bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Boko Haram Insurgency on Agricultural Activities in Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria.
Authors: Babagana M. , Ismail M. , Mohammed B. G. , Dilala M. A. , I Hussaini , Zangoma I M.
Published: December 2018

The study was conducted between the months of November-December 2018 to assess the impacts of Boko Haram insurgency on agricultural activities in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state, Nigeria. Six towns namely Buni Yadi, Gujba, Goniri, Katarko, Mutai and Wagir formed the study locations. These towns were the major agricultural strongholds of the Local Government. The study considered impacts of the insurgency on farming after the return of residents to these towns after almost two years of exile in other places as a result of displacement by the militants’ activities (2016-2018). Descriptive Survey design involving mixed methods was used in which a total of 394 respondents participated. Closed-ended questionnaire and Structured Interview methods were the instruments of data collection. Results on the respondents’ demographic characteristics indicated that the majority of the people were married young men within the age group of 26-35 years. Bulk of them was crop farmers (40.1%) and those engaged in handy works such as carpentry and trading (31.2%). More than 50% of the respondents did not possess any formal western education. Results also indicated that, at first (2012-2016) Boko Haram insurgency had really had a toll on all normal human activities in the area including farming to the extent that crop and animal production virtually came to a standstill and many farmers went into exile for a period of two years (2014-2016). But with the restoration of relative peace in 2016 as a result of which many of the displaced people returned to these towns, agricultural activities especially crop production gradually picked up which led to a good bumper harvest in 2018. However, many returnees still depend on food aids being distributed by a number of Non-Governmental Organisations. Besides, crop trading has been found to have improved greatly. Unfortunately, impacts of the insurgency on livestock production are still felt across the Local Government Area as many livestock farmers have completely relocated to other places considered safer to graze their animals which led to a significant decrease in the number of animals especially cattle in these areas. Thus, it was concluded that, with decisive developmental projects and concrete insurgency combatting efforts, all agricultural activities can be fully revived in these areas and the recent threat to food security can be addressed. It was further recommended that governments at all level should be more proactive in combatting insurgency in these areas and beyond and provide the basic infrastructural requirements required by the people in order to encourage them to go back to farm so that agricultural activities can get back to track as usual.
Effect of Infrastructure on Rural Transformation of Gboko Local Governement Area of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Peter Idoko
Published: December 2018

This research examined the effect of infrastructure on rural transformation of Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary source of data and information were used for the study and questionnaire was used to obtained information from the primary source while journals and internet constituted secondary source of information. The population for this study is four hundred and seventy two (472) respondents from the study area. The statistical tools employed were the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients (r) to examine all the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicates that a positive or direct relationship exists between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Agricultural Activities ACA in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.01). Hence, we accept that there is relationship between agricultural activities and rural transformation. A positive or direct relationship between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Small Business Development (SBD) in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The result of the study indicates that the strength of the relationship is 0.174** or 17.4% and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.01). There is an inverse relationship between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Social Challenges (SOC) in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. It was concluded that infrastructure enhances rural transformation. It was recommended among others that The individual communities should come up with ideas of training their children in the small business development while at the same time reach out to the government to help with all the necessary help needed to improve the development of small business in the study area.
Relationship between Democratic Leadership and Organisational Performance of Dangote Cement PLC Gboko, Benue State Nigeria
Authors: Peter Idoko
Published: December 2018

This research examined the relationship between democratic leadership and organizational performance of Dangote Cement Plc Gboko. The study was anchored on Trait Theory of Leadership. Both primary and secondary source of data and information were used. Questionnaire was used to obtained information from the primary source while journals and internet constituted secondary source of data collection. Two hundred and twenty nine questionnaires (229) were administered to the staff of Dangote Cement Plc Gboko and one hundred and eighty nine (189) were properly filled and returned. The technique used in analyzing the data was Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis with the aid of SPSS version 23.0, while percentages was used to present descriptive data. The results of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation indicate that there is a positive or direct relationship between Organizational Performance and leadership measurement in Dangote Cement, Benue State. Hence, on the basis of p-value of the estimate, we reject the null hypothesis; that is, we accept that there is a significant relationship between leadership measurement and organizational performance. An inverse relationship exists between Organizational Performance and realistic timeframe in Dangote Cement, Benue State. Also, an inverse relationship exists between Organizational Performance in Dangote Cement, Benue State and achieving teambuilding. A positive or direct relationship between Organizational Performance in Dangote Cement, Benue State and Leadership Accuracy. It was concluded that democratic leadership positively relates to organizational performance> It was recommended among others that it is advisable to practice democratic leadership in an organization especially when the rules are followed this will boast the moral of the people and they will work harder for the organization to achieve its goals.
Effect of Pesticides on Enzymatic Activity in Soil
Authors: MICUȚI Maria- Mihaela , BĂDULESCU Liliana , ISRAEL-ROMING Florentina
Published: December 2018

