bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The feeding value of forage herbs: studies with red deer
Authors: Hoskin S.O. , Wilson P.R. , Ondris M. , Bunod A.H.
Published: June 2020

This paper summarises three studies that: 1) compared the feeding value of perennial ryegrass-based pasture with chicory and plantain during 8 weeks grazing by weaner red deer in spring 2003 and 13 weeks grazing plantain by weaner deer during autumn 2004; 2), compared the liver copper, liver and serum vitamin B12 and blood selenium status of weaner red deer grazing ryegrass-based pasture, chicory or plantain for 8 weeks during spring 2003; and 3) determined the effect of grazing perennial ryegrass-based pasture alone, or with intermittent grazing of plantain from 1 month pre-partum to 1 month post-partum on liver copper and vitamin B12 status of calves during December 2004 and January 2005. Feeding value (as determined by liveweight gain) of chicory was 40-48% higher than other forages in spring. Feeding value of plantain was 14% higher than pasture in autumn, but similar to pasture in spring. Grazing chicory significantly enhanced the liver copper concentration of weaner deer in spring compared with both ryegrass and plantain. Grazing plantain significantly enhanced the copper status of weaners in autumn, but not of weaners or calves in spring and early summer, enhanced the vitamin B12 status of weaners in autumn and spring and calves in early summer and increased the selenium status of weaners during both spring and autumn. This study has highlighted the complementary role of forage herbs in improving growth and maintaining trace element status of farmed deer. Keywords: chicory, plantain, copper, vitamin B12, selenium, weaner deer
Breeding high energy grasses for Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Smith K.F. , Stewart A. , Spangenberg G.
Published: June 2020

There are currently a range of programmes breeding ryegrasses with enhanced water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations leading to enhanced metabolisable energy (ME) contents when this herbage is consumed by grazing ruminants. High ME concentrations in grasses have the potential to increase milk and meat production through improved energy supply and more efficient rumen fermentation. However, the first 'high sugar' grass cultivars sown in Australia and New Zealand have not always delivered the animal production benefits that have been realised when these cultivars were sown in the UK. This illustrates not only the need to develop agronomic practices that are suited to exploiting the potential of germplasm with high energy concentrations but also the need to not view the high energy trait in isolation from other breeding objectives such as adaptation, seasonal production and disease resistance. Keywords: perennial ryegrass, carbohydrate, sugar, fructan, breeding
Comparison of drought resistance in strawberry clover and white clover
Authors: Hofmann R.W. , Lin W. , Stilwell S.A. , Lucas R.J.
Published: June 2020

This study set out to compare plant function and performance of strawberry clover to that of white clover. To test this, the two species were exposed to drought for 4 weeks under controlled environmental conditions. Water stress reduced the size and dry matter of white clover leaves by more than 50%, whereas strawberry clover leaves remained unaffected. White clover photosynthesis decreased by nearly 50% under drought, accompanied by a reduction in leaf water status (water potential) by more than one third. In contrast, strawberry clover maintained a higher water status, photosynthesis and transpiration rate under drought than white clover. In addition, we observed drought-induced reductions in white clover leaf quality, including lower nitrogen levels. We conclude that strawberry clover displays drought resistance in a number of key leaf parameters. The findings suggest value in testing strawberry clover as a complement or alternative to white clover in droughtprone pasture environments. Keywords: drought, strawberry clover, Trifolium fragiferum L., Trifolium repens L., white clover
Ryegrasses with increased water soluble carbohydrate: evaluating the potential for grazing dairy cows in New Zealand
Authors: Cosgrove G.P. , Burke J.L. , Death A.F. , Hickey M.J. , Pacheco D. , Lane G.A.
Published: June 2020

An elevated concentration of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) in grasses may increase the availability of readily degradable energy, increase milk production and improve the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation. Two ryegrasses with elevated WSC, a tetraploid Italian (IRG) and a diploid perennial selected for higher WSC (HSG), were compared against a standard diploid perennial (STG) during spring 2004 and 2005, and autumn 2006 and 2007. Groups of cows (n=20) grazed each grass type for periods of 6 weeks in spring and 2 weeks in autumn. During spring, the 'high' WSC grasses were 20-40 g/kg DM higher in concentration of WSC than the standard (P
Increasing endophyte alkaloid expression in tall fescue by selecting for increased endophyte hyphal density
Authors: Norriss M.G. , Frost-Smith T.J. , Sutherland J.I.M.
Published: June 2020

Two AR542-endophyte infected tall fescue breeding pools were subjected to one cycle of selection for increased endophyte hyphal density. Hyphal density was assessed subjectively by microscopic examination of the leaf sheath. Levels of alkaloids produced by both the original and selected populations were subsequently measured during summer. Levels of lolines and peramine alkaloids increased significantly in one breeding pool (by 40% and 29%, respectively), with non-significant increases (by 24% and 2%) in the other breeding pool. The apparent correlation between observed hyphal density and levels of alkaloids supports the hypothesis that levels of lolines and peramine produced by fungal endophytes in their host grass are at least partly due to endophyte hyphal mass in the host sheath tissue. Measured lolines in one breeding pool were 21 times greater than the other, while sheath hyphal density was less. Possible explanations include contrasting patterns of hyphal colonisation beyond the sheath, and/or variation in the quantity of lolines produced per unit hyphal mass. Keywords: Neotyphodium coenophalium, endophyte, Festuca arundinacea, tall fescue, peramine, lolines, hyphal mass
Lime-phosphate interactions on a Kaipara clay soil in Northland
Authors: O'Connor M.B. , Hunt B.J. , Perrott K.W.
Published: June 2020

