bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Challenges and Coping Strategies Among Women During Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Sahay Mili Roopchand , Dubey Shubhankar , Sahoo Rakesh Kumar , Kanungo Srikanta , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: April 2022

Equality and empowerment for women are among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5). Although women were confronted with more challenges in various ways during pandemics; however, there is hardly any systematic synthesis of evidence on women's health-related challenges during pandemics. We reviewed the health challenges faced by women during the pandemic. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL following PRISMA guidelines. We identified 2,831 studies, of which we included 17. Reproductive health, psychosocial health, and gender-based violence emerged as significant challenges. Many studies reported challenges in provisions for routine services and increased anxiety, fear, and stress among women. The findings highlighted that pandemic have a significant impact on women's health. Women must have equal rights and opportunities without discrimination, which requires urgent action to enhance women's rights and to achieve SDGs. Women engagement/involvement in pandemic-related services needs to be explored, which will aid in developing strategies to alleviate vulnerabilities.
A Systems Framework for Infrastructure Business Models for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Areas
Authors: Walsh Claire L. , Glendinning Stephanie , Dawson Richard J. , O'Brien Peter , Heidrich Oliver , Rogers Christopher D. F. , Bryson John R. , Purnell Phil
Published: April 2022

Sustainable Development Goal 11 calls for inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. Urban areas comprise interconnected infrastructure systems that deliver services that support all aspects of daily life. Despite their important contribution to modern life current infrastructure business models typically under-estimate the long-term economic, social and environmental benefits of infrastructure. Therefore, new infrastructure business models are required that: (i) target urban areas or regions at a local scale where there is the greatest scope for innovation, (ii) target specific challenges or needs (i.e., where there is a clear driver for innovation), and (iii) tackle the issue of the flawed economic cost-benefit model for assessing the viability of infrastructure investments. This paper presents a framework that promotes multiple stakeholders to working together, and by focusing on outcomes to develop alternative infrastructure solutions and business models that deliver multiple values to multiple stakeholders. By explicitly mapping these values over time and space, the interdependencies between infrastructures are revealed, along with an expanded perception of the value being brought about by that infrastructure. Moreover, the broader consideration of value also increases the number of stakeholders beneficiaries, the value network, and subsequently identify how they can support the infrastructure intervention by formulating alternative funding and financing mechanisms. A series of case studies to achieve resilience, sustainability and regeneration outcomes are used to show how the framework can be utilized to unlock investment in infrastructure in situations where traditional approaches have failed.
How Can New Personalized Nutrition Tools Improve Health?
Authors: Li Katherine J. , Burton-Pimentel Kathryn J. , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske M. , Vergères Guy , Feskens Edith J. M.
Published: April 2022

All living creatures need to eat. Eating a variety of different healthy foods in moderate amounts is important. How do we know which foods are healthy? Researchers can compare the foods consumed by healthy and unhealthy people by asking what and how much they eat. Unfortunately, people cannot always remember what and how much they eat, which makes it difficult to figure out which foods are healthy. Recently, researchers discovered that a group of research tools called omics could help. When people eat, the building blocks of food are broken down into small compounds called metabolites. With laboratory equipment, researchers can measures these metabolites in food and in the body, to help them get a better idea of which foods are healthy or unhealthy. Researchers can also use omics tools to find the best foods for each unique person so that we can all stay healthy and happy.
Changes in Kinematics and Muscle Activity With Increasing Velocity During Underwater Undulatory Swimming
Authors: Yamakawa Keisuke Kobayashi , Shimojo Hirofumi , Takagi Hideki , Sengoku Yasuo
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to investigate the changes in kinematics and muscle activity with increasing swimming velocity during underwater undulatory swimming (UUS). In a water flume, 8 male national-level swimmers performed three UUS trials at 70, 80, and 90% of their maximum swimming velocity (70, 80, and 90%V, respectively). A motion capture system was used for three-dimensional kinematic analysis, and surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected from eight muscles in the gluteal region and lower limbs. The results indicated that kick frequency, vertical toe velocity, and angular velocity increased with increasing UUS velocity, whereas kick length and kick amplitude decreased. Furthermore, the symmetry of the peak toe velocity improved at 90%V. The integrated EMG values of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius were higher at 90%V than at the lower flow speeds, and the sum of integrated EMGs increased with increasing UUS velocity. These results suggest that an increase in the intensity of muscle activity in the lower limbs contributed to an increase in kick frequency. Furthermore, muscle activity of the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius commenced slightly earlier with increasing UUS velocity, which may be related to improving kick symmetry. In conclusion, this study suggests the following main findings: 1) changes in not only kick frequency but also in kicking velocity are important for increasing UUS velocity, 2) the intensity of specific muscle activity increases with increasing UUS velocity, and 3) kick symmetry is related to changes in UUS velocity, and improvements in kick symmetry may be caused by changes in the muscle activity patterns.
Assessing the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemics on Sustainable Development Goals in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Toyanath , Poudel Rudra Prasad , Kafle Kamana , Bhattarai Bandana , Prasai Benu Prasad , Adhikari Santosh
Published: April 2022

