bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Editing of the pp38 Gene in Marek’s Disease Virus-Transformed Cell Lines Using CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Luo Jun , Tang Na , Teng Man , Reddy Vishwanatha R.A.P. , Moffat Katy , Shen Zhiqiang , Nair Venugopal , Yao Yongxiu
Published: April 2019

Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a lymphotropic α-herpesvirus associated with T-cell lymphomas in chickens, is an excellent model for herpesvirus biology and virus-induced oncogenesis. Marek’s disease (MD) is also one of the cancers against which a vaccine was first used. In the lymphomas and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from them, MDV establishes latent infection with limited gene expression. Although LCLs are valuable for interrogating viral and host gene functions, molecular determinants associated with the maintenance of MDV latency and lytic switch remain largely unknown, mainly due to the lack of tools for in situ manipulation of the genomes in these cell lines. Here we describe the first application of CRISPR/Cas9 editing approach for precise editing of the viral gene phosphoprotein 38 (pp38), a biomarker for latent/lytic switch in MDV-transformed LCLs MDCC-MSB-1 (Marek’s disease cell line MSB-1) and MDCC-HP8. Contradictory to the previous reports suggesting that pp38 is involved in the maintenance of transformation of LCL MSB-1 cells, we show that pp38-deleted cells proliferated at a significant higher rate, suggesting that pp38 is dispensable for the transformed state of these cell lines. Application of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing of MDV-transformed cell lines in situ opens up further opportunities towards a better understanding of MDV pathogenesis and virus-host interactions.
In Depth Breadth Analyses of Human Blockade Responses to Norovirus and Response to Vaccination
Authors: Haynes Joel , Perry Virginia , Benson Evelyn , Meeks Alisa , Watts Gayle , Watkins Heather , Braun Ralph
Published: April 2019

To evaluate and understand the efficacy of vaccine candidates, supportive immunological measures are needed. Critical attributes for a norovirus vaccine are the strength and breadth of antibody responses against the many different genotypes. In the absence of suitable neutralization assays to test samples from vaccine clinical trials, blockade assays offer a method that can measure functional antibodies specific for many of the different norovirus strains. This paper describes development and optimization of blockade assays for an extended panel of 20 different norovirus strains that can provide robust and reliable data needed for vaccine assessment. The blockade assays were used to test a panel of human clinical samples taken before and after vaccination with the Takeda TAK-214 norovirus vaccine. Great variability was evident in the repertoire of blocking antibody responses prevaccination and postvaccination among individuals. Following vaccination with TAK-214, blocking antibody levels were enhanced across a wide spectrum of different genotypes. The results indicate that adults may have multiple exposures to norovirus and that the magnitude and breadth of the complex preexisting antibody response can be boosted and expanded by vaccination.
Isolation and Characterization of Lactobacillus brevis Phages
Authors: Feyereisen Marine , Mahony Jennifer , Lugli Gabriele A. , Ventura Marco , Neve Horst , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Noben Jean-Paul , O’Sullivan Tadhg , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: April 2019

Lactobacillus brevis has been widely used in industry for fermentation purposes. However, it is also associated with the spoilage of foods and beverages, in particular, beer. There is an increasing demand for natural food preservation methods, and in this context, bacteriophages possess the potential to control such spoilage bacteria. Just a few studies on phages infecting Lactobacillus brevis have been performed to date and in the present study, we report the isolation and characterization of five virulent phages capable of infecting Lb. brevis strains. The analysis reveals a high diversity among the isolates, with members belonging to both, the Myoviridae and Siphoviridae families. One isolate, designated phage 3-521, possesses a genome of 140.8 kb, thus representing the largest Lb. brevis phage genome sequenced to date. While the isolated phages do not propagate on Lb. brevis beer-spoiling strains, phages showed activity against these strains, impairing the growth of some Lb. brevis strains. The results highlight the potential of bacteriophage-based treatments as an effective approach to prevent bacterial spoilage of beer.
Comparative Study of Two State-of-the-Art Semi-Distributed Hydrological Models
Authors: Paul Pranesh Kumar , Zhang Yongqiang , Mishra Ashok , Panigrahy Niranjan , Singh Rajendra
Published: April 2019

