bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient four-wave mixing in four-subband semiconductor quantum wells using spatially modulated control fields with a linearly varying mixing angle
Authors: Stefanatos Dionisis , Avouri Foteini , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

In this article, we use spatially modulated control fields to increase the four-wave mixing efficiency in a four-subband semiconductor asymmetric double quantum well, motivated by similar works in atomic systems. Using a simplified version of the propagation equations, we show analytically that for control fields with a constant amplitude and linearly varying mixing angles with the propagation distance, a conversion efficiency close to unity can be achieved even for relatively short propagation distances. Subsequently, we confirm these results by numerically simulating the full set of propagation equations.
Innate immune responses yield tissue-specific bottlenecks that scale with pathogen dose
Authors: Hullahalli Karthik , Dailey Katherine G. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: September 2023

To cause infection, pathogens must overcome bottlenecks imposed by the host immune system. These bottlenecks restrict the inoculum and largely determine whether pathogen exposure results in disease. Infection bottlenecks therefore quantify the effectiveness of immune barriers. Here, using a model of
Escherichia coli
systemic infection, we identify bottlenecks that tighten or widen with higher inoculum sizes, revealing that the efficacy of innate immune responses can increase or decrease with pathogen dose. We term this concept “dose scaling”. During
E. coli
systemic infection, dose scaling is tissue specific, dependent on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor TLR4, and can be recapitulated by mimicking high doses with killed bacteria. Scaling therefore depends on sensing of pathogen molecules rather than interactions between the host and live bacteria. We propose that dose scaling quantitatively links innate immunity with infection bottlenecks and is a valuable framework for understanding how the inoculum size governs the outcome of pathogen exposure.
Controlling polarization of high-order harmonics generated in the mixed gases with orthogonal two-color laser fields
Authors: Zhai Chunyang , Wu Yinmeng , Li Xiang , Zhang Ke , Kang Shuaijie , Li Zhengfa , Guo Fengyan , Li Yingbin , Tang Qingbin , Yu Benhai
Published: September 2023

The generation of highly elliptically polarized high-order harmonics (EPHHs) is indispensable for investigating chirality-sensitive light-matter interactions. Recently, high-order harmonic generation (HHG) with controllable ellipticity and helicity has attracted considerable attention. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate the possibility of generating broadband EPHHs with the same helicity from mixed gases in orthogonal two-color fields. There is a specific relative phase between the HHG from different gas components of the mixture. In addition, manipulation of the phase difference can be achieved by controlling the alignment angle of the molecule in mixed gases. It enables us to selectively enhance one helicity component of the high-order harmonics in a wide spectral range. This scheme paves a way for possibly generating elliptically polarized attosecond pulses.
Seven general radiography x-ray detectors with pixel sizes ranging from 175 to 76 μm: technical evaluation with the focus on orthopaedic imaging
Authors: Marshall N W , Vandenbroucke D , Cockmartin L , Wanninger F , Smet M , Feng Y , Ni Y , Bosmans H
Published: September 2023

Aim. Flat panel detectors with small pixel sizes general can potentially improve imaging performance in radiography applications requiring fine detail resolution. This study evaluated the imaging performance of seven detectors, covering a wide range of pixel sizes, in the frame of orthopaedic applications. Material and methods. Pixel sizes ranged from 175 (detector A175) to 76 μm (detector G76). Modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) RQA3 beam quality. Threshold contrast (C
T) and a detectability index (d′) were measured at three air kerma/image levels. Rabbit shoulder images acquired at 60 kV, over five air kerma levels, were evaluated in a visual grading study for anatomical sharpness, image noise and overall diagnostic image quality by four radiologists. The detectors were compared to detector E124. Results. The 10% point of the MTF ranged from 3.21 to 4.80 mm−1, in going from detector A175 to detector G76. DQE(0.5 mm−1) measured at 2.38 μGy/image was 0.50 ± 0.05 for six detectors, but was higher for F100 at 0.62. High frequency DQE was superior for the smaller pixel detectors, however C
T for 0.25 mm discs correlated best with DQE(0.5 mm−1). Correlation between C
T and the detectability model was good (R
2 = 0.964). C
T for 0.25 mm diameter discs was significantly higher for D150 and F100 compared to E124. The visual grading data revealed higher image quality ratings for detectors D125 and F100 compared to E124. An increase in air kerma was associated with improved perceived sharpness and overall quality score, independent of detector. Detectors B150, D125, F100 and G76, performed well in specific tests, however only F100 consistently outperformed the reference detector. Conclusion. Pixel size alone was not a reliable predictor of small detail detectability or even perceived sharpness in a visual grading analysis study.
Effect of Scheduling Irrigation Water and Adding Organic Matter and Bio-Fertilizer on the Concentration of some Nutrients in Wheat Plant (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Al-Jiyashi Sadiq Zayed Sawadi , Noni Ghanem Bahloul
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was applied during the agricultural season 2021-2022 in one of the farms located in Al-Muthanna Governorate. In order to study the effect of scheduling irrigation water and adding organic matter and bio-bacterial fertilizer on the concentration of some nutrients in the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum L.), the experiment was carried out by distributing split plates using a randomized complete block design R.C.B.D. With three replications, the experiment included three factors, as the coefficients of irrigation periods for the first factor were set in the main panels at two levels (50 and 75%) of the field capacity, and the factors of organic and biological fertilization in the secondary panels, the organic fertilizer treatments included the use of three The levels are (0 and 40 and 80 tons ha-1), while the biofertilization treatments were at two levels, namely (adding the bacterial vaccine and not adding it). The results indicated that the treatment of adding organic fertilizer at the third level, O2, was significantly superior to the rest of the treatments, and the highest values were recorded in nitrogen and phosphorous and potassium concentration in the vegetative total, achieving an increase of (12.05% and 81.08 % 23.74%) sequentially, and the phosphorous concentration in the grains (86.11%), while there was no significant increase for the treatments of adding organic matter in affecting the nitrogen and potassium content of the grains. Also, the biofertilization treatments showed a significant effect in some of these, and the highest values were recorded in both the nitrogen and phosphorous concentration in the vegetative total, with an increase of (5.51% and 13.68%), and the nitrogen and phosphorous concentration in the grains (29.86% and 17.11%) sequentially but regarding as for the potassium concentration in vegetative total and grains, it was not significantly affected by the treatments of adding the bacterial vaccine to it. While the irrigation periods showed a significant effect only on the adjective phosphorous concentration in the grains
The Study of Mineral Composition and Free Iron Oxides in Sand Fraction for Tigris and Euphrates Rivers/Iraq
Authors: Al-Ghabban Haider J. , Jarallah Raid SH.
Published: September 2023

