bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Day Trojan Horse
Authors: Sina Zahra , Abdullahi Nadia
Published: May 2020

Personal hygiene products are used on a daily basis by many people. Many are comparable to the Trojan horse. On the outside, they appear to be harmless. They are contained in attractive bottles and they rely on misleading ads to attract consumers. However, these products may contain potentially harmful chemicals and many people are unaware of how individuals, societies and environments are affected in the various stages of the life cycle of many personal hygiene products. Our STSE issue deals with an everyday product that falls under the Trojan horse analogy–lotion. We are concerned that our peers and other young adults are purchasing lotions without the knowledge of how they came to stand on the shelves of a store. We conducted a correlation study between gender and popular lotion brands among teenagers and the reasons behind their choices. We came to the conclusion that more females than males were interested in popular lotion brands due to enticing features that targets mainly feminine interests (e.g. scent is an aspect of lotion that more females than males consider when purchasing the brand). For our actions, we prepared an educational mind-map on our issue and a video compilation where we interviewed female students on their reactions to various lotion brand commercials. Our actions are meant to inform the public about the controversies surrounding our issue and the techniques companies use to gain the attention of potential consumers.
Addressing the Issue of Underrepresentation of Women in Chemistry
Authors: Kamal Asalat , Kang Michael , Mong Benjamin
Published: May 2020

We conducted a study in two different high schools in Mississauga to see if there was a correlation between gender and interest to study Chemistry after high school. A vast number of adolescent females reported no interest in studying Chemistry (65%) compared to adolescent males (26%). Our research suggests that disproportionally of women to men in Chemistry may originate as early as high school. We recommend that high school Science/Chemistry curriculum must be more inclusive to help young girls develop an interest in Chemistry, and Science in general. Teachers must combat stereotypes in the classrooms and introduce young women to more female role models in Science/Chemistry to empower them to pursue Chemistry in post-secondary years.
Student-led Research-informed Actions on Socio-scientific Issues
Authors: Krstovic Mirjan
Published: May 2020

This is the first issue of JASTE that features articles by secondary school science students regarding their educated research-informed and negotiated action projects to overcome harms they perceive in relationships among fields of science & technology and societies & environments.
Applying A* Algorithm in routing for Inter-Terminal Transport System at Busan Port
Authors: Nguyen D.A. , Le Ngoc Bao Long
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a heuristic approach named A* algorithm to find shortest route for Inter-Terminal Transport Monorail System (ITT system) that are being applied in Busan Port (Korea). In every transport system, vehicle routing and task assignment are significant problems that affects strongly the overall system’s efficiency, especially the travel cost and the time taking. The proposed ITT system will use shuttles to carry containers along a monorail that links the internal terminals. A* algorithm is used to guide the shuttles in a shortest way automatically from a known loading position to a designated unloading one. In the first part of the paper, we will describe briefly about the ITT system that being considered in Korea. Next, we will explain why and how we implement A* algorithm in dispatching. Finally, we will give some comparisons between performances of new ITT system and traditional transport system through simulation in MATLAB.
Locked in Rage
Authors: Taransaud David
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the parallels between the perceptual world of people who have had a stroke and are "locked-in" their own bodies and the world of love-starved adolescents who have enclosed themselves in an illusion of superiority.

Taransaud argues that it is only through compassion that suffering is released and transformed. He demonstrates that regardless of the protective walls emotionally wounded young people have built around their hurts, the focusing of one's tender thoughts on another can free the love-seeking parts of the self. Most importantly he shows that in order to develop an empathic presence and a compassionate heart we first need to reacquaint ourselves with our own lockedin emotions. For it is only once we have rediscovered all that is deep within us, and provided the unloved parts of ourselves with all that we have been denied but still long for, that we will be able to reach the locked-in child in ourselves and in others.
Correlational Study of Breast Cancer with Age, Marital and Socio-Economic Status in Women Using Clinical Data from Selected Hospitals in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ekerikevwe Kennedy Irikefe , Odior Anthony K.
Published: May 2020

Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. The morbidity of breast cancer has eaten up lots of women in the society today. This study, therefore, attempts to examine the relationship between the clinical episodes of breast cancer with age, marital and socio-economic status in women using data from selected hospitals in southern Nigeria. Reviews of medical records of 100 women with breast cancer from four randomly selected public hospitals in the southern part of Nigeria were made. The clinical episode of breast cancer of the 100 patients in the four hospitals were observed and documented for statistical analysis. The data collected include the bio-data, age, marital and socio-economic status of patients with breast cancer. The results of the Pearson’s correlation show that breast cancer is highly correlated with marital status, positively related with the present age of attack, negatively correlated with age at first birth and negatively correlated with women socio-economic status. The result collaborates a previous study made by Halabi and Bondy (2014). The study concluded that age and marital status are major risk factors of incidence of breast cancer among women in southern Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that there should be a better focused health education, marriage before sex orientation and other preventive strategies for Nigerian women and that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), should as a matter of urgency, incorporates women with breast malignancy into the scheme for adequate care, palliatives and stimulus. There should be adequate awareness about the disease and access to health care facilities for women in southern Nigeria to carry out routine check for lumps in their breast.
A Case Study in PT. XYZ: Aligning Capacity of Information Technology Human Resources in the Headquarter and Subsidiary Office using IT Governance Framework
Authors: Asmoro Andy
Published: May 2020

