bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Hydrothermal Activity and Organic Matter Enrichment with the Geochemical Characteristics of Black Shales in Lower Cambrian, Northwestern Hunan, South China
Authors: Dong Li , Huang Yanran , Li Wenhao , Duan Chenzhang , Luo Man
Published: May 2022

There are many hydrothermal activities in the early Cambrian in northwestern Hunan, and Zhangjiajie and Xinhuang-Tianzhu are the concentration region which brings much influence during this time. Based on the total organic carbon, mineral composition, element analysis, and so on, the wells have no or little hydrothermal activity in HY1, XJD1, and XAD1 and may also have limited effects by the hydrothermal activity. However, the hydrothermal sediments can come to the wells during the sedimentary period of Niutitang formation. XJD1 has a clear diminishing trend on the intensity of hydrothermal activity. It also shows the high element enrichment by the hydrothermal activity. XAD1 show little influence in contrast, and HY1 is between them. The enrichment of the element is a result of the combination of effects of hydrothermal activity, anoxic/euxinic conditions, biological forces, etc. The hydrothermal activity can improve the paleoproductivity and especially enhance the reducibility in the sedimentary environment. Reducibility is one of the major factors affecting organic matter enrichment. Finally, the sedimentary model with hydrothermal activity can be established in the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. That will help to understand the distribution laws of high-quality source rocks and provide evidences on shale gas exploration.
Potentiality of native Trichoderma harzianum in controlling damping off and foot rot of chilli and its viability in different storage conditions
Authors: Islam M. M.
Published: May 2022

The potentiality of native Trichoderma harzianum against damping off and foot rot of chilli caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum, respectively as well as its shelf life as formulated product in different storage conditions was evaluated. In dual culture, native T. harzianum inhibited the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii by 60.56% and F. oxysporum by 81.67% over control. In green house conditions, soil received both formulated T. harzianum (20 g/kg of soil) and T. harzianum suspension (2.45×107 CFU/mL) resulted reduced severity of damping off by 81.80% and foot rot by 84.61% over control; however, the combined application of both the treatments was also resulted the highest seed germination (70.28%). The formulated T. harzianum (@ 50 g/polyethylene bags) was stored in table top, wooden shelve, tin container, wooden locker at room temperature, and in refrigerator at 4 °C. The spore density was constantly increased from the initial amount (22×106 CFU/g) in all the treatments and reached the peak after 45 days in wooden locker (73×106 CFU/g) and tin container (66×106 CFU/g) where, it reached the peak at 60 days in table top (126.3×106 CFU/g), wooden shelve (109×106 CFU/g) and refrigerator (89.67×106 CFU/g). However, the maximum population density (126.3×106 CFU/g) was observed in table top storage at 60 days which also remained highest even after 120 days (51.67×106 CFU/g) in comparison to other treatments. The findings of the study revealed that the native T. harzianum can be exploited as an effective bio-control agent for the successful disease control program in chilli as it showed extended shelf life in common storage facility.
Cashew growers’ preferences for market information system design in Benin: a choice experiment approach
Authors: Sossou Comlan Hervé
Published: May 2022

In Benin, cashew value chain is a promising sector in terms of its export earnings potential and its contribution to the diversification of the country agricultural sources of income. However, its efficiency is hindered, among others, by information asymmetry issue. Market information system (MIS) has been used as an alternative for addressing such issue. Unfortunately, as in most african countries, most MIS still depend on donor for their financing, hence raising the issue of MIS sustainability once the funding ran out. Stakeholders renewed interest in setting up payment-based MIS. To analyze MIS design through estimating users (i.e. cashew growers) willingness to pay for its characteristics, the study grounds its assumption on consumer utility theory. Therefore, the study assumes that a respondent is willing to pay for MIS services if the service provided matches his preferences. Accordingly analyzing cashew growers’ preferences for MIS characteristics will inform about the appropriate design increasing respondent’s willingness to paying for it. Data were collected from 344 cashew growers. Respondents’ preferences were analyzed using choice experiment approach. The results showed that most growers still doubt about MIS effectiveness. However, analyzing their preferences reveal that respondents are willing to pay to receive information in the evening, once in a week, from their farmer’s association, through their mobile phone and in local language.
Comparative study of catalytic properties in three Tibetan ruminant stomach lysozymes
Authors: Xia Guo
Published: May 2022

