bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined fertilizers versus dolomitic limestone: A comparative study from a forest habitat with Norway spruce
Authors: Kučera Aleš , Rosíková Jana , Pecháček Jan , Dundek Peter , Vavříček Dušan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The research paper with character of case study deals with the influence of amelioration on soil as well as the Norway spruce nutrition and growth, with the focus on dolomitic limestone and combined fertilizer applications. The study was performed in the 7-year-old forest stand (Nízký Jeseník Mountains, Czech Republic, 100% Norway spruce, podzol, mor humus form, slightly undulated slope, 770 m a.s.l.). The soil properties (soil reaction, nutrient status, C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity), the plant nutrition, the plant biomass production and the health status were measured. Neither the expected significant increase in pH due to liming in the root zone nor the increase in calcium and magnesium in the soil was confirmed. In the dolomitic limestone treatment, the highest hydrolytic acidity reaching 260 mmol+/kg, the worst development of assimilatory organs, the growth and health status of individuals were ascertained one year after the usage. The application of combined fertilizers resulted in the highest response in the needle biomass production (0.35 g/100 needles compared to less than 0.30 g/100 needles in the dolomitic limestone treatment), in the potassium and phosphorus nutrition status (suboptimal 4–4.5% of potassium in dolomitic limestone and the control treatment compared to optimal 5.5–7.5% in the combined fertilizers treatments) and simultaneously to the optimization of the health status. Specifically, in forest stands, the effect of dolomitic limestone is rather overestimated and furthermore, chemical amelioration requires the detailed knowledge of the forest site.
Substitution of Norway spruce for Douglas-fir: changes of soil microbial activities as climate change induced shift in species composition – a case study
Authors: Podrázský Vilém , Kupka Ivo , Prknová Hana 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is the most common utilized introduced tree species in the tem-is the most common utilized introduced tree species in the temperate zone, planted in many European countries. Also, in the Czech Republic it represents the most planted exotic species as well. Its planted area exceeds 6,000 ha and represents 0.25% of the forest area of the country. In the last years, this species is supposed as convenient substitution for declining Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stands under current climatic change (extreme drought, bark beetle outbreak). The changed species composition affects also soil dynamic processes, including litter decomposition and transformation. In the presented study, the respiration rate and nitrification intensity were compared in the stand parts dominated by Norway spruce and Douglas-fir in comparable site conditions (410 m a.s.l., 650 mm, 8 ºC, gleyic Luvisol, fresh oak-fir site with Oxalis acetosella, age 97 years). Analyses were performed in laboratory conditions by standard methods determining actual (basal) and potential respiration activity and intensity of ammonia and nitrate ion production. Admixture of Douglas-fir considerably intensified decomposition activities (soil respiration) and profoundly increased the nitrification rate in the surface humus and uppermost mineral soil layer – Ah horizon. Increased interest in the Douglas-fir silviculture needs increased care for forest soil dynamics with respect of nitrogen balance.
Does shelterwood regeneration on natural Scots pine sites under changing environmental conditions represent a viable alternative to traditional clear-cut management?
Authors: Brichta Jakub , Bílek Lukáš , Linda Rostislav , Vítámvás Jan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In the context of climate change, the crucial question is how silvicultural treatments should be modified, in order to reach favourable conditions for initiating natural regeneration of forest stands. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of clear-cutting, basal area reduction (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) and soil preparation (milling cutter, forestry mulcher, brush rake and control variant without soil preparation) on the regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the conditions of natural pine sites (Northern Bohemia). Seedling numbers, heights and crown widths were recorded on transects representing all combinations of stand densities treatments and soil preparations variants three years after the silvicultural operations. Seed traps were installed to determine the numbers of seeds from 2016 to 2018. Soil water potential (Delmhorst Instrument Company) and soil temperature (sensor Pt1000 A–class sensors, EMS Brno) were measured. All variants of soil preparation had higher numbers of seedlings compared to control variant. When comparing stand densities, total numbers of seedlings were the highest in stand density 0.4 (cutter 32,402 ± 34,208 S.D. ind.ha−1; mulcher 26,832 ± 24,088 S.D. ind.ha−1; rake 24,496 ± 22,913 S.D. ind.ha−1). This stand density was also beneficial with respect to seed numbers, seedling characteristics and soil moisture and temperature characteristics. We conclude that shelterwood regeneration on natural Scots pine sites is promising silvicultural approach and may become an important tool in mitigating negative effects of climate change in the future.
Effects of forest disturbance on seasonal soil temperature changes in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland
Authors: Siwek Joanna Paulina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of forest disturbance on seasonal changes in soil temperature in the Tatra Mountains (Poland). In the years 2015–2020 soil temperatures were measured at a depth of 20 cm on north- and south-facing mountain slopes in a catchment where forest was disturbed by hurricane-force winds in 2013 and in a control neighboring woodland catchment. The effect of forest disturbance was manifested first and foremost in an increase in the soil temperature during the summer months – average by 1.8 to 2.4 °C on a south-facing mountain slope – and by about 1 °C on a north-facing slope. The buffer effect of forest on soil temperature can be observed via lower coefficients of correlation between soil temperature and air temperature in a woodland catchment versus a disturbed catchment in the summer. In the winter, the effect of forest disturbance on soil temperature was less pronounced than in the summer. Small differences in soil temperature in the winter between the woodland catchment and the disturbed catchment were associated with the presence of snow cover and its capacity to yield thermal insulation. Good insulation of the soil from the atmosphere generated by snow cover yielded a very weak relationship between soil temperature and air temperature in the winter. In springtime the soil temperature increased the fastest on a south-facing slope in the disturbed catchment while in the autumn season, soil temperatures declined most rapidly on a slope facing north in the disturbed catchment.
Preliminary studies of Volten VR4®
Kaempferia parviflora herb extracts on blood glucose levels in human type-2 diabetes mellitus and its mineral element analysis
Authors: Mohamad Ahmad Sabry , Nordin Muhammad Noor , Ani Ismail Che , Jemberang Johan , Ishak Reezal , Hasan Ahmad Najib , Ahmad Muhammad Imran , Omar Mohd Rahman , Hamzah Roszymah 
Published: February 2022