Performance of a newly developed semi-distributed (grid-based) hydrological model (satellite-based hydrological model (SHM)) has been compared with another semi-distributed soil and water assessment tool (SWAT)—a widely used hydrological response unit (HRU)-based hydrological model at a large scale (12,900 km2) river basin for monthly streamflow simulation. The grid-based model has a grid cell size of 25 km2, and the HRU-based model was set with an average HRU area of 25.2 km2 to keep a balance between the discretization of the two models. Both the model setups are calibrated against the observed streamflow over the period 1977 to 1990 (with 1976 as the warm-up period) and validated over the period 1991 to 2004 by comparing simulated and observed hydrographs as well as using coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and percent bias (PBIAS) as statistical indices. Result of SHM simulation (NSE: 0.92 for calibration period; NSE: 0.92 for validation period) appears to be superior in comparison to SWAT simulation (NSE: 0.72 for calibration period; NSE: 0.50 for validation period) for both calibration and validation periods. The models’ performances are also analyzed for annual peak flow, monthly flow variability, and for different flow percentiles. SHM has performed better in simulating annual peak flows and has reproduced the annual variability of observed streamflow for every month of the year. In addition, SHM estimates normal, moderately high, and high flows better than SWAT. Furthermore, total uncertainties of models’ simulation have been analyzed using quantile regression technique and eventually quantified with scatter plots between P (measured data bracketed by the 95 percent predictive uncertainty (PPU) band) and R (the relative length of the 95PPU band with respect to the model simulated values)-values, for calibration and validation periods, for both the model simulations. The analysis confirms the superiority of SHM over its counterpart. Differences in data interpolation techniques and physical processes of the models are identified as the probable reasons behind the differences among the models’ outputs.
The Upwelling Groundwater Flow in the Karst Area of Grassano-Telese Springs (Southern Italy)
Authors: Fiorillo Francesco , Leone Guido , Pagnozzi Mauro , Catani Vittorio , Testa Giovanni , Esposito Libera
Published: April 2019

The hydraulic phenomenon of upwelling groundwater flow affecting the karst area of the Grassano-Telese springs (southern Italy) has been investigated through piezometric measurements, discharge, and chemical–physical monitoring of springs, radon activity included. Locally, both large karst springs and sulfurous thermal springs are closely located, and raise several questions on their origin. In this study, the phenomenon of the upwelling flow is supported by different types of evidences: Amazing density of sinkholes connected to hypogenic speleogenesis processes, constancy of temperature, and hydraulic conductivity of spring water, change of radon activity during the hydrological year, increasing of the hydraulic head with depth. Numerical code provides an estimation of the upwelling phenomenon in an unconfined aquifer feeding the karst springs, using MODFLOW tools. Based on the results reached, the phenomenon of the upwelling flow is able to explain the hydrological processes observed in the Telese karst area.
Water Management Using Drones and Satellites in Agriculture
Authors: Cancela Javier J. , González Xesús P. , Vilanova Mar , Mirás-Avalos José M.
Published: April 2019

This document intends to be a presentation of the Special Issue “Water Management Using Drones and Satellites in Agriculture”. The objective of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in the methodology of using remote sensing techniques for managing water in agricultural systems. Its eight peer-reviewed articles focus on three topics: new equipment for characterizing water bodies, development of satellite-based technologies for determining crop water requirements in order to enhance irrigation efficiency, and monitoring crop water status through proximal and remote sensing. Overall, these contributions explore new solutions for improving irrigation management and an efficient assessment of crop water needs, being of great value for both researchers and advisors.
Analysis of Floodplain Dynamics in the Atrato River Colombia Using SAR Interferometry
Authors: Palomino-Ángel Sebastián , Anaya-Acevedo Jesús A. , Simard Marc , Liao Tien-Hao , Jaramillo Fernando
Published: April 2019

Floodplain water flows have large volumetric flowrates and high complexity in space and time that are difficult to understand using water level gauges. We here analyze the spatial and temporal fluctuations of surface water flows in the floodplain of the Atrato River, Colombia, in order to evaluate their hydrological connectivity. The basin is one of the rainiest areas of the world with wetland ecosystems threatened by the expansion of agriculture and mining activities. We used 16 Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radars (DInSAR) phase observations from the ALOS-PALSAR L-band instrument acquired between 2008–2010 to characterize the flow of surface water. We were able to observe water level change in vegetated wetland areas and identify flooding patterns. In the lower basin, flow patterns are conditioned by fluctuations in the levels of the main river channel, whereas in the middle basin, topography and superficial channels strongly influence the flow and connectivity. We found that the variations in water level in a station on the main channel 87 km upstream explained more than 56% of the variations in water level in the floodplain. This result shows that, despite current expansion of agriculture and mining activities, there remain significant hydrological connectivity between wetlands and the Atrato River. This study demonstrates the use of DInSAR for a spatially comprehensive monitoring of the Atrato River basin hydrology. For the first time, we identified the spatiotemporal patterns of surface water flow of the region. We recommend these observations serve as a baseline to monitor the potential impact of ongoing human activities on surface water flows across the Atrato River basin.
Causal Reasoning: Towards Dynamic Predictive Models for Runoff Temporal Behavior of High Dependence Rivers
Authors: Molina José-Luis , Zazo Santiago , Martín Ana-María
Published: April 2019