The stomach lysozymes of ruminants play a paramount role in digestion and offer the chance to probe evolutionary changes in complex organisms on a biochemical basis. In this paper, we focus on the characterization of the catalytic properties of Tibetan ruminant (TR) stomach lysozymes and provide a comparative study of TR stomach lysozymes and nonplateau ruminant stomach lysozymes. The stomach lysozymes were purified with a Carboxymethyl (CM) Sepharose Fast Flow (FF) column and a Bio-Gel P-100 column. The purified stomach lysozymes were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate– polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDITOF) analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using an agar diffusion method, and the pH, ion strength, temperature, pepsin and trypsin effects on enzymatic activities were evaluated by normal biochemistry methods. The stomach lysozymes of TRs (cattle:TC, yak:TY, and sheep:TS) exhibit maximum activity at pH 5 and ionic strengths below 0.02. TC and TS stomach lysozymes are more resistant to higher temperatures than nonplateau lysozymes. Stomach lysozymes of TRs exhibit greater enzymatic activity than nonplateau lysozymes, in the presence of pepsin and trypsin. Stomach lysozymes from TS retain 86% of their initial enzymatic activity against pepsin inactivation. After trypsin treatment, the stomach lysozymal activities of TRs were significantly affected by trypsin inactivation, with the exception of TS, whose enzymatic activities in the presence of trypsin were 5- and 10-fold higher than those of nonplateau lysozymes. The stomach lysozymes of TRs are more resistant to environmental factors such as pH, temperature, pepsin, and trypsin than nonplateau lysozyme C.
Efficiency of bio-foliar fertilizer extracted from seaweed and water hyacinth on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) vegetable in Central Vietnam
Authors: Thai Hoa Hoang Thi
Published: May 2022

Foliar fertilizer is important for lettuce vegetable development and yield. The present investigation studied different types and ratios of bio-foliar fertilizer to water seaweed extract and water hyacinth (0:1, 1:10, 1:20 and 1:30) in comparison to different two commercially available foliar fertilizers on growth, and quality attributes of lettuce. Four pot and field experiments were undertaken in spring seasons of 2020 and 2021 in randomized complete block design using three replications. The findings revealed that lettuce yield and quality were dependent on the type and spraying ratio of bio-foliar fertilizer from seaweed and water hyacinth. Improved yield and quality of lettuce was found when bio-foliar fertilizers from seaweed and water hyacinth were sprayed at ratio 1:10 (increasing compared to control in 68–81% with seaweed; 61–70% with water hyacinth in pot experiment and 19% with seaweed; 14–17% with water hyacinth in field experiment). Nitrate content was within standard range <1000 mg kg-1 and brix content from 2.20-2.65% as compared to commercial foliar fertilizer. A close relationship was found between biomass yield (R2 = 0.46 to 0.66) and economic yield (R2 = 0.50 to 0.64) with type and ratio of bio-fertilizer. In conclusion, a bio-foliar fertilizer extracts from seaweed at a spraying ratio of 1:10 can be used to achieve better yield and quality for lettuce crop.
Interactive effects of salinity and drought stresses on soil respiration and microbial activities
Authors: Qadeer Abdul
Published: May 2022

Increasing frequency of droughts and problems related to salinization in irrigated areas may directly affect soil biological functions and soil respiration. An incubation study was designed to elucidate the effects of salinity and water intercross stresses on soil respiration and microbial activities. Three different moisture levels: optimum moisture conditions (80% water holding capacity (WHC)), moderate drought (50% WHC) and severe drought stress (30% WHC) were maintained in normal (ECe=1.48 dS m-1 ) and saline (ECe=8 dS m-1 ) soils. Our results showed that drought stress resulted in significant increase (p < 0.05) in microbial biomass carbon (MBC) (601+79 mg C kg-1 soil) and cumulative C-CO2 emissions (1153+96 mg C kg-1 soil). While under drought stress, extracellular enzyme activities showed no significant difference except leucine aminopeptidase with significant increase in its activity. Similarly, under saline conditions, MBC and soil respiration were significantly higher compared with normal soil. Extracellular enzyme activities were also significantly increased under salinity stress. In contrast, when combined stresses of drought and salinity were applied, cumulative C-CO2 emissions were significantly decreased (968+91 mg C kg-1 soil) as evident by decreased β-glucosidase activity, involved in C cycling. In contrast, chitinase activity increased under combined abiotic stresses, confirming the availability of chitin from microbial dead biomass degradation. It was concluded that microbes adopted drought and salinity stresses when applied individually but combined salinity with drought stress limited microbial biomass and microbial activities in soil.
Controlled drainage, to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change on paddy field’s hydrology: a simulation study using the drainmod model, Kunshan, China
Authors: Rehman Khalil Anis Ur
Published: May 2022

