bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengenalan dan Pendampingan Berpikir Komputasi bagi Siswa SD Islam Al Azhar 25 Semarang
Authors: Astuti Yani Parti , Subhiyakto Egia Rosi , Hafidhoh Nisa'ul
Published: June 2020

AbstrakMetode pembelajaran pada saat ini akan ditekankan pada siswa agar bisa menyelesaikan masalah. Salah satu  metode pembelajaran yang digunakan adalah problem solving di mana siswa ditekankan kepada proses penyelesaian masalah yang dihadapi secara ilmiah. Untuk itu perlu diterapkan pengenalan tentang berpikir komputasi secara umum, sampai dengan penjelasan dalam menyelesaikan soal. Dengan metode ini,  siswa-siswi akan berusaha menyelesaikan masalah yang diberikas dan akan didampingi oleh guru. Metode ini ditawarkan pada SD Islam Al Azhar 25 Semarang. Pendampingan yang dilakukan mengenai bagaimana langkah-langkah menerapkan berpikir komputasi untuk pemecahan suatu soal atau masalah. Diskusi umum tentang problem solving melalui berpikir komputasi bagi siswa siswi dan guru pendamping SD Islam Al Azhar 25 Semarang.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Produk Ekonomi Kreatif Kriya Tekstil dengan Teknik Shibori kepada Ibu-ibu Dawis Cempaka
Authors: Amalia Amalia , Izzhati Dwi Nurul , Mayasari Dita Ayu
Published: June 2020

Pengembangan ekonomi kreatif menjadi salah satu pilar perekonomian nasional yang potensial. Salah satu produk unggulan pada subsektor ekonomi kreatif di Indonesia adalah kriya, khususnya kriya tekstil. Produk kreatif kriya tekstil yang saat ini sedang diminati masyarakat, serta memiliki nilai jual dan estetika tinggi adalah teknik celup ikat Shibori. Sasaran kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat adalah Ibu-ibu Kelompok Dawis Cempaka. Tujuan pengabdian adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan, dan keterampilan dalam membuat produk kreatif, serta meningkatkan motivasi warga untuk berproduksi dan berwirausaha. Keberhasilan pelatihan ditandai dengan: a. peningkatan pengetahuan yaitu mampu menjawab benar soal (94%); b. kepuasan terhadap kegiatan pelatihan (97%); dan c. minat membuka usaha (92%).Creative economy is one of the potential pillars of the national economy. While the one of the leading products in the subsector of creative economy in Indonesia is craft, especially textile craft. The creative textile products that are currently in demand, along has high selling and aesthetic value is Shibori tie dyeing technique. The target of community service activity is the women of Dawis Cempaka in Semarang. The purpose is to increase knowledge and skills in making creative products, as well as increase the motivation of citizens to produce it and be entrepreneurs. The success of the workshop is marked by: a. increasing knowledge that is able to answer the correct questions (94%); b. satisfaction with the workshop (97%); and c. interest to start up business (92%).
Pendampingan Pengembangan Sistem Pengelolaan Bank Sampah Resik Becik Bagi Warga Krobokan
Authors: Talitha Tita , Arsiwi Pramudi , Estiningtyas Rieska Ariyati
Published: June 2020

Tingkat kepadatan penduduk yang cenderung tinggi sejalan dengan volume sampah yang terus meningkat di Kota Semarang. Hal ini perlu disiasati dengan melakukan pengelolaan sampah yang baik, salah satunya dengan menerapkan sistem Bank Sampah. Pengelolaan bank sampah yang baik, tentunya harus didukung pula dengan sistem yang terkomputerisasi, dengan tujuan memudahkan dalam manajemen administrasi pengelolaan data terkait Bank Sampah agar menjadi lebih efektif dan efisien. Namun sayangnya, sampai saat ini sistem pengelolaan Bank Sampah dan administrasinya masih dilakukan secara manual, sehingga kurang mengakomodir anggota Bank Sampah yang semakin bertambah. Pengabdian ini telah dilakukan dengan baik melalui pengembangan sistem pengelolaan Bank Sampah Resik Becik yang terkomputerisasi bagi Warga Kelurahan Krobokan. Selanjutnya, dilakukan pendampingan mengenai tata cara pemanfaatan sistem Bank Sampah terkomputerisasi untuk pengelolaan data yang lebih efektif dan efisien. Selain itu, dijelaskan pula mengenai apa saja keuntungan yang didapatkan dengan penerapan sistem tersebut. Program Pendampingan yang dilaksanakan di Bank Sampah Resik Becik Kelurahan Krobokan juga mendapatkan umpan balik yang positif dari pihak Pengelola Bank Sampah. Mitra dan peserta pendampingan juga terlihat sangat antusias dengan kegiatan Pengabdian yang dilaksanakan dari awal hingga pendampingan akhir, terbukti dengan banyaknya pertanyaan yang disampaikan oleh peserta selama kegiatan pengabdian berlangsung.
Design of Catfish Mass Death Instrument in CV Mina Indo Sejahtera Based on DC Ohmic Plasma
Authors: Wulandari Sari Ayu , Prasetyanto Wisnu Adi , Kurniatie Menik Dwi
Published: June 2020