Nowadays, a noteworthy temporal alteration of traditional hydrological patterns is being observed, producing a higher variability and more unpredictable extreme events worldwide. This is largely due to global warming, which is generating a growing uncertainty over water system behavior, especially river runoff. Understanding these modifications is a crucial and not trivial challenge that requires new analytical strategies like Causality, addressed by Causal Reasoning. Through Causality over runoff series, the hydrological memory and its logical time-dependency structure have been dynamically/stochastically discovered and characterized. This is done in terms of the runoff dependence strength over time. This has allowed determining and quantifying two opposite temporal-fractions within runoff: Temporally Conditioned/Non-conditioned Runoff (TCR/TNCR). Finally, a successful predictive model is proposed and applied to an unregulated stretch, Mijares river catchment (Jucar river basin, Spain), with a very high time-dependency behavior. This research may have important implications over the knowledge of historical rivers´ behavior and their adaptation. Furthermore, it lays the foundations for reaching an optimum reservoir dimensioning through the building of predictive models of runoff behavior. Regarding reservoir capacity, this research would imply substantial economic/environmental savings. Also, a more sustainable management of river basins through more reliable control reservoirs’ operation is expected to be achieved.
Influences of Catchment and River Channel Characteristics on the Magnitude and Dynamics of Storage and Re-Suspension of Fine Sediments in River Beds
Authors: Park Jungsu , Batalla Ramon J. , Birgand Francois , Esteves Michel , Gentile Francesco , Harrington Joseph R. , Navratil Oldrich , López-Tarazón Jose Andres , Vericat Damià
Published: April 2019

Fine particles or sediments are one of the important variables that should be considered for the proper management of water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the effect of catchment characteristics on the performance of an already developed model for the estimation of fine sediments dynamics between the water column and sediment bed was tested, using 13 catchments distributed worldwide. The model was calibrated to determine two optimal model parameters. The first is the filtration parameter, which represents the filtration of fine sediments through pores of the stream bed during the recession period of a flood event. The second parameter is the bed erosion parameter that represents the active layer, directly related to the re-suspension of fine sediments during a flood event. A dependency of the filtration parameter with the catchment area was observed in catchments smaller than ~100 km2, whereas no particular relationship was observed for larger catchments (>100 km2). In contrast, the bed erosion parameter does not show a noticeable dependency with the area or other environmental characteristics. The model estimated the mass of fine sediments released from the sediment bed to the water column during flood events in the 13 catchments within ~23% bias.
Influence of Different Sieving Methods on Estimation of Sand Size Parameters
Authors: Poullet Patricio , Muñoz-Perez Juan J. , Poortvliet Gerard , Mera Javier , Contreras Antonio , Lopez Patricia
Published: April 2019

Sieving is one of the most used operational methods to determine sand size parameters which are essential to analyze coastal dynamics. However, the influence of hand versus mechanical shaking methods has not yet been studied. Herein, samples were taken from inside the hopper of a trailing suction dredger and sieved by hand with sieves of 10 and 20 cm diameters on board the dredger. Afterwards, these same samples were sieved with a mechanical shaker in the laboratory on land. The results showed differences for the main size parameters D50, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. Amongst the main results, it should be noted that the highest values for D50 and kurtosis were given by the small sieves method. On the other hand, the lowest values were given by the mechanical shaker method in the laboratory. Furthermore, standard deviation and skewness did not seem to be affected by the sieving method which means that all the grainsize distribution was shifted but the shape remained unchanged. The few samples that do not follow these patterns have a higher percentage of shells. Finally and definitely, the small sieves should be rejected as a sieving method aboard.
Spatial Characteristics and Temporal Evolution of Chemical and Biological Freshwater Status as Baseline Assessment on the Tropical Island San Cristóbal (Galapagos, Ecuador)
Authors: Van Echelpoel Wout , Forio Marie Anne Eurie , Van der heyden Christine , Bermúdez Rafael , Ho Long , Rosado Moncayo Andrea Mishell , Parra Narea Rebeca Nathaly , Dominguez Granda Luis E. , Sanchez Danny , Goethals Peter L. M.
Published: April 2019

The fragility of geographically isolated islands stresses the necessity of evaluating the current situation, identifying temporal trends and suggesting appropriate conservation measures. To support this, we assessed the freshwater quality of three stream basins on San Cristóbal (Galapagos) for two consecutive years. Abiotic conditions generally complied with existing guidelines, except for the pH in the Cerro Gato basin (<6.5) and orthophosphate concentrations in 2016 (>0.12 mg P L−1). Macroinvertebrate communities were characterized by low family richness (3–11) and were dominated by Atyidae or Chironomidae, thereby causing low diversity (0.33–1.65). Spatial analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated that abiotic differences between stream basins were mostly related to turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity. Biotic differences were less clear due to masking by anthropogenic disturbances and dispersal limitations, yet indicated a negative effect of reduced pH and DO on Atyidae presence. In 2017, significantly narrower ranges were found for turbidity, temperature, pH, and diversity (p < 0.01), suggesting a decrease in habitat variability and a need for conservation measures, including mitigating measures related to dam construction for water extraction. As such, further follow-up is highly recommended for the sustainable development and environmental protection of this unique archipelago.
Large-Scale Hydrological Modelling of the Upper Paraná River Basin
Authors: Abou Rafee Sameh A. , Uvo Cintia B. , Martins Jorge A. , Domingues Leonardo M. , Rudke Anderson P. , Fujita Thais , Freitas Edmilson D.
Published: April 2019