A study was carried out to assess the DRAINMOD model in predicting the role of Controlled Drainage strategies and Drain Spacing scenarios in the paddy field. The DRAINMOD model was simulated for the current (2018), Near Future 2021 to 2060 and Far Future 2061 to 2099 in the Kunshan region, China. Potential Evapotranspiration was estimated by the Thornthwaite method. The model performed good agreement in predicting paddy’s water balance for the period of 2017-18. Also, Projections of the future climate in the Kunshan region, showed that there will be a decrease in the annual precipitation during rice-growing seasons for both Near Future (2021-2060) and Far Future (2061-2099). The DRAINMOD model was utilized to evaluate the impact of such a future decrease in precipitation on ground Water Tables Depth. Compared to the rice-growing season of 2018, DRAINMOD simulations showed that future Water Table Depths will drop by 38% to 40% for both the Near Future and Far Future under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Such future remarkable drop in Water Table Depths may affect rice yield in the study region. The future water balance in the study area was re-simulated after replacing conventional drainage with Controlled Drainage and an increase in the drain spacing. Simulations revealed that practicing Controlled Drainage and an increase in drain spacing mitigated the future drop in Water Table Depths, thus ensuring better soil moisture conditions for rice. Therefore, Controlled Drainage approaches have the potential to cope with the adverse impacts of climate changes in the paddy fields.
ITRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis of The Response to Ralstonia solanacearum in Potato
Authors: Feng Jinlin
Published: May 2022

Bacterial wilt is a serious disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) caused by the soil-borne pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Detecting changes in protein abundance in potato plants in response to R. solanacearum is a pivotal step in uncovering the molecular interactions of plant pathogens. In this study, using the disease-resistant cultivar ‘Zhongshu 3’, we analyzed protein expression in potato seedlings inoculated with R. solanacearum every 12 h for a total of 72 h using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation-based proteomics. Our results indicate that pathogenesis-related proteins, stressrelated proteins, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, small heat shock proteins, and osmotin-like proteins were up-regulated in response to pathogen infection at different time points. The accumulation of these proteins in response to biotic stress suggests that these proteins play an important role in pathogen resistance. Our findings will provide an important basis for characterizing the role of these proteins in increasing plant resistance to pathogens and in breeding bacterial wilt-resistant plants.
Performance optimization and knife dynamics of power tiller operated reaper during wheat harvesting
Authors: Yamin Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Mechanized harvesting is one of the components of agricultural mechanization used to overcome grain losses and enhance the production compared to the conventional harvesting. Power tiller operated reapers are quite effective for harvesting practices in small fields and especially in mountainous regions where the crops are grown on terraces. Compared to the tractor mount reaper and combine harvester, it saves fuel and cuts the maximum straw to produce the fodder of almost 4000 kg ha-1 after the threshing operation. Thus, in case of wheat crop, it helps to save a significant energy of 1,524,000 kcal ha-1 avoiding the environmental pollution by infield burn of the straw. However, un-optimized use of power tiller operated reaper may result in high maintenance cost, low efficiency and distress among the small land holding farmers. The main objective of this study was to quantify the optimum cutting knife dynamics by optimizing the performance parameters of power tiller operated reaper like cutting speed, operating speed, cutting index, field capacity and fuel consumption. A combination of forward speed at 2.82 km h -1 and cutting speed at 3.42 km h-1 with cutting index of 1.21 was found to be most effective for a minimum grain harvesting loss of 101.33±1.0 kg ha-1 at a fuel consumption of 6.27±0.030 L ha-1 . A higher field efficiency of 71% was also recorded at cutting index of 1.21 for the same combination of forward and cutting speeds. Locus of cutter bar knife for the optimum combination of forward and cutting speeds helped to examine the operation of crank and cutter bar, prolonging the life of cutting mechanism. Thus, optimized performance of power tiller operated reaper will help to attain higher field efficiency at low fuel consumption and low maintenance.
Efficacy of subsurface and surface drip irrigation regarding water productivity and yield of maize
Authors: Muneer Muhammad Ansir
Published: May 2022

Pakistan faces surface water and groundwater shortage which are the main reason for assessing more appropriate method of irrigation water use. Subsurface drip irrigation plays an important role to conserves irrigation water and enhances crop yields by reducing surface water evaporation in Pakistan. Two years (2019-20) trials were carried out at “Water Management Research Center” (WMRC), Mansoor Malangi road Faisalabad, under randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid variety “YH-1898” was selected for this experiment with sandy loam soil. Sub-surface drip laterals were buried manually at different depths of 0.15, 0.25 and 0.35 m. The results of subsurface drip irrigation for crop water productivity and maize grains yield were compared with surface drip and gravity irrigation methods (furrow-bed and furrowridge). The outcomes showed that maximum grain yield (8753 and 8860 kg/ha) was achieved in both the seasons in 2019 and 2020, respectively under sub-surface drip irrigation installed at a depth of 0.15 m. Similarly, the results of water productivity also revealed that the highest water productivity (2.074 and 2.085 kg/cm3 ) was concluded both the years in 2019-20, respectively under subsurface drip irrigation installed at a depth of 0.15 m. It is concluded that maximum grain yield and water productivity can be accomplished by the installation of sub-surface drip laterals at 0.15 m depth for maize crop in a semi-arid region of Pakistan.
Identifying and characterizing the main causal pathogen responsible for rice grain discoloration in Pakistan
Authors: Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Grain discoloration affects grain quality, quantity, and yield of rice crop worldwide. Herein, morphological, molecular, and pathogenic characterizations of the pathogen causing rice grain discoloration were performed. A set of 20 rice genotypes were scored for disease infestation in field and scanned with 12 unlinked polymorphic SSR primer pairs for genetic diversity assay. Pathogens from the discolored rice panicles were isolated to investigate the disease-causing pathogen on DNA sequencing basis. The universal primer pairs were used for DNA sequencing of the isolated pathogen. Furthermore, the new pathogen was reconfirmed morphologically by using Koch’s postulates. The bacterial species Bacillus licheniformis was identified as a major pathogen causing grain discoloration disease in rice. The genotypes found to be resistant to rice grain discoloration include Super-basmati, Rondo, Gulfmont, KSK-133 and L-203 which can be used as potential genetic resources for breeding rice grain discoloration resistant cultivars. The study provided information to the researchers and farmers for managing and controlling rice grain disease by the adoption of Bacillus licheniformis. The study is equally beneficial both for researchers and scientific community to start up a new research program by utilization of this study
Risk management for small farmers in Pakistan: A review
Authors: Hussain Abid
Published: May 2022