Globally, billions of people and their livelihood are threatened by the onset of COVID-19. In Nepal, resource-poor people who lost their job were the hardest hit among millions of impacted populations. Further, the associated effects of pandemics are food supply chain interruption and people's inferior physical and mental wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated impacts have questioned Nepal's ability to achieve the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the post-pandemic era. Yet no scientific studies available to see COVID-19 and SDGs relationships in Nepal, government reports, and macroeconomic updates indicated that COVID-19 is likely to deter significantly in achieving SDGs targets. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to quantify the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal's macro-economy from March 2020 to December 2021. Our study indicated that the COVID-19 exerted inevitable challenges in achieving SDGs targets in terms of food security and household poverty. Therefore, this paper recommended creating more employment opportunities in the domestic economy and establishing a resilient food system.
Differential Effects of Natural Grazing and Feedlot Feeding on Yak Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Shah Tariq , Ding Luming , Ud Din Ahmad , Hassan Faiz-ul , Ahmad Anum Ali , Wei Haiyan , Wang Xianju , Yan Qi , Ishaq Muhammad , Ali Niyaz , Fang Yougui
Published: April 2022

Variation in food and diet shapes the diversity of the gut microbiota of ruminants. The present study investigated the microbial diversity in the fecal microbiota of yaks reared under natural grazing and feedlot system. A total of 48 domestic yaks with an average age of 7.5 years were selected from two different grazing habitats: one group grazed on natural pasture (grazing yaks—GY) while the other group was fed fodder and concentrate (feedlot yaks—FY). Crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrate, hemicelluloses, and digestible dry matter contents of natural pastures were higher than those in the feedlot. The lower insoluble fiber contents were found in grazing land. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed 675 and 348 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the GY and FY, respectively, in addition to 1,778 common OTUs. Overall, a total of 9,891 OTUs were identified as a whole, of which 6,160 OTUs were from GY and 3,731 were from FY. Shannon index analysis revealed a higher bacterial diversity in GY than FY. At the phylum level, Firmicutes were dominant bacterial taxa in both groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in GY (56% ± 0.05) was higher than in FY (41% ± 0.08). At the family level, GY had a significantly higher abundance of Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.001) and Rikenellaceae (p < 0.001) than FY, but FY had a significantly higher abundance of Prevotellaceae than GY (p < 0.001). At the genus level, abundances of Faecalibacterium, Alloprevotella, and Succinivibrio were higher in FY than in GY. This study presents novel information on fecal bacterial composition and diversity in yaks reared under two different production systems.
Cyclosporin A Prevents Ovarian Graft Rejection, and Permits Normal Germ Cell Maturation Within the First 5 Weeks Post-transplantation, in the Domestic Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Hall George B. , Beeler-Marfisi Janet , Long Julie A. , Wood Benjamin J. , Bedecarrats Gregoy Y.
Published: April 2022

Biobanked ovaries collected from recently hatched poults can only be revived through transplantation, using a recipient bird. The main hurdle in transplantation is preventing graft rejection, which appears as lymphocytic infiltration upon histologic evaluation of the graft. In this study, the condition of the transplants [immunological compatibility (auto- vs. allotransplants), donor age, time in holding media, and temperature of holding media] and treatment of recipient poults with varying immunosuppressants [mycophenolate mofetil (MFM), cyclophosphamide (CY), and cyclosporin A (CsA)] were studied to determine which factors could reduce lymphocytic infiltration, during the first 35 days post-transplantation. Lymphocytic infiltration was determinedviacytoplasmic CD3 (T cell) and nuclear PAX5 (B cell) expression. There was no significant difference in the percent of cytoplasmic CD3 or nuclear PAX5 immunostained area between the unoperated group and the autotransplants, by 6 days post-transplantation. However, the allotransplants had more (P< 0.05) positive cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostained areas compared to autotransplants, irrespective of donor age, time in holding media or temperature of the media. By 14 days post-transplantation, the CsA 25 and 50 mg/kg/day treatment groups had less (P< 0.05) CD3 and PAX5 positive areas in their allotransplants, compared to the unsuppressed group. At 35 days post-transplantation, the CsA 25 mg/kg/day allotransplant group also had less (P< 0.05) CD3 and PAX5 positive areas compared to the unsuppressed group. The CsA 25 mg/kg/day transplants also had a similar ovarian follicular size compared to the unoperated group, although they contained fewer (P< 0.05) follicles based on follicular density. Donor age, duration in holding media, temperature of media, and treatment of recipients with MFM or CY had no effect on reducing lymphocytic infiltration. However, immunological compatibility was associated with decreased lymphocytic infiltration, as autotransplants had little lymphocytic infiltration. Treatment of recipients with CsA at 25 mg/kg/day was also associated with reduced lymphocytic infiltration and allowed transplants to develop normally during the first 35 days post transplantation.
Protective Effects of Abrus cantoniensis Hance on the Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens Based on Liver Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liu Xu , Pan Yinchuan , Shen Youming , Liu Hailong , Zhao Xinghua , Li Jianyong , Ma Ning
Published: April 2022