The Upper Paraná River Basin (UPRB) has undergone many rapid land use changes in recent decades, due to accelerating population growth. Thus, the prediction of water resources has crucial importance in improving planning and sustainable management. This paper presents a large-scale hydrological modelling of the UPRB, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The model was calibrated and validated for 78 outlets, over a 32-year simulation period between 1984 and 2015. The results and the comparison between observed and simulated values showed that after the calibration process, most of the outlets performed to a satisfactory level or better in all objective functions analyzed with 86%, 92%, 76%, 88%, and 74% for Percent bias, Coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, Kling-Gupta efficiency, and the Ratio of Standard deviation of observations to root mean square error, respectively. The model output provided in this work could be used in further simulations, such as the evaluation of the impacts of land use change or climate change on river flows of the Upper Paraná Basin.
Surgical glue- a promising technology for wound healing
Authors: Swathi Krishna K. V. , Uma Maheswari L. S. , Rajeswari G
Published: April 2019

Wound closure is one of the important steps of surgical dressing and suturing is the most commonly used method of wound closure. The process of suturing takes very long time for surgery and increases the patient’s risk of anesthesia awareness. Skin glues are a safe and effective method to close selected wounds. They are also cost-effective and help prevent infection. Ideally, wounds should be less than 4 cm, not contaminated or infected and have skin edges that are not under tension. Wounds should be closed within 12 hours. Novel methods of wound closure have been introduced to address these issues, most notably cyanoacrylate tissue glues. The evidence would suggest that the use of cyanoacrylate tissue glue is associated with a reduction in closure time and costs. On a daily basis, dermasurgeons are facing different kinds of wounds that have to be closed. With a plethora of skin closure materials currently available, choosing a solution that combines excellent and rapid cosmetic results with practicality and cost-effectiveness is preferred.
Preclinical toxicological evaluation of Aloe vera health drinks in wistar rats
Authors: Sudhakar P , Vinoth Prabhu V , Jamuna B , Adithya R.S , Soman Lakshmi , Joy Anu , Anand R
Published: April 2019

Human consumption of Aloe vera as a beverage has recently increased in popularity. These benefits are controversial with some sources pointing out that the putative effects of aloe are unsupported by clinical studies; it is important that marketed products be tested for toxicities following oral consumption. Hence this study was designed to evaluate the toxicological effect of marketed aloe health drinks. Thirty either sex Wistar rats (200-300gm) were enrolled in this study and are divided into 5 groups. Group I receives Normal saline serves as vehicle control, Group II and III receives Product A- Low dose (0.5 ml twice daily, p.o) and High dose (1.0 ml twice daily, p.o) respectively. Group IV and V receives Product B- Low dose (0.5 ml twice daily, p.o) and High dose (1.0 ml twice daily, p.o) respectively. Weekly body weight and daily feed intake were measured. On 28th day total urine output volume, faecal consistency, Haematological, biochemical, and organ weight were measured to assess the toxicity of aloe health drinks. The result of this study shows that continuous usage of aloe health drinks showed milder weight reduction, significant improvement in erythropoiesis also it increases the WBC count and increases the weight of spleen it may confirm the immune modulatory effect of aloe health drink. At the higher doses, it increased the SGOT, SGPT, serum urea and creatinine it may lead to the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In gastrointestinal tract on prolonged uses, it produced few lesions and diarrhoea. It might be concluded that prolonged consumption of unprocessed aloe health drink contains latex, an ingredient which has many health risks associated with it. So it can aggravate health problems.
Теоретичні підходи до розуміння сутності органів юстиції в сучасних умовах
Authors: Мерза О. І.
Published: April 2019

Розглянуто теоретичні підходи до розуміння сутності органів юстиції в сучаснихумовах. Поставлено акцент на розумінні сутності поняття “юстиція”, з огляду на види судочинства, наукові підходи та органи, які функціонують у цій сфері. Визначено сутність органів юстиції, зважаючи на їх трактування в науковій літературі та їх особливості як органів виконавчої влади. Проаналізовано ознаки, які притаманні органам юстиції, та уточнено їх значення, враховуючи реалії сьогодення. Подано авторське трактування дефініції “органи юстиції” відповідно до сучасних умов розвитку українського суспільства.
Стратегічні напрями застосування інструментів європейського врядування в державному управлінні України
Authors: Клименко І. В. , Акімов О. О.
Published: April 2019

Проаналізовано досвід участі України в програмах сприяння ЄвропейськогоСоюзу та окреслено перспективи застосування багаторівневого врядування в Україні.
Роль державної казначейської служби України в забезпеченні дотримання вимог бюджетного законодавства розпорядниками (одержувачами) бюджетних коштів
Authors: Ульянченко Ю. О. , Марченко Л. Ю.
Published: April 2019

Розкрито контрольні повноваження органів Державної казначейської служби.Проаналізовано показники складених протоколів про порушення бюджетногозаконодавства та зупинення операцій з бюджетними коштами. Обґрунтовано заходи, що сприятимуть дотриманню бюджетного законодавства розпорядниками (одержувачами) бюджетних коштів та поліпшенню здійснюваного органами Державної казначейської служби контролю.
Вплив основних інструментів державного регулювання на економічну безпеку держави за демографічною та соціальною сферами
Authors: Акімова Л. М.
Published: April 2019

