FN Clarivate Analytics Web of Science VR 1.0 PT J AU Berglund, L Breedveld, L Oksman, K AF Berglund, Linn Breedveld, Leo Oksman, Kristiina TI Toward eco-efficient production of natural nanofibers from industrial residue: Eco-design and quality assessment SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Conversion of bio-based industrial residues into high value-added products such as natural nanofibers is advantageous from an environmental and economic perspective, promoting resource efficiency along with the utilization of renewable materials. However, in order to employ the benefits of the raw material; its eco-efficient production should further be developed. Within this context, eco-design optimization through life cycle assessment (LCA) combined with life cycle costing (LCC) were applied to target ecoefficient production of natural nanofibers from carrot residue, along with quality assessment. The initial production steps included pretreatment combined mechanical nanofibrillation via ultrafine grinding, where the largest contributors to the environmental impact were identified as chemicals and energy. These were targeted by omitting the alkali pretreatment step and instead applying direct bleaching prior to nanofibrillation. After eco-design optimization, the yield increased while the energy, chemical, and water use significantly decreased. Therefore, a reduced environmental impact of more than 75% each for carbon footprint, freshwater ecotoxicity, and human toxicity was shown, along with a cost reduction of more than 50%. The use of carrot residue displayed an efficient conversion into natural nanofibers that was further promoted with the use of eco-design, yet with sustained functionality and nanoscaled dimensions, thus promoting resource-efficiency and natural nanofiber implementation in a wide range of promising bio-based applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 120274 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120274 UT WOS:000520953200122 ER PT J AU Izar-Tenorio, J Jaramillo, P Griffin, WM Small, M AF Izar-Tenorio, Jorge Jaramillo, Paulina Griffin, W. Michael Small, Mitchell TI Impacts of projected climate change scenarios on heating and cooling demand for industrial broiler chicken farming in the Eastern U.S SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Industrial poultry production is a resource-intensive activity due to specific indoor temperature requirements to ensure optimal chicken growth. The energy consumption to maintain this ideal microclimate demands substantial operating expenses that are subject to climate conditions. As such, energy demand for heating and cooling (HVAC) for commercial broiler chicken production may be influenced by increased temperatures that occur due to climate change. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of climate change on future HVAC demands in a typical commercial broiler house in the Eastern U.S. To estimate such demands, we developed a simplified thermodynamic model that uses downscaled air temperature as input. These inputs stemmed from twenty General Circulation Models (GCM) for business-as-usual (RCP 8.5) and moderate (RCP 4.5) climate change scenarios. Our results indicate that increased temperatures from climate change scenarios by mid-century will increase energy demand for cooling by 5.5 +/- 1.8% (RCP 4.5) and 6.6 +/- 2.1% (RCP 8.5), and reduce energy demand for heating by 9.0 +/- 3.2% (RCP 4.5) and 10.3 +/- 3.7% (RCP 8.5) with respect to 2018. Furthermore, our results suggest that warmer temperatures under climate change will substantially increase water withdrawals for evaporative cooling. However, there may be a point where cooling pads may not be efficient enough to cool down chickens and other innovative alternatives may be required. Such changes could include the use of air conditioning units, which would further increase electricity demand. Efficiency improvements that could mitigate some of the negative changes in energy demand could include increasing the size of the house, modifying the production schedule to minimize energy use, and adding insulation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 120306 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120306 UT WOS:000520953200068 ER PT J AU Liu, YX Zhang, R Zhao, WW Wang, S Fu, BJ AF Liu, Yanxu Zhang, Rui Zhao, Wenwu Wang, Shuai Fu, Bojie TI Comparison between tourists' and inhabitants' willingness to pay for nature in the Tibetan Plateau SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Payment for ecosystem services (PES) links social and ecological outcomes from a stakeholder's view and is an important angle in ecosystem service valuations. In considering spatial ecosystem services flows, a geographical perspective on assessments of ecosystem services is required in PES studies. This study analyzed 2445 face-to-face questionnaires for both tourists and inhabitants on the topic of willingness to pay (WTP) for nature in the Tibetan Plateau. Six ecosystem services were used to represent nature's contributions to people, including water conservation, soil retention, carbon fixation, pollution decomposition, biodiversity conservation, and aesthetics. Then, the ecosystem management attitudes and related factors of China's tourists were linked in 7 of China's geographical regions. The results show that inhabitants in the Tibetan Plateau pay the most on the top limit of payment (882 CNY/year); water conservation is the service with the highest value (177-248 CNY/year), and the natural aesthetic has the lowest value (99-127 CNY/year). The subjective indicators link the payments much more closely than the objective indicators as a higher willingness and knowledge of the Tibetan Plateau locals increases their willingness to pay more. The regional potential linkages between indicators and ecosystem management attitudes are inconsistent, and the highest difference is between the opinions of inhabitants and tourists. Chinese tourists' valuations of ecosystem services are culturally shared, since the regional differences in both the payment amounts and ecosystem management attitudes are not obvious. The findings can provide an understanding of the relational values of ecosystem services, as well as publicizing ecosystem management in the Tibetan Plateau. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Fu, Bojie/B-1493-2009 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 120219 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120219 UT WOS:000520953200034 ER PT J AU Navarrete-Molina, C Meza-Herrera, CA Herrera-Machuca, MA Macias-Cruz, U Veliz-Deras, FG AF Navarrete-Molina, C. Meza-Herrera, C. A. Herrera-Machuca, M. A. Macias-Cruz, U. Veliz-Deras, F. G. TI Not all ruminants were created equal: Environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of goats under a marginal-extensive production system SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Globally, while the livestock sector contributes significantly to the environmental impact (El), it faces some key challenges such as to increase production to cover increased demand, to adapt to highly variable natural and economic scenarios, and to enhance its eco-environmental performance. Such complex scenarios require a comprehensive evaluation of the El considering the carbon footprint (CF), the blue water footprint (BWF), the socio-economic sustainability (SES) and their interactions. Hence, the economic value (EV) made by the goat production system (GPS) in the Comarca Lagunera (CL), northernarid Mexico was quantified to compare it with its El and SES (1994-2018). Response variables included the EV of the CF and BWF and the SES of the EV-GPS. The value of each of the variables was adjusted to 2011 euros while indicating the value in United States Dollars (USD) between parentheses. The CL recorded annual averages of 390,427 goats, 64.34 million liters of milk and 3,316.12 tons of meat. When contrasting the EV-GPS [M(sic)18.17 (MUSD 23.47)] with the EV-CF [M(sic) 3.61 (MUSD 4.67); 84.29 kg CO2-eq kg milk-meat protein(-1), MMP-1] + EV-BWF [M(sic) 2.48 (MUSD 3.20); 462.99 [H2O kg MMP-1 )], a positive balance was observed. The accumulated GPS-CL economic spillover effect was M(sic) 454.23 (MUSD 586.83), 5.79 million minimum wages (MW) yearly and close to 400,000 MW during the studied period. The GPS is highly eco-efficient considering both the CF and the transformation of the BWF into animal protein (milk-meat) with an undisputable biological value. Besides, the greater the economic and productive efficiency of the GPS, the better the socio-economic conditions of the producer and his family, with concomitant decreases in both the index and degree of marginalization of families and municipalities where goat production develops. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Navarrete-Molina, Cayetano/0000-0001-7867-2745 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 120237 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120237 UT WOS:000520953200081 ER PT J AU Yalcinkaya, S AF Yalcinkaya, Sedat TI A spatial modeling approach for siting, sizing and economic assessment of centralized biogas plants in organic waste management SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Disposal of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) at landfills and direct application of livestock manure onto soil are often restricted by regulations due to environmental concerns. These regulations require the application of different technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, in the management of OFMSW and livestock manure, and creates an opportunity for resource recovery. Since these waste sources are geographically dispersed, siting and sizing of resource recovery facilities to minimize transfer distances are critical for the sustainable management of these waste. This study aims to investigate the sizing, siting, and economic feasibility of municipality owned centralized biogas plants in the management of OFMSW and livestock manure through application of spatial modeling. A stepwise land suitability analysis was performed to determine potential plant sites followed by a location-allocation analysis to analyze siting, sizing and transportation costs for increasing number of plants. Finally, an economic assessment was conducted to compare unit cost of electric energy and existing feed-in tariff for biogas plants. The methodology was applied to the city of Izmir in Turkey. 8 biogas plants could be built in Izmir with a total installation size of 92 MWe and 10 $ cent/kWh unit cost of electric energy. This study represents an important step in the establishment of a local decision support system in Turkey for the utilization of regional bioenergy sources, and organic waste management. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Yalcinkaya, Sedat/AAF-1136-2020 OI Yalcinkaya, Sedat/0000-0003-3062-2698 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 120040 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120040 UT WOS:000520953200019 ER PT J AU Marrero-Rodriguez, N Garcia-Romero, L Sanchez-Garcia, MJ Hernandez-Calvento, L Espino, EPC AF Marrero-Rodriguez, Nestor Garcia-Romero, Levi Jose Sanchez-Garcia, Maria Hernandez-Calvento, Luis Perez-Chacon Espino, Emma TI An historical ecological assessment of land-use evolution and observed landscape change in an arid aeolian sedimentary system SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Coastal areas worldwide are undergoing major changes and degradation due to a set of combined natural and anthropogenic stressors. In arid aeolian sedimentary systems these changes can be even more acute given their sensitivity to perturbances in landscape dynamics. While in many such areas recent (20 year) observations have been made regarding measurable differences in dune coverage and stability, few studies have assessed and quantified the long-term relationships of transitioning exploitation and land-use changes in order to fully evaluate their importance. Land management, therefore, does not always benefit from the more holistic picture that a combined deeper time historical ecology and geographical approach provides and can contribute to decision making. The Jandia isthmus, in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain) presented an ideal field laboratory in which to assess these phenomena in actual conditions and test a combined methodology using historical and current sources (historical documents, aerial photographs, orthophotos, LiDAR data, field work and oral sources). By doing so, different phases of land exploitation associated with changing land ownership were identified and the consequences of each on the dune system assessed. It is concluded that the transition from traditional land uses (livestock and fuel extraction) to more recent ones (aggregate extraction, construction of new roads and urbantouristic resorts, and some recreational uses) has altered aeolian sedimentary transport, inducing stabilization of the landforms, as well as producing significant changes in the vegetation. The wider application of this type of study can benefit the many other areas worldwide that are facing similar pressures. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Hernandez Calvento, Luis F./R-5176-2018 OI Hernandez Calvento, Luis F./0000-0002-4948-7230; Marrero-Rodriguez, Nestor/0000-0002-1173-7855; Garcia-Romero, Levi/0000-0002-4985-9073 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 716 AR 137087 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137087 UT WOS:000519987300010 PM 32036127 ER PT J AU McDevitt, B McLaughlin, MC Vinson, DS Geeza, TJ Blotevogel, J Borch, T Warner, NR AF McDevitt, Bonnie McLaughlin, Molly C. Vinson, David S. Geeza, Thomas J. Blotevogel, Jens Borch, Thomas Warner, Nathaniel R. TI Isotopic and element ratios fingerprint salinization impact from beneficial use of oil and gas produced water in the Western US SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Salinization of global freshwater resources is a concerning health and economic issue of the 21st century and requires serious management and study to understand how, and by what mechanism, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is changing in major watersheds. Oil and gas (O&G) produced water is a complex and saline (10-300 g/L TDS) wastewater often disposed to surface waters post-treatment. However, in western US. states, beneficial use of minimally treated O&G produced water discharged to ephemeral streams is permitted through the USEPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for agriculture and wildlife propagation. In a remote Wyoming study region, beneficial use of O&G NPDES effluents annually contributes 13 billion L of water to surface water resources. The primary O&G TDS constituents are sulfate and sodium followed by chloride and calcium. Significant TDS increases from 2013 to 2016 in a large perennial river (River C) impacted by O&G effluent disposal, slight TDS increases in a perennial river (River B) and chronically elevated TDS (upwards of 2500 mg/L) in a smaller tributary (Tributary A) comprised mainly of CMG effluents led to an investigation of O&G impacts to surface waters in the region. Chloride-normalized metal ratios such as Br/Cl and delta H-2 and delta O-18 distinguished evaporation as the mechanism for increasing TDS derived from O&G on Tributary A. which is causing O&G effluents that meet NPDES regulations to not only exceed outfall regulations downstream where it is beneficially used for irrigation and drinking water but also exceed aquatic life and livestock recommended limits. Sr-87/Sr-86 and delta S-34(SO4) suggested minor impacts from O&G TDS loading on River C but also support an additional salinity source, such as streambed geological controls, the cause of significantly increasing TDS. While lithium isotopes provided insight into the O&G effluent origin (delta Li-7 ranged 9-10%.) and water-sediment interactions along O&G effluent streams, they did not function as distinct salinity tracers in the larger downstream rivers. This study suggests a multi-isotope (Sr-87/Sr-86 and delta S-34(SO4)) approach is often necessary for fingerprinting salinization sources and determining best management practices because multiple salinity sources and environmental mechanisms may need to be identified to protect water quality. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI Warner, Nathaniel/0000-0002-6434-5118 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD MAY 10 PY 2020 VL 716 AR 137006 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137006 UT WOS:000519987300093 PM 32069772 ER PT J AU du Toit, JCO O'Connor, TG AF du Toit, Justin C. O. O'Connor, Timothy G. TI Long-term influence of season of grazing and rainfall on vegetation in the eastern Karoo, South Africa SO AFRICAN JOURNAL OF RANGE & FORAGE SCIENCE AB In the Nama-Karoo, South Africa, rainfall and grazing by livestock are two important drivers of botanical composition. Summer rains are advantageous particularly to the grass layer, whereas the characteristic dwarf shrubs survive better than grasses during drought, and benefit from rainfall during cool months. Heavy grazing by livestock during summer reduces the abundance of grasses, whereas winter grazing increases it. This study examined the influences of season of grazing (summer vs winter) and rainfall on botanical composition at two long-term grazing trials at Grootfontein in the eastern Karoo from 1949 to 1967. Severe summer grazing strongly reduced grass abundance and slightly increased the abundance of both palatable and unpalatable dwarf shrubs. High previous-season rainfall strongly promoted short-lived grasses. Dwarf shrubs and grasses declined in response to a decline in annual rainfall over the study period, except for the creeping grass Tragus koelerioides that increased in abundance, possibly in response to decreased competition and an increase in available gaps in the vegetation layer. Results indicate that grazing systems that exclude repeated summer-only grazing maintain ecological health, and that rainfall is the main driver of composition unless extreme grazing systems are employed. SN 1022-0119 EI 1727-9380 DI 10.2989/10220119.2020.1725122 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000533707300001 ER PT J AU Wang, XS Zhou, L Li, MX Luo, Y Yang, TY Wu, TL Li, XL Jin, KJ Guo, EJ Wang, LF Bai, XD Zhang, WF Guo, HZ AF Wang, XiaoShuo Zhou, Liang Li, MengXin Luo, Yi Yang, TieYing Wu, TianLi Li, XiaoLong Jin, Kui-Juan Guo, Er-Jia Wang, LiFen Bai, XueDong Zhang, WeiFeng Guo, HaiZhong TI Surface protonation and oxygen evolution activity of epitaxial La1-xSrxCoO3 thin films SO SCIENCE CHINA-PHYSICS MECHANICS & ASTRONOMY AB As an alternative electrode material, transition metal oxides are promising candidates due to multivalent nature and oxygen vacancies present in the structure with facilitate redox reactions. The aim of this study is to explore the intrinsic mechanism of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) using two-dimensional thin film La1-xSrxCoO3 electrode as a model. Herein, we report a planar two-dimensional model La1-xSrxCoO3 electrode grown on a Nb-SrTiO3 single-crystal substrate via pulsed laser deposition. The two-dimensional La1-xSrxCoO3 films offer different oxygen evolution activities at different pH electrolyte solutions. The mechanisms behind the variations of the oxygen evolution activity were discussed after comparing the oxygen evolution activity before and after treatments of the electrodes and measurements by various test methods. The results of this study offer a promising, low-cost electrode material for the efficient OER and a sustainable production of hydrogen fuel. SN 1674-7348 EI 1869-1927 PD MAY 9 PY 2020 VL 63 IS 9 AR 297011 DI 10.1007/s11433-019-1508-2 UT WOS:000532722700001 ER PT J AU Aryal, JP Sapkota, TB Rahut, DB Krupnik, TJ Shahrin, S Jat, ML Stirling, CM AF Aryal, Jeetendra Prakash Sapkota, Tek Bahadur Rahut, Dil Bahadur Krupnik, Timothy J. Shahrin, Sumona Jat, M. L. Stirling, Clare M. TI Major Climate risks and Adaptation Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Coastal Bangladesh SO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Rural households in South Asia's coastal deltas face numerous livelihood challenges, including risks posed by climatic variability and extreme weather events. This study examines major climate risks, farmers' adaptation strategies, and the factors affecting the choice of those strategies using data collected from 630 households in southwestern coastal Bangladesh. Farmers identified cyclones, excessive rain and flooding, and salinity as direct climate risks. Increased crop diseases/pests and livestock diseases were perceived as indirect risks resulting from climatic variability. Farmers used multiple adaptation strategies against those risks such as modifications in farm management, use of savings and borrowing funds from family and neighbors, and periodically reducing household food consumption. Off-farm employment and seeking assistance from governmental as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also common adaptation strategies. The results show that male-headed households are more likely to change farming practices and reduce consumption compared with female-headed households that conversely tended to take assistance from NGOs as an adaptation strategy. Ownership of land and livestock, as well as farmers' prior exposure to climate change and educational training, also had a significant effect on the choice of adaptation strategy. Therefore, development interventions and policies that aimed at improving resource endowment and training to farmers on climatic risks and their adaptation strategies can help minimize the impact of climatic risks. OI Aryal, Jeetendra/0000-0002-9128-5739; Rahut, Dil Bahadur/0000-0002-7505-5271 SN 0364-152X EI 1432-1009 PD JUL PY 2020 VL 66 IS 1 BP 105 EP 120 DI 10.1007/s00267-020-01291-8 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000531205600001 PM 32388655 ER PT J AU Freitas, PP Hampton, JG Rolston, MP Glare, TR Miller, PP Card, SD AF Freitas, Priscila P. Hampton, John G. Rolston, M. Phil Glare, Travis R. Miller, Poppy P. Card, Stuart D. TI A Tale of Two Grass Species: Temperature Affects the Symbiosis of a Mutualistic Epichloe Endophyte in Both Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass SO FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE AB Many cool-season grasses form permanent, mutualistic symbioses with asexual Epichloe endophytes. These fungal symbionts often perform a protective role within the association as many strains produce secondary metabolites that deter certain mammalian and invertebrate herbivores. Although initially a serious issue for agriculture, due to mammalian toxins that manifested in major animal health issues, selected strains that provide abiotic stress protection to plants with minimal ill effects to livestock are now commercialized and routinely used to enhance pasture performance in many farming systems. These fungal endophytes and their grass hosts have coevolved over millions of years, and it is now generally accepted that most taxonomic groupings of Epichloe are confined to forming compatible associations (i.e., symptomless associations) with related grass genera within a tribe. The most desired compounds associated with Epichloe festucae var. lolii, an endophyte species associated with perennial ryegrass, are peramine and epoxy-janthitrems. No other major secondary metabolites with invertebrate bioactivity have been identified within this association. However, other agriculturally beneficial compounds, such as lolines, have been discovered in related endophyte species that form associations with fescue grasses. A rationale therefore existed to develop novel grass-endophyte associations between loline-producing endophytes originally isolated from tall fescue with elite cultivars of perennial ryegrass to achieve a wider spectrum of insect bioactivity. A suitable loline-producing endophyte strain of Epichloe sp. FaTG-3 was selected and inoculated into perennial ryegrass. We hypothesed that endophyte transmission frequency, endophyte mycelial biomass and endophyte-derived alkaloid production would differ between the original tall fescue host and the artificial association. Consistent with our hypothesis, our data strongly suggest that plant species significantly affected the plant-endophyte association. This effect became more apparent for transmission frequency and endophyte biomass as the plants matured. Overall, the viable endophyte infection frequency was greater in the tall fescue host than in perennial ryegrass, at all sampling dates. Additionally, temperature was found to be a significant factor affecting endophyte transmission frequency, endophyte mycelial biomass and alkaloid production. Implications for the development of novel grass-endophyte associations are discussed. OI Card, Stuart/0000-0001-7140-7471 SN 1664-462X PD MAY 8 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 530 DI 10.3389/fpls.2020.00530 UT WOS:000536764700001 PM 32457777 ER PT J AU Guizzo, MG Neupane, S Kucera, M Perner, J Frantova, H Vaz, ID de Oliveira, PL Kopacek, P Zurek, L AF Guizzo, Melina Garcia Neupane, Saraswoti Kucera, Matej Perner, Jan Frantova, Helena Vaz, Itabajara da Silva, Jr. de Oliveira, Pedro L. Kopacek, Petr Zurek, Ludek TI Poor Unstable Midgut Microbiome of Hard Ticks Contrasts With Abundant and Stable Monospecific Microbiome in Ovaries SO FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY AB Culture-independent metagenomic methodologies have enabled detection and identification of microorganisms in various biological systems and often revealed complex and unknown microbiomes. In many organisms, the microbiome outnumbers the host cells and greatly affects the host biology and fitness. Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites with a wide host range. They vector a number of human and animal pathogens and also directly cause major economic losses in livestock. Although several reports on a tick midgut microbiota show a diverse bacterial community, in most cases the size of the bacterial population has not been determined. In this study, the microbiome was quantified in the midgut and ovaries of the ticks Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus microplus before, during, and after blood feeding. Although the size of bacterial community in the midgut fluctuated with blood feeding, it was overall extremely low in comparison to that of other hematophagous arthropods. In addition, the tick ovarian microbiome of both tick species exceeded the midgut 16S rDNA copy numbers by several orders of magnitude. This indicates that the ratio of a tick midgut/ovary microbiome represents an exception to the general biology of other metazoans. In addition to the very low abundance, the tick midgut diversity in I. ricinus was variable and that is in contrast to that found in the tick ovary. The ovary of I. ricinus had a very low bacterial diversity and a very high and stable bacterial abundance with the dominant endosymbiont, Midichloria sp. The elucidation of this aspect of tick biology highlights a unique tissue-specific microbial-invertebrate host interaction. RI Zurek, Ludek/O-4813-2018 SN 2235-2988 PD MAY 8 PY 2020 VL 10 AR 211 DI 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00211 UT WOS:000536759600001 PM 32457850 ER PT J AU Zeng, XQ Xu, T Ling, ZH Wang, YL Li, XF Xu, SQ Xu, QJ Zha, S Qimei, WM Basang, YZ Dunzhu, JB Yu, MZ Yuan, HJ Nyima, T AF Zeng, Xingquan Xu, Tong Ling, Zhihao Wang, Yulin Li, Xiangfeng Xu, Shuqing Xu, Qijun Zha, Sang Qimei, Wangmu Basang, Yuzhen Dunzhu, Jiabu Yu, Mingzhai Yuan, Hongjun Nyima, Tashi TI An improved high-quality genome assembly and annotation of Tibetan hulless barley SO SCIENTIFIC DATA AB Hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum) is a barley variety that has loose husk cover of the caryopses. Because of the ease in processing and edibility, hulless barley has been locally cultivated and used as human food. For example, in Tibetan Plateau, hulless barley is the staple food for human and essential livestock feed. Although the draft genome of hulless barley has been sequenced, the assembly remains fragmented. Here, we reported an improved high-quality assembly and annotation of the Tibetan hulless barley genome using more than 67X PacBio long-reads. The N50 contig length of the new assembly is at least more than 19 times larger than other available barley assemblies. The new genome assembly also showed high gene completeness and high collinearity of genome synteny with the previously reported barley genome. The new genome assembly and annotation will not only remove major hurdles in genetic analysis and breeding of hulless barley, but will also serve as a key resource for studying barley genomics and genetics. EI 2052-4463 PD MAY 8 PY 2020 VL 7 IS 1 AR 139 DI 10.1038/s41597-020-0480-0 UT WOS:000533426000001 PM 32385314 ER PT J AU Mohssine, E Bakhchou, S Odoux, JF AF Mohssine, El Hassania Bakhchou, Salma Odoux, Jean-Francois TI Beekeeping professional organisations in the Fes-Meknes Region in Morocco SO CAHIERS AGRICULTURES AB Moroccan beekeeping is widely supported by the Government. The Region of Fes-Meknes chose to position beekeeping as a lever for rural development. Through a census with regional authorities then interviews with 44 beekeeping groups, our study proposes an approach that is part of a sector diagnosis. The data collected reveal the importance of cooperatives in collective forms of beekeeping production, and the involvement of rural youth and women in decision-making processes. The heterogeneous beekeeping practices reflect an adaptation of traditional methods to modern techniques, but certain practices, in particular bee health, remain empirical. The initial training of people is an asset for the sector structuration and can also allow a good livestock management by breeders. We emphasized the diversity of honeys to highlight the region's beekeeping potential through varied and continuous floral resources allowing hive moving in order to harvest typical honeys in accordance with the available melliferous potential. Little equipped with stainless steel tools, beekeepers remain demanding in terms of honey houses' equipment. The modest production is largely sold at retail and the packaging is still to be improved for an appropriate recognition of the product. Participation of beekeepers in some shows contributes favourably to building a regional identity image. SN 1166-7699 EI 1777-5949 PD MAY 8 PY 2020 VL 29 AR 12 DI 10.1051/cagri/2020008 UT WOS:000533604900001 ER PT J AU Abdullahi, AL Balogun, EO Yusuf, AB Adepoju, OA Ibrahim, B Gouegni, F Habila, AJ Atawodi, SE Shuaibu, MN Mamman, M Nok, AJ AF Abdullahi, Abubakar Lema Balogun, Emmanuel Oluwadare Yusuf, Aminu Bashir Adepoju, Oluwafemi Abiodun Ibrahim, Bashiru Gouegni, Flore Habila, Amaya Jobin Atawodi, Sunday Eneojo Shuaibu, Mohammed Nasir Mamman, Mohammed Nok, Andrew Jonathan TI Blood of African Hedgehog Atelerix albiventris Contains 115-kDa Trypanolytic Protein that Kills Trypanosoma congolense SO ACTA PARASITOLOGICA AB Introduction Protozoan parasites of the Order Trypanosomatida infect a wide range of multicellular plants and animals, causing devastating and potentially fatal diseases. Trypanosomes are the most relevant members of the order in sub-Saharan Africa because of mortalities and morbidities caused to humans and livestock. Purpose There are growing concerns that trypanosomes are expanding their reservoirs among wild animals, which habours the parasites, withstand the infection, and from which tsetse flies transmit the parasites back to humans and livestock. This study was designed to investigate the potentials of the African hedgehog serving as reservoir for African animal trypanosomes. Methods Five adult hedgehogs alongside five laboratory mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 10(6) and 10(4) of Trypanosoma congolense cells, respectively, and monitored for parasitemia and survival. Serum from twenty hedgehogs was subjected to trypanocidal activity-guided fractionation by successive ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatographies, followed by characterization with Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Hedgehogs were resistant to the infection as no parasite was detected and none died even after 60 days, while all the mice died within 12 days. Both the serum and plasma prepared from hedgehogs demonstrated trypanocidal activity- rapidly killed trypanosomes even when diluted 1000 times. The trypanolytic factor was identified to be proteinaceous with an estimated molecular weight of 115-kDa. Conclusion For the first time, it is here demonstrated that hedgehog blood has significant trypanolytic activity against T. congolense. The potential application of the hedgehog protein for the breeding of trypanosomosis-resistant livestock in tsetse fly belt is discussed. OI Balogun, Emmanuel/0000-0002-2092-0045 SN 1230-2821 EI 1896-1851 DI 10.2478/s11686-020-00211-4 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000531120100001 PM 32385812 ER PT J AU Boronyak, L Jacobs, B Wallach, A AF Boronyak, Louise Jacobs, Brent Wallach, Arian TI Transitioning towards human-large carnivore coexistence in extensive grazing systems SO AMBIO AB In light of escalating threats to biodiversity, conflicts between humans and large carnivores in production landscapes must be resolved. We explore how interactions between humans, large carnivores, and livestock can be modified to promote coexistence. We identify four rationales for building coexistence capacities in extensive rangeland livestock production systems: (1) livestock production is a dominant terrestrial land use; (2) large carnivores provide critical contributions to ecological functions; (3) the persecution of large carnivores has high ethical, welfare, reputational and social costs; and (4) a growing body of evidence shows that lethal control can be counterproductive to reducing predation risk. Two key leverage points to foster human-carnivore coexistence are the adoption of preventive non-lethal innovations, and the creation of an enabling environment. Leverage points must be appropriate at the local landscape scale and contribute towards global efforts to conserve large carnivores. SN 0044-7447 EI 1654-7209 DI 10.1007/s13280-020-01340-w EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000531131900001 PM 32385811 ER PT J AU Uniyal, A Uniyal, SK Rawat, GS AF Uniyal, Anjali Uniyal, Sanjay Kr Rawat, Gopal S. TI Making ecosystem services approach operational: Experiences from Dhauladhar Range, Western Himalaya SO AMBIO AB Payment for ecosystem services (PES) has emerged as a promising tool to participatory natural resource management and sharing of benefits among the stakeholders. However, very few successful models of PES are available for replication. This study deals with an analysis of a PES model currently operational in the Dhauladhar Range, Western Himalaya, where upstream villagers are paid for maintaining the spring-shed that supplies drinking water to the downstream township. To understand the flow of various ecosystem services (ES), institutional mechanism, and governance, we conducted an in-depth analysis of this project. The study identified lack of monitoring and weak governance as factors affecting smooth operation of PES. To revamp the PES model more effectively at the present and new sites in future stakeholder integration, valuation of ES and inputs in terms of capacity building of primary and secondary stakeholders would be critical. SN 0044-7447 EI 1654-7209 DI 10.1007/s13280-020-01332-w EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000531131900004 PM 32385808 ER PT J AU Jahangiri, M Haghani, A Heidarian, S Mostafaeipour, A Raiesi, HA Shamsabadi, AA AF Jahangiri, Mehdi Haghani, Ahmad Heidarian, Shahram Mostafaeipour, Ali Raiesi, Heidar Ali Shamsabadi, Akbar Alidadi TI Sensitivity analysis of using solar cells in regional electricity power supply of off-grid power systems in Iran SO JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AB Purpose Rural areas are one of the effective regions in economy and self-sufficiency field especially in agricultural and livestock section. Planning in the rural section and the effort in solving the problems of farmers lead to increase their interest in farming and manufacturing in the villages and decrease their migration to the cities and metropolitans. Therefore, the present study aimed at feasibility of electricity to a rural household in Iran using off-grid solar-based hybrid system. Design/methodology/approach In renewable energy projects, a successful evaluation requires suitable criteria so that one can properly analyze the operational behavior of all feasible scenarios. In the present paper, HOMER software has been used for this purpose for a village with no access to electricity grid (Bar Aftab-e Jalaleh, Iran). Due to drastic fluctuation of fossil fuel prices and varied solar radiations in various years because of climate change, sensitivity analysis has been performed using HOMER. Findings In the optimum status economically, 70% of needed energy is provided by solar cells at the price 0.792 $/kWh. The comparison between the optimum condition economically and the condition that only use fossil fuels revealed that the return on investment will occur after less than 2 years and have remained profitable over 23 years. Social implications The authors hope that the results of this study can be used in planning of the authorities to realize the interests of people in this village. Originality/value According to the surveys, despite Iran being the first country in terms of providing solar power to the villages, so far no socio-economic-environmental assessment has been done for a solar cell-based micro-grid in an off-grid mode for a remote village that is deprived of electricity from a national electricity grid. In addition, for the first time in Iran, the effect of the fuel price and solar radiation parameters variability on the performance of system have been investigated. SN 1726-0531 DI 10.1108/JEDT-10-2019-0268 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000531544300001 ER PT J AU Lubis, MI Pusparini, W Prabowo, SA Marthy, W Tarmizi Andayani, N Linkie, M AF Lubis, M. I. Pusparini, W. Prabowo, S. A. Marthy, W. Tarmizi Andayani, N. Linkie, M. TI Unraveling the complexity of human-tiger conflicts in the Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra SO ANIMAL CONSERVATION AB Conserving large carnivores that live in close proximity to people depends on a variety of socio-economic, political and biological factors. These include local tolerance toward potentially dangerous animals, efficacy of human-carnivore conflict mitigation schemes, and identifying and then addressing the underlying causes of conflict. The Leuser Ecosystem is the largest contiguous forest habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. Its extensive forest edge is abutted by farming communities and we predict that spatial variation in human-tiger conflict (HTC) would be a function of habitat conversion, livestock abundance, and poaching of tiger and its wild prey. To investigate which of these potential drivers of conflict, as well as other biophysical factors, best explain the observed patterns, we used resource selection function (RSF) technique to develop a predictive spatially explicit model of HTC. From 148 conflict incidences recorded from 2008 to 2018 across the Leuser Ecosystem, the areas that were closer to villages and with lower occurrence of wild prey were most susceptible to tiger attacks. From 18 districts monitored, 6 stood out for having disproportionately high levels of HTC. We recommend that these areas be prioritized with increased support from conflict mitigation teams to prevent further injuries to people, livestock or tigers; district governments address one underlying cause of HTC by supporting improved animal husbandry practices, such as tiger-proof livestock pen construction; and, an increase in ranger patrol effort to recover wild prey populations. This type of priority setting approach has wide application for better determining the required management response to reduce conflicts between people and large carnivores in both tropical and temporal landscapes. SN 1367-9430 EI 1469-1795 DI 10.1111/acv.12591 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530924200001 ER PT J AU Peterson, CA Deiss, L Gaudin, ACM AF Peterson, Caitlin A. Deiss, Leonardo Gaudin, Amelie C. M. TI Commercial integrated crop-livestock systems achieve comparable crop yields to specialized production systems: A meta-analysis SO PLOS ONE AB Production systems that feature temporal and spatial integration of crop and livestock enterprises, also known as integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS), have the potential to intensify production on cultivated lands and foster resilience to the effects of climate change without proportional increases in environmental impacts. Yet, crop production outcomes following livestock grazing across environments and management scenarios remain uncertain and a potential barrier to adoption, as producers worry about the effects of livestock activity on the agronomic quality of their land. To determine likely production outcomes across ICLS and to identify the most important moderating variables governing those outcomes, we performed a meta-analysis of 66 studies comparing crop yields in ICLS to yields in unintegrated controls across 3 continents, 12 crops, and 4 livestock species. We found that annual cash crops in ICLS averaged similar yields (-7% to +2%) to crops in comparable unintegrated systems. The exception was dual-purpose crops (crops managed simultaneously for grazing and grain production), which yielded 20% less on average than single-purpose crops in the studies examined. When dual-purpose cropping systems were excluded from the analysis, crops in ICLS yielded more than in unintegrated systems in loamy soils and achieved equal yields in most other settings, suggesting that areas of intermediate soil texture may represent a "sweet-spot" for ICLS implementation. This meta-analysis represents the first quantitative synthesis of the crop production outcomes of ICLS and demonstrates the need for further investigation into the conditions and management scenarios under which ICLS can be successfully implemented. RI Deiss, Leonardo/AAM-8532-2020 OI Deiss, Leonardo/0000-0003-2001-9238 SN 1932-6203 PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 5 AR e0231840 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0231840 UT WOS:000537285700016 PM 32379773 ER PT J AU Hlongwane, NL Hadebe, K Soma, P Dzomba, EF Muchadeyi, FC AF Hlongwane, Nompilo Lucia Hadebe, Khanyisile Soma, Pranisha Dzomba, Edgar Farai Muchadeyi, Farai Catherine TI Genome Wide Assessment of Genetic Variation and Population Distinctiveness of the Pig Family in South Africa SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB Genetic diversity is of great importance and a prerequisite for genetic improvement and conservation programs in pigs and other livestock populations. The present study provides a genome wide analysis of the genetic variability and population structure of pig populations from different production systems in South Africa relative to global populations. A total of 234 pigs sampled in South Africa and consisting of village (n = 91), commercial (n = 60), indigenous (n = 40), Asian (n = 5) and wild (n = 38) populations were genotyped using Porcine SNP60K BeadChip. In addition, 389 genotypes representing village and commercial pigs from America, Europe, and Asia were accessed from a previous study and used to compare population clustering and relationships of South African pigs with global populations. Moderate heterozygosity levels, ranging from 0.204 for Warthogs to 0.371 for village pigs sampled from Capricorn municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa were observed. Principal Component Analysis of the South African pigs resulted in four distinct clusters of (i) Duroc; (ii) Vietnamese; (iii) Bush pig and Warthog and (iv) a cluster with the rest of the commercial (SA Large White and Landrace), village, Wild Boar and indigenous breeds of Koelbroek and Windsnyer. The clustering demonstrated alignment with genetic similarities, geographic location and production systems. The PCA with the global populations also resulted in four clusters that where populated with (i) all the village populations, wild boars, SA indigenous and the large white and landraces; (ii) Durocs (iii) Chinese and Vietnamese pigs and (iv) Warthog and Bush pig. K = 10 (The number of population units) was the most probable ADMIXTURE based clustering, which grouped animals according to their populations with the exception of the village pigs that showed presence of admixture. AMOVA reported 19.92%-98.62% of the genetic variation to be within populations. Sub structuring was observed between South African commercial populations as well as between Indigenous and commercial breeds. Population pairwise F-ST analysis showed genetic differentiation (P <= 0.05) between the village, commercial and wild populations. A per marker per population pairwise F-ST analysis revealed SNPs associated with QTLs for traits such as meat quality, cytoskeletal and muscle development, glucose metabolism processes and growth factors between both domestic populations as well as between wild and domestic breeds. Overall, the study provided a baseline understanding of porcine diversity and an important foundation for porcine genomics of South African populations. EI 1664-8021 PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 344 DI 10.3389/fgene.2020.00344 UT WOS:000536896900001 PM 32457791 ER PT J AU Zimpel, CK Patane, JSL Guedes, ACP de Souza, RF Silva-Pereira, TT Camargo, NCS Filho, AFD Ikuta, CY Neto, JSF Setubal, JC Heinemann, MB Guimaraes, AMS AF Zimpel, Cristina Kraemer Patane, Jose Salvatore L. Proenga Guedes, Aureliano Coelho de Souza, Robson F. Silva-Pereira, Taiana T. Soler Camargo, Naila C. de Souza Filho, Antonio F. Ikuta, Cassia Y. Ferreira Neto, Jose Soares Setubal, Joao Carlos Heinemann, Marcos Bryan Sa Guimaraes, Ana Marcia TI Global Distribution and Evolution of Mycobacterium bovis Lineages SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB Mycobacterium bovis is the main causative agent of zoonotic tuberculosis in humans and frequently devastates livestock and wildlife worldwide. Previous studies suggested the existence of genetic groups of M. bovis strains based on limited DNA markers (a.k.a. clonal complexes), and the evolution and ecology of this pathogen has been only marginally explored at the global level. We have screened over 2,600 publicly available M. bovis genomes and newly sequenced four wildlife M. bovis strains, gathering 1,969 genomes from 23 countries and at least 24 host species, including humans, to complete a phylogenomic analyses. We propose the existence of four distinct global lineages of M. bovis (Lb1, Lb2, Lb3, and Lb4) underlying the current disease distribution. These lineages are not fully represented by clonal complexes and are dispersed based on geographic location rather than host species. Our data divergence analysis agreed with previous studies reporting independent archeological data of ancient M. bovis (South Siberian infected skeletons at similar to 2,000 years before present) and indicates that extant M. bovis originated between 715 and 3,556 years BP, with later emergence in the New World and Oceania, likely influenced by trades among countries. RI de Souza Filho, Antonio Francisco/G-2382-2015 OI de Souza Filho, Antonio Francisco/0000-0003-4728-1228; Ikuta, Cassia/0000-0002-8543-5219 SN 1664-302X PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 843 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00843 UT WOS:000536913100001 PM 32477295 ER PT J AU Skowronska, R Marianska, M Ulaszewski, W Tomkowiak, A Nawracala, J Kwiatek, MT AF Skowronska, Roksana Marianska, Monika Ulaszewski, Waldemar Tomkowiak, Agnieszka Nawracala, Jerzy Kwiatek, Michal T. TI Development of Triticale x Wheat Prebreeding Germplasm With Loci for Slow-Rusting Resistance SO FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE AB There is a growing interest in breeding and production of hexaploid triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack ex A. Camus) in European Union and in the world. It is reported that triticale can be an alternative to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for livestock feed production and has a potential to become preferred industrial energy crop. Fungal diseases, mainly leaf and stripe rusts, are the limiting factors of triticale growth and yield. Geneticists and breeders are now focusing on accumulation of the major genes for durability of rust resistance. Slow-rusting genes Lr34/Yr18 and Lr46/Yr19 are being exploited in many wheat breeding programs. This type of horizontal resistance is reported to be effective over space and time. Classical breeding techniques supported by marker-assisted selection (MAS) are the main tools in breeding programs. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of transfer of slow-rusting genes from resistant genotypes of wheat into hexaploid triticale through cross-hybridizations. A total of 5,094 manual pollinations were conducted between two triticale cultivars Fredro and Twingo and 33 accessions of common wheat, which were reported as sources of slow-rusting resistance genes. The investigation of the slow-rusting gene transmission was performed using both molecular markers analyses and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). In total, 34 F-1 hybrid plants were obtained, and 29 of them carried both slow-rusting loci. Therefore, these hybrids may be used for triticale prebreeding program. OI Skowronska, Roksana/0000-0001-8208-2801 SN 1664-462X PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 447 DI 10.3389/fpls.2020.00447 UT WOS:000536062100001 PM 32457768 ER PT J AU Wlodarczyk, A Selao, TT Norling, B Nixon, PJ AF Wlodarczyk, Artur Selao, Tiago Toscano Norling, Birgitta Nixon, Peter J. TI Newly discovered Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 is a robust cyanobacterial strain for high biomass production SO COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY AB Cyanobacteria, which use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into biomass, are potential solar biorefineries for the sustainable production of chemicals and biofuels. However, yields obtained with current strains are still uncompetitive compared to existing heterotrophic production systems. Here we report the discovery and characterization of a new cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901, with promising features for green biotechnology. It is naturally transformable, has a short doubling time of approximate to 2hours, grows at high light intensities and in a wide range of salinities and accumulates up to approximate to 33g dry cell weight per litre when cultured in a shake-flask system using a modified growth medium - 1.7 to 3 times more than other strains tested under similar conditions. As a proof of principle, PCC 11901 engineered to produce free fatty acids yielded over 6mM (1.5g L-1), an amount comparable to that achieved by similarly engineered heterotrophic organisms. Wodarczyk et al. discover that cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 accumulates three times more biomass than other cyanobacterial strains in the same conditions. An engineered version of this strain also produces as much free fatty acid as other commonly used heterotrophic microorganisms, suggesting its utility for the sustainable production of carbon-based molecules. EI 2399-3642 PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 3 IS 1 DI 10.1038/s42003-020-0910-8 UT WOS:000533893600004 PM 32382027 ER PT J AU Psenkova, M Toman, R Tancin, V AF Psenkova, Martina Toman, RObert Tancin, Vladimir TI Concentrations of toxic metals and essential elements in raw cow milk from areas with potentially undisturbed and highly disturbed environment in Slovakia SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Dietary composition and husbandry practices largely determine the essential trace element status and the toxic metal exposure of livestock and consequently their concentrations in animal products. The main objective of this study was to determine the real contamination of selected areas of Slovakia compared with existing Environmental regionalization of the Slovak Republic (SR) created by the Ministry of the Environment SR. Another aim of this study was to determine the content of essential and toxic metals in feed and milk of dairy cows on selected farms in Slovakia referred to the suitability of the use of milk from these areas to other food processing. This article deals with the analysis of the content of selected elements in feed and milk of dairy cows in the area of Novot (Northern Slovakia; area with undisturbed environment) and Cecejovce (Eastern Slovakia; highly disturbed environment). Eleven elements have been analyzed (essential elements: calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper; toxic elements: arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel). Samples of feed and milk were collected five times during the spring season and five times during the autumn season in 2016. Analysis of samples was performed in Eurofins Bel/Novamann (Nove Zamky, Slovak Republic). Analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and atomic emission spectrometry. The obtained values of the individual elements in the feed and milk were evaluated by Student's t test. Significantly higher contents of essential elements Ca, Zn, Fe, Mg, and Cu were found in the feed of dairy cows in Cecejovce (P < 0.001). Significantly higher (P < 0.001) As and Ni content in feed in Cecejovce in autumn season was also recorded. However, the content of these elements in feed did not affect their milk content. The content of Ca, Zn, and Mg in milk was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in Novot in both investigated seasons. Some essential elements and toxic elements in feed and milk were below the LOQ (limit of quantification). Reduced content of Ca and Zn in milk in both farms compared with optimal limits, decreased Ca and Mg content in feed in Novot, and a significant increase of Ca and Mg in feed in Cecejovce in autumn season were found. It can be concluded, due to the low content of toxic elements on these farms, that the use of milk of dairy cows from these areas for direct use or for dairy product processing is appropriate and poses no health risk to the consumers. