bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of motion characteristics of lower limb exoskeleton robot
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Cheng Xuyang , Chang Xinyi , Zheng Yi
Published: September 2023

To address the issue of motion coordination in lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robots, and to meet the basic characteristics of ergonomics and human kinematics, a humanoid design was adopted to design a lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot. The Denavit- Hartenberg (D-H) mathematical model of the lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robot was established, and the motion characteristics of each joint were analyzed to obtain the D-H parameters during the motion process. The motion characteristics were analyzed from the perspectives of forward kinematics and inverse kinematics. The variation law of motion parameters during the motion process was obtained, and simulation analysis of the motion characteristics was performed. The results show that the maximum center of mass velocity is 0.45 m/s, which is reached within 0.8 seconds. After that, the velocity decreases, with a range of approximately -0.2 m/s to 0.55 m/s. It can be seen that the displacement and velocity changes of the exoskeleton robot legs are relatively stable, which meets the design requirements.
Time-varying nonlinear parameters identification of high-speed train suspension system based on WMA
Authors: Wang Yuke , Lv Lumei , Hua Chunrong , Dong Dawei , Li Longbin
Published: September 2023

The parameters identification of suspension components provides a foundation for health assessment of the high-speed train. Considering the time-varying nonlinearity of suspension parameters caused by changing temperature, this work identifies the time-varying nonlinear parameters based on the wavelet multiresolution analysis (WMA) combined with the proposed improved Akaike information criterion (AIC). Firstly, the parameters variation law against time-temperature are fitted based on test data and the vibration responses of a two-degree-of-freedom suspension model are obtained. Secondly, the time-varying nonlinear parameters are expanded into scale coefficients using WMA. Thus, the identification of time-varying nonlinear parameters is transformed into the identification of time-invariant wavelet scale coefficients. Then the improved AIC is utilized to select the optimal basis functions and decomposition scales in noisy environments. The identified parameters vectors are used by the improved AIC as evaluation index of identification model to reduce the effect of noise. Finally, the time-varying nonlinear parameters are reconstructed based on the optimal wavelet scale coefficients. The results show that the time-varying nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficients can be accurately identified based on the WMA combined with the proposed improved AIC.
Achieving local overheating and length scale control in density-based topology optimization
Authors: Qie Longfei , Xing Jian
Published: September 2023

The main defect of additive manufacturing technology based on laser melting is that large thermal deformation is easily generated inside the part during the forming process. The traditional method is to adjust the process parameters, stress relief annealing and other hardware methods. From the point of view of design, this paper proposed a method to reduce the deformation by changing the product structure and configuration without changing the process form and design goals. The layer-by-layer thermal process model is considered as a constraint in the SIMP topology method, and the MMA is applied as the optimization solver to take care of the multi-constraints topology optimization. Then, the Heaviside based morphological filter is applied to control the minimum length of the part in the optimization results. The validity of the proposed method is tested by the MBB beam and cantilever compliance minimization problems.
Simple and low-cost motion-sensorless control approach for the IPMSM with elimination of DC offset and steady-state error
Authors: Rahman Sadiq Ur , Xia Chaoying , Xiao Pengchao , Yu Jiali , Wang Nannan
Published: September 2023

Voltage type flux observer has attracted much attention because of its less mathematical calculations and ease of implementation. The only issue with the flux estimation approach is the integration mechanism; using a pure integrator may cause integrator saturation and a DC bias issue, whereas using the low pass filter (LPF) and a self-adaptive band-pass filter (SABPF) would result in magnitude and phase angle errors. This work offers an improved flux linkage estimation approach with a proportional integral (PI) DC offset compensator, resolving the DC drift issue associated with the observer’s pure integrator. Compared to the standard voltage type flux observer, the DC offset is removed, the LPF and phase adjustment are eliminated, and low-speed armature position estimate accuracy is improved. The proposed method can reduce calculation. As a result, the control period is reduced. The Matlab Simulink framework findings are presented to validate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Research on detection technology of sulfur hexafluoride decomposition products of GIL based on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sun Chao , Bian Chao , Gan Qiang , Li Dongfeng , Cui Guanglu , Zhao Wenhan
Published: September 2023

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is a stable gas that is widely used in gas insulated lines (GILs) in power systems. However, in GIL, SF6 gas is in the environment of high temperature, high pressure and high voltage for a long time, SF6 gas will decompose into toxic gas, damage electrical equipment, and pose a huge threat to human body and ecological environment. In addition, SF6 gas is a greenhouse gas that is strictly forbidden to leak. Once leaked, it will cause great harm to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to recover and purify the SF6 gas in the power system GIL. In this paper, a molecular model of carbon nanotubes is constructed, and the density functional theory is used to analyze the changes of charge distribution, density of states and molecular orbitals after adsorption of SF6 decomposition products by carbon nanotubes, and determine the gas-sensing response of carbon nanotubes to gas molecules characteristic.
Drinking water quality and social vulnerability linkages at the system level in the United States
Authors: Scanlon Bridget R , Reedy Robert C , Fakhreddine Sarah , Yang Qian , Pierce Gregory
Published: September 2023