In this paper will be explained about a Multi Nationed Company which have many branch office around the world and the company has developed and implemented a new approach to strategic planning that better aligns all activities and competency with the corporate bussines goals. Information Technology employee has to improve their knowledge and competency regarding to technology innovation (C. Casado-Lumbreras, 2013). Hopefully this paper could be the initial framework to realize Capacity Building for Information Technology Resources  in companies or any other agencies.
Implementing Website Design Based on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Checklist to Increase Web Popularity
Authors: Harto Agus Budi
Published: May 2020

One way to increase website popularity is by increasing the user's visit to the website. Search Engine Optimization is a popular concept to increase website popularity or page ranking of a website in search engine, but not many designer know on how to implement the concept so their website popularity could not be controlled. This research aims to create a template based on checklist created from SEO concept. Evaluation is done by comparing website page ranking that created based on this checklist and not. The result of this research is the website popularity ranking which implement SEO design is higher.
Building Data Mining Decision Tree Model for Predicting Employee Performance
Authors: Mellisa Ira
Published: May 2020

Human resource is one of the functions of a company that is considered as an asset. Therefo re, the theory of performance qualificat ion was adopted by the company in order to get an overview of employee performance. Furthermore, the company needs an effective method to predict the performance not only for the employees but also for the new applic ants. The goals of this research are to get a decision tree model of the employee performance. By learning employee data, the performance of the new applicants could be predicted. The study would provide the characteristic of new applicants who will give better performance than other applicants . The data from a company in Indonesia will have been used for this research. The data mining technique will be applied to the data of operators (such as admins, clerks, cashiers, machine operators, and security offi cers). The data mining technique was use d is decision tree. The decision tree technique was commonly used for a supervised learning data. The decision tree technique also has advantages compared others, because of its ability to produce information that is easy to understand. The result of this research shown the high dependency of employee performance with employment type (work contract). It also means that employees are encouraged to provide good performance to the company if those employees have become p ermanent employees. This research also showed that there is no relationship between employee performances with gender or position grade.
Online Expedition Services System for Customer at XYZ Ltd.
Authors: Dina Nasa Zata , Sabilla Wilda Imama , Handoyo Irvandy
Published: May 2020

XYZ Ltd. is an expedition company that uses container ships and container trucks as transportation modes. There are three business process transactions that are carried out by the company, i.e. customer registration, ordering expedition services, and payment expedition services. Currently, all business process transactions are carried out manually, so process automation is needed in order for the business processes to run more effectively and efficiently. For this purpose, an Online Expedition Services Customer Service Information System was proposed to be built. This system consists of three main processes, namely the customer registration process, the customer order process, and the payment process and report generation. XYZ Ltd. Customer Service Information System was built following the waterfall development model. The stages of system development consist of five stages, namely planning, requirements analysis, database, and interface design, implementation of program code writing and testing and system maintenance. In implementing and testing the system, whole system requirements have been checked; the three main business processes in the proposed online system were running precisely, effectively and efficiently.
Thermoelectric Transport Properties of N-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 Compound Prepared by Oxide-Reduction Process
Authors: Lim Young Soo , Park Bae Gun , Lee Gil-Geun
Published: May 2020

We report the thermoelectric transport properties of n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 compounds prepared by oxide-reduction process. The oxide-reduction process is a recently developed method that can synthesize Bi2Te3-based compounds using only oxide starting materials, which is advantageous in terms of the diversity of the starting materials and cost efficiency. In this study, starting materials of Bi2O3,TeO2 and SeO2 were ball-milled for homogenous mixing, and then oxidized to prepare mixed oxide powders. The mixed oxide powders were reduced at different reduction temperatures (573, 603, 633 and 663 K) for 7 h under hydrogen atmosphere. A single phase of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 could be achieved when the reduction temperature was higher than 603 K, and the shape of the particles changed from granules to flakes with increasing reduction temperature. Furthermore, the formation of antisite defects of BiSe was promoted by increasing reduction temperature, which strongly affected the electrical and thermal transport properties of the Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 compounds, which were prepared by spark plasma sintering of the reduced powders. The anisotropic microstructures in the sintered bodies were significantly influenced by the shape of the reduced powders, which was also controlled by the reduction temperature. The thermoelectric transport properties were characterized at room temperature, and the detailed effects of the reduction temperature on these properties are discussed in terms of the anisotropic microstructure and antisite defects.
Using mushroom-forming fungi in preventing and reducing mycotoxins in cereal products
Authors: Savoie Jean-Michel , Mata Gerardo , Atanasova Penichon Vessela , Foulonge-Oriol Marie
Published: May 2020

Background: Biological control for cereal diseases caused by mycotoxigenic fungi is part of the alternative methods to be developed to secure food and feed production, recognizing the negative effects these fungi have on crop yield and their potential production of mycotoxins.