The focus of this article is to provide informations about soil enzymatic activity as a biological indicator for impacts of pesticides on soils. In this experiment, an ecological soil was treated with two types of fungicide (Ridomil Gold and Bravo 500) and two of insecticides (Mospilan 20SG and Vertimec 1.8% EC). The pesticides were assessed for their effect on different enzymatic activities. They were administrated over a 28 days period and the samples of soil were taken once every 7 days and analyzed in the laboratory. For each sample was determined the enzymatic activity, pH, humidity. The enzymatic activity was assessed using colorimetrical methods. Enzymes chosen for this study were cellulase, amylase, xylanase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase. Results shown that the enzymatic activity can increase or decrease when the soil was treated with the fungicides and insecticides chosen for this experiment.
MORUS SPP. Material Conservation and Characterization and its Importance for Romanian Sericulture and GCEARS-PSP Development- A Review
Authors: MOISE Adela Ramona , MARGHITAS Liviu Alexandru , BOBIS Otilia , COPACIU Florina Maria , DEZMIREAN Daniel Severus
Published: December 2018

Morus spp. is a perennial and woody plant, belonging to Moraceae family, genus Morus and is essential for sericulture. One of the main aims of Global Centre of Excellence for Advance Research in Sericulture and Promotion of Silk Production (GCEARS-PSP) is to create a reserve of Morus spp., to multiply the vegetal material and to provide it to farmers and also to create an important biotechnological support for further scientifically works. As in Romania the intensive plantations are almost non-existent, one of the main objective of the centre is to create a real base for sericulture revival (the existence of nutritional base for silkworms) and to develop the biotechnological scientific component of the centre.The aims of this review are to create a clear overview of moriculture for sericulture and to reveal the biotechnological potential and pharmacological uses of different mulberry parts. In this review the major findings regarding description of Kokuso 21 variety, mulberry micropropagation and bioactive compounds of different vegetal parts from Mulberry spp. are presented, and represent only the first stage of the GCEARS-PSP activity.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Bread Extracts Against Different Bacterial Strains
Authors: URCAN Adriana , CRISTE Adriana , DEZMIREAN Daniel , BOBIȘ Otilia , MĂRGHITAȘ Liviu , MĂRGĂOAN Rodica , HRINCA Alexandra
Published: December 2018

Bee bread is a product of the hive obtained from pollen collected by bees, to which they add honey, digestive enzymes and subsequently is stored in the combs. Increasing evidence suggests bee bread’s potential therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial properties. Bee bread is characterized by a bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity. The current study was carried out to test the antimicrobial activity of bee bread extracts, in various concentrations, against the bacterial strains: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of this study indicate that the first two dilutions of bee bread extract, respectively 33% and 16.66%, showed higher antimicrobial activity and the other dilutions had a lower, but visible activity depending on the pathogen on which they are tested. The best antimicrobial activity was manifested on the Staphylococcus aureus strain, where all dilutions had an inhibitory effect both at 8 hours and 12 hours.
Biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial activity) of the aqueous extracts and essential oil of Ammoides verticillata (Nounkha)
Authors: SAID Ramdane MOHAMED , BENMANSOUR Nabahat
Published: December 2018

The phytochemical review conducted on the aerial part Ammoides verticillata has revealed the presence of six chemical families: flavonoids, tannins; gallic tannins, anthocyanins and the coumarins, cateichic tannins. The aqueous extract of the Ammoides verticillata could bring back the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to the yellow-colored diphenylpicrylhydrazine with an IC50 of 0.020 mg.mL-1. It is gifted with antioxidant activity, however it was less effective than vitamin C (0.001 mL-1). The essential oil of the Ammoides verticillata has presented a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram negatif germs targets of original clinical action: E. coli (ESBL) (37 mm), E. coli (39.5 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (36.5 mm) and especially with the yeast: Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (47 mm) and Saccharomyces cerevisie ATCC (42 mm), which are highly sensitive to the oil inhibitory action. However, the oil has presented a low activity against the bacteria P. aeruginosa (12.5 mm).
Nutritional Fortification of Sunflower Meal by Bacillus Subtilis ATCC PTA-6737 Fermentation
Authors: YASAR Sulhattin , UYSAL Caner , TOSUN Ramazan
Published: December 2018

Sunflower meal with 3 mm particle size (SFM) with 66 or 80% moisture content was inoculated with 1x107 cfu (colony forming unit/g) of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-6737 and fermented for 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The pH was increased from 5.75 to 9.1 of SFM fermented at both moisture levels with no significant changes in organic acid production. The bacterial growth was peaked at 24 h. Dry matter and crude fibre contents of SFM decreased by 10-13 and 18%, respectively. In contrary, the amount of crude protein, crude ash and soluble amino acid nitrogen increased by 36, 61% and 145%, respectively, with no regard to the effect of moisture content. Phytic acid was degraded up to 42% at both level of moisture content. In conclusion, SFM was enriched with ash and protein and lowered in fibre and phytic acid contents, and can be used as alternative feed material in animal nutrition.
Comparison of ABTS, DPPH, Phosphomolybdenum Assays for Estimating Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Compounds in Five Different Plant Extracts
Authors: UNTEA Arabela , LUPU Alexandra , SARACILA Mihaela , PANAITE Tatiana
Published: December 2018