The Kaipara clay soils and associated soil types occupy some 36 000 ha in Northland. The soils are naturally high in P and P fertilisers have been used sparingly in the past but with increasing farming intensity a fall in soil Olsen P values (to < 20) is occurring and responses to P fertilisers are becoming more common. Lime is widely used. In December 1996, a field trial, conducted over 6 years, was established on a Kaipara clay soil near Ruawai. The first phase (1996-1999) consisted of six rates of P (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 kg P/ha) with or without lime at 5 t/ha applied once. The initial pH was 5.8 and Olsen P was 16. Results indicated a marked rates response to P without lime but with lime a marked Psparing effect occurred equivalent to 50-60 kg P/ha. The effect was consistent over 3 years. An explanation for this finding is due to lime improving plant growth probably by N mineralisation and N uptake, thus giving improved root growth and allowing those roots to explore a greater volume of soil and absorb more P. Plant chemical analyses and soil P fractionation studies indicated that more P was being taken up by plants on the lime/no P plots. The second phase (2000-2003) involved splitting plots and applying additional lime to some to give a pH range from 5.6-7.0. Results indicated no benefit to increasing pH above 6.0 but there was a suggestion that the reapplication of lime itself was beneficial. The P sparing effect of lime will best be utilised where soil Olsen P levels remain above 20. Keywords: P-sparing effect, lime, phosphate, Kaipara clay
What is dietary metabolisable energy?
Authors: Waghorn G.C.
Published: June 2020

Metabolisable energy (ME) is frequently used as the sole indicator of forage quality by researchers, rural professionals and farmers, but it is hardly ever measured and is not always a good predictor of feeding value. Forage ME is usually calculated from chemical composition and digestibility, often by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Although ME is superior to dry matter (DM) as a measure of feeding value and can indicate forage quality, it should not be used to predict animal production. The ME content of DM may imply a potential for production, but other components of the diet, especially protein, structural fibre and feed availability will provide more information than ME alone. Researchers, rural professionals and farmers should understand the basis for measuring ME, exercise discretion when using ME, and include fibre and protein concentrations in their criteria for feed appraisal. Keywords: metabolisable energy, forage quality, feeding value
If You Provide, Will They Ride? Motivators and Deterrents to Shared Micro-Mobility
Authors: Pimentel, Ph.D. Ronald W. , Lowry, Ph.D. Michael B. , Pimentel, J.D. David , Glazer Amanda K. , Koglin Timothy W. , Moe Grace A. , Knysh Marianna M.
Published: June 2020

Bike share, e-bike share, and e-scooter systems (shared micro-mobility) are gaining popularity throughout the United States and internationally, but the optimal system design has not been determined. This study investigated motivators and deterrents to the use of such systems in the Pacific Northwest with secondary data, participant observations, depth interviews, and an on-line survey to users and non-users. The survey was administered in all cities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho that have shared micro-mobility systems. The strongest motivators reported were exercise and enjoyment. The strongest deterrents were weather, danger from automobile traffic, and insufficient bike lanes and paths. The latter two deterrents might be alleviated through continued improvements to infrastructure; however, the weather cannot be changed, and neither can hills. Data were fitted to the Theory of Reasoned Action and the resulting recommendation is to promote popular motivators of exercise and enjoyment and emphasize personal benefits more than social appearances.
Su Ürünleri Sektöründe Karşılaşılan İş Hastalıkları ve Meslek Hastalıkları
Authors: AYDOĞAN Özlem
Published: June 2020

Sürdürülebilir gıda üretimi, hızla artan dünya nüfusunun ihtiyaçlarının karşılanabilmesi için ana unsurlardan biridir. Su ürünleri, temel gıda bileşenlerinden biri olan, hayvansal protein kaynağıdır. Nüfus artışıyla orantılı protein gereksinimi arttığından, su ürünleri sektörüne ilgi artmaktadır. Su ürünleri, avcılık ve yetiştiricilik yoluyla elde edilir. Ürünlerin tüketime hazır hale sunulmasında, işleme teknolojisi sektörün ayrılmaz bir parçası olmaktadır. Yem sektörü yetiştiricilikle doğrudan ilgili bir alandır. Üretim halkasının herhangi bir basamağında görev alan Su Ürünleri Mühendisleri ve sektördeki diğer elemanlar, meslek hastalıklarının neler olduğu hakkında fikir ve bilgi sahibi olmalıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, su ürünleri sektöründeki meslek hastalıklarını ayrıntılı olarak ele almak, bilincin artırılması ve önlemler hakkında bilgi vermektir.
The Teacher’s Perspective on the Impact of Politeness Strategies in the Indonesian English Textbook on Student’s Communicative Competence
Authors: Ayu Meiratnasari  , Agus Wijayanto  , Suparno
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher's perspectives of the impact of politeness strategies in the Indonesian English textbooks on student's communicative competence. The participants were two English teachers who taught in one of the senior high schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and five students. Discourse analysis of the interview data was conducted. The results showed that the teachers have a positive point of view about the authority of politeness strategies, reflected in Indonesian English textbooks, on their student's communicative competence. Unfortunately, the teachers could not explain in more detail the aspects of communicative competence which could be influenced by politeness strategies in the English textbooks. The interviews with the students indicated that politeness strategies reflected in their English textbooks supported the student's linguistic competence and strategic competence.
Bentuk dan Penggunaan Bahasa Halus dalam Masyarakat Melayu dan Iban di Sarawak
Authors: Abdul Wahab Hamidah , Kamil Siti Marina , Gedat Remmy
Published: June 2020

