bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Large-Scale Intensive Cropping Systems in the Southern Amazon
Authors: Costa Ciniro , Galford Gillian L. , Coe Michael T. , Macedo Marcia , Jankowski KathiJo , O'Connell Christine , Neill Christopher
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer use is rapidly intensifying on tropical croplands and has the potential to increase emissions of the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). Since about 2005 Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil has shifted from single-cropped soybeans to double-cropping soybeans with maize, and now produces 1.5% of the world's maize. This production shift required an increase in N fertilization, but the effects on N2O emissions are poorly known. We calibrated the process-oriented biogeochemical DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model to simulate N2O emissions and crop production from soybean and soybean-maize cropping systems in MT. After model validation with field measurements and adjustments for hydrological properties of tropical soils, regional simulations suggested N2O emissions from soybean-maize cropland increased almost fourfold during 2001–2010, from 1.1 ± 1.1 to 4.1 ± 3.2 Gg 1014 N-N2O. Model sensitivity tests showed that emissions were spatially and seasonably variable and especially sensitive to soil bulk density and carbon content. Meeting future demand for maize using current soybean area in MT might require either (a) intensifying 3.0 million ha of existing single soybean to soybean-maize or (b) increasing N fertilization to ~180 kg N ha−1 on existing 2.3 million ha of soybean-maize area. The latter strategy would release ~35% more N2O than the first. Our modifications of the DNDC model will improve estimates of N2O emissions from agricultural production in MT and other tropical areas, but narrowing model uncertainty will depend on more detailed field measurements and spatial data on soil and cropping management.
Perspectives From a Regional Plastic Surgery Centre on Evidence for the Purported Link Between SGLT2 Inhibitors and Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Taylor Luke , Asmar Omar , Mandal Anirban , Tridente Ascanio , Hardy Kevin , Shokrollahi Kayvan
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The recent report issued by the MHRA indicating an association of Sodium glucose linked transporter type 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors with the contraction of Fournier's Gangrene (FG), has been drawn with insufficient supporting evidence and without an adequately powered study to make any meaningful assertions or recommendations. We aimed to look specifically at the currently available dataset used to link SGLT2 Inhibitors to FG and highlight what conclusions or inferences can meaningfully be made, in particular the power of any study that would be required to make sensible conclusions.

Methods: World literature review of SGLT2 Inhibitors and FG was performed. With a subsequent 10-year review of cases of FG seen in a regional burns and plastics centre. Data was collected retrospectively from the coding department at Whiston Hospital for all patients with necrotising fasciitis. An electronic document management system was used to identify patients with FG specifically as well as their diabetes state and medication history.

Results: Seventy-eight patients were admitted with FG, of whom 32 had diabetes mellitus (DM). Of those with DM none was taking an SGLT2 Inhibitor, 17 patients were taking metformin, a further nine patients were taking a second line medication and 14 required insulin injections.

Discussions: DM is a known major risk factor for FG, which is clearly observed in our patient cohort. The risk of patients with DM developing FG is irrespective of the medication patients are taking. The current articles and reports published have little ground to claim an association between SGLT2 Inhibitors and FG and are missing the crucial message that needs to be conveyed to the public: that DM is a major risk factor for FG and patients suffering with diabetes need to be extra vigilant.
Safety Issues Concerning Installation of Welding Robots
Authors: Bekő Bálint , Gáti József , Némethy Krisztina
Published: December 2021

The aim of this research is to summarize the safety measures related to the application of welding robots, as well as to apply them in the ÓE-Cloos Robot Welding Laboratory of Bánki Faculty at Óbuda University. This article describes the safety requirements for welding robot systems, the requirements for commissioning and safe operation. The concluding part of the dissertation presents the preparation and implementation of the installation of a new robot cell in the laboratory.
Investigation of the Force Vectors Acting on the Potato in the Clamping Finger Type Dosing System of a Potato Planter
Authors: Ilyés Szilárd , Pásztor Judit
Published: December 2021

The operational accuracy of the dosing system of the potato planting machine influences the planting plant spacing, and indirectly the crop yield. The operating accuracy depends on the design of the dosing system, its kinematics and the forces acting on the planting tubers. This dissertation presents the force vectors acting on the potato in the dosing system of the guided clamping finger type potato planting machine and their spatial motion during the dosing process. Examination of the vectors reveals the improved possibilities of tuber fixation.
MP-9S Industrial Manipulator Handling and Scrapping Tasks in Industrial Environments
Authors: Józsa Roland Osszián , Erdei Timotei István , Kapusi Tibor Péter , Tóth Szabolcs , Husi Géza
Published: December 2021

