bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POLA SEBARAN MATERIAL PADATAN TERSUSPENSI (MPT) DI PERAIRAN MUARA SUNGAI LA BALANO KABUPATEN MUNA
Authors: Safarudin . , Yasir Haya La Ode Muhammad , Takwir Amadhan
Published: February 2021

Perairan di sekitar Muara Sungai La Balano terdapat kegiatan pemanfaatan ruang seperti pemukiman, budidaya tambak, perkebunan dan pertanian yang diperkirakan berperan besar pada terjadinya penurunan kualitas air. Konsentrasi Material Padatan Tersuspensi (MPT) yang berlebihan di muara sungai dapat menyebabkan kekeruhan dan ancaman pendangkalan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui konsentrasi MPT, perubahan pola arus dan pola sebaran MPT saat kondisi pasang dan surut di Perairan Muara Sungai La  Balano Kab. Muna. Metode penentuan titik stasiun menggunakan purposive sampling. Pengambilan data sampel air dan pengukuran parameter fisika oseanografi dilakukan saat kondisi air pasang dan air surut. Analisis sampel MPT menggunakan metode Gravimetri. Peta Pola sebaran MPT diinterpolasi menggunakan metode Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi MPT di Perairan Muara Sungai La Balano saat kondisi pasang berkisar antara 13.90 – 14.46 mg/l dan kondisi surut berkisar 13.87 – 14.50 mg/l, dengan pola arus yang didominasi oleh arus pasut yaitu terjadi bolak-balik. Pola sebaran MPT di Muara Sungai La Balano terlihat bahwa saat kondisi pasang terjadi penumpukan sedimen di sekitar jety dan saat kondisi surut terjadi penumpukan sedimen di muara sungai. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa sebaran MPT mengikuti pergerakan arus pasang surut sedangkan konsentrasinya lebih besar bersumber dari daratan.Kata Kunci : Material Padatan Tersuspensi, Pasang Surut, Pola Sebaran, Muara Sungai La Balano
KELIMPAHAN DAN PREVALENSI PENYAKIT KARANG DI PERAIRAN LANGARA, KONAWA KEPULAUAN, SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: Hasma Siti , Sadarun Baru , Palupi Ratna Diyah
Published: February 2021

Penyakit karang adalah gangguan terhadap kesehatan karang yang menyebabkan hilang atau rusaknya jaringan karang. Biota karang yang terinfeksi penyakit telah diidentifikasikan sebagai salah satu faktor utama yang memperburuk tutupan terumbu karang secara global. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kelimpahan dan prevalensi penyakit karang di Perairan Langara, Konawe Kepulauan, Sulawesi Tenggara. Pengambilan data dilakukan di bulan April 2018 pada tiga stasiun penelitian. Metode pengambilan data kelimpahan dan prevalensi penyakit karang menggunakan metode belt transect (transek sabuk) dengan luas area transek 350 m2, yang ditarik sejajar garis pantai. Hasil penelitian menyebutkan bahwa penyakit karang yang ditemukan di lokasi penelitian sebanyak 8 jenis [Black Band Disease (BBD), Dark Spots Disease (DSD), Ulcerative White Spots (UWS), White Band Disease (WBD), Explained Growth Anomalies (EGA), White Syndrom (WS), Bleacing (BL) dan Yellow Band Disease (YBD)]. Kelimpahan dan prevalensi penyakit karang yang tertinggi terdapat di stasiun II, dimana nilai kelimpahan yaitu 0.063 koloni/m2 dan nilai prevalensi yaitu 92.187%. Jenis penyakit karang yang mendominasi di lokasi penelitian secara berturut-turut adalah UWS, BBD dan WS.Kata Kunci: Kelimpahan; Penyakit Karang; Perairan Langara; Prevalensi
KEANEKARAGAMAN BULU BABI (Echinoidea) PADA KAWASAN LAMUN DI PERAIRAN DESA LANGARA, KECAMATAN WAWONII BARAT KABUPATEN KONAWE KEPULAUAN
Authors: Sadam La Ode , Emiyarti . , Ira .
Published: February 2021

Bulu babi merupakan hewan laut yang termasuk dalam filum Echinodermata dalam kelas Echinoidea. Cangkang dan gonad bulu babi diketahui memiliki nilai ekonomi yang tinggi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan November – Desember 2018 dan bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis bulu babi di Perairan Desa Langara Wawonii Barat dan mengetahui struktur komunitas bulu babi di Perairan Desa Langara Wawonii Barat. Pengambilan data lamun dan bulu babi dilakukan dengan menggunakan transek kuadrat dengan cara menarik transek garis sepanjang 100 meter secara tegak lurus ke arah laut. Pengambilan data dilakukan pada saat air surut atau menjelang surut terendah. Mulia dari titik nol diletakkan transek kuadrat 1 x 1 meter dengan jarak 10 meter, sedangkan jarak untuk tiap transek garis adalah 20 meter dengan 3 kali pengulangan. Dari hasil penelitian di Perairan Desa Langara didapatkan tujuh jenis bulu babi dari empat famili yaitu bulu babi jenis D. savignyi, E. calamaris, E. mathaei, T. gratilla, A. crissipina, D. setosum, T. toreumaticus. Hasil kepadatan bulu babi yang di dapatkan yaitu tertinggi terdapat di stasiun III pada bulan terang dengan nilai 9,03ind/m2 dan kepadatan terendah terdapat pada stasiun II pada bulan gelap, dengan nilai 2,57ind/m2 dimana keanekaragaman bulu babi selama penelitian juga tertinggi terdapat pada stasiun I yakni 1.64, serta terendah terdapat pada stasiun stasiun III yaitu 1.38 dan Keseragaman bulu babi selama penelitian, tertinggi terdapat pada stasiun II yakni 2.00 serta keseragaman terendah pada stasiun III yaitu 1.77. Dominansi bulu babi yang tertinggi terdapat pada stasiun III yakni 0.3 dan terendah terdapat pada stasiun I dan II yaitu 0.2.Kata kunci :  Bulu babi, jenis bulu babi, kepadatan, keanekaragaman, keseragaman, dominansi
SEBARAN TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLID (TSS) PERMUKAAN DI PERAIRAN DESA WAWATU, KECAMATAN MORAMO UTARA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN
Authors: Nurfatimah Faya Masria , Afu La Ode Alirman , Pratikino A. Ginong
Published: February 2021