CV. Mina Indo Sejahtera, berikutnya disingkat MIS, adalah sebuah usaha kecil yang bergerak di bidang  budidaya  lele.  MIS  memproduksi  lele  sehat  untuk  mencukupi  kebutuhan  eksport  ke Timur Tengah. Dalam 1 hari, MIS harus memasok 3000 ekor atau kurang lebihnya 6 ton ikan lele dalam kondisi mati. Salah satu keluhan dari mitra adalah pada pematian masal lele. Dalam pematian  ikan  lele,  mitra  kami  awalnya  mematikannya  dengan  cara  dipukul  dan  ditumbuk. Namun cara itu menimbulkan masalah, yaitu terdapat beberapa ikan yang dagingnya terkoyak dan remuk. Sehingga dalam melakukan eksport ikan yang dagingnya terkoyak terkena sortir. Selain dengan cara dipukul dan ditumbuk, mitra juga menggarami ikan lele. Namun lele mengeluarkan lendir yang lebih banyak, sehingga  membutuhkan  waktu  3  menit  dalam  pengolahan  ikan  lele.  Penggaraman  lele  berakibat  pada penurunan  kandungan  glikogen,  kandungan  asam-asam  amino,  asam  lemak  bebas,  dan biogenik amin, sehingga tidak bisa masuk pada kategori eksport. Karena permasalahan tersebut mitra  harus  meningkatkan  produksinya. Pada  beberapa  percobaan,  pematian  lele  segera  mempunyai kelebihan yaitu mempertahankan texture daging dan meningkatkan umur simpan lele. Alat pematian lele didesign dengan mengguanakan sumber DC, dimana setiap kenaikan 1V tegangan, akan menghasilkan -0.813ekor jumlah lele mati. Setiap kenaikan 1V tegangan, membutuhkan waktu 43,281 menit untuk mematikan 1ekor jumlah lele mati.
Parallelized Swarm Intelligence Approach for Solving TSP and JSSP Problems
Authors: Jedrzejowicz Piotr , Wierzbowska Izabela
Published: June 2020

One of the possible approaches to solving difficult optimization problems is applying population-based metaheuristics. Among such metaheuristics, there is a special class where searching for the best solution is based on the collective behavior of decentralized, self-organized agents. This study proposes an approach in which a swarm of agents tries to improve solutions from the population of solutions. The process is carried out in parallel threads. The proposed algorithm—based on the mushroom-picking metaphor—was implemented using Scala in an Apache Spark environment. An extended computational experiment shows how introducing a combination of simple optimization agents and increasing the number of threads may improve the results obtained by the model in the case of TSP and JSSP problems.
Numerically Efficient Fuzzy MPC Algorithm with Advanced Generation of Prediction—Application to a Chemical Reactor
Authors: Marusak Piotr M.
Published: June 2020

In Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms, control signals are generated after solving optimization problems. If the model used for prediction is linear then the optimization problem is a standard, easy to solve, quadratic programming problem with linear constraints. However, such an algorithm may offer insufficient performance if applied to a nonlinear control plant. On the other hand, if a model used for prediction is nonlinear, then non–convex optimization problem must be solved at each algorithm iteration. Then the numerical problems may occur during solving it and the time needed to calculate the control signals cannot be determined. Therefore approaches based on linearized models are preferred in practical applications. A fuzzy algorithm with an advanced generation of the prediction is proposed in the article. The prediction is obtained in such a way that the algorithm is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem but offers performance very close to that of the MPC algorithm with nonlinear optimization. The efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated in the control system of a nonlinear chemical control plant—a CSTR (Continuous Stirred–Tank Reactor) with van de Vusse reaction.
Evaluation of the Weed Infestation, Grain Health, and Productivity Parameters of Two Spelt Wheat Cultivars Depending on Crop Protection Intensification and Seeding Densities
Authors: Haliniarz Małgorzata , Gawęda Dorota , Nowakowicz-Dębek Bożena , Najda Agnieszka , Chojnacka Sylwia , Łukasz Justyna , Wlazło Łukasz , Różańska-Boczula Monika
Published: June 2020

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheat with very high nutritional value. It does not have particular climatic requirements and tolerates adverse environmental conditions well. The versatile advantages of spelt wheat make it attractive to farmers, plant breeders, food technologists, and consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different crop protection systems and seeding densities on yield, weed infestation, and grain health of the spelt wheat cultivars “Rokosz” and “Schwabenspelz”. The research showed that the spelt wheat cultivars studied responded differently to production intensification. The use of crop protection chemicals in the crop of the cultivar “Rokosz” resulted in lower weed infestation and in obtaining higher yields. In the case of the cultivar “Schwabenspelz”, production intensification did not have a significant effect on its productivity and quantitative weed infestation parameters. Therefore, this cultivar can be recommended for cultivation in farms with extensive farming methods, for example, in organic farms. In both cultivars studied, an increase in seeding density and chemical plant protection with fungicide caused lower grain contamination with mycotoxins, and the content of individual mycotoxins did not exceed the maximum levels set for grain intended for food and animal feed purposes.
What is the Difference between the Response of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) to Salinity and Drought Stress?—A Physiological Study
Authors: Tokarz Barbara , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Makowski Wojciech , Jędrzejczyk Roman J. , Tokarz Krzysztof M.
Published: June 2020