Growing recognition of water quality concerns, particularly in socially vulnerable communities in the United States, has prompted recent policies and investments to improve drinking water system performance. Current environmental justice tools limit measurement of drinking water quality issues to proximity to point-source contamination, such as superfund sites and social vulnerability to county level or zip code level data. We examined relationships between health-based (HB) drinking water quality violations and social vulnerability using a new database of community water system (CWS) service areas and a modified Social Vulnerability Index, which we specifically designed for drinking water quality. CWSs with HB violations disproportionately impact socially vulnerable communities, with ∼70% of such systems characterized by high social vulnerability. Increased risks of drinking water quality violations in high socially vulnerable communities are attributed in part to violations related to pervasive, naturally occurring contaminants (e.g. arsenic) requiring treatment and difficulties for small systems to implement and maintain treatment systems. Notably, recurrence of any HB violation is also related to social vulnerability (R = 0.73). The relative importance of different social parameters, including socioeconomic status, race and language, and demographics and housing characteristics, varies with the type of violation. Further understanding linkages between drinking water quality violations and social vulnerability is essential for optimizing the deployment of, and motivating the next tranche of newly available drinking water infrastructure funding that is heavily prioritized toward disadvantaged communities.
Meeting industrial decarbonization goals: a case study of and roadmap to a net-zero emissions cement industry in California
Authors: Kim Alyson , Miller Sabbie A
Published: September 2023

Recent decarbonization policies are expected to significantly impact high greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting industries, as they will be forced to find ways to operate with a lower environmental footprint. Due to the energy required for the kilns and the unavoidable chemical-derived emissions during manufacturing, in addition to its high global consumption levels, the cement industry is anticipated to be among the early industries affected. California State Bill (SB 596) is one of the first rigorous legislative measures that sets GHG emissions from cement production to net-zero by 2045. As such, a case study on California cement production is evaluated here. While several groups have developed cement technology roadmaps with GHG mitigation strategies, these roadmaps do not consider concomitant environmental impacts, such as those that can influence local populations, thus limiting potential implementation from a policy perspective. Here, we examine several GHG emissions mitigation strategies for cement production and show the greatest reduction from an individual measure is from implementing carbon capture storage for cement kiln flue gas (87%), use of alternative clinkers (78%), or use of alkali-activated materials (88%). Yet even if GHG emissions are reduced, use of high-polluting energy sources could increase risks to human health impacts. Further, the efficacy of these decarbonization measures is lowered if multiple measures are implemented simultaneously. Finally, we examine the potential to meet net-zero emissions, focusing on California production due to recent legislation, and find a pathway to 96% GHG emissions reduction. Notably, these reductions do not reach goals to hit zero emissions, suggesting direct air capture mechanisms will need to be implemented.
Endogenous simulation of low-carbon lifestyle change in global climate mitigation pathways
Authors: Pettifor Hazel , Mastrucci Alessio , Wilson Charlie , van Ruijven Bas , Agnew Maureen , Gallic Thomas Le
Published: September 2023

Global Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) used to characterise mitigation pathways have very limited or no formal representation of lifestyles and lifestyle change. We demonstrate a novel approach to endogenously simulating low-carbon lifestyle heterogeneity and lifestyle change through soft-coupling with our new empirically-based LIFE model. Coupling LIFE to global IAMs enables dynamic simulation of distinctive lifestyle change contributions to targeted mitigation strategies. We set out the empirical basis of the LIFE model, the methodological steps for soft-coupling to a global IAM, and show results from a test application to the residential sector using the MESSAGEix-Buildings model. A first key insight is that coupling with the LIFE model introduces heterogeneous behaviour between ‘engaged’ types, who experience faster and higher reductions in final energy demand compared to ‘disengaged’ types. When we further simulate a widespread shift in normative values, this gap is closed. A second key insight is that drivers of lifestyle change, act differently across ‘Improve’ and ‘Avoid’ dimensions. The ‘disengaged’ types, characterised by lower incomes, are more highly responsive to energy saving ‘Avoid’ behaviours. Our approach demonstrates how improved understanding of lifestyle change dynamics and more realistic, empirically-based quantitative simulations in climate mitigation pathways enriches scientific and policy analysis of how to achieve Paris Climate Agreement goals.
Role of Bacterial Inoculant and Organic Matter in Improving some Soil Physical Properties and Water use Efficiency of Maize under Drought Conditions in Iraq
Authors: Al-Khazrji Osama Abdul Rahman , Alkhateb Bassam A. A. H. , Alsaedi Suad Abduljabbar
Published: September 2023

