bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PASTURE PLANT RESOURCES: THEN AND NOW
Authors: Burgess Robert
Published: July 2020

This paper honours the contribution of the E.S. Levy to the development of improved pasture plant cultivars in New Zealand by reviewing his work on ecotype development within herbage species. Starting in the late 19209, Levy compared at a single site many thousands of seed lines of pasture grass and legume species collected from both within New Zealand and overseas. In several species, including perennial ryegrass, white clover, red clover, cocksfoot and subterranean clover, he showed the existence of genetically distinct strains (ecotypes) which he claimed had developed under the farming practices, climate and soil fertility in their areas of origin. This work led to the enunciation of pasture plant breeding objectives, the development of improved pasture cultivars and a strategy for grassland improvement. This wes based on permanent pasture Hawke's Bay perennial ryegrass and New Zealand No. 1 white clover, bred for use in high production forage systems throughout New Zealand. The breeding objectives rejected by Levy, such as the development of improved cultivars for low production systems, must be reconsidered in view of today's changed environment for pastoral farming. Keywords: ecotypic differentiation, evolution, improved cultivars, plant breeding objectives.
ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF TAGASASTE
Authors: Townsend R.J. , Radcliffe J.E.
Published: July 2020

Tagasaste was successfully established from spring sown seed, drilled into cultivated ground and into herbicide treated pasture (55% and 40% of viable seed established respectively after 12 weeks) when spring soil temperatures reached about 13°C (at 10 cm). Seed drilled into short pasture suffered from plant competition and seed broadcast onto herbicide-treated and short pastures failed to establish (each
THE PERFORMANCE OF GRASSLANDS KOPU WHITE CLOVER ON TWO DAIRY FARMS
Authors: Moloney S.C. , Hay R.J.M. , Lancashire J.A.
Published: July 2020

The performance of Kopu white clover was compared with that ot Huia and Pitau under intensive dairy grazing management at Taupo and the Manawatu. Sampling included both dry matter production and detailed white clover stolon and leaf measurements. These trials have shown that there are significant advantages to be gained from the use of Kopu over both Huia and Pitau. in rotationally grazed cattle swards, particularly during autumn and winter. At the Taupe site where Kopu was sown with high endophyte perennial ryegrass, seasonal white clover yields from Kopu were 120% greater than from Huia in autumn and 160% in winter. At the Manawatu site with Matua prairie grass as the grass component, the advantage of Kopu over Pitau was 105% in autumn, increasing lo 150% by winter. These results are discussed in relation to the significance of Kopu to dairy farming in the central and southern North Wand region. Keywords: rotationally grazed swards. cool season activity, erect habit, dairy pasture, intensive dairying
THE ASSESSMENT OF PASTURE UTILISATION ON DAIRY FARMS
Authors: Brookes I.M. , Holmes C.W.
Published: July 2020

The quantities of pasture utilised on New Zealand's predominantly pastoral dairy farms can be indirectly estimated from calculating the feed requirements of livestock on the farm and adjusting the total quantities consumed for feed purchased from off the farm. This method provides a logical and quantitative framework for analysing between farm differences in productivity and pasture utilisation. The calculations require information regarding the number, breed and categories of stock farmed; the total production of milk or milkiat; the quantities of crops, hay and silage grown and/or conserved; and the quantities of purchased feeds consumed. Reliable tables of feed requirements are available for use in such calculations. This method has been used to examine data collected in surveys of town supply and seasonal supply farms in Manawatu and South Auckland by Massey University and Lincoln College, respectively. Comparisons between districts are unreliable because the surveys were conducted in different seasons and by different sampling methods. However, the differences between farm types were similar within districts and indicated lower stocking rates and milkfat production per hectare on town supply farms. There was a large reliance on the use of home grown pasture on all farms, but town supply farms used higher proportions of crops, hay and silage than did seasonal supply farms. A wide range existed between farms in the quantities of home grown feed consumed per hectare (4.9-18.0 tonnes DM/ha on town supply farms and 6.7-17.1 tonnes DfvVha on seasonal supply farms). This method of analysis. together with estimates of potential pasture production, may help to identity situations in which increases in pasture utilisation may be capable of increasing farm productivity. Keywords: town supply, seasonal supply, grazing, Conservation, supplements, farm productivity
EVALUATION OF NEW ZEALAND BRED WHITE CLOVER CULTIVARS UNDER ROTATIONAL GRAZING AND SET STOCKING WITH SHEEP
Authors: Brock J.L.
Published: July 2020

The four New Zealand bred white clover cultivars. Tahora, Hula, Pltau and Kopu were evaluated for two years under a high stocking rate in self contained sheep grazed farmlets comparing year round rotational grazing with set stocking. Tahora was clearly superior under set stocking, yielding 50% more than Huia and 140% more than Pitau and Kopu. Under rotational grazing all performed well with only Kopu showing a 20% advantage. An unseasonal early summer drought in the second year showed all cultivars to be highly susceptible to moisture stress at this time under rotational grazing. Large scale death of clover occurred reducing clover content to 2-3% in autumn with no recovery by mid winter. Under set stocking, although severely wilted, all clovers quickly recovered to their former level following rain The management implications are discussed. Keywords: Tahora. Huia, Pitau, Kopu, grazing management, drought, cultivar choice
GRAZING MANAGEMENT IN SPRING AND SUBSEQUENT DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE
Authors: Hoogendoorn C.J. , Holmes C.W. , Chu A.C.P.
Published: July 2020