Peningkatan Total Suspended Solid (TSS) akan mempengaruhi kualitas perairan sehingga tidak mampu untuk mendukung kehidupan oranisme perairan tersebut. Perairan Desa Wawatu merupakan wilayah pesisir yang menjadi muara baik sungai besar maupun sungai kecil serta aktivitas pembangunan pesisir yang cukup padat. Dampak yang ditimbulkan adalah meningkatnya kekeruhan perairan yang dapat memicu peningkatan kadar TSS akibat penambahan pasokan material-material dari daratan. Oleh karena itu perlu adanya penelitian tentang tingkat kandungan TSS perairan di Perairan Desa Wawatu yang nantinya dapat dijadikan sebagai bahan informasi untuk pengelolaan wilayah pesisir yang lebih baik dan bijaksana. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari-Februari 2019 dengan menggunakan data TSS insitu 10 sampel yang dianggap mewakili perairan Desa Wawatu. Pengambilan sampel air dilakukan pada saat air laut menjelang surut kemudian dianalisis menggunakan metode gravimetri. Hasil yang diperoleh kadar TSS di perairan Desa Wawatu berkisar antara 136-224 mg/l. Kadar TSS tertinggi sebesar 224 mg/l dan kadar TSS terendah yaitu 136 mg/l. Kadar TSS tersebut telah melebihi baku mutu TSS perairan berdasarkan Keputusan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup No. 51 tahun 2004. Kata kunci: Desa Wawatu, Total Suspended Solid
DENSITAS ZOOXANTHELLAE KARANG FOLIOSE PADA KEDALAMAN BERBEDA (ZONA TERUMBU KARANG) DI PERAIRAN WAWORAHA KECAMATAN SOROPIA
Authors: Salim Resni Agustina , Palupi Ratna Diyah , Ira .
Published: February 2021

Zooxanthellae merupakan mikroalga yang berperan penting bagi pertumbuhan karang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui densitas zooxanthellae karang foliose pada 3 zona terumbu karang yang berbeda (reef flat, reef crest, reef slope) di Perairan Waworaha kecamatan soropia, Konawe. Pengambilan data telah dilakukan pada April sampai Mei 2017 melalui dua tahapan yaitu pengambilan  sampel jaringan  karang foliose di perairan dan perhitungan zooxanthellae di laboratorium.. Pengambilan sampel karang foliose dilakukan dengan metode koleksi bebas (free handpicking) dengan mengunakan alat SCUBA sedangkan analisisi densitas zooxanthellae dilakukan dengan metode homogenisasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa densitas zooxanthellae karang foliose di lokasi penelitian rata-rata sebesar 5.1x 106 sel/cm2. Densitas zooxanthellae berdasarkan zona terumbu karang di Perairan Waworaha tercatat paling tinggi pada zona reef flat (7.7 x 106 sel/cm2) diikuti zona reef crest (4.5 x 106 sel/cm2) dan yang terendah berada pada zona reef slope (3.2 x 106 sel/cm2). Perbedaan densitas zooxanthellae pada karang foliose lebih dipengaruhi oleh perbedaan intensitas cahaya.Kata kunci : Densitas zooxanthellae, karang foliose, Perairan Waworaha,  zona terumbu karang
STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS ZOOPLANKTON DI PERAIRAN KOEONO, KECAMATAN PALANGGA SELATAN, KABUPATEN KONAWE
Authors: Anita . , Nurgayah Wa , Nurgayah Wa , Rahmadani .
Published: February 2021