Надано визначення дефініції “економічна безпека держави”. Визначено, щоекономічна безпека держави складається з різних видів безпеки в різних сферах господарювання. Проаналізовано чисельність населення, кількість живонароджених та померлих за 2015 – 2017 рр. Виявлено, що різні вчені по-різному визначать складові, які повинні належати до цієї системи, до найпоширеніших соціальних індикаторів. Проведено аналіз основних соціальних індикаторів. Наведено класифікацію інструментів державного регулювання.
Економічна основа самодостатності місцевого самоврядування в сучасних умовах
Authors: Голинська О. В.
Published: April 2019

Актуалізовано теоретичні визначення муніципального управління та місцевого самоврядування. Обґрунтовано, що їх взаємозв’язок виражений економічною основою, яка є цілком компліментарною щодо підсистеми соціально-економічного розвитку громад та виражається у їх самодостатності.
Державне управління регіональним розвитком: моделі та особливості запровадження
Authors: Войтик О. Є. , Мазій Н. Г.
Published: April 2019

Розглянуто моделі регіонального розвитку, їх компоненти та модель сталого розвитку у взаємозв’язку та балансі зазначених компонентів. Здійснено етимологію та аналіз соціальної складової регіонального розвитку в країнах ЄС та США. Проаналізовано значення та місце регіональної політики в умовах глобалізації та інтеграції з використанням стратегічного планування та стратегічного управління.
Особливості державного управління соціальними процесами
Authors: Корецька Т. К.
Published: April 2019

Досліджено проблеми формування і функціонування системи державного управління соціальними процесами як основу вирішення завдань соціально-економічного розвитку. Встановлено, що сутність державного управління обумовлена функціями держави, які реалізуються у взаємодії із суспільством, у яких виявляється та конкретизується її суть та соціальне призначення держави. Науково обґрунтовано положення, що одним із головних завдань системи державного управління є створення сприятливих умов для реалізації можливостей соціальної системи, які виникають завдяки використанню різних методів управлінського впливу, які розширюють права і відповідальність різних суб’єктів самоврядування. На основі дослідження проблем соціально-економічного розвитку України встановлено, що Євроінтеграційні процеси, започатковані в Україні, вимагають реформування соціальної політики, соціального управління та формування нової системи соціальних цінностей.
Особливості децентралізації влади в країнах із федеративним державним устроєм
Authors: Пономарьов В. В.
Published: April 2019

Розглянуто практики децентралізації влади в країнах із федеративним державним устроєм, який допоможе визначити особливі інноваційно-трансформаційні процеси, пов’язані із реформуванням місцевого самоврядування у світі. І хоча вперше в новітній історії України триває реформа місцевого самоврядування, яку називають основною в переформатуванні публічної влади, вона вже має позитивний вплив на здійснення управлінської діяльності загалом, але для нас залишаються нерозкритими питання децентралізації публічної влади в країнах із федеративним державним устроєм.
Модель ефективності використання економічного механізму земель сільськогосподарського призначення
Authors: Дребот О. І. , Сахарнацька Л. І. , Височанська М. Я.
Published: April 2019

Проаналізовано сучасний стан використання земель сільськогосподарського призначення. Систематизовано чинники збалансованого використання земель сільськогосподарського призначення. Побудовано прогнозну багатофакторну модель, яка свідчить про те, що інвестиції поступово зростатимуть, а внесення органічних добрив, на основі врахування існуючих тенденцій, поступово будуть знижуватись і в 2018 р. буде їх припинено, оскільки це свідчить про зростання деградації ґрунту. Зауважено, що оренда земель також поступово зменшуватиметься і становитиме у 2022 р. 140,23 тис. га.
Labour productivity in the Hungarian agriculture
Authors: Bozsik Norbert , Magda Róbert
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the situation of the agricultural labour employment and evaluates the agricultural labour productivity in Hungary. Since Hungary’s EU accession, the share of agricultural employment in the total employed population has been stabilized at around 5% in the country. Due to low wages, low profit and low prestige, agricultural jobs are not attractive. The gross and net labour productivity gap between Hungary and the EU have been significant since the EU accession. The agricultural labour productivity of the Hungarian regions also shows a different picture. The labour productivity influences the cost, profitability and competitiveness of products. The advantage of the cheap labour force in Hungary’s agriculture significantly decreased due to low labour productivity. There are several opportunities to increase the agricultural labour productivity such as the increase of labour force qualification, moving toward producing higher value added agri-food products, rejuvenation of population in agriculture and the improvement of the conditions of financing agriculture.
Comparison of hypersensitive plum rootstocks
Authors: Hilsendegen Peter
Published: April 2019