Objective: Update recent knowledge about the potential of mushroom-forming fungi as biological control agents of mycotoxigenic fungi species, acting as antagonists on crop debris, as source of active extracts with antifungal and/or antimycotoxin properties and as detoxifying agents in solid-state fermentation processes of contaminated cereals.

Methods: A literature review of the published works was carried out, the main topics were analyzed, as well as the species with the greatest potential of biological control agents of mycotoxingenic fungi.

Results and conclusions: Mushroom forming fungi could be used as antagonists on crop debris or grains, as sources of active extracts with antifungal and/or antimycotoxin properties, and as detoxifying agents. An integration of these three potentials gives rise to an environment friendly process for production of both safe grains and edible mushrooms.
Attention in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Machine Learning
Authors: Lindsay Grace W.
Published: May 2020

Attention is the important ability to flexibly control limited computational resources. It has been studied in conjunction with many other topics in neuroscience and psychology including awareness, vigilance, saliency, executive control, and learning. It has also recently been applied in several domains in machine learning. The relationship between the study of biological attention and its use as a tool to enhance artificial neural networks is not always clear. This review starts by providing an overview of how attention is conceptualized in the neuroscience and psychology literature. It then covers several use cases of attention in machine learning, indicating their biological counterparts where they exist. Finally, the ways in which artificial attention can be further inspired by biology for the production of complex and integrative systems is explored.
Mid-Term Impact of Climate Change on Hazelnut Yield
Authors: An Nazan , Turp Mustafa Tufan , Türkeş Murat , Kurnaz Mehmet Levent
Published: May 2020

The impacts of climate change on hazelnut production in Turkey—the world’s largest producer and exporter—may significantly affect the global hazelnut market depending on production and yield change. In this paper, based on gridded climate data with a 10-km horizontal resolution from regional climate model RegCM4.4 under the RCP8.5 business-as-usual scenario, multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate yield change for the period of 2021–2050. We examined a total of 88 different locations and three phenological growth stages. We observed that hazelnut yield exhibits considerable variability depending on the phenological and sub-regional and the microclimate conditions in the humid-temperate Black Sea and the semi-humid Marmara regions. Until the middle of the century, we project that hazelnut yield will decrease up to 13% in approximately half of the current production areas. In addition, the fact that the majority of the decreases will be observed in the eastern Black Sea sub-region will cause hazelnut quality to be adversely affected. These findings are highly relevant in the context of regional development and trade in Turkey, and hazelnut processing and manufacturing sectors abroad.
The Effects of Root Temperature on Growth, Physiology, and Accumulation of Bioactive Compounds of Agastache rugosa
Authors: Lam Vu Phong , Kim Sung Jin , Bok Gwon Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Park Jong Seok
Published: May 2020

Plants respond to root temperature stresses by producing antioxidants as a defense mechanism. Since a number of these are phytochemicals with enhancing effects on human health, we examined the effects of 4 root-zone temperature (RZT) treatments (10, 20, 28, and 36 °C) on plant growth and the main bioactive compound concentrations in each organ of Agastache rugosa plants. We aimed to determine the optimal RZT treatment to increase bioactive compound concentrations with no deleterious effects on plant growth. Four-week-old seedlings were grown in a plant factory for 32 days. Nine plant growth parameters, namely, shoot and root fresh weights, stem and root lengths, leaf length and leaf width, leaf area, and shoot and root dry weights were significantly decreased at 10 and 36 °C compared with other treatments. A similar pattern was observed for the chlorophyll content and leaf gas exchange parameters. Of all the RZT treatments, RZT at 28 °C produced the significantly greatest accumulation of two major bioactive compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid (RA) and tilianin contents per the A. rugosa plant, and had no adverse effects on the overall growth of A. rugosa. This supports the use of 28 °C RZT to successfully improve the bioactive compounds with no adverse influence on plant growth or yield.
Phytohormone Profiles of Lettuce and Pepper Grown Aeroponically with Elevated Root-Zone Carbon Dioxide Concentrations
Authors: Leibar-Porcel Estibaliz , McAinsh Martin R. , Dodd Ian C.
Published: May 2020