Field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Directorate Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology in Autumn 2018 to study the role of liquid bacterial inoculant and addition of organic matter in improving physical properties, water consumption and water use efficiency of the maize crop (Zea mays L.) under drought conditions prevailing in Iraq. Bacterial inoculated was added with two levels with, without adding, adding organic fertilizer at three levels (0, 1.5 and 3%) of the soil weight. Irrigation was scheduled when depleting (50, 60 and 70%) of the available water. Water consumption were 584, 437 and 317 mm under (50, 60 and 70%) of available water depletion respectively. The addition of bacterial inoculant and 3% organic matter was significantly superior to treatments at 50 and 60% of available water depletion. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil aggregate stability under these two treatments were 1.81 and 1.75 cm h−1 and 0.530 and 0.524% respectively. The grain yield was 12.321 and 12.162 t ha−1 under the above-mentioned treatments respectively. The highest rate of water use efficiency was 2.98 kg m−3 under 60 % moisture depletion, with bacterial inoculant and under addition of organic matter at the level of 3%.
Effect of Spraying with Nano Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Two Cultivars of Bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Abotlasha Jaber Jassim , Issa Falah Hasan , Al-Burki Fouad Razzaq
Published: September 2023

The research was carried out during the growing season 2021-2022 to find out the response of the two cultivars (Vicia faba L.): Luz De Otono (C1) and symbolized for them by the two symbols (C2,C1) by spraying potassium nano fertilizer (0, 1.2 g/L) and symbolizing them with symbols (T3.T2,T1), respectively. The experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.), and studied the characteristics of leaf area, plant height, chlorophyll pigment content as well as the dry weight of the bio yield and seeds and their protein content., The characters reached in leaf area (52.94 dcm 2), chlorophyll (23.99 SPAD) and dry weight of plant seeds (4.089 tan h-1), and the results showed that the interaction C2T3 was significantly superior in plant height (68.57 cm), leaf area per plant (56.57 dm 2).
Effect of Organic Manure, Nutrient Solution Injection and Zn Foliar Application on Some Physical Characteristics of Date Palm Fruits cv. Zahdi
Authors: Kurdy Alaa T. S. , Al-Dulaimy Rasmi M. H.
Published: September 2023

A field study was carried out on private palm orchards located in Anbar province - Fallujah District, Al-Hassy region during season 2021 on date palm trees “Zahdi”. Cultivar trees were with age 30 years growing in clay soil to investigate effect of organic manure (cow manure) at levels (0, 10, 20 kg. palm−1), injecting nutrient solution under the trade name “Nutreeno” into the trunk at (0, 50 ml.Palm−1) and foliar application with Zn at (0, 500, 1000 mg. l−1). Results showed that all the studied traits recorded their superiority when soil application of organic manure at 20 kg.palm−1, whereas, nutrient solution injection at 50 ml.palm−1 gave the best results in the fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit length and size, seed weight, bunch weight and yield. Spraying Zn especially with 1000 mg.l−1 achieved the highest values in all the studied characteristics compared to the control.
Impact of Organic Fertilization to Olive Tree (Olea europaea L.) on Flowering Traits and Fruiting Under Iraq Western Desert Conditions
Authors: Mohammed A. M. , Muslat M. M.
Published: September 2023

The experiment was conducted on Rawa area at Al-Anbar governorate, western of Iraq, during 2021 and 2022 seasons by using 72 olive trees (Ashrasi cultivar) treated with 0, 15, and 25 kg per olive tree from composted of common reed waste with cow, sheep, and poultry manure, also tree treated with 0 or 50 liters from aqueous extract of compost. The results of the statistical analysis showed that Olive trees were treated with 25 kg from 80 % common reed waste with 20 % poultry manure compost and its water extract, while improved flowering traits (number of flowers per branch, percentage of hermaphrodite flowers, number of fruit set, percentage of fruiting, and fruit retention compared with control treatment under Iraq western desert conditions.
Effect of Spraying a Combination of Nano-Fertilizers on some Vegetative and Root Growth Characteristics of Two Pomegranate Cultivars under Salt Stress Conditions
Authors: Al-Musawi Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed , Al-Tamimi Harith Mahmoud Aziz
Published: September 2023