A study was carried out on the mineral composition and free Iron oxides of the sediments of the Tigris and Euphrates river. Two soils were selected representing the sediments of the Tigris (Al-Numaniyah) and Euphrates river (Al-Shamiya), and physical and chemical analyzes were conducted on them, the sand is separated by means of a sieve whose openings are (53 microns) in the presence and absence of oxides into sand separations (53-2000) micrometers, to prepare them for metallurgical examinations. The minerals of soil samples were examined by powder method using diffracted X-rays, and the results showed the following:The results of the diffracted X-ray examinations, the special results of the separated sand in the sediments of the Tigris river showed the presence of Quartz minerals (50.8 and 40.3%), Albite (13.3 and 10.3%) and Chlorite (3.3 and 8.3%) and Micas (5.4 and 6.4%) and Kaolinite (2.2 and 1.5%) for coarse and fine sand, respectively, and the percentage of free Iron oxides in coarse sand was (3.1%). and fine sand (2.9%), and the results of X-ray examinations of the sand separated in the sediments of the Euphrates river showed the presence of Quartz minerals (51.0 and 54.9%) and Albite (23.3 and 18.0%) and Chlorite (3.3 and 3.5%), and Mica (5.4 and 3.3%) and Kaolinite (2.2 and 1.1%) and the percentage of free Iron oxides separated by coarse and fine sand was (2.4 and 1.8) respectively.
General Overview of the Groundwater in Al-Shinafiyah District of Diwaniyah Governorate/Iraq
Authors: Toama Tabarak Kareem , Abed Salwan Ali
Published: September 2023

This study was done to identify some characteristics of chemical, physical, and the concentrations of nutritious salts of nitrate, and phosphates in groundwater on six wells selected in the district of Al-Shinafiyah during the period from June to August 2022. The results obtained for groundwater temperatures were almost equal between wells with rates ranging between 23-25 C°. pH values ranged between (7-7.23). Electrical conductivity values were between (4250-6350) μs/cm and total dissolved solids values were (2300-3660) mg/L. The total hardness, calcium, and magnesium ranged between (1400-2000) (401-757, and (150-225) mg/L respectively. Chloride values were between (520-1240) mg/L. Nitrate values ranged between (0.701-0.815) mg/L. Phosphate values were between (0.515-1.433) mg/L.
Effect of Spraying with Glycine on the Productive and Morphological Characteristics of Two Strawberry Cultivars Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Hussein Ahlam A.
Published: September 2023

The experiment was carried out in one of the greenhouses belonging to the research station of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape gardening at the College of Agriculture / University of Diyala for the agricultural season 2020/2021 as a factorial experiment with two factors, the first using four concentrations of glycine, which are 0, 50, 100, 150 mg L-1 and the second factor two strawberry varieties Camarose and Albion, according to the design of randomized complete block design and with three replications, as the number of experimental units reached 24. The results were analyzed according to the SAS program and the averages were tested according to Duncan’s polynomial test at a probability level of 0.05. The results showed that spraying of amino acid glycine was superior in the concentration of 150 mg L-1 (G4) by giving the highest values in number of fruits and their weight, plant yield, fruits content of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin pigment, and acidity was 16.31 fruits, 14.10 gm, 232.00 gm plant-1, 36.48 mg 100 g-1, 25.13 mg 100g-1 and 0.76%, respectively. Also the Camarosa cultivar (V1) was significantly superior in number of fruits and the yield of one plant was 16.60 fruits and 216.83 gm plant-1, while the Albion cultivar (V2) was superior in giving the highest percentage of TSS and ascorbic acid and the acidity was 7.38%,34.16 mg 100g-1 and 0.77% respectively. As for the treatment of interaction G4V1 (concentration of amino acid glycine 150 mg L-1 (G4) and Camarose cultivar (V1) ), it exceeded the number of fruits, fruits weight and plant yield. The interaction G1V2 had the highest content of TSS and ascorbic acid, while the interaction G4V2 achieved the best content of anthocyanin pigment and acidity in fruits.
Relationship of Planting Dates and Spraying with Conventional and Nano NPK Fertilizer to some Secondary Metabolite Traits of Fenugreek Plant Trigonella foenum-graecum
Authors: Alaawad Noor Al-Huda Saad , Alrubaie Sabah Abd Flayeh
Published: September 2023