Enhancing root-zone (RZ) dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) levels of plants grown aeroponically can increase biomass accumulation but may also alter phytohormone profiles in planta. These experiments investigated how CO2 gas (1500 ppm) added to an aeroponic system affected phytohormone concentrations of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. Phytohormonal profiling of root and leaf tissues revealed a solitary treatment difference in lettuce plants, an increased shoot jasmonic acid (JA) concentration under elevated RZ CO2. Since JA is considered a growth inhibitor, growth promotion of lettuce under elevated RZ CO2 does not seem related to its phytohormone profile. On the other hand, pepper plants showed changes in foliar phytohormone (aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, ACC, trans-zeatin, tZ and salicylic acid, SA) concentrations, which were correlated with decreased leaf growth in some experiments. Foliar accumulation of ACC alongside decreased leaf tZ concentrations may mask a positive effect of elevated RZ CO2 on pepper growth. Diverse phytohormone responses to elevated RZ CO2 between different species may be involved in their different growth responses.
Cover Crop as Living Mulch: Effects on Energy Flows in Mediterranean Organic Cropping Systems
Authors: Montemurro Francesco , Persiani Alessandro , Diacono Mariangela
Published: May 2020

Sustainability of agricultural practices is one of the most important issues in organic agriculture and its assessment is crucial. To this aim, evaluating the balance between the energy inputs and outputs in crop rotations could be a valuable tool. Therefore, we compared different management strategies in a four-year organic cropping system, by estimating the energy balance of crop production. Two different living mulches with no-till (B1) and green manure (B2) were compared with a cropping system without cover crop (B3), performing both energy analysis and energy balance. Energy parameters were also evaluated. The energy input of fertilizers and water was more than 55% of the total energy required by the cropping systems, suggesting that these agronomic practices should be tailored by farmers to decrease total energy inputs. The potential energy output was significantly higher in the B1 than the B2 and B3 cropping systems (20% and 54%, respectively). Results indicated that B1 and B2 could enhance the energy outputs without negatively affecting the energy consumption, since these cropping systems also showed higher energy efficiency. The introduction of the cover crop as living mulch combined with no-till could be a powerful tool to enhance systems sustainability, without compromising the crop yields.
Strategies for Improved Water Use Efficiency (WUE) of Field-Grown Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under a Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Michelon Nicola , Pennisi Giuseppina , Ohn Myint Nang , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Water use efficiency is a main research target in agriculture, which consumes 70% of global freshwater. This study aimed at identifying sustainable water management strategies for the lettuce crop in a semi-arid climate. Three independent experiments were carried out on a commercial variety of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by applying different irrigation levels based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc), estimated through both the Hargreaves–Samani and Penman–Monteith equations. In the first experiment, one treatment was also guided by soil moisture sensors. In the second and third experiments, a factorial combination was used, combining the different irrigation levels with two soil mulching treatments, namely soil without mulch, and soil mulched with dried rice straw residues. The application of different irrigation levels significantly affected plant growth, yield, and physiology. Both the adoption of sensors for guiding irrigation and the application of mulching with straw promoted higher yield. As the irrigation water level was reduced, the WUE (water use efficiency) increased. WUE was also increased by covering the soil with mulch. The experiments point out that accurate management of irrigation water using a drip irrigation system associated with soil mulching increases yield and improves the WUE of lettuce crops in the Central Dry Zone, Myanmar.
The Impact of Herbicide Application and Defoliation on Barley Grass (Hordeum murinum subsp. glaucum) Management in Mixed Pasture Legumes
Authors: Kelly Jane , Chambers Allison , Weston Paul , Brown William , Robinson Wayne , Broster John , Weston Leslie
Published: May 2020

Barley grass (Hordeum murinum subsp. glaucum.) is an annual weed associated with grain revenue loss and sheep carcass damage in southern Australia. Increasing herbicide resistance led to a recent investigation into effective integrated weed management strategies for barley grass in southern Australia. Field studies in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales (NSW) during 2016 and 2017 examined the effect of post-emergent herbicide applications and strategic defoliation by mowing on barley grass survival and seed production in a mixed legume pasture. Statistically significant differences between herbicide-only treatments in both years showed propaquizafop to be more than 98% effective in reducing barley grass survival and seed production. Paraquat was not effective in controlling barley grass (58% efficacy), but led to a 36% and 63.5% decrease in clover and other weed biomass, respectively, after 12 months and increased lucerne biomass by over three-fold after 24 months. A single repeated mowing treatment resulted in a 46% decline in barley grass seedling emergence after 12 months and, when integrated with herbicide applications, reduced other weed biomass after 24 months by 95%. Resistance to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides observed in local barley grass populations led to additional and more focused investigation comparing the efficacy of other pre- and post-emergent herbicides for barley grass management in legume pastures. Haloxyfop-R + simazine or paraquat, applied at early tillering stage, were most efficacious in reducing barley grass survival and fecundity. Impact of defoliation timing and frequency on barley grass seedlings was also evaluated at various population densities, highlighting the efficacy of repeated post-inflorescence defoliations in reducing plant survival and seed production. Results highlight the importance of optimal environmental conditions and application timing in achieving efficacious control of barley grass and improving pasture growth and biomass accumulation.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Cattle Dung and Nutrient Cycling in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems
Authors: Carpinelli Sandoval , da Fonseca Adriel Ferreira , Weirich Neto Pedro Henrique , Dias Santos Henrique Brant , Pontes Laíse da Silveira
Published: May 2020