Many plants and their constituents (carotenoids, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds), action to inhibit the free radical by the use of antioxidant activity, helping to a better efficiency of nutrients utilization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of five different plants, known for their antioxidant potential. Total phenols were determined by FolinCiocalteumethod, with few modifications. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS radical-scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum method. The results showed that the highest antioxidant activity was obtained for walnut leaves in terms of ABTS evaluation and for bilberry leaves by DPPH and phosphomolybdenum methods. In the present study, peppermint, walnut and bilberry leaves proved to have an important antioxidant activity and also a total phenolic content.
Assessment of Bacterial Water Load, Through Disinfection Processes, Chlorination and Ultraviolet
Authors: EL MAHDY Cristina , POPESCU Silvana , BLAGA PETREAN Anamaria , BORDA Cristin
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the degree of reduction of the bacterial load of water using as chemical disinfectant chloramine T 1% (ChT1%) and physical disinfection using UV at a wavelength of 253.93 μm, 30 minutes exposure time. The results of the research show a more significant reduction of TNG/ml of water in samples subjected to exposure to UV, but in this case the decrease is affected by the turbidity of the water.
Germination, in vitro Propagation and Acclimatization in Lavandula Angustifolia
Authors: MICLEA Ileana , CHIFOR Raluca
Published: December 2018

This research focused on finding the best method for seed in vitro germination in Lavandula angustifolia and optimizing the medium for plant propagation. Seeds were sterilized and subjected to various treatments to break dormancy, then placed on half-strength MS (1/2MS) or distilled H2O + phytagel. Germination percentages were assessed and plantlets propagated on MS without growth regulators or with zeatin (0.5, 1, 2 mg/l), 1 mg/l BA + 0.5 mg/l IBA, 2 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l IBA or 3 mg/l BA + 1.5 mg/l IBA. After 8 weeks growth parameters were recorded and plants were acclimatized. Immersion in 20 mg/100 ml GA3 solution for 24 hours at 4°C was the most effective in breaking dormancy. Stratification at 4°C for 8 weeks and soaking in a solution of 0.5% H2O2 at 23°C for 24 hours also proved beneficial but to a smaller degree. Half-strength MS was the best germination medium. Shoot development was the highest in MS supplemented with zeatin (2 or 1 mg/l) while roots formed only in the control. Callus induction percentage was best in the presence of 3 mg/l BA + 1.5 mg/l IBA but decreasing concentrations increased callus weight. Plant acclimatization was more successful in moss:sand - 1:2 than in vermiculite:perlite:sand - 2:2:1.
In vitro Multiplication of the Pitcher Plant Sarracenia Purpurea
Authors: MICLEA Ileana , BERNAT Rita
Published: December 2018

The aim of the current research was to find the best plant growth regulators for the multiplication of Sarracenia purpurea. Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) was prepared with macronutrients and micronutrients at 1/3 strength, full strength vitamins, supplemented with 30 g/l sucrose and 5 g/l phytagel and autoclaved. After cooling 0.5 mg\l α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 5 mg\l 6-benzyladenine (BA) or 0.5 mg\l NAA + 3 mg\l BA were added. Young S. purpurea plants were selected and transferred to media with or without plant growth regulators and cultured for 12 weeks. At the end of this time frame number of roots, root length (cm) and number of shoots were evaluated and differences were analysed by the analysis of variance and interpreted using the Tuckey test. The largest number of roots grew in medium supplemented with 0.5 mg\l NAA but the the absence of plant growth regulators increased their length. The best conditions for shoot multiplication were provided by supplementing 1/3MS with 5 mg\l BA.
Economic Effects of Dairy Cow’s Diet Supplementation with Anionic Salts
Authors: BOGDAN Marius , BENŢEA Mihai , ŞARA Aurel
Published: December 2018

This research proves the economic effect of Calving Care performance in dairy cow feeding, on Holstein Friesian cows. Group M1 / 2014 of 10 cows in second lactation are the control group in which Calving Care was not administered, monitoring performances throughout the lactation of 2014. Group E / 2015 is the experimental group, where the same cows receivedCalving Care 300 g / cow / day, 21 days before calving. Dietary cation-anion difference was -15.28 mEq / 100 g dry matter. Group M2 / 2016 was the second control group, without Calving Care, productive performance in the following lactation was monitored.After calving, each cow has been monitored for Fat corrected milk (FCM) production per 305 days lactation and dry matter intake, ratio between these parameters being expressed asmilk production efficiency. Milk efficiency was 1.25 in Group M1/2014, 1.3 in Group E/2015 and 1.28 in Group M2/2016 respectively.
Piglets’ Intestinal Microflora Fed with a Plants Mix
Authors: CORNESCU Gabriela Maria , PANAITE Tatiana , GAVRIS Teodor , TABUC Cristina , OLTEANU Margareta , CRISTE Rodica Diana
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a plant mix (bilberry, black currant, quince, peppermint and fennel essential oil) inclusion into the diets of piglets (18-45 kg) on intestinal microflora equilibrium. An experiment was performed on 8 castrated hybrid TOPIGS (18.69±1.25 kg) divided in 2 groups (C and E). The piglets were kept in an experimental house in individual metabolic cages. Compared to the conventional diet (18% crude protein and 3214 kcal/kg metabolic energy) of group C, the diet of E group had included 789 mg mixture of plants/kg feed. At the final of the experiment the piglets were slaughtered and digesta samples were collected from jejunum and ileum for microbiological analysis. For jejunum, a significant (P<0.05) decrease of Staphylococci spp. (log10 CFU/g) concentration in E group was noticed correlated strongly negative with a statistically significant (P<0.05) increasing concentration of Lactobacillus spp. (log10 CFU/g) concentration. The results were similar for ileum. This dietary mixture of plants had some effects on microbial population of piglets’ jejunum and ileum to help positively the intestinal changes of microbiota.
The Actual Situation of Sheep’s Wool Capitalization in Romania
Authors: FLOREA Iacob
Published: December 2018