As a metabolic disease, fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) has become a serious concern in laying hens worldwide. Abrus cantoniensis Hance (AC) is a commonly used plant in traditional medicine for liver disease treatment. Nevertheless, the effect and mechanism of the decoction of AC (ACD) on FLHS remain unclear. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to identify the main phytochemicals in ACD. FLHS model of laying hens was induced by a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet, and ACD (0.5, 1, 2 g ACD/hen per day) was given to the hens in drinking water at the same time for 48 days. Biochemical blood indicators and histopathological analysis of the liver were detected and observed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ACD. Moreover, the effects of ACD on liver metabolomics and gut microbiota in laying hens with FLHS were investigated. The results showed that four phytochemicals, including abrine, hypaphorine, vicenin-2, and schaftoside, were identified in ACD. ACD treatment ameliorated biochemical blood indicators in laying hens with FLHS by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol, and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, lipid accumulation in the liver and pathological damages were relieved in ACD treatment groups. Moreover, distinct changes in liver metabolic profile after ACD treatment were observed, 17 endogenous liver metabolites mainly associated with the metabolism of arachidonic acid, histidine, tyrosine, and tryptophan were reversed by ACD. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that ACD treatment significantly increased bacterial richness (Chao 1, P < 0.05; Ace, P < 0.01), and upregulated the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and downregulated Proteobacteria, improving the negative effects caused by HELP diet in laying hens. Taken together, ACD had a protective effect on FLHS by regulating blood lipids, reducing liver lipid accumulation, and improving the dysbiosis of liver metabolomics and gut microbiota.
Particle Film Improves the Physiology and Productivity of Sweet Potato without Affecting Tuber’s Physicochemical Parameters
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre , Dinis Lia-Tânia , Santos Abraão Almeida , Fontes Pryanka , Carnelossi Marcelo , Fagundes Jailson , Oliveira-Júnior Luiz
Published: April 2022

In tropical areas, the lower productivity of sweet potato has been related to unfavorable climatic conditions, as heat stress caused by high temperatures limits the optimal genotypic expression of plants. Innovative techniques, such as particle films, have been proposed to reduce productivity loss caused by such conditions. Herein, we examine whether applying calcium oxide particle films could minimize heat stress on sweet potato under field conditions, reflecting higher productivity. For this purpose, sweet potato plants were exposed to four concentrations of calcium oxide particle film (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/v) applied onto leaves and assessed regarding the physiological, physicochemical, and productivity parameters. Overall, in plants treated with calcium oxide particle films, the photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency, and carboxylation efficiency increased compared to untreated plants. Moreover, we observe a reduction in leaf temperature and stomatal conductance of up to 6.8% and 45%, respectively, in sweet potato plants treated with 10% w/v, resulting in higher productivity (34.97 ton ha−1) compared to the control (21.55 ton ha-1). No effect is noted on tuber physicochemical parameters. In summary, the application of a calcium oxide particle film seems to favor sweet potato crops, alleviating the stress caused by hot climatic conditions in tropical regions.
Pilot Study on Predictive Traits of Fresh Maize Hybrids for Estimating Milk and Biogas Production
Authors: Loučka Radko , Jančík Filip , Homolka Petr , Tyrolová Yvona , Kubelková Petra , Výborná Alena , Koukolová Veronika , Jambor Václav , Nedělník Jan , Lang Jaroslav , Gaislerová Marie
Published: April 2022

Farmers need information on which maize hybrid is best and under what conditions. They demand that this information be clear, simple and easily understood. This study aims to estimate the potential for milk production (MPP) and the biochemical methane potential (BMP) production from fresh maize hybrids. Using these indicators from fresh maize, information on the differences between hybrids can be effectively obtained, albeit with some of the shortcomings of this proposed method. Samples of fresh maize plants (n = 384) from four hybrids were evaluated at two locations over four consecutive years (from 2018 to 2021). The dry matter content, averaged across all hybrids, all years and both locations, was 371 ± 42.3 g.kg−1. The colder and wetter the year, the significantly higher the starch content, lower the amylase-treated neutral detergent fibre content (aNDF) and lower the crude protein (CP), which was reflected in lower BMP. Weather did not significantly affect the net energy of lactation (NEL) or MPP values. The location significantly affected all monitored indicators, except BMP. The earlier the hybrid was at harvest time, the lower the NEL and MPP but the higher BMP contents were. This study is preliminary and must be repeated with more hybrids and under more different conditions.
An Analysis of the Genetic Relation between Photosynthesis and Yield-Related Traits in Wheat
Authors: An Qiang , Li Chunlian , Li Hongwei , Zheng Qi , Li Bin , Li Zhensheng
Published: April 2022