Residue decomposition from cattle dung is crucial in the nutrient cycling process in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems (ICLS). It also involves the impact of the presence of trees exerted on excreta distribution, as well as nutrient cycling. The objectives of this research included (i) mapping the distribution of cattle dung in two ICLS, i.e., with and without trees, CLT and CL, respectively, and (ii) quantification of dry matter decomposition and nutrient release (nitrogen—N, phosphorus—P, potassium—K, and sulphur—S) from cattle dung in both systems. The cattle dung excluded boxes were set out from July 2018 to October 2018 (pasture phase), and retrieved after 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 84 days (during the grazing period). The initial concentrations of N (~19 g kg−1), P (~9 g kg−1), K (~16 g kg−1), and S (~8 g kg−1) in the cattle dung showed no differences. The total N, P, K and S released from the cattle dung residues were less in the CLT system (2.2 kg ha−1 of N; 0.7 kg ha−1 of P; 2.2 kg ha−1 of K and 0.6 kg ha−1 of S), compared to the CL (4.2 kg ha−1 of N; 1.4 kg ha−1 of P; 3.6 kg ha−1 of K and 1.1 kg ha−1 of S). Lesser quantities of cattle dung were observed in the CLT (1810) compared to the CL (2652), caused by the lower stocking rate, on average, in this system (721 in the CL vs. 393 kg ha−1 in the CLT) because of the reduced amount of pasture in the CLT systems (−41%), probably due to light reduction (−42%). The density of the excreta was determined using the Thiessen polygon area. The CL system revealed a higher concentration of faeces at locations near the water points, gate and fences. The CLT affects the spatial distribution of the dung, causing uniformity. Therefore, these results strengthen the need to understand the nutrient release patterns from cattle dung to progress fertilisation management.
The Effect of Species and Cultivation Year on Phenolic Acids Content in Ancient Wheat
Authors: Barański Marcin , Lacko-Bartošová Magdaléna , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Lacko-Bartošová Lucia
Published: May 2020

During the last decade older (ancient) wheat species, such as spelt (Triticum spelta L.), emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank), and einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) have been recognised as an interesting option to increase the biodiversity of cultivated cereals. The aim of this study was to compare polyphenols content in the ancient species of cereals (including six accessions of spelt, four of emmer, and one of einkorn) cultivated in the three-year controlled plot experiment under organic management. It has been found that the content of almost all free and bound phenolic acids was significantly higher in einkorn than in emmer and spelt wheat species. Moreover, the concentrations of ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids in einkorn and emmer was higher in dry and very warm cultivation years. It is concluded that ancient wheat species, especially einkorn, could be an important source of phenolic acids in the human diet.
Recovery of High Purity Lignin and Digestible Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Using Low Acid-Catalyzed Organosolv Pretreatment
Authors: Mondylaksita Kinanthi , Ferreira Jorge A. , Millati Ria , Budhijanto Wiratni , Niklasson Claes , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: May 2020

The lignocellulosic residue from the palm oil industry, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), represents a challenge to both producing industries and environment due to its disposal difficulties. Alternatively, OPEFB can be used for the production of valuable products if pretreatment methods, which overcome OPEFB recalcitrance and allow tailored valorization of all its carbohydrates and lignin, are developed. Specifically, high-value applications for lignin, to increase its contribution to the feasibility of lignocellulosic biorefineries, demand high-purity fractions. In this study, acid-catalyzed organosolv using ethanol as a solvent was used for the recovery of high-purity lignin and digestible cellulose. Factors including catalyst type and its concentration, temperature, retention time, and solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio were found to influence lignin purity and recovery. At the best conditions (0.07% H2SO4, 210 °C, 90 min, and S/L ratio of 1:10), a lignin purity and recovery of 70.6 ± 4.9% and 64.94 ± 1.09%, respectively, were obtained in addition to the glucan-rich fraction. The glucan-rich fraction showed 94.06 ± 4.71% digestibility within 18 h at an enzyme loading of 30 filter paper units (FPU) /g glucan. Therefore, ethanol organosolv can be used for fractionating OPEFB into three high-quality fractions (glucan, lignin, and hemicellulosic compounds) for further tailored biorefining using low acid concentrations. Especially, the use of ethanol opens the possibility for integration of 1st and 2nd generation ethanol benefiting from the separation of high-purity lignin.
Determining Ion Toxicity in Cucumber under Salinity Stress
Authors: Chen Tsu-Wei , Gomez Pineda Ilka Mabell , Brand Annika Marlen , Stützel Hartmut
Published: May 2020