Zooplankton berperan sebagai konsumen tingkat satu yang menghubungkan fitoplankton dengan organisme tingkat tinggi. Zooplankton dapat menggambarkan keadaan suatu perairan maupun ketersediaan makanan untuk menunjang kehidupan biota. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk  mengetahui struktur komunitas dan kelimpahan zooplankton di Perairan Koeono. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Februari-Desember 2019. Penelitian ini terbagi atas 3 stasiun dengan 3 kedalaman yang berbeda yaitu 0,5 m, 5 m dan 10 m. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan pada pagi hari dan sore hari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan zooplankton yang ditemukan sebanyak 16 genera dari 5 kelas kelompok zooplankton adalah dari kelas  crustacea (5 genera), kelas Maxillopoda (3 genera), kelas hexanauplia terdiri dari (4 genera), kelas cilliatea (2 genera) dan kelas olighotrichea (2 genera). Nilai indeks keanekaragaman (H’) tergolong  sedang, sedangkan nilai indeks keseragaman (E’) tergolong seimbang. Nilai indeks dominansi (D) tergolong sedang, dimana tidak ada spesies yang mendominasi. Kelimpahan  zooplankton tertinggi terdapat pada pengambilan sore hari yaitu 176 ind./L dan terendah pada pengambilan pagi hari yaitu  52 ind./L.Kata Kunci:  Koeono, Perairan,  Strukrur Komunitas, Zooplankton.
STRATEGI KELEMBAGAAN IMPLEMENTASI TEKNOLOGI WakatobiAIS DI KEPULAUAN WAKATOBI
Authors: Amir Andi Besse , Asuhadi Sunarwan , Hidayanti Nelly , Rahmadani .
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif untuk menggambarkan strategi kelembagaan untuk implementasi WakatobiAIS di perairan Kepulauan Wakatobi. Pengumpulan data meliputi angket, studi pustaka, dan wawancara. Pengolahan data menggunakan Stakeholders Mapping, dan Analisis menggunakan SWOT. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pemanfaatan WakatobiAIS di Kabupaten Wakatobi sangat memungkinkan, dibutuhkan kemitraan teknis untuk mewujudkannya, khususnya Syahbandar, LPTK BRSDM KP, Pemerintah Daerah, PSDKP, dan Taman Nasional. Untuk kemitraan tersebut, dibutuhkan inisiatif Pemda Wakatobi untuk mensinergikan kelembagaan yang ada di Wakatobi.Kata kunci : Strategi kelembagaan, Implementasi, WakatobiAIS, Wakatobi
The Relationship of Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Income and Its Variability in Regard to Farms in the European Union Countries
Authors: Smędzik-Ambroży Katarzyna , Matuszczak Anna , Kata Ryszard , Kułyk Piotr
Published: February 2021

Many authors emphasize that reducing the income deprivation of the agricultural sector in relation to the non-agricultural sectors is a prerequisite to the growth of sustainability of agriculture. Thus, this raises the question: despite the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on the value of agricultural income in EU countries, is there still income deprivation for agriculture in relation to non-agricultural sectors? If so, is its depth comparable among farms with a different scale of production from the same EU country or among farms with the same scale of production from different countries? The answers to these questions constitute the added value of the article. The aim of the paper is to compare the ratio of agricultural income to non-agricultural income in regard to family farms in EU countries. Results show that the CAP solutions do limit the agricultural income disparities but that there are significant differences in the income deprivation of farms with different production values in the same country. These differences also apply to farms with a similar production volume in different countries. This publication includes critical analysis of literature, spatial-analysis and panel regression. The time scale of the research is 2004–2017, the spatial scope is individual EU countries and the subjective scope is representative EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) farms.
Definition of Reference Models for Power, Mass, Working Width, and Price for Tillage Implements
Authors: Yezekyan Tatevik , Benetti Marco , Armentano Giannantonio , Trestini Samuele , Sartori Luigi , Marinello Francesco
Published: February 2021

Farm machinery selection, operation and management directly impact crop cultivation processes and outputs. A priori quantification of technical and financial needs allows definition of proportionate distribution and management of available resources and simplification of selection process. Appropriate planning, association and adjustment of the power unit and implement are required for soil cultivation. Consideration of functional parameters of the implement, their proper estimation and operation directly impact the soil structure, productivity and return on investment. Thus, a modelling approach was implemented for the definition of possible parameter-price relations for tillage equipment. The performed analysis allowed us to investigate the main relevant parameters, quantify their impact, and elaborate forecasting models for price, power, mass and working width. The significant relevance of the technical parameters and adjustment issues were outlined for each tillage implement group. For harrows and cultivators, the dependencies between studied parameters expressed better predictive qualities, especially for price-mass relation (R² > 0.8). While for ploughs power and mass relation had a primary output (R² = 0.7). The prediction features of the models provided reliable results for the estimation of the indicative values of the price and parameters of the implements.
Co-Inoculation of Aflatoxigenic and Non-Aflatoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus to Assess the Efficacy of Non-Aflatoxigenic Strains in Growth Inhibition and Aflatoxin B1 Reduction
Authors: Khan Rahim , Ghazali Farinazleen Mohamad , Mahyudin Nor Ainy , Samsudin Nik Iskandar Putra
Published: February 2021

The pre-harvest biocontrol approach currently used includes laboratory inoculations using non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus. This strategy effectively suppresses the indigenous aflatoxigenic strains and reduces aflatoxin accumulation in sweetcorn. The current in vitro study’s main objective is to determine the diametric growth rates of both Aflatoxin (AF)+ and AF− strains and improve the understanding of competitive relationships among these strains in sweetcorn (Zea mays). Sweetcorn kernels inoculated with AF+ strains only, AF− strains only, and co-inoculated with AF+ + AF− strains were investigated for aflatoxin concentrations. The diametric growth results revealed that growth rates of AF− strains at 25 and 30 °C were much greater than AF+ strains, which was in line with previous studies. The in vitro findings showed that the AKR5− and AKL34− biocontrol strains effectively inhibited the colony propagation and subsequent AFB1 contamination (up to 79%) of AF+ strains. On the other hand, the AKR1− and AKL35− were least effective in reducing AFB1 contents only by 58% and 60%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the reduction of AFB1 contents achieved by AF− strains of A. flavus. The findings of the present study indicated the reduction in AFB1 with population expressions of AF+ strains by the AF− strains and supports the notion of competitive exclusion through vigorous development and propagation of the non-aflatoxigenic fungi.
Improving Nutrient Uptake, Growth, Yield and Protein Content in Chickpea by the Co-Addition of Phosphorus Fertilizers, Organic Manures, and Bacillus sp. MN-54
Authors: Khan Muhammad Imran , Afzal Muhammad Junaid , Bashir Safdar , Naveed Muhammad , Anum Sara , Cheema Sardar Alam , Wakeel Abdul , Sanaullah Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Hayder , Chen Zhongbing
Published: February 2021