A recombinant inbred line population, derived from a cross between a high light-tolerant wheat Triticum aestivum cv. Xiaoyan 54 and a high yielding, but high light-sensitive variety, Jing 411, was used to explore the genetic relation between photosynthesis and grain yield-related traits. The net CO2 assimilation rate, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, leaf area index, plant height, spike number, biomass, grain yield, and harvest index were evaluated in the field across two consecutive years. The results reveal that a total of 57 quantitative trait loci (QTL) are found to be associated with the investigated traits. They distributed on almost all 21 chromosomes, except for chromosomes 5D, 6D, 7A, and 7D. The phenotypic variance explained by a single QTL ranged from 9.3% to 39.9% depending on traits and QTL. Of these QTL, 12 QTL clusters were found to regulate at least 2 of the investigated traits, which distributed on 8 chromosomes, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4B and 5A. Seven QTL clusters were associated with both photosynthesis and grain yield-related traits, indicative of their genetic relation. Two QTL clusters on 2D and 4B were co-located with two reduced-height genes, Rht8 and Rht-B1b, respectively. These QTL clusters may be used as potential targets for wheat radiation use efficiency improvement in the future.
Development of Centrifugal Disc Spreader on Tracked Combine Harvester for Rape Undersowing Rice Based on DEM
Authors: Guan Zhuohuai , Mu Senlin , Jiang Tao , Li Haitong , Zhang Min , Wu Chongyou , Jin Mei
Published: April 2022

Rape undersowing rice is an effective method to solve the problem of short crop rotation in rice-rape rotation. Applying of ground fertilizer to rape is one of the most critical aspects in this planting pattern. However, a special fertilizer spreading is required after the rice is harvested, which increases the labor intensity and the compaction of rape and soil and is also hindered by a lack of equipment to complete the harvesting and fertilizer spreading simultaneously. In response to the above issues, a centrifugal disc spreader on a tracked combine harvester for rape undersowing rice was developed. The basic parameters of the spreader were designed based on the agronomic requirements for fertilization and tracked combine harvester. Kinematic and kinetic models of fertilizer particles were developed to determine the key parameters that affect fertilizer spreading. Based on discrete element simulations, the effects of single structure and interaction of centrifugal disc spreader on fertilizer distribution pattern were investigated. The spreading range and coefficient of variation of fertilizer lateral distribution regression models were constructed, and the spreader parameters were optimized based on the regression models. The simulation results and fertilizer spreading performance were verified by bench tests. The results show that the distribution of fertilizer from simulation tests and bench tests was consistent. The coefficient of variation of fertilizer lateral distribution was 13.1% for the simulation test and 14.6% for the bench test. The error of simulation test was 10.3%, which indicates that the simulation result was reliable. The developed centrifugal disc spreader can meet the needs of fertilizer spreading for rape undersowing rice. The results serve as a theoretical basis for the design of a fertilizer spreader and provide new ways to promote accurate and efficient spreading of fertilizer.
The Yield and Weed Infestation of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg) in Two Tillage Systems
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Haliniarz Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

Results from a four-year field experiment were used to evaluate the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems on the yield, selected yield and crop structure elements, weed infestation, and contents of fat and glucosinolates in the seeds of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg). The study proved the beneficial effect of the NT system on the winter rape seed yield only during the precipitation shortage in the growing season. In the years with a sufficient sum of precipitation, a higher seed yield was produced in the CT than in the NT system. Considering the average values from the four-year study period, the seed yield and straw yield, plant density after emergence and before harvest, number of branches and main shoot length, and finally the 1000 seed weight were significantly higher in the CT compared with the NT system. In contrast, the NT system proved more beneficial regarding seed weight per silique and fat content of the seeds. The statistical analysis of the study results showed no effect of the tillage systems on the glucosinolate content of the seeds. In turn, a significantly higher number and air-dry weight of weeds as well as an increased density of Viola arvensis weeds were demonstrated in the NT plot compared with the CT plot of winter oilseed rape. Sonchus asper and Sonchus arvensis were identified in the NT plot but not in the CT plot. A significantly higher density of Chenopodium album and Euphorbia helioscopia weeds was detected in the CT system compared with the NT system. The statistical analysis of study results regarding weed community diversity showed similar values to the Shannon-Weinner diversity index (H’) in both tillage systems and a significantly higher value of the Simpson dominance index (SI) in the NT system compared with the CT system.
Potential of NIRS Technology for the Determination of Cannabinoid Content in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Jarén Carmen , Zambrana Paula C. , Pérez-Roncal Claudia , López-Maestresalas Ainara , Ábrego Andrés , Arazuri Silvia
Published: April 2022