Understanding the mechanisms of plant tolerance to osmotic and chemical stress is fundamental to maintaining high crop productivity. Soil drought often occurs in combination with physiological drought, which causes chemical stress due to high concentrations of ions. Hence, it is often assumed that the acclimatization of plants to salinity and drought follows the same mechanisms. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a legume plant with extraordinary tolerance to severe drought and moderate salinity. The aim of the presented study was to compare acclimatization strategies of grass pea seedlings to osmotic (PEG) and chemical (NaCl) stress on a physiological level. Concentrations of NaCl and PEG were adjusted to create an osmotic potential of a medium at the level of 0.0, −0.45 and −0.65 MPa. The seedlings on the media with PEG were much smaller than those growing in the presence of NaCl, but had a significantly higher content percentage of dry weight. Moreover, the stressors triggered different accumulation patterns of phenolic compounds, soluble and insoluble sugars, proline and β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diamino propionic acid, as well as peroxidase and catalase activity. Our results showed that drought stress induced a resistance mechanism consisting of growth rate limitation in favor of osmotic adjustment, while salinity stress induced primarily the mechanisms of efficient compartmentation of harmful ions in the roots and shoots. Furthermore, our results indicated that grass pea plants differed in their response to drought and salinity from the very beginning of stress occurrence.
Spread of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in Sicily and Evaluation of the Spatiotemporal Dispersion in Experimental Conditions
Authors: Panno Stefano , Caruso Andrea Giovanni , Barone Stefano , Lo Bosco Giosuè , Rangel Ezequiel A. , Davino Salvatore
Published: June 2020

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an emerging pathogen that causes severe disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops. The first ToBRFV outbreak in Italy occurred in 2018 in several Sicilian provinces, representing a serious threat for tomato production. In the present work, the spatiotemporal displacement of ToBRFV in Sicily was evaluated, analyzing a total of 590 lots of tomato seed, 982 lots of plantlets from nurseries and 100 commercial greenhouses. Furthermore, we investigated the ToBRFV spreading dynamic in a greenhouse under experimental conditions. Results showed several aspects related to ToBRFV dispersion in protected tomato crops. In detail, an important decrease of the ToBRFV-infected seed and plantlet lots was detected. Regarding the examined commercial greenhouses, ToBRFV still appears to be present in Sicily, although there has been a decrease during monitoring. In experimental conditions, it was demonstrated that the presence of few infected plants are sufficient to damage the entire crop in a short time, reaching almost 100% of infection.
Detection and Characterization of Cherries: A Deep Learning Usability Case Study in Chile
Authors: Villacrés Juan Fernando , Auat Cheein Fernando
Published: June 2020

Chile is one of the main exporters of sweet cherries in the world and one of the few in the southern hemisphere, being their harvesting between October and January. Hence, Chilean cherries have gained market in the last few years and positioned Chile in a strategic situation which motivates to undergo through a deep innovation process in the field. Currently, cherry crop estimates have an error of approximately 45%, which propagates to all stages of the production process. In order to mitigate such error, we develop, test and evaluate a deep neural-based approach, using a portable artificial vision system to enhance the cherries harvesting estimates. Our system was tested in a cherry grove, under real field conditions. It was able to detect cherries with up to 85% of accuracy and to estimate production with up to 25% of error. In addition, it was able to classify cherries into four sizes, for a better characterization of the production for exportation.
Profiling of the Salt Stress Responsive MicroRNA Landscape of C4 Genetic Model Species Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv
Authors: Pegler Joseph L. , Nguyen Duc Quan , Grof Christopher P.L. , Eamens Andrew L.
Published: June 2020

Setaria viridis has recently emerged as an ideal model species to genetically characterize the C4 monocotyledonous grasses via a molecular modification approach. Soil salinization has become a compelling agricultural problem globally with salinity adversely impacting the yield potential of many of the major cereals. Small regulatory molecules of RNA, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), were originally demonstrated crucial for developmental gene expression regulation in plants, however, miRNAs have since been shown to additionally command a central regulatory role in abiotic stress adaptation. Therefore, a small RNA sequencing approach was employed to profile the salt stress responsive miRNA landscapes of the shoot and root tissues of two Setaria viridis accessions (A10 and ME034V) amenable to molecular modification. Small RNA sequencing-identified abundance alterations for miRNAs, miR169, miR395, miR396, miR397, miR398 and miR408, were experimentally validated via RT-qPCR. RT-qPCR was further applied to profile the molecular response of the miR160 and miR167 regulatory modules to salt stress. This analysis revealed accession- and tissue-specific responses for the miR160 and miR167 regulatory modules in A10 and ME034V shoot and root tissues exposed to salt stress. The findings reported here form the first crucial step in the identification of the miRNA regulatory modules to target for molecular manipulation to determine if such modification provides S. viridis with an improved tolerance to salt stress.
Impact of Ionic Liquids on Induction of Wheat Microspore Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration
Authors: Weigt Dorota , Siatkowski Idzi , Magaj Magdalena , Tomkowiak Agnieszka , Nawracała Jerzy
Published: June 2020

