bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Визначення самозаліснених ділянок за даними ДЗЗ
Authors: Горелик Станіслав Ігорович , Сич Роман Сергійович , Саул-Гозе Денис Костянтинович
Published: December 2024

Військова агресія російської федерації завдає колосальних збитків екосистемам України, руйнуючи природні ресурси й біорізноманіття. Зокрема, втрати лісового фонду станом на січень 2024 р. оцінюються в 4,5 мільярдів доларів. Під час бойових дій знищуються не лише інвентаризовані лісові ділянки, але й самозаліснені території, які не враховані при оцінці збитків. Отже, актуальним завданням є ідентифікація самозаліснених ділянок з визначенням їх геометричних характеристика та підрахунком ймовірної кількості дерев. Територією дослідження обрано підконтрольну Україні Донецьку й Луганську область станом до 22.02.2024 р. Реалізація поставленого завдання здійснювалося за рахунок використання контактних і дистанційних методів. У дослідженні використанні наступні дані, отримані контактними методам: векторний шар лісових ділянок, які знаходяться під обліком у Державному агентстві лісових ресурсів, Публічна кадастрова карта України й відкритий реєстр лісорубних квитків. Ці дані дозволяють відразуодразу виявити інвентаризовані лісові ресурси. Дані дистанційного зондування Землі (ДЗЗ), а саме різночасові космічні знімки у видимому діапазоні високого ій надвисокого просторового розрізнення, синтезована карта індексів NDVI дають змогу оперативно визначати ділянки лісового покриву. Комплексне використання контактних й дистанційних даних дозволяє визначати ділянки самозаліснення з мінімальними часовими й матеріальними витратами. Визначення меж цих ділянок з розрахунком їх площ та кількості дерев проводилось за допомогою ліцензійного геоінформаційного (ГІС) програмного забезпечення ArcGIS. Використання ГІС технологій дало можливість одночасно опрацювати геодані отримані контактними й дистанційними методами дослідження та провести аналіз лісових ділянок з метою визначення необлікованих ресурсів. Завдяки розробленій методиці визначення самозаліснених ділянок з використанням даних ДЗЗ виявлено більше 10 тис ділянок загальною площею 505,37 км2. Орієнтовна кількість дерев на цих ділянках складає 3287,2 тис. Отримані дані в подальшому можуть бути використані для більш точного підрахунку збитків від військової агресії.
Фінансування: Це дослідження не отримало зовнішнього фінансування.
Доступність даних: Не застосовується.
Подяки: Автори 0вдячні рецензентам та редакторам за цінні коментарі, рекомендації та увагу до роботи.
Yield prediction at field level
Authors: Kryvoshein Oleksandr , Kryvobok Oleksii , Zhylchenko Dmytro
Published: December 2024

Yield prediction at the field level is crucial for optimizing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. This study analyzes the yield variability of maize, sunflower, and winter wheat across 481 agricultural fields in two regions of Ukraine (Kyiv and Cherkasy) over a three-year period (2020–2022). The objective was to explore the influence of environmental factors on crop yield predictions using satellite and weather data, sowing dates, and field area as predictors in a machine learning model. The study employed Random Forest model. Satellite data from Sentinel-2, including NDVI and LAI values, were used to assess crop conditions during the growing season. For each investigated year during the April-September period, focusing solely on the NDVI and LAI values for each month. Weather data, especially precipitation, was also examined but found to have limited predictive power due to the coarser spatial resolution of the gridded data (6.5 km), which cannot fully account for the local variations within each grid cell. As a result, despite the strong correlation between precipitation and yield at a broader scale (regional), weather data alone were not sufficient to accurately predict yield variability at the field level. The results showed that maize had the highest yield variability, while sunflower and winter wheat exhibited more stable yields. For maize, the model demonstrated strong predictive performance, with an R-squared of 0.8 and an RMSE of 1.5 t/ha. The most significant predictors were vegetation indices in August and sowing date. The normalized RMSE for maize was 20%. For sunflower, the model exhibited moderate accuracy, with an R-squared of 0.4 and an RMSE of 0.9 t/ha. Key predictors included the average LAI in May and July. However, the model’s predictive power was limited, resulting in a normalized RMSE of 23%. Winter wheat showed similar performance to sunflower, with an R-squared of 0.35 and an RMSE of 0.9 t/ha. Due to higher average yields, the normalized RMSE for winter wheat was 15%. Overall, the study demonstrates varying levels of model accuracy across different crops, with maize achieving the best predictive performance. The results also emphasize the need for additional factors, such as soil properties, microclimates, and detailed field management practices, to improve predictive models at the field level.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Earth Observing System Data Analytics company (eosda.com) for support. We are also grateful to reviewers and editors for their valuable comments, recommendations, and attention to the work.
A cópia insistente: o paradigma indiciário e a fotografia
Authors: Gatti Fábio Luiz Oliveira
Published: December 2024