Limited progress has been made in the area of risk management for small farmers in Pakistan. Thus, in this review based study, maximum efforts have been made to collect relevant information on the topic from available published sources over last two decades. The local information is supplemented by synthesis of information about regional as well as non-regional countries. In the country, wide gap in agricultural productivity exists between average and progressive farmers that is causing difficulty for small farmers in managing risks. Small farmers are unable to access and compete in high end agricultural markets. Profitability of major crops is quite low and producers’ shares in consumer rupee are also quite low for fruits and vegetables. It affects farmers’ capacity to invest in the sector. While, in the farming business, disbursement of right amount of credit at appropriate time is a key challenge. Similarly, cost of borrowing is inversely related to size of land holding. Thus, small farmers are to rely on informal sector for finances and bear high interest rate on small size loans. Their crop choices depend on productivity and price risks and prudent risk sharing among themselves. Furthermore, their choice to diversify farms also depends on consumption price risk. Illiteracy and inability to read or write make them susceptible to various personnel and human health risks. Crop and livestock insurance schemes, Kissan package, value chain contract financing are the initiatives taken by the public and formal sector banks to support small resource poor farmers. However, there is lack of coordination among agriculture related provincial institutions, provinces as well as with and within federal institutions. Similarly, absence of institutional arrangement and regulatory framework is resulting in vulnerability of livelihood for small farmers as well as undue pressure on natural resources
Farmers’ Perception Regarding Natural Hazards and Impact on Food Productivity: Evidence from Rice-Wheat Cropping Zone of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Usman Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Globally, climatic vulnerabilities and natural hazards adversely affect crop productivity and food security. The yield of major crops in Pakistan is badly affected by natural adversaries, which is a source of poverty. It is predicted that the near future food insecurity issue can prevail in Pakistan due to these hazards. Due to climatic and natural hazards, a decline in agricultural productivity affects the farming community, manufacturing, and business sectors through a multiplier effect. The study was designed during 2020 to assess the farmers’ perceptions regarding the impact of natural hazards on food crop production in the Rice-Wheat cropping zone of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from 540 farmers using Multistage Random Sampling Technique (MRST). The study ranked natural hazards based on the mean score of the Likert Scale of farmers’ perceptions. Food productivity was adversely prone to flood, insect infestation, biological diseases, extreme heat, wind storms in summer, hailstorms, and heatwaves. However, there was a positive impact of humidity on food production. So, appropriate policies should be formulated to mitigate the antagonistic impact of natural hazards on rice-wheat production, ensuring food security via increasing food production (availability) and income (accessibility).
Phytobeneficial bacterial inoculants for common bean growth and productivity in nitrogen and phosphorus deficient soils
Authors: Attar Imane El , Taha Kaoutar , Oubohssaine Malika
Published: May 2022

Most of the soils are N and P-deficient and require high applications of chemical fertilizers to ensure optimal crop production. However, this practice poses in most cases serious environmental issues. In recent years, inoculation with beneficial bacteria has emerged as a safe and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this context, we investigated the effect of two symbiotic Agrobacterium radiobacter strains (LMR670 and LMR676) and two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus sp. (M131) and Enterobacter sp. (P1S6), as single or combined inoculants, on common bean growth and yield under N and P-deficient conditions. In a first trial, Agrobacterium strains’ symbiotic efficiency with common bean was evaluated in a low phosphorus and nitrogen soil under greenhouse conditions. Strain LMR670 recorded the highest nodules number (53 nodules per plant) and shoot dry weight (0.553 g plant-1). This strain was then used in combination with the PGP rhizobacteria in a common bean co-inoculation assay under sufficient and deficient P levels (80 kg ha-1of P and No P added). Single inoculation with LMR670 recorded the highest shoot dry weight (82% increase compared to non-fertilized control) compared to combined inoculants (46-47% increase). To corroborate the obtained results, a field experiment was conducted using the same treatments. LMR670 as a single inoculant or mixed with M131 was consistently effective leading to common bean yields comparable to N and P fertilized plants (13.07 t ha-1 and 12.35 t ha-1 respectively). In addition, single inoculation with the multi-PGP strain M131 showed positive effects on all common bean growth parameters and yield value (14 t ha-1); exceeding even N and P fertilized control plants. These results suggest that the strains LMR670 and M131 can be used, in a single or combined inoculation, as effective biological fertilizers for common bean cultivation to replace phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers. Globally our results highlight the potential of native phytobeneficial strains for successful nodulation, growth and yield of common bean under N and P-deficient conditions.
Use of sugarcane molasses as an additive can improve the silage quality of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid
Authors: Ramzan Hafiz Naveed
Published: May 2022