Two levels of grazing intensity were unposed on pasture during a spring-time pre-treatment period in two years at Massey University's Dary Cattle Research Unit. The two grazing intensws were lax (L), 2000-2500 kg DMlha residual herbage mass (RHM) and intense (I) 1000-1500 kg DM/ha RHM imposed for 2 grazing rotations. During this period, net herbage accumulation (NHA) on the L swards was approximately twice that on I wards. However, by early summer, NHA was greater on the I than L swards. Subsequently, during the experimental feeding period in early summer, herbage on the I swards contained lower percentages of reproductive tillers, grass stem, and senescent matter, and was of higher digestibllity than herbage on the L wards. Durmg the feedlng period, cows grazing the I wards had greater yields of milk and milk fat than cows on the L wards when offered both generous and restricted daily herbage dry matter allowances. The effect of ward type on dry matter intake (DMI) was dependent on dry matter allowance. However, when a common allowance of leaf was offered, DMI, milk and milk fat yield were not significantly affected by sward type on offer. The results emphasise the importance of maintaining green, leafy swards into late spring and summer in order to maximise milk yield per cow at this time. This was achieved by maintaining a RHM of no more than 1500 kg DMlha throughout spring by imposing sufficiently high stocking rates. Keywords: residual herbage mass, ward characteristics, dry matter allowance, leaf allowance, dry matter intake, milk yield.
WINTER GRAZING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS BASED ON INCORRECT PASTURE GROWTH RATES
Authors: Matthews P.N.P. , Kemp P.D. , Smith G.C.
Published: July 2020

Comparisons were made between three winter grazing management systems based on different pasture growth rate predictions. Management systems were chosen to restrict ewes to their budgeted intakes while at the same time reaching a target of 1500 kg DM/ha average pasture cover at lambing. Two of the three farmlets failed to meet their planned objectives. Changes in average pasture mver were frequently the result of an interaction between pasture growth rate and herbage intake. It was concluded that rotation length alone gave insufficient control over the management system and for a farmer to be able to make appropriate adjustments a minimum level of monitoring would be to estimate animal intake rate and average pasture cover.
THE EFFECTS OF RESTRICTING OR STOPPING FERTILISER APPLICATION TO WAIKATO DAIRY PASTURES
Authors: Feyter C. , O'Connor M.B. , Fris R.J. , Addison B.
Published: July 2020

Waikato dary pastures were developed through large inputs of superphosphate and potassium chloride. Many farmers have continued to apply similarly large amounts of fertiliser in post-development situations. Trials to study the effects on the production of dairy pastures to restricting or stopping fertiliser application were started in 1978 and have continued to the present. The tria1s were conducted on 6 commercial dairy farms throughout the Waikato region selected for high milkfat production and past fertiliser applications. Each trlal included 3 fertiliser treatments: 1000, 500 and 0 kg fertiliser (30% potassic superphosphate)/ha/year. Pasture production was estimated through a trimming technique designed to cause minimal interference with management and use of the experimental paddock by the farmer and in later years through calibrated visual assessments and electronic probe readings of pasture dry matter. Pastures receiving 500 kg fertiliser/ha/year produced on average 2.5% less over an 8 year period than pastures receiving 1,000 kg fertiliser. Applying no fertiliser caused a slow reduction in pasture production in 3 of the trials but an immediate reduction of more than 10% in the other three trials. The latter effect could be partly explained by low soil test levels and high stocking rate. Keywords: Yellow-brown loams, gley soils, maintenance fertiliser, phosphorus, potassium.
WINTER FEED VALUE OF 'GRASSLANDS MOATA TETRAPLOID ITALIAN RYEGRASS IN SOUTHLAND
Authors: Hickey M.J. , Baxter G.S.
Published: July 2020

Three separate experiments evaluating 'Grasslands Moata' (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) during autumn and winter in Southland are discussed. In two, establishment, productivity and persistence of Moata was compared with 'Grasslands Nui' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). 'Grasslands Manawa' short rotation ryegrass (L perenne x L. multiflorum) and 'Grasslands Paroa' (L. multiflorum Lam.) and 'Concord' Italian ryegrasses. The third experiment compared ram lamb performance on Moata and Nui. Moata and Concord established rapidly, both producing 30% greater autumn/winter growth in the first year than Paroa and Manawa. However in the second autumn/winter Moata outyielded the other cultivars by 14%. Moata also outyielded Nui perennial ryegrass during autumn/winter by an average of 10% over two years. Lambs grazing Moata during winter had higher liveweight gains than those on Nui (223 ct. 139 g/head/day), a result of higher feed intakes of Moata compared with Nui (2.01 ct. 1.65 kg/ head/day). The differences in feed intake were related to the in vitro digestibility of the two ryegrasses (79% for Moata cf 69% for Nui) and the crude protein levels of the herbage (22.6% for Moata cf 19.3% for Nui). Keywords: Italian ryegrass. pasture quality, cool-season growth, animal performance, Acremonium endophyte
STOLON FORMATION AND SIGNIFICANCE FOR SWARD TILLER DYNAMICS IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Matthew C. , Quilter S.J. , Korte C.J. , Chu A.C.P. , Mackay A.D.
Published: July 2020