The main purpose of this study was to examine the impact of different phosphorus (P) fertilizers and organic manures alone and in combination with Bacillus sp. MN-54 on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, chlorophyll (SPAD value) and crude proteins content of chickpea. The simple manure (SM), processed manure (PM), single super phosphate (SSP), and rock phosphate (RP) were applied individually and in different combinations to the soil in pots, and the chickpea seeds treated with Bacillus sp. MN-54 were sown in the selective pots. Results showed that individual use of SM, PM, SSP, RP, and strain MN-54 significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) the nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and protein content of chickpea as compared to control treatments. While the combined use of SM or PM, SSP or RP, and MN-54 further enhanced this effect. Among different treatments, combined use of RP, PM and MN-54 proved the most effective treatment showing increase of 37.5 and 42.6% in shoot and root lengths, 43.4 and 38.3% in fresh and dry shoot weights, 36.1 and 36.5% in fresh and dry root weights, 45.8% in no. of pods, 43.6% in nodules counts, 16.0% in 100-grain weight and 31–36% nutrient uptake over control treatments. Our findings suggest that the co-addition of organic manures and P fertilizers along with plant growth promoting bacteria (i.e., Bacillus sp. MN-54) not only increases the growth and yield but also improves nodulation, nutrient uptake, and crude proteins content in chickpea.
Proximal Sensing of Nitrogen Needs by Spring Wheat
Authors: Sarig Shlomo , Shlevin Eli , Zilberman Arkadi , Richker Idan , Dudai Mordechay , Nezer Shlomo , Ben-Asher Jiftah
Published: February 2021

Canopy nitrogen (N) status relates strongly to canopy chlorophyll content and the strength of green color. Proximal photograph by RGB camera was used to select green features that has the potential to assess N content at leaf of plant as a function of its the greenness. We proposed the development of it as a tool for sensing nitrogen content in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum). Image processing algorithm was programed calibrated and validated wheat %N%N. Nitrogen uptake =%N × canopy dry matter was harvested and calculated using simulated dry matter by DSSAT model. The data replicated laboratory measurements. A linear Lab vs Camera model displayed a unit slope with r2 = 0.93. Increase of dry matter was successfully surrogated by days after emergence and used as abscissa for inverse logistic model of critical nitrogen level. It decreased gradually from about 6% to 2% as days after emergence increased from 0 to 110 days. Maximum N uptake calculated from photo and laboratory was 324 Kg ha−1 and 318 Kg ha−1 respectively suggesting insignificant difference. Physiological N-use efficiency (i.e., canopy weight/N weight) was 52 and 78 kg canopy dry weight per 1 kg N for early and late-ripening cultivars, respectively. The determination of N application based on the smartphone photograph proved to be useful by saving on time and expenses for growers who have access to smartphones and can use them for N application and management.
Effect of Growing Media pH on Performance of Huanglongbing-Affected Young Citrus Trees
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , M. Kadyampakeni Davie , Vashisth Tripti
Published: February 2021

Since the advent of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, Florida’s citrus production has dropped by 70%. HLB-affected trees decline rapidly under high pH growing conditions. Limited nutrient availability at high soil pH has been speculated to be the cause of such rapid decline in HLB-affected trees; however, such decline is not observed in healthy citrus trees. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the nutrient uptake, physiological, and molecular responses of healthy (HLY) and HLB-affected (HLB) sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) trees when grown in media maintained at different pH levels 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0. Overall, the performance of HLY and HLB trees decreased with the increase in pH conditions. HLB trees showed a significant inverse correlation between growth parameters (leaf number, shoot growth, SPAD value, stem water potential) and growing media pH whereas no such correlation was observed for HLY trees. Interesting, superior performance of HLB trees at pH 6.0 coincided with higher accumulation of Fe, Mn, and N in whole plant body as compared to high pH treatments. In contrast, HLY tree performance was significantly better at pH 7.0 compared to other pH conditions. At pH 7.0, stress related genes were upregulated in HLB leaves as compared to HLY leaves, indicating the stress response in terms of leaf abscission, reduced growth, and natural aging process was exacerbated in HLB trees at higher pH treatments. Altogether, all the physiological and molecular observations supports an interaction between HLB trees and pH, where HLB trees at pH 6.0 perform better than at higher pH.
Agronomic Traits in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) Can Predict Foraging Resources for Insect Pollinators
Authors: Fairhurst Stacey M. , Cole Lorna J. , Kocarkova Tereza , Jones-Morris Catherine , Evans Andy , Jackson Gail
Published: February 2021