Sheep farming always made a special contribution to the development of practicing people, improving the standard of living, effects also known by Romanians, even if the number of sheep and implicitly the amount of wool had fluctuations over time. After the 90s, demand for wool in the textile industry began to decline and the wool has not been widely capitalized in Romania, being abandoned by farmers, even burned. The aim of this study is to provide solutions for wool collection in an organized manner and as profitable as possible for Romanians at national level, avoiding wool waste and chaotic export. The collection centers are unevenly distributed accros the country and there are some counties where sheep wool is not collected. With the proposed solution of locating other collection centers or distributing the authorized ones, it is possible to capitalize the entire wool resource available in Romania.
Risks and Benefits of Food Additives - Review
Authors: PAȘCA Claudia , COROIAN Aurelia , SOCACI Sonia
Published: December 2018

Food additives are substances of natural or synthetic origin, which are added to foods to serve a certain technological or sensory function, for example, to counter food perishability and bacterial degradation, give or restore color or impart flavor to foods.These additives generally provide some type of benefit for the food producer, processor or consumer. For example: acids that may be added to prevent the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage may also prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Some additives are directly added to food and ingredients, while others are added indirectly through contact with packaging materials as are, for example the preservatives BHA and BHT on the inside of breakfast cereal bags.The benefit of some food additives is enhancing health status or prevents disease; most benefits reflect economic considerations for food processors and sensory attributes and convenience for consumer.
Influence of the Crown Shape on the Input of the Fruit and the Productive Potential of Cherry Trees in a High-Density System
Authors: BALAN Valerian , IVANOV Igor , BALAN Petru
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to practice and improve the use of low volume crowns in a high-density system in order to obtain qualitative cherry production that would be competitive on the market and to make efficient use of the labor force. The research was carried out in the intensive cherry orchard planted in the autumn of 2011 with “Ferrovia”, “Kordia”, and “Regina” varieties, grafted on Gisela 6 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) rootstock interspaced at 4x2.5 m and managed according to the Ameliorated natural crown systems with low volume, Ameliorated Slender Spindle and Vase shaped crown. Harvest, diameter, firmness, dry matter content and fruit weight were determined. The trees started to yield in the third year after planting. The harvest in the second year of yielding was 4-5 kg/tree. The average harvest in the third year of yielding was 9640-13290 kg/ha. For all three varieties the harvested quantity and fruit size were correlated with the crown shape. The Ameliorated Slender Spindle crown provided the highest production per hectare, while the Flattened Vase Shaped crown provided the lowest yield but had the highest values of the fruit size (28.2-28.4 mm) and of the soluble dry matter in the fruit (17.9-18.6 Brix%).
Relationships Among Seed Germination, Lithological Substrate and Growth in Two Quercus Species
Authors: FÜSTÖS Adrian , HOLONEC Liviu , TĂUT Ioan , LISANDRU Tabita Teodora , PAMFIL Doru , REBREAN Florin Alexandru
Published: December 2018

In Romania, Quercus is represented by five to nine species, depending on their taxonomic classification. The purpose of this study was to determine the seed germination rate and seedling growth of Quercus robur and Quercus petraea species in different soil conditions. The results obtained show that there are differences between trees growing and development. Our results show that seed quality and lithological substrate have an influence on seed germination of Quercus robur and Quercus petraea species. This fact has an important role in forest resource management.
Monitoring Food Additives and Nutritional Composition of Labels of Food Bases
Authors: JELEA Stela Gabriela , JELEA Marian , MIHALESCU Lucia , VOŞGAN Zorica , JELEA Oana Corina
Published: December 2018

During June, 2017, ten products from the food bases category have been studied. The companies and the products types were noted and the manufacturer’s labels were studied. It has been found that the rules on the labeling of food bases are respected. The study had the following objectives: studying the ingredients and the nutritional composition and identifying the additives used in the manufacture of the product. Studying product labels also highlighted an increased salt and sugar content. The percentage of dehydrated vegetables was between 4.49% and 38%. The vegetables content was different for the food bases investigated. The 40% of food bases had between nine and ten dehydrated vegetables, the 60% had between four and six dehydrated vegetables. Additives added to foods during processing are important to improve their appearance and to extend their shelf life.
Variation of the Chemical Element Content in the Dealu Bujorului Vineyard Soil
Authors: BORA Florin Dumitru , DONICI Alina , POSTOLACHE Elena , CIUBUCĂ Aurel , ENACHE Viorica , TABARANU Gabriel , BÎRLIGA Nicolaie , RACZ Ionut , BUNEA Claudiu Ioan
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study is to know better the concentration of chemical elements in the soil from Dealu Bujorului vineyard. The determination of the ten elements from the soil samples was performed using ICP-MS. The results showed diverse patterns of cadmium, lead, uranium, mercury, arsenic, strontium, cobalt, copper, nickel and chromium, all the elemental content studied were under the maximum limit admitted, except for copper (average 356.03 mg/kg while M.L.A. = 20 mg/kg).
Influence of the Planting Distance and the Crown Shape on the Fruit Harvest and the Productive Potential of Cherry Trees in a High-Density System
Authors: IVANOV Igor , BALAN Valerian , PEŞTEANU Ananie , VAMASESCU Sergiu , BALAN Petru , SARBAN Vasile
Published: December 2018