The main goal of the project was to carry out a handling task using a color sensor and thermal sensor, as well as an industrial robotic unit. The selection by color made it possible to represent the sub-process of the production of a sample, where each color can be matched to the corresponding or rejected product. The function of the thermal sensor is to show the delay function for the pro-cess, which occurs when the product does not reach a point in the process at the wrong tempera-ture and needs cooling between the two workflows. The thermal sensor and color sensor were pro-grammed using the ATmega microprocessor, while the manipulator was controlled with industrial PLC. The completed project will serve educational purposes in training for students.
Development of an Active Aerodynamic System for a Racing Motorcycle
Authors: Kun Krisztián , Sárkány Tamás
Published: December 2021

MotoStudent is an engineering and economic competition for students to build a motorcycle that will take part in a real race on the Motorland Aragon track in Spain. The Kenji Racing Team, a student team from John von Neumann University, has been participating in this competition since 2016. The design of the motorcycle must be accurately documented towards to the competition organization, and economic and engineering tasks must be solved for the teams. In terms of engineering work, the development of innovation applied on the electric motorcycle is of paramount importance. Nowadays, one of the most popular development areas in motorsport is aerodynamics. Nevertheless, there are few studies about active aerodynamic systems. In our research we present the aerodynamics of motorcycles and the effect of passive and active wing systems on driving dynamics. With this knowledge, we detail the design steps of an active wing system.
Mechanical Examination of Chicken Vessel with Custom-Built Experimental Equipment
Authors: Meisel Ádám , Tóth K. Brigitta , Lakatos Éva
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular disease has been decimating humanity for decades. In vivo examination of blood vessels is of great help in the development of numerical models and simulations that can help physicians significantly improve sufferers’ quality of life. For such models, the different mechanical characteristics of the vessels are the input data. Several such mechanical properties of the vessels, such as modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are determined by a tensile test. In the course of our research, an experimental device was developed and tested which is suitable for biaxial tensile tests of blood vessels, which we present through the examination of chicken blood vessels.
The Developement of a New Shoulder Joint Prothesis System
Authors: Nemes-Károly István , Kocsis György , Szebényi Gábor
Published: December 2021

In our work, we designed a new metal-polymer shoulder implant system that fully meets today’s requirements - minimal invasive technology, a high degree of modularity - and can be personalized as needed. At the same time, its production does not exceed the currently available production technologies. Also, the data and parameters which are needed to design the tailor-made construction are easily accessible, as we have chosen a device that is widespread and commonplace in medical diagnostics and available in any hospital. Furthermore, we have tried to make our system as easy and fast to authorize as possible because it is challenging to place medical devices on the market, especially implants. We have tried to create the cheapest, most economical system and in addition, we wanted to gain the trust of implant specialists, as we incorporated their insights and experiences into our construction through continuous consultation.
Design of a Measuring System Suitable for Measuring the Electromagnetic and Dynamic Characteristics of Electric Motors
Authors: Szántó Attila , Décsei Roland , Kujbus Márton , Fejes Levente , Papcsák Nóra , Sziki Gusztáv Áron
Published: December 2021

Thanks to technological development, and the more and more strict environmental regulations, electric and hybrid vehicles are playing an increasingly important role in road transport. An important part of these vehicles is the electric motor, which has several different types that are applied in modern vehicles. To perform the simulation of the motors, it is important to measure their basic electromagnetic and dynamic parameters, since they are usually not provided by the manufacturers. For the above measurements a complex measuring system is needed. This motor test bench is also suitable for the static and dynamic testing of different types of electric motors. In this publication the layout of our own developed test bench is presented.
Analyses of River Oil-Spills and Actual Solving Methods
Authors: Zsombor Kisfaludi-Bak
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, there is an increasing emphasis on the problem of water quality. Of the many polluting effects, oil pollution is perhaps the most harmful, but its effects are being studied mostly on large seas and oceans worldwide. In the case of Transylvania and probably the entire country, pollution of rivers by oil – based on yearly occurrence – has a larger effect than that of sea pollution. Every year we observe 40-55 such water pollution events, therefore, analysis and investigation of solution methods is of great importance. This paper attempts to shed light on this issue, presenting also the method currently used by the Romanian Water Authority.
Design and Experiment of a Broken Corn Kernel Detection Device Based on the Yolov4-Tiny Algorithm
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Du Yuefeng , Yao Lin , Wu Jun , Liu Lei
Published: December 2021