Kajian ini meneliti aspek kesantunan bahasa dalam masyarakat Melayu Sarawak dan Iban di daerah Kuching dan Samarahan, khususnya dalam penggunaan bahasa halus atau eufemisme. Objektif khusus kajian adalah untuk meneliti bentuk eufemisme yang wujud dan digunakan dalam masyarakat Melayu Sarawak dan Iban, dan juga melihat sejauh mana eufemisme tersebut digunakan dalam kedua-dua masyarakat tersebut. Data kajian diperoleh menerusi kaedah soal selidik, melibatkan responden seramai 50 orang bagi setiap kaum. Soalan dirangka mengikut beberapa domain daripada pengkategorian eufemisme oleh Allan dan Burridge (1991), iaitu hal kewanitaan dan kelelakian, kemarahan/makian/kebencian, penyakit, kematian, dan ketakutan berunsurkan haiwan serta makhluk halus. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan penggunaan bahasa halus secara sederhana adalah tinggi, iaitu bagi golongan penutur berusia 40 tahun ke bawah, melibatkan kedua-dua masyarakat. Penutur juga didapati memahami perkataan dan ujaran bahasa halus walaupun ia tidak bersifat langsung. Kajian ini juga dapat memperjelas bentuk bahasa halus yang wujud dan tahap penggunaannya dalam masyarakat Melayu Sarawak dan Iban, selain memaparkan latar budaya masyarakat penutur yang kaya dengan kehalusan bahasanya.
Intensifiers in Bidayuh Bau-Jagoi
Authors: Campbell Yvonne Michelle , Beon Jill , Ting Su-Hie
Published: June 2020

This paper describes intensifiers in Bidayuh Bau-Jagoi, a variation of the Bidayuh language, spoken in Sarawak, Malaysia.  Data were gathered from 10 informants, aged 50-80, who are native speakers of the Bidayuh Bau-Jagoi. In this language, intensifiers are used to intensify the meaning of expressions, particularly adjectives. Results show that intensifiers are categorised into lexical items and reduplication.  Three general lexical items (sikia, manah and bonar) were identified from the data, and 86 specific lexical intensifiers were found to be paired with specific adjectives with the exception of posah and ngakag. There is only one full reduplication form where a lexical item is reduplicated (tok-tok) and it intensifies the meaning of the adjectives that precede it. As for lexical items, the intensifiers are placed after the adjective with the exception of sikia. This study has uncovered rules pertaining to the use of intensifiers in Bidayuh Bau-Jagoi that will lead to a proper and better understanding of the language structure.
Ascertaining the Suitability of Writing Syllabus Specifications to the CEFR: Subject Matter Experts’ Perspectives
Authors: Mohamad Uri Nurul Farehah , Abd Aziz Mohd Sallehhudin
Published: June 2020

The Implementation of CEFR in Malaysia is currently at the second stage whereby the classroom usage of the new CEFR-aligned syllabus and assessment has taken place since 2017 at all stages except for Form 5. Previous studies on CEFR in Malaysia have focused more on teachers’ views and their readiness in accepting the new changes. However, this study focusses more on ascertaining the suitability of the writing syllabus specifications against the CEFR writing scale to find out if the CEFR levels of writing syllabus specifications recommended by the teachers match the CEFR level set by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. A total of 331 secondary school teachers were asked to respond to the writing syllabus checklist and the Winstep SPSS was used for data analysis. Findings have shown that productive skills of the writing syllabus specifications were found not to be aligned to the target CEFR level set by the Ministry. In conclusion, adjustment and alignment processes should be made accordingly to align and match the non-CEFR aligned English syllabus to the CEFR global scale instead of eradicating it.
Language Used by Chinese Malaysian Students Studying at an Australian University
Authors: LIAO Chih-I
Published: June 2020

In Australia, more than 33% of total international students are Mandarin speakers. Mandarin has become a common language in the international student community in Australia. Speaking Mandarin is important while studying in an English-speaking country. This article explores Chinese Malaysian students’ language proficiency and their language attitudes. Five participants were selected from an Australian university, they were interviewed based on sociolinguistic case study research. The language proficiency of five participants was classified at five levels and the participants were required to self-rate in all their languages in the questionnaire. The findings show that three of the five participants preferred speaking English in Australia while the other two felt more confident of speaking Mandarin. All participants claimed that living in Australia, English and Mandarin are equally important. In contrast, the five participants’ Bahasa Melayu proficiencies had largely decreased because of less practice and negative attitudes.
The Academic Self-Efficacy Among Undergraduates: The Role of Gender, CGPA and Trait Emotional Intelligence
Authors: IBRAHIM IFFAH ADLINA , WAH TAN KOCK
Published: June 2020