Mass-flowering crops, such as oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus), provide pulses of nectar and pollen, helping to support pollinators and their pollination services in agricultural landscapes. Despite their value to declining pollinators, varietal in-field OSR testing focusses on agronomic traits, with floral resources being largely overlooked. OSR has a high varietal turnover, and consequently, floral resource data collected for a specific variety quickly become redundant. Here, we explore the potential to predict floral resource availability using agronomic trait data routinely collected in varietal trials. To build predictive models, we investigated the relationships between agronomic traits and pollen and nectar availability in 19 OSR varieties. Nectar quality was positively influenced by early vigour, as well as winter hardiness in conventional varieties and stem stiffness in hybrid varieties. Pollen quantity was driven by different traits, with early maturation having a negative impact in conventional varieties and resistance to lodging having a positive impact in hybrid varieties. Our study highlights the potential to predict floral resources using agronomic trait data, enabling the rapid assessment of these key resources in future OSR varieties without costly sampling. Agronomic traits relating to increased nectar quality were also agronomically favourable, indicating benefits to both pollinators and growers. The inclusion of modelled floral resource data in recommended varietal lists would enable growers to make informed decisions about varietal selection based on local pollinator populations.
Post-Harvest Management Practices Impact on Light Penetration and Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass Yield Components
Authors: Pinto Priscila , De Haan Lee , Picasso Valentin
Published: February 2021

Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is the first commercially developed perennial grain crop in North America, with multiple environmental and economic benefits. One of the major challenges for adoption of this dual-use forage and grain crop is the decline in grain yield in subsequent harvest years. Post-harvest management practices (e.g., chopping, burning, chemical, and mechanical thinning) could reduce the intraspecific competition for light and maintain Kernza grain yields over time. We aimed to identify management practices that improve light penetration and propose a conceptual model to explain the mechanisms contributing to Kernza grain yield. We applied 10 management practices after the first Kernza grain harvest in a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications, at two different locations in Wisconsin, USA. Light penetration increased when post-harvest management practices were applied. Mechanical or chemical thinning had relatively lower lodging and increased yield components per row, but not per area due to a reduction in the number of productive rows. Threshed grain yield per area in the second year of Kernza was similar among the treatments despite the differences in vegetative biomass generated. Further research is needed to optimize management practices to maintain Kernza grain yield over time.
Adaptation Responses to Early Drought Stress of West Africa Sorghum Varieties
Authors: Gano Boubacar , Dembele Joseph Sékou B. , Tovignan Thierry Klanvi , Sine Bassirou , Vadez Vincent , Diouf Diaga , Audebert Alain
Published: February 2021

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop world-wide and feeds millions of people in the Sahel. However, it often faces early-stage water deficit due to false onsets of rainy seasons resulting in production decrease. Therefore, developing early drought tolerant material becomes a necessity but requires a good knowledge of adaptation mechanisms, which remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of early drought stress on ten elite sorghum varieties tested over two years (2018–2019) at the National Agronomic Research Centre (CNRA) of Bambey (Senegal, West Africa). Two different water regimes (well-watered and drought stress) were applied during the dry season. Water stress was applied by withholding irrigation 25 days after sowing for one month, followed by optimal irrigation until maturity. Soil moisture measurements were performed and allowed to follow the level of stress (down to a fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) of 0.30 at the end of stress). An agro-physio-morphological monitoring was carried out during the experiment. Results showed highly significant effects of early drought stress in sorghum plants growth by decreasing leaf appearance, biomass, height but also yield set up. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between varieties in the different environments for most characters. Under water deficit, the variability was less strong on leaf appearance and plant height at the end of stress. The adaptation responses were related to the capacity of varieties to grow up fast and complete their cycle rather, increase the dead leaves weight, reduce photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and increase the roots length density. However, varieties V1, V2, V8 and V9 showed promising behavior under stress and could be suitable for further application in West Africa for sorghum breeding and farming.
Effect of Fertilization on the Energy Profit of Tall Wheatgrass and Reed Canary Grass
Authors: Kopecký Marek , Mráz Petr , Kolář Ladislav , Váchalová Radka , Bernas Jaroslav , Konvalina Petr , Perná Kristýna , Murindangabo Yves , Menšík Ladislav
Published: February 2021