This study was carried out in the agricultural fields of the College of Agriculture - Karbala University for the period from October of the year 2021 AD until May of the year 2022 AD, The study included two factors, the first was the cultivation of fenugreek seeds on three loops (20/10/2021) (10/11/2021) (30/11/2021) and the second factor was the use of conventional and nano fertilizer NPK by spraying on the leaves with five combinations, including the comparison treatment (Distilled water only, 1g.L-1 neutralized conventional fertilizer, 2g.L-1 neutralized conventional fertilizer, 100ml.L-1 of nano-fertilizer, 200mlL-1 of nano-fertilizer. The treatment were distributed using a split-plot method in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, planting dates were set in the main-plots and fertilizer combinations in the sub-plots, so the number of experimental units is 45 units, The results were analyzed statistically using the Genstst program, and the averages were tested according to the L.S.D test at a probability level of 0.05. The results showed that the third planting date was superior to the rest of the dates in trait of the percentage of protein with an average of 23.30% and the percentage of alkaloids in the leaves with an average of 2.9333%, while the comparison treatment recorded the least significant difference of 22.78% and 1.8467%, respectively, While the fertilizer treatment recorded the superiority of most of the fertilizer combinations used over the comparison treatment, the fifth combination of fertilizer used outperformed the rest of the combinations by giving it the highest rate for all the studied characteristics, including the percentage of oil in the seeds and the percentage of alkaloids in the seeds, which amounted to (5.2444% and 9.211%), respectively, While the comparison treatment recorded the lowest average of 5.1400% and 5.844% respectively, as for the treatment of overlap between the fertilizer combinations used with the planting dates, the overlap affected significantly in the treatment of the fifth combination of the second planting date in the characteristics of the secondary metabolites compounds, which are the percentage of alkaloids in the leaves and the percentage of the alkaloids in the seeds and the percentage of oil in the seeds were (2.8000%, 9.867%, and 5.2633%), respectively, While the interaction between the first date and the fertilizer combination (distilled water only) was the lowest average for all studied traits.
Evaluation of Growth, Yield and some Qualities Characteristics of Two Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) Cultivars under Plastichouse Conditions
Authors: Alani Mahmood A. R. , Elkaaby Ekhlas A. J. , Abdul Majeed Wathiq A. , Al-Mandelawy Falah N. , Almaliky Abdul Kareem Q. , Raad J. M. , Salih K.S. , Jabbar N. , Shukor K.
Published: September 2023

The study was conducted to evaluate growth, yield and some qualities traits of two cherry tomato cultivars, Gardeners Delight and Golden Sunrise during the year 2017-2018. The experiment was designed in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that Gardeners Delight showed the highest plant height (198.33 cm), number of nodes (38 nodes.plant-1). and no significant differences were found in chlorophyll content in leaves for both cherry cultivars. Concerning to yield traits, Gardeners Delight was superior to give the highest number of clusters, number of flowers set and yield (10.33 cluster.plant-1, 25 flowers.cluster-1 and 3240.50 g respectively). While Golden sunrise gave the highest fruit diameter and fruit weight reached 42.17 mm and 38.18 g respectively. Regarding to the quality parameters, maximum TSS 6.67 °Brix in Gardeners Delight compared to 5.10 °Brix in Golden Sunrise. Highest ascorbic acid and carotene content were recorded in fruits with Golden Sunrise while maximum lycopene content recorded in Gardeners Delight fruits.
A study of Three Planting Dates and Spraying with Zinc, Boron and Polyamine (Putrescine) on the Growth and Yield of Broccoli
Authors: Al-Issawi Ali Khalif , Al-Mohammedi Omar Hashim Muslah
Published: September 2023

The experiment was carried out in the field to study three planting dates during the two winter agricultural seasons 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in Anbar Governorate / Fallujah District, 60 km west of Baghdad on the banks of the Euphrates River. The factorial experiment included 18 treatments using a factorial experimental within split-plot, according to the randomized complete block design, planting dates were placed in the main plot, zinc and boron factor in the subplot, and the putrescine sub-plot were randomly distributed within the dates with three replications, so the treatments became 54. The results showed that the second date was superior in plant height, leaf area, flower disc weight, flower disc diameter, and total yield of flower discs, as it gave the highest rate of 84.90, 81.25 cm, 170.09, 169.64 dm2 plant, 1.071, 1.243 kg, and 19. 60, 19.57 cm, 34.55, 37.38 ton ha-1 for the two seasons, respectively. While the triple interaction between the factors of the study showed the superiority of the plants grown in the first and second seasons in characteristics of plant height, leaf area, flowering disc weight, flowering disc diameter, and the total yield of flowering discs, which reached 87.51, 85.05 cm, 182.36, 182.87 dm2 plant, 1.122, 1.243. kg, 20.39, 20.04 cm, 39.00, 42.96 ton ha-1 for two seasons respectively.
Prediction of Mastitis Incidence in Goat from Somatic Cell in Milk
Authors: Al-Zargani E. K. A. , ALSarai Tamarah M. , Al-Anbari
Published: September 2023