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-09093-5 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530809700003 PM 32378111 ER PT J AU Ribeiro, RH Dieckow, J Piva, JT Bratti, F AF Ribeiro, Ricardo Henrique Dieckow, Jeferson Piva, Jonatas Thiago Bratti, Felipe TI Roots and aboveground carbon and nitrogen inputs by black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) as affected by grazing and nitrogen in integrated crop-livestock system in subtropical Brazil SO PLANT AND SOIL AB Aims Roots are important contributors to soil organic matter in pasturelands, yet in integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLs), the effects of grazing intensities are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of grazing intensities and nitrogen application to black oats pasture (Avena strigosa) on carbon and nitrogen additions, mainly by roots, into soil. Methods The ICL experiment in southern Brazil comprised no, moderate and intensive grazing of black oats pasture receiving 0, 75 and 150 kg N ha(-1). Root (0-30 cm) and aboveground biomass of black oats were assessed over two years, in a sequence of maize (Zea mays)-black oats-soybean (Glycine max)-black oats. Results Moderate grazing did not change the carbon and nitrogen additions by roots, but reduced the aboveground additions by 45-54%, compared to no grazing. Generally, the intensive grazing did not affect root or aboveground additions relative to moderate grazing, but in year of normal precipitation and supplied with 150 kg N ha(-1), it reduced root carbon and nitrogen addition by 11-22%. Nitrogen application had no clear effect on root additions, but increased the aboveground additions. Conclusions In ICL system, moderate grazing maintained carbon and nitrogen additions by roots of black oats, compared to no grazing, while nitrogen fertilization can be used to increase carbon and nitrogen aboveground additions. RI Ribeiro, Ricardo Henrique/P-6686-2016; Piva, Jonatas/AAC-5131-2019 OI Ribeiro, Ricardo Henrique/0000-0002-6308-5545; Piva, Jonatas/0000-0002-3060-6885 SN 0032-079X EI 1573-5036 DI 10.1007/s11104-020-04542-z EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530976400002 ER PT J AU Niemiec, R Berl, REW Gonzalez, M Teel, T Camara, C Collins, M Salerno, J Crooks, K Schultz, C Breck, S Hoag, D AF Niemiec, Rebecca Berl, Richard E. W. Gonzalez, Mireille Teel, Tara Camara, Cassiopeia Collins, Matthew Salerno, Jonathan Crooks, Kevin Schultz, Courtney Breck, Stewart Hoag, Dana TI Public perspectives and media reporting of wolf reintroduction in Colorado SO PEERJ AB In the state of Colorado, a citizen ballot initiative to reintroduce gray wolves (Canis Lupus) is eliciting polarization and conflict among multiple stakeholder and interest groups. Given this complex social landscape, we examined the social context surrounding wolf reintroduction in Colorado as of 2019. We used an online survey of 734 Coloradans representative in terms of age and gender, and we sampled from different regions across the state, to examine public beliefs and attitudes related to wolf reintroduction and various wolf management options. We also conducted a content analysis of media coverage on potential wolf reintroduction in 10 major daily Colorado newspapers from January 2019, when the signature-gathering effort for the wolf reintroduction initiative began, through the end of January 2020, when the initiative was officially added to the ballot. Our findings suggest a high degree of social tolerance or desire for wolf reintroduction in Colorado across geographies, stakeholder groups, and demographics. However, we also find that a portion of the public believes that wolves would negatively impact their livelihoods, primarily because of concerns over the safety of people and pets, loss of hunting opportunities, and potential wolf predation on livestock. These concerns-particularly those related to livestock losses-are strongly reflected in the media. We find that media coverage has focused only on a few of the many perceived positive and negative impacts of wolf reintroduction identified among the public. Our findings highlight the need to account for this diversity of perspectives in future decisions and to conduct public outreach regarding likely impacts of wolf reintroduction. OI Berl, Richard/0000-0002-4154-1319 SN 2167-8359 PD MAY 7 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e9074 DI 10.7717/peerj.9074 UT WOS:000530753700006 PM 32435536 ER PT J AU He, Y Lu, L Peng, C Li, HL Zhang, J Li, R Zhou, CQ AF He, Yan Lu, Lu Peng, Chao Li, Huilin Zhang, Jing Li, Run Zhou, Caiquan TI High-yield grass Pennisetum sinese Roxb plantation and organic manure alter bacterial and fungal communities structure in an ecological agriculture farm SO AMB EXPRESS AB Pennisetum sinese Roxb (P. sinese) is an efficient and economic energy crop for its high productivity, and has been well studied in its application in phytoremediation and fodder production. However, little is known about how P. sinese plantation and fermented manures of P. sinese-feed livestock affect the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities. In this study, 16S rRNA/ITS1 gene-based Illumina Miseq sequencing was employed to compare the bacterial and fungal community structure among soils that had been subjected to uncultivated control (CK), 2-year P. sinese plantation (P), and P. sinese plantation combined with the use of organic manures (P-OM) in a "P. sinese-breeding industry" ecological agriculture farm. The results found microbial communities were altered by P. sinese plantation and fertilization. The P. sinese plantation resulted in increased Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes abundance. Comparatively, significant increased abundance of Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, and Euryarchaeota, and genes related with nitrogen and carbon metabolic pathways based on PICRUSt prediction was observed in P-OM soil. Fungal compositions suggested a markedly increased abundance of Ascomycota in P soil. Potential organic matter decomposers Candida, Thermoascus, and Aspergillus were enriched in P soil, indicating the enhanced role of fungi in litter decomposition. Redundancy analysis suggested that soil properties (NH4+-N, total nitrogen, organic matter content, and soil water content) significantly correlated with the changes of microbial compositions (P < 0.05). These results highlight the divergence of microbial communities occurs during P. sinese-based plantation, implying functional diversification of soil ecosystem in P. sinese fields. OI Lu, Lu/0000-0002-2178-3492 SN 2191-0855 PD MAY 6 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 AR 86 DI 10.1186/s13568-020-01018-2 UT WOS:000533910300002 PM 32378065 ER PT J AU Hou, XH Yu, XN AF HOU, Xinhong YU, Xingna TI An ammonia emissions inventory for agricultural sources in Hefei, China SO ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCE LETTERS AB A comprehensive agricultural inventory of ammonia emissions for 2017 in Hefei was established on the basis of the specific emission factors and county-level activity data. The emissions over a 1 km x 1 km grid and the associated monthly variations were distributed on the basis of land-use type and meteorological conditions, respectively. The total ammonia emissions were 27,242.7 t in 2017 in Hefei, to which livestock was the top contributor, accounting for 54.5%. Two major contributors to livestock waste were broilers and laying hens, which contributed 34.5% and 22.2% of the total emissions, respectively. Changfeng, Feixi, and Feidong counties, with more developed agriculture than other counties, accounted for a large proportion of the total ammonia emissions-as much as 28.5%, 24.5%, and 21.0%, respectively. The average emissions density of the whole region was 2.4 t km(-2), and the higher values were mostly in areas with denser populations. Seasonally, peak ammonia emissions occurred in summer. SN 1674-2834 EI 2376-6123 PD MAY 3 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 3 SI SI BP 260 EP 267 DI 10.1080/16742834.2020.1747355 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000533254600001 ER PT J AU Casto-Rebollo, C Argente, MJ Garcia, ML Pena, R Ibanez-Escriche, N AF Casto-Rebollo, Cristina Jose Argente, Maria Luz Garcia, Maria Pena, Romi Ibanez-Escriche, Noelia TI Identification of functional mutations associated with environmental variance of litter size in rabbits SO GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION AB Background Environmental variance (V-E) is partly under genetic control and has recently been proposed as a measure of resilience. Unravelling the genetic background of the V-E of complex traits could help to improve resilience of livestock and stabilize their production across farming systems. The objective of this study was to identify genes and functional mutations associated with variation in V-E of litter size (LS) in rabbits. To achieve this, we combined the results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis using data from two divergently selected rabbit lines for high and low V-E of LS. These lines differ in terms of biomarkers of immune response and mortality. Moreover, rabbits with a lower V-E of LS were found to be more resilient to infections than animals with a higher V-E of LS. Results By using two GWAS approaches (single-marker regression and Bayesian multiple-marker regression), we identified four genomic regions associated with V-E of LS, on chromosomes 3, 7, 10, and 14. We detected 38 genes in the associated genomic regions and, using WGS, we identified 129 variants in the splicing, UTR, and coding (missense and frameshift effects) regions of 16 of these 38 genes. These genes were related to the immune system, the development of sensory structures, and stress responses. All of these variants (except one) segregated in one of the rabbit lines and were absent (n = 91) or fixed in the other one (n = 37). The fixed variants were in the HDAC9, ITGB8, MIS18A, ENSOCUG00000021276 and URB1 genes. We also identified a 1-bp deletion in the 3 ' UTR region of the HUNK gene that was fixed in the low V-E line and absent in the high V-E line. Conclusions This is the first study that combines GWAS and WGS analyses to study the genetic basis of V-E. The new candidate genes and functional mutations identified in this study suggest that the V-E of LS is under the control of functions related to the immune system, stress response, and the nervous system. These findings could also explain differences in resilience between rabbits with homogeneous and heterogeneous V-E of litter size. OI Casto-Rebollo, Cristina/0000-0003-4646-345X SN 0999-193X EI 1297-9686 PD MAY 6 PY 2020 VL 52 IS 1 AR 22 DI 10.1186/s12711-020-00542-w UT WOS:000533888000001 PM 32375645 ER PT J AU Khan, ZI Ahmad, K Siddique, S Ahmad, T Bashir, H Munir, M Mahpara, S Malik, IS Wajid, K Ugulu, I Nadeem, M Noorka, IR Chen, F AF Khan, Zafar Iqbal Ahmad, Kafeel Siddique, Samra Ahmad, Tasneem Bashir, Humayun Munir, Mudasra Mahpara, Shahzadi Malik, Ifra Saleem Wajid, Kinza Ugulu, Ilker Nadeem, Muhammad Noorka, Ijaz Rasool Chen, Fu TI A study on the transfer of chromium from meadows to grazing livestock: an assessment of health risk SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB The present investigation was performed in different district of Punjab to determine the chromium level in soil, forages, and blood plasma of the small ruminants (goat and sheep). The results showed that the mean concentrations of chromium in the soil of Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakkar districts were ranged from 1.8 to 2.3, 3.01 to 4.99, and 2.04 to 2.87 mg/kg, respectively. The chromium level was higher in Mianwali compared with Sargodha and Bhakkar. The mean concentrations of chromium in forages which were used for feeding purposes were found between 0.672 and 1.631, 1.493 and 2.612, and 0.7804 and 1.047 mg/kg for Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakkar, respectively. The mean concentrations of chromium in blood plasma of goat which consumed the contaminated forages were between 0.666 and 1.269 mg/L in Sargodha, 0.657 and 0.752 mg/L in Mianwali, and 1.39 and 2.37 mg/L in Bhakkar. In blood plasma of sheep, the residual levels of chromium in the districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakkar were ranged from 0.673 to 1.384, 0.83 to 1.086, and 1.496 to 3.611 mg/L, respectively. In the present research, there was a higher concentration of chromium in blood plasma of sheep from Bhakkar and the lowest was in Sargodha. The chromium level in blood samples was found to be higher than the tolerable level of 1.0 mg/L in all districts. In light of these results, it was concluded that chromium levels in the soil and forages of all sites were present within the safe limit while in blood samples of sheep and goats were found to be above the acceptable limit. Sheep and goats also consume water from river, streams, and ponds and other contaminated water sources. So it might be the reason of higher level of chromium in their blood plasma. Hence, the proper monitoring of study sites will be necessary to prevent the excessive accumulation of chromium in ruminants in the near future. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-09062-y EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530810900010 PM 32378103 ER PT J AU Benedicto, B Ceylan, O Moumouni, PFA Lee, SH Tumwebaze, MA Li, JX Galon, EM Liu, MM Li, YC Ji, SW Ringo, A Rizk, M Sevinc, F Xuan, XN AF Benedicto, Byamukama Ceylan, Onur Moumouni, Paul Frank Adjou Lee, Seung-Hun Tumwebaze, Maria Agnes Li, Jixu Galon, Eloiza May Liu, Mingming Li, Yongchang Ji, Shengwei Ringo, Aaron Rizk, Mohamed Sevinc, Ferda Xuan, Xuenan TI Molecular Detection and Assessment of Risk Factors for Tick-Borne Diseases in Sheep and Goats from Turkey SO ACTA PARASITOLOGICA AB Background Tick-borne diseases mainly, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis cause significant economic losses in livestock globally, including Turkey. The tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants in Turkey have been studied widely but information on molecular characterization and disease occurrence is still limited. Methods In this study, both microscopy and molecular detection and characterization for Theileria spp. Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was conducted. A total of 133 blood samples of tick-infested small ruminants (105 sheep and 28 goats) were collected from Turkey: half of the animals had clinical signs of tick-borne disease infections. Results Using PCR assays and microscopy, 90.2% and 45.1% of the samples were positive for at least one pathogen, respectively. Overall, the infection rates of A. phagocytophilum, B. ovis, A. ovis, Theileria spp. were 66.7%, 62.4%, 46.6% and 7.0%, respectively. Fifty-nine of the 133 (44.4%) samples were co-infected with two or more pathogens. Sex, season and B. ovis positivity were significant risk factors for occurrence of clinical disease. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on B. ovis 18S small subunit rRNA, A. ovis major surface protein 4, Theileria spp. 18S rRNA and A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes showed that the isolates in this study clustered together in well-supported clades with those previously collected from Turkey and other countries. Conclusions The study shows B. ovis as the most significant pathogen associated with clinical and fatal cases in small ruminants from Turkey. Female sex and summer season are associated with increased risk of the disease. This study shows high infection rates with the pathogens among small ruminants including A. phagocytophilum which has veterinary and public health importance. SN 1230-2821 EI 1896-1851 DI 10.2478/s11686-020-00207-0 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530766600002 PM 32378157 ER PT J AU Maze, MJ Sharples, KJ Allan, KJ Biggs, HM Cash-Goldwasser, S Galloway, RL de Glanville, WA Halliday, JEB Kazwala, RR Kibona, T Mmbaga, BT Maro, VP Rubach, MP Cleaveland, S Crump, JA AF Maze, Michael J. Sharples, Katrina J. Allan, Kathryn J. Biggs, Holly M. Cash-Goldwasser, Shama Galloway, Renee L. de Glanville, William A. Halliday, Jo E. B. Kazwala, Rudovick R. Kibona, Tito Mmbaga, Blandina T. Maro, Venance P. Rubach, Matthew P. Cleaveland, Sarah Crump, John A. TI Estimating acute human leptospirosis incidence in northern Tanzania using sentinel site and community behavioural surveillance SO ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB Many infectious diseases lack robust estimates of incidence from endemic areas, and extrapolating incidence when there are few locations with data remains a major challenge in burden of disease estimation. We sought to combine sentinel surveillance with community behavioural surveillance to estimate leptospirosis incidence. We administered a questionnaire gathering responses on established locally relevant leptospirosis risk factors and recent fever to livestock-owning community members across six districts in northern Tanzania and applied a logistic regression model predicting leptospirosis risk on the basis of behavioural factors that had been previously developed among patients with fever in Moshi Municipal and Moshi Rural Districts. We aggregated probability of leptospirosis by district and estimated incidence in each district by standardizing probabilities to those previously estimated for Moshi Districts. We recruited 286 community participants: Hai District (n = 11), Longido District (59), Monduli District (56), Moshi Municipal District (103), Moshi Rural District (44) and Rombo District (13). The mean predicted probability of leptospirosis by district was Hai 0.029 (0.005, 0.095), Longido 0.071 (0.009, 0.235), Monduli 0.055 (0.009, 0.206), Moshi Rural 0.014 (0.002, 0.049), Moshi Municipal 0.015 (0.004, 0.048) and Rombo 0.031 (0.006, 0.121). We estimated the annual incidence (upper and lower bounds of estimate) per 100,000 people of human leptospirosis among livestock owners by district as Hai 35 (6, 114), Longido 85 (11, 282), Monduli 66 (11, 247), Moshi Rural 17 (2, 59), Moshi Municipal 18 (5, 58) and Rombo 47 (7, 145). Use of community behavioural surveillance may be a useful tool for extrapolating disease incidence beyond sentinel surveillance sites. OI Maze, Michael/0000-0001-8909-1508 SN 1863-1959 EI 1863-2378 DI 10.1111/zph.12712 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530477300001 PM 32374085 ER PT J AU Abay, KA Jensen, ND AF Abay, Kibrom A. Jensen, Nathaniel D. TI Access to markets, weather risk, and livestock production decisions: Evidence from Ethiopia SO AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AB Despite several studies showing the effect of access to markets and weather conditions on crop production, we know quite little on whether and how livestock production systems respond to variation in weather risk and access to markets. In this paper, we study whether and how livestock production responds to (access to) markets and varying weather risk. We also explore whether such responses vary across livelihood zones and livestock production systems. We study these research questions using households' livestock production, ownership, and marketing decisions of households in Ethiopia. We find that households living close to markets are more likely to engage in market-oriented livestock production and use modern livestock inputs. We also find that households exposed to more unpredictable weather are less likely to engage in livestock production for markets, rather they are more likely to engage in livestock production for precautionary savings and insurance. Furthermore, greater rainfall uncertainty influences livestock portfolio allocation toward those which can be easily liquidated while also discouraging investment in modern livestock inputs. However, these responses and patterns vary across livelihood zones and production systems; most of these stylized responses and impacts are more pronounced and significant in the arid and semi-arid lands of Ethiopia, where livestock herding remains a dominant source of livelihood. Those households relying only on livestock production seem more sensitive and responsive to weather risk and weather shocks. The heterogeneity in responses and impacts of weather risk among farming systems and livelihoods highlights the need for more tailored livestock sector policies and interventions. SN 0169-5150 EI 1574-0862 DI 10.1111/agec.12573 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530461300001 ER PT J AU Raboloko, OO Ramabu, SS Guerrini, L Jori, F AF Raboloko, Obuile O. Ramabu, Solomon S. Guerrini, Laure Jori, Ferran TI Seroprevalence of Selected Tick Borne Pathogens and Diversity and Abundance of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Northern Botswana SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Ticks and tick borne diseases (TBDs) undermine livestock production with considerable economic losses to livestock producers in endemic areas worldwide. Despite the impact of ticks and TBDs in livestock production, there is a paucity of information on ticks and diseases they transmit in Botswana. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine (i) the seroprevalence of selected tick borne (TB) pathogens and (ii) the diversity and abundance of ixodid ticks among 301 cattle foraging around two protected areas in northern Botswana, differing by the presence or absence of a physical barrier (fence) separating wildlife and livestock. Competitive inhibition enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA) was used to test for Anaplasma spp. infection and Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was used to test for Theileria parva, Babesia bovis, and B. bigemina. Ticks were identified morphologically at either genus or species level. Seroprevalence of cattle was found to be 90% for Anaplasma spp., followed by 38.6% for Babesia spp. and 2.4% for T. parva. Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two wildlife-livestock interface areas were not significantly different. The overall prevalence of ticks was found to be 73.4% with Amblyomma variegatum being the most abundant (53.1%) followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (31.7%) and R. (B.) decoloratus (7.7%). Except for Babesia spp., comparisons of the seroprevalence of the selected haemoparasites between the two study areas were not significantly different while comparisons of the burden of tick infestation between the study sites revealed significant difference for A. variegatum and R. evertsi evertsi with both tick infestations higher where there is no barrier. Our work provided baseline data on TBD pathogens and tick infestation in cattle populations exposed to different levels of contact with adjacent buffalo populations. The presence of a veterinary fence did not significantly influence the seroprevalence of the selected TBD pathogens (except for Babesia spp.) but seemed to reduce tick burdens in cattle. Findings from this study can be used for guiding future epidemiological study designs to improve our understanding of ticks and TBDs dynamics in northern Botswana. EI 2297-1769 PD MAY 5 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 187 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00187 UT WOS:000536332600001 PM 32432129 ER PT J AU Shangguan, A Zhou, H Sun, W Ding, R Li, XH Liu, JJ Zhou, Y Chen, X Ding, FL Yang, LG Zhang, SJ AF Shangguan, Aishao Zhou, Hao Sun, Wei Ding, Rui Li, Xihe Liu, Jiajia Zhou, Yang Chen, Xing Ding, Fengling Yang, Liguo Zhang, Shujun TI Cryopreservation Induces Alterations of miRNA and mRNA Fragment Profiles of Bull Sperm SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB Although cryopreservation of bull semen is widely used commercially in the livestock breeding industry, cryopreservation results in low fertility of bull sperm. As an important regulatory factor, the alteration of small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) profile during cryopreservation of bull sperm is not yet completely known. In the present study, we sequenced sncRNAs of frozen and fresh sperm to study the link of alteration of the sncRNA profiles (particularly in miRNAs and mRNA fragments) with low sperm fertility caused by cryopreservation. We identified 55 miRNAs and 526 mRNA fragments differentially expressed (DE) between frozen and fresh sperm. Subsequently, the functional analysis revealed that targeted genes of DE miRNAs in sperm had roles in the fertilization, ATP, and apoptosis. Instead, targeted genes of DE miRNAs in cow metaphase II oocyte were significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, autophagy-animal pathway, and mitophagy-animal pathway. Additionally, biological processes of DNA repair, spermatid development, response to temperature stimulus, and cellular response to DNA damage stimulus were enriched by mRNA fragments. In conclusion, we found that DE miRNAs or DE mRNA fragments in cryopreservation may influence the fertility of sperm, these findings will provide the reference to improve the cryopreservation technology of bull semen. EI 1664-8021 PD MAY 5 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 419 DI 10.3389/fgene.2020.00419 UT WOS:000536278600001 PM 32431726 ER PT J AU Slayi, M Muchenje, V Njisane, YZ AF Slayi, Mhlangabezi Muchenje, Voster Njisane, Yonela Zifikile TI Behavioral and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Nguni and Boran Steers Post Relocation and Herd Regrouping in a Novel Environment SO JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE AB Behavioural and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni (NG) and Boran (BR) steers, following relocation to a new environment and herd regrouping were examined. Ten steers of each genotype aged 9 months and reared under similar conditions were studied over 16 weeks: 1 for acclimatization and baseline measurements in original groups, 15 for post regrouping measurements. Each sampling week, direct visual observations and durations of aggressive and affiliative interactions were recorded between 0500-1900h for 3 conservative days. Blood samples were drawn fortnightly by jugular venipuncture for plasma cortisol, glucose, creatine kinase (CK) and haematological analysis. In weeks 1-5, BR had higher instances of head-butting (P=0.0311), mounts (P=0.0142) and threats (P=0.0241) compared to NG (P<0.0001, P=0.0412 and P=0.0241, respectively). However, these significantly declined from weeks 7-15 in both genotypes. Grooming increased consistently over the weeks in both genotypes (P=0.0214). Head-butting correlated with cortisol (r=-0.116), CK (r=-0.295) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r=-0.144). Grooming correlated (r=0.137) with white-blood-cell-count. Herd regrouping temporarily disrupted social behaviour, with BR showing more aggression towards NG steers. Nevertheless, the two genotypes established some stability within five weeks of social mixing. SN 1088-8705 EI 1532-7604 DI 10.1080/10888705.2020.1759070 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000532220200001 PM 32364808 ER PT J AU Sturm, S Skibin, A Pogacnik, M Cerkvenik-Flajs, V AF Sturm, Sabina Skibin, Andrej Pogacnik, Milan Cerkvenik-Flajs, Vesna TI Determination of free and total bisphenol A in the urine and feces of orally and subcutaneously dosed sheep by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART B-PESTICIDES FOOD CONTAMINANTS AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES AB An analytical procedure has been introduced to enable a study of the excretion of free bisphenol A (BPA), total BPA and its main metabolite bisphenol A glucuronide (BPA-GLUC). In the experiment, in which 100 mu g/kg b. w. BPA was administered daily to one Istrian Pramenka sheep for 5 days with consecutive urine and feces samples being taken, BPA and total BPA were determined in samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Because of their good recovery, precision, and sensitivity, the methods have also proved applicable to further ecotoxicological studies of free BPA, BPA-GLUC and total BPA. The results were subsequently compared with reported field studies of BPA in livestock excreta. SN 0360-1234 EI 1532-4109 DI 10.1080/03601234.2020.1759329 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000532476400001 PM 32378977 ER PT J AU Lebert, I Agoulon, A Bastian, S Butet, A Cargnelutti, B Cebe, N Chastagner, A Leger, E Lourtet, B Masseglia, S McCoy, KD Merlet, J Noel, V Perez, G Picot, D Pion, A Poux, V Rames, JL Rantier, Y Verheyden, H Vourc'h, G Plantard, O AF Lebert, Isabelle Agoulon, Albert Bastian, Suzanne Butet, Alain Cargnelutti, Bruno Cebe, Nicolas Chastagner, Amelie Leger, Elsa Lourtet, Bruno Masseglia, Sebastien McCoy, Karen D. Merlet, Joel Noel, Valerie Perez, Gregoire Picot, Denis Pion, Angelique Poux, Valerie Rames, Jean-Luc Rantier, Yann Verheyden, Helene Vourc'h, Gwenael Plantard, Olivier TI Distribution of ticks, tick-borne pathogens and the associated local environmental factors including small mammals and livestock, in two French agricultural sites: the OSCAR database SO BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL AB Background In Europe, ticks are major vectors of both human and livestock pathogens (e.g. Lyme disease, granulocytic anaplasmosis, bovine babesiosis). Agricultural landscapes, where animal breeding is a major activity, constitute a mosaic of habitat types of various quality for tick survival and are used at different frequencies by wild and domestic hosts across seasons. This habitat heterogeneity, in time and space, conditions the dynamics of these host-vector-pathogen systems and thus drives acarological risk (defined as the density of infected ticks). The principal objective of the OSCAR project (2011-2016) was to examine the links between this heterogeneity and acarological risk for humans and their domestic animals. Here, we present the data associated with this project. New information This paper reports a database on the distribution and densities of I. ricinus ticks-the most common tick species in French agricultural landscapes-and the prevalence of three tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Babesia spp.) in two sites in north-western ("Zone Atelier Armorique": ZA site) and south-western ("Vallees et Coteaux de Gascogne": VG site) France. The distribution and density of ticks along a gradient of wooded habitats, as well as biotic variables, such as the presence and abundance of their principal domestic (livestock) and wild hosts (small mammals), were measured from forest cores and edges to more or less isolated hedges, all bordering meadows. Ticks, small mammals and information on local environmental conditions were collected along 90 transects in each of the two sites in spring and autumn 2012 and 2013 and in spring 2014, corresponding to the main periods of tick activity. Local environmental conditions were recorded along each tick and small mammal transect: habitat type, vegetation type and characteristics, slope and traces of livestock presence. Samples consisted of questing ticks collected on the vegetation (mainly I. ricinus nymphs), biopsies of captured small mammals and ticks fixed on small mammals. In the VG site, livestock occurrence and abundance were recorded each week along each tick transect. A total of 29004 questing ticks and 1230 small mammals were captured during the study across the two sites and over the five field campaigns. All questing nymphs (N = 12287) and questing adults (N = 646) were identified to species. Ticks from small mammals (N = 1359) were also identified to life stage. Questing nymphs (N = 4518 I. ricinus) and trapped small mammals (N = 908) were analysed for three pathogenic agents: A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Babesia spp. In the VG site, the average prevalence in I. ricinus nymphs for A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Babesia spp. were, respectively 1.9% [95% CI: 1.2-2.5], 2.5% [95% CI: 1.8-3.2] and 2.7% [95% CI: 2.0-3.4]. In small mammals, no A. phagocytophilum was detected, but the prevalence for Borrelia spp. was 4.2% [95% CI: 0.9-7.5]. On this site, there was no screening of small mammals for Babesia spp. In ZA site, the average prevalence in nymphs