Cultivation of energy crops is a part of modern agriculture. In particular, maize (Zea mays L.) is widely grown in central Europe. However, in terms of erosion risk and high demands on fertilization and protection against diseases and pests, its growing is not environmentally friendly. Therefore, possibilities of utilization of other more environmentally friendly energy crops have been examined at present. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of various fertilization (mineral, digestate, control) on the yields of tall wheatgrass (TWG) (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus) and reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) cultivated in a long-term field experiment on the experimental site in Czech Republic. The energy profit from cultivation of these crops and its protective anti-erosion effect were evaluated. The average yields ranged from 4.6 (RCG, mineral fertilization) to 7.4 t/ha (TWG, digestate fertilization). The more profitable species was tall wheatgrass, the biomass of which also had the higher heating value. The energy profit ranged from 80 GJ/ha (RCG, control variant and mineral fertilization) to 133 GJ/ha (TWG, digestate and mineral fertilization). It has been found that the tested plants excel in anti-erosion effect and could therefore be a suitable alternative to maize, especially in less-favored areas.
Microbiological Hazards in Dry Dog Chews and Feeds
Authors: Kępińska-Pacelik Jagoda , Biel Wioletta
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, dogs are usually equally treated with other family members. Due to the growing caregivers’ awareness, the pet foods industry is changing dynamically. Pet foods are manufactured with a myriad of ingredients. Few authors of scientific papers deal with the topic of foods products’ safety for pet animals, assessed from the perspective of their caregivers. Despite the many methods of producing foods of the highest quality, there are still cases of contamination of pet foods and treats. In the case of dried chews for dogs, bacteria of the genus Salmonella are the most common risk. In the case of both dry and wet foods, in addition to many species of bacteria, we often deal with mold fungi and their metabolites, mycotoxins. This article presents selected microbiological risks in dog foods and treats, and analyzes the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) system (2017–2020) for pathogenic microorganisms in dried dog chews, treats and foods. In this period, pet food-related notifications were registered, which were categorized into different types. Analyzing the RASFF notifications over the period, it has been shown that there are still cases of bacterial contamination of dog foods and treats, while in terms of the overall mycotoxin content, these products may appear safe.
Long-Term Immunocastration Protocols Successfully Reduce Testicles’ Size in Bísaro Pigs
Authors: Paixão Gustavo , Fontela Sofia Botelho , Marques Jorge , Esteves Alexandra , Charneca Rui , Payan-Carreira Rita
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to find a suitable immunocastration protocol for male Bísaro pigs (BP) due to the breed and production system particularities. Twenty-five male BP were treated with Improvac® according to three protocols: using two (GrpE2 and L2) or three vaccinations (GrpL3) and starting at 9 (GrpE2) or 13 weeks old (GrpL2 and L3). Eleven animals were kept as intact males (GrpC). Scrotal measurements and the morphometry of the testes and epididymides collected at slaughter were used to survey the effectiveness of the immunocastration compared with the age-matched intact controls. Animals in groups E2 and L3 were kept until 57 weeks, after a second vaccination cycle at 49 and 53 weeks of age. Scrotal dimensions decreased to almost initial values in treated animals until 17 (GrpE2) and 21 weeks (GrpL2 and L3), thereafter increasing to post-pubertal values until around 29 or 37 weeks of age for groups E2 and L2, respectively, but only at 41 weeks in group L3. Between 41 and 49 weeks, scrotal dimensions were similar in treated and control animals, decreasing to the predicted pre-puberty size after the second cycle of vaccination. This study suggests the most suited protocol for males slaughtered at older ages includes three administrations of Improvac® starting at 3 months of age, followed by a second vaccination cycle.
Evaluation of Electroencephalography, Behaviour and Eye Temperature in Response to Surgical Castration in Sheep
Authors: Harris Charissa , White Peter John , Hall Evelyn , Van der Saag Dominique , Lomax Sabrina
Published: February 2021

Castration has been demonstrated to cause pain in sheep. However, it is routinely performed for management purposes. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used successfully to measure pain in lambs in response to castration and other husbandry procedures in livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of EEG as a measure of pain and analgesia in conscious lambs undergoing castration on farm over a 24 h period. EEG responses were compared to behavioural observations and changes in ocular temperature via infrared thermography. Twenty-four merino ram lambs (18.63 ± 2.06 kg) were used in this study. Lambs were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment groups: (1) castration with pre-surgical administration of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg Metacam 20 mg/mL injected subcutaneously into the skin of the neck 15 min prior to recording) and lignocaine (applied via intra-testicular injection five minutes prior to castration, 2 mL lignocaine hydrochloride 20 mg/mL, Troy/Ilium) (CML, n = 8); (2) castration only (C, n = 8); (3) sham castration, handling only (SC, n = 8). EEG was recorded for 5 mins pre-procedure (prior to any intervention), and for 5 mins post-procedure at 0, 1, 4 and 24 h. Behavioural reactions to the procedure were scored, and behaviours were scan sampled at 5 min intervals at the above time points, by blinded observers. Eye temperature was measured for five-minute intervals at each time point. EEG decreased from baseline to 0 h for CML and C groups (p < 0.001), C group values returned similar to baseline at 24 h. Eye temperature increased post-castration at 0 h for C group, no initial change was seen for CML or SC groups. CML and C groups were more likely to have higher reaction scores and showed more abnormal behaviours (p = 0.017). CML and C groups had similar results, indicating minimal effect of analgesic intervention. Lambs in SC group showed significant EEG changes, suggesting that stress from handling also impacted EEG results.
Evolution of the Gut Microbiota and Its Fermentation Characteristics of Ningxiang Pigs at the Young Stage
Authors: Li Hao , Ma Longteng , Li Zhiqing , Yin Jie , Tan Bie , Chen Jiashun , Jiang Qian , Ma Xiaokang
Published: February 2021

The current study aimed to investigate the evolution of gut microbiota and its influencing factors for NXP in youth. The results showed that Shannon index increased from d 21 to d 28 whereas the ACE index increased from d 21 until d 60. Firmicutes, mainly Lactobacillus dominated on d 21. The Bacteroides and Spirochetes showed highest relative abundance on d 28. Fiber-degrading bacteria, mainly Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Oscillospiraceae_UCG−002, dominated the microbial communities at d 28 and d 35. The microbial communities at d 60 and d 75 contained more Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Terrisporobacter and Oscillospiraceae_UCG−005 than other ages, which had significantly positive correlations with acetate and total SCFAs concentration. In conclusion, the evolution of gut microbiota was mainly adapted to the change of dietary factors during NXP growth. The response of fiber-degrading bacteria at different stages may help NXP better adapt to plant-derived feeds.
In-Depth AGE and ALE Profiling of Human Albumin in Heart Failure: Ex Vivo Studies
Authors: Altomare Alessandra , Baron Giovanna , Balbinot Marta , Fernández Alma , Pedretti Alessandro , Zoanni Beatrice , Brioschi Maura , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Carini Marina , Banfi Cristina , Aldini Giancarlo
Published: February 2021