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of sugarcane molasses on the silage quality of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense). To explore this objective Sorghum-sudangrass hybrid was harvested at the milking stage and well-chopped for making silage in the laboratory silos by using sugarcane molasses at the rate of 0, 1, 2, and 3%. Silage developed so, was analyzed for nutritive quality traits (dry matter, pH, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicelluloses and ash). Silage quality was also assessed by calculating digestible dry matter, dry matter intake, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and relative feed value. Flieg score was deliberated by using the pH and dry matter. The results of the research revealed that application of molasses improved dry matter (26.27%), crude protein (8.14) and ash contents (7.68) as compared to the control, but had lower values of pH (3.99), neutral detergent fiber (57.86), acid detergent fiber (30.74), lignin (3.72), cellulose (27.02) and hemicelluloses (27.13) in comparison with the untreated silage (control). Flieg score of treated silage was also in the category of very good. All these findings lead us to conclude that the silage quality of sorghum-sudangrass can be considerably improved by the use of sugarcane molasses as an additive. Molasses addition at a rate of 3% can improve the nutritive value of sorghum-sudangrass silage to the maximum extent.
A Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Ovary Transcriptome in Locally Adopted Xiangxi and Angus Cattle
Authors: Huifen Deng
Published: May 2022

The regulatory mechanisms controlling the ovary development in the Xiangxi cattle are still largely unknown, yet the growth and development of ovary is a complex process that plays a crucial role in reproduction. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis based on the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of Xiangxi cattle and Angus cattle tissue obtained from 8 months of age to identify which genes are differentially expressed and to investigate their temporal expression profiles. The results showed that a total of 165 differential genes were annotated, of which 58 were annotated in the GO database and 73 were annotated in the KEGG database. A total of 12 comparatively concentrated signal pathways were obtained. Among them, the osteoclast differentiation signaling pathway (ko04380) was the most involved in differentially expressed genes. The other signaling pathways were amphetamine addiction, herpes simplex infection, caffeine metabolism, cocaine addiction, pertussis, ECM-receptor interaction, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis - ganglio series. Functional analysis also showed that the differentially expressed genes were involved in various Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. GO annotations indicated that the genes related to biological processes, and molecular events were significantly active. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the osteoclast differentiation signaling pathway in Xiangxi ovary transcriptome data, at the end ECM–receptor interaction pathways. Moreover, several novel pathways, were significantly enriched despite having no evident associations with the reproductive function. Our findings provide a molecular resource for further investigation of the general molecular mechanism of Xiangxi cattle ovary and offer new insights to understand comprehensively the specificity of local cattle breeds reproduction.
Influence of Alpha-Ketoglutarate supplementation on broiler chickens’ growth, immunity and gut microbiota: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Talpur Mir Zulqarnain
Published: May 2022

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a precursor of glutamate and a critical intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, Over the past few years, the amount of research being done on AKG has significantly increased. Several studies have shown positive effects on the intestinal function. Broiler chickens' intestinal immunity and microbiota have yet to be studied in relation to AKG supplementation from early life, and many unanswered questions remain. In a broiler model, this study examines the effect of AKG supplementation on growth performance, intestinal immunity, and intestinal microbiota. 288-day-old broiler chickens were divided into four groups at random (6 replicates each replicate has 12 chickens). NC (basal diet), PC (basal diet plus 15ppm virginiamycin), Low AKG and High AKG (basal diet + Alpha-ketoglutarate 1kg/t and 2kg/t, respectively). The findings of our study revealed that dietary AKG supplementation increased ADFI more than NC at 21 days. While as compared to NC at 21 day and 42 day FCR was higher in high AKG and low AKG groups respectively. All eviscerated ratio was higher in low AKG group, but the thigh muscle ratio was lower in both low and high AKG groups. Thymus weight was lower in high AKG group but interestingly spleen was higher in high AKG group as compared to NC. The immune response-related GENES was not significantly modified by α-KG. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on all samples and data was analyzed using QIIME. No significant difference in gut community diversity or composition between NC, PC and AKG groups was observed. Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Campilobacterota, and Proteobacteria were found to be dominant phyla in all four groups. The dominant class was Bacilli, Bacterioda, Clostridium, and Negativicutes. Lactobacillales, Bacteroidales, and Lachnospirales were dominant orders. The dominant family were Lactobacillae, Bacterideceae, and Rikenellacae. The dominant genus was Lactobacillus. The dominant species included Bacteroides phelibetes, Lactobacillus aviarus, and Bacteriodes sp millerius. This finding suggests that use of AKG in broilers does not significantly influence microbial gastrointestinal diversity
The influence of dcad value in feed ration on hypocalcaemia during transition period in cows – Review
Authors: Zachwieja Andrzej
Published: May 2022