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), an important vegetable crop, is sensitive to NaCl. Its salinity tolerance can be improved by grafting onto pumpkin rootstocks, which restricts the uptake of Na+, but not of Cl−. Although Na+ seems to be more toxic than Cl− in cucumber, tissue tolerance to Na+ and Cl− is still unclear. In this study, a mixed-salt experiment, designed for equal osmolarity and equimolar concentrations of ions between treatments, was conducted using cucumber genotypes “Aramon” and “Line-759,” which are different in Na+ and Cl− exclusion. This combination of treatments generated various patterns of ion concentrations in leaves for deriving the response curves of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance to ion concentrations. In both cultivars, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were sensitive to leaf Na+ concentration but insensitive to Cl− concentration. In these genotypes, tissue tolerance to Na+ varied independently of Na+ exclusion. Grafting “Aramon” onto pumpkin rootstock modified the Na+/Cl− ratio in leaves, reduced Na+ uptake, enhanced K+ transport towards the young leaves, and induced Cl− recirculation to the old leaves. These results suggest that (1) cucumber cannot restrict the Na+ accumulation in leaves but is able to avoid overaccumulation of Cl−, and (2) pumpkin rootstock regulates the recirculation of K+ and Cl−, but not Na+.
Sewage Sludge as a Soil Amendment for Growing Biomass Plant Arundo donax L.
Authors: Gubišová Marcela , Horník Miroslav , Hrčková Katarína , Gubiš Jozef , Jakubcová Andrea , Hudcovicová Martina , Ondreičková Katarína
Published: May 2020

Sewage sludge (SS) is a waste originated from wastewater treatment that could be considered an interesting source of organic matter and nutrients for agricultural production. Our experiments aimed to assess the effect of SS on the growth parameters and the biomass yield of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) plants. Experiments were carried out in pots during two growing seasons, where samples of dried SS were applied in doses of 5 or 15 t ha−1. The number of shoots per plant was significantly higher with the application of 5 t ha−1 of SS into arable soil compared to the control treatment and did not increase with the dose of SS. On the other hand, the height of the plants was gradually elevated with the dose of SS. The diameter of the shoots was positively affected by the dose of 15 t ha−1, and it was the only parameter with significant differences between the used types of SS. The biomass yield increased by 1.2–2.7× depending on the type and dose of SS. Cu and Zn uptake, as micronutrients present in SS, and their accumulation in the aboveground parts were significantly higher for plants cultivated in the presence of SS.
Physiological State of Therapy Dogs during Animal-Assisted Activities in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Clark Stephanie D. , Martin François , McGowan Ragen T.S. , Smidt Jessica M. , Anderson Rachel , Wang Lei , Turpin Tricia , Langenfeld-McCoy Natalie , Bauer Brent A. , Mohabbat Arya B.
Published: May 2020

Therapy dogs are increasingly being incorporated into numerous clinical settings. However, there are only a handful of studies that have focused on the impact of animal-assisted activity or therapy sessions on the wellbeing of the therapy dogs. Furthermore, these studies show mixed results. The goal of this study was to provide an in-depth picture of the effects of these interactions on the dogs involved by considering multiple physiological measures known to be associated with emotional state (continuous heart rate, heart rate variability, pre- and post-session tympanic membrane temperatures, and salivary cortisol and oxytocin concentrations). Nineteen Mayo Clinic Caring Canine therapy dogs completed five 20-minute animal-assisted activity (AAA) visits each in an outpatient clinical setting (Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic). From a physiological perspective, the dogs showed a neutral to positive response to the AAA sessions. Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower at the end of the session compared with the beginning of the session (F = 17.26, df1 = 1, df2 = 29.7, p = 0.0003). The right tympanic membrane temperature was lower post-session (F = 8.87, df1 = 1, df2 = 107, p = 0.003). All other emotional indicators remained stable between pre- and post-session. These results suggest that the dogs involved were not negatively affected by their participation in the AAA. Moreover, there was some evidence suggesting the dogs may have been in a more relaxed state at the end of the session (lower HR and lower right tympanic membrane temperature) compared to the beginning of the session.
Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) Expression in Healthy Dog Tears
Authors: Lamagna Barbara , Ciaramella Paolo , Lamagna Francesco , Di Loria Antonio , Brunetti Arturo , Pelagalli Alessandra
Published: May 2020

