contributes to a more nuanced and precise understanding of China’s Arctic interests.

Role of agrochemical-based nanomaterials in plants: biotic and abiotic stress with germination improvement of seeds

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohadeseh Hassanisaadi ◽  
Mahmood Barani ◽  
Abbas Rahdar ◽  
Moslem Heidary ◽  
Anna Thysiadou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Stress ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress

scholarly journals Melatonin and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Plant Cells

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1917
Author(s):  
Marino B. Arnao ◽  
Josefa Hernández-Ruiz ◽  
Antonio Cano ◽  
Russel J. Reiter
Keyword(s):  
Crop Improvement ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Primary Metabolism ◽  
Degradation Pathways ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Tolerance Response ◽  
Simple Carbohydrates ◽  
Living Organisms

Melatonin, a multifunctional molecule that is present in all living organisms studied, is synthesized in plant cells in several intercellular organelles including in the chloroplasts and in mitochondria. In plants, melatonin has a relevant role as a modulatory agent which improves their tolerance response to biotic and abiotic stress. The role of melatonin in stress conditions on the primary metabolism of plant carbohydrates is reviewed in the present work. Thus, the modulatory actions of melatonin on the various biosynthetic and degradation pathways involving simple carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides), polymers (starch), and derivatives (polyalcohols) in plants are evaluated. The possible applications of the use of melatonin in crop improvement and postharvest products are examined.

Homer and the Epic Cycle

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-126
Author(s):  
Andrew Porter
Keyword(s):  
Significant Research

Abstract How can the ancient relationship between Homer and the Epic Cycle be recovered? Using findings from the most significant research in the field, many ancient and modern assumptions are questioned and alternative perspectives offered that are better aligned with ancient epic performance realities and modern epic studies. This volume addresses a number of related issues: the misrepresentation of Cyclic (and Homeric) epic by Aristotle and his inheritors (including the part played by mythographers like Proclus); the role of the epic singer, patron/collector, and scribe/poet in the formation of memorialized songs; the relevance of shared patterns and devices and of other traditional connections between ancient epics; and the distinct fates of Homeric (Iliad, Odyssey) and Cyclic epic. The volume provides new answers to an age-old problem.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEMS OF THE RECLAMATION MODE OF AGROECOSYSTEM

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
I. F. YURCHENKO ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Production Operation ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Automated Control ◽  
Production Processes ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Automation Equipment ◽  
Conducting Research

The publication presents the results of research on the formation of theoretical and practical recommendations for agricultural producers, preparing requirements for development, implementing and operating automation systems for agricultural production in the reclamation sector of the economy. The object of research was the management systems of the reclamation regime of agroecosystems,the subject – the systems of automation of technological processes of agricultural production. As a methodological basis for conducting research, an information-analytical approach was chosen, including a systematic and comparative analysis, methods of expert and heuristic assessment of the results obtained. An analysis of the use of the opportunities, advantages and achievements of digitalization and automation of production processes in agrobusiness was carried out, which revealed a serious lag in the procedures and operations for introducing already developed digital technologies into production. The tasks of the effective formation of digitalization of agricultural production, focused on the priority use of digital competencies of all participants in the agribusiness process as a whole and each participant separately, have been formulated and solved. An algorithm of actions in the implementation of automation systems for reclaimed agroecosystems has been developed in a universal format, ensuring the success of their functioning. Measures have been developed for the introduction of automated technologies for managing agroecosystems, contributing to the efficiency of digitalization of agricultural production. These include: the choice of the site for the application of the APCS, the assessment of the need for resources for the successful functioning of innovations, the formation and implementation of measures for the construction and installation work, commissioning and trial operation of automation equipment, the creation of instructive and methodological support of production operation of automated technologies. Thus, in the current realities of the formation of digitalization of agro-production on ameliorated lands, the role of the formation of new knowledge and skills in managing production processes, forming a single system with the production of products, increases, which makes it possible to minimize the time for introducing significant research results into the practice of operating agricultural systems.

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