A leitura de Sinais: raízes de um paradigma indiciário, de autoria de Carlo Ginzburg, despertou o interesse por questionar os caminhos desse texto e quais reverberações existem nessa sua reflexão em relação à fotografia, sua história e sua tecnologia. O paradigma indiciário se debruça sobre muitas pistas a fim de compreender a figuração de um modelo de pensamento (entendido também como atitude prática) e configura até mesmo os modos de ver, de produzir tecnologias da visão e seus padrões disciplinares e de controle. A fim de fazer o texto falar, emprestou-se a ideia de Roland Barthes de “escrever a leitura” como um exercício de interpelar os argumentos contidos nas discussões de Ginzburg conforme eram lidos, verificando as maneiras pelas quais esse paradigma determinou violências contra identidades de gênero e raciais ao definir quem é normotípico ou doente, criminoso ou inocente.
Demographic Challenges and Their Impact on Economic and Social Stability in China
Authors: Huang Wei Thung  , Lefevre Louis , Hua Chen Wei , Ming Liu , Lin Zhao Jie
Published: December 2024

China is facing a profound demographic shift characterized by declining birth rates, a rapidly aging population, and significant urban-rural disparities. Despite phasing out the one-child policy in 2015 and introducing two-child and three-child policies, the total fertility rate (TFR) fell below 1.0 in 2024, far below the replacement level of 2.1. These trends have led to negative population growth and a rising dependency ratio, projected to reach 60.3% by 2024. This demographic imbalance exacerbates labor shortages, increases labor costs, and places immense strain on healthcare and pension systems, particularly in rural areas where social service access remains inadequate. While similar challenges are evident in aging societies like Japan and South Korea, China’s regional disparities and economic scale complicate policy implementation. This study identifies gaps in addressing the structural challenges hindering fertility policies, including economic pressures, cultural resistance, and inequities between urban and rural regions. Employing secondary data analysis, trend analysis, and comparative case studies, this research evaluates demographic trends from 2020 to 2024 and assesses the effectiveness of current policies. Findings reveal the limited success of China’s pronatalist policies and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Recommendations include targeted investments in rural areas, affordable childcare, gender-equitable policies, and technological adoption to mitigate labor shortages. Future research should explore global lessons, public attitudes, and innovative strategies to address the socio-economic implications of demographic shifts, offering insights for sustainable policy design in aging societies.
The Dynamics of Citizenship Education in the Context of Political Reform
Authors: El Hadi Amer , Kamel Said
Published: December 2024

Algeria's political transitions, marked by constitutional amendments in 2016 and 2020, have sparked efforts to integrate democratic principles and civic values into educational frameworks. This study examines the dynamics of citizenship education in the context of Algeria's political reforms. The research explores citizenship education's role in fostering civic participation and aligning educational content with national democratic aspirations. The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, conducted throughout 2023, involving 500 respondents, including educators, policymakers, and students from diverse locations such as Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Tlemcen, and Setif. Quantitative surveys assess perceptions and effectiveness, while qualitative interviews and focus groups provide deeper insights into stakeholders' experiences and expectations. Findings reveal that citizenship education in Algeria demonstrates significant potential in promoting civic engagement and aligning with democratic ideals. However, challenges persist, such as balancing traditional cultural values with modern democratic principles, ensuring adequate teacher training, and addressing political constraints that hinder open dialogue. The discussion highlights the need for a comprehensive curriculum, participatory teaching methods, and a political environment conducive to civic learning. Future research could explore sector-specific impacts of citizenship education and the long-term outcomes of integrating democratic principles into curricula. These insights could guide policymakers and educators in designing more effective educational reforms tailored to Algeria's unique socio-political context.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FEEDING LEVELS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF PEKIN DUCKS IN KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ
Authors: Azad Sh. S. Al-Dabbagh  , Sardar. Y. T. Al- Sardary
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different feeding levels of Alfalfa pellet ration (APR) on the productive performance and economic feasibility of Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). A total of 270 one-day-old ducklings were used. The birds at seven-day-old were assigned to 9 indoor pens of (1×2.2m) with outdoor and swimming pool (1×9.8m) and Each box represented an indoor replicate with 30 ducklings. The feeding program for Pekin Duck group treatments with alfalfa pellet rations (47% alfalfa) was used as a replacement to the basal diet at different percentages (0%, 25%, and 50%) for control (T0), first (T1) and second (T2) groups. The results showed no significant differences among treatments except accumulative feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality percentage, which showed significant differences among the treatments, the second treatment (50%) resulted in a higher accumulative feed intake, lower production index, and lower mortality% compared to the control and first treatment. The economic profit of the second treatment was the highest. The treatments showed a non-significant effect on carcass percentage except back and neck cuts. There were significant effects of sex on live body weight at marketing age and on the neck and breast cuts, male neck% were significantly higher than females, while females showed significantly higher breast%. In general, feeding ducks with a 25% of Alfalfa pellet ration improved production performance, while feeding ducks with a 50% Alfalfa pellet ration improved economic values.
TOWARDS ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY: HARVEST PREDICTION IN AGRIVOLTAIC CHILI FARMING WITH CNN TRANSFER LEARNING
Authors: Yurni Oktarina  , Zainuddin Nawawi  , Bhakti Yudho Suprapto  , Tresna Dewi
Published: December 2024