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of thirteen membrane proteins that play an essential role in the transport of fluids across the cell plasma membrane. Recently, the expression of AQPs in different ocular tissues and their involvement in the pathophysiology of eye diseases, have garnered attention. Considering that literature on AQP expression in the lacrimal glands and their secretion is scarce, we aimed to characterise AQP1 expression in the tears of healthy dogs using two tear collection methods (Schirmer tear strips (STS) and ophthalmic sponges (OS)). Fifteen healthy dogs, free of ophthalmic diseases, were included in the study. Tear collection was performed by using STS in one eye and OS in the other. After the extraction of proteins from the tears, the expression of AQP1 was analysed by Western blotting. AQP1 was expressed as a band of 28 kDa. In addition, differences were observed in the expression of AQP1 and in the correlation between tear volume and protein concentration, in tears collected by the two different methods. Our results suggest that AQP1 has a specific role in tear secretion; further research is required to assess its particular role in the function of the ocular surface in eye physiology and pathology.
Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Bilberry and Walnut Leaves Powder on the Digestive Performances and Health of Tetra SL Laying Hens
Authors: Popescu Roua Gabriela , Voicu Sorina Nicoleta , Gradisteanu Pircalabioru Gratiela , Ciceu Alina , Gharbia Sami , Hermenean Anca , Georgescu Sergiu Emil , Panaite Tatiana Dumitra , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of two additives at the final concentration of 0.5% bilberry (E1) and 1% walnut (E2) leaves powder in the basal diet on digestive health of hens. A total number of 90 Tetra SL hens were divided into two experimental groups (E1 and E2) and one control group (C) consisting of 30 hens each. After four weeks, 10 hens of each group were sacrificed and tissue samples and intestinal content were taken from the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum in order to perform histological, enzymatic, and microbiota analyses. In groups E1 and E2, the histological analysis showed a significant increase of villus height, resulting probably in increased absorption of nutrients in duodenum and jejunum. A decrease in the specific activity of alpha-amylase and trypsin in E1 and E2 for both duodenum and jejunum compared to the control one was also recorded. In addition, the maltase and invertase specific activity in duodenum increased, a tendency that was kept for maltase but not for invertase in jejunum. The cecal microbiota of E1 and E2 individuals was characterized by an increase of Firmicutes and Lactobacilli and a decrease of Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, our results indicate that bilberry and walnut leaves additives in feed may improve the health status of the poultry gastrointestinal tract.
Effect of N-Methylacetamide Concentration and Thawing Rate on Chicken Sperm Quality after Cryopreservation
Authors: Mosca Fabio , Zaniboni Luisa , Abdel Sayed Ahmad , Iaffaldano Nicolaia , Soglia Dominga , Schiavone Achille , Cerolini Silvia
Published: May 2020

In seeking alternative cryoprotectants to glycerol for a reference chicken semen freezing procedure, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two concentrations of N-Methylacetamide (MA) and two thawing rates on the quality of frozen-thawed semen. Semen samples were diluted in Lake pre-freezing extender, including 0.1 M trehalose in presence of 6% or 9% MA, loaded into straws, frozen in nitrogen vapors, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The following thawing treatments were used: 5 °C for 100 s and 38 °C for 30 s. Sperm quality (cell membrane integrity, motility and kinetic parameters) was assessed before and after cryopreservation. The decrease of MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved sperm quality after freezing/thawing and this effect was dependent on thawing temperature. Decreasing the MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved the proportion of undamaged membrane, motile, and progressive motile sperm recovered after thawing at 5 °C for 100 s; in contrast, no effect of the MA concentration was observed thawing at 38 °C for 30 s. Therefore, the treatment with 6% MA and thawing at 5 °C for 100 s has given the best cryoprotective action. These results contribute to improve the efficacy of the current chicken semen cryopreservation procedures.
The Health and Welfare of Pigs from the Perspective of Post Mortem Findings in Slaughterhouses
Authors: Vecerek Vladimir , Voslarova Eva , Semerad Zbynek , Passantino Annamaria
Published: May 2020

The health and welfare of pigs was evaluated on the basis of the data on patho-anatomic findings obtained during the veterinary examination of pigs slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2017. High numbers of lesions in organs found especially in lungs (finisher pigs 41%, sows 24% and piglets 52%), kidneys (finisher pigs 14%, sows 32% and piglets 15%) and liver (finisher pigs 12%, sows 18% and piglets 19 %) indicate impaired health and welfare of pigs transported for slaughter. The differences in the number of findings between finisher pigs, sows and piglets were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The character of most findings was chronic, which document health and welfare problems occurring on farms as a result of the current pig husbandry. However, acute findings were also detected and indicated processes occurring shortly before and during transport to the slaughterhouse. An important finding is the incidence of parasitic lesions in the liver in finisher pigs (finisher pigs 4%, sows 1% and piglets 1%) that documents persistent occurrence of parasitic invasions on pig farms. Findings of traumatic lesions on limbs in sows and piglets (finisher pigs 0.08%, sows 0.14% and piglets 0.15%) are far below the frequency of the findings in organs; however, their incidence should be further reduced by adjusting the technology of housing, transport and handling. In conclusion, the level of health and related welfare of pigs based on the assessment of post mortem findings in the slaughterhouses vary. Overall, the worst situation is in piglets, followed by sows and the best evaluated are finisher pigs. Post mortem inspection revealed significant numbers of patho-anatomic changes even in pigs considered fit to be transported to the slaughterhouse and slaughtered for human consumption. It is clear that there is still a considerable space for improving the level of health and welfare of the individual categories of pigs.
Toxicity of Carbon, Silicon, and Metal-Based Nanoparticles to the Hemocytes of Three Marine Bivalves
Authors: Pikula Konstantin , Chaika Vladimir , Zakharenko Alexander , Savelyeva Anastasia , Kirsanova Irina , Anisimova Anna , Golokhvast Kirill
Published: May 2020