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a plant native to Asia, and is considered to be a primary source of food, textile fiber, and medicines. It is characterized by containing minimal concentrations of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabidol (THC), which is the main psychoactive chemical component, and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive substance. In most European countries, the maximum concentration legally allowed for cultivation is 0.2% of THC, and it is currently under debate whether to increase this level to 0.3%. Moreover, in many countries its production is being regularized and legalized, increasing the need for a rapid analysis method. The present work evaluated the cannabinoid content in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology in combination with chemometric techniques. For this, several samples of the Kompolti variety were analyzed. Samples were dried and ground, and the content of total THC (%) and total CBD (%) was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector as reference measurements, and then the spectra were collected by NIRS. Principal component analysis and partial least square regression models were developed. Good coefficients of determination of cross-validation of 0.77 for THC and CBD, and a ratio of prediction to deviation >2 for total THC and CBD, were achieved. The results obtained show that NIRS technology has potential for the quantitative determination of cannabinoids. Therefore, this analytical method would allow a simpler, more robust, precise, and sustainable estimation than the current HPLC approach.
Diallel Crosses of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) from Burkina Faso and Texas A&M AgriLife Research—1-Analysis of Agronomic Traits to Improve Elite Varieties from Burkina Faso
Authors: Bourgou Larbouga , Dever Jane K. , Sheehan Monica , Kelly Carol M. , Diané Sidiki K. , Sawadogo Mahamadou
Published: April 2022

Cotton breeding progress stagnation, changing production conditions, and continued high fiber quality demands are challenging the cotton industry in Burkina Faso. The F1 populations developed by half diallel crosses between germplasm from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Burkina Faso were evaluated for several agronomic traits. The aim was to identify the most promising parents and hybrids for further varietal improvement. Three AgriLife parents helped improve the most important targeted traits. Parent 15-3-416 reduced days to 50% flowering (−3.14 days) and shortened plant height (−22.25 cm) in hybrids while 16-2-216FQ improved their fiber percentage (+2.68%). Hybrids with Burkina Faso elite cultivar E32 as male parent and the three best AgriLife parents as the females showed good specific combining ability (SCA). FK37 × 15-10-610-7 and FK64 × 15-10-610-7 showed heterosis for earliness by reducing, respectively, days to 50% flowering (−4.27 days) or days to 50% boll opening (−3.95 days) below parent means. E32 × 16-2-216FQ and FK64 × 16-2-216FQ increased fiber percentage by +1.75% and +2.06%, respectively. FK64 × 15-3-416 increased seed index (SI) (+0.62 g) and fiber percentage (+1.19%), while maintaining other traits at the parents’ average levels. E32 × 15-3-416 showed the most heterosis for desired improvements, reducing days to 50% flowering (−4) and increasing the number of bolls/vegetative branch (+3.05), number of bolls/fruiting branch (+6.38), number of bolls/plant (+13.49), boll weight (+1.53 g), SI (+0.40 g), and fiber percentage (+1.18%). Inter-program crosses show the potential to enhance genetic diversity in Burkina Faso’s breeding program. Subsequent selection methods must be carefully applied considering the Burkina Faso breeding objectives for future cultivars.
Magnesium Fertilizer Application and Soil Warming Increases Tomato Yield by Increasing Magnesium Uptake under PE-Film Covered Greenhouse
Authors: Jin Shengai , Zhou Weiwei , Meng Lifen , Chen Qing , Li Junliang
Published: April 2022

Magnesium (Mg) plays an important role in numerous physiological and biochemical processes in plants. However, Mg deficiency is common worldwide, especially in greenhouse vegetable systems, due to the overuse or misuse of fertilizers. This study investigated the effects of different Mg application strategies in alleviating Mg deficiency of tomatoes in PE-film covered greenhouse. Six field treatments were used: conventional fertilization practice (C), conventional fertilization + soil warming (CW), conventional fertilization + Mg applied to soil (C + MgS), conventional fertilization + Mg applied as foliar application (C + MgF), conventional fertilization + Mg applied to soil and foliar application (C + MgSF), and conventional fertilization + Mg applied to soil and foliar application with soil warming (C + MgSFW). Foliar spray of Mg fertilizer (C + MgF, C + MgSF, and C + MgSFW) increased the total Mg uptake and Mg content of functional leaves in both winter-spring and autumn-winter seasons. Soil warming treatments (CW and C + MgSFW) were also beneficial for Mg uptake and chlorophyll biosynthesis compared with no-warming treatments (C and C + MgSF), especially in autumn-winter season. Additionally, Mg fertilizer application and soil warming increased tomato yields; the C + MgSFW treatment had the highest increase in yields compared with the C treatment. Therefore, foliar Mg fertilizer application combined with soil warming, while considering seasonal variation, is feasible for reducing Mg deficiency in tomatoes under PE-film covered greenhouse vegetable systems.
Rejected Sago Starch as a Coating Material to Mitigate Urea-Nitrogen Emission
Authors: Kavitha Rajan , Latifah Omar , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Primus Walter Charles , Susilawati Kasim
Published: April 2022