The research was conducted in the vegetable canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering - College of Agriculture - University of Karbala for the period from the beginning of March to October 2021, with the aim of knowing the effect of spraying a combination of nano-Fertilizers on the growth of seedlings of two pomegranate cultivars under salt stress conditions. The first factor was spraying with a combination of nano-fertilizers at a concentration of (0 ml. L-1 Optimus plus 0 g. L-1 IQ combi and 1 ml. L-1 Optimus plus + 0.5 g. L-1 IQ combi and 1.5 ml L -1 Optimus plus + 1 gl -1 IQ combi). As for the second factor, the variety (Wonderful, Slimy), and the third factor, irrigate with three different salt concentrations (1.7, 5, and 10 dS.m-1). The results can be summarized as follows: (1) The treatment with the combination of nano-fertilizer at a concentration of (1.5 ml.L-1 Optimus plus + 1 gL-1 IQ combi) had the highest rate in the trait (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, dry weight of shoot and root system, and fresh weight of shoot group). root, and root length) and the treatment (1 ml.L-1 Optimus plus + 0.5 gL-1 IQ combi) recorded the highest rate in the number of leaves characteristic. (2) The cultivar Wanderfel outperformed the Salimi cultivar and recorded the highest increase in the rate of (plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of shoot and root, fresh weight of shoot and root, and root length). (3) Irrigation treatment with electrolyte water (1.7 decimens.m-1) showed the highest values for vegetative and root growth characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of vegetative and root, fresh weight of vegetable and root, and root length). (4) The double and triple interactions between the study factors led to a clear and significant superiority in the studied traits compared to the comparison treatment. 7. Decimens.m-1) was significant, giving the highest rate in most of the vegetative and root traits. The treatment (1 ml.l-1 Optimus plus + 0.5 gl-1 IQ combi, the cultivar Wanderful and the salinity of the irrigation water at a concentration of 1.7 dSm-1) recorded the highest average number of leaves.
Association Between of the Growth Hormone Gene GH-1 with Growth Indicators of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio L. in Three Different Ecosystems
Authors: Ali Raaed Abdul Rahman Saeed , Attee Raaed Sami , Radhi Aseel Ghazi
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted in the central of health laboratory/Animal and Fish Resource Research Center, Agricultural Research Department, Ministry of Science and Technology, for the period from 15/8/2021 to 15/11/2021 in order to investigate the polymorphism of the growth hormone gene GH-1 and its relationship to the productive performance (body weight, total length, age and case factor) of common carp Cyprinus carpio, in 90 fish representing three different ecosystems (30 fish for each site) including floating cages, ponds, and the environment of the Tigris River, south of Baghdad, with an average weight of (975-1517±150) g. Some physical and chemical measurements of water were measured, including temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, and salinity. These fish were transferred to the laboratory, and the weight, total length, and age of each fish were measured, as well as DNA extraction for the purpose of amplifying the size of a segment (459pb) of the growth hormone gene that includes exon 4, intron 4, and exon 5 by polymerase chain reaction PCR using primers designed for this gene. The genotypes of the growth hormone gene were investigated using the Single-Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique, and the produced bands were compared to distinguish different genotypes of the gene by the electrophoresis method. The results showed that the water temperature was close to the environmental systems under study and ranged between (25.4-27 ± 0.50), the rates of dissolved oxygen concentration were (6.5 ± 0.09) mg/l, pH (7.0 ± 0.02) and salinity 0.8 g/l higher in ponds compared to the lowest value of them in the river. The analysis of the SSCP technique revealed the presence of six different genotypes of this hormone, including A, B, C, E, F, and H with a frequency of 24.4, 5.6, 15.6, 15.6, 16.4, and 22.4, respectively, for the fish community in the studied sites. The H genotype was significantly (P< 0.05) superior in the floating cages in the average body weight (1600 ± 0 g) and the relative case coefficient (2.5 ± 0). significant differences were observed in the average total body length and age, according to the multiplicity of genotypes. We conclude from this study an improvement in the growth and health status of common carp in cages and ponds compared to the river at the probability level (P<0.05) and the possibility of focusing on the polygenic genotypes of the growth hormone gene and adopting the H genotype as a guide for selecting fish mothers in genetic improvement programs for artificial propagation and achieving the largest economic return from fish breeding projects.
Detection of Virulence Genes Stx1, Stx2, eae A and hly A in E.coli Isolated from Local Minced Meat
Authors: Alziadi Rahem , Attar Eman J.
Published: September 2023

The current study included the investigation of E. coli bacteria in random samples of ground meat, the detection of virulence genes in isolates, and the study of isolates resistance to some widely used antibiotics. Twenty-four samples of minced meat were collected to isolate and identify E. coli bacteria by phenotypic, microscopic characteristics and traditional biochemical tests were done. Antibiotic susceptibility tests, genomes of isolates were extracted, the virulence factors Stx1, Stx2, eae A and hly A were investigated by multiplex PCR technique. 7 isolates showed Colonies with a metallic green luster on EMB medium, gram negative, rod shaped bacteria, facultative anaerobic bacteria, positive for indole, methyl red and catalase tests, and negative for Fox Proscore, urease and oxidase tests. All isolates were containing hly A gene, 6 isolates were containing the virulence gene Stx1, 5 isolates containing were eae A gene and 4 isolates were containing Stx2 gene. The results shown a high resistance of E. coli isolates to all types of antibiotics used, as all isolates were possessed multiple antibiotic resistance.
Effect of Adding Different Levels of Dried Olive Pomace to the Diet on some Blood Traits of Broilers
Authors: Habib Hamza Ghali , Al-Zamili Ibrahim Fadhil , Al-Gharawi Jassim Kassim
Published: September 2023

This experiment was conducted at the poultry field, Agricultural Research and Experiment Station, College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, from 21 February 2022 to 26 March 2022. A total of 180 unsexed, 1 day old, Ross 308 broiler chicks were used, chicks were randomly distributed to four experimental treatments, 45 chicks for each treatment with three replicates of the treatment (15 chicks/replicate) for 35 days, the treatments were as follows: T1: Control treatment; T2: Add 1.5% dry olive pomace to the diet; T3: Add 3% dry olive pomace to the diet; T4: Add 4.5% dry olive pomace to the diet. The results indicate that there were significant improvement in all olive-pomace treatments compared to the control treatment on the blood traits (LDL, HDL, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) of broilers blood.
Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Artemisia absinthium L. on Growth Performance and White Blood Count in Broiler
Authors: Shaker Majed , Mohammed Arkan , Raouf Samah
Published: September 2023