Cherry technology is permanently modernized due to new varieties, vegetal rootstocks and new tree management systems. The cherry varieties “Bigarreau Burlat”, “Ferrovia” and “Lapins”, grafted on Gisela 6 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) rootstock at distances of 5x1.5 m; 5x2.0 m; 5x2.5 m, were studied in the southern area of the Republic of Moldova. The trees were shaped by the Ameliorated natural reduced-volume crown and Slender Spindle Ameliorated form. Cherry trees start to yield in the fourth year after planting; the largest total fruit production from the tree was obtained in the variant with trees planted at a distance of 5x2.5 m and per hectare, when the trees were planted at a distance of 5x1.5 m. In the fourth year of yielding, the production of “Ferrovia” cherry variety, where the trees were shaped by the Ameliorated natural crown with low volume constituted 15368-18155 kg/ha, and at the time the “Slender Spindle Ameliorated” form, constituted 16904 -20074 kg/ha. Although the results are preliminary, it seems that high-density planting systems combined with low-power vegetal rootstocks and improved crowns can give higher yields of cherries in the first 4 years than the traditional improved crown system with low volume.
Genetic Diversity and Relatedness Among Six Ranunculus Species Unraveled by SRAP Markers
Authors: KELEMEN Cristina D. , HÂRŢA Monica , BORSAI Orsolya , SZABO Katalin , CLAPA Doina , KOKOSKA Ladislav , PAMFIL Doru
Published: December 2018

The main aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of six Ranunculus species using SRAP markers. The genotyping of 73 Ranunculus accessions showed that 12 primer pairs generated a total number of 212 polymorphic fragments with a 99.53 % level of polymorphism. Nei’s gene diversity ranged between 0.2237 and 0.3436 with an average of 0.3001. The UPGMA method with Nei72’s similarity coefficient ranging from 0.23 to 1.11 separated 73 accessions into two distinct groups (A and B). Cluster-A included R. acris members, while cluster-B included the rest of the tested species. Cluster-B was subsequently divided into two sub-groups (I and II). Subgroup-I consisted of R. carpaticus and R. serpens subsp. nemorosus accessions, while subgroup-II included the members of R. platanifolius, R. polyanthemos, and R. repens. R. polyanthemos and R. repens were founded the most closely related species. These findings provide a brand-new understanding of the evolutionary relationships of above mentioned Ranunculus species and may be useful tools for plant breeding and conservation purposes.
Micropropagation and Assessment of Genetic Stability of Acclimatized Streptocarpus x hybridus Voss Plantlets Using RAPD Markers
Authors: HÂRŢA Monica , CLAPA Doina , BORSAI Orsolya , RUSU Mihai Călin , KELEMEN Cristina , POP Rodica , PAMFIL Doru
Published: December 2018

A micropropagation protocol via direct shoot organogenesis from Streptocarpus x hybridus Voss. leaf explants was established in this study. The shoot induction of three Streptocarpus cultivars (‘Snow White’, ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Slumber Song’) was successfully achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.2 mg L-1 -indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 0.2 mg L-1 thidiazuron (TDZ). In proliferation stage, the effects of two combinations of plant growth regulators -PGR- (V1-0.2 mg/L-1 IAA + 0.5 mg/L-1 BAP and V2-1.0 mg L-1 NAA + 0.2 mg L-1 TDZ) on shoot number and length were examined. The results suggest that PGRs combinations significantly influenced shoot proliferation and root induction in all Streptocarpus cultivars. Among the treatments, 0.2 mg L-1 (IAA) in combination with 0.5 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) were the most effective for in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting. The in vitro rooting percentage was also determined before subjecting the plantlets to the acclimatization process. Due to acclimatization, Streptocarpus plantlets showed a very high rate of survival (90%). The generated PCR-RAPD profiles for the selected in vitro-raised plants and donor plants were similar which indicates the clonal or true-to-type nature of the progenies.
Influence of Technology and Environment on the Pollen Germination Capacity in Cherry
Authors: ANDRECAN Andreea Flavia , MITRE Viorel , IORDĂNESCU Olimpia , CORDEA Mirela Irina
Published: December 2018