Agrivoltaic systems, which integrate agricultural production with solar energy generation, present a promising approach to ecological sustainability. This study focuses on predicting chili harvests within an agrivoltaic setup using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with transfer learning. Accurate yield prediction is vital for optimizing both agricultural output and energy generation. The study evaluates three pre-trained CNN models—EfficientNetV2L, EfficientNetV2M, and ResNet 50—fine-tuned with specific agrivoltaic data. The experimental setup includes a solar-powered greenhouse with IoT-controlled micro-climate management to ensure optimal growing conditions. The models were selected based on their high accuracy in Keras applications, with EfficientNetV2L and ResNet 50 achieving 100% accuracy, and EfficientNetV2M reaching 96% in chili crop counting. The results show quick convergence during training and validation, indicating effective model learning. The study also includes a life cycle analysis (LCA), confirming that using photovoltaic systems as a substitute for conventional energy sources is environmentally sustainable. Overall, this research demonstrates that CNN transfer learning is highly effective for crop counting and resource management, contributing to sustainable agrivoltaic farming and highlighting the potential of advanced AI techniques in agriculture.
IMPROVEMENT OF GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL TRAITS OF SUNFLOWER BY IAA AND BAP UNDER SALINITY STRESS in vitro
Authors: Safa  H. Kh.  , S. I. Neamah
Published: December 2024

This study was established to investigate the ability of the sunflower callus plant (Helianthus annuus L.) to tolerate salinity stress for two levels of NaCl (0 and 80 mM), three concentrations of IAA (0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg l-1), and BAP (0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg l-1) in lab conditions. Calli cultures were induced from the cotyledon of H. annuus L. cultured in an appropriate combination of growth regulators 2,4-D and kintein. The salinity results exhibited negative effects in most of the study indications, which can be revealed by a significant increase in sodium content (Na+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehde content (MDA). While, the decrease in the study indications such as fresh weight (FW), dry weights (DW), relative water content (RWC), potassium content (K+), sodium/ potassium ratio (Na+/K+), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity. The experiment revealed a positive effect for the exogenous growth regulators IAA and BAP in reducing the harmful effects of salinity stress on calli cultures. The nominated regulators succeeded in reducing the harmful effects of salinity stress, where the FW, DW, RFW, browning density (BI), RWC, K+, Na+/K+, SOD, and CAT  enzymes activity. However, the exogenous growth regulators reduced the negative effect for each of Na+, H2O2, and MDA under the salinity stress.
EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZERS ON SOYBEAN GROWTH AND THEIR KEY PEST DENSITIES AS ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TOWARD SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION
Authors: Alaa R. Fadel  , Feryal H. Sadiq  , Hassan M. Lilo
Published: December 2024

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops belong to the leguminous family native to East Asia. Chemical fertilizers are widely used to increase production in quantity and quality. As a result of the harmful effects caused by chemical fertilizers, it become necessary to find alternative solutions as sustainable approach toward supply plant by elements needs such as biofertilizers. In this study, Bradyrhizobium japonicum alone or in combination of microorganism inoculation included (B. japonicum, Bacillus subtilis, Glomus mosseae, and Anabaena azollae) were tested toward soybean growth parameters under open field condition. Results showed that there is a significant differences in terms of plant height, vegetative and dry grain of soybean and other parameters with combined inoculation and B. japonicum alone in compare with control treatments. Moreover, key pest larval density were also affected by treatments such as Popillia japonica, Spodoptera littoralis and Agrotis ipsilon. The results suggest the use of specific combination of microorganism is recommended as alternative approaches toward sustainable agriculture production of soybean crop.
CORRELATION OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM OF THE INTERLEUKIN-27 GENE IN AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE.
Authors: Maryam H. I  , Abdulkareem A. Al-Kazaz
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IL-27 serum level and IL-27 gene SNP rs153109 with the risk and clinical features of the Iraqi patients with AITD. The blood samples were collected from 120 AITD patients and 60 healthy controls. Serum levels of interleukin-27 were assessed using ELISA kit. The study results showed a higher significant difference of IL-27 in sera of AITD patients compered to controls (p<0.001). The allele frequency and genotypes in the patient and control groups were determined using High-resolution melting (HRM) to detect the genetic variation in IL-27 gene SNP (rs153109). the result showed that CC and TC genotype of rs153109 had a statistically significant increased frequency in GD patients compared to controls (OR=19.4, P-value =0.0002), (OR=2.9, p-value =0.011). while the CC genotype of rs153109 was found to be more common in HT patients than control (OR = 6.8, value=0.017). In conclusion, the study suggested that genetic polymorphism of IL-27 gene rs153109 may be associated with AITD risk among Iraqi population.
ASSESSMENT OF FISH STRUCTURE COMMUNITY AT GREATER ZAB RIVER NEAR ASKI-KALAK CITY,ERBIL
Authors: Safeen.O. S.  , S. M. A. Abdulla
Published: December 2024

The structure of fish community was evaluated before and after Aski-Kalak City at Greater Zab River, Erbil Province, Iraq during the period from November 2020 to October 2021. A total of 1582 specimens belonged to 25 fish species were collected and reached to 570 Kg of total weights. These fish were mostly belonging to Cyprinidae family and one for each Mugilidae, Siluridae, Bargridae, Sisoridae and Mastacembelidae. According to fish occurrence in (S1), there were five fish species be as resident, 8 and 10 species as seasonal and rare respectively. The annual values of fish species, weight and catches effort 10.7, 184 and 33.25 Kg/hour respectively, and in (S2) fish species of 6, 6 and 11 as resident, seasonal and rare respectively.The annual values of fish species, its weight and catches were 10.7, 210 and 38.59 Kg/hour respectively. The present study concluded that section of Greater Zab River (S2) was suitable for fish composition more than(S1).
EFFECT OF MINERAL COMPOSITION ON SEQUENTIAL EXTRACT OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN SOME IRAQI SOILS
Authors: Abdul Baqi D.S. Al Maamouri  , Salwa H. K. Al Shamary
Published: December 2024