Urea–nitrogen is commonly lost through ammonia (NH3) volatilization, denitrification, and nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Rejected sago starch (RSS), which is a by-product of sago flour extraction, could be used to minimize NH3 volatilization from urea. Urea granules were coated with different concentrations of RSS (2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%), and their effects on NH3 emission, soil pH, exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), and available NO3− were determined. The urea was coated with RSS and homogenized using a mini rotary machine. The RSS-coated urea granules were dyed to differentiate their concentrations. The effectiveness of the RSS as a coating material was determined using a closed-dynamic air flow system. The soil used in the NH3 volatilization was the Bekenu series (Sandy loam, Typic Paleudults). This study compared seven different mixture treatments: soil alone (S), 5 g of uncoated urea (U), 5 g of 2% RSS-coated urea (CU1), 5 g of 3% RSS-coated urea (CU2), 5 g of 4% RSS-coated urea (CU3), 5 g of 5% RSS-coated urea (CU4), and 5 g of 6% RSS-coated urea (CU5). Urea coated with RSS, particularly CU1, effectively minimized NH3 loss and improved the retention of soil exchangeable NH4+ and available NO3− compared with uncoated urea because the RSS serves as a barrier to minimizing the concentration of NH3 from urea hydrolysis. Urea could be coated with RSS at the 2% concentration to enhance urea–N efficiency through a reduction in NH3 emission from urea. RSS-coated urea could be an alternative for farmers because of its controlled release of N and economical benefits. Field planting using rice as a test crop to solidify the effectiveness of RSS-coated urea in improving N retention from urea is still ongoing.
Injected Anhydrous Ammonia Is More Effective Than Broadcast Urea as a Source of Nitrogen for Drill Seeded Rice
Authors: Naeem Elsayed , Abd El-Megeed Taher , Emadeldin Yasmin , Abushady Asmaa M. , Abdelrahman Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Anhydrous ammonia is a cheaper source of nitrogen (N) fertiliser than granular urea for rice production, but it is not widely used in developing countries. It can only be applied pre-crop with any in-crop applications being applied in the form of urea. This 2-year study conducted in the Nile delta region of Egypt compared pre-crop anhydrous ammonia injected to a depth of 20 cm with broadcast urea as N sources for rice, along with 4 combinations of pre-crop ammonia and in-crop urea. Each treatment supplied a total of 165 kg N/ha. The rice crop was direct seeded rather than transplanted. The highest yields were achieved in the full anhydrous ammonia treatment, which yielded 53% more grain than the nil-N control, while the full urea treatment yielded 22% more than the control; most combination treatments were intermediate. The higher grain yield of the anhydrous ammonia treatment was through a higher panicle density per unit area and more filled grains per panicle. An economic analysis found that the anhydrous ammonia treatment had a net return 70–94% higher than supplying the same quantity of N as urea. Counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes showed a decline by day 2 after injection of anhydrous ammonia, followed by an increase to numbers similar to or above pre-injection levels by day 5. The findings indicated that pre-crop anhydrous ammonia in rice is both economically promising and not deleterious to soil microbes.
Environmental and Regional Effects on Fiber Quality of Cotton Cultivated in Greece
Authors: Darawsheh Mohammed K. , Beslemes Dimitrios , Kouneli Varvara , Tigka Evangelia , Bilalis Dimitrios , Roussis Ioannis , Karydogianni Stella , Mavroeidis Antonios , Triantafyllidis Vassilios , Kosma Chariklia , Zotos Anastasios , Kakabouki Ioanna
Published: April 2022

The cultivation of cotton and in particular the quality characteristics of the fiber are mainly influenced by the growing conditions, the cultivation techniques as well as the climatic changes of the environment. The current study aimed to quantify the impact of environment, season, and their interactions on cotton fiber quality of different areas where cotton is grown in Greece. A large-scale database was created, consisting of more than 20,000 fiber samples from cotton fields of the four major cotton-producing regions of Greece (Thrace, Macedonia, Central Greece, and Thessaly) during 2016–2020, in order to evaluate thirteen fiber quality traits that were divided into four groups (fiber maturity, fiber length, color, and trash traits). The results of this work demonstrated that the effect of the environment and the interaction of the environment with year (season), were the important source of variance for almost all the qualitative characteristics studied. Regional climatic characteristics such as temperature, humidity and rainfall also significantly affected to a greater or lesser extent all quality characteristics. In conclusion, the different cultivation regions, in the broader sense of an environment that incorporates both climatic and management parameters, show stability in terms of the studied groups of quality parameters. This stability is independent of the high or low performance of the group features.
Evaluation of the Effects of Airflow Distribution Patterns on Deposit Coverage and Spray Penetration in Multi-Unit Air-Assisted Sprayer
Authors: Li Tian , Qi Peng , Wang Zhichong , Xu Shaoqing , Huang Zhan , Han Leng , He Xiongkui
Published: April 2022