Summary

Introduction
Volten VR4® capsules containing herb extract of Kaempferia parviflora has been claimed to reduce blood glucose in patients with diabetes.

Objectives
This preliminary study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Volten VR4® on healthy individuals and type-2 diabetes mellitus volunteers. The extracts of 400 mg capsules of Kaempferia parviflora (KP) were used to measure the blood glucose level of 2-hour postprandial.

Methods
The healthy group consists of 15 young adults aged 20-30 with no history of serious diseases, while the diabetic group includes 12 individuals aged 35-75 diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Data were validated through the Willcoxon and Friedman test statistics and error distribution. The investigation was continued to trace the capsules contents of elements using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) techniques.

Results
It has been shown that KP reducing blood sugar levels has been associated with flavonoids and methoxyflavones components. The result specifically showed that consuming VR4® capsules can significantly reduce blood glucose, either at the state of fasting or postprandially. In the study the content of mineral and heavy metal elements in VR4® capsules has been evaluated.

Conclusion
Volten VR4®
Kaempferia parviflora extract is safe to be consumed at a single dose of 400 mg. The study also has shown that the participants are free from adverse reactions and hypoglycaemia.
Phytochemical screening and galactagogic attributes of Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. leaf extract in lactating mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Patra Monoj , Giri Santosh Kumar , Chowdhury Subhas , Pal Jayeeta , Saha Nimai Chandra , Biswas Surjyo Jyoti 
Published: February 2022

Summary

Introduction

Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. [PD] is used as a galactagogue by various tribes in Purulia district, India, lacks a scientific basis.

Objectives
The purpose of the study was to determine whether administration of aqueous leaf extract of P. daemia can increase milk production in lactating mice and encourages development in suckling pups.

Methods
30 lactating mice (n=6 per group) with a minimum of 5 pups each were treated with the aqueous PD extract at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight while the control group was administered with only distilled water. The mice were daily fed with aqueous leaf extract via gavage, which started at day 3 and continued to day 15 post-partum and milk secretion was assessed by the weight-suckle-weight method. The qualitative estimation, UV-vis analysis and GC-MS study of the leaf extract was also done for the presence of phytoconstituents.

Results
Administration of aqueous leaf extract led to a considerable increase in milk production (28.1%) and the pups gained weight substantially (p<0.05) when compared to control. Milk production was enhanced in mice treated with 150 mg/kg b.wt. of leaf extract compared to other doses (p<0.05). The GC-MS analysis of the aqueous leaf extract of P. daemia revealed 20 major peaks, some with small retention time and also revealing presence of several phyto-estrogenic compounds.

Conclusion
The present study effectively demonstrated that aqueous leaf extract of PD enhanced milk production in mice and might be used as an alternative strategy for increasing milk production and can be extrapolated to farm animals and human beings.
Kinetic study on peroxidase inactivation and anthocyanin degradation of black cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv. OG) during blanching
Authors: Ha Ho Thi Ngan , Thuy Nguyen Minh 
Published: February 2022

Summary

Introduction
Blanching is a necessary treatment stage in processing of tomato products to inactivate enzymes. However, it may cause the degradation of nutrients.

Objective
In this study, the kinetics of thermal peroxidase inactivation and anthocyanin degradation in black cherry tomatoes (cv. OG) were determined to predict the quality changes during the blanching.

Methods
Tomatoes were blanched at five levels of temperature (75–95oC) for five time periods (30–150 s).