At present, the wide application of the CNN (convolutional neural network) algorithm has greatly improved the intelligence level of agricultural machinery. Accurate and real-time detection for outdoor conditions is necessary for realizing intelligence and automation of corn harvesting. In view of the problems with existing detection methods for judging the integrity of corn kernels, such as low accuracy, poor reliability, and difficulty in adapting to the complicated and changeable harvesting environment, this paper investigates a broken corn kernel detection device for combine harvesters by using the yolov4-tiny model. Hardware construction is first designed to acquire continuous images and processing of corn kernels without overlap. Based on the images collected, the yolov4-tiny model is then utilized for training recognition of the intact and broken corn kernels samples. Next, a broken corn kernel detection algorithm is developed. Finally, the experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the broken corn kernel detection device. The laboratory results show that the accuracy of the yolov4-tiny model is 93.5% for intact kernels and 93.0% for broken kernels, and the value of precision, recall, and F1 score are 92.8%, 93.5%, and 93.11%, respectively. The field experiment results show that the broken kernel rate obtained by the designed detection device are in good agreement with that obtained by the manually calculated statistic, with differentials at only 0.8%. This study provides a technical reference of a real-time method for detecting a broken corn kernel rate.
Technical Efficiency and Technological Gaps of Rice Production in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Obianefo Chukwujekwu A. , Ng’ombe John N. , Mzyece Agness , Masasi Blessing , Obiekwe Ngozi J. , Anumudu Oluchi O.
Published: December 2021

The traditional approach to modeling productive efficiency assumes that technology is constant across the sample. However, farms in different regions may face different production opportunities, and the technologies they employ may differ due to environmental factors. Therefore, rather than using a traditional stochastic frontier model in such cases, a stochastic meta-frontier (SMF) analysis is recommended to account for environmental factors between regions. It follows that differences in environmental factors between the upland and lowland regions in Anambra State, Nigeria, may result in farmers producing rice under different production and environmental conditions. Using the SMF model, this study, for the first time, determines technical efficiency (TE) and technological gap ratios (TGRs) of rice production from the upland and lowland regions in the Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Our data are from a cross-section sample of randomly selected rice farmers. Results reveal that lowland regional rice producers are on average, significantly more technically efficient (91.7%) than their upland counterparts (84.2%). Additionally, mean TGRs associated with lowland rice farmers are higher (92.1%) than their corresponding upland producers (84.7%). While the upland rice producers are less technically efficient and further away from their full potential, results indicate that both sets of farmers do not use advanced technologies to match the industry’s potential. We suggest that agricultural policy should focus on providing regionally specific technologies, such as improved rice varieties that fit the working environment of the lagging area, to help rice farmers improve their resource efficiency and minimize technological gaps.
Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Animal Nutrition: A Review
Authors: Malyugina Svetlana , Skalickova Sylvie , Skladanka Jiri , Slama Petr , Horky Pavel
Published: December 2021

Selenium still represents a matter of debate in the scientific community. Bionanotechnology has introduced a whole new perspective on selenium use in animal nutrition. In recent years, attention has been focused on selenium nanoparticles prepared by chemical synthesis. Societal pressure directs research in a “greenway” that is more eco-friendly. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles thus represent a new space for research in the use of this new form of selenium in animal nutrition. Recent research shows that biogenic selenium nanoparticles have low toxicity, improve antioxidant status, and increase the body’s immune response. However, their benefits may be much greater, as numerous in vitro studies have shown. In addition, biogenic selenium nanoparticles possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Further research should answer questions on the use of biogenic selenium nanoparticles as a feed supplement in individual categories of livestock, and their safety in terms of long-term supplementation.
Biochar Enhanced Growth and Biological Nitrogen Fixation of Wild Soybean (Glycine max subsp. soja Siebold & Zucc.) in a Coastal Soil of China
Authors: Yin Shaojing , Suo Fengyue , Kong Qingxian , You Xiangwei , Zhang Xin , Yuan Yuan , Yu Xueyang , Cheng Yadong , Sun Ruixue , Zheng Hao , Zhang Chengsheng , Li Yiqiang
Published: December 2021

The high salinity and nutrient deficiency in degraded coastal soil restricts crop growth and grain production. The development of effective and novel technology for coastal soil remediation is of great requirement. The effect of wood waste biochar (WB) on the growth and biological nitrogen fixation of wild soybean (Glycine max subsp. soja Siebold & Zucc.), a legume with high economic values and salt tolerance in coastal soil, were explored using a 42-day pot experiment. With the optimal rate of WB addition (1.5%, w/w), the biomass and plant height of wild soybean increased by 55.9% and 28.3%, respectively. WB addition enhanced the photosynthesis (chlorophyll content) and biological nitrogen fixation (nodule number) of the wild soybean. These results may attribute to the improvement of the soil properties including the SOM, NO3−-N content, and WHC. In addition, the shifted bacterial community following WB addition in the coastal soil favored the nitrogen fixation of wild soybean, which was evidenced by the increased abundance of nifH gene and Pseudarthrobacter, Azospirillum, and Rhizobiales. The results of our study suggested the potential of using biochar-based technology to reclaim the coastal degraded soils and enhance the crop growth to ensure food security.
Animal Welfare, Health and the Fight against Climate Change: One Solution for Global Objectives
Authors: Bozzo Giancarlo , Corrente Marialaura , Testa Giovanni , Casalino Gaia , Dimuccio Michela Maria , Circella Elena , Brescia Nazario , Barrasso Roberta , Celentano Francesco Emanuele
Published: December 2021