Transition period (three weeks before calving and the first three weeks of lactation) is an intensive changes in the organism of cow which have to be accompanied by changes in feeding. One of the most important metabolic diseases of the periparturient and early lactation periods is hypocalcemia leading to postpartum paralysis. Among its many causes, there is high content of calcium in the feed ration during the dry period and the excess of cations, especially Na+ and K+ , in relation to anions (Cland S 2- ) in the feed. It results in too high blood pH, which impairs the activity of parathyroid hormone. Research results show that feeding negative cation-anion difference (DCAD – Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) ration reduces hypocalcaemia in cows in the postpartum period. In this review factors affecting DCAD values in the feed ration and possibilities of its optimization in the transition period has been discussed
An assessment and prediction of milk production traits of Chinese Jersey cattle at different parities
Authors: Zhao Linyan
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze milk producing traits, correlation between milk production and parities of Chinese Jersey cattle, and to make accurate prediction. For this purpose, samples for this study were taken from a large-scale breeding farm of Chinese Jersey cattle and chemically and statistically analyzed. The results of ANOVA and LSD showed that milk yield, protein percentage, somatic cell, urea nitrogen and other lactating traits of Jersey cattle of different parities were significantly different. LSD results explored that milk fat percentage decreased gradually, as the parity increased from second to third parity, while there was no difference in milk fat percentage in third and fourth parity. Similarly, protein percentage in milk was highest in second parity and then it decreased in third parity and lowest protein percentage was observed in fourth parity. Results of coefficient of variation explored that milk yield, protein and somatic cells reached the maximum value at parity 2, and the coefficient of variation of milk fat percentage and urea nitrogen reached the maximum value at parity 4. There was a significant negative correlation between milk yield and milk fat percentage, protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen in all parities. There was a positive correlation between milk fat percentage and protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen. There was a positive correlation between the protein rate and somatic cells, which was significant only at the 1st and 4th parity. There was a significant positive correlation between urea nitrogen and somatic cells at parity 1, and a negative correlation at parity 2, 3 and 4. Results of realistic estimates of achievable prediction accuracy of lactating traits showed that the amplitude of realistic estimate of prediction of milk yield, milk fat percentage, protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen in four parities were -0.65%-23.41%, -3.23%-3.92%, -3.19%-2.94%, -44.43%-29.81% and -7.83% ~ 3.97%, respectively. Based on results it is concluded that a complex correlation between the lactating traits of Jersey cattle exist and parities can significantly affect milk yield, milk protein, somatic cells and urea nitrogen of Chinese Jersey cattle
Seasonal effect of agricultural pollutants on coastline environment: a case study of the southern estuarine water ecosystem of the boseong county Korea
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Mazhar
Published: May 2022

The untreated disposal of wastewater in the coastal environment leads to growth of harmful algal blooms which risks the coastal ecology and human health. The harmful algal bloom can destroy aquatic natural life by reducing dissolved oxygen concentration. This study aimed to evaluate the eutrophication status at the Boseong county, Beolgyo village estuary, considering different water quality parameters. Furthermore, this study also investigated the effect of land use activates the estuarine water environment. The date of the acquisition for the Landsat 8 high-resolution satellite images were four different events i.e., 11th March, 2019, 15th June, 2019, 19th September, 2019, and 8 th December, 2019 in four different seasons such as Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter respectively for selected study region. Land use and land cover were extracted on the basis of accuracy’s percentage and the Kappa coefficient. Concentrations of water quality parameters such as Chlorophyll-a (Chla), Total Phosphorous (TP), Transparency of Sechi Depth (TSD) were extracted using Carlson Trophic State Index (CTSI). The study found that the overall value of the CTSI is classified under the medium eutrophication state in summer and autumn season (CTSI~60-70). While it falls in the light eutrophic state in winter and spring seasons (CTSI~50-60). The value of TSI for all studied nutrients is the higher nearby cropping area as well as land settlements. The spatial variation of the trophic index in the study region aided strong evidence to be detected over the area’s adjutant to agrarian farming and urban habitats. The study concludes that the TSI could be used as a simple management tool to classify individual water ecosystems into broad classification that represent their water quality health.
Exogenous osmolytes supplementation improves the physiological characteristics, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation alleviation in drought-stressed soybean
Authors: Iftikhar Irfan
Published: May 2022