This study was aimed to find out the effect of different soil components of some Iraqi soils under different climatic conditions and different parent materials on the adsorption of lead and cadmium. Soil samples were collected from four governorates (Dohuk, Wasit, Salah al-Din, and Basra), with three sites in each governorate, and two depths (0-30 and 31-60) cm. A chemical analysis of the soil were carried out to determine the amount of organic matter, carbonate minerals, total and crystallized free iron oxides. Results showed that the values ​​of and soluble and exchangeable lead binded with carbonate minerals, organic matter, oxides, and clay fraction in rates ranging between (0.27-1.04), (0.83-1.51), (18.81-41.58), (2.31-21.95), (3.93-23.75), and (5.65-5). 67.83)% respectively  of the soil content and the values ​​of the coefficient of determination R2 (0.86, 0.16, 0.72, 0.79, 0.40, and 0.69), respectively. As for the cadmium element, the results showed that its values ​​were (0.49-1.66), (1.13-2.47), (40.24-79.51), (0.24-7.98), (3.25-36.76) and (6.74-38.24)% for the soluble ,exchangeable and binded with carbonate minerals, organic matter, oxides, and clay fraction  respectively.
GENETIC PARAMETERS OF GROWTH, CARCASS, AND LAYING TRAITS IN TWO LINES OF UKRAINIAN QUAIL
Authors: Jameela Hairan Salih
Published: December 2024

The estimation of genetic parameters of certain productive characters in different lines of quail is very important to make a breeding schedule for such lines of quail in the future. This study was carried out for three generations to estimate the response to selection, selection deferential, genetic, and phenotypic correlation between studied traits (growth and laying performance) and heritability estimates in two lines of Ukrainian quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix). A total  of 120  Ukrainian  quails  from ) 500 ( quail birds   (base  population),  were 

 

selected as parent generation for both lines and also 120 offspring birds specified for the third generation. The selection was based on body weight which was carried out on the 20th day of age. The results showed that the selection can improve breast weight, leg weight, carcass%, and live body weight in both lines. However, the realized heritability has moderate values for 42-day age body weight for both lines; but the dark line recorded a higher genetic correlation between body weight and weight gain compared to the white line. The highest phenotypic correlation estimates between body weight and egg weight were recorded for the white line; in addition, the same line receded better estimates for the studied genetic parameters in all other studied characteristics. It could be concluded that the selection based on the genetic parameters for growth and laying traits was effective for improving it through the three generations.
EFFECT OF SOME ESSENTIAL OIL AND ORGANIC ACIDS ON BLOOD PICTURE , LIPID PROFILE AND INTESTINAL HEALTH IN BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Saad M. H.  , S. S. Hameed  , A. J. Ali
Published: December 2024

The objectire of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutritional additive of associated phytogenic P.E.P. and organic acids supplemented in drinking water on their, blood parameters, lipid profile and intestinal histomorphology in broilers. For this purpose, 240 chicks (Ross-308) one-day old were divided randomly into 6 equal groups each group 40 chicks as follow. G1supplemented with( 0.015 cc Essential Oil (EO) with Aromatic Oil (AO) 0.5cc/L) , G2  add (AO 2cc/L) ,G3 was mix (EO 0.06cc with AO 1,5cc/L) ,G4(0.03 EO with1cc AO/L ,G5 0,12cc EO /L and control (G6) group was fed the basal diet ,the results of blood parameters were indicated significant (P≤0.05) increase in amount of WBC,RBCs, hemoglobin and PCV in groups 3, 4 and 5 compared with the control , also revealed significant increased (P≤0.05) of HDL-cholesterol concentration in G3 and G4  but decreased in triglyceride, total and low density lipid concentrations were influenced  by the dietary treatments in G4,3,2 and VLDL in G3 and 5.also exposed  significant (P≤0.05)increased  in the height and thickness  of villus and crypt depth in all parts of small intestine of G3,G4 and G5 compare to the control group. In conclusion the mix Essential Oil and Aromatic Oil supplementation to the broiler diet improve blood picture (RBCs .WBCs,Hb and PCV) and enhanced with maintenance the function of the small intestine .
ANALYZING THE CHARACTERISTICS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS FROM STACHYS BYZANTINE LEAVES
Authors: Ali Q. Khazaal  , Zainab F. Mahmood  , Sanaa A. Hammood
Published: December 2024