Climate change is internationally recognized as a source of concern by governments, scientists and public opinion. In this context, the need to find concrete solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Numerous economic sectors contribute to alteration of climate, especially livestock and, more generally, food production-related activities. For this reason, animal welfare policies, the complex of norms and regulations adopted by single Member States and the European Union in the field of meat production, could be a useful instrument in the climate transition invoked by policy makers and scientists. The aim of this paper was to analyze the current system of animal welfare from a legal and veterinary perspective, and to demonstrate how important and useful, it could be in the fight against climate change; at least if correctly implemented and applied.
Comparative Metagenomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Rhizospheres of Panax notoginseng Grown under Forest and Field Conditions
Authors: Shi Rui , Gu Haiyan , He Shu , Xiong Binjie , Huang Youguo , Horowitz Abraham Rami , He Xiahong
Published: December 2021

The present study investigated the potential changes in the structure of bacterial communities and their functional profiles in the rhizospheres of Panax notoginseng cultivated under field (CK) and pine forest conditions (T). The rhizospheres of two-year-old P. notoginseng plants were used to extract DNA for metagenomic sequencing and metabolites for metabolomic profiling. The results revealed a higher root weight (p < 0.05) in plants grown under the forest than CK. The rhizospheric bacterial community comprised mainly three dominant phyla including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Candidatus rokubacteria which accounted for 75% of the total microbial population. Among them, Acidobacteria was the most abundant bacterial taxa, accounting for 42.4% and 40.4% of the total populations in CK and T, respectively. Relative abundances of bacterial genera revealed that Bradyrhizobium, Candidatus koribacter and Edaphobacter, were the dominant genera in both groups. Comparatively, a higher Proteobacteria to Acidobacteria ratio was observed in forest rhizospheres than in field conditions. Candidatus Rokubacteria and Candidatus nitrostelea were identified as biomarker taxa in forest rhizospheres, while the same could be said for taxa belonging to betaproteobacteria and gammaproteobacteria, Burkholderiales and Verrucomicrobia for field rhizospheres. No differential metabolite contents were observed between the two rhizosphere groups, indicating no adverse effects of P. notoginseng cultivation on the soil quality under forest plantation.
Vineyard Pruning Weight Prediction Using 3D Point Clouds Generated from UAV Imagery and Structure from Motion Photogrammetry
Authors: García-Fernández Marta , Sanz-Ablanedo Enoc , Pereira-Obaya Dimas , Rodríguez-Pérez José Ramón
Published: December 2021

In viticulture, information about vine vigour is a key input for decision-making in connection with production targets. Pruning weight (PW), a quantitative variable used as indicator of vegetative vigour, is associated with the quantity and quality of the grapes. Interest has been growing in recent years around the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones fitted with remote sensing facilities for more efficient crop management and the production of higher quality wine. Current research has shown that grape production, leaf area index, biomass, and other viticulture variables can be estimated by UAV imagery analysis. Although SfM lowers costs, saves time, and reduces the amount and type of resources needed, a review of the literature revealed no studies on its use to determine vineyard pruning weight. The main objective of this study was to predict PW in vineyards from a 3D point cloud generated with RGB images captured by a standard drone and processed by SfM. In this work, vertical and oblique aerial images were taken in two vineyards of Godello and Mencía varieties during the 2019 and 2020 seasons using a conventional Phantom 4 Pro drone. Pruning weight was measured on sampling grids comprising 28 calibration cells for Godello and 59 total cells for Mencía (39 calibration cells and 20 independent validation). The volume of vegetation (V) was estimated from the generated 3D point cloud and PW was estimated by linear regression analysis taking V as predictor variable. When the results were leave-one-out cross-validated (LOOCV), the R2 was found to be 0.71 and the RMSE 224.5 (g) for the PW estimate in Mencía 2020, calculated for the 39 calibration cells on the grounds of oblique images. The regression analysis results for the 20 validation samples taken independently of the rest (R2 = 0.62; RMSE = 249.3 g) confirmed the viability of using the SfM as a fast, non-destructive, low-cost procedure for estimating pruning weight.
Improvement of Nitrogen-Fertilizer Recommendation by Consideration of Long-Term Site and Cultivation Effected Mineralization
Authors: Meyer Dietmar , Kolbe Hartmut
Published: December 2021