In a pot trial to investigate stolen formation in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). 4 genotypes of ryegrass tested all formed stolons. After burial with approximately 30 mm soil in August, cutting and burial, or cutting alone, stolen numbers in November were 18.8 and 3 (SED 3) per plant, respectively. In a grazed ryegrass sward stolen lengths were measured at intervals between May 1987 and April 1988, and for hard and lax grazed plots respectively, were 58 and 96 m/m2 in May, increased to 137 and 164 m/m2 in December, then declined to 47 and 74 ml m2 in April 1998. Active stolon formation in the field began when tillers were buried by earthworm activity and stock trampling in winter. It appears that stolen formation in ryegrass is a response to a seasonal cycle of burial similar to that for white clover. Studies of tagged tillers indicated a pattern of sward renewal in early summer by rapid production of large numbers of tillers from stolons at the base of dying flowering tillers. Other research results suggest that this pattern of sward renewal in perennial ryegrass may be widespread. Implications for grazing management are briefly discussed. Keywords: tiller appearnace rate, perennation, carbohydrate, perennial ryegrass, stolen formation
On the morphosyntax of synthetic compounds with proper names: A case study on the diachrony of Greek
Authors: Alexiadou Artemis
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the formation of synthetic compounds with proper names. While these are possible in English, Greek disallows such formations. However, earlier stages of the language allowed such compounds, and in the modern language formations of this type are possible as long as they contain heads that are either bound roots or root- derived nominals of Classical Greek origin. The paper builds on the following ingredients: a) proper names are phrases; b) synthetic compounding in Modern Greek involves incorporation, and thus proper names cannot incorporate; c) by contrast, English synthetic compounds involve phrasal movement, and thus proper names can appear within compounds in this language. It is shown that in earlier Greek, proper names had the same status as their English counterparts, hence the possibility of synthetic compounds with proper names. It is further argued that the formations that involve bound/archaic roots are actually cases of either root compounding or root affixation and not synthetic compounds.
Seed productivity of alfalfa sowing depending on precipitation and air temperature for the vegetation period
Authors: Kramarenko Vladimir
Published: July 2020

The results of ecological testing of alfalfa varieties zoned for the South Urals for seeds cultivated according to industrial technology are presented. Meteorological conditions had a significant impact on seed yield. The size of the crop varied over a wide range from 0 to 350 kg/ha. On average, over the years of study, seed collection was about 78 kg/ha.
Productivity of grasses under climate change conditions
Authors: Shmeleva Natalia
Published: July 2020

The directions and results of work on the analysis of productivity of perennial grasses under changing weather conditions are presented. It was found that the yield and quality of the green mass of hybrids significantly exceeds the parent forms, so expanding the crops of these crops is one of the ways to get a guaranteed harvest.
Creating of new high-yielding grains of wheatgrass for the steppe zone of the between Volga and Urals
Authors: Didenko Irina , Limanskaya Valentina , Buyankin Viktor , Imanbaeva Gul'nar
Published: July 2020

The results of the creation of adaptive high-yielding varieties based on the widespread use of wild species of wheatgrass are presented.
Type I Interferon Regulates the Survival and Functionality of B Cells in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Benedicenti Ottavia , Wang Tiehui , Morel Esther , Secombes Christopher J. , Soleto Irene , Díaz-Rosales Patricia , Tafalla Carolina
Published: July 2020

Interferons (IFNs) orchestrate antiviral responses in jawed vertebrates and can be classified into three types based on different aspects of their genomic organization, structure and receptors through which they signal and function. Generally, type I and type III IFNs include cytokines that directly induce an antiviral response, whereas type II IFNs are well-known for their immunomodulatory role during viral infections. In mammals, type I IFNs have been shown to also regulate many aspects of B cell development and differentiation. Yet, these functions have been only faintly investigated for teleost IFNs. Thus, in the current study, we have examined the effects of a model type I rainbow trout IFN molecule (IFNa) on blood naïve (IgM+IgD+) B cells, comparing them to those exerted by type II IFN (IFNγ). Our results demonstrate that IFNa increases the survival of naïve rainbow trout B cells, in the absence of lymphoproliferative effects, by rescuing them from spontaneous apoptosis. Additionally, IFNa increased the phagocytic capacity of blood IgM+IgD+ B cells and augmented the number of IgM-secreting cells in blood leukocyte cultures. IFNγ, on the other hand, had only minor effects up-regulating IgM secretion, whereas it increased the phagocytic capacity of IgM− cells in the cultures. Finally, given the recent identification of 9 mx genes in rainbow trout, we have also established which of these genes were transcriptionally regulated in blood naïve B cells in response to IFNa. This study points to a previously undescribed role for teleost type I IFNs in the regulation of B cell responses.
Continuous and Intermittent Drying of Rough Rice: Effects on Process Effective Time and Effective Mass Diffusivity
Authors: Alves Pereira Joan Carlos , da Silva Wilton Pereira , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Queiroz Alexandre José de Melo , de Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa , de Melo Bruno Adelino , Santiago Ângela Maria , de Lima Antônio Gilson Barbosa , de Macedo Antonio Daniel Buriti
Published: July 2020