for A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Babesia were, respectively 2.2% [95% CI: 1.6-2.7], 3.0% [95% CI: 2.3-3.6] and 3.1% [95% CI: 2.5-3.8]. In small mammals, the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. were, respectively 6.9% [95% CI: 4.9-8.9] and 4.1% [95% CI: 2.7-5.9]. A single animal was found positive for Babesia microti at this site amongst the 597 tested. SN 1314-2836 EI 1314-2828 PD MAY 5 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e50123 DI 10.3897/BDJ.8.e50123 UT WOS:000530571100001 PM 32431559 ER PT J AU Wallace, EE Chappell, NA AF Wallace, Ethan E. Chappell, Nick A. TI A statistical comparison of spatio-temporal surface moisture patterns beneath a semi-natural grassland and permanent pasture: From drought to saturation SO HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES AB Some 60% of the agricultural land in the UK is grassland. This is mostly located in the wetter uplands of the west and north, with the majority intensively managed as permanent pasture. Despite its extent, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how agricultural practices have altered the hydrological behaviour of the underlying soils relative to the adjacent moorland covered by semi-natural grassland. Near-surface soil moisture content is an expression of the changes that have taken place and is critical in the generation of flood-producing overland flows. This study aims to develop a pioneering paired-plot approach, producing 1,536 moisture measurements at each of the monitoring dates throughout the studied year, that were subsequently analysed by a comparison of frequency distributions, visual cum geostatistical investigation of spatial patterns and mixed-effects regression modelling. The analysis demonstrated that the practices taking place in the pasture (ploughing, re-seeding and drainage) reduced the natural diversity in moisture patterns. Compared to adjacent moorland, the topsoil dried much faster in spring with the effects requiring offset with moisture from slurry applications in summer. With the onset of autumn rains, these applications then made the topsoil wetter than the moorland, heightening the likelihood of flood-producing overland flow. During the sampling within one such storm event, the adjacent moorland was almost as wet as the pasture with both visibly generating overland flow. These contrasts in soil moisture were statistically significant throughout. Further, they highlight the need to scale-up the monitoring with numerous plot pairs to see if the observed highly dynamic, contrasting behaviour is present at the landscape scale. Such research is fundamental to designing appropriate agricultural interventions to deliver sustainable sward production for livestock or methods of mitigating overland-flow incidence that would otherwise heighten flood risk or threaten water quality in rivers. OI Wallace, Ethan/0000-0003-2314-4667 SN 0885-6087 EI 1099-1085 PD JUN 30 PY 2020 VL 34 IS 13 BP 3000 EP 3020 DI 10.1002/hyp.13774 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530555800001 ER PT J AU Omrani-Fard, H Abbaspour-Fard, MH Khojastehpour, M Dashti, A AF Omrani-Fard, H. Abbaspour-Fard, M. H. Khojastehpour, M. Dashti, A. TI Gelatin/Whey Protein- Potato Flour Bioplastics: Fabrication and Evaluation SO JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AB This research utilized three animal proteins which are whey protein isolate (Wh) and two types of gelatin, including bovine gelatin (BG) and chicken gelatin (CG) from bovine shin bones and chicken feet respectively, to improve the mechanical properties of whole potato flour bioplastics. The goal is the development and characterization of eco-friendly bioplastic sheets by employing the compression molding method. The tensile, DMTA, FTIR and TGA characteristics of the blending bioplastics were compared with bioplastic made from whole potato flour as control. Results showed that protein treatments greatly enhanced the tensile strength (at least 2 times), tan delta (up to twice) and elongation at break (3 to 11 times). Furthermore, the thermal stability of studied bioplastics does not differ up to 200 degrees C. Among the blending bioplastics, the BG bioplastic had the highest tensile strength (5.67 MPa) and CG bioplastic had the highest elongation at break (20.50%). Meanwhile, the investigation of functional groups using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed better molecular interactions in the blending bioplastics. This research shows the feasibility of producing animal protein-potato flour biodegradable edible bioplastic materials with different properties and, consequently, different applications, which contribute to adding a high value to different byproducts from the livestock/poultry industries. RI Khojastehpour, Mehdi/M-2278-2018 OI Khojastehpour, Mehdi/0000-0002-8107-9026 SN 1566-2543 EI 1572-8919 PD JUL PY 2020 VL 28 IS 7 BP 2029 EP 2038 DI 10.1007/s10924-020-01748-1 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530607800001 ER PT J AU Grillo, KM Marshall, F Karega-Munene Keute, J Mabulla, ZP Robertshaw, P Gillard, T Walton-Doyle, C Ryan, K Dunne, J Casanova, E Gidna, AO Janzen, A Prendergast, ME Whelton, HL Evershed, R AF Grillo, Katherine M. Marshall, Fiona Karega-Munene Keute, Jennifer Mabulla, Z. P. Robertshaw, Peter Gillard, Toby Walton-Doyle, Caitlin Ryan, Kathleen Dunne, Julie Casanova, Emmanuelle Gidna, Agness Onna Janzen, Anneke Prendergast, Mary E. Whelton, Helen L. Evershed, Richard TI Molecular and isotopic evidence for milk, meat, and plants in prehistoric eastern African herder food systems SO PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AB The development of pastoralism transformed human diets and societies in grasslands worldwide. The long-term success of cattle herding in Africa has been sustained by dynamic food systems, consumption of a broad range of primary and secondary livestock products, and the evolution of lactase persistence (LP), which allows digestion of lactose into adulthood and enables the milk-based, high-protein, low-calorie diets characteristic of contemporary pastoralists. Despite the presence of multiple alleles associated with LP in ancient and present-day eastern African populations, the contexts for selection for LP and the long-term development of pastoralist foodways in this region remain unclear. Pastoral Neo-lithic (c. 5000 to 1200 BP) faunas indicate that herders relied on cattle, sheep, and goats and some hunting, but direct information on milk consumption, plant use, and broader culinary patterns is rare. Combined chemical and isotopic analysis of ceramic sherds (n = 125) from Pastoral Neolithic archaeological contexts in Kenya and Tanzania, using compound-specific delta C-13 and Delta C-13 values of the major fatty acids, provides chemical evidence for milk, meat, and plant processing by ancient herding societies in eastern Africa. These data provide the earliest direct evidence for milk product consumption and reveal a history of reliance on animal products and other nutrients, likely extracted through soups or stews, and plant foods. They document a 5,000-y temporal framework for eastern Africa pastoralist cuisines and cultural contexts for selection for alleles distinctive of LP in eastern Africa. OI Grillo, Katherine/0000-0002-0131-6061; Dunne, Julie/0000-0003-2547-1071 SN 0027-8424 PD MAY 5 PY 2020 VL 117 IS 18 BP 9793 EP 9799 DI 10.1073/pnas.1920309117 UT WOS:000531067600029 PM 32284419 ER PT J AU Jacob, TK Kumar, CSM Devasahayam, S D'Silva, S Kumar, RS Biju, CN Praveena, R Ankegowda, SKJ AF Jacob, Thuruthumkara K. Senthil Kumar, Chellappa M. Devasahayam, Selvakaran D'Silva, Sharon Kumar, Rathinampillai Senthil Biju, Chakkiyanickal N. Praveena, Ravindran Ankegowda, Shettahalli K. J. TI Plant morphological traits associated with field resistance to cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi) in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) SO ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY AB Cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi) is a major insect pest of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) causing severe economic losses to the crop in all cardamom producing countries. The present control measures rely heavily on chemical insecticides, which in addition to increased input costs also lead to pesticide residues in the produce and environmental hazards. Although the crop is of high commercial value, limited efforts have been made to identify sources of resistance to this major pest. Exploiting sources of resistance along with integrated pest management tactics will help to reduce pesticide usage in this crop promoting sustainable production. The present study aimed at identifying sources of resistance against cardamom thrips and the associated plant morphological traits conferring resistance against the pest. Field screening of 180 cardamom germplasm accessions for 3 years at Appangala, Karnataka, India, resulted in identification of eight accessions resistant to cardamom thrips. Differences in panicle type and the nature of adherence of leaf sheath to the pseudostem explained a significant amount of the variance in resistance and therefore are likely to play a major role in conferring resistance against this pest. Multiple regression analysis of the different traits indicated that accessions with prostrate panicles having leaf sheath loosely adhered to the pseudostems were found to have significantly less thrips damage, when compared with other panicle and leaf sheath types. However, persistence of flower bract did not have a significant additive effect on imparting resistance against thrips. Metabolomic analysis of the accessions may provide further insight into the existence of supplementary biochemical mechanisms, if any, in imparting resistance. The identified traits and accessions can be exploited in future breeding programmes for developing thrips resistant cardamom varieties. RI M, Senthil Kumar C/C-1155-2019 OI M, Senthil Kumar C/0000-0001-7336-5447 SN 0003-4746 EI 1744-7348 DI 10.1111/aab.12592 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530400200001 ER PT J AU Boaitey, A Minegishi, K AF Boaitey, Albert Minegishi, Kota TI Who are farm animal welfare conscious consumers? SO BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL AB Purpose This paper aims to synthesize the literature on consumer preferences for farm animal welfare (FAW), with an emphasis on characterizing consumers based on their FAW preferences. The objective is to provide insights into the salient characteristics associated with animal welfare conscious consumers. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a systematic review of the results of published research on consumer preferences for FAW. Approximately 350 papers were reviewed, and 52 were included in the analysis. Findings The authors' review suggests that consumers are not homogenous in their preferences for FAW. The authors identify seven themes that enabled them to characterize consumers with higher FAW preferences. These themes (i.e. age, education and income, gender, country and cross-cultural differences, attitudes and consumer and citizen functions) are grouped under four main headings (socio-demographics, ethics and attitudes, product characteristics and public roles). Research limitations/implications The authors' synthesis reflects the findings reported in the literature to this date; the identified characteristics may change with time as new evidence becomes available. Practical implications The information collected in this article would be useful to farmers and food and non-food retailers interested in effective product differentiation and marketing strategies regarding FAW standards. It can also inform policymakers about the state of consumer concerns for FAW. Originality/value To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study that attempts to develop a systematic profile of consumers based on their FAW preferences. OI Boaitey, Albert/0000-0002-2054-609X SN 0007-070X EI 1758-4108 DI 10.1108/BFJ-08-2019-0634 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530327500001 ER PT J AU Maloney, M Merkle, JA Aadland, D Peck, D Horan, RD Monteith, KL Winslow, T Logan, J Finnoff, D Sims, C Schumaker, B AF Maloney, Matthew Merkle, Jerod A. Aadland, David Peck, Dannele Horan, Richard D. Monteith, Kevin L. Winslow, Thach Logan, Jim Finnoff, David Sims, Charles Schumaker, Brant TI Chronic wasting disease undermines efforts to control the spread of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem SO ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS AB Wildlife diseases pose a substantial threat to the provisioning of ecosystem services. We use a novel modeling approach to study the potential loss of these services through the imminent introduction of chronic wasting disease (CWD) to elk populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). A specific concern is that concentrating elk at feedgrounds may exacerbate the spread of CWD, whereas eliminating feedgrounds may increase the number of elk on private ranchlands and the transmission of a second disease, brucellosis, from elk to cattle. To evaluate the consequences of management strategies given the threat of two concurrent wildlife diseases, we develop a spatiotemporal bioeconomic model. GPS data from elk and landscape attributes are used to predict migratory behavior and population densities with and without supplementary feeding. We use a 4,800 km(2) area around Pinedale, Wyoming containing four existing feedgrounds as a case study. For this area, we simulate welfare estimates under a variety of management strategies. Our results indicate that continuing to feed elk could result in substantial welfare losses for the case-study region. Therefore, to maximize the present value of economic net benefits generated by the local elk population upon CWD's arrival in the region, wildlife managers may wish to consider discontinuing elk feedgrounds while simultaneously developing new methods to mitigate the financial impact to ranchers of possible brucellosis transmission to livestock. More generally, our methods can be used to weigh the costs and benefits of human-wildlife interactions in the presence of multiple disease risks. OI Peck, Dannele/0000-0001-5464-8097 SN 1051-0761 EI 1939-5582 DI 10.1002/eap.2129 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530151100001 PM 32223053 ER PT J AU Nash, C AF Nash, Catherine TI Breed wealth: Origins, encounter value and the international love of a breed SO TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH GEOGRAPHERS AB This paper offers a geographical framework for considering animal breeds as objects of knowledge and living entities, and uses it to explore how ideas of breed origin constitute breeds and affect interspecies relations, human relations and the making of value. It suggests how critical animal geographers could engage more fully with breeds and breeding through an expanded concept of breed wealth that includes the making of breeds as forms of "genetic capital" through the reproductive capacity of animals, the cultural value of breeds in terms of human collective identities and differentiations, and encounter value. This geographical approach to breeds and breeding involves not only engaging with the always situated nature of breed epistemologies, practices and relations, but also the geographical dimensions of what is predominately understood as a genealogically rather than spatially constituted category. A more-than-genealogical understanding of breeds draws attention to how place rather than pedigree alone is considered as constitutive of breeds, both in an evolutionary and immediate sense, despite the formal modern genetic definition of breeds and how geographical origination matters in the making of breed wealth across the multiple geographies of a breed as it is dispersed from its original "homeland." Addressing a national and international "love of a breed" - Icelandic horses which are defined as a national breed but are the focus of interest and enthusiasm both within and beyond Iceland - this paper explores how the ethical complexities of love, care and power are worked through in different ways across these geographies. Breed wealth, I argue, is a dynamic relational quality inflected by the meanings attributed to the place of breed origin. OI Nash, Catherine/0000-0002-0868-7164 SN 0020-2754 EI 1475-5661 DI 10.1111/tran.12383 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530122600001 ER PT J AU Chougar, L Mas-Coma, S Artigas, P Harhoura, K Aissi, M Agramunt, VH Bargues, MD AF Chougar, Linda Mas-Coma, Santiago Artigas, Patricio Harhoura, Khaled Aissi, Miriem Agramunt, Veronica H. Bargues, Maria D. TI Genetically 'pure' Fasciola gigantica discovered in Algeria: DNA multimarker characterization, trans-Saharan introduction from a Sahel origin and spreading risk into north-western Maghreb countries SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Fascioliasis is a freshwater snail-borne zoonotic helminth disease caused by two species of trematodes: Fasciola hepatica of almost worldwide distribution and the more pathogenic F. gigantica restricted to parts of Asia and most of Africa. Of high pathological impact in ruminants, it underlies large livestock husbandry losses. Fascioliasis is moreover of high public health importance and accordingly included within the main neglected tropical diseases by WHO. Additionally, this is an emerging disease due to influences of climate and global changes. In Africa, F. gigantica is distributed throughout almost the whole continent except in the north-western Maghreb countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where only F. hepatica is present. The present study concerns the DNA multimarker characterization of the first finding of F. gigantica in sheep in Algeria by the complete sequences of rDNA ITS-1 and ITS-2 and mtDNA cox1 and nad1 genes. Sequence comparisons and network analyses show sequence identities and similarities suggesting a south-north trans-Saharan geographical origin, with introduction from Ghana, through the Sahel countries of Burkina Faso and Mali into Algeria. This way perfectly fits with nomadic pastoralism according to interconnecting intranational and transborder herd transhumance routes traditionally followed in this western part of Africa from very long ago. The risk for further spread throughout the three north-western Maghreb countries is multidisciplinarily analysed, mainly considering the present extensive motorization of the intranational transhumance system in Algeria, the lymnaeid snail vector species present throughout the north-western Maghreb, the increasing demand for animal products in the growing cities of northern Algeria and the continued human infection reports. Control measures should assure making anti-fasciolid drugs available and affordable for herders from the beginning and along their transhumant routes and include diffusion and rules within the regional regulatory framework about the need for herd treatments. RI Artigas, Patricio/L-6122-2014 OI Artigas, Patricio/0000-0002-2815-1324 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13572 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530087200001 PM 32304266 ER PT J AU Sudhakar, SB Mishra, N Kalaiyarasu, S Jhade, SK Hemadri, D Sood, R Bal, GC Nayak, MK Pradhan, SK Singh, VP AF Sudhakar, Shashi B. Mishra, Niranjan Kalaiyarasu, Semmannan Jhade, Sandeep K. Hemadri, Divakar Sood, Richa Bal, Gopal C. Nayak, Mihir K. Pradhan, Sunil K. Singh, Vijendra P. TI Lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in cattle in Odisha state, India in August 2019: Epidemiological features and molecular studies SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Lumpy skin disease (LSD) caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) inflicts significant economic losses in cattle production with impact on livelihoods of smallholders. This study reports the first occurrence of LSD in cattle in India and analyses epidemiological and genetic characterization data from LSD outbreaks in five districts of Odisha state in August 2019. In all, 182 of 2,539 cattle were affected with an apparent morbidity rate of 7.1% and no mortality. Out of 102 samples from 60 LSD suspected and 17 asymptomatic in-contact cattle tested, 29.87% cattle were positive by capripoxvirus generic PCR and 37.66% were positive by LSDV real-time PCR. All the in-contact cattle tested were negative for LSDV. Among affected cattle, LSDV genome was detected more in scabs (79.16%) than blood (31.81%) and frozen bull semen (20.45%). Differential diagnosis by PCR was negative for pseudo-LSD, buffalopox, cowpox, pseudo-cowpox and bovine papular stomatitis. Five selected PCR and real-time PCR-positive LSDV DNA were sequenced in three genomic regions, P32 (LSDV074), F (LSDV117) and RPO30 (LSDV036). Phylogenetic analysis based on partial P32 and F gene sequences and complete RPO30 gene sequences showed that all the five Indian LSDV strains were identical and clustered with other field strains of LSDV circulating globally. However, the F and RPO30 gene sequence analyses revealed that Indian LSDV strains are genetically closer to the South African NI2490/KSGP-like strains than the strains detected in Europe, which was rather surprising. The present study established the existence of LSDV in India and involvement of LSDV field strains in the outbreaks. Additionally, we provided evidence of LSDV shedding in semen of naturally infected bulls. Further studies are required to determine the source of LSD introduction, extent of spread, modes of transmission and impact on dairy cattle production in India and effective control measures must be undertaken urgently. SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13579 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530117000001 PM 32304275 ER PT J AU Lei, K Lin, CY Zhu, Y Chen, W Pan, HY Sun, Z Sweetman, A Zhang, QH He, MC AF Lei, Kai Lin, Chun-Ye Zhu, Ying Chen, Wei Pan, Hui-Yun Sun, Zhe Sweetman, Andrew Zhang, Qinghua He, Meng-Chang TI Estrogens in municipal wastewater and receiving waters in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China: Occurrence and risk assessment of mixtures SO JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AB The potentially high release of estrogens to surface waters due to high population density and local livestock production in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region may pose adverse effects on reproductive systems of aquatic organisms. This study found that total measured concentrations of estrone (E1), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) were 468 +/- 27 ng/L in treated wastewater and 219 +/- 23 ng/L in river waters in this region. E2, E3 and EE2 were the predominant estrogens in river waters. The restriction of DES for human use should have been enforced, however concentrations of DES were relatively high compared to other studies. Haihe and Yongdingxin Rivers delivered approximately 1.8 tonnes of estrogens to the Bohai Bay annually. Concentrations of individual estrogens were significantly higher in river waters in the dry season, however, mass loadings were significantly higher in the wet season. The average E2-equivalent concentrations reached 1.2 +/- 0.2 and 0.64 +/- 0.08 mu g-E2/L following long-term and short-term exposure estimates, respectively, in river waters with an EE2 contribution of over 90 %. This could give rise to high risks to fish. Estrogens in river waters largely derived from human excretion. Field studies on estrogenic effects on fish reproductive systems are required locally considering high estrogen contamination levels. RI Sweetman, Andrew/AAJ-9432-2020; He, Mengchang/B-6466-2012; Chen, Wei/B-8101-2011; Zhu, Ying/K-2797-2012 OI Sweetman, Andrew/0000-0001-9230-8536; He, Mengchang/0000-0001-8975-8034; Chen, Wei/0000-0002-7724-3014; Zhu, Ying/0000-0002-2534-290X SN 0304-3894 EI 1873-3336 PD MAY 5 PY 2020 VL 389 AR 121891 DI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121891 UT WOS:000524479100057 PM 31882338 ER PT J AU Nhemachena, A Warikandwa, TV Mpofu, N AF Nhemachena, Artwell Warikandwa, Tapiwa V. Mpofu, Nkosinothando TI Worse Than "Bushmen" and Transhumance? Transitology and the Resilient Cannibalization of African Heritages SO JOURNAL OF BLACK STUDIES AB Although Eurocentric scholars theorize the world in terms of Western evolutionary progress rather than de-evolutionary retrogression, this paper takes a different perspective. Forced to transition away from their tangible and intangible heritages, from their families and marriages, cultures, societies, polities, and economies in ways that legitimized imperial claims to res nullius (unowned resources) and terra nullius (empty land), some indigenous people wittingly and unwittingly increasingly devolved their heritages to the colonialists that benefited from the African transitions. The point here is that unlike "Bushmen" and those that practiced transhumance, contemporary Africans are forced to transition, to change and to transform away from owning and controlling their tangible and intangible resources, including land, culture, laws, religions, polities, economies, livestock, families, marriages, and so on. Whereas "Bushmen" and transhumance migrated and transitioned while retaining ownership and control over their land, forests, livestock, and so on, contemporary Africans are forced to transition in ways that divorce them from their families, marriages, cultures, religions, polities, and from ownership of their material resources. Because Eurocentric forms of transition put African institutions and resources on the chopping boards, we argue that this kind of transition is cannibalistic. Made to believe that transition is easier to accomplish without the supposed burden of repossessing ownership and control over one's resources, Africans are witnessed as disinherited and wandering around the world arguably in ways that even precolonial "Bushmen" and transhumance pastoralists would not envy. There is no justice in "transitional justice" that transitions indigenous people from their heritages. SN 0021-9347 EI 1552-4566 AR UNSP 0021934720917572 DI 10.1177/0021934720917572 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000532765700001 ER PT J AU Tade, O Yikwabs, YP AF Tade, Oludayo Yikwabs, Yikwab Peter TI Conflict triggers between farming and pastoral communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria SO JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION CONFLICT AND PEACE RESEARCH AB Purpose This study aims to examine contemporary factors underlying farmers and pastoralists' conflict in Nasarawa state. These two communities had rosy and symbiotic relationships which have transmogrified into sour tales of mutual suspicion, destruction, deaths and violence. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research design was used. Data was collected using qualitative tools of data collection such as in-depth interview (IDI) and key informant (KII) guides to extract responses from farmers and pastoralists. Findings In a bid to end the conflicts between these two groups, Benue State Government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law also known as anti-open grazing law in 2018. Although the law altered the conflict landscape in Benue, it recorded trans-territorial backlashes in the neighbouring Nasarawa State where herdsmen relocated. The relocation of herders to Nasarawa State, setting up of livestock guards to check open grazing by pastoralists, rumour and politics triggered contemporary violent conflicts between these groups. Originality/value As against existing studies, this study examines contemporary trigger of the conflict. SN 1759-6599 EI 2042-8715 DI 10.1108/JACPR-10-2019-0448 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530665500001 ER PT J AU Direkvandi, E Mohammadabadi, T Chaji, M Elghandour, MMMY Barbabosa-Pleigo, A Salem, AZM AF Direkvandi, Ehsan Mohammadabadi, Tahereh Chaji, Morteza Elghandour, Mona M. M. Y. Barbabosa-Pleigo, Alberto Salem, Abdelfattah Z. M. TI Effect of sulfuric acid and molasses on the chemical composition, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility of silage of Conocarpus erectus L. tree leaves and branches SO AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AB Conocarpus is a non-toxic plant and exhibits disparate applications in animal nutrition. Leaves, shoots, and remaining branches of this pruning shrub can be used as ideal feed for livestock. In view of this, this experiment was performed to investigate the effect of silage additive on the chemical composition of Conocarpus (Conocarpus erectus L.) silage as well as in vitro gas production parameters and digestibility in a completely randomized design with four replicates up to 45 days. Sulfuric acid (2.3 l(-1) t; A) and molasses (5% w/w; M) were used as a silage additive in this context. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) No additive (Conocarpus silage; CS); (2) CS + A (CSA), and (3) CS + A + M (CSAM). Samples were used to determine the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, and digestibility parameters. Results showed that dry and organic matter of silage increased (P < 0.05) due to the supplementation of CSA and CSAM. The amount of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.05) in all treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) amount of crude protein was observed in CSAM treatment. The CSAM treatment led to reduce (P < 0.05) the ammonia-N and pH of silage. Ruminal gas production, organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, apparently degraded substrate, short-chain fatty acids, and coefficients b and c were estimated to be increased (P < 0.05) in CSA and CSAM treatments. The CSA treatment showed increment (P < 0.05) in microbial protein production only. The amount of ruminal ammonia-N was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for CS treatment. After 120 h of incubation period, the ruminal pH was not affected (P > 0.05) in experimental treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) digestibility amount dry matter and neutral detergent fiber were reported in CSAM and CSA treatments. Data suggested that addition of sulfuric acid and its combination with molasses improved the in vitro ruminal gas production and digestibility of the Conocarpus leaves silage as a propitious alternative feeding resource for livestock animals. OI direkvandi, ehsan/0000-0001-7017-2324 SN 0167-4366 EI 1572-9680 DI 10.1007/s10457-020-00495-5 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530215200001 ER PT J AU Valente, ML Reichert, JM Legout, C Tiecher, T Cavalcante, RBL Evrard, O AF Valente, Mirian Lago Reichert, Jose Miguel Legout, Cedric Tiecher, Tales Cavalcante, Rosane Barbosa Lopes Evrard, Olivier TI Quantification of sediment source contributions in two paired catchments of the Brazilian Pampa using conventional and alternative fingerprinting approaches SO HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES AB The knowledge of the contribution of sediment sources to river networks is a prerequisite to understand the impact of land use change on sediment yield. We calculated the relative contributions of sediment sources in two paired catchments, one with commercial eucalyptus plantations (0.83 km(2)) and the other with grassland used for livestock farming (1.10 km(2)), located in the Brazilian Pampa biome, using different combinations of conventional [geochemical (G), radionuclide (R) and stable isotopes and organic matter properties (S)] and alternative tracer properties [spectrocolorimetric visible-based-colour parameters (V)]. Potential sediment sources evaluated were stream channel, natural grassland and oat pasture fields in the grassland catchment, and stream channel, unpaved roads and eucalyptus plantation in the eucalyptus catchment. The results show that the best combination of tracers to discriminate the potential sources was using GSRV tracers in the grassland catchment, and using GSRV, GSV and GS tracers in the eucalyptus catchment. In all these cases, samples were 100% correctly classified in their respective groups. Considering the best tracers results (GSRV) in both catchments, the sediment source contributions estimated in the catchment with eucalyptus plantations was 63, 30 and 7% for stream channel, eucalyptus stands and unpaved roads, respectively. In the grassland catchment, the source contributions to sediment were 84, 14 and 2% for natural grassland, stream channel and oats pasture fields, respectively. The combination of these source apportionment results with the annual sediment loads monitored during a 3-year period demonstrates that commercial eucalyptus plantations supplied approximately 10 times less sediment (0.1 ton ha(-1) year(-1)) than the traditional land uses in this region, that is, 1.0 ton ha(-1) year(-1) from grassland and 0.3 ton ha(-1) year(-1) from oats pasture fields. These results demonstrate the potential of combining conventional and alternative approaches to trace sediment sources originating from different land uses in this region. Furthermore, they show that well-managed forest plantations may be less sensitive to erosion than grassland used for intensive livestock farming, which should be taken into account to promote the sustainable use of land in this region of South America. RI Reichert, Jose Miguel/F-8189-2012; Evrard, Olivier/E-5076-2011 OI Reichert, Jose Miguel/0000-0001-9943-2898; Evrard, Olivier/0000-0002-3503-6543; Cavalcante, Rosane/0000-0002-5941-6460; Lago Valente, Mirian/0000-0003-1996-9586 SN 0885-6087 EI 1099-1085 PD JUN 30 PY 2020 VL 34 IS 13 BP 2965 EP 2986 DI 10.1002/hyp.13768 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530079400001 ER PT J AU Zhang, QQ Difford, G Sahana, G Lovendahl, P Lassen, J Lund, MS Guldbrandtsen, B Janss, L AF Zhang, Qianqian Difford, Gareth Sahana, Goutam Lovendahl, Peter Lassen, Jan Lund, Mogens Sando Guldbrandtsen, Bernt Janss, Luc TI Bayesian modeling reveals host genetics associated with rumen microbiota jointly influence methane emission in dairy cows SO ISME JOURNAL AB Reducing methane emissions from livestock production is of great importance for the sustainable management of the Earth's environment. Rumen microbiota play an important role in producing biogenic methane. However, knowledge of how host genetics influences variation in ruminal microbiota and their joint effects on methane emission is limited. We analyzed data from 750 dairy cows, using a Bayesian model to simultaneously assess the impact of host genetics and microbiota on host methane emission. We estimated that host genetics and microbiota explained 24% and 7%, respectively, of variation in host methane levels. In this Bayesian model, one bacterial genus explained up to 1.6% of the total microbiota variance. Further analysis was performed by a mixed linear model to estimate variance explained by host genomics in abundances of microbial genera and operational taxonomic units (OTU). Highest estimates were observed for a bacterial OTU with 33%, for an archaeal OTU with 26%, and for a microbial genus with 41% heritability. However, after multiple testing correction for the number of genera and OTUs modeled, none of the effects remained significant. We also used a mixed linear model to test effects of individual host genetic markers on microbial genera and OTUs. In this analysis, genetic markers inside host genes ABS4 and DNAJC10 were found associated with microbiota composition. We show that a Bayesian model can be utilized to model complex structure and relationship between microbiota simultaneously and their interaction with host genetics on methane emission. The host genome explains a significant fraction of between-individual variation in microbial abundance. Individual microbial taxonomic groups each only explain a small amount of variation in methane emissions. The identification of genes and genetic markers suggests that it is possible to design strategies for breeding cows with desired microbiota composition associated with phenotypes. RI Sahana, Goutam/K-7613-2014 OI Sahana, Goutam/0000-0001-7608-7577; Lovendahl, Peter/0000-0002-9852-2944 SN 1751-7362 EI 1751-7370 DI 10.1038/s41396-020-0663-x EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530262900001 PM 32366970 ER PT J AU Hartel, T Nita, A Rozylowicz, L AF Hartel, Tibor Nita, Andreea Rozylowicz, Laurentiu TI Understanding human-nature connections through value networks: the case of ancient wood-pastures of Central Romania SO SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE AB Scattered woody vegetation generates multiple socio-economic and environmental benefits to the rural communities. Disregarding values associated with woody vegetation on pastures can decouple individuals from traditional management practices, resulting in the loss of biodiversity-rich farming landscapes. Here we employ semi-structured interviews and network analysis to understand the value networks attributed to scattered mature and large old trees in traditional wood-pastures of Central Romania. In our approach, values connect people to trees as well as other people when all share the same appreciation for trees. Farmers assigned 18 values to the scattered mature and large old trees on wood-pastures. Mature trees were appreciated mainly for their tangible benefits. The removal of a single value (i.e., shade value for livestock) decoupled a large proportion of farmers from the mature tree value network. Conversely, large old trees were appreciated for their socio-cultural values (e.g., identity, history). For these trees, the removal of individual socio-cultural values decoupled a relatively small number of people from the network. We suggest that the adoption of a value network approach to understanding multifunctional farming landscapes such as wood-pastures is important because it allows for (1) the understanding of the connections between people and landscape features (e.g., trees) as well as between people (i.e., through sharing the same values for trees), (2) the inclusion of values in the social-ecological monitoring projects and the understanding of the role of various local initiatives and land ownership forms in shaping the value network, and (3) facilitating the understanding of the circumstances of how formal regulatory policies may influence the multifunctional farming landscape as a social-ecological system. RI Rozylowicz, Laurentiu/B-4540-2009 OI Rozylowicz, Laurentiu/0000-0001-7174-032X SN 1862-4065 EI 1862-4057 DI 10.1007/s11625-020-00811-z EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530168700001 ER PT J AU Traore, O Chang, W Rehman, A Traore, S Rauf, A AF Traore, Ousmane Chang, Wei Rehman, Abdul Traore, Seydou Rauf, Abdul TI Climate disturbance impact assessment in West Africa: evidence from field survey and satellite imagery analysis SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Extreme drought events from climate disturbances are weakening livelihood and limiting agriculture and livestock production in the Sahel region. The lack of relevant information to anticipate coping measures has exacerbated impacts leading to climate adaptation failure in most parts. In this regard, the current research paper has collected important datasets with an objective to assess the impact of extreme drought events on household's livelihoods for better understanding impacts, local people's perception, and the changes on vegetation cover in order to support a robust adaptation strategy to drought. The study conducted a household survey and collected satellite data for comparative analysis. The first survey was conducted in 2013 to collect data from 465 household heads through a structured questionnaire. Supplementary focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted in 2018 to collect qualitative information from targeted respondents such as village leaders and members of other key groups including women and youth. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficient matrix were used to characterize the impact on households' main livelihoods and logistic regression to predict people's perception on pasture depletion over the last 20 years. Satellite data were used to derive spectral vegetation of land covers and unsupervised classification indexes. Both individual survey and focus group discussions identified drought as the main climate constraint which reduced crop production, water and pastures. The logistic analysis revealed that if the respondent's major occupation is livestock, the probability to perceive a depletion of pasture will increase by 28%. Concurrently, the satellite image observation in perfect agreement with the field survey showed 6.78% and 6.01% losses of water surface and vegetation cover respectively between 1986 and 2016 in the study area. These findings showed that logistic regression coupled with satellite information can inform on past and future impacts which are extremely crucial for sound adaptation planning in the Sahel region. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08757-6 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530197200005 PM 32363456 ER PT J AU De Santis, AAA Chacoff, NP AF Amado De Santis, A. A. Chacoff, N. P. TI Urbanization Affects Composition but Not Richness of Flower Visitors in the Yungas of Argentina SO NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY AB Urban areas represent a spatially small impact in relation to other land-uses such as livestock and agriculture, but they undergo rapid changes. Such changes involve their size, shape, interconnectivity, and composition of natural patches. Habitat loss generated by urbanization affects the diversity and abundance of bees and other flower visitors in many sites. In general, the presence of urban areas represents a strict boundary to flower visitors and restricts their movement between natural and suburban habitat patches. The aim of this work is to evaluate how the flower visitor assemblage change along an urban-natural gradient in northwest Argentina. We established five areas in the Yungas ecoregion and sampled three sites with different degrees of urbanization (urban, suburban, and natural), at each area, reaching 15 sites. At each site, we sampled flower visitors during 5-min observation periods done over flowering plants. We found 197 morphospecies of flower-visiting insects along the gradient and an invariant richness, abundance, and Shannon diversity. The assemblage presented the same taxonomic group distributions in the three categories established. However, in urban sites, solitary bees and bees with soil borrowing nesting type predominate, while eusocial and cavity nesting bees were the main flower visitors in suburban sites. Our results suggest that the cities of northwestern Argentina are not a strict boundary for flower visitors; however, urbanization seems to be selecting and favoring certain flower-visitor species traits. SN 1519-566X EI 1678-8052 DI 10.1007/s13744-020-00772-z EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530228100001 PM 32363487 ER PT J AU Chamikara, PBS Perera, BAKS Rodrigo, MNN AF Chamikara, P. B. S. Perera, B. A. K. S. Rodrigo, M. N. N. TI Competencies of the quantity surveyor in performing for sustainable construction SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AB Sustainable construction has become a feasible solution for overcoming various social, economic and environmental issues faced by the construction industry. Because of the vital role quantity surveyors play in construction, involvement in sustainable construction has become essential. However, there is a literature gap and an industry need to identify how quantity surveying inputs can contribute to sustainable construction. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the significance of quantity surveying competencies in sustainable construction in Sri Lanka. A literature review was first carried out followed by interviews and a questionnaire survey. The findings revealed that construction technology and environmental services; computer literacy; ethics and professional practice; leadership and management; and measurement and costing as areas in sustainable construction which are significant to quantity surveyors, and therefore, competencies in these areas need to be developed. The research ranked sustainable approaches and sustainable techniques based on the significance of their associated quantity surveying inputs. The research recommends construction technology and environmental services; computer literacy; ethics and professional practice; leadership and management; and measurement and costing as areas in which competencies of quantity surveyors need to be given consideration in sustainable approaches and sustainable techniques. Quantity surveyors possessing these competencies will enhance sustainable construction. RI Perera, B.A.K.S./J-6481-2015 OI Perera, B.A.K.S./0000-0002-4542-8890 SN 1562-3599 EI 2331-2327 PD MAY 3 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 3 BP 237 EP 251 DI 10.1080/15623599.2018.1484848 UT WOS:000505137700005 ER PT J AU Mama, OM Morales, L Ruiz-Ripa, L Zarazaga, M Torres, C AF Mama, Olouwafemi Mistourath Morales, Liliana Ruiz-Ripa, Laura Zarazaga, Myriam Torres, Carmen TI High prevalence of multidrug resistant S. aureus-CC398 and frequent detection of enterotoxin genes among non-CC398 S. aureus from pig-derived food in Spain SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY AB Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) CC398 is a livestock-associated (LA) lineage, mainly detected in swine. Its dissemination via the food-chain could be a food-safety issue. This work aimed to study the diversity of S. aureus lineages in pork-products, to determine the prevalence of MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) of lineage CC398, and to study the antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype and the virulence traits of recovered isolates. One hundred and one samples of pig-derived food were collected in Northern Spain for S. aureus isolation. Antibiotic resistance profile was analysed, and associated resistance genes were screened by PCR. Detection of CC398 lineage, spa-type, multilocus sequence-type, virulence factors, immune evasion cluster (IEC) genes, and phage FSa3 integrase was performed by PCR/sequencing. The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA among pig-derived food was 33.6% and 21.8%, respectively. Thirty-nine S. aureus isolates were recovered and attributed to 19 spa-types and 12 STs, ST398 being the predominant lineage (n= 25; 64%). MRSA-CC398 isolates (n= 23) were mainly spa-t011 (n= 16) and 82.6% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). All MRSA-CC398 were tetracycline-resistant and IEC-negative and four hosted either eta, tst or sea gene. The two MSSA-CC398 isolates detected were spa-t5452, IEC-positive, and were resistant to penicillin (blaZ) and erythromycin/clindamycin (inducible) (ermT with/without ermC+ msrA). Among the 14 non-CC398 isolates, only two were MRSA (ST8, PVL-positive, enterotoxin-positive, IEC-negative). The 12 MSSA isolates included two of lineage CC45 and IEC-positive. CC398 lineage is prevalent among S. aureus of pig-derived food (both MRSA and MSSA), LA-MRSA-CC398/t011 being the clone most represented. The presence of the IEC-positive MSSA-CC398 and MSSA-CC45 isolates in food products highlights the potential implication of handlers in transmission of foodborne pathogens. Moreover, given the high frequency of MDR isolates and virulence genes detected, hygienic practices should be improved to limit the dissemination risk of S. aureus via the food chain. SN 0168-1605 EI 1879-3460 PD MAY 2 PY 2020 VL 320 AR 108510 DI 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108510 UT WOS:000526517600007 PM 31986349 ER PT J AU Ngo, HQT Nguyen, TP Nguyen, H AF Ha Quang Thinh Ngo Thanh Phuong Nguyen Hung Nguyen TI Research on a Low-Cost, Open-Source, and Remote Monitoring Data Collector to Predict Livestock's Habits Based on Location and Auditory Information: A Case Study from Vietnam SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB The supervision and feeding of grazing livestock are always difficult missions. Since animals act based on habits, the real-time monitoring data logger has become an indispensable instrument to assist farmers in recognizing the status of livestock. Position-tracked and acoustic monitoring have become commonplace as two of the best methods to characterize feeding performance in ruminants. Previously, the existing methods were limited to desktop computers and lacked a sound-collecting function. These restrictions impacted the late interventions from feeders and required a large-sized data memory. In this work, an open-source framework for a data collector that autonomously captures the health information of farm animals is introduced. In this portable hardware, a Wireless Location Acoustic Sensing System (WiLASS) is integrated to infer the health status through the activities and abnormal phenomena of farming livestock via chew-bite sound identification. WiLASS involves the open modules of ESP32-WROOM, GPS NEO-6M, ADXL335 accelerometer, GY-MAX4466 amplifier, temperature sensors, and other signal processing circuits. By means of wireless communication, the ESP32-WROOM Thing micro-processor offers high speed transmission, standard protocol, and low power consumption. Data are transferred in a real-time manner from the attached sensing modules to a digital server for further analysis. The module of GPS NEO-6M Thing brings about fast tracking, high precision, and a strong signal, which is suitable for highland applications. Some computations are incorporated into the accelerometer to estimate directional movement and vibration. The GY-MAX4466 Thing plays the role of microphone, which is used to store environmental sound. To ensure the quality of auditory data, they are recorded at a minimum sampling frequency of 10 KHz and at a 12-bit resolution. Moreover, a mobile software in pocket devices is implemented to provide extended mobility and social convenience. Converging with a cloud-based server, the multi-Thing portable platform can provide access to simultaneously supervise. Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol with low bandwidth, high reliability, and bi-direction, and which is appropriate for most operating systemsOS, is embedded into the system to prevent data loss. From the experimental results, the feasibility, effectiveness, and correctness of our approach are verified. Under the changes of climate, the proposed framework not only supports the improvement of farming techniques, but also provides a high-quality alternative for poor rural areas because of its low cost and its ability to carry out a proper policy for each species. EI 2077-0472 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 10 IS 5 AR 180 DI 10.3390/agriculture10050180 UT WOS:000540851700031 ER PT J AU Niwinska, B Witaszek, K Niedbala, G Pilarski, K AF Niwinska, Barbara Witaszek, Kamil Niedbala, Gniewko Pilarski, Krzysztof TI Seeds of n-GM Soybean Varieties Cultivated in Poland and Their Processing Products as High-Protein Feeds in Cattle Nutrition SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is a source of high-quality edible protein and oil for humans, but also a high-quality feed in livestock feeding. In Poland, imported genetically modified soybean meal covers 65%, and leguminous seeds that are cultivated locally cover 11% of the protein requirement in livestock nutrition. The implementation of the Polish national program and the European strategy supporting the growth of the leguminous area resulted in adaptation to local agro-climatic conditions of 36 varieties of non-genetically modified soybean (n-GM), which achieved an average seed yield of about 3.7 t center dot ha(-1) with a content of about 38% protein and 23% fat in dry matter. The 27-fold increase in n-GM soybean cultivation area observed over the past eight years resulted in the opportunities in the use of this high-protein feed in feeding cattle, the section providing 26% of gross agricultural production. In cattle feeding, soybean seeds are utilized as whole, cracked, roasted, and extruded full-fat seed; after oil pressing as cold press cakes and extruded oil cakes; and moreover, late-ripening soybean plants with late maturity are used as fodder plants. The presented review is based on literature and analysis of data on the use of each of these forms in cattle nutrition, including the limitation of their use as components of feed rations, which is caused by the high rate of nitrogen release in the rumen and the effects of fat and saponin on microbial fermentation in the rumen due to the role of endogenous seminal enzymes. EI 2077-0472 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 10 IS 5 AR 174 DI 10.3390/agriculture10050174 UT WOS:000540851700037 ER PT J AU Tomal, M Gumieniak, A AF Tomal, Mateusz Gumieniak, Agata TI Agricultural Land Price Convergence: Evidence from Polish Provinces SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB This research deals with the problem of agricultural land market efficiency using the spatial market integration concept as well as the present value (PV) model. Empirically, it aims to test the convergence of agricultural land prices across Polish provinces. In order to check the law of one price (LOP), good-quality, medium-quality and bad-quality land sales markets are examined separately. Furthermore, this study is complemented by an analysis of the drivers behind agricultural land price convergence. The main method of testing price convergence is the log t regression. The latter was performed in two configurations, i.e., based on trend components of time series extracted using the Hodrick-Prescott filter and the Hamilton filter. Additionally, traditional beta- and sigma-convergence tests were applied. The obtained results indicated that agricultural land prices tend to converge in relative terms, which means that the provinces share a common long-run growth path. This finding and estimates of traditional convergence tests prove the increasing integration in the agricultural land market in Poland. There is no evidence, however, to support the conclusion that the absolute version of the long-run LOP holds. Moreover, using dynamic fixed effects models, it was identified that for good-, medium- and bad-quality land prices almost the same drivers of convergence apply. The only differences concern the strength of the influence of independent variables on prices of farmland of various types. Additionally, bad-quality land prices are the only ones which are affected by livestock density. Furthermore, estimates of the present value model finally confirmed that the agricultural land sales market in Poland cannot be considered as efficient. OI Tomal, Mateusz/0000-0002-8393-1614 EI 2077-0472 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 10 IS 5 AR 183 DI 10.3390/agriculture10050183 UT WOS:000540851700016 ER PT J AU Kim, S Chung, H Lee, H Myung, D Choi, K Kim, S Htet, SL Jeong, W Choe, N AF Kim, Seongjoon Chung, Hansung Lee, Hyesook Myung, Donghoon Choi, Kwanghoon Kim, Sukwon Htet, Swe Lynn Jeong, Wooseog Choe, Nonghoon TI Evaluation of the disinfectant concentration used on livestock facilities in Korea during dual outbreak of foot and mouth disease and high pathogenic avian influenza SO JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Background: A nationwide outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Korea caused massive economic losses in 2010. Since then, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) has enhanced disinfection systems regarding livestock to prevent horizontal transmission of FMD and Avian influenza (AI). Although the amount of disinfectant used continues to increase, cases of FMD and AI have been occurring annually in Korea, except 2012 and 2013. Objectives: This study measured the concentration of the disinfectant to determine why it failed to remove the horizontal transmission despite increased disinfectant use. Methods: Surveys were conducted from February to May 2017, collecting 348 samples from disinfection systems. The samples were analyzed using the Standards of Animal Health Products analysis methods from QIA. Results: Twenty-three facilities used inappropriate or non-approved disinfectants. Nearly all sampled livestock farms and facilities-93.9%-did not properly adjust the disinfectant concentration. The percentage using low concentrations, or where no effective substance was detected, was 46.9%. Furthermore, 13 samples from the official disinfection station did not use effective disinfectant, and-among 72 samples from the disinfection station-88.89% were considered inappropriate concentration, according to the foot-and-mouth disease virus guidelines; considering the AIV guideline, 73.61% were inappropriate concentrations. Inappropriate concentration samples on automatic (90.00%) and semi-automatic (90.90%) disinfection systems showed no significant difference from manual methods (88.24%). Despite this study being conducted during the crisis level, most disinfectants were used inappropriately. Conclusions: This may partially explain why horizontal transmission of FMD and AI cannot be effectively prevented despite extensive disinfectant use. SN 1229-845X EI 1976-555X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 21 IS 3 AR e34 DI 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e34 UT WOS:000539741900002 PM 32476310 ER PT J AU Nami, H Anvari-Moghaddam, A Arabkoohsar, A AF Nami, Hossein Anvari-Moghaddam, Amjad Arabkoohsar, Ahmad TI Thermodynamic, Economic, and Environmental Analyses of a Waste-Fired Trigeneration Plant SO ENERGIES AB The global energy matrix is going to embrace more and more renewable-based combined energy systems. Therefore, multi-generation energy systems, like CHPs (combined heat and power) could be extremely beneficial for such integrated energy systems. Also, the trend is toward 100% sustainable production where both renewable and waste energy sources are of special value. Especially, in Europe, waste incineration has received special attention over the past decades, as not only it is a smart method of waste disposal, but also a measure of cheap and environmentally friendly energy production. This study proposes a municipal waste-driven tri-generation (cold, heat, and power) system and assesses how this solution helps for easier integration of energy sectors and having a more sustainable chain of energy supply. Then, the solution is comprehensively analyzed over thorough thermodynamic, thermoeconomic, and thermoenvironmental investigations. The results of the assessments show that the proposed trigeneration system may effectively operate in any energy systems with simultaneous cold, heat, and power demands. Thermal, exergetic, fuel-to-power, fuel-to-heat, and fuel-to-cold efficiencies are found to be 83.28, 25.69, 23.49, 47.41, and 12.38%, respectively, while the payback period of 6 years is obtained based on the net present method. RI Anvari-Moghaddan, Amjad/M-7421-2017 OI Anvari-Moghaddan, Amjad/0000-0002-5505-3252 EI 1996-1073 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 13 IS 10 DI 10.3390/en13102476 UT WOS:000539257300069 ER PT J AU Khan, PW Byun, YC Park, N AF Khan, Prince Waqas Byun, Yung-Cheol Park, Namje TI IoT-Blockchain Enabled Optimized Provenance System for Food Industry 4.0 Using Advanced Deep Learning SO SENSORS AB Agriculture and livestock play a vital role in social and economic stability. Food safety and transparency in the food supply chain are a significant concern for many people. Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain are gaining attention due to their success in versatile applications. They generate a large amount of data that can be optimized and used efficiently by advanced deep learning (ADL) techniques. The importance of such innovations from the viewpoint of supply chain management is significant in different processes such as for broadened visibility, provenance, digitalization, disintermediation, and smart contracts. This article takes the secure IoT-blockchain data of Industry 4.0 in the food sector as a research object. Using ADL techniques, we propose a hybrid model based on recurrent neural networks (RNN). Therefore, we used long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent units (GRU) as a prediction model and genetic algorithm (GA) optimization jointly to optimize the parameters of the hybrid model. We select the optimal training parameters by GA and finally cascade LSTM with GRU. We evaluated the performance of the proposed system for a different number of users. This paper aims to help supply chain practitioners to take advantage of the state-of-the-art technologies; it will also help the industry to make policies according to the predictions of ADL. OI Khan, Prince Waqas/0000-0002-2561-4389; Park, Namje/0000-0003-4434-8933; byeon, yeongcheol/0000-0003-1107-9941 EI 1424-8220 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 20 IS 10 DI 10.3390/s20102990 UT WOS:000539323700244 PM 32466209 ER PT J AU Xu, D Fan, Y Xin, MS Liu, CY Zhang, Y Cai, HX AF Xu Di Fan Ya Xin Min-si Liu Chun-yu Zhang Ye Cai Hong-xing TI Raman, IR and DFT Studies of Gatifloxacin SO SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AB Gatifloxacin is widely used as a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and it has drug residues in humans and livestock, which endangers everyone's life and health. In order to avoid secondary intake, it is particularly important to be able to detect the presence of gatifloxacin residues in meat products quickly. To this end, this paper uses vibrational spectroscopy combined with density functional theory to provide basic data for the vibrational spectroscopy detection and identification of gatifloxacin and provides a reference for its application in the field of drug detection. The specific research contents and results are as follows: The first step is to construct the molecular structure of gatifloxacin based on Density functional theory (DFT), and optimize the structure by using B3LYP/6-311+G(d) basis set. Calculate its theoretical Raman and infrared spectra. Theoretical calculations show that the gatifloxacin molecule has obvious Raman and infrared activity in the range of 3 700 similar to 2 800 and 1 800 similar to 400 cm(-1). The former is mainly the vibration of the upper group of the functional group, and the latter is the fingerprint area. The vibration of the upper button. Due to the superiority of the complementary information of the two kinds of spectral information, firstly, by comparing the theoretical Raman spectrum and the infrared spectrum, the vibration peak frequency of two or only one vibration activity is marked, and the Gaussian view is combined with each of the gatifloxacin molecules. The vibration frequency corresponding to each key is fully attributed, and the spatial structure parameters such as the bond length, bond angle and dihedral angle of the gatifloxacin molecule are given. In the second step, the natural Raman spectroscopy (NRS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) of Gatifloxacin (Gati) were measured experimentally. The theoretical calculation result error is corrected by the frequency correction factor of 0. 977 and compared with the experimental data. In the fingerprint area, the Raman and infrared characteristic peak wave number matching degree are good. The peak wave number difference is mostly in the range of 0 similar to 10 cm(-1). The calculation results are basically consistent with the experimental data. The results provide basic data for the vibrational spectrum detection and identification of gatifloxacin, and provide a reference for its application in the field of drug detection. SN 1000-0593 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 40 IS 5 BP 1372 EP 1376 DI 10.3964/j.issn.1000-0593(2020)05-1372-05 UT WOS:000539411900009 ER PT J AU Xiong, Y Xu, J Qiu, SY Wei, YH Zhang, JY AF Xiong Yang Xu Jun Qiu Su-yan Wei Yi-hua Zhang Jin-yan TI Study on Interaction Between Phenylethanolamine A and CdTe Nanomaterials by Fluorescence Spectroscopy SO SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AB Phenylethanolamine A (PA) is a new adrenergic agonist and can improve feed utilization and the lean meat percentage of carcasses of livestock. But the drug residue would lead to a great threaten to human, such as nausea, dizziness,limbweakness, hand tremor and other symptoms of poisoning. Long-term consumption may lead to mutations in the body' s chromosomes, induced malignant tumorsetc. At present, the main detection method is liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The interaction between PA and CdTe nanomaterials is rarely reported. In this study, the water-soluble CdTe nanomaterials were prepared by microwave heating method, using mercaptopropionic acid as a stabilizer. The products have good fluorescence properties. The quantum yield of the CdTe nanomaterials was measured to be 0. 523 4, and the half-peak width was about 45 nm. By using CdTe nanomaterials as fluorescent probe, based on the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of CdTe nanomaterials by PA, a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the determination of PA was proposed and validated. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of interaction between CdTe nanomaterials and PA was discussed. Effects of experimental conditions were investigated. The optimal conditions were as follows: buffer: pH 7. 4 KH2PO4-Na2HPO4 solution, concentration of PA:100 mu g . L-1, reaction time: 15 min, reaction temperature: 20 degrees C. Under the optimal conditions, a good linearity was obtained between fluorescence intensity and PA concentration in the range of 8 similar to 120 mu g . L-1 with a correlation coefficient of 0. 996. The obtained linear regression equation was: F/F-0 =0. 001 9c+1. 032 1 and the limit of detection was 3. 5 mu g . L-1. The proposed method was successfully applied in the determination of PA in swine urine samples, at the same time, the method is compared with the traditional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The result indicated that the combination of CdTe nanomaterials and PA produced a nice labelling effect, and this method is fast, feasible and effective. SN 1000-0593 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 40 IS 5 BP 1402 EP 1406 DI 10.3964/j.issn.1000-0593(2020)05-1402-05 UT WOS:000539411900015 ER PT J AU Wu, W Zu, GP Chen, GY Xu, JH Chen, KJ AF Wu Wei Zu Guang-peng Chen Gui-yun Xu Jian-hong Chen Kun-jie TI The Study on Quickly Determining DON Level in Wheat Flour by Trend Parameter of Spectra SO SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AB Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that often occurs in cereals and their derivatives. It is harmful to the life and health of human and livestock. It is urgent to develop a detection method, which can rapidly, accurately and economically detect DON without environmental hazard. This study defined a Trend Parameter (TP) of the visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectra. The TP was used to determine the characteristic bands which were most relevant to the DON concentration. In this paper, the rows of spectral matrix of the samples in calibration set were arranged in the order of gradual increase in DON concentration. Each column (each band) of the matrix corresponded to a TP value. Under a certain band, the stronger the increasing trend of the absorbances of all samples in the column direction is (ie, the larger the TP value), the stronger the correlation between the absorbance and the DON concentration in this band is, and this band can be used as a characteristic band for evaluating the DON concentration. The study found that the local maximum of TP appeared at 666, 1 238, and 1 660 nm. The quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was performed by the spectra of the three characteristic bands. The wheat flour can be divided into three grades : mild (0 DON<1 000 mu g . kg(-1)), moderate (1 000 DON<2 000 mu g . kg(-1)), and severe (DON >= 2 000 mu g . kg(-1)) pollution by the constructed TP-QDA model. The overall classification accuracy of the model was respectively 88. 24% and 86. 27% in the calibration set and verification set. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of characteristic bands selection was used to make a comparison. The PCA-QDA model divided the same wheat sample into three pollution levels. The overall classification accuracy rate was 68. 62% in the calibration set and 72. 55% in the verification one. These findings confirmed that the selection of characteristic bands by TP parameter is superior to the one by the PCA in judging DON pollution level, and the TP-QDA model can be effectively used to quickly classify the pollution level of wheat flour, thereby reducing the time and economic cost of analyzing and screening wheat during the process of acquisition, storage and transport. The results of this study have yet to be tested for universality in a wider range of wheat varieties. SN 1000-0593 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 40 IS 5 BP 1565 EP 1568 DI 10.3964/j.issn.1000-0593(2020)05-1565-04 UT WOS:000539411900043 ER PT J AU Nunez-Cacho Utrilla, P Gorecki, J Maqueira, JM AF Nunez-Cacho Utrilla, Pedro Gorecki, Jaroslaw Juan, Manuel Maqueira TI Simulation-Based Management of Construction Companies under the Circular Economy Concept-Case Study SO BUILDINGS AB Society and the business world are paying more and more attention to the Circular Economy (CE) principles. The construction industry is no stranger to this issue, and the companies are transitioning towards sustainable production models. However, it is not easy to predict when and to what extent a company implements the CE. To measure this process, a scorecard, that includes the main Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the construction industry, related to the CE, was designed. Thus, the objective of this article is to design and test the CE-dashboard applicable to the construction industry. To do it, firstly, a literature review is performed. The next step is the selection of the KPIs collected in the literature, more suitable for reporting information about CE. Afterwards, a simulation based on the Monte Carlo technique performs. After multiple iterations, this method establishes the most probable KPI values as a result, which will be confronted with the limits used in the scorecard. With all this information, the dashboard emerges in Qlik software. Finally, a test of this dashboard takes place according to the information about KPIs from one of the leading Spanish companies (General Contractor (GC) building company). This step brings the validity of the created measurement instrument. RI Gorecki, Jaroslaw/E-5343-2015; Maqueira, Juan Manuel/M-8269-2013 OI Gorecki, Jaroslaw/0000-0001-6829-3127; Maqueira, Juan Manuel/0000-0001-5159-5970 EI 2075-5309 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 10 IS 5 AR 94 DI 10.3390/buildings10050094 UT WOS:000539319600015 ER PT J AU Bennett, WG van Veelen, TJ Fairchild, TP Griffin, JN Karunarathna, H AF Bennett, William G. van Veelen, Thomas J. Fairchild, Tom P. Griffin, John N. Karunarathna, Harshinie TI Computational Modelling of the Impacts of Saltmarsh Management Interventions on Hydrodynamics of a Small Macro-Tidal Estuary SO JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AB Saltmarshes are considered as natural coastal defences. However, owing to the large context dependency, there is much discussion over their effectiveness in providing coastal protection and the necessity of additional coastal defence interventions. The macro-tidal Taf Estuary in south-west Wales was chosen as the case study in this paper to investigate the effects of anthropogenic coastal defence interventions such as construction of hard defences, managed realignment, and altering land use of the saltmarshes on the complex hydrodynamics of the estuary. A coupled flow-wave-vegetation model, developed using the Delft3D coastal modelling software, was used. The wave and current attenuation role of saltmarshes during two contrasting storm conditions was modelled, with and without saltmarsh management interventions. The study reveals that certain saltmarsh management interventions can have widespread impacts on the hydrodynamics of the estuary. Altering the land use by allowing extensive grazing of saltmarsh by livestock was found to have the largest impact on wave attenuation, where wave heights on the marsh almost doubled when compared with the no-intervention scenario. On the other hand, managed realignment has a significant impact on tidal currents, where tidal currents reached 0.5 m/s at certain locations. Changes in estuarine hydrodynamics can lead to undesired impacts on flooding and erosion, which stresses the importance of understanding the effects of localized anthropogenic coastal management interventions on the entire estuarine system. EI 2077-1312 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 8 IS 5 AR 373 DI 10.3390/jmse8050373 UT WOS:000539274600073 ER PT J AU Luke, TDW Pryce, JE Elkins, AC Wales, WJ Rochfort, SJ AF Luke, Timothy D. W. Pryce, Jennie E. Elkins, Aaron C. Wales, William J. Rochfort, Simone J. TI Use of Large and Diverse Datasets for H-1 NMR Serum Metabolic Profiling of Early Lactation Dairy Cows SO METABOLITES AB Most livestock metabolomic studies involve relatively small, homogenous populations of animals. However, livestock farming systems are non-homogenous, and large and more diverse datasets are required to ensure that biomarkers are robust. The aims of this study were therefore to (1) investigate the feasibility of using a large and diverse dataset for untargeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) serum metabolomic profiling, and (2) investigate the impact of fixed effects (farm of origin, parity and stage of lactation) on the serum metabolome of early-lactation dairy cows. First, we used multiple linear regression to correct a large spectral dataset (707 cows from 13 farms) for fixed effects prior to multivariate statistical analysis with principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that farm of origin accounted for up to 57% of overall spectral variation, and nearly 80% of variation for some individual metabolite concentrations. Parity and week of lactation had much smaller effects on both the spectra as a whole and individual metabolites (<3% and <20%, respectively). In order to assess the effect of fixed effects on prediction accuracy and biomarker discovery, we used orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression to quantify the relationship between NMR spectra and concentrations of the current gold standard serum biomarker of energy balance, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). Models constructed using data from multiple farms provided reasonably robust predictions of serum BHBA concentration (0.05 <= RMSE <= 0.18). Fixed effects influenced the results biomarker discovery; however, these impacts could be controlled using the proposed method of linear regression spectral correction. OI Rochfort, Simone/0000-0001-8442-6081; Luke, Timothy/0000-0001-5070-2332 EI 2218-1989 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 10 IS 5 AR 180 DI 10.3390/metabo10050180 UT WOS:000539315800009 PM 32366010 ER PT J AU Gonzalez, ML Busse, NI Waits, CM Johnson, SE AF Gonzalez, Madison L. Busse, Nicolas I. Waits, Christy M. Johnson, Sally E. TI Satellite cells and their regulation in livestock SO JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE CT ASAS-CSAS Growth and Development Symposium - Stem/Progenitor Cells in Animal Growth and Development CY JUL09, 2018 CL Vancouver, CANADA SP ASAS, CSAS AB Satellite cells are the myogenic stem and progenitor population found in skeletal muscle. These cells typically reside in a quiescent state until called upon to support repair, regeneration, or muscle growth. The activities of satellite cells are orchestrated by systemic hormones, autocrine and paracrine growth factors, and the composition of the basal lamina of the muscle fiber. Several key intracellular signaling events are initiated in response to changes in the local environment causing exit from quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation. Signals emanating from Notch, wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family members, and transforming growth factor-beta proteins mediate the reversible exit from growth 0 phase while those initiated by members of the fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor families direct proliferation and differentiation. Many of these pathways impinge upon the myogenic regulatory factors (MRF), myogenic factor 5, myogenic differentiation factor D, myogenin and MRF4, and the lineage determinate, Paired box 7, to alter transcription and subsequent satellite cell decisions. In the recent past, insight into mouse transgenic models has led to a firm understanding of regulatory events that control satellite cell metabolism and myogenesis. Many of these niche-regulated functions offer subtle differences from their counterparts in livestock pointing to the existence of species-specific controls. The purpose of this review is to examine the mechanisms that mediate large animal satellite cell activity and their relationship to those present in rodents. SN 0021-8812 EI 1525-3163 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 98 IS 5 AR UNSP skaa081 DI 10.1093/jas/skaa081 UT WOS:000537847300001 PM 32175577 ER PT J AU Kearton, TR Doughty, AK Morton, CL Hinch, GN Godwin, IR Cowley, FC AF Kearton, Tellisa R. Doughty, Amanda K. Morton, Christine L. Hinch, Geoff N. Godwin, Ian R. Cowley, Frances C. TI Core and peripheral site measurement of body temperature in short wool sheep SO JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY AB Understanding circadian rhythms of body temperature is important for the interpretation of single body temperature measurements and the assessment of the physiological state of an animal. The ability to measure body temperature at peripheral locations may also be important in the development of minimally invasive tools for remote temperature measurement in livestock. This study aimed to investigate how well body temperature measured at peripheral sites reflected a commonly used core measurement (vaginal temperature) and the circadian rhythmicity of the body temperature of sheep with a view to practical application in extensive sheep production systems. Eleven crossbred ewes were implanted with peripheral temperature sensing microchips (LifeChip (R)) which were positioned transversely in the sternocleidomastoid (neck) muscle and subcutaneously under the tail. iButton (R) temperature loggers were placed intravaginally to record core body temperature measurements (Tv). The body temperature measurements observed at the peripheral sites in the neck (Tn) and tail (Tt) differed significantly to those measured at the core site, Tv (P < 0.05), with Tn lower than Tv and Tt lower than both Tv and Tn. Similarities in circadian rhythm patterns were observed across the day between Tv, Tn and Tt in repeated measures analysis, with a short period of difference between Tv and Tn (from 1400 to 1600 h) and a long period of difference between Tv and Tt (from 1000 to 2100 h) (P < 0.05). These results suggest that neck muscle temperature measurements may have utility in detecting circadian rhythm patterns in core temperature in sheep, but may not accurately reflect absolute core temperatures. Peripheral measures may require adjustment or correction to more accurately reflect absolute core temperature with respect to determining accurate clinical thresholds relative to the expected normal temperature for the time of day observed. Further investigation into the utility and application of peripheral measurement of body temperature is warranted. SN 0306-4565 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 90 AR 102606 DI 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102606 UT WOS:000537672900023 PM 32479400 ER PT J AU Nawab, A Tang, SY Li, GH An, LL Wu, J Liu, WC Xiao, M AF Nawab, Aamir Tang, Shuyan Li, Guanghui An, Lilong Wu, Jiang Liu, Wenchao Xiao, Mei TI Dietary curcumin supplementation effects on blood immunological profile and liver enzymatic activity of laying hens after exposure to high temperature conditions SO JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY AB Various environmental factors affect livestock production but heat stress is a major challenge in the poultry farming. Poultry exposes to high temperature alters blood immunological parameters and liver enzymatic function which in turn, suppress the immunity and disease resistance of chickens. Thus, the purpose of present study was to explore the effect of dietary curcumin supplementation on blood immunological biomarker and liver enzymatic activity of laying hens under heat stress conditions. Experimental groups contained two control groups (normal temperature control (NC) and heat stress control (HC) and 3 heat stress curcumin treatment groups (HT100, HT200 and HT300). Hens in HC group with basal diet and heat stress curcumin treatment groups were exposed 6 h/day heat stress (32 +/- 1 degrees C) from 10:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. for 9 week. The results of present study showed that heat stressed curcumin treatment group had improved liver weight, WBC values and immunoglobulin level as compared to untreated HC and NC groups. The available results also indicated that laying hens supplemented with curcumin under high temperature conditions had reduced H/L ratio, serum corticosterone levels, inflammatory cytokines response and liver enzymatic activity (ALT) which enhanced the immunity of laying hens under hot climatic conditions. Therefore, it is concluded that curcumin has ability to combat harsh environmental conditions which can be used as anti-inflammatory and immune booster feed additive in the poultry nutrition. SN 0306-4565 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 90 AR 102573 DI 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102573 UT WOS:000537672900003 PM 32479380 ER PT J AU Ocheja, OB Ayo, JO Aluwong, T Minka, NS AF Ocheja, Ohiemi Benjamin Ayo, Joseph Olusegun Aluwong, Tagang Minka, Ndazo Salka TI Ameliorative effects of L-glutamine on haematological parameters in heat-stressed Red Sokoto goats SO JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY AB The aim of the study was to evaluate haematological responses in Red Sokoto goats (RSGs) administered with L-glutamine during the hot-dry season. Experimental animals included 28 clinically healthy RSGs divided into treated group (n = 14); each administered L-glutamine at 0.2 g/kg body weight, dissolved in 10 mL distilled water, and control group (n = 14); each administered 10 mL distilled water, per os once daily for 21 days. The ambient temperature and relative humidity recorded daily for 4 weeks were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index. Three millilitres of blood sample was collected from each goat by jugular venipuncture for haematology, while rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were also measured once weekly at weeks 0 (before), 1, 2, 3 (during) and 4 (after L-glutamine administration). The haematological, RT, HR and RR data obtained weekly were analysed using repeated-measures one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test to evaluate differences between periods, and between treated and control groups. The PCV, haemoglobin concentration and RBC count were higher (P < 0.05) in the treated group compared to the control group during the period of L-glutamine administration. These differences were sustained till week 4. Beginning from week 1 of the study, the total leucocyte count in treated group (10.10 +/- 0.25 x 10(3)/mu L) was higher (P < 0.05) than the count in control group (7.23 +/- 0.41 x 10(3)/mu L), this trend was also maintained throughout the study. The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio during weeks 3 and 4 of the experiment was lower (P < 0.05) in the treated compared to the control group. RT was lower (P < 0.05) in treated group than the control group. In conclusion, L-glutamine administration ameliorated the adverse effects of heat stress on the haematological parameters in RSGs during the hot-dry season. SN 0306-4565 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 90 AR 102571 DI 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102571 UT WOS:000537672900002 PM 32479401 ER PT J AU Spiciarich, A AF Spiciarich, Abra TI Birds in Transition: Bird Exploitation in the Southern Levant During the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age I, and Iron Age II SO BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN SCHOOLS OF ORIENTAL RESEARCH AB Birds and the exploitation of birds by humans are typically overlooked in archaeofaunal collections. While the frequency of avian remains does not rival those of domestic livestock, that does not render them insignificant in the overall animal economies of Levantine sites. Birds and humans have a long history in the southern Levant, from prehistoric food source to sacrificial offering. Avian remains have been identified, in all periods, at many sites throughout the southern Levant, allowing for an in-depth diachronic exploration to be conducted. This paper tracks the presence and frequency of major avian species-specifically geese, ducks, partridges, pigeons, and doves-in light of changes that occurred in climate, environment, agriculture, trade, and the geopolitical landscape, as well as processes of cultural emulation and cultic influence that took place in the southern Levant during the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age I, and Iron Age II. The key foci will be on the role of geese in cultural emulation, pigeons as sacrificial offerings, waterfowl affected by climate change, and the differences between local vs. import exploitation of birds. SN 0003-097X EI 2161-8062 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 383 IS 1 BP 61 EP 78 DI 10.1086/707393 UT WOS:000537855500002 ER PT J AU Wang, YX Zhang, XL Sun, Y Chang, SH Wang, ZF Li, G Hou, FJ AF Wang, Yingxin Zhang, Xinglu Sun, Yi Chang, Shenghua Wang, Zhaofeng Li, Guang Hou, Fujiang TI Pika burrow and zokor mound density and their relationship with grazing management and sheep production in alpine meadow SO ECOSPHERE AB Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and plateau zokors (Myospalax baileyi) occur naturally in the alpine meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Their feeding and burrowing activities affect plant composition and soil properties (e.g., soil carbon accumulation and soil nitrogen cycling), but research to study the complex interactions between small mammals, livestock, and habitat is currently lacking. We conducted a sheep grazing trial to determine the effect of grazing management on pika burrow and zokor mound density, and the relationships between sheep production and pika burrow and zokor mound density. The grazing management approaches were warm-season rotational grazing at 24 and 48 sheep months (SM)/ha, cold-season rotational grazing at 24 and 48 SM/ha, seasonal continuous grazing at 24 SM/ha, and whole-year continuous grazing at 48 SM/ha. The results of this study suggested that warm-season rotational grazing at low stocking rate did not significantly change both pika and zokor densities. Cold-season rotational grazing at both high and low stocking rates and seasonal continuous grazing at low stocking rate led to an increase in zokor mound density, but not pika burrow density. Whole-year continuous grazing at high stocking rate increased both pika and zokor densities. The influence of pika and zokor activities on sheep production was complex and differed between grazing management. Sheep liveweight gain peaked at moderate pika burrow and zokor mound density at low stocking rate under both warm- and cold-season rotational grazing. The threshold values of pika density were about 110 and 70 burrows per hectare in warm and cold seasons, respectively. The threshold value of zokor density was about 400 mounds per hectare in the cold season. In contrast, under high stocking rate regardless of management approach, sheep liveweight gain declined significantly as both pika burrow and zokor mound density increased. This paper provides a theoretical understanding and experimental evidence for sustainable grazing management and restoration of degraded grassland by local herders and policymakers. SN 2150-8925 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 11 IS 5 AR e03088 DI 10.1002/ecs2.3088 UT WOS:000538094900003 ER PT J AU O'Connor, RM Nepveux, FJ Abenoja, J Bowden, G Reis, P Beaushaw, J Relat, RMB Driskell, I Gimenez, F Riggs, MW Schaefer, DA Schmidt, EW Lin, ZJ Distel, DL Clardy, J Ramadhar, TR Allred, DR Fritz, HM Rathod, P Chery, L White, J AF O'Connor, Roberta M. Nepveux, Felix J. Abenoja, Jaypee Bowden, Gregory Reis, Patricia Beaushaw, Josiah Relat, Rachel M. Bone Driskell, Iwona Gimenez, Fernanda Riggs, Michael W. Schaefer, Deborah A. Schmidt, Eric W. Lin, Zhenjian Distel, Daniel L. Clardy, Jon Ramadhar, Timothy R. Allred, David R. Fritz, Heather M. Rathod, Pradipsinh Chery, Laura White, John TI A symbiotic bacterium of shipworms produces a compound with broad spectrum anti-apicomplexan activity SO PLOS PATHOGENS AB Apicomplexan parasites cause severe disease in both humans and their domesticated animals. Since these parasites readily develop drug resistance, development of new, effective drugs to treat infection caused by these parasites is an ongoing challenge for the medical and veterinary communities. We hypothesized that invertebrate-bacterial symbioses might be a rich source of anti-apicomplexan compounds because invertebrates are susceptible to infections with gregarines, parasites that are ancestral to all apicomplexans. We chose to explore the therapeutic potential of shipworm symbiotic bacteria as they are bona fide symbionts, are easily grown in axenic culture and have genomes rich in secondary metabolite loci [1,2]. Two strains of the shipworm symbiotic bacterium, Teredinibacter turnerae, were screened for activity against Toxoplasma gondii and one strain, T7901, exhibited activity against intracellular stages of the parasite. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified tartrolon E (trtE) as the source of the activity. TrtE has an EC50 of 3 nM against T. gondii, acts directly on the parasite itself and kills the parasites after two hours of treatment. TrtE exhibits nanomolar to picomolar level activity against Cryptosporidium, Plasmodium, Babesia, Theileria, and Sarcocystis; parasites representing all branches of the apicomplexan phylogenetic tree. The compound also proved effective against Cryptosporidium parvum infection in neonatal mice, indicating that trtE may be a potential lead compound for preclinical development. Identification of a promising new compound after such limited screening strongly encourages further mining of invertebrate symbionts for new anti-parasitic therapeutics. Author summary Apicomplexans are intracellular protozoan parasites that cause significant disease in humans and the livestock we rely on for food. Because these parasites easily develop drug resistance, new drugs are always needed. To identify new anti-apicomplexan drugs, we investigated the compounds produced by symbiotic bacteria of shipworms, marine mollusks that burrow into and eat wood. We screened shipworm symbiotic bacteria for anti-parasitic activity and identified a compound, tartrolon E, with potent, rapid, highly selective and irreversible activity against parasites representing all branches of the apicomplexan tree. This compound was also highly effective in neonatal mice against infection with the intestinal apicomplexan parasite, Cryptosporidium. This study describes the first pan-anti-apicomplexan compound and unveils an unexplored source of anti-parasitic compounds. SN 1553-7366 EI 1553-7374 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 16 IS 5 DI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r001; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r002; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r003; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r004; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r005; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008600.r006 UT WOS:000538054300052 ER PT J AU Bisht, IS Rana, JC Ahlawat, SP AF Bisht, Ishwari Singh Rana, Jai Chand Ahlawat, Sudhir Pal TI The Future of Smallholder Farming in India: Some Sustainability Considerations SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The biodiverse, predominantly crop-livestock mixed-farming in India is key to ensuring resilience to climate change and sustainability of smallholder farming agroecologies. Farmers traditionally grow diverse crops as polyculture, and agriculture is mainly organic/biodynamic with spirituality in food systems deeply ingrained. Job-driven out-migration of rural youths, the family labor force, and globalization of contemporary food choices under corporate industrial agriculture both adversely affect sustainability of traditional farming landscapes and compromise the nutrition and health of rural farming communities. Besides documenting information on general agri-food system policy inputs, our paper presents the results of an exploratory study of four crucial community-level initiatives conducted in four distinct agroecological landscapes of India, aimed at bringing sustainability to traditional farming and food systems. The driving force for fundamental change in agri-food system, and in society, is the question of sustainability. The organic and local food movements are but specific phases of the larger, more fundamental sustainable agri-food movement. While it is very critical to increase farmer livelihood, it is even more important to increase overall rural economy. It was found that four important interventions viz. linking organic agriculture to community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiatives; linking small-holder farming to school meal (MDM) programmes; enhanced market access and value chain development for local agricultural produce; and creation of employment opportunities at community level for rural youths and reducing over-dependence of rural population on agriculture as source of income can make traditional farming more profitable and sustainable. The transition to more sustainable methods of farming by selling the farm produce "locally" helps both consumers and farmers alike and is considered a future strength of smallholder Indian agriculture. OI Bisht, Ishwari/0000-0002-6926-3066 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093751 UT WOS:000537476200249 ER PT J AU Chen, XF Tong, JH Su, Y Xiao, LT AF Chen, Xiaofei Tong, Jianhua Su, Yi Xiao, Langtao TI Pennisetum sinese: A Potential Phytoremediation Plant for Chromium Deletion from Soil SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Chromium is one of the major pollutants in water and soil. Thus, it is urgent to develop a new method for chromium removal from the environment. Phytoremediation is a promising approach for heavy metal pollution recovery. As a perennial giant grass with a fast growth rate, Pennisetum sinese has been widely used as livestock feed, mushroom culture medium and biomass energy raw material. Interestingly, we have found a high adsorption capacity of P. sinese for chromium. P. sinese was treated with different concentrations of chromium for 15 days. Results showed that P. sinese plantlets grew well under low concentrations (less than 500 mu M) of chromium (VI). The plantlet growth was inhibited when treated with high concentrations of chromium (more than 1000 mu M). Up to 150.99 and 979.03 mgkg(-1) DW of chromium accumulated in the aerial part and root, respectively, under a treatment of 2000 mu M Cr. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) of P. sinese varied from 10.87 to 17.56, and reached a maximum value at the concentration of 500 mu M. The results indicated that P. sinese showed strong tolerance and high accumulation capability under Cr stress. Therefore, the chromium removal potential of P. sinese has a great application prospect in phytoremediation. EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093651 UT WOS:000537476200149 ER PT J AU Davis, H Chatzidimitriou, E Leifert, C Butler, G AF Davis, Hannah Chatzidimitriou, Eleni Leifert, Carlo Butler, Gillian TI Evidence That Forage-Fed Cows Can Enhance Milk Quality SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Researching the distinguishing factors of nutritional milk quality is key to sustainable production and addresses increasing media and scientific scrutiny regarding human health effects and ecological impacts of dairy products. Modern Western diets have high omega-6 relative to omega-3 fatty acid (FA) consumption. This ratio in milk can be manipulated by management practices; increasing forage in dairy diets raises omega-3 in milk. Whilst studies identify higher concentrations of nutritionally beneficial FAs in organic dairy, milk from 100% forage-fed cows in the UK has not been investigated. This study explores differences in FA composition between supermarket conventional and organic and Pasture for Life Association (PFLA) milk, collected in April, July and October, 2017. PFLA milk had higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (+94%) and omega-3 (+92%) than conventional milk. Additionally, concentrations of palmitic acid (+11%), omega-6 (+69%) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (+201%) were higher in conventional than PFLA milk. PFLA milk had higher concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (+39%), conjugated linoleic acid (+30%) and omega-3 (+21%) and lower concentrations of omega-6 (-36%) and a lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (-44%) than organic milk. This supports previous studies and demonstrates the scope to improve milk FA profiles further for potential health benefits through pasture-based management. OI Leifert, Carlo/0000-0002-2974-3612 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093688 UT WOS:000537476200186 ER PT J AU Diaz-Vazquez, D Alvarado-Cummings, SC Meza-Rodriguez, D Senes-Guerrero, C de Anda, J Gradilla-Hernandez, MS AF Diaz-Vazquez, Diego Caroline Alvarado-Cummings, Susan Meza-Rodriguez, Demetrio Senes-Guerrero, Carolina de Anda, Jose Sebastian Gradilla-Hernandez, Misael TI Evaluation of Biogas Potential from Livestock Manures and Multicriteria Site Selection for Centralized Anaerobic Digester Systems: The Case of Jalisco, Mexico SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The state of Jalisco is the largest livestock producer in Mexico, leading in the production of swine, eggs, and milk. This immense production generates enormous amounts of waste as a byproduct of the process itself. The poor management of livestock-derived waste can lead to multiple environmental problems like nutrient accumulation in soil, water eutrophication, and air pollution. The aim of this work is to establish a replicable geographic information system (GIS)-based methodology for selecting priority sites in which to implement anaerobic digestion units. These units will use multiple parameters that evaluate environmental risks and viability factors for the units themselves. A weighted overlay analysis was used to identify critical regions and, based on the results, clusters of individual livestock production units (LPUs) across the state were selected. Nitrogen and phosphorus recovery, as well as the energetic potential of the selected clusters, were calculated. Four clusters located mainly in the Los Altos region of Jalisco were selected as critical and analyzed. The results indicate that Jalisco has the potential to generate 5.5% of its total electricity demand if the entirety of its livestock waste is treated and utilized in centralized anaerobic digestion units. Additionally, 49.2 and 31.2 Gg of nitrogen and phosphorus respectively could be valorized, and there would be an estimated total reduction of 3012.6 Gg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO(2)eq). RI ; /D-7357-2018 OI Gradilla Hernandez, Misael Sebastian/0000-0002-8236-4400; /0000-0002-5855-6939 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093527 UT WOS:000537476200026 ER PT J AU El-Shater, T Mugera, A Yigezu, YA AF El-Shater, Tamer Mugera, Amin Yigezu, Yigezu A. TI Implications of Adoption of Zero Tillage (ZT) on Productive Efficiency and Production Risk of Wheat Production SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The impacts of zero tillage (ZT) on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties have been fairly documented in the literature. However, there is still an information gap in the developing world in general and in integrated crop-livestock production systems in dry areas of the world in particular. Using a sample of 621 farmers in Syria, this study assessed the implications of adoption of ZT technology on productive efficiency, input-specific resource use efficiency, and production risk. A stochastic production frontier model, which explicitly and simultaneously accounts for technical inefficiency and production risk, was used to estimate total factor and input-specific technical efficiencies and the risk of obtaining lower levels of yields for each of the sampled farms. Model results show that adoption of ZT proved to be an effective risk management strategy in this dryland production system, where it led to 95% and 33.3% reductions in the risk of obtaining wheat yield levels below 1000 kg/ha and 1500 kg/ha, respectively. Overall, the results have a clear indication that using ZT leads to improvements in productive efficiency as the adoption of ZT led to 93% reduction in the risk of obtaining efficiency levels below 40%. Future research will be needed to shed light on whether coupling ZT with the other components of conservation agriculture will reverse some of these effects. RI Yigezu, Yigezu A./O-1550-2014 OI Yigezu, Yigezu A./0000-0002-9156-7082 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093640 UT WOS:000537476200138 ER PT J AU Gualtieri, L Palomba, I Merati, FA Rauch, E Vidoni, R AF Gualtieri, Luca Palomba, Ilaria Merati, Fabio Antonio Rauch, Erwin Vidoni, Renato TI Design of Human-Centered Collaborative Assembly Workstations for the Improvement of Operators' Physical Ergonomics and Production Efficiency: A Case Study SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Industrial collaborative robotics is one of the main enabling technologies of Industry 4.0. Collaborative robots are innovative cyber-physical systems, which allow safe and efficient physical interactions with operators by combining typical machine strengths with inimitable human skills. One of the main uses of collaborative robots will be the support of humans in the most physically stressful activities through a reduction of work-related biomechanical overload, especially in manual assembly activities. The improvement of operators' occupational work conditions and the development of human-centered and ergonomic production systems is one of the key points of the ongoing fourth industrial revolution. The factory of the future should focus on the implementation of adaptable, reconfigurable, and sustainable production systems, which consider the human as their core and valuable part. Strengthening actual assembly workstations by integrating smart automation solutions for the enhancement of operators' occupational health and safety will be one of the main goals of the near future. In this paper, the transformation of a manual workstation for wire harness assembly into a collaborative and human-centered one is presented. The purpose of the work is to present a case study research for the design of a collaborative workstation to improve the operators' physical ergonomics while keeping or increasing the level of productivity. Results demonstrate that the achieved solution provides valuable benefits for the operators' working conditions as well as for the production performance of the companies. In particular, the biomechanical overload of the worker has been reduced by 12.0% for the right part and by 28% for the left part in terms of manual handling, and by 50% for the left part and by 57% for the right part in terms of working postures. In addition, a reduction of the cycle time of 12.3% has been achieved. RI Rauch, Erwin/A-2275-2017 OI Rauch, Erwin/0000-0002-2033-4265 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093606 UT WOS:000537476200104 ER PT J AU Pedersen, S Gangas, KE Chetri, M Andreassen, HP AF Pedersen, Simen Gangas, Kristin E. Chetri, Madhu Andreassen, Harry P. TI Economic Gain vs. Ecological Pain-Environmental Sustainability in Economies Based on Renewable Biological Resources SO SUSTAINABILITY AB There are two main international strategies concerning how to ensure a sustainable environment: one is to develop a globally bio-based economy, or bioeconomy, to meet the increased demand of goods and products to maintain our well-being and to reduce climate change. On the other hand, there is an aim to decrease the negative impacts on nature and natural habitats to conserve and maintain ecosystems and control the loss of biodiversity. There is a trade-off between these two strategies; as we increase the commitment to the bioeconomy by intensifying biomass production, we will simultaneously challenge biodiversity through the increased pressure on, and the utilization of, biological raw materials. Here, we first review and discuss the challenges and opportunities in terrestrial and marine ecosystems for the production of biomass for the bioeconomy. We focus on the trade-offs between economic sustainability on one hand, and environmental sustainability and resilience on the other hand. We conclude with a discussion of the various bioeconomy strategies. Finally, we present a conceptual model on how to sustainably develop the bioeconomies (by introducing the concept of optimizing the economic gain/ecological pain ratio) to be able to manage the biodiversity in a sustainable way. OI Gangaas, Kristin/0000-0002-3276-1088 EI 2071-1050 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 9 DI 10.3390/su12093557 UT WOS:000537476200056 ER PT J AU Dalle, G AF Dalle, Gemedo TI Evaluation of forage quantity and quality in the semi-arid Borana Lowlands, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia SO TROPICAL GRASSLANDS-FORRAJES TROPICALES AB This study was conducted with the aim of determining herbaceous biomass during different seasons, plus nutritive value of herbaceous species and forage on selected woody plants and documenting pastoralists' perceptions of the value of various forage species in Borana Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected from a total of 92 main plots of 500 m(2) during rainy and dry seasons located across different functional Land Use Units called Kalo (enclosed areas), Worra (grazed by lactating stock) and Foora (more remote and grazed by dry and non-lactating stock). Total herbage and leaves of woody plants were analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and ash. Perceptions of farmers were determined through group discussions. Herbage biomass plus chemical composition of both herbaceous and woody forage species varied significantly across seasons and Land Use Units. Mean herbaceous biomass in all Land Use Units was poor (876.1,469 kg DM/ha). Mean CP, NDF and ADF concentrations of the herbaceous samples were 62, 749 and 444 g/kg DM, respectively. Mean CP% of leaves from woody plants was higher (11%) than from herbage (6%). In both groups, crude protein concentrations were highest during the wet season and lowest during the dry season, whereas fiber concentrations were highest in the dry season. Mean CP% of herbaceous forage species was below the critical level recommended for both beef cattle (7%) and small ruminants (9%) but forage from woody species should provide a reliable supply of supplementary nitrogen. Management of rangelands should be designed to ensure that desirable herbaceous species are preserved, while desirable woody species are also a valuable asset. Determination of management strategies to ensure that the desirable mix of species is maintained is imperative if sustainable production is to continue. SN 2346-3775 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 8 IS 2 BP 72 EP 85 DI 10.17138/TGFT(8)72-85 UT WOS:000537993600003 ER PT J AU Garzon, JE Pardo, O Cardenas, EA AF Garzon, Jaime E. Pardo, Oscar Cardenas, Edgar A. TI The effects of bovine urine application on two soil nitrogen compounds and growth of three forage grasses in the Colombian Piedmont plains SO TROPICAL GRASSLANDS-FORRAJES TROPICALES AB The effects of application of bovine urine on biomass and nitrogen (N) accumulation in 3 tropical grasses (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cv. Humidicola and Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa), and on available N concentrations in soil (NH4+-N, NO3--N) were studied using a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. There were significant interactions between species and urine application over time in terms of herbage accumulation and N concentration (P<0.01), with significant differences in the concentrations of N available in the soil (P<0.01). Soil temperature and precipitation had important effects on the concentrations of both soil ions. Application of bovine urine increased dry matter accumulation of all grasses in the short term and of U. decumbens over the whole year. Application of urine increased soil N levels, but for U. humidicola and M. maximus the effects were transient. It is necessary to continue with longer-term studies in the Piedmont plains to determine the effects of livestock grazing on the biogeochemical cycles, environmental impacts and natural mitigation options that the ecosystem offers, e.g. CO2 sequestration, biological nitrification inhibitors and organic matter decomposition. SN 2346-3775 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 8 IS 2 BP 105 EP 114 DI 10.17138/TGFT(8)105-114 UT WOS:000537993600005 ER PT J AU Scoones, I Lind, J Maru, N Nori, M Pappagallo, L Shariff, T Simula, G Swift, J Taye, M Tsering, P AF Scoones, Ian Lind, Jeremy Maru, Natasha Nori, Michele Pappagallo, Linda Shariff, Tahira Simula, Giulia Swift, Jeremy Taye, Masresha Tsering, Palden TI Pastoralism and Development: Fifty Years of Dynamic Change SO IDS BULLETIN-INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AB This archive IDS Bulletin reflects on 50 years of research on pastoralism at IDS. Thirteen articles are introduced around six themes that have characterised IDS-linked research over this period. These are: pastoral livelihoods; institutions and common property resource management; climate change and ecological dynamics; food security, early warning, and livelihood vulnerability; pastoral marketing; and conflict and governance. Across these themes, IDS research has challenged mainstream development thinking and practice, highlighting the importance of mobility and living with uncertainty. This introductory article concludes with some reflections on research gaps and new challenges, including: the effects of climate change; new forms of pastoral mobility and livelihood; increasing patterns of commoditisation and social differentiation; and changing conflict dynamics. Although massively changed over 50 years, and despite repeated proclamations of crisis and collapse, pastoralism remains, we argue, an important, resilient source of livelihood in marginal rangeland areas across the world, from which others can learn. SN 0265-5012 EI 1759-5436 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 A BP 1 EP 20 DI 10.19088/1968-2020.111 UT WOS:000537017000001 ER PT J AU Hendrickson, D Mearns, R Armon, J AF Hendrickson, Dylan Mearns, Robin Armon, Jeremy TI Livestock Raiding Among the Pastoral Turkana of Kenya Redistribution, Predation and the Links to Famine SO IDS BULLETIN-INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES SN 0265-5012 EI 1759-5436 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 A BP 17 EP 30 UT WOS:000537017000014 ER PT J AU Mutua, E Bukachi, S Bett, B Estambale, B Nyamongo, I AF Mutua, Edna Bukachi, Salome Bett, Bernard Estambale, Benson Nyamongo, Isaac TI Youth Participation in Smallholder Livestock Production and Marketing SO IDS BULLETIN-INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AB Agriculture is a leading source of employment for rural populations in Kenya. Through a mixed methods approach, this study sought to investigate youth participation in smallholder livestock production and marketing in Baringo County. The specific focus is on how social norms and micropolitics enable or constrain participation of particular groups of young people. The study established that personal choice, preference for paid over unpaid labour and gender norms in asset access, ownership and control influence smallholder participation in livestock production and trade. This shows a disconnect between Kenya's youth policy which advocates for equitable distribution of employment opportunities and the reality at community level. Interventions that seek to improve livestock production and marketing, particularly involving young people, should therefore adopt strategies that recognise these norms as a first step to addressing social exclusion. SN 0265-5012 EI 1759-5436 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 A BP 95 EP 108 DI 10.19088/1968-2017.129 UT WOS:000537017000011 ER PT J AU Catley, A Leyland, T Admassu, B Thomson, G Otieno, M Aklilu, Y AF Catley, Andy Leyland, Tim Admassu, Berhanu Thomson, Gavin Otieno, Mtula Aklilu, Yacob TI Communities, Commodities and Crazy Ideas: Changing Livestock Policies in Africa SO IDS BULLETIN-INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES SN 0265-5012 EI 1759-5436 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 A BP 96 EP 102 UT WOS:000537017000010 ER PT J AU Azambuja, JCR Carvalho, PCD Bonnet, OJF Bastianelli, D Jouven, M AF Rebes Azambuja Filho, Julio Cezar de Faccio Carvalho, Paulo Cesar Francois Bonnet, Olivier Jean Bastianelli, Denis Jouven, Magali TI Functional Classification of Feed Items in Pampa Grassland, Based on Their Near-Infrared Spectrum SO RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT AB Native pastures that present high botanical richness produce a variety of feed items for grazing herbivores. Diet selection takes place at the bite scale and, at a daily scale, the sum of bites composing the intake determines diet characteristics. The objective of this paper is to bring an original contribution to the understanding of diet selection in diverse foraging environments such as native Pampa grasslands. The issues are 1) to improve grazing management in Pampa ecosystems and 2) to evaluate the ability of native pastures to feed a herd in order to reduce supplementation and to improve the economic sustainability of extensive systems. We hypothesize that the information contained in the infrared spectra of plant samples corresponding to potential bites can be useful for establishing functional bite categories, which, in turn, can be used to understand and manage pastoral ecosystems. We analyzed the near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) of 1 515 bite samples gathered in 2012 using the continuous bite monitoring method applied to heifers continuously grazing on Pampa grassland at five grazing intensities (randomized block design with two replicates, applied since 1987). On the basis of the main wavelengths, a statistical classification of bite samples was produced and five classes were described: 1) small