Organic matter (OM) and nutrient nitrogen (N) play vital roles in the fertility and production of soil in accordance with goals of efficient environmental protection. This study aimed to show the extent to which N delivery can contribute to improving nitrogen fertilizer requirements (NFR) through comparative analysis of OM and N. Systems determining the NFR in agricultural practices have thus far been challenged to estimate the annual rate of mineralization of the soil. OM and N turnover was investigated through an available evaluation consisting of 546 representatively distributed permanent test and observation plots (TP) of the German Federal State of Saxony farms. A solid database of at least 10-year field plot card records from 2001 to 2010 was selected for the analysis. A program (BEFU) widely used in agricultural practice, along with the simplified process model CCB, were applied. For the calculation of the amount of mineral N fertilizers used, the results of three different methods for determining the NFR were compared with each other. The determination of the farmers’ demand (=actual condition of the TP) with a mean value of 132 kg N ha−1 did not show a large difference between the calculated values with 137 kg N ha−1 by the BEFU program. Based on the available results for the most important crop species cultivated in Saxony, there were clear differences in the considerations of the N delivery from the soil. The BEFU program was able to calculate an average N delivery of 17 kg N ha−1 from tabulated data, whereas with the CCB process model, 66 kg N ha−1 of mineralization was determined with a distinct higher deviation by taking into account the 10-year field histories. Using the N delivery of the TP by the CCB model, a clear reduction of the mean N fertilization level, to about 80 kg N ha−1, was therefore achieved. These differences were particularly large for TP with organic fertilization (livestock), at a relatively low N fertilization level, and for certain crop species. With a high standard deviation, the average savings potential of mineral N fertilizers was 52–57 kg N ha−1. After including the corrected values for the N mineral fertilization, a decrease in the N balances by an average of 20–25 kg N ha−1 was ultimately achieved. In particular, the heavily oversupplied plots with D and E classification decreased by approximately 50%. The results of our study demonstrate clear improvements; therefore, increased efforts should be made in the future to optimize the determination of NFR using applicable methods that consider N mineralization in agricultural practice and consultation.
A Variable Rate Drip Irrigation Prototype for Precision Irrigation
Authors: AL-agele Hadi A. , Jashami Hisham , Nackley Lloyd , Higgins Chad
Published: December 2021

A new Variable Rate Drip Irrigation (VRDI) emitter that monitors individual water drops was designed, built, and tested. This new emitter controllers water application directly by monitoring the volume applied in contrast to uniform drip irrigation systems that control water application indirectly by pressure compensation and operational times. Prior approaches assumed irrigation volumes based on flow rates and time and typically did not verify the applied amount of water applied at each water outlet. The new VRDI emitter self-monitors the total volume of water applied and halts the flow once the desired total water application has been achieved. This study performed a test for a new VRDI emitter design with two inner diameters of 0.11 cm and 0.12 cm and two outer diameters 0.3 cm and 0.35 cm compared to a commercial drip emitter. Laboratory tests verify that the integrated volume measurements of the VRDI system are independent of pressure. Conversely, the flow rates of the commercial pressure-compensated drip lines were not independent of pressure. These results demonstrate that this form of VRDI is technically feasible and is shown to be energy efficient, requiring lower system operating pressures than pressure-compensated lines. The VRDI system can reduce water consumption and related water costs.
Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Enhanced Growth, Yield, and Silybin Content While Mitigating Salt-Induced Adverse Effects on the Growth of Silybum marianum
Authors: Yap Yun-Kiam , El-Sherif Fadia , Habib Eman S. , Khattab Salah
Published: December 2021

Silybin A and B are two major hepatoprotective flavonolignans produced predominantly in Silybum marianum fruits. Similar to other plant secondary metabolites, silybin production is enhanced by biotic or abiotic stresses under the expanse of plant growth and yield. In this study, a novel strategy for enhancing silybin production was investigated by applying a natural plant growth enhancer, moringa leaf extract (MLE), to the S. marianum plants cultivated under salinity abiotic stress. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with salinity as the main factor and MLE concentrations as the sub-factor. The individual and combined effects of salinity and MLE on the growth, yield, and silybin content of S. marianum were recorded. The MLE at concentrations of 5 g/L or 10 g/L was applied as foliar spray to S. marianum plants, which were irrigated with either tap water or saline (2000 ppm or 4000 ppm). Our results revealed that 10 g/L MLE effectively enhances the growth, yield, and silybin (A + B) content in S. marianum plants not exposed to salinity stress. On the other hand, for plants that were exposed to 4000 ppm salinity, the application of MLE was able to alleviate the salinity-induced adverse effects on some of the plant growth parameters but did not significantly increase their silybin (A + B) compositions. The current study also indicated that the increase in silybin contents was accompanied by the upregulation of the chalcone synthase 1 and 3 genes, which have been implicated in the synthesis of silybin.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Enzyme-Inhibitory, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Essential Oil from Hedychium puerense Rhizome
Authors: Hong Yi , Liu Xiongli , Wang Huijuan , Zhang Min , Tian Minyi
Published: December 2021