New bred plum rootstocks are compared with ‘Prudom’ as a growing standard. Combined with ‘Cacanska lepotica’ and ‘Jojo’ the rootstocks ‘Prudom’, ‘Dospina 235’ and ‘Docera 6’ were involved in this comparison. Following the first five years, no variant showed inaffinity. The vegetative performance of ‘Prudom’ and ‘Dospina 235’ was in the same range (±5–10%). ‘Docera 6’ shows vigour reduction (12–14%). ‘Prudom’ and ‘Dospina 235’ are also in the same range of generative performance (‘Cacanska lepotica’ -19%, ‘Jojo’ +4%). The cumulated yield in Docera 6’ was more or less half quantity. The results of the first five years are too young for valid practical advice. Furthermore, it opens the perspective for alternative rootstock of prune industry in areas with high virus pressure.
Portable snapshot spectral imaging for agriculture
Authors: Jung András , Michels René , Graser Rainer
Published: April 2019

High-resolution proximal and remote sensing applications can consolidate sustainable, prevention- and precision-oriented crop management strategies to decrease production risks. This paper shows significant perspectives, own developments and technical aspects of high resolution remote sensing in the context of field applications. Moreover, we provide an overview of snapshot hyperspectral imaging and potential field video sensors to identify areas of interest for their future development. One of the main conclusions of our paper is that non-scanning snapshot hyperspectral imaging technology may enable researchers to overcome the gap in the “point to image” transition of field sensing, while providing a flexible solution for regular variable-rate applications.
Identification of the Slovak traditional cheese “Parenica” microflora
Authors: Kačániová Miroslava , Terentjeva Margarita , Kunová Simona , Nagyová L'udmila , Horská Elena , Haščík Peter , Kluz Maciej , Puchalski Czeslaw
Published: April 2019

Numerous studies have demonstrated the higher accuracy, faster time-to-results and lower costs provided by MALDI Biotyper systems compared to classical methods. In this study, the culturable population of total count of bacteria, enterococci, coliforms bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and microscopic fungi and yeasts from cow’s dairy products was identified using the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. Altogether, 50 samples of the Slovak cheese “Parenica” were examined. Total numbers of bacteria were cultured on Plate count agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically; enterococci were cultured on Enterococcus selective agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically; coliforms bacteria were cultured on Violet Red Bile lactose agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically. The LAB were cultured on MRS (Main Rogosa agar), MSE and APT agar at 30 °C in microaerophilic conditions. The microscopic fungi and yeasts were cultured on Malt extract agar at 25 °C for 5 days, aerobically. Isolated strains (total 669) were subjected to identification by the MALDI-TOF MS. Among total count the identified bacteria mostly were Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus warneri. Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae were the most abundant coliform bacteria representatives identified. Coliform bacteria included Citrobacter, Hafnia and Klebsiella. Altogether three genera belonged to the LAB – Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Leuconostoc were identified with Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus coryniformis, L. fructivorans and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were considered as the dominated LAB species in dairy products. Among yeasts, Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida zeylanoides and Yarrowia lipolytica were among the most isolated.
Examination of the impact of sowing technology models on the ear, constiuent and yield parameters of the yield formation elements of maize hybrids of different genotypes
Authors: Bene Enikő
Published: April 2019

Production year 2012 has been characterised by climatic extremities. The weather of this year can be considered very contradictory in terms of maize production. The droughty conditions of the winter and spring months had a negative effect on both germination and starting vigour. The favourable weather of May-July created ideal conditions for intensive growth and generative processes; however the lack of precipitation in August and September had a damaging effect on the development of yield composing elements and grain saturation processes as well. Under such circumstances, the sowing date models caused significant differences in the yield and quality of the hybrids belonging to different growth periods. The growing period of the maize hybrids has been shortened as a result of the unfavourable climatic conditions.

Based on the trial results, it is verifiable that short growing period hybrids can be securely sown in draughty years even with a later sowing date, however using a later sowing date in the case of longer growth period hybrids may result even in a yield loss of 2–3 t ha-1. In the case of early and average sowing dates, with given yearly conditions the hybrids of the observed FAO 370-390 hybrid group provided the best result (12.40 t ha-1, 10.99 t ha-1), while in the case of the third, late sowing date the yield dominance of the FAO 290-350 hybrid group is the most significant (10.08 t ha-1).

The analysis of the yield composing elements found that the P9578 hybrid has the highest shelling ratio, while its cob is the shortest. The P9494 hybrid has a high yield and the highest thousand grain weight, while the DKC 4983 has the longest cob and its thousand grain weight is above 300 g.

The results confirm the fact that DKC 4590 has the highest yield potential and starch content, while in terms of oil and protein content the Szegedi 386 and NK Octet hybrids are the most important.
Challenges in the mangalitsa sector – present and future
Authors: Pocsai Krisztina
Published: April 2019