This study was aimed to examine the suppressive effects of Stachys byzantine leaf methanolic extracts on cancer cell lines and pathogenic microbes. Five concentrations of S. byzantine methanolic extract, from 25 to 400 µg/ml, were applied to HepG1 and HCT116 cells. S. byzantine methanolic extracts inhibited liver and colon cancer cell viability at different concentrations. The MTT assay results demonstrated that the extract’s IC-50 values for HepG1 were 271.61µg/ml and for HCT116 was 184.86µg/ml. The methanolic extracts obtained from S. byzantine showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The extract inhibited Staphylococcus aureus with 15, 20, and 22 mm inhibition zones at 100, 200, and 400 mg/ml, respectively.  However, the extract was more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibitory zones of 30, 30, and 35 mm at 100, 200, and 400 mg/ml respectively. This study indicates that methanolic extracts derived from S. byzantine leaves have anti-cancer and antibacterial properties.
EVALUTION OF MICROBIAL ACTIVITY IN ORGANIC SOLID FRACTION DURING COMPOSTING PROCESS TO BIOFERTILIZER USING COMPOSTING BIN METHODS
Authors: Aseel N. A.  , F. M. Hassan  , N. H. Hyder
Published: December 2024

The current study aim to evaluating the composting in bins for organic fraction municipal solid waste and tracking the changes in physio-chemical and microbial characteristics such as Temperature, pH, C/N ratio and total viable count, total streptomyces, total coliform and pathogenic microorganisms as total Salmonella Shigella count. Seven treatments were used in research into the quick composting of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Two Composting bins contained municipal solid waste (MSW) mixed with animal and poultry manure (3:1), (2:1), waste mixture (2:1:1), and agricultural waste mixed waste. On the first day of composting, the pH was slightly acidic, then increased to alkaline, as EC . Microbiological parameters such as Total viable count are reduced during the thermophilic phase. They increased at the cooling phase , for TSC proliferation occurred in alkaline pH during composting and reached 4.1  CFU/g at maturation in composting bin 7. In conclusion, all composting bins developed a thermophilic phase, all had narrow alkaline pH with  EC in some treatments less than 4mS.Cm-1, and C/N reached the desired ratio as stable compost,also microbiological parameters fluctuate with temperature.
EFFECT OF CUTTING KNIVES SPEED AND FEEDING SPEED ON SOME TECHNICAL INDICATORS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF A LOCALLY MANUFACTURED MACHINE
Authors: S. A. Rawdhan  , W. K. El Helew  , M. A. Mayhoub  , M. M. Moustafa
Published: December 2024

The experiment was carried out to study some engineering factors for a locally manufactured machine, It cuts agricultural residues to make animal feed , in the workshops of the Agricultural Engineering Department/Faculty of Agriculture/Ain Shams University for the academic year 2021-2022. The effect of three-speed knives cutting speed (1000,1200,1400 rpm) and three-speed feeding speed (0.75,1,1.25 m/s) and the knife cutting angle with two angles (15°.30°) was studied at a knife clearance of 2.5 mm and a moisture content of 5.3%. With an electronic system with sensors to operate the machine and without. Among the technical indicators that have been studied are productivity, cutting power consumption, specific energy, machine operating costs and the thrust power, The results showed that the performance of machine with an electronic system(senser) to a maize chopping  machine is better than a maize chopping machine without In terms of specific energy consumption, machine  operating costs, at constant clearance of 2.5mm and moisture content 5.3% and an optimum knife speed of 1400 with cutting angle (30°), The maize chopping machine with an electronic system (sensor)  of specific energy consumption (0.0027 kw.h/kg), machine operating costs (0.2159 LE/kg) and highest productivity (105,170 kg/hr)  at cutting angle (30°).
THE ROLE OF THE RESVERATROL AS ANTIOXIDANT IN IMPROVING THE CHEMICAL AND QUALITATIVE PROPERTIES OF CHILLED GROUND BEEF
Authors: Enas Y. R. Alawady  , Alrubeii, A. M. S.
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of resveratrol as a natural antioxidant in improving the chemical properties and some qualitative and microbial properties of chilled ground beef stored at 2 C° for 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. The study included 7 different treatments: T1 (control treatment without addition) T2 (Resveratrol 0.10% g/kg) T3 (Resveratrol 0.20% g/kg) T4 (Resveratrol 0.30% g/kg) T5 (Resveratrol %0.40g/kg) T6 (Resveratrol %0.50g/kg) and T7 (Addition of Butylated hydroxyanisole 0.01% BHA). All addition treatments showed a significant (P<0.05) decreases in dry matter percentage of Fat and Ash and increase in protein, moisture and water holding capacity (WHC) percentage as compared with the control treatment at any refrigerated storage time. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) were lower (P<0.05) in treatments (Resveratrol) as compared with the control treatment at any refrigerated storage time. Resveratrol treated samples recorded lower (P<0.05) total plate count of bacteria during refrigerated storage times . It can be concluded that the resveratrol had positive significant influence on quality characteristics and microbial safety of ground beef meat when stored under refrigeration at 2 C° up to 12 days.
MORPHOLOGY, MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION, PATHOGENICITY AND FIRST REPORT OF FUSARIUM EQUISETI ASSOCIATED WITH ROOT ROT AND WILT DISEASE OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Authors: Lara B. Yasir  , Bushra Subair Abdulsada Almaliky
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted in the Plant Protection Department-College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad for the period 2021-2022 with the aim of isolating and identification the pathogens that cause root rot and wilt disease on the Catharanthus roseus plant in different regions of Baghdad by morphological and molecular methods using PCR technique dependence on the ITS region. The results of sampling collection showed the spread of root rot and wilt disease on C. roseus plant in all the regions covered by the study in Baghdad (Al-Gurayat, Al-Sidiyah, Al-Khadhra, Al-Ghazaliya and Al-Dura) and the incidence  rate between 15-85%.The results of isolation and identification showed the presence of 4 types of fungi associated with diseased plant: Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. equiseti and Rhizoctonia solani. All the isolates were differed in their pathogenicity on the dwarf and shrub cultivars of C. roseus, the FeL1 isolate recorded the highest incidence & diseases severity 100 & 65% respectively both cultivars of C. roseus, meaning that there are no significant differences between two cultivars, also the infection intensity of FeL2 isolate was 75% in shrub cultivar, while the control treatment recorded the lowest infection rate and infection intensity reaching 0%. Also, these fungi were diagnosed based on the microscopic and molecular characteristics. The results of the molecular identification showed that the three isolates FeL1, FeL2 and FeL9 belong to the F. equiseti and they showed a conformity ratio of 99.60, 99.39 and 95.97 respectively when compared with the nucleotide sequences of isolates of F. equiseti gene bank of Brazil JQ936262, Ghana OL998428 and China GU586830 respectively. All isolates were recorded in the gene bank and the bank code was given for each isolate. Also, the results confirmed that the sequences belonging to the two isolates (FsL8 and FsL10) gave a conformity ratio of 99.62 and 99.63 respectively when compared with the sequences of KU528858 from Tunis and OM936032 from Pakistan and confirmed their identification as F. solani, while the results of the FoL7 isolation, its identification was confirmed to be related to the F. oxysporum after it showed an conformity ratio of 99.98 with the isolate from China with the number MN96002.
PREGNANCY DETECTION OF IRAQI SHE-CAMELS (Camelus dromedarius) USING VARIOUS TECHNIQUES
Authors: T. A. Abdulkareem
Published: December 2024