In this research, the effects of an Artemisia absinthium L. aqueous extract on broiler growth were measured. A total of 384 old-day broilers were used in a completely randomized study with three replicate each (n=32 each replicate). The basal diet was supplied with groups N0 (control), N1, N2, and N3 representing (5, 10, and 15% Artemisia absinthium L.), and the birds were kept under observation for 35 days. The results showed that there was no significant for body weight (g) and weight gain (g) between the aqueous extract groups (5, 10, and 15%) and the control group at 21 days of age. On the other hand, the broiler traded with Artemisia absinthium had a higher feed intake and FRC compared to the others groups during age 21 days. During age 35 days the Artemisia absinthium has significant effects (p<0.05) on the broiler’s performance compared to the control. The number of white blood cells in broilers fed with 5% Artemisia absinthium aqueous extract significantly differed significantly from the other groups. There was a significant difference in Lymphocytes (%) between the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium and the control groups. There was no significant difference in Heterophils (%) or H/L (%). In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium can improve broiler performance and enhance the white blood cells.
Effect of Adding Whole Milk, Milk Protein Concentrate and Transglutaminases on the Rheological and Nutritional Properties of Local Wheat Flour
Authors: Al-Zarfi Meaad Abdul Hassan , hasan Sakena Taha
Published: September 2023

The study was conducted to find out the effect of adding whole milk in proportions of 3, 5, and 7%, milk protein concentrate in proportions of 3, 5, and 7%, and transglutaminase enzyme in proportions of 1, 2, and 3 units/100 gm of flour to local wheat flour on the rheological properties using the Farinograph device, and measuring the viscosity of the dough using Amilograph and analysis of amino acids using HPLC. The addition of whole milk and milk protein concentrate to wheat flour had an effect on the increase in the water absorption rate and stability time measured by the Farinograph device for all additives compared to the control sample. The addition of the enzyme transglutaminase in proportions of 1, 2 and 3 units / 100 gm flour had an effect on the increase in water absorption and stability time measured by the Varinograph device for all additions compared to the control sample, and the optimal concentration was 2 units / 100 gm flour, which was used in subsequent experiments. The flour was treated with gradual concentrations of whole milk, milk protein concentrate, and transglutaminase 2 units/100 gm flour, and it had an effect on increasing the absorbency and stability time compared with the control sample. The addition of graduated concentrations of whole milk and protein concentrate led to an increase in the gelatinization temperature and the maximum viscosity measured by the amelograph compared to the control sample. The addition of graduated concentrations of whole milk and protein concentrate increased the proportion of amino acids lysine, cysteine and methionine measured by HPLC compared to the control sample, and the best samples were the addition of 5% to whole milk as well as milk protein concentrate.
Using Packaging Technology to Reduce the Fragmentation of the Added Fertilizer, Improve Growth and Increase Yield Efficiency for Varieties of Forage Barley
Authors: Razzaq Maryam , Mahbes Faisal
Published: September 2023

The experiment was carried out in one of the farmers’ fields in Muthanna Governorate, Rumaitha district, which is 25 km from the city center and for the agricultural season 2021-2022, with the aim of achieving the maximum possible benefit from the added nitrogen fertilizer (T1, T2 and T3) in addition to the treatment of comparison with ordinary urea (T4), which was added according to the recommendation of fertilizer and the possibility of reducing the infusions of its addition Their reflections in nitrogen absorption, improving plant growth and increasing plant yield in quantity and quality, for four different varieties (Samir, Burqa, Aba99, and Aba 265) of the feed barley crop, were applied according to the design of the complete random sectors (RCBD) with three repeaters. The results showed that the preliminary results for the highest averages amounted to 43.680 and 10.545 tons, and 7.80 and 8.41% for the cultivars. It reached 8.64%. Either the coated urea fertilizer fractional coefficients, the retail transaction in two batches (T2) significantly exceeded the total green and dry feed yields, with averages of 45.380 and 11.315 tons E-1 respectively, when overlapping between the two factors a discrepancy between the combinations within the overlap was observed and the combination between the two classes A265 and A99 with the retail transaction in two batches (T2) by recording the highest average of the total green and dry feed yield amounted to 52.170 and 12.077 tons E-1 for the two varieties in succession.
Response of Maize Genotypes to Combinations of Nitrogen and Humic Acid Fertilization
Authors: Al-Mafraji Marwa Kareem Salman , Al-Anbari Mohammed Ahmed Ibraihi
Published: September 2023