The choice of the drying process plays a key role in reducing the costs of electricity consumption in the food industry. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate continuous and intermittent drying of rough rice, using empirical and diffusion models to describe the drying kinetics, considering only effective time of operation to compare and evaluate these processes. Experiments were carried out during the month of April 2018, in Campina Grande, Paraiba Brazil, and were conducted with continuous and intermittent drying of rough rice grains (about 20 g, each experiment) using a fixed-bed dryer with constant power, at temperatures of 50 and 70 °C. For the intermittent experiments, the intermittency ratio was α = 2/3 and the drying periods were 10 and 20 min, with intermittency periods of 20 and 40 min, respectively. Comparison between continuous and intermittent drying kinetics indicated reduction in the effective time of all intermittent drying experiments, reaching up to 32.2%, hence promoting energy saving. It was also found that a one-dimensional diffusion model with boundary condition of the first kind properly described all rough rice drying processes and that the effective mass diffusivity is higher in intermittent drying, compared to continuous drying at the same temperature.
Soil Arthropod Responses in Agroecosystem: Implications of Different Management and Cropping Systems
Authors: Menta Cristina , Conti Federica Delia , Lozano Fondón Carlos , Staffilani Francesca , Remelli Sara
Published: July 2020

The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2014–2020) on soil management points to the combination of sustainable food production with environmental protection, reduction of CO2 emissions, and safeguarding of soil biodiversity. In this study, three farms (in the Emilia-Romagna region), managed with both conventional and conservation practices (the last ones with and without sub-irrigation systems), were monitored from 2014 to 2017 to highlight the impact of different crops and soil managements on soil arthropods, in terms of abundance, composition, and soil biological quality (applying QBS-ar index). To do this, linear mixed models were performed, whereas arthropods assemblages were studied through PERMANOVA and SIMPER analysis. Soil communities varied among farms, although most differences were found among crops depending on management practices. Nonetheless, conservation systems and a wider reduction in anthropogenic practices provided better conditions for soil fauna, enhancing QBS-ar. Moreover, arthropod groups responded to soil practices differently, highlighting their sensitivity to agricultural management. Community assemblages in corn and wheat differed between managements, mainly due to Acari and Collembola, respectively. In conservation management, wheat showed the overall greatest abundance of arthropods, owing to the great number of Acari, Collembola, and Hymenoptera, while the number of arthropod groups were generally higher in crop residues of forage.
Augmented Renal Clearance and How to Augment Antibiotic Dosing
Authors: Chen Iris H. , Nicolau David P.
Published: July 2020

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) refers to the state of heightened renal filtration commonly observed in the critically ill. Its prevalence in this patient population is a consequence of the body’s natural response to serious disease, as well as the administration of fluids and pharmacologic therapies necessary to maintain sufficient blood pressure. ARC is objectively defined as a creatinine clearance of more than 130 mL/min/1.73 m2 and is thus a crucial condition to consider when administering antibiotics, many of which are cleared renally. Using conventional dosing regimens risks the possibility of subtherapeutic concentrations or clinical failure. Over the past decade, research has been conducted in patients with ARC who received a number of antibacterials frequently used in the critically ill, such as piperacillin-tazobactam or vancomycin. Strategies to contend with this condition have also been explored, though further investigations remain necessary.
A Comparative Study of Design Evaluation with Virtual Prototypes Versus a Physical Product
Authors: Chu Chih-Hsing , Kao Erh-Ting
Published: July 2020

Design evaluation is an important stage in the product development process. Virtual prototypes enable economic design evaluation with higher flexibility, but the evaluation effectiveness may be limited compared to that of the real product. Few studies have analyzed whether or not virtual prototypes are comparable with the real product on the evaluation of product attributes. In this study, we conducted two-stage experiments to compare the effectiveness of design evaluation by using virtual prototypes versus the product they aim to represent. Numerous design features were evaluated from a physical appearance and usability point of view with assessment measurements including performance accuracy and the emotional responses of the users. The experimental results revealed that the visual virtual prototypes were typically not as effective in estimating the physical and appearance features, while no significant difference was observed in the usability between the evaluation media. The visual virtual prototypes tended to invoke more negative and passive emotional states in comparison to the actual product. However, with the addition of instant sensory feedback, the emotional responses were raised to a more positive and active level, which was similar to the one observed with the physical product. The findings of this study indicate the shortcomings of using virtual prototypes in the design evaluation process. Our conclusions may assist future studies in improving the practicality of virtual prototyping by the addition of useful features.
Influence of Pollen on Solar Photovoltaic Energy: Literature Review and Experimental Testing with Pollen
Authors: Sanz Saiz Carlos , Polo Martínez Jesús , Martín Chivelet Nuria
Published: July 2020