Nanoparticles (NPs) have broad applications in medicine, cosmetics, optics, catalysis, environmental purification, and other areas nowadays. With increasing annual production of NPs, the risks of their harmful influence on the environment and human health are also increasing. Currently, our knowledge about the mechanisms of the interaction between NPs and living organisms is limited. The marine species and their habitat environment are under continuous stress owing to the anthropogenic activities, which result in the release of NPs in the aquatic environment. We used a bioassay model with hemocytes of three bivalve mollusc species, namely, Crenomytilus grayanus, Modiolus modiolus, and Arca boucardi, to evaluate the toxicity of 10 different types of NPs. Specifically, we compared the cytotoxic effects and cell-membrane polarization changes in the hemocytes exposed to carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, silicon nanotubes, cadmium and zinc sulfides, Au-NPs, and TiO2 NPs. Viability and the changes in hemocyte membrane polarization were measured by the flow cytometry method. The highest aquatic toxicity was registered for metal-based NPs, which caused cytotoxicity to the hemocytes of all the studied bivalve species. Our results also highlighted different sensitivities of the used tested mollusc species to specific NPs.
Effect of Feeding Adaptation of Italian Simmental Cows before Summer Grazing on Animal Behavior and Milk Characteristics
Authors: Corazzin Mirco , Berlese Monica , Sturaro Enrico , Ramanzin Maurizio , Gallo Luigi , Aprea Eugenio , Gasperi Flavia , Gianelle Damiano , Bovolenta Stefano
Published: May 2020

According to the alpine transhumance system, dairy cows are moved from indoor feeding with conserved forage to fresh herbage feeding on pasture. The aim of this study was to assess, as a feeding adaptation technique, the effect of a gradual inclusion of fresh herbage in the diet of Italian Simmental dairy cows before their transfer to alpine pasture on performance, behavior, and milk characteristics. Eighteen cows were assigned to three groups: animals transferred to alpine pasture with a 10-d feeding adaptation period consisting in gradual access to a pasture close to the valley farm (GT), animals transferred to alpine pasture without a feeding adaptation period (AT), and animals kept in the valley farm (IND). During the first two weeks of summer grazing, GT and AT showed higher rumination time and different concentrations of ketones, hydrocarbons, organic acids, toluene, alcohols, phenols, and dimethyl sulfone in milk as compared to IND, whereas no differences were found in milk yield, composition, or coagulation properties. No differences between GT and AT were evident for the studied variables. The feeding adaptation technique used in this study did not influence the performance and milk characteristics of Italian Simmental dairy cows grazing on alpine pasture.
Ensiling Process in Commercial Bales of Horticultural By-Products from Artichoke and Broccoli
Authors: Monllor Paula , Romero Gema , Muelas Raquel , Sandoval-Castro Carlos A. , Sendra Esther , Díaz José Ramón
Published: May 2020

Wastes from artichoke and broccoli crops and cannery industries represent an environmental problem. A viable option to this problem is ensiling them for use as ruminants feed. The aim of this study was to characterise the ensiling process of broccoli and artichoke by-products and assess their suitability to be part of the ruminant diet, as well their minimum shelf life. Twenty-one commercial round bale silos (300 kg and 0.64 m3) of each by-product were made. Samples were analysed at days 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 200 to determine microbial populations, fermentation metabolites, nutritional components, and phytosanitary residues. Feedstuffs showed good suitability for ensiling, and stabilisation was achieved on day 30. The variables with the greatest significant differences among sampling times were microbial populations and fermentative components. There were no important dry matter losses, and some significant differences were observed in the nutritional composition, especially in crude protein and fibrous fractions, but they were not relevant for the loss of nutritional quality of silages. The phytosanitary residues determined on day 200 were below the maximum residue limits set by European legislation. So, ensiling these by-products in commercial round bale silos is a suitable and profitable technique that allows their preservation for a long time (200 days).
Effect of Maternal Diet and Medium Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation for Piglets on Their Digestive Tract Development, Structure, and Chyme Acidity as Well as Performance and Health Status
Authors: Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Hanczakowska Ewa , Okoń Krzysztof , Kowalczyk Piotr , Grela Eugeniusz R.
Published: May 2020

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the effect of caprylic acid (C8) or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) in piglets’ feed on their gut development, performance, and health status was determined. The experiment was conducted on 24 sows allocated to two treatments: diet with rapeseed oil or with coconut oil. Newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments: feed with no supplement or supplemented with 0.3% MCT or with 0.3% C8. The results showed that both oils had no effect on sow reproductive rates; however, fatty acid patterns of milk differed significantly and the number of lost piglets was lower in sow fed with coconut oil. Both caprylic and MCT oil significantly improved piglet performance and villus height. These additives did not change triacylglycerol content in blood, but C8 lowered total cholesterol and MCT increased IgG content. It can be concluded that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good supplement in weaned piglet feed.