Hedychium puerense, a perennial rhizomatous herb, is used as an ornamental, medicinal, and edible plant in Yunnan Province, China. Essential oils from Hedychium plants are widely used in perfumes and traditional medicine, but there are no studies on the constituents and bioactivities of H. puerense essential oil (EO). Therefore, this study was designed to explore the chemical composition, antibacterial, enzyme-inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory activities of H. puerense rhizome EO. The gas chromatography with flame ionization or mass selective detection (GC-FID/MS) results indicated that H. puerense EO was mainly composed of linalool (26.5%), β-pinene (18.6%), γ-terpinene (12.1%), terpinen-4-ol (7.7%), α-pinene (5.8%), sabinene (4.9%), E-nerolidol (4.1%), and p-cymene (3.6%). For biological activities, H. puerense EO displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial properties against Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli with diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) values ranging from 7.44 to 10.30 mm, a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.13–6.25 mg/m), and a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 3.13–12.50 mg/mL. Moreover, the EO significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC50 = 0.94 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC50 = 1.32 ± 0.06 mg/mL) activities, and exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 5.42 ± 0.32 mg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 3.23 ± 0.21 mg/mL). Furthermore, the EO significantly suppressed the secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) (99.23 ± 0.26%), cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (97.14 ± 0.11%), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (82.42 ± 0.16%) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells at 250 μg/mL without cytotoxicity. Hence, H. puerense EO can be considered a bioactive, natural product that has great potential for utilization in the fields of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Nodules: Histological and Ultrastructural Organization and Tubulin Cytoskeleton Dynamics
Authors: Tsyganova Anna V. , Kitaeva Anna B. , Gorshkov Artemii P. , Kusakin Pyotr G. , Sadovskaya Alexandra R. , Borisov Yaroslav G. , Tsyganov Viktor E.
Published: December 2021

Chinese liquorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.) is widely used in the food industry and as a medicine. Like other legumes, G. uralensis forms symbiotic nodules. However, the structural organization of G. uralensis nodules is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the histological and ultrastructural organization and dynamics of the tubulin cytoskeleton in various cells from different histological zones of indeterminate nodules formed by two strains of Mesorhizobium sp. The unusual walls of infection threads and formation of multiple symbiosomes with several swollen bacteroids were observed. A large amount of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate accumulated in the bacteroids, while the vacuoles of meristematic and uninfected cells contained drop-shaped osmiophilic inclusions. Immunolocalization of the tubulin cytoskeleton and quantitative analysis of cytoskeletal elements revealed patterns of cortical microtubules in meristematic, infected and uninfected cells, and of endoplasmic microtubules associated with infection structures, typical of indeterminate nodules. The intermediate pattern of endoplasmic microtubules in infected cells was correlated with disordered arrangement of symbiosomes. Thus, analysis of the structural organization of G. uralensis nodules revealed some ancestral features more characteristic of determinate nodules, demonstrating the evolutionary closeness of G. uralensis nodulation to more ancient members of the legume family.
Mapping Spatial Management Zones of Salt-Affected Soils in Arid Region: A Case Study in the East of the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Abdelaal Samah M. S. , Moussa Karam F. , Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Mohamed Elsayed Said , Kucher Dmitry E. , Savin Igor , Abdel-Fattah Mohamed K.
Published: December 2021

Soil salinization is a global problem that affects a large part of the world, especially arid and semi-arid regions. Hence, diagnosing soil salinity is the first step towards appropriate management. The current work aims to assess and map soil salinity in the eastern Nile Delta using principal component analysis (PCA). In order to develop appropriate solutions for rational management to mitigate the impacts of soil salinization and increase yield production 34 soil profiles were dug that covered the variation in the soils located at the northeast of the Nile delta. The spatial variation of soil parameters was mapped using ordinary kriging interpolation. The results of PCA illustrated that, among the studied soil properties, soil electrical conductivity (ECe), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), exchangeable sodium percent (ESP), and bulk density (BD), are the critical factors affecting management practices in the Nile Delta. Two spatial management zones (SMZ) were identified; SMZ 1 occupied 45.04% of the study area and SMZ2 occupied 54.96% of the study area. The average of soil pH, ECe, SAR, CEC, ESP and BD were 8.31, 20.32 dSm−1, 47.19, 32.9 cmolckg−1, 32.85% and 1.47 Mgm−3 for the first cluster (SMZ1), respectively. In addition, the second cluster (SMZ2) had average soil pH, ECe, SAR, CEC, ESP and BD of 7.75, 12.30 dSm−1, 26.6, 25.23 cmolckg−1, 26.6% and 1.27 Mgm−3. The results showed p-value < 0.05 which confirms that there is a significant statistical difference between the two zones. Finally, the results obtained could be used as a fundamental basis for improving agricultural management practices in such salt-affected soils.
Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL) Genes Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiling
Authors: Rasool Fatima , Uzair Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad Kashif , Rehman Nazia , Afroz Amber , Shah Hussain , Khan Muhammad Ramzan
Published: December 2021