The research was carried out in the animal field of the Al-Kafeel Station / Al-Abbas’s (p) Holy Shrine in Karbala Governorate (15 km south of Karbala city ) 200 local goats were used from the first of December 2020 to the first of May 2021, The chemical analysis of milk components was also carried out in the laboratory of the Abu Ghraib Dairy Laboratory, in order to, study the prediction of mastitis infection through the content of milk from somatic cells and the relationship of the California test score (CMT) with mastitis and the main milk components results showed a significant effect (P≤0.01) of the production cycle sequence on the number of somatic cells in milk, as the goats in the fourth production cycle or more recorded a maximum number (1377.56 × 10 3 cells/ml milk) compared to their counterparts in cycles 1, 2, 3. There was a significant effect (P<0.01) for the milk production stage on the number of somatic cells in the milk, it was found that the number of somatic cells was highest at the beginning of the production stage (1298.37 × 10 3 cells/ml of milk) and the lowest at the end of the production stage (1125.31 × 103 cells/ml milk). There is a significant difference (P≤0.05) in the number of somatic cells in milk according to the level of milk production, as it reached in the milk of mothers who gave less than 500 kg/season 1368.01×10 3 cells/ml of milk. There was a significant effect of the condition of the cow (Uninfected or infected with mastitis) on the number of somatic cells, as it was high in goats infected with mastitis, (1493.54 × 10 3 cells/ml) compared to Uninfected goats (1493.54 × 10 3 cells/ml of milk). There is a positive and highly significant correlation (P≤0.01) between the California test score and mastitis infection, with a coefficient of 0.78, which reflects the possibility of early prediction of mastitis infection by measuring the milk content of somatic cells, and this will lead to take the necessary administrative measures for the procedures Preventive and healthy to reduce injury and improve resistance in the herd. There is a negative and significant correlation coefficient (P≤0.01) between the milk content of somatic cells through CMT test and the percentage of both fat and protein and significantly (P≤0.05) with lactose, which amounted to - 0.74, -0.59 and -0.27, respectively.
Effect of Tenderization with Citric Acid on some Physical Traits of Spent Hen Meat
Authors: Al-Waeli Saad K. J. , Al-Sanger Basim F. S. , Al-Dhalim Hussian M. K. , Al-Gharawi Jassim Kassim , Obaid Faisal Shkhir
Published: September 2023

In this study, spent hen meat, at the market was used after slaughter and cleaning, which were tenderized with citric acid. The treatments were as follows: T1 negative control treatment (soaking with distilled water only) for 12 hours. T2: Positive control treatment (tenderizing with vinegar at a rate of 100 ml/L distilled water) for 12 hours. As for T3, T4 and T5 they are tenderized with citric acid at a concentration of 100, 200 and 300 ml of citric acid solution per liter of distilled water for 12 hours, respectively. The results indicate that all tenderizing treatments with citric acid led to a significant increase in water carrying capacity, with a significant decrease in the loss in the exudate compared to the negative control treatment, with a significant decrease in the weight loss during cooking at the high level of the treatment.
The Effect of Locally Extracted aloe vera Oil on the Productive Performance of ISA Brown Laying Hens
Authors: Al-Salman Nuha Talib Shareef , Al-Gharawi Jassim Kassim
Published: September 2023

The study was conducted at poultry field, Agricultural Research and Experiment Station at the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, to determine the effect of locally extracted aloe vera oil on some productive traits of ISA Brown laying hens, from 5/6/2022 to 5/9/2022. A total of 162, twenty-one-week-old ISA Brown laying hens were used, birds were randomly distributed to nine treatments with three replicates for each, 18 birds per treatment (6 birds for each replicate), the treatments were followed; T1: without any addition, as for the treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5, they were local aloe vera oil and the treatments T7, T6, T8 and T9, they were imported aloe vera oil, the addition of oil was at the levels 0.3 and 0.4 per kg feed. The results indicate that there were a significant improvement (P≤0.05) on some productive traits (egg production, egg weighte, feed conversion and egg mass), for all treatments of locally extracted oil compared to the control treatment and imported oil, T3 showed the best results, significantly (P≤0.05) compared to the rest of the treatments of the oil extracted locally.
Effect of Dietary Fenugreek Seeds and Synbiotic on the Physiological Anatomical, Immunological Attributes and Antioxidant Status in Stressed Chickens
Authors: Dakhil Ahmed Jebur , Al-Shammari Karrar Imad Abdulsahib
Published: September 2023