Ionic liquids are novel compounds with unique chemical and physical properties. They can be received based on synthetic auxins like 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or dicamba, which are commonly used hormones in microspore embryogenesis. Nevertheless, ionic liquids have not been adapted in plant in vitro culture thus far. Therefore, we studied the impact of ionic liquids on the ability to undergo microspore embryogenesis in anther cultures of wheat. Two embryogenic and two recalcitrant genotypes were used for this study. Ten combinations of ionic liquids and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid were added to the induction medium. In most cases, they stimulated induction of microspore embryogenesis and green plant regeneration more than a control medium supplemented with only 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Two treatments were the most favorable, resulting in over two times greater efficiency of microspore embryogenesis induction in comparison to the control. The effect of breaking down the genotype recalcitrance (manifested by green plant formation) was observed under the influence of 5 ionic liquids treatments. Summing up, ionic liquids had a positive impact on microspore embryogenesis induction and green plant regeneration, increasing the efficiency of these phenomena in both embryogenic and recalcitrant genotypes. Herbicidal ionic liquids can be successfully used in in vitro cultures.
Temporal Change of Soil Carbon on a Long-Term Experimental Site with Variable Crop Rotations and Tillage Systems
Authors: Laamrani Ahmed , Voroney Paul R. , Berg Aaron A. , Gillespie Adam W. , March Michael , Deen Bill , Martin Ralph C.
Published: June 2020

The impacts of tillage practices and crop rotations are fundamental factors influencing changes in the soil carbon, and thus the sustainability of agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to compare soil carbon status and temporal changes in topsoil from different 4 year rotations and tillage treatments (i.e., no-till and conventional tillage). Rotation systems were primarily corn and soy-based and included cereal and alfalfa phases along with red clover cover crops. In 2018, soil samples were collected from a silty-loam topsoil (0–15 cm) from the 36 year long-term experiment site in southern Ontario, Canada. Total carbon (TC) contents of each sample were determined in the laboratory using combustion methods and comparisons were made between treatments using current and archived samples (i.e., 20 year and 9 year change, respectively) for selected crop rotations. Overall, TC concentrations were significantly higher for no-till compared with conventional tillage practices, regardless of the crop rotations employed. With regard to crop rotation, the highest TC concentrations were recorded in corn–corn–oats–barley (CCOB) rotations with red clover cover crop in both cereal phases. TC contents were, in descending order, found in corn–corn–alfalfa–alfalfa (CCAA), corn–corn–soybean–winter wheat (CCSW) with 1 year of seeded red clover, and corn–corn–corn–corn (CCCC). The lowest TC concentrations were observed in the corn–corn–soybean–soybean (CCSS) and corn–corn–oats–barley (CCOB) rotations without use of cover crops, and corn–corn–soybean–winter wheat (CCSW). We found that (i) crop rotation varieties that include two consecutive years of soybean had consistently lower TC concentrations compared with the remaining rotations; (ii) TC for all the investigated plots (no-till and/or tilled) increased over the 9 year and 20 year period; (iii) the no-tilled CCOB rotation with 2 years of cover crop showed the highest increase of TC content over the 20 year change period time; and (iv) interestingly, the no-till continuous corn (CCCC) rotation had higher TC than the soybean–soybean–corn–corn (SSCC) and corn–corn–soybean–winter wheat (CCSW). We concluded that conservation tillage (i.e., no-till) and incorporation of a cover crop into crop rotations had a positive effect in the accumulation of TC topsoil concentrations and could be suitable management practices to promote soil fertility and sustainability in our agricultural soils.
Using Microgranular-Based Biostimulant in Vegetable Transplant Production to Enhance Growth and Nitrogen Uptake
Authors: Cardarelli Mariateresa , Rouphael Youssef , Coppa Eleonora , Hoagland Lori , Colla Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Vegetable growers need high-quality transplants to ensure the success of their crops. Treating seedlings with protein hydrolysates and beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride has the potential to improve the health and quality of vegetable transplants via various biostimulant activities, but the best rates and application methods to achieve these benefits are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the studies described in this manuscript were to: (i) identify the optimal rate of a microgranular-based biostimulant containing vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH) and the beneficial fungus T. atroviride MUCL45632 on lettuce and tomato transplant production (Experiment 1); and (ii) determine whether combining the T. atroviride inoculant with the PH in microgranular or liquid form would best support the synergistic effects of these products using greenhouse and laboratory experiments (Experiments 2, 3 and 4). Mixing the microgranular-based PH directly into the substrate prior to sowing resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in shoot fresh and dry biomass, root dry weight, root to shoot ratio, leaf N content and chlorophyll content (Soil-Plant Analysis Development index) in both lettuce and tomato transplants up to a biostimulant rate of 2 g L−1. The positive effect of the microgranular-based PH on plant growth, leaf N and chlorophyll content in both the lettuce and tomato transplants was also observed in the second experiment. However, the PH-mediated enhancement of shoot fresh biomass was more pronounced when Trichoderma was combined with the liquid instead of the microgranule PH. In contrast, the microgranule containing PH and Trichoderma was more effective in increasing the plant root to shoot ratios than the combined application of liquid PH and Trichoderma. In the laboratory experiments, the application of PH to sandy soil enhanced the number of Trichoderma colonies and stimulated Trichoderma-induced respiration for up to two and six days for the liquid and microgranular PHs, respectively. These results demonstrate that mixing microgranules containing PH and Trichoderma in the substrate prior to sowing at a rate of 2 g L−1 is the best approach to enhance shoot and especially root growth of both tomato and lettuce plantlets, while also ensuring high N uptake and leaf chlorophyll content.
Weed Management in the Transition to Conservation Agriculture: Farmers’ Response
Authors: Derrouch Damien , Chauvel Bruno , Felten Emeline , Dessaint Fabrice
Published: June 2020