The field experiment was carried out in the experimental field of Ibn Al-Bitar Preparatory Vocational School in Al-Hussainiya District-Holy Karbala governorate during the spring season 2021, with the aim of evaluating the performance of six maize genotypes (5018, Bahouth 106, Al-Maha, Fajr 1, Al-Furat and Sarah) under the effect of four levels of fertilization (160 N kg.ha-1, 160 N kg.ha-1 with humic acid, 320 N kg. ha-1 and 320 N kg.ha-1 with humic acid) using the split-plot arrangement with in Randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replications, where the genotypes of maize represented the subplots and fertilization as the main plots. Leaf area, some characteristics of tassel, pollen vitality, number of ears per plant, number of grains per ear, weight of 500 grains, yield efficiency and grain yield were studied. Analysis of variance for fertilization levels showed highly significant differences for leaf area, number of grains per ear, weight of 500 grains, grain yield, and showed significant differences for pollen vitality. As for the genotypes, they were highly significant for all studied traits. The interaction between the two experimental factors was highly significant for each of the leaf area, weight of 500 grains, yield efficiency, and grain yield. The results showed that the interaction between the Furat genotype and the fertilizer level of 320 N kg.ha-1 with humic acid was significantly superior, achieving the highest leaf area of 6850.00 cm2, weight of 500 grains 194.33 gm, efficiency yield of 297.00 gm.m-2, and grain yield of 10848 kg.ha-1.
Soil Properties and Maize Growth as Affected by Subsoiling and Traffic-Induced Compaction
Authors: Ramadhan Marwan N. , Alfaris Murtadha A. A.
Published: September 2023