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is the first enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway and plays a vital role in adoption, growth, and development in plants but in wheat its characterization is still not very clear. Here, we report a genome-wide identification of TaPAL genes and analysis of their transcriptional expression, duplication, and phylogeny in wheat. A total of 37 TaPAL genes that cluster into three subfamilies have been identified based on phylogenetic analysis. These TaPAL genes are distributed on 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 4A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 6D chromosomes. Gene structure, conserved domain analysis, and investigation of cis-regulatory elements were systematically carried out. Chromosomal rearrangements and gene loss were observed by evolutionary analysis of the orthologs among Triticum urartu, Aegilops tauschii, and Triticum aestivum during the origin of bread wheat. Gene ontology analysis revealed that PAL genes play a role in plant growth. We also identified 27 putative miRNAs targeting 37 TaPAL genes. The high expression level of PAL genes was detected in roots of drought-tolerant genotypes compared to drought-sensitive genotypes. However, very low expressions of TaPAL10, TaPAL30, TaPAL32, TaPAL3, and TaPAL28 were recorded in all wheat genotypes. Arogenate dehydratase interacts with TaPAL29 and has higher expression in roots. The analysis of all identified genes in RNA-seq data showed that they are expressed in roots and shoots under normal and abiotic stress. Our study offers valuable data on the functioning of PAL genes in wheat.
Voisin Rational Grazing as a Sustainable Alternative for Livestock Production
Authors: Pinheiro Machado Filho Luiz C. , Seó Hizumi L. S. , Daros Ruan R. , Enriquez-Hidalgo Daniel , Wendling Adenor V. , Pinheiro Machado Luiz C.
Published: December 2021

Current livestock practices do not meet current real-world social and environmental requirements, pushing farmers away from rural areas and only sustaining high productivity through the overuse of fossil fuels, causing numerous environmental side effects. In this narrative review, we explore how the Voisin Rational Grazing (VRG) system responds to this problem. VRG is an agroecological system based on four principles that maximise pasture growth and ruminant intake, while, at the same time, maintaining system sustainability. It applies a wide range of regenerative agricultural practices, such as the use of multispecies swards combined with agroforestry. Planning allows grazing to take place when pastures reach their optimal resting period, thus promoting vigorous pasture regrowth. Moreover, paddocks are designed in a way that allow animals to have free access to water and shade, improving overall animal welfare. In combination, these practices result in increased soil C uptake and soil health, boost water retention, and protect water quality. VRG may be used to provide ecosystem services that mitigate some of the current global challenges and create opportunities for farmers to apply greener practices and become more resilient. It can be said that VRG practitioners are part of the initiatives that are rethinking modern livestock agriculture. Its main challenges, however, arise from social constraints. More specifically, local incentives and initiatives that encourage farmers to take an interest in the ecological processes involved in livestock farming are still lacking. Little research has been conducted to validate the empirical evidence of VRG benefits on animal performance or to overcome VRG limitations.
The Zoonotic Helminth Parasite Fasciola hepatica: Virulence-Associated Cathepsin B and Cathepsin L Cysteine Peptidases Secreted by Infective Newly Excysted Juveniles (NEJ)
Authors: Barbour Tara , Cwiklinski Krystyna , Lalor Richard , Dalton John Pius , De Marco Verissimo Carolina
Published: December 2021

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major global disease of livestock and an important neglected helminthiasis of humans. Infection arises when encysted metacercariae are ingested by the mammalian host. Within the intestine, the parasite excysts as a newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates to the liver. NEJ excystment and tissue penetration are facilitated by the secretion of cysteine peptidases, namely, cathepsin B1 (FhCB1), cathepsin B2 (FhCB2), cathepsin B3 (FhCB3) and cathepsin L3 (FhCL3). While our knowledge of these peptidases is growing, we have yet to understand why multiple enzymes are required for parasite invasion. Here, we produced functional recombinant forms of these four peptidases and compared their physio-biochemical characteristics. Our studies show great variation of their pH optima for activity, substrate specificity and inhibitory profile. Carboxy-dipeptidase activity was exhibited exclusively by FhCB1. Our studies suggest that, combined, these peptidases create a powerful hydrolytic cocktail capable of digesting the various host tissues, cells and macromolecules. Although we found several inhibitors of these enzymes, they did not show potent inhibition of metacercarial excystment or NEJ viability in vitro. However, this does not exclude these peptidases as targets for future drug or vaccine development.
Rising Temperature Effects on Growth and Gastric Emptying Time of Freshwater African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) Fingerlings
Authors: Kasihmuddin Sonia Mohd , Ghaffar Mazlan Abd. , Das Simon Kumar
Published: December 2021