Pollen of four cherry cultivars (‘Lapins, ‘Kordia’, ‘Sylvia’, ‘Regina’) was collected and examined with microscop to determine its germination capacity. It was observed that pollen fertility varied from 18.7 % to 80.1 %. Environmental conditions of the studied area as well as applied treatments affected pollen germination capacity. Due to the high maximum temperature recorded in 13.03.2018, bud formation was induced 18 day earlier than in the previous years, growth started on March 31st, when the temperature was 21.5˚C. Regarding production, the highest yield was obtained in ‘Regina’ variety 9.7 kg/tree, ‘Kordia’ 9.3 kg/tree, ‘Lapins’ 8.8 kg/tree and Sylvia 8.2 kg/tree. In autumn of the previous year, the trees were fertilized with urea, in a concentration of 3 kg per ha, and in the spring with CROPAID, in a concentration of 5 liters per ha. The results show that germination percentage was much higher in the pollen collected from the treated trees than in the untreated ones.
Caralluma Acutangula Prevents Body Weight Gain in Rats Feed on Hyperlipidic Diet
Authors: DRAMANE Pare , ADAMA Hilou , POTÂRNICHE Adrian , KPEMISSI Mabozou , SÁRPATAKI Orsolya , NOUFOU Ouedraogo , BLIDARU Alexandra I. , TAULESCU Marian , SAMSON Guenne , MARCUS Ioan , ANDREI Sanda , SEVASTRE Bogdan
Published: December 2018

Caralluma acutangula (Decne.) (CA) (Asclepiadaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Burkina Faso for the management of weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract of CA on body weight, food intake, blood biochemistry parameters on experimental obesity rat model. One group received CA 400 mg/kg b.w. per day and was fed on hyperlipidic diet (HD), while the control group received HD only for three weeks long. The phytochemical investigation of extract showed a high total phenolic content (36.21±1.36 mg GAE/100mg of extract) and total flavonoids (4.98 ±0.31 QE/100 mg of extract). In the end, CA-HD treated group had a body weight loss of 2%, compared to HD group who presented a body weight gain of 15%. The CA-HD treated group showed also a lower levels of plasma triglyceride (136.57±13.82 mg/dL) and glycemia (187.74±31.16 mg/dL) compared to HD (206.02±23.82 and respectively 230.96±79.07 mg/dL) (p<0.05). CA extract also showed a good anti-oxidant activity in vivo (effect on antioxydant enzyme (MDA, GPX, SOD) and in vitro (inhibition of DPPH radical, ferric ion reduction). This study showed that CA is a potential natural remedy for the control of body weight and alleviation of obesity related disease.
Serological Survey of Dominant Viral Diseases (Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bronchitis (IB) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)), in Broilers Flocks in Northern Algeria
Authors: SALHI Omar , KHELEF Djemel , MESSAI Chafik- Reda , LOUNAS Aziz , MOHAMED-CHERIF Abdellah , KAIDI Rachid , AIT-OUDHIA Khatima
Published: December 2018

The present study was conducted to survey about sero-epidemiological status of Newcastle disease (ND), Infectious bronchitis (IB) and Infectious bursal disease (IBD) on Algerian broiler chicken (30 flocks/1200 sera) using ELISA method and to assess the influence of some risk factors related to each disease. Among all investigated flocks, ND was the most seroprevalent disease (63.33%); however, IB and IBD showed less serological positivity (40% and 16.66% respectively). For ND, Cobb 500 Flocks were significantly more seropositive by 78% (p = 0.025) than other strains. Nevertheless, flocks with good hygiene were significantly less seropositive to ND by 26% (p = 0.022). For IB, the risk of seropositivity was significantly lower in spring by 40% (p = 0.036). Although, flocks with higher density or with more than 30 days old were more seropositive respectively by 47% (p = 0.041) and 45% (p = 0.019). At last, when broiler chicken were not boosted by IBD vaccine, flocks appeared to be more seropositive by 48% (p = 0.047); especially in spring by 45% (p = 0.048); or in farms with poor hygiene by 65% (p = 0.004); however, more than flocks 30 days old flocks were less seropositive by 30% (p = 0.009).
First Record of West Nile Virus Specific Seroconversion in Dogs From Eastern Romania
Authors: CRIVEI Alexandra Luciana , RĂȚOI (ANTON) Ioana , RĂILEANU Cristian , POREA Daniela , ANIŢA Dragoş , SAVUȚA Gheorghe , OȘLOBANU Luanda
Published: December 2018

West Nile virus (WNV) infection causes diseases that vary in intensity from asymptomatic to fatal encephalitis in humans and animals. The etiological agent is a Flavivirus belonging to Japanesse Encephalitis complex. This zoonotic virus is maintained in nature in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and birds as amplifying hosts. Except birds, a wide variety of animals develop seroconversion caused by infection, and previous studies indicated that dogs may be considered as sentinel for WNV. The importance of studying this virus is caused by its zoonotic character, limited possibilities of active surveillance and real-time alertness of the infection’s presence in the human and animal populations. The aim of the study was to demonstrate and estimate the seroconversion in dogs within an area with confirmed cases in humans and animals. A total number of 76 serum samples were evaluated for the presence of specific anti WNV antibodies using a commercial competitive ELISA kit, for the detection of anti-pr-E antibodies (ID Screen® West Nile Competition Multi-species). The results indicated specific antibodies in 32 (42.1%) out of 76 samples tested. Positive results were recorded in all four counties from which samples were collected. Our preliminary results proved the circulation of WNV in dogs in areas where the infection was previously reported in animals and humans.
Preliminary Serological Investigation on Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis Virus Infection in a Goat Farm from North-Eastern Romanian Region
Authors: MIHAI Iuliana , CRIVEI Ioana Cristina , HORHOGEA Cristina , SAVUȚA Gheorghe , VELESCU Elena
Published: December 2018