Results
It was found that as the blanching temperature increased and the blanching time is prolonged, more peroxidase was inactivated and the greater number of anthocyanins was lost. The thermal peroxidase inactivation and anthocyanin degradation showed an apparent first-order reaction with the activation energy of 129.96 kJ/mol and 65.99 kJ/mol, respectively. Peroxidase and anthocyanin in black cherry tomatoes were found to be heat-sensitive.

Conclusion
These kinetic parameters were necessary to select and design appropriate blanching conditions for black cherry tomatoes on larger scale processing.
Amplifier circuit with LM324 operational amplifier Analytical calculation, Octave and Orcad LITE simulation
Authors: Puchianu D.C. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The study determines the time and frequency behavior of the LM324 operational amplifier. It determines the voltage amplification, the amplification given in dB, the waveforms made with the help of the Octave and Orcad Lite simulator and the observation a fairly good correlation between the analytical calculation and the simulation media used.
Electricity Consumption Measurement System Using ESP32
Authors: Gheorghe A.C. , Stan E. , Udroiu I. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The paper proposes the development of an IoT measurement system that offers the user the possibility to monitor and record the electricity consumed by a consumer through the Blynk application. In monitoring electricity one of its most important aspects is the calibration of the sensors used. Accurate and reliable detection is the key factor in measuring and managing electrical equipment. Fundamental physical quantities such as voltage and current are useful for determining all other electrical quantities. The ESP32 development board used to develop the system has 18 channels ADC (analog to digital converter) and supports a Wi-Fi connection at the access point and implicitly to the internet. The developed system can measure the voltage (U), current (I), power consumption (W) and consumption / hour (kWh) of a consumer, in my case for the consumer I used a light bulb with a power given by the manufacturer of 10W. The measured values are displayed on the LCD display of the system or through the Blynk application which also allows the registration of these values for a period of 12 months.
The Equivalent Circuits Thévenin and Norton
Authors: Staniloiu Marius , Popescu Horațiu , Rezmeriţă Georgiana , Iordache Mihai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The main objectives of this paper are to correctly define the equivalent Thévenin and Norton circuits and to presents the complete and exact proof of Thévenin and Norton theorems. These circuits allow the separation of the linear portions of the electronic circuits from the nonlinear ones and in this way the polarization process of the electronic devices becomes much more efficient. When linear and/or nonlinear analyzed circuits have a small number of nonlinear circuit elements, their analysis, synthesis, and simulation are performed much more efficiently if the nonlinear part of the circuit is separated from the linear one. By determining the equivalent Thévenin or Norton circuits in relation to the load to connected terminals of a system with two or more magnetic coupled coils, that are part of the wireless power transfer systems, optimal load parameters are determined so that the maximum active power is transmitted to the load.
Reactive Power Management in a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Station: A Case-Study
Authors: Cazacu Emil , Groşanu Dan-Valeriu , Petrescu Lucian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The paper presents an applicative study on the power quality and energy efficiency operation for a photovoltaic power station with an installed capacity of 8.5 MW. The various operating regimes of the main network elements within the investigated photovoltaic plant are qualitatively and quantitatively. The reactive power flow in the plant that is permanently connected to the grid is especially examined. Thus, the losses within the power transformers and medium voltage cables in the plant are calculated due to the imposed by the load (often deforming and unbalanced regimes). In this manner, opportunities are identified to increase the energy efficiency of the entire system but also methods to improve the quality of energy delivered at the point of its connection to the local energy system.
Characterization of traditional healers in the mountain forest region of Kahuzi-Biega, South-Kivu, DR Congo
Authors: Shalukoma Chantal , Duez Pierre , Bigirimana Joseph , Bogaert Jan , Stévigny Caroline , Pongombo Célestin , Visser Marjolein 
Published: February 2022

Description of the subject. Several ethnobotanical studies have demonstrated links between traditional medicine practices and the ethnicity and geographical location of healers, while many others have concluded the opposite. This study deals with the typology of traditional healers in the mountain region of Kahuzi-Biega. Objectives. The goal is to understand whether the typology of traditional healers is related to their inter-ethnic and inter-zonal differences, based on diseases treated and plants used. Method. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted using the “PSSVV” method. This involved 88 traditional healers recognized as “specialists” in 33 villages adjacent to the forest of Kahuzi-Biega, in DR Congo. Multivariate analysis (clustering, ordination, Mantel test, IndVal) were applied to establish typologies of traditional healers. Results. Multivariate analyses showed that ethnicity and geographical location did not explain the practices and knowledge of healers. However, by using the IndVal method, differences were observed in their degree of specialization. Non-specialized healers (70%) could be distinguished from specialized healers (30%). Two clear groups of specialists emerged; those who treat bone trauma and those who treat obstetric-gynecological complaints. The Mantel correlation test revealed a positive association (r = 0.134, p < 0.05) between the “healers-plants” and “healers-diseases” matrices. This indicates that healers who treat similar diseases use similar herbs. Both typologies have shown their preferences for forest species (81%), especially trees (51%). Conclusions. This exploratory study suggests that traditional healers are characterized based on their specializations. This result helps in creating strategies to preserve local traditional knowledge and apply it to the conservation of species.
Diagnostic de contamination des agrosystèmes périurbains de Dakar par les éléments traces métalliques
Authors: Hodomihou Nounagnon Richard , Feder Frédéric , Masse Dominique , Agbossou Kossi Euloge , Amadji Guillaume Lucien , Ndour-Badiane Yacine , Doelsch Emmanuel 
Published: February 2022