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and advanced lipoxidation end-products (ALEs), particularly carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), have been largely proposed as factors involved in the establishment and progression of heart failure (HF). Despite this evidence, the current literature lacks the comprehensive identification and characterization of the plasma AGEs/ALEs involved in HF (untargeted approach). This work provides the first ex vivo high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) profiling of AGEs/ALEs occurring in human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma, characterized by several nucleophilic sites and thus representing the main protein substrate for AGE/ALE formation. A set of AGE/ALE adducts in pooled HF-HSA samples was defined, and a semi-quantitative analysis was carried out in order to finally select those presenting in increased amounts in the HF samples with respect to the control condition. These adducts were statistically confirmed by monitoring their content in individual HF samples by applying a targeted approach. Selected AGEs/ALEs proved to be mostly CML derivatives on Lys residues (i.e., CML-Lys12, CML-Lys378, CML-Lys402), and one deoxy-fructosyl derivative on the Lys 389 (DFK-Lys 389). The nature of CML adducts was finally confirmed using immunological methods and in vitro production of such adducts further confirmed by mass spectrometry.
Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SELENBP1) Supports Hydrogen Sulfide Biosynthesis and Adipogenesis
Authors: Randi Elisa B. , Casili Giovanna , Jacquemai Simona , Szabo Csaba
Published: February 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a mammalian gasotransmitter, is involved in the regulation of a variety of fundamental processes including intracellular signaling, cellular bioenergetics, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) are currently considered the three principal mammalian H2S-generating enzymes. However, recently, a fourth H2S-producing enzyme, selenium-binding-protein 1 (SELENBP1), has also been identified. The cellular regulatory role(s) of SELENBP1 are incompletely understood. The current study investigated whether SELENBP1 plays a role in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation in vitro. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with or without SELENBP1 knock-down were subjected to differentiation-inducing conditions, and H2S production, cellular lipid accumulation, cell proliferation, and mitochondrial activity were quantified. Adipocyte differentiation was associated with an upregulation of H2S biosynthesis. SELENBP1 silencing decreased cellular H2S levels, suppressed the expression of the three “classical” H2S-producing enzymes (CBS, CSE, and 3-MST) and significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation. Treatment of SELENBP1 knock-down cells with the H2S donor GYY4137 partially restored lipid accumulation, increased cellular H2S levels, and exerted a bell-shaped effect on cellular bioenergetics (enhancement at 1 and 3 mM, and inhibition at 6 mM). We conclude that SELENBP1 in adipocytes (1) contributes to H2S biosynthesis and (2) acts as an endogenous stimulator of adipocyte differentiation.
Fast-Scale Instability and Stabilization by Adaptive Slope Compensation of a PV-Fed Differential Boost Inverter
Authors: El Aroudi Abdelali , Debbat Mohamed , Al-Numay Mohammed , Abouloiafa Abdelmajid
Published: February 2021

Numerical simulations reveal that a single-stage differential boost AC module supplied from a PV module under an Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control at the input DC port and with current synchronization at the AC grid port might exhibit bifurcation phenomena under some weather conditions leading to subharmonic oscillation at the fast-switching scale. This paper will use discrete-time approach to characterize such behavior and to identify the onset of fast-scale instability. Slope compensation is used in the inner current loop to improve the stability of the system. The compensation slope values needed to guarantee stability for the full range of operating duty cycle and leading to an optimal deadbeat response are determined. The validity of the followed procedures is finally validated by a numerical simulations performed on a detailed circuit-level switched model of the AC module.
Low-Temperature and Low-Pressure Silicon Nitride Deposition by ECR-PECVD for Optical Waveguides
Authors: Bonneville Dawson B. , Miller Jeremy W. , Smyth Caitlin , Mascher Peter , Bradley Jonathan D. B.
Published: February 2021

We report on low-temperature and low-pressure deposition conditions of 140 °C and 1.5 mTorr, respectively, to achieve high-optical quality silicon nitride thin films. We deposit the silicon nitride films using an electron cyclotron resonance plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (ECR-PECVD) chamber with Ar-diluted SiH4, and N2 gas. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to determine the thickness and refractive index of the silicon nitride films, which ranged from 300 to 650 nm and 1.8 to 2.1 at 638 nm, respectively. We used Rutherford backscattering spectrometry to determine the chemical composition of the films, including oxygen contamination, and elastic recoil detection to characterize the removal of hydrogen after annealing. The as-deposited films are found to have variable relative silicon and nitrogen compositions with significant oxygen content and hydrogen incorporation of 10–20 and 17–21%, respectively. Atomic force microscopy measurements show a decrease in root mean square roughness after annealing for a variety of films. Prism coupling measurements show losses as low as 1.3, 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.1 dB/cm at 638, 980 and 1550 nm, respectively, without the need for post-process annealing. Based on this study, we find that the as-deposited ECR-PECVD SiOxNy:Hz films have a suitable thickness, refractive index and optical loss for their use in visible and near-infrared integrated photonic devices.
In-Situ Testing of Methane Emissions from Landfills Using Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: He Haijie , Gao Shiyi , Hu Jie , Zhang Tie , Wu Tao , Qiu Zhanhong , Zhang Chensheng , Sun Yaoran , He Sailing
Published: February 2021