Academic self-efficacy is important for students which will help them to perform better in studies. This study aims to explore the level of academic self-efficacy among UNIMAS undergraduates based on gender, CGPA and trait emotional intelligence. The samples of study involved are 50 male and 50 female participants which consists of final year students from Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development. The academic self-efficacy of the students is measured using the questionnaire adopted from a study by Sachitra and Bandara (2017) and The Short Form (TEIQue-SF) Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire is used to measure the trait emotional intelligence of the undergraduates. The result was analyzed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis; independent samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. The results of the study have shown that female students have higher academic self-efficacy compared to male students. In addition, students who obtain a higher CGPA also have higher self-efficacy. There was also a small positive correlation between trait emotional intelligence and academic self-efficacy.
A Systematic Methodology for Developing Bowtie in Risk Assessment: Application to Borescope Inspection
Authors: Aust Jonas , Pons Dirk
Published: June 2020

Background—Bowtie analysis is a broadly used tool in risk management to identify root causes and consequences of hazards and show barriers that can prevent or mitigate the events to happen. Limitations of the method are reliance on judgement and an ad hoc development process. Purpose—Systematic approaches are needed to identify threats and consequences, and to ascertain mitigation and prevention barriers. Results—A new conceptual framework is introduced by combining the Bowtie method with the 6M structure of Ishikawa to categorise the threats, consequences and barriers. The method is developed for visual inspection of gas turbine components, for which an example is provided. Originality—Provision of a more systematic methodology has the potential to result in more comprehensive Bowtie risk assessments, with less chance of serious omissions. The method is expected to find application in the broader industry, and to support operators who are non-risk experts but have application-specific knowledge, when performing Bowtie risk assessment.
Systemic Uptake of Fluorescent Tracers by Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Seed and Seedlings
Authors: Wang Zhen , Amirkhani Masoume , Avelar Suemar A.G. , Yang Daibin , Taylor Alan G.
Published: June 2020

Systemic seed treatment uptake was investigated in seeds and seedlings using fluorescent tracers to mimic systemic agrochemicals. Soybean was used as the model as soybean has the permeable seed coat characteristic to both charged and noncharged molecules. The purpose of the paper is to (1) screen 32 fluorescent tracers and then use optimal tracers for seed and seedling uptake, (2) investigate varietal differences in seed uptake, (3) examine the distribution of tracer uptake into 14-day-old seedlings, and (4) study the relationship between seed treatment lipophilicity, measured as log P on seed and root uptake. The major chemical families that displayed both seed and seedling uptake were coumarins and xanthenes. Seed uptake of coumarin 120 ranged from 1.1% to 4.8% of the applied seed treatment tracer from 15 yellow-seeded varieties. Rhodamine B, a xanthene compound uptake in seedlings, showed translocation from the applied seed treatment to all seedling tissues. Most of the tracer was measured in the hypocotyl and root, with lesser amounts in the epicotyl and true leaves. Log P is well documented in the literature to model systemic uptake by roots, but log P of the tracers were not related to seed uptake.
Productivity of Selected African Leafy Vegetables under Varying Water Regimes
Authors: Maseko Innocent , Ncube Bhekumthetho , Tesfay Samson , Fessehazion Melake , Modi Albert Thembinkosi , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: June 2020

African leafy vegetables (ALVs) are nutrient dense and can contribute to crop and dietary diversity, especially in water-stressed environments. However, research on their productivity under limited water availability remains scant. The objective of the study was to evaluate growth, physiology and yield responses of three ALVs (Vigna unguiculata, Corchorus. Olitorius and Amaranthus cruentus) and a reference vegetable (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) to varying water regimes [30%, 60% and 100% of crop water requirement (ETc)]. Field trials using a randomised complete block design, replicated three times, were conducted over two summer seasons, 2015/16 and 2016/17. Leaf number, plant height, chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), and yield were measured in situ. For A. cruentus and C. olitorius, water stress (30% ETc) was shown to produce a lower yield, although leaf number, plant height and chlorophyll content index were unaffected, while for B. vulgaris, leaf number and yield were reduced by water stress. For V. unguiculata, CF, CCI, plant height, leaf number, and yield were not affected by water stress, indicating its suitability for production in water scarce environments. Using 60% ETc was suitable for the production of A. cruentus, C. olitorius and B. vulgaris var. cicla, whereas 30% ETc is recommended for V. unguiculata. The yield results of V. unguiculata indicate that it performs better, while the yield of A. cruentus and C. olitorius is comparable to that of B. vulgaris under similar conditions, indicating potential for marginal production.
The Diversification and Intensification of Crop Rotations under No-Till Promote Earthworm Abundance and Biomass
Authors: Rodríguez María Pía , Domínguez Anahí , Moreira Ferroni Melisa , Wall Luis Gabriel , Bedano José Camilo
Published: June 2020