A study was conducted to investigate the most sensitive, early, and precise methods for detecting pregnancy in Iraqi She-camels using plasma progesterone levels, ultrasonography, and rectal palpation techniques. The study involved twelve multiparous, non-lactating one-humped She-camels.The sensitivity of plasma progesterone for diagnosing pregnant She-camels decreased (P ≤ 0.01) from 100% at day 20 post-mating (PM) to 80% during subsequent periods. Conversely, the specificity for diagnosing non-pregnant She-camels increased (P ≤ 0.01) from 71.4% at day 20 PM to 85.7% at day 30 PM, reaching 100% at days 40, 50, and 60 PM. The sensitivity for diagnosing pregnant she-camels using ultrasonography was 100% on day 20 post-mating (PM) and 80% during subsequent periods. The specificity for diagnosing non-pregnant she-camels increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01), rising from 71.4% on day 20 PM to 85.7% on day 30 PM and reaching 100% by days 40, 50, and 60 PM. The sensitivity and specificity of rectal palpation achieved 100% on days 60 and 90 PM. In conclusion, we can effectively detect early and accurate pregnancy in Iraqi she-camels using progesterone levels and ultrasonography techniques as early as day 20 PM.
TAXONOMICAL IMPLICATIONS OF NATURAL COMPONENTS IN DELIMITATION OF SOME SPECIES OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY IN BAGHDAD
Authors: Rasha A. Al- Souz  , H. R. H. Al-Newani
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the taxonomical relationship among eight species belonging to Asteraceae based on natural products as fresh leaves of eight species (Carthamus tinctorius L., Centaurea iberica Trevir. ex Spreng., Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Launaea mucronata (Forssk.) Muschl., Senecio glaucus L., Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, and Sonchus tenerrimus L.) have been collected from different regions of Baghdad. The phytochemical screening of hexane extracts from eight plants showed different secondary metabolites in the studied species. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of eight hexane extracts showed the existence of eighty-one chemical compounds of eight taxa of Asteraceae, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic acids, esters, amines, and heterocyclic compounds. The agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis dendrogram was carried out depending on 81 chemical compounds of the eight taxa of Asteraceae, gained by Euclidean distance using Ward's method. The HCA dendrogram showed the closeness of Sonchus asper and Sonchus tenerrimus and a divergence between Conyza canadensis and Conyza bonariensis and their affinity to Launaea mucronata while Carthamus tinctorius is the most divergent species from the rest of the species.
Le proprietà estetiche e la natura linguistico-cognitiva della sopravvenienza estetica. A ritroso: da Jerrold Levinson a Thomas Reid
Authors: Maione Maurizio
Published: December 2024

Abstract. The relationship between aesthetic and non-aesthetic properties is the subject of theoretical investigation by Jerrold Levinson and Thomas Reid. According to Reid, non-aesthetic properties are perceptual properties that are inherent to so-called natural signs and require cognitive processing that is internally varied and connected to the qualitative dimension of the mind. Reid also leans towards the solution of supervenience, but unlike Levinson, he places this solution against a background marked by the presence of an agent consciousness. This justifies both the aesthetic interpretation of non-aesthetic properties and the supervenience that is its most eloquent synthesis.
This article aims to compare Levinson's model with Reid's. This will be done by showing how Reid's model can be used to respond to some recent objections to Levinson's approach. Finally, the question of supervenience will be addressed from a cognitive and linguistic point of view. Aesthetic properties are to be understood as the outcome of a cognitive and linguistic structuring that presents different levels of elaboration starting from natural signs (protolanguage). It is a theoretical framework that permits a more comprehensive examination of the strategic role of Reid within Eighteenth-Century philosophy than had previously been acknowledged.
Irrigation strategies of sugarcane seedlings from micropropagation and biofactory methods
Authors: Scanavini José Guilherme Victorelli , Coelho Rubens Duarte , Barros Timóteo Herculino da Silva , Costa Jéfferson de Oliveira , Duarte Sérgio Nascimento
Published: December 2024