Efficient utilization is a pre-requisite for pesticide reduction, and appropriate airflow distribution pattern plays a key role in enhancing the effectiveness of pesticide application by air-assisted orchard sprayers, yet the mechanism of this is unclear. In order to clarify the specific effects of airflow velocity and direction on spraying efficacy, a series of spray tests on pear and cherry and airflow distribution tests in open areas were conducted by a multi-unit air-assisted sprayer on ten different fan settings. Several deposit indicators were analyzed and contrasted with the air distribution. The results showed that an increase in airflow velocity inside the canopy improved the abaxial side deposit coverage of both pear (from 3.33% to 11.80% in the Top canopy and from 6.26% to 11.00% in the Upper canopy) and cherry leaves (from 3.61% to 10.87% in the Top canopy, from 1.36% to 9.04% in the Middle canopy, and from 3.40% to 9.04% in the Bottom canopy), but had no significant effect on the spray penetration. The correlation between deposit indicators and airflow velocities/directions was evaluated, and the results indicated that the enhanced airflow velocities, both in the forward and horizontal direction, improved the abaxial side deposit coverage (CAB) on the outside of pear canopy (p < 0.001), but for cherry, none of the airflow indicators had a significant impact on the CAB independently. On the other hand, the increased airflow direction angle in the cross-row plane for pear, as well as the increased airflow velocities in forward and vertical direction for cherry, both showed negative effects on the adaxial side deposit coverage (p < 0.01). The findings in this study might be helpful to improve the performance of pesticide application in orchards, especially for abaxial side deposition, and could provide a reference for the further investigations about the effect of airflow on spray canopy deposition.
Beef Steer Performance on Irrigated Monoculture Legume Pastures Compared with Grass- and Concentrate-Fed Steers
Authors: Pitcher Lance R. , MacAdam Jennifer W. , Ward Robert E. , Han Kun-Jun , Griggs Thomas C. , Dai Xin
Published: April 2022

Fall- or spring-born steers grazed monoculture irrigated birdsfoot trefoil (BFT; Lotus corniculatus L.) or cicer milkvetch (CMV; Astragalus cicer L.) pastures for approximately 12 weeks for 3 years and were compared with steers on concentrate diets. In the 3rd year, an irrigated meadow bromegrass (MBG; Bromus biebersteinii Roem. and Schult.) pasture treatment was added for further comparison. Steer average daily gain (ADG) was 1.31, 0.94, 0.83 and 0.69 kg d−1 on concentrate, ‘Norcen’ BFT, ‘Oberhaunstadter’ BFT, and ‘Monarch’ CMV diets, respectively; ADG on grass pastures was 0.43 kg d−1. The ADG on the concentrate diet was greater than ADG on legume or grass pastures, ADG was greater on BFT than CMV in every year (p < 0.03), and ADG on BFT was greater than ADG on grass (p < 0.03). The rate constant of gas production of an in vitro rumen fermentation demonstrated a slower rate of microbial digestion for CMV than for BFT. The elevated ADG on BFT pastures may be due to greater non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) concentration and reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration combined with condensed tannins that protect proteins in the rumen but do not impede protein digestion in the abomasum and intestines.
Effects of the In Ovo Injection of L-Ascorbic Acid on Broiler Hatching Performance
Authors: Mousstaaid Ayoub , Fatemi Seyed A. , Elliott Katie E. C. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , Peebles Edgar D.
Published: April 2022

Effects of the in ovo injection of various concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on the hatchability and retention levels of L-AA in the serum of broiler embryos were investigated. A total of 960 Ross 708 broilers hatching eggs were randomly divided into four treatment groups: non-injected control, saline-injected control, and saline containing either 12 or 25 mg of L-AA. At 18 days of incubation (doi), injected eggs received a 100 μL volume of sterile saline (0.85%) alone or containing one of the two L-AA levels. Percentage egg weight loss was also determined from 0 to 12 and 12 to 18 doi. Hatch residue analysis was conducted after candling to determine the staging of embryo mortality. At approximately 21 doi, hatchability of live embryonated eggs (HI) and hatchling body weight (BW) were determined. Blood samples were taken at 6 and 24 h after L-AA in ovo injection to determine serum L-AA concentrations. Serum L-AA concentrations, HI, and hatchling BW did not differ among all treatment groups. However, chicks in the non-injected group had a higher (p = 0.05) embryonic mortality at hatch in comparison to those in the 12 mg of L-AA in saline and saline alone treatment groups. These results suggest that the in ovo injection of high levels of L-AA (12 and 25 mg) does not negatively affect HI or serum concentrations of L-AA but has the potential to promote embryonic livability. Further research is needed to determine the retention time of L-AA in the other tissues of broilers, including the cornea of the eye, in response to different levels of supplemental L-AA.
Influence of Conditioning and Expansion Characteristics on the Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Full-Fat Soybeans for Broilers
Authors: Abdollahi M. Reza , Wiltafsky-Martin Markus , Zaefarian Faegheh , Ravindran Velmurugu
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the influence of short-term and long-term conditioning and expansion on the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in full-fat soybeans (FFSB) for broilers. A batch of raw soybeans was used to manufacture 10 FFSB products (T0 to T9) by applying various combinations of conditioning and expansion. The AMEn and SID AA of FFSB were determined by difference and direct methods, respectively. All heat treatments increased (p < 0.001) the AMEn compared to raw FFSB. The sample subjected to long-term conditioning at 100 °C for 6 min and expansion at 18 kWh/t (T5) supported 3.88 MJ/kg higher AMEn than the raw FFSB. Raw FFSB had the poorest (p < 0.05) AA digestibility. Among the heat-treated samples, the highest (p < 0.05) SID AA was recorded for T5. The results demonstrated that the long-term conditioning of FFSB at 100 °C for 6 min prior to expansion with 18 kWh/t specific energy input enhanced metabolizable energy and SID AA. Further increases in conditioning time from 6 to 9 min or expansion of specific energy input from 18 to 28 kWh/t did not yield additional benefits to energy utilization and AA digestibility of FFSB.
Effect of Application of Different Activation Media on Fertilization and Embryo Survival of Northern Pike, (Esox lucius) under Hatchery Conditions
Authors: Łuczyński Marek J. , Nowosad Joanna , Łuczyńska Joanna , Kucharczyk Dariusz
Published: April 2022