The present study was carried out to analyse the effect of water temperature on two components: (1) growth performance, and (2) gastric emptying time (GET) of African catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. After 70 days, it was observed that experimental temperatures had no significant effects on the growth performance parameters, except for food conversion ratio (FCR) and food conversion efficiency (FCE). GET observation through X-radiography denoted that the shortest GET (10 h) was observed in fish reared at 32 °C and the longest GET (16 h) was observed in fish reared at 26 °C. The rapid digestion rate coincides with the FCR and FCE obtained in this study. Considering the limited scope of our study, more extensive studies on the impact of water temperature on other fish physiological parameters should be pursued. A better understanding of this research topic would be beneficial for the growth of African catfish fingerling aquaculture.
Impact of Freezing on the Microbiological Quality and Physical Characteristics of Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
Authors: Biondi Loredana , Fulgione Andrea , Capuano Federico , Nappa Morena , Citro Angelo , Nava Donatella
Published: December 2021

Buffalo Mozzarella cheese from Campania is one of the most worldwide appreciated Italian dairy products. The increased demand for buffalo dairy products and the limited availability of the finest buffalo milk has prompted the diffusion of illicit practices, such as the use of milk, curd, or other products that are frozen or bought at low cost. The aim of this research was to provide preliminary results about the trend of the microbial communities of buffalo milk, curd and Buffalo Mozzarella cheese, during freezing storage of eleven months. At the same time, the alterations of physical properties and the presence of the molecular marker “γ4-casein”, have been investigated. The results showed that freezing reduced the concentrations of the total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, Escherichia coli and yeasts in fresh milk and, the concentrations of the total bacterial count, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in mature curd. In the finished product, no notable decreases were observed, except for lactic acid bacteria. About the γ4-casein, no increase was observed in all matrices. These preliminary results allow us to conclude that the freezing process if properly carried out, does not compromise the microbiological quality and the physical properties of the Buffalo Mozzarella cheese.
Screening and Identification of Differential Ovarian Proteins before and after Induced Ovulation via Seminal Plasma in Bactrian Camels
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Quanwei , Li Yina , Zhao Xingxu , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2021

Camelidae are induced ovulators whose ovulation is tightly regulated by multiple factors. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying follicular development, hormone secretion, and ovulation requires investigating the potential molecular pathways involved. However, little is known about these pathways in Bactrian camels. To screen and identify candidate biomarkers after inducing ovulation, this study performed comprehensive proteomic and molecular biological analyses of the ovaries from two camel groups (n = 6). We identified 5075 expressed ovarian proteins, of which 404 were differentially expressed (264 upregulated, 140 downregulated) (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), in samples from plasma-induced versus control camels. Gene ontology annotation identified the potential functions of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). These results validated the differential expression for a subset of these proteins using Western blot (p < 0.05) and immunofluorescence staining. Three DEPs (FST, NR5A1, and PRL) were involved in neurochemical signal transduction, as well as endocrine and reproductive hormone regulatory processes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated the involvement of several pathways, including the calcium, cAMP, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, MAPK, and neuroactive ligand–receptor signaling pathways, suggesting that induced ovulation depends on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. Identifying these candidate biomarkers enables a better understanding of Bactrian camel reproduction. Ovarian proteomic profiling and the measurement of selected proteins using more targeted methods is a promising approach for studying induced-ovulation mechanisms.
Resveratrol Relieved Acute Liver Damage in Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) Induced by AFB1 via Modulation of Apoptosis and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Fangju , Wang Yingjie , Zhou Xin , Liu Mengru , Jin Sanjun , Shan Anshan , Feng Xingjun
Published: December 2021

The presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed is a serious threat to livestock and poultry health and to human food safety. Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and other biological activities; however, it is not clear whether it can improve AFB1 induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Res on liver injury induced by AFB1 and its mechanisms. A total of 270 one-day-old male specific pathogen free (SPF) ducks, with no significant difference in weight, were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group, the AFB1 group and the AFB1 + Res group, which were fed a basic diet, a basic diet and a basic diet containing 500 mg/kg Res, respectively. On the 70th day, the ducks in theAFB1 group and the AFB1+ 500 mg/kg Res group were given 60 μg/kg AFB1 via gavage. When comparing the AFB1 group and the AFB1 + Res group and also with the control group, AFB1 significantly increased liver damage, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and AFB1-DNA adduct content, increased oxidative stress levels and induced liver apoptosis, which was improved by Res supplementation. In sum, the addition of Res to feed can increase the activity of the II-phase enzyme, activate the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway, and protect ducks’ livers from the toxicity, oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction induced by AFB1.