This experiment was conducted to explore the effect of fenugreek seeds (FSP) and synbiotic (SP) powders in diet as antioxidant factors on antioxidative, physiological, immunological indicators of serum and anatomical properties during exposing to the oxidative stress (OS) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in drinking water of broiler chickens from 2nd until 35th day of age. Totally, 300 chicks Ross 308 at one day old of age were randomly allocated into five treatments with three equal replicates in each treatment (20 chicks/replicate). The treatments were distributed into negative control without feed additives (T1) whereas T2 was adding 1 ml (0.5%) of H2O2 per 1 L of drinking water as stressed positive control. The dietary additive (0.5%) each of FSP and SP was added in stressed groups (T3 and T4), respectively and dietary combination of 0.25% both FSP and SP was added in stressed group (T5). The results referred that T3, T5 and T1 registered an increased level in catalase (p≤0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (p≤0.01) activity and there was increased amounts in superoxide dismutase and packed cells volume in T4, T5 and T1 (p≤0.01) in comparison to T2. The T3, T4, T5 and T1 achieved a decreased malondialdehyde (p≤0.05) with considerable decrease (p≤0.01) in heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, uric acid, creatinine, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases compared with T2. In comparison to T2, all stressed treatments and T1 had high antibody titers against Newcastle disease (p≤0.05) and infectious bursal disease (p≤0.01). Moreover, high proportional weights of lung and heart (p≤0.01) were in T5 whereas T1 achieved high (p≤0.01) kidneys weight and large intestine length. Thus, dietary FSP and SP supplement added synergistically or individually could promote antioxidant status, regulate liver and kidney function, and improve immune system of stressed chickens.
Improving Nutritional and Microbiological Properties of Monterey Cheese using Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Jassim Fatima Haider , Mulakhudair Ali R. , Shati Zahraa Reasan Kareem
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to manufacture Monterey cheese by adding a probiotic represented by Bifidobacterium bifidum for cheese, and changes were compared with Monterey cheese made according to the standard method, to which a starter (Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis lactococcus lactis subsp cremoris) was added. The cheese ripening period was three months at 15°C and under anaerobic conditions. Several tests were performed, including physical and chemical tests. The most prominent results of the study were the decreases in moisture, ash, acidity and pH for the first treatment compared to the second treatment. As for protein, the percentage was close for both treatments, it reached 28.1% for T1 and 28.6% for T2. The percentage of fat and NPN was higher in the first treatment; Finally, one difference was observed in the percentage of carbohydrates throughout the storage period. On the other hand, the study found that the number of therapeutic bacteria in cheese with storege was 180 × 109 (CFU\g), and its preparation when conducting gastric juice was 40 × 108 (CFU\g) for the first treatment and 100 × 108 ( CFU\g) for the second treatment.
Study of the Chemical and Rheological Properties to the Food Bars Manufactured From Milk Proteins
Authors: Al-Shara Sara H. J. , Al-Saraj Ali F. M. , Al-Saadi Jasim M. S.
Published: September 2023

The chemical composition was studied and the difference between its rheological characteristics was compared. Five samples were made of nutritional bars fortified with casein protein (A), whey (B), Milk protein concentrate (C), and conjugated precipitates to which calcium salts (D) and salts were added. Iron (F) The moisture content of each of the A, B, C, D and F samples, was (12.9, 12.5, 16.5, 16.7, 11)%, respectively, and the percentage of ash was (1, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 151.5)%, respectively. The percentage of ash increased in both sample D and E. This increase is due to the addition of salts to it. The protein content of the samples was (18.4, 9, 15.9, 13.3, 17.6) %, respectively, the percentage of protein increased in sample A compared to other samples. Because casein contained, the percentage of fat decreased in samples A until it reached (16, 17, 18, 15.1, 15.5)%, respectively, the pH was( 6.3, 6.5, 6.4, 5.9, 5.2) respectively and the total acidity was (1.1, 0.7, 0.9, 0.1, 0.1) respectively, The percentage of carbohydrates was (51.7, 54. 48.7, 53.7, 54.4)% respectively, The rheological characteristics of each sample A, B, C, D, and F were studied, and their hardness was (511.4, 30.8, 408.6, 6.9, 6.9) g, while the cohesion was samples 0.57, 0.74, 0.31, 0.01, 0.43, respectively, and adhesion (4, 3.3, 1.7, 5, 5) mm, This study was conducted in order to develop milk protein concentrates and include them in the manufacture of developed foods rich in protein that athletes need to build muscle mass. It is recommended to eat these foods who follow a diet or an integrated healthy diet.
Extraction and Evaluation of Active Ingredients of Saussurea costus Roots and Determination of its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Al-Zayadi Zahraa Abdulameer , Shanan Hana Kadum , Salihi Karima Akool Al
Published: September 2023

Saussurea costus (Sc) plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. It contains various bioactive compounds used traditionally in treating multiple diseases. This study intends to extract and evaluate the active ingredients of Sc roots (Scrs) and determine their antibacterial activities. S. costus roots were purchased from the herbal market and the chemical compositions, including protein, lipid, carbohydrates, moisture, and ash, were determined according to AOAC procedures 2016 with some modifications. HPLC and amino acids analyzer were used to determine the phenolic compounds and amino acid composition of S. costus roots extract (ScrsE). The antibacterial activities of S. costus roots extract were done according to the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The S. costus roots were revealed a fusiform (or) conical and tapering appearance, collapsing in the centre with longitudinal wrinkles revealing 11-19 cm and 1-2.5 cm for long and wide, respectively. The extraction yield was 9.52% and the weight of the concentrated crude extract was 10 g. According to Proximate analysis, the S. costus roots extract showed 3.88% and 20.12% moisture and ash contents, respectively. The compositions of carbohydrates, protein, and crude fat were 75.25%, 2.51%, and 1.85%, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that the S. costus roots Extract contained two phenolic acids and two flavonoids. Moreover, twelve amino acids were determined for the first time in the S. costus roots extract. Various antibacterial activities were seen with maximum inhibition zone for Streptococcus pyogenes & E.coli; and minimum for Bacillus subtilis & Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, this study investigated various contents of S. costus roots extract including amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, and crude fat, in addition to its antibacterial activities. The authors recommend more future studies to investigate the therapeutic activities of S. costus roots extract.
Effect of Zeolite Levels and Foliar Feeding with NPK Nano Fertilizer on some Soil Chemical Properties and Grain Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Fatnan Ayda Swadi , Saad Turki Moften
Published: September 2023