Description du sujet. Le maraichage est particulièrement développé au sein de l’agriculture urbaine et périurbaine dans la région de Dakar. L’application répétée de matières organiques dans ces agrosystèmes engendre sur le long terme de forts apports d’éléments traces métalliques (ETM). Objectifs. L’objectif est de diagnostiquer la contamination en ETM de ces agrosystèmes. Méthode. Pour quatre sites, nous comparons les teneurs en Cu, Zn, Pb et Cd des parcelles cultivées depuis longtemps et des parcelles connexes non cultivées, dans les couches de sol travaillées et en profondeur. Résultats. Les deux types de sols présents (Arénosol et Fluvisol) sont caractérisés par des fonds pédogéochimiques en ETM significativement différents. Dans les couches de sol 0-20 et 20-40 cm des quatre sites étudiés, les teneurs en ETM sont significativement plus élevées (p < 0,05) dans les parcelles cultivées que dans les parcelles non cultivées. Les Arénosols présentent des teneurs en ETM significativement supérieures (p < 0,05) aux Fluvisols excepté pour le Cd. Les contaminations en Cu, Zn et Pb pour l’Arénosol cultivé s’expliquent par les apports fréquents de boues de station d’épuration, de fientes de volaille ainsi que par l’irrigation avec des eaux usées partiellement traitées. Les contaminations en Cd pour le Fluvisol résultent des apports réguliers de phosphates naturels et s’observent sur tout le profil de sol. Conclusions. La réalisation d’analyses de sols et de matières organiques permettrait d’ajuster les quantités apportées et ainsi de réduire la contamination par les ETM de ces agrosystèmes.
Isolation and screening of Weissella strains for their potential use as starter during attiéké production
Authors: Assamoi Allah Antoine , Krabi Ekoua Regina , Ehon Ayawovi Fafadzi , N’guessan Georges Amani , Niamké Lamine Sébastien , Thonart Philippe 
Published: February 2022

Description of the subject. Variability observed in sensory characteristics of “attiéké” results from an uncontrolled fermentation process due to the use of artisanal starters. Objectives. This study aims to screen microbial strains for their use during fermentation of cassava dough into attieké. Method. Technological properties of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisanal starters were highlighted in vitro, and these LAB were identified as either Weissella cibaria or Weissella confusa by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Results. The three Weissella isolates Wc 69, Wc 21 and Wc 114 induced in less than 42 h a decrease below 4.2 (main food safety factor) of the initial pH of MRS (de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe) broth. These strains are osmotolerant, present alpha-amylase activity and ferment the indigestible sugar raffinose. Moreover isolates Wc 114 and Wc 69 are thermotolerant, while Wc 114 presents a pectinase activity necessary for cassava dough softening. Conclusions. Considering their technological properties, the three isolated Weissella strains could be suitable in optimizing and standardizing the quality of attieké.
A review on the complexity of insect-plant interactions under varying levels of resources and host resistance: the case of Myzus persicae-Prunus persica
Authors: Verdugo Jaime A. , Francis Frédéric , Ramírez Claudio C. 
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Insect-plant interactions are affected directly or indirectly by stress factors. The effect of environmental resource availability on insect-plant interactions is here reviewed. Subsequently, the analysis focuses on aphid-host plant interactions, particularly in the system composed by the green peach aphid Myzus persicae and its primary host plant Prunus persica. Literature. Plant defenses arise in two ways: resistance and tolerance, both are affected by abiotic factors. The information gathered from studies (n = 29) on plant-aphid interactions addressing the reduction in water availability on plant resistance, showed that in 41,4% of the studies, drought stress elicits lower resistance, while 34.5%, 20.1% and 3.4%, showed higher, no change and conditional effects on plant resistance, respectively. Conclusions. Water stress elicits mixed effects on plant resistance to aphids. However, the literature review also suggests that cultural practices play a role in the fate of the peach-aphid interactions, whereas the development of predictive models aimed to assist crop-pest management systems still requires more basic information. Aphid responses to plant defenses under stressed conditions are still largely unexplored.