This work attempts to shed some light on the impact of organic soiling due to pollen on solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation. Apart from introducing several soiling-related pollen features, the previous works reporting soiling by pollen have been reviewed. Local observations from late winter to early spring showed that a rooftop PV system experienced both uniform and non-uniform soiling issues, which were mainly caused by pollen from nearby cypress specimens. In addition, this work publishes preliminary results regarding an artificial soiling test performed with pollen. In this test, soda lime float glass coupons were artificially soiled with fresh cypress pollen. A linear relationship was found between the pollen mass density (ρA) and the glass averaged transmittance (TAVE) for values up to 9.1 g/m2. In comparison with other artificial soiling tests performed with different soiling agents, the transmittance loss caused by pollen cypress deposition was relatively high and spectrally selective.
Fracture Properties of Concrete in Dry Environments with Different Curing Temperatures
Authors: Mi Zhengxiang , Li Qingbin , Hu Yu , Liu Chunfeng , Qiao Yu
Published: July 2020

This paper investigated the fracture properties of concrete in dry environments with different curing temperatures (5, 20, 40, and 60 °C). For each curing condition, the key fracture parameters of concrete were tested using wedge splitting specimens at five different ages (3, 7, 14, 28, and 60 d). The results show that in dry environments, the effective fracture toughness and fracture energy of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures increased at a relatively high growth rate at an early age. Nevertheless, the growth speed of effective fracture toughness and fracture energy decreased more quickly at elevated temperatures in the later stages. As a result, the concrete cured at higher temperature exhibited lower ultimate values of fracture parameters, and vice-versa. Namely, a temperature crossover effect was found in the effective fracture toughness and fracture energy of concrete under dry environments. Considering the early growth rate and ultimate values of fracture parameters, the optimum temperature suitable for concrete fracture properties development under dry condition was around 40 °C.
Promises and Presuppositions of Biomimicry
Authors: MacKinnon Rebecca Barbara , Oomen Jeroen , Pedersen Zari Maibritt
Published: July 2020

Under the umbrella of biologically informed disciplines, biomimicry is a design methodology that proponents often assert will lead to a more sustainable future. In realizing that future, it becomes necessary to discern specifically what biomimicry’s “promises” are in relation to sustainable futures, and what is required in order for them to be fulfilled. This paper presents research examining the webpages of the Biomimicry Global Network (BGN) to extract the claims and promises expressed by biomimicry practitioners. These promises are assessed using current literature to determine their presuppositions and requirements. Biomimicry’s promises are expressed in terms of potential for innovation, sustainability, and transformation and appear to depend on perceived relationships between humanity and nature; nature and technology; the underlying value judgements of practitioners. The findings emphasize that in order for the communicated promise of biomimicry to be realized, a particular ethos and respectful engagement with nature must accompany the technological endeavors of the practice.
Screen-Printed Electrodes: Promising Paper and Wearable Transducers for (Bio)Sensing
Authors: Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Campuzano Susana , Pingarrón José Manuel
Published: July 2020

Screen-printing technology has revolutionized many fields, including that of electrochemical biosensing. Due to their current relevance, this review, unlike other papers, discusses the relevant aspects of electrochemical biosensors manufactured using this technology in connection to both paper substrates and wearable formats. The main trends, advances, and opportunities provided by these types of devices, with particular attention to the environmental and biomedical fields, are addressed along with illustrative fundamentals and applications of selected representative approaches from the recent literature. The main challenges and future directions to tackle in this research area are also pointed out.
Synthesis and Characterization of N-Doped SiC Powder with Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Liu Wanli , Li Qi , Yang Xianglong , Chen Xiufang , Xu Xiangang
Published: July 2020

Solar-light-driven N-doped 3C–SiC powder was synthesized via a simple one-step combustion route. SiC–N2 photocatalysts exhibited 205.3 μL/(g·h) hydrogen evolution rate, nearly 2 times that of SiC–Ar(120.1 μL/(g·h)), and was much higher than that of SiC nanowires (83.9 μL/(g·h)), SiC nanoparticles (82.8 μL/(g·h)) as well as the B-doped SiC photocatalysts(166 μL/(g·h)). In cyclic tests, N-doped SiC also performed excellent photocatalytic durability and good structural stability. It can be concluded that the influence of N-doping introduced defects into the SiC photocatalyst by occupation and mixed phase structure, transformed the band structure into the direct band gap, and formed a shallow donor level for trapping holes. Consequently, higher photocatalytic activities and lower recombination was achieved. Furthermore, the carbon on the photocatalyst which was yielded from the substitution of N or which remained after combustion would build constructed efficient interfacial contact with SiC for the quickening of light-driven electron transfer to the surface, and simultaneously strengthen the adsorption capacity and light-harvesting potential.
Constraining Basin Parameters Using a Known Subsidence History
Authors: Tunwal Mohit , Mulchrone Kieran F. , Meere Patrick A.
Published: July 2020