Caprine arthritis encephalitis is an important disease of dairy goats with a worldwide distribution. Despite the eradication programs, this disease is still prevalent and causing huge financial losses due to reduced lactation performance and culling. The aim of this study was to reveal the presence of CAEV antibodies among a goat population from the North-Eastern of Romania. During 2014-2016, a total of 295 blood samples were collected from healthy or diseased animals. The serum samples were tested for CAEV antibodies detection, using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. Within the 295 serum samples tested by AGID technique, 31.86% were confirmed as being positive. All positive samples came from subjects without clinical signs of disease. The results obtained in this preliminary study; show that CAEV is present in French Alpine goats breed within a farm in North-Eastern of Romania.
Flexor Enthesopathy of the Elbow in Three Dogs: Imaging and Surgery
Authors: OBER Ciprian , SCHWARZ Guenter , CRĂCIUN Ioana , DANCIU Cecilia , CIMPOIEȘ Iulia , PEȘTEAN Cosmin , MELEGA Iulia , OANA Liviu
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to describe the radiographic and computed tomography (CT), findings in three dogs with elbow flexor enthesopathy. The study was a clinical one with client-owned dogs. In two dogs, lameness was localized to the elbow by clinical examination. Radiographic examination and CT were performed, and flexor enthesopaty was observed also in the third dog as an incidental finding. Flexorenthesopathy was diagnosed in all three dogs (4 joints) by combining the minimal radiographic changes with specific CT findings. Conservative and surgical treatment were performed. In all joints, any other pathology were excluded. In all three dogs, the elbow condition improved on long-term. Flexor enthesopathy at the medial epicondyle is an unrecognized condition and is a possible cause of elbow lameness in the dog.
The Importance of Correlation of T-helper and T-supressor Limfocitary Subpopulations – Indicators of Animals Immune Status
Authors: GOLBAN Rita
Published: December 2018

The scientific investigations reflected in this study present the research in dynamics of the activity of correlating T-helper and T-suppressor immunocompetent cells at the newborn calves in different age periods. In the scientific research is presented the main effector role of these indicators, regarding the importance of the immune system through the ability to synthesize lymphokines, etc. The researches reveal T-helper and T-suppressor level of lymphocytes at all research ages. Thus at 10 days the concentration of T-helper lymphocytes was 7.85±0.001 and 8.30±0.08; 7.57 ± 0.008 at the age of 20 and 30 days, compared to T-suppressor lymphocytes, which in these age groups was equal to 6.0 ± 0.08; 6.33 ± 0.08 and 6.0±0.08. The results of the investigations offer the possibility to understand that the correlation of some lymphocytary subpopulations of the newborn animal organism provides the possibility of installing a strong immunity and ensures the maintenance of the biochemical homeostasis of the organism.
Current Aspects and Perspectives Regarding the Usage of Honey in Different Wounds Treatment (Review)
Authors: TAMAS-KRUMPE Octavia , BOBIŞ Otilia , DOŞTEŢAN ABĂLARU Cornelia , CIOTLĂUŞ Adrian , OGNEAN Laurenț
Published: December 2018

Throughout time, honey proved to meet all the criteria for its usage as a topical treatment in wounds, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.A major importance was attributed to the compounds found in honey, such as glucose oxidase, methylglyoxal, low pH and hydrogen peroxide.The aim of this review is to provide an updated scientific support regarding the current state and the perspectives on honey application in the veterinary medical therapeutics. We sustain the utility of this documentation because of the contradiction between the abundance of research in the human medicine field and their sporadic character in the medical veterinary one.We assess that honey should not be simply considered as a ‘folk remedy’, but as a modern therapy. Moreover, this review intends to inform the veterinary clinicians about the therapeutic potential of honey, exerted especially on wounds healing and regenerative therapy.
In Vitro Study of Benzimidazole Derivatives, Tetrahydropyrimidines and Macrocyclic Lactones Therapeutic Efficacy in Dog Hookworms
Authors: CĂTANĂ Laura , CĂTANĂ Raul , CORA Roxana , RĂILEANU Ştefan , CERNEA Mihai
Published: December 2018

The study was conducted using faecal samples from 62 dogs. We tested the ovicidal and larvicidal effects of albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ), fenbendazole (FBZ) and flubendazole (FLU) by Egg hatch assay (EHA) and larval development assay (LDA). For pyrantel (PYR) and selamectin (SEL) we tested the larvicidal effects by LDA. In all in vitro tests, benzimidazoles efficacy was low, with a high risk of inducing resistance phenomena. In EHA more than 50% of the hookworm eggs hatched, revealing a low efficacy of all tested benzimidazoles. The regression line was positive for all benzimidazoles, FBZ having the smallest value of the Y parameter (62.62), and lower risk of resistance. When testing the larvicidal effects, a superior efficacy of benzimidazoles was observed. The lowest MIC was for MBZ (0.8672μg/ml). ABZ had a very poor effect (8.46750 μg/ml). The Y parameter showed a lower risk of inducing resistance for MBZ (Y= -64.14) and FBZ (Y= -27.89). Pyrantel and Selamectin were very effective, presenting also a very low risk of inducing resistance phenomena. For PYR and SEL, MIC was 0.2131 μg/ml and 2.7921 μg/ml, respectively. The Y parameter was -448.37 for PYR and -62.74 for SEL, with minimal risk of inducing the adaptive phenomena.
Paraclinical Investigations in the Pathology of the Urinary System in Dogs
Authors: GHERGARIU Sabina , TĂTARU Mariana , DIAKOSAVVAS Michail , OLAR Loredana Elena , MÂRZA Sorin Marian , COLDEA Nicolae , PAPUC Ionel
Published: December 2018