Soybean is considered among the crops that demand a plentiful water supply, particularly during the growth phase to achieve maximum production. The drought stress adversely reduces the productivity and yield of soybean as compared to other legumes crops. With the passage of time, the local varieties of soybean have declined their yield potential because they have no resistance against abiotic stresses. There is a need to explore the avenues that minimize the impact of drought on soybean plants. In this regard, a pot experiment was performed to assess the exogenously applied foliar supplementation of proline and glycine betaine osmolytes @10mM and 20mM on the various physical parameters, oxidative stress amelioration, and cessation of damaging lipid peroxidation that indicates the beneficial effects of osmolytes supplementation in drought-stressed soybean. The water stress was applied at 50% of field capacity sown with three different genotypes of soybean including Ajmeri, Rawal, and Faisal-Soy. This leads to the reduced morphological growth and physiological response in all three soybean genotypes in lieu of water stress conditions. The water stress also reduced the content of proline and glycine betaine and reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It also enhanced the process of lipid peroxidation in all genotypes of soybean. The osmolyte treatments enhanced the resistance against drought stress conditions by improving the physiological response and antioxidant enzymatic activity. It also decreased the degree of lipid peroxidation evaluated through MDA and H2O2 contents. The most significant results were found in the Ajmeri genotype as compared to other genotypes at 20mM foliar application of proline. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of exogenous osmolytes especially proline is helpful in enhancing soybean production and alleviating the drought stress effects
Detection of fungal pathogen, Alternaria alternata associated with mungbean and its management
Authors: Abbas Hira
Published: May 2022

The damaging potential of Alternaria alternata on different mungbean genotypes was accessed and its management was done under in vitro and in vivo conditions through suitable fungicides. Seeds of fifty different mungbean genotypes were sown in lines. There were fifteen replications for each line. The data on disease incidence and percent disease intensity were accessed on all the genotypes. Infection was observed on all genotypes, none of them were found to be immune. Fourteen lines were found to be the most susceptible (14114, 14117, 14128, 14198, 14203, 14205, 14250, 14265, 14266, 14295, 14305, 14306, 14368, 14438). Infection was observed on all genotypes, none of them were found to be immune. The maximum PDI (Percent Disease Intensity) was recorded 35.30% while minimum was 2.43%. For detached leaf assay, the conidial suspension of 105 conidia/mLwas prepared and sprayed on detached leaves. The results revealed that maximum infection percentage was observed in 14306, 14198 genotypes while minimum was observed in 14128, 14203. The lesion area was found to be maximum in 14306, 14198 (0.23, 0.22) while minimum in 14128 (0.12) respectively. For management experiments, different fungicides; Propiconazole (Tilt), Propineb (Antracol), Difenconazole (Score), Thiophanate methyl (Topsin M), Mancozeb (Dithane M45) were tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Significant decrease in mycelial growth with the increase in concentration of fungicides was observed. Percent inhibition of mycelial growth was maximum in Propiconazole at its highest concentration (1000 ppm) under in vitro conditions. A significant decline in disease incidence was observed as compared to control treatment. The minimum percent disease incidence was recorded in Propiconazole (10.34) with PDC (67.31) while the maximum percent disease incidence was observed in Thiophanate methyl (25.46). So, Propiconazole could be used successfully for the management of A. alternata under field conditions.
Diversity of soil inhabiting oribatida (Acari) under cultivated and uncultivated land types from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ahmad Kamran
Published: May 2022