Recently adopted in France, conservation agriculture still faces some challenges to its adoption, particularly weed management. To highlight the weed management practices used by farmers in conservation agriculture and the changes induced by its adoption, a large sample of 425 French farmers were invited to complete an online survey. Weed management practices used by farmers were requested for three periods: before adoption, during the first years of conservation agriculture (one to two years after adoption), and when the agricultural system is considered “mastered” by the farmer. The use of each farming practice was firstly studied independently for each period. Then, a multiple correspondence analysis followed by a hierarchical ascendant classification resulted in groups of farmers with different combinations of practices for each period. Finally, the groups of farmers were followed through the periods. Results showed that changes in weed management done according to farmers when adopting and mastering conservation agriculture are multiple and vary according to farmers and their previous weed management. Although some similar choices were identified, some farmers’ trajectories, especially those with a prior combination driven by either a soil disturbance strategy or a crop competitiveness strategy, are difficult to identify when adopting conservation agriculture. Upon mastering the agricultural system, farmers’ choices become more apparent.
Evaluation of Selection Methods for Resistance to a Specialist Insect Pest of Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Authors: Brzozowski Lauren J. , Mazourek Michael
Published: June 2020

Plant varieties resistant to insect pests are a critical component of integrated pest management, but challenges associated with plant breeding for insect resistance, such as a long breeding cycle duration and low trait heritability, slow progress in the field. In this study, we tested two novel selection schemes to improve genetic gain for resistance to the major pest, the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), in squash (Cucurbita pepo, e.g., zucchini). First, we tested an indirect selection scheme using a proxy insect with correlated resistance phenotypes, Trichoplusia ni, in place of the seasonally available A. vittatum. We found that while resistance to herbivory by T. ni was heritable, there was no reciprocal benefit for resistance to A. vittatum. Second, we tested genomic selection, a method that allows for selection without phenotyping every generation, for both resistance to A. vittatum directly and resistance to the proxy T. ni. Although there was moderate genomic predictive ability, we did not observe realized gains from selection in field trials. Overall, strategies that minimize investment in direct phenotyping, leverage efficiencies from phenotyping correlated traits, and shorten breeding cycle duration are needed to develop insect resistant varieties, and this study provides examples and empirical data of two such approaches deployed in an applied breeding program.
Interactive Effect of Nitrogen and Azoxystrobin on Yield, Quality, Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency of Wild Rocket in Southern Italy
Authors: Candido Vincenzo , Boari Francesca , Cantore Vito , Castronuovo Donato , Di Venere Donato , Perniola Michele , Sergio Lucrezia , Viggiani Roberto , Schiattone Maria Immacolata
Published: June 2020

Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. DC) is an emerging vegetable which market requires high-quality standards that can be obtained through appropriate cultivation techniques such as the right level of nitrogen and the application of biostimulant substances. These include strobilurins, marketed mainly as fungicides that can have complementary positive effects on the yield, quality and resources’ use efficiency of many crops. For this reason, a trial in an unheated greenhouse, in Southern Italy, to evaluate the possibility of using Azoxystrobin to improve the production of wild rocket subjected to different nitrogen inputs, was carried out. Two N levels (40 and 140 kg ha−1), Azoxystrobin-based biostimulant (Azo+) and control without Azoxystrobin (Azo−) were compared. The yield, morphological characteristics, nitrogen and water use efficiency (NUE, WUE), antioxidant activity, the content of dry matter, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenols, and nitrates were assessed. A higher N level resulted in a 16.3% yield increase that was matched by a 12.5% reduction in NUE, 15.8, 7.3, and 16.1% increases in yield WUE (Y_WUE), biomass WUE (B_WUE), and irrigation yield WUE (IY_WUE), respectively, and a worsening of some qualitative characteristics such as a 8.5% rise in nitrates, and a decline by 11.5, 10.1, and 26.1% in the carotenoids, phenols, and antioxidant activity, respectively. Azo+ increased the yield by 10.3%, NUE by 8.9%, and Y_WUE, B_WUE, and IY_WUE, by 13.9, 9.1, and 13.8% respectively. Moreover, Azo+ improved some qualitative characteristics such as total phenols (+9.4%), chlorophyll (+15.2%), carotenoids (+9.7%), and antioxidant activity (+17.4%), while it did not affect the nitrate content. Azoxystrobin can be an additional tool available for farmers to ensure high-quality standards of wild rocket.
Maize Grain Composition with Additions of NPK Briquette and Organically Enhanced N Fertilizer
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Liu Shuangli , Yin Xinhua , Bellaloui Nacer , Winings John H. , Agyin-Birikorang Sampson , Singh Upendra , Sanabria Joaquin , Mengistu Alemu
Published: June 2020

NPK fertilizer briquettes (NPKBriq) and organically enhanced N fertilizer (OENF), as newly developed fertilizer products, are reported to increase maize (Zea mays L.) yield and N use efficiency, but their effects on maize grain composition are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of NPKBriq and OENF on the protein, oil, fiber, ash, and starch of maize grain. A field study was conducted at Jackson and Grand Junction, TN, during 2012 and 2013, with NPKBriq, OENF, ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) (+P and K), and urea (+P and K) as the main treatments and 0, 85, 128, and 170 kg N ha−1 as the sub treatments under a randomized complete block split plot design with four replicates. The fiber concentration was more responsive to the fertilizer source than the protein, oil, ash, and starch concentrations. OENF resulted in a higher fiber concentration than NPKBriq at 85 kg N ha−1 in 2013, averaged over the two sites. Both OENF and NPKBriq had nearly no significant effects on the concentrations of the quality attributes compared with ammonium sulfate and urea. In conclusion, the nutrient-balanced NPKBriq exerts the same or greater effects on maize grain quality relative to the commonly used nutrient management practices of urea (+P and K) and ammonium sulfate (+P and K) under normal weather conditions. OENF is an alternate N source to urea and ammonium sulfate for similar to higher maize grain quality.
Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility
Authors: Volfova Martina , Machovcova Zuzana , Voslarova Eva , Bedanova Iveta , Vecerek Vladimir
Published: June 2020