Field monitoring of methane emissions from landfills is of great importance for both environmental concern and economic benefit. This study presents a highly effective method to measure methane emissions from landfills based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). Methane concentration is obtained by analyzing the absorption spectrum of the laser after passing through the landfill gas. The relationship between methane concentration and the optical signal was calibrated in the laboratory. As the methane concentration increased from 400 ppm to 5000 ppm, the absorption spectrum amplitude increased linearly from 0.0005 to 0.0046. In situ testing of methane emissions at a large-scale landfill in China demonstrated the accuracy of the TDLAS method. The methane concentrations in the well-covered areas were generally below 100 ppm. In the working area or the coverage area with holes, the methane concentration was about 700 ppm. The methane concentration was up to 1900 ppm, where the gas collection pipe is disconnected. Due to to the accuracy and simplicity, the TDLAS method is suitable to detect methane emissions on a large-scale from landfills.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Combined with Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscopy—A Practical Guideline
Authors: James Jeemol , Enger Jonas , Ericson Marica B.
Published: February 2021

Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPM) has opened up an optical window into biological tissues; however, imaging is primarily qualitative. Cell morphology and tissue architectures can be clearly visualized but quantitative analysis of actual concentration and fluorophore distribution is indecisive. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a highly sensitive photophysical methodology employed to study molecular parameters such as diffusion characteristics on the single molecule level. In combination with laser scanning microscopy, and MPM in particular, FCS has been referred to as a standard and highly useful tool in biomedical research to study diffusion and molecular interaction with subcellular precision. Despite several proof-of-concept reports on the topic, the implementation of MPM-FCS is far from straightforward. This practical guideline aims to clarify the conceptual principles and define experimental operating conditions when implementing MPM-FCS. Validation experiments in Rhodamine solutions were performed on an experimental MPM-FCS platform investigating the effects of objective lens, fluorophore concentration and laser power. An approach based on analysis of time-correlated single photon counting data is presented. It is shown that the requirement of high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses is a primary limitation that restricts field of view, working distance and concentration range. Within these restrictions the data follows the predicted theory of Poisson distribution. The observed dependence on laser power is understood in the context of perturbation on the effective focal volume. In addition, a novel interpretation of the effect on measured diffusion time is presented. Overall, the challenges and limitations observed in this study reduce the versatility of MPM-FCS targeting biomedical research in complex and deep tissue—being the general strength of MPM in general. However, based on the systematic investigations and fundamental insights this report can serve as a practical guide and inspire future research, potentially overcoming the technical limitations and ultimately allowing MPM-FCS to become a highly useful tool in biomedical research.
Effects of Compost Amendment on Glycophyte and Halophyte Crops Grown on Saline Soils: Isolation and Characterization of Rhizobacteria with Plant Growth Promoting Features and High Salt Resistance
Authors: Castiglione Stefano , Oliva Gianmaria , Vigliotta Giovanni , Novello Giorgia , Gamalero Elisa , Lingua Guido , Cicatelli Angela , Guarino Francesco
Published: February 2021

Soil salinization and desertification due to climate change are the most relevant challenges for the agriculture of the 21st century. Soil compost amendment and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGP-R) are valuable tools to mitigate salinization and desertification impacts on agricultural soils. Selection of novel halo/thermo-tolerant bacteria from the rhizosphere of glicophytes and halophytes, grown on soil compost amended and watered with 150/300 mM NaCl, was the main objective of our study. Beneficial effects on the biomass, well-being and resilience, exerted on the assayed crops (maize, tomato, sunflower and quinoa), were clearly observable when soils were amended with 20% compost despite the very high soil electric conductivity (EC). Soil compost amendment not only was able to increase crop growth and biomass, but also their resilience to the stress caused by very high soil EC (up to 20 dS m−1). Moreover, compost amendment has proved itself a valuable source of highly halo-(4.0 M NaCl)/thermo tolerant rhizobacteria (55 °C), showing typical PGP features. Among the 13 rhizobacterial isolates, molecularly and biochemically characterized, two bacterial strains showed several biochemical PGP features. The use of compost is growing all around the world reducing considerably for farmers soil fertilization costs. In fact, only in Italy its utilization has ensured, in the last years, a saving of 650 million euro for the farmers, without taking into account the environment and human health benefits. Furthermore, the isolation of halo/thermo-tolerant PGPR strains and their use will allow the recovery and cultivation of hundreds of thousands of hectares of saline and arid soils now unproductive, making agriculture more respectful of agro-ecosystems also in view of upcoming climate change.
Evaluation of the Occurrence of Phthalates in Plastic Materials Used in Food Packaging
Authors: Perestrelo Rosa , Silva Catarina L. , Algarra Manuel , Câmara José S.
Published: February 2021

Phthalates are multifunctional synthetic chemicals found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, mainly used to improve the mechanical properties of plastics, giving them flexibility and softness. In the European Union, phthalates are prohibited at levels greater than 0.1% by weight in most food packaging. In the current study, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was optimized, through the multivariate optimization process, and validated to evaluate the occurrence of four common phthalates, di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), and 2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl (BDE), in different food packaging. The best extraction efficiency was achieved using the polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber at 80 °C for 30 min. The validated method showed good linearity, precision (RSD < 13%), and recoveries (90.2 to 111%). The limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.03 to 0.08 µg/L and from 0.10 to 0.24 µg/L, respectively. On average, the phthalates concentration varied largely among the assayed food packaging. DIBP was the most predominant phthalate in terms of occurrence (71.4% of analyzed simples) and concentration (from 3.61 to 10.7 μg/L). BBP was quantified in only one sample and BDE was detected in trace amounts (<LOQ) in only two samples.