Many of the current farm management methods that utilize production techniques tend to add to the soil compaction problem. The compaction from wheel traffic is a key source of soil deterioration in contemporary agriculture. Limited studies have been conducted over the heavy soil of Iraq’s southern regions to understand soil compaction under the current condition, and its effect on crop growth and yield. An experiment was conducted at two locations; with the goal of determining the effects of tractor traffic on soil parameters, plant development, and maize production. Compaction treatments included no traffic, t0; 8 tractor traffic, t8; 16 tractor traffic, t16; and 24 tractor traffic, t24. To reduce soil compaction’s negative impacts, two degrees of subsoiling have been investigated, nonsubsoiled (NonSub) and subsoiled (Sub) plots. The results showed that bulk density values through 10 to 40 cm soil profile after tractor traffic at both locations increased with increasing levels of compaction. Hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil cores showed a general trend of decreasing at both locations with increasing levels of compaction by tractor traffic. Maize plant height, 500-grain weight, and root mass throughout both growing locations were also lower with wheel traffic treatments compared to the control treatment. Maize yields with wheel traffic were significantly lower by 7.039, 19.120, 34.187% at the first location and by 7.291, 15.147, 26.862% at the second location for the t8, t16, and t24 than yields with the t0 treatments. On the other hand, subsoiling was found to mitigate the adverse effect of tractor traffic in the topsoil and in the subsoil that led to a favour effect on soil bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The subsoil treatment increased plant height at both growing locations due to the greater exploitation of root system at the subsoiled plots which increased 500 grain weight and eventually maize yield by 16.215 and 23.762% over nonsubsoiled treatment. Tractor traffic on agricultural soils must be planned in order to minimize its detrimental impacts, as demonstrated by the findings of this experiment. Tractor traffic below 16 passes, under the experiment condition, is convenient for effective maize cultivation. In addition, subsoiling can be a choice for alleviating compaction.
Simultaneous Occurrence of Mycotoxins Citrinin and Ochratoxin A in Popcorn Grains and Their Biological Effect on some Physiological Blood Parameters
Authors: Alegaieli Wers Faisel Khribet , Alhamiri Yasir Naser Hussein
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted with the aim of verifying the simultaneous occurrence of mycotoxin Citrinin (CIT) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) in popcorn grains consumed on a wide range throughout Iraq. It is enhanced by studying the biologically combined effects of these toxins compared to their effect separately. The results of the chromatographic analysis using HPLC technology to detect the simultaneous occurrence of mycotoxins Citrinin and Ochratoxin A in the analyzed samples showed that all samples were contaminated with Ochratoxin A, while 17 samples were contaminated with both of mycotoxins out of 18 main samples, and in varying proportions, The highest incidence and concentration of Ochratoxin A 100% was with a concentration of 31.795 μg/kg for sample T8, followed by CIT 94.4% with 17.868 μg/kg for sample Q7, However, the lowest concentration of 4.066 μg/kg, 12.161 μg/kg for Citrinin and Ochratoxin A were detected in samples T8 and D17 respectively. While the results vevealed different effects on the physiological blood parameters of chicks, exposure to mycotoxins CIT and OTA alone or simultaneously caused a decrease in white bood cells (WBC), monocytes (MON), lyphocytes (LYM), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematatocrit (HCT) and platelet (PLT), while the two treatments OTA and OTA+CIT caused a decrease in hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and granulocyte (GRA) While CIT caused an increase compared to control treatment, the results were reflected in both mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). When combining CIT and OTA, the treatment showed synergistic or antagonistic effects compared to their effects individually, which differed depending on the treated cells.
The Role of Selected Treatments in the Parameters of Leaf Growth and Yield of Stevia Plants Under Deficit Irrigation System
Authors: Ali Zainab Adnan , Abraheem Basheer Abdala
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Research Station A, which is one of the research stations affiliated with the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad (Al-Jadriya), at a cloth house (Saran) and a shading rate of 25%. The study aimed to increase the plant yield, whether foliar or of the active compounds, and link water consumption with the presence or absence of the leaf area (plant cutting). The experiment was carried out using the randomized complete block design (RCBD) according to the split-plot design arrangement with three replicates. Each main experimental unit contained 5 rows (representing secondary units), where the distance between one row and another was 75 cm, and between plants 20 cm. Then, a separation distance was left between the main experimental units of 1.5 m. The main plots represented the irrigation factor (I1 full irrigation treatment, I2 deficit irrigation treatment with an amount of 50% of the amount of water added to the comparison treatment for two irrigations immediately after cutting. Besides, I3 deficit irrigation for three irrigations immediately after cutting). Conversely, the sub-plots were represents all treatments that treated after 30 days of cutting, which is the comparison and spraying of kinetin with a concentration of 10 mg.L-1. Plus, spraying the growth retardant Cycocel (CCC) with a concentration of 100 mg.L-1, pinching and spraying Licorice extract with a concentration of 5 mg.L-1. The experiment results showed a significant decrease in the number of branches, leaf area, and leaves dry weight with each increase in the irrigation level of the first and second cuttings. However, the number of leaves and the content of chlorophyll decreased with each increase in the irrigation level of the first cutting, and the relative water content decreased with each increase in the irrigation level of the second cutting. All treatments were superior to the comparison treatment in the number of branches and the yield of dry leaves in the first and second cuttings. The treatments of pinching and Cycocel were significantly superior to the two comparison treatments and Licorice in the number of leaves per plant in the first cutting, and the treatments of kinetin and Licorice were superior to all treatments in the leaf area in the second cutting. Also, the treatments of Licorice, kinetin, and cycocel were significantly superior to the comparison and pinching treatments in the relative water content in the second cutting. Though the treatment of kinetin was significantly superior to all treatments in the content of chlorophyll A in the first and second cutting, and the treatment of kinetin was significantly superior to the comparison, cycocel and pinching treatments in the content of chlorophyll b in the first cutting.
Effect of Tillage Systems and Foliar Boron Application on Growth and Yield of Soft Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Al-Hanoush Aziz Qasim , Hashem Muhammad Alwan , Kassar Flaieh Hammed
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was carried out in the Um Al-Akf region,(5 km from the center of Al-Muthanna Governorate), in the season (2021-2022), with the aim of studying the effect of tillage systems and foliar spraying of boron on the growth and yield characteristics of soft wheat. The experiment was carried out according to the Split Block Design method, using sector design. Completely randomized (RCBD) and with three replications, the experiment included two factors, the first factor was the tillage systems (no-till and Reduce tillage at a depth of (10 cm) and conventional tillage at a depth of (20 cm) and operated in the vertical position, and the second factor was spraying boron element (0, 50, 100, 150 mg B L-1), and operated in the horizontal position. The results of the experiment showed the superiority of the no-till system significantly, as the highest averages were recorded in the characteristic of plant height 79.66 cm, leaf area 38.84 cm2, the number of spikes 276.8 spikes m-2, the grain yield 3.540 ton ha-1, and the biological yield 8.285 ton ha-1, As for the spraying of boron, the concentration of 150 mg B L-1 was significantly superior, as it recorded the highest averages for the characteristic of the weight of a thousand grains 36.30 g, the grain yield 3.498 ton ha-1, and the biological yield 8.713 ton ha-1, while the interaction between tillage and boron spraying systems showed superiority Significant in the weight of 1000 grains, as the treatment of interference (Reduce Tillage × 100 mg B L-1) recorded the highest average weight per thousand tablets was 38.03 g.
Effect of Stimulating Maize Seeds with Potassium Nitrate and Licorice Extract on the Seed Viability and Vigor
Authors: KHudhair M. M. , Hamza J. H.
Published: September 2023

Germination and field emergence are delayed and their duration is prolonged due to the declining soil temperature during the spring season, which is reflected in the subsequent stages of crop growth, therefore, this study aimed to improve germination. Under a wide range of environmental conditions, a laboratory factorial experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed stimulation with potassium nitrate (distilled water only (0), 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1) and with an aqueous extract of licorice roots (distilled water only (0), 3, 6, and 9 g L-1) on the seed viability and vigor. The laboratory experiment was carried out according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four repetitions. The results showed the superiority of the interaction treatment between the two concentrations 6 gm L-1 and 6 mg L-1 for each of licorice root extract and potassium nitrate by giving the highest average of the final germination 99%, the seedling vigor index reached 3846, the germination percentage at accelerating age test of 75%, and the germination percentage at the cold test of 76%. We can conclude that there was a response to soaking the seeds in licorice root extract at specific concentrations, with a clear response to potassium nitrate, and the response could be better when soaking in potassium nitrate at concentrations higher than 6 mg L-1. We also recommend that the soaking duration in any of the two factors is 18 hours to improve germination under a wide range of environmental conditions.
Effect of Ethephon and Incomplete Irrigation on some Growth and Yield Characteristics of Safflower
Authors: Hussain Nisreen Aqeel , Al-Refai Shaimaa Ibrahiem
Published: September 2023