The diversification and intensification of crop rotations (DICR) in no-till systems is a novel approach that aims to increase crop production, together with decreasing environmental impact. Our objective was to analyze the effect of different levels of DICR on the abundance, biomass, and species composition of earthworm communities in Argentinean Pampas. We studied three levels of DICR—typical rotation (TY), high intensification with grass (HG), and with legume (HL); along with three references—natural grassland (NG), pasture (PA), and an agricultural external reference (ER). The NG had the highest earthworm abundance. Among the DICR treatments, abundance and biomass were higher in HL than in HG and, in both, these were higher than in TY. The NG and PA had a distinctive taxonomic composition and higher species richness. Instead, the DICR treatments had a similar richness and species composition. Earthworm abundance and biomass were positively related to rotation intensity and legume proportion indices, carbon input, and particulate organic matter content. The application of DICR for four years, mainly with legumes, favors the development of earthworm populations. This means that a subtle change in management, as DICR, can have a positive impact on earthworms, and thus on earthworm-mediated ecosystem services, which are important for crop production.
Effects of Photoperiod Interacted with Nutrient Solution Concentration on Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant and Mineral Content in Lettuce
Authors: Song Jiali , Huang Hui , Song Shiwei , Zhang Yiting , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: June 2020

The interacted effects of photoperiod and nutrient solution concentrations (NSCs) on nutritional quality and antioxidant and mineral content in lettuce were investigated in this study. There were a total of nine treatments by three photoperiods (12 h/12 h, 15 h/9 h, and 18 h/6 h), with a combination of three NSCs (1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 NSC). The contents of photosynthetic pigment, mineral element, and nutritional quality were markedly affected by the combination of photoperiod and NSC. The highest leaf number and plant weight were found in lettuce under the combination of 18–0.25X. There was a higher content of photosynthetic pigment in treatment of 15-0.25X. Shorter photoperiod (12 h/12 h and 15 h/9 h) and NSC (1/4 and 1/2 NSC) contributed to reduced nitrate contents and higher contents of free amino acid, soluble protein, and vitamin C. Longer photoperiod and lower NSC could increase soluble sugar content. The content of total P, K, and Ca exhibited a similar trend under the combination of photoperiod and NSC, with a higher content at 3/4 NSC under different photoperiods. Lower contents of total Zn and N were found under longer photoperiod. Moreover, higher antioxidant contents, including 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), value of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), flavonoid, polyphenol, and anthocyanin were observed under shorter photoperiod, with the peak under 12-0.50X. Generally, 12-0.50X might be the optimal treatment for the improvement of the nutritional quality of lettuce in a plant factory that produced high-quality vegetables.
The Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria—Effective Enhancers of Growth and Chemical Composition of Egyptian Henbane under Varied Mineral N Nutrition
Authors: Nassar Rania M. A. , Seleem Engy A. , Caruso Gianluca , Sekara Agnieszka , Abdelhamid Magdi T.
Published: June 2020

Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus L.) plants are rich sources of alkaloids used in pharmaceutical products. Recently, rising efforts have been devoted to reducing mineral fertilizer supply, production cost, and environmental pollution via decreasing the doses of nitrogenous fertilizers and adopting biofertilizer farming systems. Two field experiments were conducted to examine the potential role of N fixing bacteria Azotobacter spp. and Azospirillum spp. on the growth, mineral status, tropane alkaloids, leaf anatomy, and seed yield of Egyptian henbane grown with different levels of mineral nitrogen fertilizer, i.e., 25%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended dose, equal to 30, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1. N fertilizer improved growth, mineral elements, tropane alkaloids, seed yield, and yield components of Egyptian henbane, which showed a gradually rising trend as the rate of N fertilizer increased. High doses of N fertilizer presumably elicited favorable changes in the anatomical structure of Egyptian henbane leaves. The application of 50% N dose plus N fixing bacteria affected Egyptian henbane trials similarly to 100% of recommended N dose. In conclusion, the N fixing bacteria proved to be a sustainable tool for a two-fold reduction in the recommended dose of mineral N fertilizer and the sustainable management of Egyptian henbane nutrition.
Effect of Reduced Nitrogen and Supplemented Amino Acids Nutrient Solution on the Nutritional Quality of Baby Green and Red Lettuce Grown in a Floating System
Authors: Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Kasampalis Dimitrios S. , Aktsoglou Danai-Christina , Barbayiannis Nikolaos , Siomos Anastasios S.
Published: June 2020

Excessive nitrogen fertilization results in nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables. Reducing the dose of mineral nitrogen or using alternate fertilizers lowers the nitrate accumulation; however, a critical minimum level of mineral nitrogen is necessary to maintain yield and nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two levels of mineral nitrogen (100% and 50%) and three levels of an amino acid solution (0, 0.3, and 0.9%) in the nutrient solution of two baby lettuce cultivars (green and red) grown in a floating system. Nitrogen reduction did not affect yield (12.9–13.4 and 11.0–11.3 g/plant, respectively) but reduced nitrate accumulation (by 43 and 19%, respectively) in both green and red lettuce, while enhancing phenolic content (by 28%) and antioxidant capacity (by 69%) in green lettuce and soluble solid (by 7%) and total chlorophyll content (by 9%) in red lettuce. Although nitrate accumulation was prevented (< 355 mg/kg FW) and most nutritional components increased in both lettuce types by amino acids supplementation, plant growth was negatively affected, especially in red lettuce, in both concentrations of amino acids (reduction by 9 and 35% in 0.3 and 0.9%, respectively). In both lettuce types, proline content increased by 0.9% amino acids supplementation (by 45%), implying a probable induction of a stress condition. Mineral nutrients were slightly affected by nitrogen reduction, which was probably perceived as an abiotic stress.
Long-Term Productivity of Thirteen Lowland and Upland Switchgrass Ecotypes in the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Alexopoulou Efthymia , Zanetti Federica , Papazoglou Eleni G. , Iordanoglou Konstantinos , Monti Andrea
Published: June 2020