The Hungarian mangalitza pig sector has experienced numerous structural changes in the past few decades. The increased demand in the foreign markets for the mangalitza pork, changes in the domestic consumer perceptions have increase the number of sows and breeders. After the European Union’s accession started a significant growth in the sector, which was due to the target programme from the year of 2005 for the keeping of animals representing high genetic value, as the breed is indigenous. From 2008 continuous decline can be observed. The main reason for the decrease was the drastic growth of feed costs because of the drought damage in 2007, and the global economic crisis. Since 2010, a further period of supports has been in place, it extands the willingness to keep mangalitza pigs and the number of sows continuously increasing. On the basis of the average farm size (58 sows/farm) in 2011 it can be stated, that after our EU’s accession the medium-sized farms became stronger. To evaluate the geographic concentration of the mangalitza livestock it was analysed the data of sow number among the years of 2000 and 2011. The geographic concentration of mangalitza stock has a medium value over each year under the survey period, except the years of 2004–2007, when the values of Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) have low degrees. Due to the subvention period of indigenous breeds it was established more mangalitza farms in different parts of Hungary. Despite of the growth since 2000, numerous problems are in the segment. The aim of the study is to find out the sectoral problems, which are completed with the objectives tree and draw up the main activities to solve the problems. After estimating the SWOT-matrix according to the methodology of the strategic analysis and the discussions with the secretary of National Association of Mangalitza Breeders is prepared the sectoral problem- and objectives tree. The core problem of the mangalitza sector is that the origin of mangalitza products are not certified in the domestic markets. The reason of it is that the breeders don’t request the certificates of fattening pigs, so it can appear not real mangalitza product on the markets as mangalitza. To solve the problems it is drawn up different suggestions in the objectives tree. This analysis is an useful tool for the decision makers in the mangalitza sector to evolve strategic plans on behalf of the efficient cooperations among chain actors.
The management and economical aspects of GPS based machine-control and tractor-implement sincronisation
Authors: Szolnoki Ágnes
Published: April 2019

Precision farming has an array of technological equipment, elements and complete systems which are in themselves suitable to create conditions for efficient farming, to reduce environmental load and to provide farmers with optimal return on their investment.

On the leading edge of my research is to introduce the economic benefits of precision logistic optimization with satellite navigation in wheat and maize harvesting. My hypothesis, claiming that a well-organized system can increase the number of working days by 4 days per harvesting season in maize, and 2 days in wheat crop. If the farmer makes contract works for harvesting it means for him 2 or 4 days extra work by using the precision farming technologies with satellite communication system. Overall, as pertains to wheat and maize harvest seasons, yearly revenues can be increased by 7 760 000 HUF. I would like to introduce that the precision technologies increase combine costs by merely 5.4% which can be return in the first year of using.
Researches regarding the influence of the some technological elements on water use efficiency in maize from Crisurilor Plain
Authors: Borza Ioana , Domuţa Cristian
Published: April 2019

Plain and the influence of the hybrid, plant density, crop rotation, nutrient supply, weeds and irrigation on water use efficiency were studied.

Choosing of the hybrid with the best water use efficiency is very important because a hybrid from 500–600 FAO group (Fundulea 376) in unirrigated conditions and a hybrid from FAO group over 600 (Fundulea 365) obtained the biggest water use efficiency; the hybrid Fundulea 365 obtained the highest irrigation water use efficiency, 20.1 kg yield gain 1 mm-1 irrigation water.

One of the most known hybrid in the area is Turda super and the highest water use efficiency was obtained using the plant density of 55 000 plants/ha in unirrigated variant and 70 000 plants/ha in irrigated variant. The highest irrigation water use efficiency, 20.7 kg yield gain 1 mm-1, was obtained at 70 000 plants ha-1.

In maize monoculture was obtained the lowest values of the water use efficiency in unirrigated and irrigated variant: in the wheat-maize crop rotation the values were higher than in maize monoculture and in the wheat-maize-soybean were registered the highest values. The same situation was registered regarding the irrigation water use efficiency.

Farm manure (30 t ha-1) and especially manure (30 t ha-1) +chemical fertilizers (N90P45) determined a higher values of the water use efficiency in comparison with the control. In the variant with organic + mineral fertilization was registered the higher value (19.4 kg yield gain mm-1) of the irrigation water use efficiency.

Water use efficiency was much lower in the variant with weeds in comparison with the variant without the weeds; the differences were of 69% in unirrigated variant and of 64% in irrigated variant, very significant statistically. Irrigation water use efficiency from variant with weeds was lower than the value registered in the variant without weeds; the difference (68%) was very significant statistically.

In average in period 1976–2012, the irrigation determined the increasing in water use efficiency with 22%, 19.4 kg mm-1 vs. 15.8 kg mm-1, but not in all the years caused the irrigation increasing in water use efficiency in comparison with unirrigated maize.

The results research emphasized the need of the optimization for technology elements studied and a better water use efficiency will be obtained.
Application of different compost doses in Pinova and Golden Delicious apple orchards
Authors: Szabó Anita
Published: April 2019

Nowadays the success vegetable and fruit production are unimaginable without regular nutrient management. The animal husbandry is getting decrease, thereby there is the lack of organic fertilizer and it is suggested to find alternative nutrient supply methods. One of the ways to supply the required nutrients in an environmentally friendly way is the application of composts, which is less widespread so far, which is appropriate for the requirement of organic farming.

From the year of 2010 in each year, compost doses were applied in biological apple orchards in cooperation with the Institute of Horticultural Science. In the function of the years different changes were resulted by the compost treatments in the examined parameters in case of both apple species (Golden Delicious and Pinova). It was concluded that the dry matter, ash, total acids, sugar content and the vitamin C changed versus time and species. It is supposed that the effect of compost treatments is getting visible.