Temperature history is one of the most important factors driving subsidence and the overall tectono-stratigraphic evolution of a sedimentary basin. The McKenzie model has been widely applied for subsidence modelling and stretching factor estimation for sedimentary basins formed in an extensional tectonic environment. Subsidence modelling requires values of physical parameters (e.g., crustal thickness, lithospheric thickness, stretching factor) that may not always be available. With a given subsidence history of a basin estimated using a stratigraphic backstripping method, these parameters can be estimated by quantitatively comparing the known subsidence curve with modelled subsidence curves. In this contribution, a method to compare known and modelled subsidence curves is presented, aiming to constrain valid combinations of the stretching factor, crustal thickness, and lithospheric thickness of a basin. Furthermore, a numerical model is presented that takes into account the effect of sedimentary cover on thermal history and subsidence modelling of a basin. The parameter fitting method presented here is first applied to synthetically generated subsidence curves. Next, a case study using a known subsidence curve from the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil, is considered. The range of stretching factors estimated for the Campos basin from this study is in accordance with previous work, with an additional estimate of corresponding lithospheric thickness. This study provides insight into the dependence of thermal history and subsidence modelling methods on assumptions regarding model input parameters. This methodology also allows for the estimation of valid combinations of physical lithospheric parameters, where the subsidence history is known.
Foliage Intensity is an Important Cue of Habitat Location for Empoasca onukii
Authors: Bian Lei , Cai Xiao Ming , Luo Zong Xiu , Li Zhao Qun , Chen Zong Mao
Published: July 2020

For many herbivorous insects, vision is more important than olfaction in the prealighting stage of host habitat location. Tea leafhoppers, Empoasca onukii (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), are serious pests that preferentially inhabit the tender leaves of tea plants across China. Here, we investigated whether tea leafhoppers could distinguish foliage colors associated with different leaf ages and use this visual cue to guide suitable habitat location from short distances. Similar to honeybees, the adult E. onukii has an apposition type of compound eye, and each ommatidium has eight retinular cells, in which three spectral types of photoreceptors are distributed, with peak sensitivities at 356 nm (ultraviolet), 435 nm (blue), and 542 nm (green). Both changes in spectral intensity and hue of reflectance light of the host foliage were correlated with varying leaf age, and the intensity linearly decreased with increasing leaf age. Behavioral responses also showed that adult E. onukii could discriminate between the simulated colors of host foliage at different leaf ages without olfactory stimuli and selected the bright colors that strongly corresponded to those of tender leaves. The results suggest that, compared with the spectral composition (hue), the intensity of light reflectance from leaves at different ages is more important for adult leafhoppers when discriminating host foliage and could guide them to tender leaves at the top of tea shoots.
Parasitism of Locally Recruited Egg Parasitoids of the Fall Armyworm in Africa
Authors: Laminou Saidou A. , Ba Malick Niango , Karimoune Laouali , Doumma Ali , Muniappan Rangaswamy
Published: July 2020

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an insect native to the tropical and subtropical Americas that has recently spread to Africa, where it predominately attacks maize, sorghum and other plant species. Biological control is an environmentally friendly way of combatting the pest and contributes to an integrated pest management approach. In Africa, several trichogrammatid parasitoids and Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) have been found parasitizing eggs of the FAW. In Niger, the egg parasitoids encountered include Trichogrammatoidea sp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Telenomus remus Nixon. Parasitism of the FAW eggs by the two egg parasitoids was assessed in the laboratory, followed by field testing on sentinel eggs. In the laboratory, T. remus parasitized on average 78% of FAW eggs, compared to 25% for Trichogrammatoidea sp. Telenomus remus was able to parasitize egg masses that were fully covered with scales, while Trichogrammatoidea sp. parasitized only uncovered egg masses. On-farm releases of T. remus in sorghum fields caused up to 64% of FAW egg parasitism. Parasitized eggs yielded viable progeny, which can contribute to FAW egg parasitism build-up during the cropping season. Our findings lay the groundwork for the use of T. remus in augmentative releases against FAW in Africa.
Synthesis of Supported Metal Nanoparticles (Au/TiO2) by the Suspension Impregnation Method
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Carolina , García-Domínguez Ángel Emilio , Guerrero-Robles Fernando , Saavedra-Díaz Rafael Omar , Torres-Torres Gilberto , Felipe Carlos , Ojeda-López Reyna , Silahua-Pavón Adib , Cervantes-Uribe Adrián
Published: July 2020