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of zeolite levels and foliar feeding with NPK nano fertilizer on some soil chemical properties and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment was carried out during the winter agricultural season (2020-2021) in a sandy mixture of soil at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station of the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University at Al Bandar field (which is 3 km away from the city of Samawah). The study aimed at the effect of three levels of zeolite (0, 0.5 and 1) kg m 2 by volume, symbolized by Z1, Z0 and Z2, respectively, and six levels of NPK for the addition of ground and nano, spraying on the leaves in two stages at the branching and flowering, which are (0, 0.25 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm ha-1 nano-NPK, 0.50 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm h-1 nano-NPK, 0.75 from the fertilizer recommendation +800 gm h-1 NPK Nano, Recommended Ground Fertilizer Only and Recommended Nano Fertilizer Only 1600 gm ha-1), its symbols were F4, F3, F2, F1, F0 and F5 respectively in the availability of N, P and K uptake in the plant and grain of the wheat crop, the experiment was carried out by designing split plot by Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D). Wheat seeds were sown, type (Bohooth 22) on 11/11/2020. The results of the experiment showed that the addition of zeolite led to the improvement of some chemical properties of the soil, that the level Z2 achieved a significant superiority in raising the values of the concentrations of NPK elements available in the soil at the flowering and harvest stages, the compound NPK nano fertilizer had a significant effect on the chemical properties, as the levels F4 and F5 achieved the highest averages in the concentration of NPK available in the soil at. The two combinations (Z2F4) and (Z2F5) achieved significant superiority in the characteristics of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium concentrations in the soil at flowering, and phosphorous and potassium in the soil at harvest.
Effect of Plant Extract and Plant Hormonal Accessories on Growth and Yield Tomato
Authors: Hassan Zainab M. , Al-Sudani Zainab A. , Atshan Kawakib Awadh
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was carried out inside a plastic house in (Al Bandar region) second research station in College of Agriculture / Al-Muthanna University scince winter season 2020-2021, to study the effect of two factors : first one was auxin (IAA) : control (T0), 1 ml. L-1 (T1), and 2 ml. L-1 (T2), second factor was a mixture of licorice extract with yeast suspension: control (F0), 5 g.L-1(T1) and 10 g.L-1(T2). A Completely Randomized Block Design ( R.C.B.D.) were used with three replicates and means were compared according to L.S.D. test at the level of 0.05. Results showed that Significant superiority of auxin treatment at 2 ml.L-1 in the characteristics of plant height (73.0 cm), number of leaves (25.89 leaves), leaf area (15.21 dcm2), early yield (1.91 kg.Plant-1) and number of fruits (44.78 fruits.Plant-1), while the concentration exceeded 10 g.L-1 of licorice extract and yeast suspension in the two characteristics of leaf area and number of fruits (1345 cm2, 42.78 fruits) respectively. Results also indicated that the interaction of F2T2 had a significant increase in plant height(78.0cm), leaf area (15.17 dcm2).
Molecular Identification and Field Control of Cowpea Jassid Amrasca Biguttula (Hemiptera:Cicadellidae) Infecting Cowpea in Baghdad-Iraq
Authors: Jaod Ahmed Shalal , Nawar Majeed Hameed
Published: September 2023

The leguminous family is considered one of the most important plant hosts, as it includes large numbers of economic crops, including cowpeas, because it contains a high percentage of vegetable protein. Cowpea is infested with a number of insects, including leafhopper of insects with piercing, sucking mouthparts that cause direct and indirect damage to the crop by transmitting viral diseases and causing loss of yield. he leafhopper was diagnosed on the cowpea crop by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. It was found that the type belonging to the leafhopper is Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The soil and the concentrations used by spraying were (25, 50, 75) ml / liter, and the soil was treated with concentrations of (100, 200, 300) g / m2. The results in spray treatment and soil treatment were that on eggs the highest rate corrected rate for death was 51%, 45%, respectively, and on nymphs, the highest rate corrected rate for death was 54% and 52%, respectively, and on females, the highest rate corrected rate for death was 52% and 45%, respectively. And there are significant differences.
Gene Expression of some Active Substances under the Effect of Organic and Phosphate Fertilization of some Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Structures
Authors: Khaleefh Satar Abid , Abood Akeel Najim , Maddab Dawood Selman
Published: September 2023

In the winter of 2021-2022, researchers on the hamlet of Banat Al-Hassan, southeast of Samarra (Iraq), conducted a field experiment in gypsum soil on one of the private farms there. Both zero and eight tons of organic fertilizer were used in the experiment. 0 and 160 kg of phosphate fertilizer D−1 and D−2. D−1 without competition from the other five sweet fennel genotypes and two fertilizer types (Local, Amigo, Dollap, Azuricum, Hannan). According to the findings, the SIPR1 gene in the 8-ton had the highest level of expression. The highest dose of D-1 for organic fertilizer treatment for the Azuricum genotype was 9.986644 mg, followed by 160 kg of the SIActin gene. Dollap genotype required 9.849155 g of D−1 phosphate fertilizer.
Effect of Spraying Stages of Micro-Nano Elements on some Productive and Economical Traits of Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Al-Shammari Amir M. H. , Blau Haider H. , Noaema Ali H.
Published: September 2023