In the pathology of the urinary system, given its structural and functional complexity, the clinician must correlate the data obtained from the clinical and paraclinical examination. The aim of the study was to identify and apply the most relevant paraclinical methods for establishing the diagnosis of renal disease in dogs and to develop a reliable and easy to use working protocol. The biological material consisted of 25 dogs of different ages and sexes. The conventional and contrast-enhanced radiological examination together with the ecography, spectrofluorimetric analysis, urinary sediment examination, renal biopsy, cytological examination completed the disease information in order to establish a certitude diagnosis. In the management of patients with urinary disorders, the working protocol should include not only the animal anamnesis and a complete clinical examination but also a paraclinical examination which should be used depending on the patient’s clinical manifestations.
The Effect of a Social Enrichment Programme on the Behaviour of Dogs from a Private Shelter
Authors: POPESCU Silvana , BORDA Cristin , EL MAHDY Cristina , LAZAR Eva- Andrea , BLAGA PETREAN Anamaria , CÂMPEAN Ioana- Diana , SPINU Marina
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was the behavior assessment of dogs housed in a private shelter, before and after implementing an intensive social enrichment programme. Using an assessment protocol of provoked and unprovoked behavior, a range of behavioral indicators was recorded in 20 dogs housed for more than two years in the shelter. The data collected was used for computing a quality of life score (QL). After the implementation of the social enrichment programme, 75% of the studied dogs received higher QL scores compared with the initial assessment. At that stage, also a slight increasing in the proportion of the dogs’ positive indicators was seen. No significant difference was recorded when compared the results obtained by the two assessors. The higher QL scores obtained after the enrichment programme prove that such a programme has positive effects on the behavior and on the life quality of shelter dogs.
Slaughterhouse Survey on the Frequency of Pathologies Found in Bovine Post-mortem Inspections
Authors: TĂBĂRAN Alexandra , DAN Sorin Daniel , REGET Oana , TĂBĂRAN Alexandru Flaviu , MIHAIU Marian
Published: December 2018

The aim was to reveal the prevalence of post-mortem lesions in two large-scale bovine slaughterhouses found in Romania so as to point out the potential hazards for human health. The proper examination of animal carcasses and organs that are destined for human consumption is essential in order to ensure food safety but not all the time properly made due to lack of time during the process of slaughter. The results showed that the most frequent lesions found within the examined organs were caused by parasitic infestation (Echinococcus granulosus; Dyctiocaulus viviparus) and the highest prevalence was found in the lungs. The pathology of lesions found in bovine organs is very variable in the slaughterhouse, being able to report strange aspects such an ectopic liver in the lung parenchyma. Measures should be taken in the farms due to this high prevalence of parasites which causes both health problems as well as economical losses.
Effect of Post -Thaw Addition of Insemination Media and Prostatic Fluid on Dog Sperm Motility Parameters
Authors: IGNA Violeta , FENEȘ Ramona , BRUDIU Ileana
Published: December 2018

Improving sperm parameters with a role in fertilization and keeping them as long as possible at optimal levels is still a current requirement for frozen-thawed semen. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of an artificial insemination media (M) and prostatic fluid (PF), post thawing, on dog sperm motility parameters. The sperm rich fraction from nine dog ejaculates was cryopreserved. After thawing, three experimental variants were carried out: 1) semen diluted 1:1 with CaniPlus Enhance–media 2) with the PF and 3) semen without any addition. Samples were incubated at 37°C and sperm motility parameters were assessed after 10, 25, 40 and 50 minutes. Samples supplemented with the insemination media recorded the highest values of total motility, progressive motility and sperm velocity throughout incubation. Addition of PF had a negative effect on the total and progressive motility values and caused a slight increase in velocity.
An update: Prevalence of rabies in animalsbetween 2010 and 2017in north-eastern Romania
Authors: DASCALU Mihaela- Anca , BOCANETI Florentina , TANASE Oana , VELESCU Elena
Published: December 2018

In order to obtain an overview of the situation of rabies positive cases, but also to establish a true prevalence of the disease among domestic and wild animals, an epidemiological survey was conducted in the north east of the country, targeting the 8 counties of Moldova region,over a period of eight years, between 2010 and 2017. A total of 2306 brain samples coming from animals with suspicion of rabies were received at the laboratories, from which 851 (36,90 %) were represented by domestic animals and 1455 (63,10 %) by wild animals. Following the implementation of the referenced techniques in rabies diagnosis, out of 2306tested samples, 492 (21,36%) were confirmed positive and 1814 negative (78,66%). Out of 1455 samples coming from wild animals, 303 (20,82 %) were confirmed positive, with a total prevalence of 21,32 %, while in the case of domestic animals out of 851 samples, 189 were positive, with a total prevalence of 22,20 %.