This work reports a new technique called “Suspension Impregnation Method” (SiM) as an alternative to the “Incipient Impregnation Method” (IiM) for the synthesis of noble metal (Au) nanoparticles. The SiM was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles supported by titanium oxide and compared with those of IiM. The reactor for the SiM technique was based on the principles of mixing, heat, and mass transfer of the suspension reactors and the metal particle synthesis was processed in situ under the oxidation reduction potentials. Three different conditions were established to observe the effect of pH on the size of the metal particles: acid (HCl), neutral (water) and alkaline (urea). The samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and CO2 adsorption. The surface area was slightly modified, and the average pore diameter was reduced in all materials. The structure of the titanium oxide was not altered. A deposit of organic material was detected in samples synthesized in alkaline medium for both methods. The pH influenced the formation of conglomerates in IiM and resulted in large particle sizes (3–9 nm). In contrast, an in situ reduction in the species in SiM resulted in smaller particle sizes than IiM (2–3 nm).
Electrodialysis Applications in Wastewater Treatment for Environmental Protection and Resources Recovery: A Systematic Review on Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Gurreri Luigi , Tamburini Alessandro , Cipollina Andrea , Micale Giorgio
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies on electrodialysis (ED) applications in wastewater treatment, outlining the current status and the future prospect. ED is a membrane process of separation under the action of an electric field, where ions are selectively transported across ion-exchange membranes. ED of both conventional or unconventional fashion has been tested to treat several waste or spent aqueous solutions, including effluents from various industrial processes, municipal wastewater or salt water treatment plants, and animal farms. Properties such as selectivity, high separation efficiency, and chemical-free treatment make ED methods adequate for desalination and other treatments with significant environmental benefits. ED technologies can be used in operations of concentration, dilution, desalination, regeneration, and valorisation to reclaim wastewater and recover water and/or other products, e.g., heavy metal ions, salts, acids/bases, nutrients, and organics, or electrical energy. Intense research activity has been directed towards developing enhanced or novel systems, showing that zero or minimal liquid discharge approaches can be techno-economically affordable and competitive. Despite few real plants having been installed, recent developments are opening new routes for the large-scale use of ED techniques in a plethora of treatment processes for wastewater.
Quasi-Static Compression Deformation and Energy Absorption Characteristics of Basalt Fiber-Containing Closed-Cell Aluminum Foam
Authors: Yang Donghui , Zhang Zichen , Chen Xueguang , Han Xing , Xu Tao , Li Xinglei , Ding Jian , Liu Haifeng , Xia Xingchuan , Gao Yugang , Wang Yujiang , Sun Yu
Published: July 2020

In this work, closed-cell aluminum foams with 4 wt.% contents of short-cut basalt fibers (BFs) were successful prepared by using the modified melt-foaming method. The pore size of BF-containing aluminum foam and commercially pure aluminum foam was counted. The distribution of BF and its effect on the compressive properties of closed-cell aluminum foams were investigated. The results showed that the pore size of BF-containing aluminum foams was more uniform and smaller. BF mainly existed in three different forms: Some were totally embedded in the cell walls, some protruded from the cell walls, and others penetrated through the cells. Meanwhile, under the present condition, BF-containing aluminum foams possessed higher compressive strength and energy absorption characteristics than commercially pure aluminum foams, and the reasons were discussed.
Comparison of DNA Extracted from Pediatric Saliva, Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Site-Specific Biofilm Samples
Authors: Emett Jason , David Roxanne , McDaniel Jaydene , McDaniel Steven , Kingsley Karl
Published: July 2020

(1) Introduction: Due to the non-invasive nature of saliva, many methods have been used to isolate and collect DNA from saliva samples for microbial screening. Many oral microbes also inhabit the oral biofilm, which may represent significantly different microbial constituents that may contribute to oral health and disease, including caries and periodontal disorders. Moreover, the biofilm may vary within the same patient at different sites. Few studies have evaluated the comparison between DNA isolated from saliva and DNA from site-specific biofilm, with virtually no studies addressing this analysis among pediatric patients. (2) Methods: An existing repository of paper point derived biofilm, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and unstimulated saliva samples previously collected from pediatric patients (n = 47) was identified. DNA was isolated from biofilm sites (tongue, upper buccal molar, mandibular lingual incisor), and GCF and saliva were used for quantitative DNA comparison using a phenol:chloroform extraction. A quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed using the NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer using absorbance readings at A230 nm, A260 nm and A280 nm. (3) Results: These data demonstrated the successful isolation of DNA from all of the patient samples, with the highest concentrations observed among unstimulated saliva (4264.1 ng/μL) and the lowest derived from GCF (1771.5 ng/μL). No differences were observed between males and females or minorities and non-minority patients. In addition, comparison of the overall concentrations of DNA obtained from adult samples was slightly higher than, but not significantly different from, the concentrations obtained from pediatric samples (p = 0.2827). A real-time quantitative qPCR screening revealed that all of the samples evaluated harbored bacterial and human DNA of sufficient quantity and quality for a molecular screening greater than the limit of detection (ΔRn = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Many methods are currently available to provide the sampling and screening of saliva and specific sites within the oral cavity, but the validation and comparison of simple and low-cost methods, that include paper point sampling and unstimulated saliva collection, may suggest these methods and protocols provide sufficient DNA quality and quantity for molecular screening and other comparison applications. In addition, although heterogeneity will be a constant and consistent feature between patient samples, standardized methods that provide similar and consistent DNA from various oral sites may provide needed consistency for screening and molecular analysis.
Effects of genotype on the biomechanical parameters and composition of bone in the laying hen embryos
Authors: ERBAY ELİBOL Fatma Kübra , ONBAŞILAR E. Ebru , KARAKAN Tuğba , TABAN Süleyman , DEMİR Teyfik
Published: July 2020