The sugarcane industry has been suffering from unstable productivity on commercial fields. The major factors causing this problem are mechanized harvesting damage to cane clumps in the field and the slow process of releasing and adopting new sugarcane cultivars. By utilizing new micropropagation processes involving the extraction of apical meristem from new cultivars and biofactory methods for multiplying the material, it is possible to produce an extraordinary number of sugarcane seedlings to provide nurseries rapidly with new cultivars for planting on commercial fields. The goal of this study was to evaluate several irrigation strategies (IS) to determine the best one for supplying the biofactory sugarcane seedlings water requirements, under conditions of different volumes of substrate (VS): 56, 73, 93 and 125 cm³. The irrigation management experiment comprised eight IS based on different periods of accumulated reference evapotranspiration (ETo). We found that the irrigation application must occur at intervals below 30 mm of accumulated ETo. IS1 (maintenance of soil moisture at field capacity) results in a larger number of tillers, longer extension of the primary stalks, and enhanced dry matter (DM) yield independent of VS. The VS factor accounted for statistical differences in sugarcane survival rate and morphological characteristics, but only for low initial soil moisture conditions. The intermediate VS of 73 cm3 was the best option for plants to thrive in the field; larger VS (93 and 125 cm3) produced young plants with many leaves, which transpire a lot in the field, increasing the chances of early death under water stress after planting; the smaller VS (56 cm3) resulted in young plants with small root systems and minimal water reservoirs, resulting in lower survival under drought conditions.
Quantitative relationships among potential evapotranspiration, surface water, and vegetation in an urban area (Baghdad)
Authors: Zahraa S. Mahdi  , Mahmood J. Abu-AL Shaeer  , Al-Jiboori Monim H.
Published: December 2024

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is the amount of water that evaporates from land, surface water and plant transpiration. Based on monthly surface water and vegetation cover areas derived from Sentinel-2 imagery and precipitation records from Baghdad station for the two years 2018 and 2019, the quantitative relationships such as PET versus water area, PET versus vegetation area and PET versus precipitation were investigated. Using Origin 9.2 program, a new multiple regression model was derived to estimate the monthly mean PET in dry and wet months. To improve the accuracy of the model, monthly errors, bias and mean absolute error were calculated to approximate reasonable estimates of PET. Based on this statistical analysis, the best value of about -1 mm/day should be added to the proposed model as a correction term.
Maize (Zea mays L., 1753.) evapotranspiration ando crop coefficient in semi-arid region of Ethipia
Authors: Negash Tatek Wondimu , Tefera Abera Tesfaye , Bayisa Gobena Dirirsa
Published: December 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.,1753) plays an important role in the economy of maize-growing nations. Supplying the right amount of water to a crop based on its needs is the main agenda for implementing water-saving agriculture. Non-weighting lysimeters were used to determine the actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of maize at the experimental farmland of the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. Soil-water balance approaches were applied to obtain actual crop evapotranspiration, while the Penman-Monteith technique was used to compute reference evapotranspiration. The growth stages-wise crop coefficient was calculated as the ratio of the actual crop evapotranspiration ratio to the reference evapotranspiration. The total seasonal maize actual crop evapotranspiration during the 2017 and 2018 experimental years was 503.7 and 511.06 mm, respectively. The 2-year average maize actual crop evapotranspiration was 507.4 mm. The mean locally developed actual crop coefficient values of 0.55, 1.19, and 0.56 were observed for the initial, mid, and end seasons, respectively. The FAO-adjusted crop coefficient for the mid-season was 1.15. The developed Kc values differed considerably from the FAO-adjusted Kc values. Therefore, the determination of actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficients for crop growth under local climatic conditions is vital for decision-making concerning agricultural water management in areas where irrigation is practiced.
Assessing the effects of water stress and bio-organic fertilizers on English and French Lavandula species in different locations
Authors: Sarfaraz Somayeh , Asgharzadeh Ahmad , Zabihi Hamidreza
Published: December 2024