We compared the glucocorticoid concentrations in response to various types of potential stressors present during standard operation of a temporary housing facility between three species, namely, ring-tailed lemurs, collared brown lemurs and white-headed lemurs. The levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) were measured non-invasively on a daily basis during a 30-day period. A total of 510 faecal samples were collected. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured in the obtained extracts by using an enzyme immunoassay. The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay were directed against the metabolite 11-oxo-etiocholanolone I. We found all three monitored lemur species to respond to specific potentially stressful situations by increasing (p < 0.05) the FGM levels within one to two days after the event. Although housed in the same room, differences in response to potentially stressful situations were found in white-headed lemurs compared to ring-tailed lemurs. Increased mean levels of the FGMs were found more frequently in white-headed lemurs than in ring-tailed lemurs. The results suggest that this species may be more sensitive to changes in its surroundings. In general, the levels of the FGMs showed a similar pattern during 30 days of monitoring suggesting that all groups of lemurs responded in a similar manner to the same events. However, we recorded the differences in the absolute values of glucocorticoid concentrations between the monitored species likely due to the differences in sex ratios in the groups and presence of lactating females in the ring-tailed lemurs.
Human–Wildlife Conflicts in Krakow City, Southern Poland
Authors: Basak Sayantani M. , Wierzbowska Izabela A. , Gajda Agnieszka , Czarnoleski Marcin , Lesiak Maciej , Widera Elzbieta
Published: June 2020

Efforts to reduce human-wildlife-conflict are integral to wildlife management and conservation in urban habitats. In our study, we identified the HWC situations in urban areas of Krakow city, based on animal-vehicle collisions, intrusion to property, and damages. Hot spot analysis and Moran’s Index were used to identify the location of maximum potential conflict. We analysed 2512 incidents in which animals (of which 85% included mammals and 15% birds) were involved in conflict situations between 2007 and 2013. A significant seasonal variation was observed among the animals. We also identified roe deer (50.23%), red fox (22.80%) and wild boar (11.40%), as the three prominent conflicted animals. Getis–Ord Gi* analysis was used to identify spatial clusters of conflict. A significant spatial association was found in the location of clusters of hot spots in specific land-use based on Moran’s Index. Hot spots of roe deer and wild boar were high in grasslands and in forest and for red fox in built-up area. The results underscore the notion that conservation and wildlife management efforts must take into account differences in the seasonality of HWC among species. This information can be used to inform mitigation strategies.
Transcriptome Functional Analysis of Mammary Gland of Cows in Heat Stress and Thermoneutral Condition
Authors: Yue Shuangming , Wang Zhisheng , Wang Lizhi , Peng Quanhui , Xue Bai
Published: June 2020

Heat stress (HS) exerts significant effects on the production of dairy animals through impairing health and biological functions. However, the molecular mechanisms related to the effect of HS on dairy cow milk production are still largely unknown. The present study employed an RNA-sequencing approach to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with a decline in milk production by the functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in mammary glands of cows exposed to HS and non-heat-stressed cows. The results of the current study reveal that HS increases the rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Cows under HS result in decreased bodyweight, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield. In the current study, a total of 213 genes in experimental cow mammary glands was identified as being differentially expressed by DEGs analysis. Among identified genes, 89 were upregulated, and 124 were downregulated. Gene Ontology functional analysis found that biological processes, such as immune response, chaperone-dependent refolding of protein, and heat shock protein binding activity, were notably affected by HS. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis found that almost all of the top-affected pathways were related to immune response. Under HS, the expression of heat shock protein 90 kDa beta I (HSP90B1) and heat shock 70 kDa protein 1A was upregulated, while the expression of bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA) and histocompatibility complex, class II, DRB3 (BoLA-DRB3) was downregulated. We further explored the effects of HS on lactation-related genes and pathways and found that HS significantly downregulated the casein genes. Furthermore, HS increased the expression of phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin, cytosolic arginine sensor for mTORC1 subunit 2 (CASTOR2), and cytosolic arginine sensor for mTORC1 subunit 1 (CASTOR1), but decreased the phosphorylation of Janus kinase-2, a signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-5. Based on the findings of DMI, milk yield, casein gene expression, and the genes and pathways identified by functional annotation analysis, it is concluded that HS adversely affects the immune function of dairy cows. These results will be beneficial to understand the underlying mechanism of reduced milk yield in HS cows.
Predicting Productive Performance in Grow-Finisher Pigs Using Birth and Weaning Body Weight
Authors: Camp Montoro Jordi , Manzanilla Edgar Garcia , Solà-Oriol David , Muns Ramon , Gasa Josep , Clear Oliver , Calderón Díaz Julia Adriana
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of birth and weaning body weight (BW) on performance indicators of grow-finisher pigs and (2) estimate birth and weaning BW cut-off values in order to identify slow growing pigs (SGP). Pigs (n = 144) were classified as SMALL (0.9 ± 0.13 kg) or BIG (1.4 ± 0.20 kg) at birth and re-classified as SMALL (5.4 ± 1.6 kg) or BIG (6.3 ± 1.91 kg) at weaning. Individual BW was recorded bi-weekly, and feed intake was recorded on a daily basis. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and days to target slaughter weight (TSW) were calculated. SMALL–SMALL pigs had lower ADG (p < 0.05) requiring 167.1 days (i.e., 14.2 extra days) to TSW (p < 0.05) compared with BIG pigs at birth and/or weaning. However, FCR was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Pigs weaned at <3.7 kg BW would likely be SGP. Pigs born at ≥1.1 kg BW or weaned at ≥6.4 kg BW are more likely to reach TSW at 22 weeks of age. The results suggest that birth BW might not be the best predictor for subsequent performance, as some small-born pigs were able to catch up with their bigger counterparts. The cut-off values identified could be used to design specific management and nutritional strategies for SGP.
Effect of Feeding Improved Grass Hays and Eragrostis tef Straw Silage on Milk Yield, Nitrogen Utilization, and Methane Emission of Lactating Fogera Dairy Cows in Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuriaw Shigdaf , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi , Tegegne Firew , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Tassew Asaminew , Mekuriaw Yeshambel , Walie Misganaw , Tsubo Mitsuru , Okuro Toshiya , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Meseret Mulugeta , Sam Laiju , Fievez Veerle
Published: June 2020