One of the finfish species that European and North American breeders are most interested in is the northern pike, Esox lucius. Artificial reproduction and the production of viable larvae has a huge impact on further culture. The quality of stripped gametes is highly variable. Therefore, it is important to use gametes with maximum efficiency, which has a direct impact on the amount of stocking material produced and therefore on the economics of production. The aim of this study was to compare northern pike fertilization efficiency, expressed as the survival rate of embryos until hatching. In the first experiment, the highest percentage of hatched embryos was observed in groups of eggs fertilized in a saline diluent prepared with deionized water (after reverse osmosis: group D), at 61.2% and 56.5% in the NaCl5-D and NaCl6-D groups, respectively. The highest percentage of hatched embryos in the second experiment was observed in the egg groups activated with Woynarovich solution (V) at 75.5% and 74.7% for V-D (D—deionized water) and V-T (T—tap water), respectively. In all cases, preparing the activation medium using T versus D water resulted in lower fertilization percentages and lower percentages of hatched larvae. At the same time, two variants (V and B1—Billard solution) were tested during mass spawning in three hatcheries using hatchery water (tap water). The results showed that repeatability was the highest when using activation medium B1.
A Systematic Review on the Link between Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Use in Captive Animals
Authors: Rodrigues da Costa Maria , Diana Alessia
Published: April 2022

This systematic review aimed to assess the link between animal welfare and antimicrobial use (AMU) in captive species (i.e., farm, zoo, companion, and laboratory animals) and its effect. Studies empirically examining the effect of welfare on AMU or vice versa were included. Studies in wild animals were excluded. A total of 6610 studies were retrieved from PubMed® and Web of Science® in April 2021. Despite finding several papers superficially invoking the link between welfare and AMU, most did not delve into the characteristics of this link, leading to a small number of publications retained (n = 17). The majority (76%) of the publications were published from 2017–2021. Sixteen were on farm animals, and one publication was on laboratory animals. Most of the studies (82%) looked at the effect of animal welfare on AMU. The body of research retained suggests that, in farm animals, better animal welfare often leads to lower AMU, as was hypothesised, and that, generally, poor welfare is associated with higher AMU. Additionally, AMU restrictions in organic systems may prevent animals from receiving treatment when necessary. Limitations of this study include focusing only on empirical research and excluding non-peer reviewed evidence. More research is needed to corroborate these findings, especially on the link between animal welfare and AMU in other captive species.
Gendered Barriers and Opportunities for Women Smallholder Farmers in the Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine Value Chain in Kenya
Authors: Kyotos Kitoga Byalungwa , Oduma Jemimah , Wahome Raphael Githaiga , Kaluwa Catherine , Abdirahman Faduma Abdulahi , Opondoh Angela , Mbobua Jeanette Nkatha , Muchibi John , Bagnol Brigitte , Stanley Meghan , Rosenbaum Marieke , Amuguni Janetrix Hellen
Published: April 2022

Most rural women smallholder farmers in Kenya generate income from the sale of small ruminant animals. However, diseases such as Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) prevent them from optimizing earnings. A crucial aspect for the control of CCPP is vaccination. In Kenya, CCPP vaccines are distributed through a government delivery mechanism. This study examines gaps and barriers that prevent women smallholder farmers from accessing CCPP vaccines. Qualitative data collection tools used were focus groups discussions, focus meals, jar voices and key informant interviews. Using outcome mapping (OM) methodology, critical partners and stakeholders in the CCPP vaccine value chain (CCPP-VVC) were identified to be the manufacturers, importers, distributors, agrovets, public and private veterinarians, local leaders, and farmers. Respondents highlighted the barriers to be limited access to vaccines due to cold chain problems, inadequate and late delivery of services, lack of information and training on vaccines, and financial constraints. Identified opportunities that can support women’s engagement in the CCPP-VVC are the Kenya Governments two-third gender rule, which requires that not more than two thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender, and positive community perception of female veterinarians. We conclude that more resources and training should be made available to women farmers, and that gender perspectives on policy development related to livestock production and disease prevention are urgently needed to improve livestock productivity and increase agency for women.