A study was conducted utilizing a factorial split-plot design within complete randomized blocks to evaluate the effects of water stress (at 95±5, 75±5, 50±5, and 25±5% of the field capacity (FC)) and various fertilizer sources (Azotobacter-Psedomonas Bacterial (APB), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), and biochar (BI), applied individually and in combination, along with a control treatment on the two species of lavender (French and English) in two distinct climates (Fars and Hamedan) in Iran. The results revealed that severe water deficit stress reduced the growth, yield, and essential oil content in both lavender species. APB+AMFs+BI and APB+BI led to the highest flower yield for French lavender in Fars and Hamedan while subjected to well-watered conditions. The essential oil yield significantly decreased in both experimental regions under 25% FC. Employing APB+BI under 75 and 50% FC treatments led to the highest essential oil content (4.23 and 1.56%, respectively) in English lavender. Linalool showed the highest average (22.46 to 30.06%) in both species. French and English lavender in Fars showed significant differences in fatty acid compositions, but no such differences were reported in Hamedan. APB+BI emerged as the most effective fertilizer combination in terms of total fatty acids and rank index. Simultaneous use of bio-organic fertilizers yielded appropriate results under water-deficient conditions. Finally, the study underscored the strong correlation between climatic parameters such as rainfall and temperature, as well as the efficacy of different fertilizer sources, emphasizing that climatic condition and plant species can significantly impact the effectiveness of fertilizer use.
Productivity Analysis of Organic Garlic Production in Bhutan
Authors: Gyeltshen Tandin , Poungchompu Supaporn
Published: December 2024

The study evaluates factors affecting the productivity of organic and conventional garlic production in Bhutan. Employing simple random selection, array of information was collected from 85 organic and 175 conventional garlic farmers respectively with a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of socioeconomic, cost of garlic production, and factors influencing the productivity of garlic. Productivity analysis revealed that seed, farmyard manure, age, and experience significantly influenced organic garlic productivity. Similarly, cultivated area, seed, farmyard manure, literacy, and source of farmyard manure influenced the productivity of conventional garlic production. The study concluded that improving the productivity of garlic farming can be achieved by maximizing the use of available land, expanding the area under garlic cultivation, and using high-quality garlic seeds and farmyard manure. Furthermore, continuous re-training for experienced farmers is crucial to update their farming knowledge and retain them in production. These insights can be useful to policymakers and stakeholders in supporting garlic farmers and enhancing their economic benefits.
Spatial and temporal distribution of infiltration, curve number and runoff coefficients using TOPMODEL and SCS-CN models
Authors: Pishvaei Mohammad Hossein , Noroozpour Shabnam , Sabzevari Touraj , Kheirabadi Mostafa Akbari , Petroselli Andrea
Published: December 2024

Infiltration, the process by which water enters the soil, is intricately intertwined with the attributes of the catchment, including soil composition and vegetation cover, both of which exhibit temporal and spatial variability. Accurate quantification of infiltration rates is imperative for enhancing the predictive capabilities of rainfall-runoff models, especially in regions with limited hydrological monitoring infrastructure, such as many developing countries where a significant portion of catchments remains ungauged. In this study, we integrate the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) model with the TOPography-based hydrological MODEL (TOPMODEL) to derive a comprehensive framework for estimating the spatial and temporal dynamics of infiltration and its associated parameters. By leveraging the complementary strengths of these two models, we aim to enhance our understanding of infiltration processes across diverse landscapes. The amalgamation of the SCS-CN model with TOPMODEL Dynamic, which incorporates topographic features, contributing areas, and soil moisture deficit (SMD) dynamics within the watershed, represents a novel approach for characterizing the spatiotemporal variability of infiltration, curve number (CN), and runoff coefficient (RC). This integrated model offers a refined mathematical representation, capable of capturing the intricate interactions between land surface characteristics and hydrological processes, thereby advancing our ability to simulate and predict runoff responses in complex environmental settings.
Evaluation of mycorrhizae transplantation from Panicum maximum as biofertilizer for paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wanninayake Chathurika , Chandrasekara Mekhala , Hettiarachi Sanath , Malaviarachchi Wasantha , Vergani Lorenzo , Borin Sara
Published: December 2024

Indiscriminate chemical fertilization in paddy fields is causing detrimental global impacts, therefore exploration of bio-based sustainable alternatives to compensate requirement of chemical fertilizers is necessary. This study was designed to evaluate use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) obtained from roots of a spontaneous weed grass (Panicum maximum), which demonstrated an average AMF root colonization of 75-85%, as self-produced biofertilizer for rice cultivation. Field trial was carried out in paddy field at Monaragala, Sri Lanka. Two traditional rice (Oriza sativa L.) varieties (Suwadel and Kuruluthuda) were selected, and Randomized Complete Block Design was employed with three replicates in eight different treatment plots per block.  Different chemical fertilizer regimes (100%, 50% and 25% of recommended fertilizer dose) and no amendments as controls were applied. AMF inocula were applied alone or supplemented to fertilized treatments (100% +AMF, 50% +AMF, 25% +AMF, AMF alone). Treatment plan was implemented separately for two varieties. Rice yield and percentage of AMF root colonization were quantified at harvest. Results revealed that grain dry weight for Suwadel was significantly higher (p<0.05) in treatments supplying AMF in addition with chemical fertilizer at optimal dose (100%) or 50% reduced, compared to other treatments. Highest number of seeds was observed in plants treated with 100% fertilizer, but result was not significantly different (p>0.05) from 50% +AMF and 100% + AMF treatments. Treatments with AMF inocula alone showed highest percentages of AMF colonization in Suwadel. Inverse connection was observed between fertilizer level and AMF colonization. Differently from Suwadel, no AMF colonization was observed in Kuruluthuda variety and no significant differences were observed in harvest for treatments with and without AMF application. According to results, usage of AMF inocula as on-field prepared biofertilizer combined with 50% of chemical fertilizer is effective in improving sustainable agriculture but efficacy of application strictly depends on crop variety.