The nutritionally imbalanced poor-quality diet feeding is the major constraint of dairy production in tropical regions. Hence, alternative high-quality roughage-based diets are required to improve milk yield and reduce methane emission (CH4). Thus, we tested the effects of feeding natural pasture hay, improved forage grass hays (Napier and Brachiaria Hybrid), and treated crop residues (Eragrostis tef straw) on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, nitrogen balance, and methane emission. The eight lactating Fogera cows selected for the experiment were assigned randomly to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Cows were housed in well-ventilated individual pens and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. The four roughage-based basal dietary treatments supplemented with formulated concentrate were: Control (natural pasture hay (NPH)); treated teff straw silage (TTS); Napier grass hay (NGH); and Brachiaria hybrid grass hay (BhH). Compared with the control diet, the daily milk yield increased (p < 0.01) by 31.9%, 52.9%, and 71.6% with TTS, NGH, and BhH diets, respectively. Cows fed BhH had the highest dry matter intake (8.84 kg/d), followed by NGH (8.10 kg/d) and TTS (7.71 kg/d); all of these intakes were greater (p = 0.01) than that of NPH (6.21 kg/d). Nitrogen digestibility increased (p < 0.01) from the NPH diet to TTS (by 27.7%), NGH (21.7%), and BhH (39.5%). The concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen was higher for cows fed NGH than other diets (p = 0.01) and positively correlated with plasma urea nitrogen concentration (R² = 0.45). Feeding TTS, NGH, and BhH hay as a basal diet changed the nitrogen excretion pathway from urine to feces, which can help protect against environmental pollution. Estimated methane yields per dry matter intake and milk yield were decreased in dairy cows fed BhH, NGH, and TTS diets when compared to cows fed an NPH diet (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding of TTS, NGH, and BhH roughages as a basal diet to lactating dairy cows in tropical regions improved nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and reduced enteric methane emission.
Evaluation of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus Probiotics as Alternative Therapy for Salmonella typhimurium Infection in Broiler Chickens
Authors: El-Sharkawy Hanem , Tahoun Amin , Rizk Amira M. , Suzuki Tohru , Elmonir Walid , Nassef Eldsokey , Shukry Mustafa , Germoush Mousa O. , Farrag Foad , Bin-Jumah May , Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: June 2020

Chicken Salmonella enterica serovars are enteric bacteria associated with massive public health risks and economic losses. There is a widespread antimicrobial resistance among S. enterica serotypes, and innovative solutions to antibiotic resistance are needed. We aimed to use probiotics to reduce antibiotic resistance and identify the major probiotic players that modify the early interactions between S. enterica and host cells. One-day-old cobb broiler chicks were challenged with S. typhimurium after oral inoculation with different probiotic strains for 3 days. The adherence of different probiotic strains to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells was studied in vitro. Lactobacillus (Lacticaseibacillus) casei ATTC334 and Bifidobacterium breve JCM1192 strains attached to Caco-2 cells stronger than B. infantis BL2416. L. casei ATTC334 and B. breve JCM1192 reduced S. typhimurium recovery from the cecal tonsils by competitive exclusion mechanism. Although B. infantis BL2416 bound poorly to Caco-2 epithelial cells, it reduced S. typhimurium recovery and increased IFN-γ and TNF-α production. L. casei ATTC334, B. breve JCM1192 and B. infantis BL2416 improved body weight gain and the food conversion rate in S. typhimurium-infected broilers. B. longum Ncc2785 neither attached to epithelial cells nor induced IFN-γ and TNF-α release and consequently did not prevent S. typhimurium colonization in broiler chickens. In conclusion, probiotics prevented the intestinal colonization of S. typhimurium in infected chickens by competitive exclusion or cytokine production mechanisms.
Penal Sanctioning of Zoophilia in Light of the Legal Status of Animals—A Comparative Analysis of Fifteen European Countries
Authors: Vetter Szilvia , Boros Anita , Ózsvári László
Published: June 2020