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified in the USA as an ideal biomass crop, in relation to its wide environmental suitability, mainly linked to the availability of both upland and lowland ecotypes, allowing the possibility of growing this species in most of the North American region. Switchgrass is conventionally grown for forage, but more recently, it has been considered as a model biofuel crop. Early European studies on switchgrass as a bioenergy crop started in the late 1990s, when a multi-location field trial was established in Greece (Aliartos) and Italy (Ozzano) to compare the productivity of 13 switchgrass genotypes, including upland (Carthage, Blackwell, Caddo, CIR, Forestburg, SU 94-1, Summer) and lowland (Alamo, Kanlow, Pangburn, SL 93-2, SL 93-3, SL94-1) genotypes. The scope was to identify the most suitable ecotype within each environment and, possibly, the best performing variety. The trials lasted 17 years (1998–2014) in Greece and 13 years (1998–2010) in Italy. While in Italy the trial was rainfed and unfertilized, in Greece, where the soil was marginal, drip irrigation was always applied, and the plots were fertilized regularly. The biomass yields in Greece, as averages across the 17 years, were similar for the lowland and upland varieties (11.5 vs. 11.1 Mg ha−1, respectively), while in Italy, as averages across the 13 years, the differences were relevant: 15.4 vs. 11.3 Mg ha−1 for lowland and upland, respectively. Alamo (lowland) was the most productive variety, both in Greece and Italy, with average annual yields of 12.7 and 16.6 Mg ha−1, respectively; CIR in Greece (10.1 Mg ha−1) and Forestburg in Italy (9.1 Mg ha−1) (both upland) were the least productive genotypes. The present results demonstrate the good suitability of switchgrass as biomass crop for the Mediterranean climate. Despite the very marginal soil (i.e., very shallow and with a sandy texture) in the Greek trial, the application of regular fertilization and irrigation produced biomass yields above 11 Mg ha−1 (grand mean) in the present 17-year-long study.
Winter Annual Rye Seeding Date Influence on Nitrogen Recovery and Ammonia Volatilization from Late Fall Surface-Applied Manure
Authors: Akbari Parisa , Herbert Stephen , Hashemi Masoud , Barker Allen , Zandvakili Omid Reza , Emami Bistgani Zohreh
Published: June 2020

Dairy farmers in the northeast face challenges in the application of manure in fall and on-time planting of cool-season grasses to maximize recovery of residual N and nutrients released from fall applied manure. Ammonia emission from animal manure is a serious environmental concern and can be reduced if cover crop is integrated in the farming system. On-time planting of cover crops can reduce ammonia volatilization from fall, surface-applied manure, and prevents N loss to leaching. A two-year study was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to investigate if time of planting of winter annual rye (Secale cereale L.) along with late fall application of manure when air temperature is low can influence ammonia emission and preserve nitrogen (N) to meet the N requirement of forage rape. Three planting dates (16 September, 30 September, and 14 October) of rye cover crop with two manure application treatments including late-fall application and no manure were assessed for mitigating ammonia volatilization, and also yield and recovery of N by forage rape (Brassica napus L.). The highest rates of ammonia volatilization were detected in the first 24 hours after manure spreading regardless of the treatment. The result indicated that cover crop use significantly limited volatilization compared with no cover crop. The earliest planting date produced 3823 kg ha−1 dry matter of winter rye cover crop that was 16 and 35 percent higher than second and third dates of planting, respectively. The manured cover crop accumulated 132 kg N ha−1 when planted early. However, biomass yield of forage rape was more when planted after all cover crop treatments with manure application. Prior to forage planting, the nitrate-N content in all three soil depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) in the plots with manure was higher than plots with no manure. No significant differences in forage rape yield was detected among winter rye planting dates; however, forage rape planted after winter rye was higher than after no-cover crop. The results of this study suggest that when immediate incorporation of manure into soil is not feasible, establishing cover crop early and then applying manure in the late fall, is a practical management to limit nonpoint source pollution from ammonia loss.
Bioplastic Film from Black Soldier Fly Prepupae Proteins Used as Mulch: Preliminary Results
Authors: Setti Leonardo , Francia Enrico , Pulvirenti Andrea , De Leo Riccardo , Martinelli Simone , Maistrello Lara , Macavei Laura Ioana , Montorsi Monia , Barbi Silvia , Ronga Domenico
Published: June 2020