Suborder Oribatida is land-dwelling group of mites distributed across different geographic regions of the world. This study shows the assessment of diversity, richness, evenness, and abundance of families of Oribatid from uncultivated and cultivated soils collected from ten different localities of Punjab, Pakistan. Overall, 9 families of Oribatida were observed in both soil types having Oribatellidae, Oppiidae, and Scheloribatidae as dominating families. Uncultivated soil had more richness (S=07), abundance (46.01 ± 2.61) and Shannon diversity index (H’=1.77 ± 0.03) compared to cultivated soil with richness (S=5), abundance (25.35 ± 1.14) and Shannon index (H’= 1.47 ± 0.03). Maximum abundance value of oribatid mites (62 ± 11.87) was recorded from Murree for uncultivated soil while in case of cultivated soil, it was recorded from Faisalabad (29.83 ± 7.28). The maximum family richness of Oribatid mites was observed in Faisalabad and Chakwal (S=07) while minimum family richness (S=05) was observed from T.T. Singh.
Role of Ashvattha Patra (Leaf of Ficus religiosa Linn.) in the Secondary Prevention of Dyslipidemia
Authors: Gupta Ashish Kumar , Bansal Charu , Shukla Umesh , Jain Trupti , Mandloi Vijendra Singh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is a group of disorders of lipoprotein metabolism, which includes over production or deficiency of lipoproteins or both. In developed countries, most of dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias; that is, an elevation of lipids in the blood, which is an important risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. The prevalence of dyslipidemia is very high in India, which calls for urgent lifestyle intervention strategies to prevent and manage this important cardiovascular risk factor. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of Ashvattha Patra in dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: A total number of 41 patients were included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups. Patients of Group A were treated with 100 ml of Ashvattha Patra Kwath (decoction) and Group B patients were provided 100 ml lukewarm water as placebo for 45 days. The outcome of clinical treatment was analyzed statistically using paired, unpaired t-test on GraphPad-Instat software Version 3.06. Results: Significant improvements were seen in total cholesterol, serum triglyceride level, and serum very low-density lipoprotein level not significant result recorded in serum low-density lipoproteins level. Conclusion: Decoction of leaves of Ficus religiosa was able to work on lipid and lipoprotein significantly.
Prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Aligarh, India: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fatma Rafat , Chauhan Waseem , Afzal Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme in erythrocytes is among the prevalent X-linked recessive genetic disorders and affects approximately 400 million people across the globe. It causes neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, also hemolysis eventually leading to hemolytic anemia when exposed to oxidative stress. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Aligarh (Western Uttar Pradesh) India. Materials and Methods: The data and samples were collected from a total of 106 individuals. All the required information were recorded in a standardized questionnaire, blood was taken with their prior consent. Blood typing test and fluorescent spot test (FST) were performed, spots were arranged accordingly and observed. Results: Out of total 106 individuals surveyed, 10% of them were found to be deficient for G6PD enzyme, 5% were intermediate, and 85% were normal. Significant association was found for G6PD deficiency and gender (P < 0.05) of the individuals while non-significant association were reported for G6PD deficiency and consanguinity (P < 0.8) and for G6PD deficiency and blood groups (P < 0.9). Conclusion: FST is a good method for G6PD screening and detecting the deficiency in fields. This pilot study highlights the prevalence of G6PD enzymopathy in Aligarh and will help government programs of this area to prevent and control the genetic disorder
Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Diabetes
Authors: Bisht Anupam , Dwivedi Harinath , Rawat Ajay Kumar Singh
Published: May 2022

Objective: Treatment of diabetes without any adverse effects is a big challenge to the medical fraternity. There is need for alternative drugs with no side effects. The present study is aimed to develop a polyherbal formulation for effective management of diabetes using some of the indigenous plants taking lead from ethnobotanical information. Ajuga parviflora, Saraca asoca, Potentilla fulgens and Aconitum heterophyllum were selected for the development of antidiabetic formulation. Materials and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of selected plants were performed. In-vitro antidiabetic activity of plants and standard drug acarbose was evaluated by α-amylase inhibition assay. The polyherbal suspension prepared and its antidiabetic activity was evaluated in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics and tannins in the plants. The prepared formulation was brown, easily pourable from the container and have redispersibility property with optimum particle size distribution. Sedimentation studies showed that the sedimentation volume of a formulation is in-between a range of 1. Administration of polyherbal formulation at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dose for 21 days to diabetic rats decreased fasting blood sugar 159 ± 2.81 mg/dL and 147.74 ± 2.03 mg/dL respectively as compared to the diabetic control group 361 ± 3.89 mg/dL. Conclusion: The present findings indicated that developed polyherbal formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed significant antihyperglycemic activity (***p<0.001) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model.
Design, Development, Formulation, and Evaluation of Gastro retentive Floating Tablet for Anti-diabetic Agent
Authors: Pathan Vasim , Gulecha Vishal , Zalte Amar , Jadhav Anil
Published: May 2022

The main aim of the research was to persist the gastric residence time of vildagliptin by designing its gastro-retentive tablet as well as to study the effect of different polymers on its release rate using 23 randomized full factorial designs. Tablets are manufactured by direct compression method. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was used as matrixing agent, M.C.C., and Na2Co3 were used. The manufactured tablets assessed for physicochemical parameters such as weight variety, hardness, friability, floating properties (total floating time and floating lag time), in vitro drug release, and drug content, and stability study. The drug- polymer interaction was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). On the basis of preliminary batches, the PF3 batch giving more drug release so that the PF3 batch is used for DoE process. Formulation F7 had been selected as an optimum formulation as it displayed more comparison in dissolution profile with theoretical profile which is 99.89 ± 0.49%. The dissolution of batch F7 can be described by zero order kinetics (R2 = 0.954), First order- R2 = 0.87, Higuchi R2 = 0.989, and Peppa’s R2 = 0.99. Also studied X-ray Photographic Studies in Rabbits and showed tablet was float more than 8 h in gastric region of the Albino rabbits. It could be concluded from this study that the prepared Gastro-retentive tablet could reduce the frequency of dosage, dose related side effects, and increase the bioavailability.