The criminal legislation regarding zoophilia and the legal status of animals were examined in 15 European countries. With regard to zoophilia, answers to the following questions were sought: are sexual acts performed with animals and the possession and distribution of animal pornography criminally punishable? Several aspects of the legal status of animals were examined including: (1) is the protection of individual animals included in the constitution, (2) do animals have a special status beyond mere objects, (3) can we find specific legislative provisions that explicitly state that animals are not simply things, and (4) does the legal system also take the “dignity” of animals into consideration. The assessment of zoophilia and the legal status of animals resulted in two country rankings, which the authors compared with each other. The correlation was not significant (p = 0.3147). At the same time, countries with differentiated criminal legislation for zoophilia were also 3.62 times more likely to rank higher in terms of the legal status of animals. The Swiss regulations are exceptional in both respects, while at the other end of the list, Italy does not have specific legislative provisions for either aspect.
Simultaneous Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate, Effective Renal Plasma Flow and Tubular Secretion in Different Poultry Species by Single Intravenous Bolus of Iohexol and Para-Aminohippuric Acid
Authors: Stroobant Lenka , Croubels Siska , Dhondt Laura , Millecam Joske , De Baere Siegrid , Gasthuys Elke , Morrens Joachim , Antonissen Gunther
Published: June 2020

The aim of the current study was to investigate the simultaneous measurement of plasma p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearance as a potential marker to assess effective renal plasma flow (eRPF) and tubular secretion (TS), and the plasma clearance of iohexol (IOH) as a marker of the glomerular filtration rate in poultry species. The PAH was administered intravenously (IV) to broiler chickens, layers, turkeys, Muscovy ducks, and pigeons. Each animal received successively a single bolus dose of 10 mg PAH/kg bodyweight (BW) and 100 mg PAH/kg BW to assess the eRPF and TS, respectively. Simultaneously with both PAH administrations, a single IV bolus of 64.7 mg/kg BW of IOH was administered. A high linear correlation (R2 = 0.79) between eRPF, based on the clearance of the low dose of PAH, and BW was observed for the poultry species. The correlation between TS, based on the clearance of the high dose of PAH, and BW was moderate (R2 = 0.50). Finally, a moderate correlation (R2 = 0.68) was demonstrated between GFR and eRPF and between GFR and TS (R2 = 0.56). This presented pharmacokinetic approach of the simultaneous administration of IOH and PAH enabled a simultaneous evaluation of eRPF/TS and GFR, respectively, in different poultry species.
Mismatch of Glucose Allocation between Different Life Functions in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows
Authors: Habel Jonas , Sundrum Albert
Published: June 2020

Immune cell functions such as phagocytosis and synthesis of immunometabolites, as well as immune cell survival, proliferation and differentiation, largely depend on an adequate availability of glucose by immune cells. During inflammation, the glucose demands of the immune system may increase to amounts similar to those required for high milk yields. Similar metabolic pathways are involved in the adaptation to both lactation and inflammation, including changes in the somatotropic axis and glucocorticoid response, as well as adipokine and cytokine release. They affect (i) cell growth, proliferation and activation, which determines the metabolic activity and thus the glucose demand of the respective cells; (ii) the overall availability of glucose through intake, mobilization and gluconeogenesis; and (iii) glucose uptake and utilization by different tissues. Metabolic adaptation to inflammation and milk synthesis is interconnected. An increased demand of one life function has an impact on the supply and utilization of glucose by competing life functions, including glucose receptor expression, blood flow and oxidation characteristics. In cows with high genetic merits for milk production, changes in the somatotropic axis affecting carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as immune functions are profound. The ability to cut down milk synthesis during periods when whole-body demand exceeds the supply is limited. Excessive mobilization and allocation of glucose to the mammary gland are likely to contribute considerably to peripartal immune dysfunction.
The Effect of Hydrolyzed Insect Meals in Sea Trout Fingerling (Salmo trutta m. trutta) Diets on Growth Performance, Microbiota and Biochemical Blood Parameters
Authors: Mikołajczak Zuzanna , Rawski Mateusz , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Kierończyk Bartosz , Józefiak Damian
Published: June 2020

The present study is the first introduction of hydrolyzed superworm meal in sea trout nutrition. It was conducted to evaluate the effects of inclusion in the diet of hydrolyzed insect meals as a partial replacement for fishmeal on growth performance, feed utilization, organosomatic indices, serum biochemical parameters, gut histomorphology, and microbiota composition of sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta). The experiment was performed on 225 sea trout fingerlings distributed into three groups (3 tanks/treatment, 25 fish/tank). The control diet was fishmeal-based. In the experimental groups, 10% of hydrolyzed mealworm (TMD) and superworm (ZMD) meals were included. The protein efficiency ratio was lower in the TMD and ZMD. Higher organosomatic indices and liver lipid contents were found in the group fed ZMD. The ZMD increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, and decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase. The Aeromonas spp. and Enterococcus spp. populations decreased in the ZMD. The concentrations of the Carnobacterium spp. decreased in the ZMD and TMD, as did that of the Lactobacillus group in the TMD. In conclusion, insect meals may be an alternative protein source in sea trout nutrition, as they yield satisfying growth performance and have the capability to modulate biochemical blood parameters and microbiota composition.