The aim of the research is to study the effect of the stages of spraying nano-microelements on some yield characteristics and the economic feasibility of wheat varieties. Soil with a mixture of clay texture and using the split plank design using random complete sectors (R.C.B.D) The cultivars coded (Abu Ragheef V1, Baghdad V2, Babil V3, Aba 99 V4) occupied the main panels, while the spraying stages coded (tillering stage S1, booting stage S2, flowering stage S3) occupied the secondary panels. The results showed differences between the cultivars in some of the studied traits, as the father variety was significantly superior in the number of spikes and the number of grains per spike amounted to 410.7 spikes m2 and 82.7 grains spike-1, respectively, and the characteristic of the grain yield was 7.354 tons h-1, the biological yield was 24.006 tons h-1, and the total revenue 8,629,944 dinars h-1, and a net profit of 6,430,044 dinars h-1, while Abu Ragheef excelled in the weight of 1000 grains, amounting to 44.19 gm. As for the spraying stages, the Al-booting stage gave the highest average of the number of spikes, which amounted to 369.3 spikes m2, and the Al-Booting stage excelled in grain yield 7,406 tons h-1, the biological yield 22,481 t h-1, and the total revenue 8,448,561 dinars h-1. As for the overlap between the stages of spraying the micro-nano elements and the cultivars, the combination (Aba 99×S2) excelled in grain yield of 7.788 tons h-1.
Effect of Soil Addition of Humic, Fulvic Acids and Irrigation Water Salinity on the Yellow Corn Zea mays L. Growth
Authors: Kadhim Anmar Hamoudi , Al-Barakat Hanoon N. Kadhem , Mahmoud Mohammed Radwan
Published: September 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the two spring seasons 2020/2021 in an agricultural field, located on the banks of the Euphrates River in Al-Muthanna Governorate, which is 4 km away from Al-Muthanna University, between latitudes 45°14′58″ and longitudes 31°19′33″, to study the effect of adding humic and fulvic organic acids and irrigation water salinity on the growth traits of corn crop Zea mays L., in an experiment whose treatments included three levels of concentrations of a mixture of organic acids (humic and fulvic) which were 0, 20 and 40 liters of ha-1, four levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water used in the irrigation process, it was less than 2.0 dSiemens m-1 using pure water RO mixture with river water, and 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 dSiemens m-1 using a mixture of tap water and river water. The results showed a significant effect between irrigation water salinity levels on plant height, where the transaction decreased by 8.0 dSiemens m-1, significant effect between the levels of humic and fulvic organic acids in the leaf area cm2, where the treatment exceeded 20 liters ha-1, there was a significant interaction between humic and fulvic acid levels and irrigation water salinity levels, the combination (40 L × salinity comparison) a high leaf area and dry matter.
Effect of Different Combinations of Herbicides on Wheat Crop and Lolium Weed
Authors: Al-Zweni Emian Hamid Kadhem , Alfarttoosi Hameed A. Kh. , Frhood Ali Nadhim
Published: September 2023

In this investigation, which took place during the winter agricultural season of 2021-2022 in one of the fields located in the Al-Hindiya District of the Holy Karbala Governorate, the purpose was to investigate the effect of various combinations of herbicides on the development and yield characteristics of wheat as well as a few weeds belonging to the genus Lolium. The experiment was conducted out using a randomized complete block design with three replications and a factor One. This resulted in 11 different combinations of herbicides being tested, including Chevalier, Pallas, Tobic, and Axial. After sixty and ninety days, measurements were taken of the weed, and measurements of the wheat were taken at the end of the growing season. According to the findings, the combination of Chevalier, Pallas, Tobik, and Axial performed exceptionally well in reducing the majority of weed traits, including plant height, chlorophyll index, weed density, and weed dry weight. Decrease of effectiveness of different combinations of Chevalier, Pallas, Topic and Axial herbicides on Lolium weeds. Inhibition of wheat yield and growth when using combinations Chevalier +Pallas+ Topic Axial + and Chevalier +Pallas+ Topic.
Flowering, Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum as Affected by Application Timing of Nitrogen and Levels of Zeolite
Authors: Al-Ibrahimi Haydar A. , Al-haidary Hanaa K.
Published: September 2023