A protein-based film (PBF), obtained from black soldier fly prepupae proteins, was assessed for its agronomic performance as mulch. PBF was investigated in a potting experiment and compared with Mater-Bi (MB), polyethylene (PE) and bare soil. During the experiment, degraded surface area, weight and thickness of the film, water evaporated from the pot, and the soil microbiological content (SMC) were recorded. In addition, films were buried to assess their biodegradability and impact on SMC. During the mulching process, the PBF showed a significant degradation. In terms of evaporated water, the PBF performed similarly to MB and worse than PE. Regarding SMC, film of any nature caused an increase in the Clostridia spp. and a decrease of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and fungi contents. When buried, only PBF recorded a faster biodegradability, showing a reduction of surface area, thickness and weight. PBF and MB highlighted a significant increase in contents of Clostridia spp., mesophilic aerobic bacteria and fungi. Our results reported, for the first time, the valorization of black soldier fly (BSF) prepupae proteins as a biodegradable film for mulching purposes. However, further study is needed to reduce the PBF biodegradability and allow it to be used for the most important mulched crops.
A Novel New Light Recipe Significantly Increases the Growth and Yield of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Grown in a Plant Factory System
Authors: Rihan Hail Z. , Aldarkazali Mohammed , Mohamed Shiren J. , McMulkin Nancy B. , Jbara Marwa H. , Fuller Michael P.
Published: June 2020

Light is a crucial element for plant growth and production. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps are considered not very electrically efficient as they generate high radiant heat, and as a consequence, there has been a lot of interest in replacing HPS lamps with new more efficient lighting sources in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs have a linear photon output with the electrical input current, and this great feature allows the design of lighting arrays that match the plant’s needs. In the current study, light spectrum absorbance of pigments extracted from 14 plant species was analyzed. Two absorbance peaks were observed in the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) region: one at 435 nm and the other at 665 nm. The light spectrum array was designed to produce the spectrum absorbed by basil pigments. This included the use of new wavelengths of 435 ± 5 nm to cover the blue region. Moreover, the ratio between blue and red was considered to match the absorbance of basil pigment. The use of a light spectrum that matches the plant absorbance significantly improved the investigated physiological parameters and increased the growth yield of basil. Moreover, this is the first to confirm the great positive impact of using 435 nm light spectrum in comparison with the commercially widely used 450 nm LED spectrum. This investigation has great scientific and commercial applications in the field of indoor faming and plant factory systems.
Effects of Darkness and Light Spectra on Nutrients and Pigments in Radish, Soybean, Mung Bean and Pumpkin Sprouts
Authors: Mastropasqua Linda , Dipierro Nunzio , Paciolla Costantino
Published: June 2020

Fresh sprouts are an important source of antioxidant compounds and contain useful phytonutrients in the human diet. Many factors, such as the time of germination and types of light, influence the physiological processes and biosynthetic pathways in sprouts. The effect of red, blue and white light vs. dark conditions on the quality parameters in different sprout species after 5 d of germination was evaluated. Total ascorbate, soluble proteins, sugars, phenolic compounds, and pigments, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, and anthocyanins, were investigated in radishes, soybeans, mung beans, and pumpkin sprouts. The light treatments increased the contents of vitamin C and the various pigments in all sprouts, conversely, they increased the soluble proteins and sugars, including d-glucose, d-fructose and sucrose, in soybeans and pumpkins, respectively. The dark treatment prevented the decrease in dry matter due to the lighting, while the red light induced an increase in polyphenols in soybean. These results suggest that the nutritional content of different sprouts grown under different light conditions depend on the dark or specific spectral wavelength used for their growth. The manuscript may increase the knowledge on light use for the industrialized food production aiming at preserving the phytonutrient content of vegetables, increasing the consumer health, or developing tailored diets for specific nutritional needs.
Inspiration for Seismic Diffraction Modelling, Separation, and Velocity in Depth Imaging
Authors: Bashir Yasir , Mohd Muztaza Nordiana , Moussavi Alashloo Seyed Yaser , Ali Syed Haroon , Prasad Ghosh Deva
Published: June 2020

Fractured imaging is an important target for oil and gas exploration, as these images are heterogeneous and have contain low-impedance contrast, which indicate the complexity in a geological structure. These small-scale discontinuities, such as fractures and faults, present themselves in seismic data in the form of diffracted waves. Generally, seismic data contain both reflected and diffracted events because of the physical phenomena in the subsurface and due to the recording system. Seismic diffractions are produced once the acoustic impedance contrast appears, including faults, fractures, channels, rough edges of structures, and karst sections. In this study, a double square root (DSR) equation is used for modeling of the diffraction hyperbola with different velocities and depths of point diffraction to elaborate the diffraction hyperbolic pattern. Further, we study the diffraction separation methods and the effects of the velocity analysis methods (semblance vs. hybrid travel time) for velocity model building for imaging. As a proof of concept, we apply our research work on a steep dipping fault model, which demonstrates the possibility of separating seismic diffractions using dip frequency filtering (DFF) in the frequency–wavenumber (F-K) domain. The imaging is performed using two different velocity models, namely the semblance and hybrid travel time (HTT) analysis methods. The HTT method provides the optimum results for imaging of complex structures and imaging below shadow zones.
Experimental Study on the Performance of GFRP–GFRP Slip-Critical Connections with and without Stainless-Steel Cover Plates
Authors: Peng Yang , Chen Wei , Wu Zhe , Zhao Jun , Dong Jun
Published: June 2020