According to the data higher dry matter, total acids and sugar content, (in some cases) ash were measured in case of the apple species Pinova, while the measurements showed higher vitamin C content in case of the species Golden Delicious.
Computer simulation modeling of Leaf Area Index (LAI) in maize
Authors: Bakó Károly , Huzsvai László
Published: April 2019

This study presents a PHP-based model capable of calculating maize leaf area index. The model calculates LAI from emergence to 75% silking. The basis of calculation is represented by the daily average temperature values. The usability of the model was tested using three years' temperature and LAI data series from the values obtained by the weather station set up at the Látókép Experiment Site of the University of Debrecen, Centre for Agricultural Sciences between 1994 and 1996. During the running of the model, it was observed that temperature affects the intensity of leaf development to a various extent.
Caliometric characterisation of crop production byproducts
Authors: Jóvér János , Antal Károly , Éri László
Published: April 2019

By the decreasing tendency of the fossil energy resources more emphasis put on the usage of renewable energy resources. The consideration of environmental protection and the efforts of the European Union make current the widespread usage of renewable energy within biomass energy. One of the determinative trends of biomass energy is the direct combustion of biomass. Characteristically woody stocks are produced for this aim, but there is a considerable potential in several byproducts of growing herbaceous plants or of other processes.

In our study three byproducts of plant production have been investigated which appeared at the harvest. The Higher Heating Values of wheat, maize and sunflower byproducts have been determined by an IKA C2000 Basic adiabatic calorimeter. According to the statistical analysis of the measured data the HHV of the byproducts are different, and these values are in a negative correlation with the amount of ash in % (R2=0.873) appeared by the combustion.
Examination of the impact of ecological and agrotechnical factors in a maize fertilisation experiment
Authors: Becze Zsófia
Published: April 2019

The year 2013 was rather extreme breeding year because of the uneven distribution of precipitaion and the summer heat. The experiment was set on with eight different genetic characteristics maize hybrids in 2013. In our study were included different kind of breeding season hybrids. We studied the effect of NKP fertilization and row spacing on the yield. The fertilizer doses are based on 25-year long-term experiment. Compared to control, the N40+PK treatment has also achieved a significant yield increase, although some hybrid of increasing fertilizer doses yield response to loss. The majority of hybrids reached higher yields using the 50 cm row spacing. The water release of hybrids was measured between 21th August and 17th September weekly, at the same time points. The rainy September slowed ripening hybrids and water release, so the grain wet content at harvest showed higher values.
Examination of lead absorption ability on chernozem soil and the observation of the accumulation effect of Lactusa sativa L. in pot experimentation
Authors: Sárközi Edit , Kardos Levente , Sepsi Panna , Varga Zsolt , Bisztray György , Kátai János
Published: April 2019

In our research a chernozem soil sample formed on loess was collected from an area under cultivation. Our aim was to determine the lead adsorption capacity using a soil column experiment. The study showed saturation of lead content of the soil. The lead accumulation capacity of Lactuca sativa L. was measured in the sections of roots and leaves applying pot experiments. It could be observed that the lettuce accumulated lead easily from the chernozem soil. The lead content was increased in the analyzed sections of the plants against an increasing lead content.
The use of essential trace elements in the juvenile rearing of barramundi (Lates calcarifer
Authors: Fehér Milán , Baranyai Edina , Simon Edina , Juhász Péter , Csorvasi Éva , Bársony Péter , Stündl László
Published: April 2019

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer L.) is a predatory fish species native in Southeast Asia and Australia. Based on the geothermal potentiality of Hungary the warm-water fish can be reared successfully. Zooplankton in the wild contains minerals in a higher concentration than the usually fed newly hatched Artemia nauplii, therefore essential trace elements, such as cobalt, zinc and manganese play an important role in the larviculture of barramundi. Cobalt is vital in trace amount for many living functions of vertebrates, however, lower number of papers are available considering the nutritional aspects. Nevertheless. improved growth performance was observed in cases of some fish species when diet was supplemented with CoCl2. Zinc and manganese are also vital for optimal growth and accordingly are investigated and applied diet supplements in aquaculture.

The main aim of the recent study is to investigate the effects of cobalt, manganese and zinc on the growth performance and homogeneity of fish when a commercially available dry diet is supplemented with trace elements individually and in combined treatments. A total of 6 treatments were set in a randomized blocked design where the concentrations of the applied elements were 50 mg kg-1 for CoCl2, for ZnSO4 and for MnCl2 individually, as well as for CoCl2 along with ZnSO4 and for CoCl2 along with MnCl2 in combination. Although the production parameters of larval barramundi were positively affected by the addition of trace elements when the retention of minerals occurred through nourishment living organisms, statistically no differences were found between the treatments considering the growth performance of barramundi juveniles either when dry feed was supplemented with cobalt, manganese or zinc (p>0.05). While the use of cobalt and manganese in combined treatments produced a less uniform larvae in size and as a consequence of increased heterogeneity, survival was significantly reduced by the cannibalism, the sizes distribution of barramundi juveniles wasn’t affected by the dry diet supplementation of these elements.