Bone problems are highly prevalent in laying hens. These problems affect the welfare, production and economic losses. Bone development begins in the embryonic period, and if the skeletal system develops well at that time, the subsequent production period can be affected positively. The present experiment aimed to investigate the effect of genotype on biomechanical parameters and composition of bone in the laying hen embryos. For this purpose, 360 fertilized eggs were obtained from two brown (Atak-S and Brown Nick) and two white (Atabey and Nick) layer breeders and incubated. Metatarsus, tibia and femur properties were examined on the embryonic d 19 and 21. Results showed that genotype played an important role in determining the biomechanical properties and mineral composition of the metatarsus, tibia and femur in the embryonic period. Examined bone characteristics improved with embryonic age. The least mineralization was observed in the metatarsus bone. In conclusion, bone properties were influenced from the genotype. However these differences were not related with laying hens being white or brown. The effect of the interaction between genotype and embryonic age on the bone properties should be considered.
Predicting the Performance of Gorgan Wastewater Treatment Plant Using ANN-GA, CANFIS, and ANN Models
Authors: Bayat Varkeshi Maryam , Godini Kazem , ParsiMehr Mohamad , Vafaee Maryam
Published: July 2020

A reliable model for any wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is essential to predict its performance and form a basis for controlling the operation of the process. This would minimize the operation costs and assess the stability of environmental balance. This study applied artificial neural network-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and co-active neuro-fuzzy logic inference system (CANFIS) in comparison with ANN for predicting the performance of WWTP. The result indicated that the GA produces more accurate results than fuzzy logic technique. It was found that GA components increased the ANN ability in predicting WWTP performance. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) for ANN-GA in predicting chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were 0.15, 0.19 and 0.15, respectively. The corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.891, 0.930 and 0.890, respectively. Comparing these results with other studies showed that despite the slightly lower performance of the current model, its requirement for a lower number of input parameters can save the extra cost of sampling.
Application of Chitosan and Activated Carbon Nano-composite in Removal of Nitrite, Phosphate, and Ammonia From Aquaculture Wastewater
Authors: Rezaei Hassan , Rastegar Saeedeh , Naseri Sanaz
Published: July 2020

Developing an adsorbent with natural components is one of the effective methods to reduce the amount of wastewater pollutants. Wastewater reuse can improve the quality of water prior to entering the natural environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of chitosan nano-composite and activated carbon adsorbent in the removal of nitrite, phosphate, and ammonia pollutants from fish farms of Aq-Qala. To prepare the adsorbents, the shrimp shells were converted to nano-chitosan. The date palm kernel was prepared and activated with oxalic acid in pyrolysis furnace by injecting nitrogen gas into activated carbon, then, the nano-composite was prepared from nanochitosan and activated carbon. A field-laboratory study was conducted during the winter of 2018, and then, batches of synthesized nano-composite were investigated and the effects of pH, initial effluent concentration, and adsorption time were investigated. The experiments were performed in the pH range of 5-8, effluent concentration of 25-100 mg/L, and contact time of 15-90 minutes. The results showed that at optimum conditions (pH of 7, effluent concentration of 50 mg/L, and contact time of 60 minutes), the highest removal percentage and adsorption capacity for nitrite, phosphate, and ammonia contaminants were 99.98%, 99.77%, and 65.65%, and 6.65, 6.14, and 7.32 mg/g , respectively. Due to the high removal percentage (99.98%) of the chitosan and activated carbon nano-composite, the adsorbent was highly capable of removing pollutants (nitrite, phosphate, and ammonia).
PRODUCTION OF MILITARY PRODUCTS AT ENTERPRISES COOPERATIVE AND LOCAL INDUSTRY OF IVANOVO REGION IN 1941-1942
Authors: Okolotin Vladimir S.
Published: July 2020

The article is devoted to the study of the activities of enterprises of cooperative and local industry of Ivanovo Region in 1941-1942. for the production of military products and consumer goods. It refl ects the problems of production of products to equip the acting army, as well as meet the needs of the civilian population of the region. Signifi cant attention is paid to the specifi cs of fi nding solutions to solve them. These actions provided not only for the maximum mobilisation of local resources, but also for the development of various forms of socialist competition. The article examines the role of enterprises and the population of the region in the seasonal washing and repair of the Red Army uniforms, shoes, boots, etc. It is noted about the production of explosives and dextrin, as well as the urgent need for the production of consumer goods. In the end, all
this worked for the defence of the country and brought closer the defeat of the enemy. The article is based on the materials of the state archive of Ivanovo Region, the Russian state archive of socio-political history, as well as the local periodical press.
It summarises new material on the subject of most archival documents are introduced into scientifi c circulation, which allows to expand the knowledge of researchers and the public about the contribution of area residents to the victory over Nazi Germany and its allies. The results of this study may be of interest to specialists in the fi eld of regional economy and the history of War