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of ethephon and moisture stress in different growth stages on the yield, its components, and the water consumption efficiency of safflower (Gilla) variety. This experiment was carried out during the winter season 2021-2022, on 11/24/2021, in the Al-Bulatif area, which is 3 km from the governorate center, in the fields of a farmer in Al-Muthanna Governorate. It was implemented that using the split-section design with three replications, where the first factor included four levels (full irrigate-Drop irrigation when branching-Drop irrigation at the flower bud-Drop an irrigation when it is full), which is denoted by the symbol. I 1, I 2, I 3, I 4. The second factor: spraying with Ethephon at five levels 2000-1500-1000-500-0 mg/l, which is coded as E0, E1, E2, E3, and E4, with a plant density of 40,000 plants/ha. The results showed a significant effect of the athephon for most of the studied traits. Treatment E2 gave the highest mean for the two characteristics of plant height and number of leaves, which reached 125.40 cm and 410.60 leaves per plant, while treatment E3 showed the highest average number of branching, reaching 81.6 branches, and finally with regard to the athephon, the treatment gave E4 was the highest mean of grain yield, reaching 5.10 kg H-1. As for the effect of lack of irrigation, the significant effect was only for the characteristics of the number of leaves, the weight of 500 seeds, and the grain yield. As the I1 treatment excelled in giving the highest average grain yield of 4.49 kg H-1, while the I2 treatment presented the highest average weight of 500 seeds, which amounted to 23.19 g. As a final point I3 treatment is the highest average number of leaves, as it reached 341.00 leaves per plant. As for the bilateral overlap between the ethephon and the lack of irrigation, the overlap treatment (I3 * E2) excelled in giving the highest average height, reaching 135.6 cm, while the overlap treatment (I2 * E3) gave the highest average number of branching, reaching 97.30 branches per plant. As for the overlap treatment (I2 * E2), it gave the highest average weight of 500 seeds, reaching 25.55 gm, while the overlap treatment between (I1 * E4) gave the highest average grain yield, reaching 7.186 kg H-1.
Water Pollution in Cobalt and Nickel by the Effect of Adding Urban Waste in Al-Diwaniyah River / Iraq
Authors: Al-Zaiadi Baidaa Hamid Gaish , Jarallah Raid Shaalan
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq, across four seasons with the intention of determining the impact of introducing liquid urban waste (including sewage, waste water, factory, and sewer water) on the content of cobalt and nickel in river water. At each location and during each of the following four seasons: summer in July, 2021; autumn in October, 2021; winter in January, 2022; and spring in April, 2022; for the following three locations: The first site was positioned at the entrance to Diwaniyah (Saniaa), which represents the control treatment as it is located before to the pollution outputs. The numerous sources of pollution that are discharged into the river, as well as the second location in the city center (the neighborhood of Refaat), and the third location in the Al-Sidair region, which is the final location in the city of Diwaniyah following the cessation of all pollution discharges into the river. The third, where the highest significant concentration of cobalt was 0.2400 μg l-1 in the summer, the third site, where it exceeded the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the lowest concentration was 0.0033 μg l-1 In the winter, the first site, while the highest concentration of Nickel was 0.382 μg l-1 in the summer, the third site, thus exceeding the critical limits of the World Health Organization (WHO), and its lowest concentration was 0.022 μg l-1 in the winter, the first site.
Synergistic enhancement of glucagon-like peptide-1 release by γ-aminobutyric acid and L-phenylalanine in enteroendocrine cells—searching active ingredients in a water extract of corn zein protein
Authors: Noguchi Hiroki , Kohda Noriyuki , Hara Hiroshi , Hira Tohru
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-releasing activity of an aqueous extract (ZeinS) from corn zein protein and aimed to identify the active compounds responsible for this activity. Glucagon-like peptide-1-releasing activity was evaluated using a murine enteroendocrine cell line (GLUTag). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed on purified fractions of ZeinS to identify active molecules. ZeinS stimulated more GLP-1 secretion from GLUTag cells compared to zein hydrolysate. Fractions displaying biological activity were determined by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation. Subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis identified several amino acids in the active fractions of ZeinS. In particular, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) exhibited significant GLP-1-releasing activity both alone and synergistically with L-phenylalanine (Phe). Moreover, ZeinS-induced GLP-1 secretion was attenuated by antagonists for the GABA receptor and calcium sensing receptor. These results demonstrate that GABA and Phe identified in ZeinS synergistically stimulate GLP-1 secretion in enteroendocrine cells.