An experiment in field was carried out during the fall season of 2020 at the Agricultural Research Station of the College of Agriculture - Al-Muthanna University in the Al-Bandar area, which is 2 km from the center of the city of Samawah, in order to know the effect of application timing of nitrogen according to the different growth stages and the effect of levels of zeolite on dates to 50% flowering and yield and its components of sorghum. The experiment was applied according to the randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with split plot arrangement and three replications, as zeolite levels occupied the main plots (0 without addition, 0.4% of the weight of the soil, equivalent to 16 t h-1, and 0.8 % of soil weight, equivalent to 32 t h-1 and its symbol (Z0, Z1, Z2) respectively, while the sub plots occupied application timing of nitrogen that included (half the quantity at sowing + half after 45 days of sowing, half at the stage of 4 leaves + half at the beginning of the boot stage, half at the stage of 4 leaves + half at the stage of 50 % flowering, and one third at the stage of 4 leaves + one third at the stage of boot + one third at the stage 50 % flowering ) and its symbol (N1, N2, N3, N4) respectively. The results have showed that the application timing of nitrogen with half at the stage of 4 leaves + half at the beginning of the boot (N2) was significantly superior, as it gave the least number of days from sowing until the 50% flowering stage (70.67 days ) and it gave the highest rates in mean of No.of grain head-1, grain yield, and harvest index, with averages (3825 grain head-1, 7.64 t h-1and 41.68%, respectively). The Zeolite levels differed asignificantly in the most qualities of growth and biological yield. The treatment with 32 t h-1 (Z2) gave the least number of days from sowing until the 50% flowering stage (71.75 days) and this treatment also was superior in giving the highest average of No.of grain head-1, grain yield, and harvest index, with averages (3735 grain head-1, 7.66 t h-1 and 41.85%, respectively). The interaction effect between the study factors was significant in most of the studied traits.
Assessment of Body Discomfort and Physiological Cost of Tractor Drivers during Tillage Operation with MouldBoard Plough
Authors: Abood Ahmed Merza , Al Aridhee Jawad Kadhim , Kassar Flaieh Hammed , Łysiak Grzegorz , Dakhil Majid Mayih
Published: September 2023

Field experiments were conducted in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq in order to evaluate the Body parts discomfort score and physiological cost of tractor operator during tillage operation while using mould board plough. Three subjects represented 50th percentile of their population were chosen for this study. We used the Corlett and Bishop Technique to evaluate the degree of discomfort in various body parts. According to the findings, both BPDS and HR went up as the engine rpm went up. The most common sites of pain were the neck, lower back, both legs, both feet, and both wrists. The minimum mean of BPDS was 18.90 at tillage depth 10 cm and engine speed 1000 rpm. While the maximum of BPDS was 28.67 at tillage depth 30 cm and 2000 rpm tractor engine speed. The variation in BPDS due to tillage depth and tractor engine speed was significant at 5 per cent level. The lowest value of HR of the operator was obtained at 10 cm depth and 1000rpm whereas the highest value was obtained at 30 cm and 2000 rpm tractor engine speed. The values were 88 and 101 beats/min respectively. Tillage operation with a mould board plough was associated with a “low” workload in steady state, as seen by the observed HR values for all participants, with the exception of 30 cm depth at 2000 engine speed, where the effort was moderate. The variation in ΔHR due to tillage depth and tractor engine speed was significant at 5 per cent level.
Detecting defects in fused deposition modeling based on improved YOLO v4
Authors: Xu Luyang , Zhang Xiaoxun , Ma Fang , Chang Gaoyuan , Zhang Cheng , Li Jiaming , Wang Shuxian , Huang Yuanyou
Published: September 2023

Fused deposition modeling comes with many conveniences for the manufacturing industry, but many defects tend to appear in actual production due to the problems of the FDM mechanism itself. Although some deep learning-based object detection models show excellent performance in detecting defects in the additive manufacturing process, their detection efficiency is relatively low, and they are prone to drawbacks in the face of large numbers of defects. In this paper, an improved model based on the YOLO v4 network structure is developed. We lightweight the model and modify its loss function to achieve better performance. Experimental results show that the improved model, MobileNetV2-YOLO v4, achieves a mAP of 98.96% and an FPS of 50.8 after training, which obtains higher detection accuracy and faster detection speed than the original YOLO v4 algorithm model. Through testing, this improved model can accurately identify the location and information of target defects, which has great potential for real-time detection in the additive manufacturing process.
Thermoelectric properties of cement composite analogues from first principles calculations
Authors: Orisakwe Esther , Johnston Conrad , Jani Ruchita , Liu Xiaoli , Stella Lorenzo , Kohanoff Jorge , Holmes Niall , Norton Brian , Qu Ming , Yin Hongxi , Yazawa Kazuaki
Published: September 2023

Buildings are responsible for a considerable fraction of the energy wasted globally every year, and as a result, excess carbon emissions. While heat is lost directly in colder months and climates, resulting in increased heating loads, in hot climates cooling and ventilation is required. One avenue towards improving the energy efficiency of buildings is to integrate thermoelectric devices and materials within the fabric of the building to exploit the temperature gradient between the inside and outside to do useful work. Cement-based materials are ubiquitous in modern buildings and present an interesting opportunity to be functionalized. We present a systematic investigation of the electronic transport coefficients relevant to the thermoelectric materials of the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel analogue, tobermorite, using Density Functional Theory calculations with the Boltzmann transport method. The calculated values of the Seebeck coefficient are within the typical magnitude (200-600 μ
V/K) indicative of a good thermoelectric material. The tobermorite models are predicted to be intrinsically p-type thermoelectric material because of the presence of large concentration of the Si-O tetrahedra sites. The calculated electronic figure of merit, ZT, for the tobermorite models have their optimal values of 0.983 at (400 K and 1017 cm−3) for tobermorite 9 Å, 0.985 at (400 K and 1017 cm−3) for tobermorite 11 Å and 1.20 at (225 K and 1019 cm−3) for tobermorite 14 Å, respectively.