Composite structures have become increasingly popular in civil engineering due to many advantages, such as light weight, excellent corrosion resistance and high productivity. However, they still lack the strength, stiffness, and convenience of constructions of fastener connections in steel structures. The most popular fastener connections in steel structures are slip-critical connections, and the major factors that influence their strength are the slip factors between faying surfaces and the clamping force due to the prevailing torque. This paper therefore examined the effect that changing the following parameters had on the slip factor: (1) replacing glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) cover plates with stainless-steel cover plates; (2) adopting different surface treatments for GFRP-connecting plates and stainless-steel cover plates, respectively; and (3) applying different prevailing torques to the high-strength bolts. The impact on the long-term effects of the creep property in composite elements under the pressure of high-strength bolts was also studied with pre-tension force relaxation tests. It is shown that a high-efficiency fastener connection can be obtained by using stainless-steel cover plates with a grit-blasting surface treatment, with the maximum slip factor reaching 0.45, while the effects of the creep property are negligible.
Use of Biofuel Industry Wastes as Alternative Nutrient Sources for DHA-Yielding Schizochytrium limacinum Production
Authors: Bouras Sofoklis , Katsoulas Nikolaos , Antoniadis Dimitrios , Karapanagiotidis Ioannis T.
Published: June 2020

The simultaneous use of crude glycerol and effluent from anaerobic digestate, both wastes derived from the biofuel industry, were tested in the frame of circular economy concept, as potential low-cost nutrient sources for the cultivation of rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil microalgae strain Schizochytrium limacinum SR21. Initially, the optimal carbon and nitrogen concentration levels for high S. limacinum biomass and lipids production were determined, in a culture media containing conventional, high cost, organic nitrogen sources (yeast extract and peptone), micronutrients and crude glycerol at varying concentrations. Then, the effect of a culture media composed of crude glycerol (as carbon source) and effluent digestate at varying proportions on biomass productivity, lipid accumulation, proximate composition, carbon assimilation and fatty acid content were determined. It was shown that the biomass and total lipid content increased considerably with varying effluent concentrations reaching 49.2 g L−1 at 48% (v/v) of effluent concentration, while the lipid yield at the same effluent concentration reached 10.15 g L−1, compared to 17.0 g L−1 dry biomass and 10.2 g L−1 lipid yield when yeast extract and peptone medium with micronutrients was used. Compared to the control treatment, the above production was obtained with 48% less inorganic salts, which are needed for the preparation of the artificial sea water. It was shown that Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 was able to remediate 40% of the total organic carbon content of the biofuel wastes, while DHA productivity remained at low levels with saturated fatty acids comprising the main fraction of total fatty acid content. The results of the present study suggest that the simultaneous use of two waste streams from the biofuel industry can serve as potential nutrient sources for the growth of Schizochytrium limacinum SR21, replacing the high cost organic nutrients and up to one half the required artificial sea water salts, but upregulation of DHA productivity through optimization of the abiotic environment is necessary for industrial application, including aqua feed production.
A New Semi-Analytical Method for Elasto-Plastic Analysis of a Deep Circular Tunnel Reinforced by Fully Grouted Passive Bolts
Authors: Wang Mingnian , Zhang Xiao , Tong Jianjun , Yi Wenhao , Wang Zhilong , Liu Dagang
Published: June 2020

The use of fully grouted passive bolts as a reinforcement technique has been widely applied to improve the stability of tunnels. To analyze the behaviors of passive bolts and rock mass in a deep circular tunnel, a new semi-analytical solution is presented in this work based on the finite difference method. The rock mass was assumed to experience elastic–brittle–plastic behavior, and the linear Mohr–Coulomb criterion and the nonlinear generalized Hoek–Brown criterion were employed to govern the yielding of the rock mass. The interaction and decoupling between the rock mass and bolts were considered by using the spring–slider model. To simplify the analysis process, a bolted tunnel was divided into a bolted region and an unbolted region, while the contact stress at the bolted–unbolted interface and the rigid displacement of the bolts were obtained using two boundary conditions in combination with the bisection method. Comparisons show that the results obtained using the proposed solution agree well with those from the commercial numerical software and the in situ test. Finally, parametric analyses were performed to examine the effects of various reinforcement parameters on the tunnel’s stability. The proposed solution provided a fast but accurate estimation of the behavior of a reinforced deep circular tunnel for preliminary design purposes.
Quasi-Static Characteristics and Vibration Responses Analysis of Helical Geared Rotor System with Random Cumulative Pitch Deviations
Authors: Yuan Bing , Liu Geng , Liu Lan
Published: June 2020

As one of the long period gear errors, the effects of random cumulative pitch deviations on mesh excitations and vibration responses of a helical geared rotor system (HGRS) are investigated. The long-period mesh stiffness (LPMS), static transmission error (STE), as well as composite mesh error (CMS), and load distributions of helical gears are calculated using an enhanced loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) model. A dynamic model with multi degrees of freedom (DOF) is employed to predict the vibration responses of HGRS. Mesh excitations and vibration responses analysis of unmodified HGRS are conducted in consideration of random cumulative pitch deviations. The results indicate that random cumulative pitch deviations have significant effects on mesh excitations and vibration responses of HGRS. The curve shapes of STE and CMS become irregular when the random characteristic of cumulative pitch deviations is considered, and the appearance of partial contact loss in some mesh cycles leads to decreased LPMS when load torque is relatively low. Vibration modulation phenomenon can be observed in dynamic responses of HGRS. In relatively light load conditions, the amplitudes of sideband frequencies become larger than that of mesh frequency and its harmonics (MFIHs) because of relatively high contact ratio. The influences of random cumulative pitch deviations on the vibration responses of modified HGRS are also discussed.