bites of wetland grasses and short grass; 2) medium bites of forbs and short grass; 3) small bites of short Poaceae and mixed species; 4) large bites on tussocks of Poaceae; and 5) extralarge bites on stiff tussock of Poaceae and Apiaceae. In order to evaluate the functional value of the classification, we tested its ability to take seasonal changes in pasture composition into account and to describe the variations in animal intake and performance in contrasted grazing conditions. We concluded that the NIRS is a good support for establishing functional classes of feed items that can be used to understand the foraging behavior and diet composition of grazing herbivores. Our approach was tested in Pampa grasslands grazed by cattle but should be applicable to a wide range of ecosystems, provided that chemical composition is more relevant for selection than feed item accessibility. (C) 2020 The Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. RI de Faccio Carvalho, Paulo Cesar/A-7381-2012; Bastianelli, Denis/A-5572-2011 OI de Faccio Carvalho, Paulo Cesar/0000-0002-7020-3001; Bastianelli, Denis/0000-0002-6394-5920 SN 1550-7424 EI 1551-5028 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 73 IS 3 BP 358 EP 367 DI 10.1016/j.rama.2020.02.001 UT WOS:000537289300003 ER PT J AU Pontigo, F Radic, S Moraga, CA Pulido, R Corti, P AF Pontigo, Felipe Radic, Sergio Moraga, Claudio A. Pulido, Ruben Corti, Paulo TI Midsummer Trophic Overlap Between Guanaco and Sheep in Patagonian Rangelands SO RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT AB Diet overlap estimation among species is important to understand interspecific interactions. Through these interactions, one species may extinguish others through competition or adapt through mechanisms such as resource partitioning. The introduction of domestic herbivores in a native assemblage may introduce competition for resources with wild herbivores. In southern Patagonian steppes, guanaco (Lama guanicoe) populations are increasing after a drastic demise during the past century. This is occurring in protected areas and extensive ranching areas for sheep, and in the latter ranchers have rising concerns regarding competition. In this observational study, we measured diet overlap, food selection and preferences, and niche width for guanaco and sheep to compare use of food resources during the summer season. Feces were analyzed through microhistological technique to determine sheep and guanaco diets. Diets of guanaco and sheep were dominated by tussock grass (Festuca gracillima, sheep > 60%, guanaco > 50%), the most abundant plant species. Although food niche widths, measured through Levin's Index, were narrow, guanaco presented the broadest niche (P < 0.001). Of the 17 identified plant species present in guanaco and sheep diets, 5 were always selected by both ungulates and 1 was always avoided at the four study sites. Overlap between diets was high (> 0.90), evidencing potential competition. In addition, diet overlap coupled with our results of small variation in use and selectivity of food resources suggest the absence of resource partitioning. Therefore, both species might share resources or coexist, possibly due to high availability or spatial distribution of food resources and guanaco resilience to cope with numerically dominant competition from sheep. These findings offer new insight into the understanding of these species' interactions. It is also a management challenge to emerging wild and domestic herbivores interactions, as well as livestock production concerns at large. (C) 2020 The Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 1550-7424 EI 1551-5028 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 73 IS 3 BP 394 EP 402 DI 10.1016/j.rama.2020.01.006 UT WOS:000537289300007 ER PT J AU Wang, YX Sun, Y Chang, SH Wang, ZF Fu, H Zhang, WG Hou, FJ AF Wang, Yingxin Sun, Yi Chang, Shenghua Wang, Zhaofeng Fu, Hua Zhang, Weiguo Hou, Fujiang TI Restoration Practices Affect Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Coupling and Functions SO RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT AB Degradation of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is an important issue for ecological science, policy making, and the welfare of local herders. Destruction of alpine meadows results from degeneration of vegetation and soil systems and from the mechanical decoupling of the environment, grassland, livestock, and herders and, subsequently, discordance among these subsystems. In this study, systematic integration of restoration techniques based on the grassland agroecosystems coupling theory was developed for the management and restoration of degraded alpine meadows. To test the effectiveness of these integrated restoration techniques, we conducted restoration trials that included grazing management, enclosed, fertilization, overseeding, and sward ripping by evaluating the ecosystem coupling of soil, plant and livestock, and ecosystem functions. The results of this study suggest that comprehensive restoration practices include grazing and agronomy techniques (fertilizer, overseeding, and sward ripping) that result in the greatest level of ecosystem coupling, while the single restoration practice leads to poorly coupled ecosystems. Restoration practice changes in ecosystem functionality are positively related to changes in ecosystem coupling. Our results highlight the importance of diversified restoration practices for facilitating ecological coupling and functioning in the degraded alpine meadow. The restorative scheme also bridges the gap between restoration theory and practice by providing guidelines for herders and policy makers for the urgent task of restoring degraded alpine meadows. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Society for Range Management. SN 1550-7424 EI 1551-5028 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 73 IS 3 BP 441 EP 451 DI 10.1016/j.rama.2020.01.004 UT WOS:000537289300012 ER PT J AU Fang, LZ Cai, WT Liu, SL Canela-Xandri, O Gao, YH Jiang, JC Rawlik, K Li, BJ Schroeder, SG Rosen, BD Li, CJ Sonstegard, TS Alexander, LJ Van Tassell, CP VanRaden, PM Cole, JB Yu, Y Zhang, SL Tenesa, A Ma, L Liu, GE AF Fang, Lingzhao Cai, Wentao Liu, Shuli Canela-Xandri, Oriol Gao, Yahui Jiang, Jicai Rawlik, Konrad Li, Bingjie Schroeder, Steven G. Rosen, Benjamin D. Li, Cong-jun Sonstegard, Tad S. Alexander, Leeson J. Van Tassell, Curtis P. VanRaden, Paul M. Cole, John B. Yu, Ying Zhang, Shengli Tenesa, Albert Ma, Li Liu, George E. TI Comprehensive analyses of 723 transcriptomes enhance genetic and biological interpretations for complex traits in cattle SO GENOME RESEARCH AB By uniformly analyzing 723 RNA-seq data from 91 tissues and cell types, we built a comprehensive gene atlas and studied tissue specificity of genes in cattle. We demonstrated that tissue-specific genes significantly reflected the tissue-relevant biology, showing distinct promoter methylation and evolution patterns (e.g., brain-specific genes evolve slowest, whereas testisspecific genes evolve fastest). Through integrative analyses of those tissue-specific genes with large-scale genome-wide association studies, we detected relevant tissues/cell types and candidate genes for 45 economically important traits in cattle, including blood/immune system (e.g., CCDC88C) for male fertility, brain (e.g., TRIM46 and RAB6A) for milk production, and multiple growth-related tissues (e.g., FGF6 and CCND2) for body conformation. We validated these findings by using epigenomic data across major somatic tissues and sperm. Collectively, our findings provided novel insights into the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying complex traits in cattle, and our transcriptome atlas can serve as a primary source for biological interpretation, functional validation, studies of adaptive evolution, and genomic improvement in livestock. SN 1088-9051 EI 1549-5469 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 30 IS 5 BP 790 EP 801 DI 10.1101/gr.250704.119 UT WOS:000536952700012 PM 32424068 ER PT J AU Hool, N Schupbach-Regular, G Thomann, B AF Hool, N. Schupbach-Regular, G. Thomann, B. TI Livestock management and veterinary services for cattle and pigs in Switzerland SO SCHWEIZER ARCHIV FUR TIERHEILKUNDE AB The role of livestock veterinarian has changed in recent decades and the advisory role of veterinarians is becoming increasingly important. Only vague statements have been made about the current distribution and content of the livestock management in Switzerland. The aim of this study was to collect information and data on veterinary services and the use of livestock management for cattle and pigs and to describe the current situation in Switzerland. Therefore, a survey was carried out among veterinarians and farmers. The results show that around half (46%) of the surveyed veterinarians offer livestock management. However, the majority (61%) of farmers do not make use of the livestock management. Around one third of the farms (31%) are serviced by the animal health services and almost every tenth farm (8%) using the integrated veterinary livestock management (ITB). The service is mainly used by larger cattle and pig farms. The number of cattle in managed and non-managed farms differ significantly (p = 0.01). In general, pig farms are managed more frequently than cattle farms - mostly in the form of an agreement with the Pig Health Service (SGD). 76% of pig farms, 21% of cattle farms and 44% of mixed farms are using the livestock management. The majority (79%) of the surveyed veterinarians classify the market for livestock management small and its future importance is largely assessed stable or decreasing by veterinarians and farmers. Half of the veterinarians and a tenth of farmers without livestock management mention excessively high costs as a reason for the limited market. In addition, more than half of the farmers with livestock management name costs as the limiting factor. Veterinarians see the greatest advantage of livestock management in cattle fertility, udder health and milk quality, while pig farms profit in reduced use of veterinary drugs, improved herd health and disease prophylaxis. SN 0036-7281 EI 1664-2848 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 162 IS 5 BP 293 EP 306 DI 10.17236/sat00258 UT WOS:000537417300002 PM 32369022 ER PT J AU Honegger, J Lehnherr, H Bachofen, C Stephan, R Sidler, X AF Honegger, J. Lehnherr, H. Bachofen, C. Stephan, R. Sidler, X. TI Field trial for eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a pig breeding farm by bacteriophages SO SCHWEIZER ARCHIV FUR TIERHEILKUNDE AB In recent years, Livestock Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) are found frequently in pigs. The colonization of the care staff with LA-MRSA is strongly associated with the intensity and duration of animal contact and LA-MRSA herd prevalence. In human medicine, staphylococcal infections have been controlled successfully by topical or systemic administration of Staphylococcus - associated bacteriophages. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of a bacteriophage cocktail on skin and mucosal colonization of pigs with MRSA in a pig farm with high MRSA prevalence. In a first experiment, the sows were washed with a bacteriophage cocktail and nose, mouth and vagina were rinsed before the sows were admitted to the farrowing house. Then, 10 ml of the bacteriophage cocktail was administered daily to the sows over the feed until weaning. The suckling piglets were sprayed and sampled twice a week during the suckling period and treated with the bacteriophage cocktail over the feed during the weaning period. In further experiments, the weaning room was nebulized three times a day with a bacteriophage cocktail and different concentrations of bacteriophages were added to the drinking water via Dosatron (R). None of the experiments, however, showed an eradication of MRSA neither in nose nor in feces. SN 0036-7281 EI 1664-2848 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 162 IS 5 BP 307 EP 317 DI 10.17236/sat00259 UT WOS:000537417300003 PM 32369023 ER PT J AU Wohler, L Niebaum, G Krol, M Hoekstra, AY AF Wohler, Lara Niebaum, Gunnar Krol, Maarten Hoekstra, Arjen Y. TI The grey water footprint of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals SO WATER RESEARCH X AB Water pollution by pharmaceuticals is widespread, causing both environmental and human health risks. We assess pharmaceutical water pollution from human and veterinary pharmaceuticals at three geographical levels: global, national (considering Germany and the Netherlands) and catchment level (with a case study for the Vecht catchment shared by Germany and the Netherlands). The grey water footprint (GWF), a measure of water pollution in volumetric terms, is estimated from pharmaceutical loads entering the aquatic environment, considering different pollutant sources and pathways. We study different substances depending on data availability, which varies across geographical levels. Results show a global per capita GWF of 1900 m3 yr1 resulting from human consumption of ciprofloxacin. The largest GWFs in both Germany and the Netherlands were found for ethinylestradiol for human and amoxicillin for veterinary use. The estimated per capita GWF from human use of ethinylestradiol is 2300 m3 yr1 for Germany and 11,300 m3 yr1 for the Netherlands. The per capita GWFs of German and Dutch consumers of animal products are 12,900 and 10,600 m3 yr1, respectively. For the Vecht catchment, we estimate the water pollution level per sub-catchment by comparing the GWF to available runoff, which enables us to identify geographic hotspots. In the basin as a whole, GWFs from human and veterinary pharmaceuticals both exceed available runoff. At all levels, pharmaceutical water pollution substantially adds to earlier water footprint studies that excluded this type of pollution, which demonstrates the importance to include pharmaceutics in water footprint studies. (c) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). EI 2589-9147 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 7 AR UNSP 100044 DI 10.1016/j.wroa.2020.100044 UT WOS:000536628800007 PM 32462135 ER PT J AU Ghaderi, E Mohsenpour, B Moradi, G Karimi, M Najafi, F Nili, S Rouhi, S AF Ghaderi, Ebrahim Mohsenpour, Behzad Moradi, Ghobad Karimi, Mohammad Najafi, Fatemeh Nili, Seiran Rouhi, Samaneh TI Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks SO ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AB Objective: To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km2 and then in Saqez (54.36%) with a potential area of 2 422.4 km2. Conclusions: A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax. Therefore, it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province. RI Moradi, Ghobad/R-1267-2016 OI Moradi, Ghobad/0000-0003-2612-6528 SN 1995-7645 EI 2352-4146 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 13 IS 5 BP 227 EP 234 DI 10.4103/1995-7645.283516 UT WOS:000536240400008 ER PT J AU Xu, J Xu, XH Han, Y Sheng, SY Meng, QX Wang, ZY Liu, WY Di, LB AF Xu, Jie Xu, Xiuhong Han, Yue Sheng, Siyuan Meng, Qingxin Wang, Zeyi Liu, Wenyue Di, Lubin TI Evaluation of a novel thermophilic nitrifying Bacillaceae species Aliibacillus thermotolerans BM62(T) promoting nitrogen retention in livestock manure compost SO ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AB Aliibacillus thermotolerans BM62(T) is a novel thermophilic nitrifying bacterium, which belongings to the family Bacillaceae. A laboratory scale composting was done to evaluate the effect of adding strain BM62(T) on nitrogen retention during the process of animal waste compost. During the whole composting process, the ammonia emission of the compost with BM62(T) added was 29.71% lower than that of the control compost. In addition, the emission amount reduced in the warming and high temperature period accounted for 92.19% of the total emission amount reduced by the addition of strain BM62(T). In the early stage of composting (0-14 days), the ammonium content in the BM62(T)-added compost was significantly lower than that of the control compost, while the content of nitrite and nitrate was significantly higher than that of the control compost. At the end of composting, the nitrate content in the BM62(T)-added compost (3.25 g/kg DM) was significantly higher than that of the control compost (0.14 g/kg DM). The number of thermophilic bacteria increased by 73.07% and that of thermophilic nitrifying bacteria increased by 75.56% in the compost with BM62(T) added. While the number of thermophilic bacteria increased by 29.61% and that of thermophilic nitrifying bacteria increased by 31.72% in the control compost. These results showed that BM62(T) could effectively reduce the ammonia emission especially during the high temperature period of compost, which make it has good application value in livestock and poultry manure compost treatment for promoting nitrogen retention. SN 1944-7442 EI 1944-7450 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 39 IS 3 AR e13357 DI 10.1002/ep.13357 UT WOS:000536575100010 ER PT J AU Giannattasio-Ferraz, S Maskeri, L Oliveira, AP Barbosa-Stancioli, EF Putonti, C AF Giannattasio-Ferraz, Silvia Maskeri, Laura Oliveira, Andre P. Barbosa-Stancioli, Edel F. Putonti, Catherine TI Draft Genome Sequences of Three Enterococcus casseliflavus Strains Isolated from the Urine of Healthy Bovine Heifers (Gyr Breed) SO MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS AB Enterococcus casseliflavus is a commensal bacterium present in the intestinal microbiota of different animals. Previous studies have found that strains isolated from livestock are often resistant to many different antibiotics. Here, we present three E. casseliflavus strains, UFMG-H7, UFMG-H8, and UFMG-H9, isolated from urine collected from healthy dairy heifers in Brazil. SN 2576-098X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 9 IS 21 AR e00386-20 DI 10.1128/MRA.00386-20 UT WOS:000536043400005 PM 32439672 ER PT J AU Miro, MV Silva, CRE Viviani, P Luque, S Lloberas, M Costa, LM Lanusse, C Virkel, G Lifschitz, A AF Miro, Maria Victoria Rocha e Silva, Carolina Viviani, Paula Luque, Sonia Lloberas, Mercedes Costa-Junior, Livio Martins Lanusse, Carlos Virkel, Guillermo Lifschitz, Adrian TI Combination of bioactive phytochemicals and synthetic anthelmintics: In vivo and in vitro assessment of the albendazole-thymol association SO VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY AB The search of novel strategies for anthelmintic control is a crucial need considering the widespread increase in resistant parasitic populations in livestock. Bioactive phytochemicals may contribute to improve parasite control by enhancing the effect of existing anthelmintic drugs. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro pharmaco-chemical interaction and the in vivo efficacy of the combination of albendazole (ABZ) with thymol (TML) in lambs naturally infected with resistant gastrointestinal nematodes. Thirty (30) lambs were allocated into three experimental groups. Each group was treated orally with either ABZ (5 mg/kg), TML (150 mg/kg, twice every 24 h) or the co-administration of both compounds. Blood samples were collected between 0 and 51 h post-treatment and TML, ABZ and its metabolites were measured by HPLC. Individual faecal samples were collected at days -1 and 14 post-treatment to perform the faecal egg count reduction test. Additionally, the effect of TML on the sulphoreduction and sulphonation of ABZ sulphoxide was assessed in vitro using ruminal content and liver microsomes, respectively. The metabolism of TML in the ruminal content was very low and the monoterpene exhibited a low degree of association with the particulate phase of the ruminal content. No changes in the pharmacokinetic behavior of ABZ sulphoxide were observed in the presence of the natural product (TML). In contrast, the ABZ sulphone Cmax and AUC were lower (P 0.002 and 0.001 respectively) in the co-administered animals (0.16 +/- 0.07 mu g/mL and 3.63 +/- 1.21 mu g.h/mL) compared with those that received ABZ alone (0.45 +/- 0.15 mu g/mL and 9.50 +/- 2.84 mu g.h/mL). TML was detected in the bloodstream between 1 and 48 h post-treatment, which indicates the time of target nematodes being exposed to the bioactive monoterpene. However, the in vivo efficacy of TML was 0% and the presence of this terpene did not increase the efficacy of ABZ. The presence of TML significantly inhibited the ruminal sulphoreduction (P 0.001) and the hepatic sulphonation (P 0.001) of ABZ sulphoxide. These observations point out that in vivo pharmaco-parasitological studies are relevant to corroborate the adverse kinetic/metabolic interactions and the efficacy of bioactive natural products combined with synthetic anthelmintics. RI ; Costa-Junior, Livio/H-7530-2012 OI Lifschitz, Adrian/0000-0001-7605-9744; Costa-Junior, Livio/0000-0002-1475-049X SN 0304-4017 EI 1873-2550 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 281 AR UNSP 109121 DI 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109121 UT WOS:000536208700009 PM 32361524 ER PT J AU Quigley, A Sekiya, M Garcia-Campos, A Paz-Silva, A Howell, A Williams, DJL Mulcahy, G AF Quigley, A. Sekiya, M. Garcia-Campos, A. Paz-Silva, A. Howell, A. Williams, D. J. L. Mulcahy, G. TI Horses are susceptible to natural, but resistant to experimental, infection with the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica SO VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY AB Fasciola hepatica is a common parasite of livestock in Ireland, causing significant economic losses and affecting animal welfare. A previous abattoir study of 200 horses led to an estimated 9.5 % prevalence of infection in horses slaughtered in Ireland. However, the epidemiology and pathogenic significance of this infection in this species is not well-described. The objectives of this study were to determine the susceptibility of horses to oral challenge infection with F. hepatica metacercariae, and to document the course of the infection along with serological and biochemical response. We attempted an experimental infection of horses (n = 10; 9 geldings and 1 mare) with F. hepatica. Four were given 1000 metacercariae, four 500 metacercariae and two were sham-infected. Blood and faecal samples were taken at intervals up to 18 weeks post-infection (wpi). ELISA assays were used to assess sero-conversion in the experimental horses and also in a panel of sera from horses of known fluke status. No flukes were recovered from any of the livers, and neither were any lesions that could be attributed to F. hepatica infection observed. Coproantigen ELISA was negative throughout for all horses. Three antibody detection ELISAs, useful in diagnosing fasciolosis in other species, had limitations as diagnostic aids as determined using a panel of sera from horses of known F. hepatica infection status. This study is limited by the relatively small number of animals included, and the relatively short duration of the study period. Failure to establish infection after oral challenge raises fundamental questions on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of equine fasciolosis. SN 0304-4017 EI 1873-2550 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 281 AR UNSP 109094 DI 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109094 UT WOS:000536208700002 PM 32344146 ER PT J AU Vlachokostas, C Achillas, C Agnantiaris, I Michailidou, AV Pallas, C Feleki, E Moussiopoulos, N AF Vlachokostas, Christos Achillas, Charisios Agnantiaris, Ioannis Michailidou, Alexandra, V Pallas, Christos Feleki, Eleni Moussiopoulos, Nicolas TI Decision Support System to Implement Units of Alternative Biowaste Treatment for Producing Bioenergy and Boosting Local Bioeconomy SO ENERGIES AB Lately, the model of circular economy has gained worldwide interest. Within its concept, waste is viewed as a beneficial resource that needs to be re-introduced in the supply chains, which also requires the use of raw materials, energy, and water to be minimized. Undeniably, a strong link exists between the bioeconomy, circular economy, bioproducts, and bioenergy. In this light, in order to promote a circular economy, a range of alternative options and technologies for biowaste exploitation are currently available. In this paper, we propose a generic methodological scheme for the development of small, medium, or large-scale units of alternative biowaste treatment, with an emphasis on the production of bioenergy and other bioproducts. With the use of multi-criteria decision analysis, the model simultaneously considers environmental, economic, and social criteria to support robust decision-making. In order to validate the methodology, the latter was demonstrated in a real-world case study for the development of a facility in the region of Serres, Greece. Based on the proposed methodological scheme, the optimal location of the facility was selected, based on its excellent assessment in criteria related to environmental performance, financial considerations, and local acceptance. Moreover, anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues, together with farming and livestock wastes, was recommended in order to produce bioenergy and bioproducts. RI Michailidou, Alexandra V./AAQ-7363-2020; VLACHOKOSTAS, CHRISTOS/AAH-5820-2020 OI Michailidou, Alexandra V./0000-0002-6300-3511; VLACHOKOSTAS, CHRISTOS/0000-0001-6399-248X EI 1996-1073 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 13 IS 9 DI 10.3390/en13092306 UT WOS:000535739300184 ER PT J AU Ren, K Karlsson, J Liuska, M Hartikainen, M Hansen, I Jorgensen, GHM AF Ren, Keni Karlsson, Johannes Liuska, Markus Hartikainen, Markku Hansen, Inger Jorgensen, Grete H. M. TI A sensor-fusion-system for tracking sheep location and behaviour SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISTRIBUTED SENSOR NETWORKS AB The growing interest in precision livestock farming is prompted by a desire to understand the basic behavioural needs of the animals and optimize the contribution of each animal. The aim of this study was to develop a system that automatically generated individual animal behaviour and localization data in sheep. A sensor-fusion-system tracking individual sheep position and detecting sheep standing/lying behaviour was proposed. The mean error and standard deviation of sheep position performed by the ultra-wideband location system was 0.357 +/- 0.254 m, and the sensitivity of the sheep standing and lying detection performed by infrared radiation cameras and three-dimenional computer vision technology were 98.16% and 100%, respectively. The proposed system was able to generate individual animal activity reports and the real-time detection was achieved. The system can increase the convenience for animal behaviour studies and monitoring of animal welfare in the production environment. SN 1550-1477 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 16 IS 5 AR 1550147720921776 DI 10.1177/1550147720921776 UT WOS:000536464700001 ER PT J AU Sahoo, KC Negi, S Barla, D Badaik, G Sahoo, S Bal, M Padhi, AK Pati, S Bhattacharya, D AF Sahoo, Krushna Chandra Negi, Sapna Barla, Deepika Badaik, Goldi Sahoo, Sunita Bal, Madhusmita Padhi, Arun Kumar Pati, Sanghamitra Bhattacharya, Debdutta TI The Landscape of Anthrax Prevention and Control: Stakeholders' Perceptive in Odisha, India SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB The prevalence and outbreaks of anthrax are interlinked with the animal-environment-human context, which signifies the need for collaborative, trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches for the prevention and control of anthrax. In India, there are hardly any shreds of evidence on the role of various stakeholders' on anthrax prevention and control. Therefore, this study addressed the experiences of various stakeholders on anthrax prevention and control strategies in Odisha, India. A qualitative explorative study was carried out using 42 in-depth-interviews among the stakeholders from health, veterinary and general administrative departments from the block, district, and state level. Two major themes emerged: (1) Epidemiological investigation of anthrax in Odisha, India, and (2) Biological and social prevention strategies for anthrax in Odisha, India. The study emphasizes setting up the surveillance system as per standard guideline, and strengthening the diagnostic facility at a regional medical college laboratory to avoid delay. Moreover, it emphasizes step-up inter-sectoral co-ordination, collaboration and sensitization among health, veterinary, forestry, education, nutrition and tribal welfare departments at all levels in order to reduce the prevalence and control the outbreaks of anthrax in Odisha state. It also recommends raising community literacy, in particular on safe carcass disposal, changing behavior on dead-livestock consumption, and compliance with livestock vaccinations. EI 1660-4601 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 17 IS 9 AR 3094 DI 10.3390/ijerph17093094 UT WOS:000535745400118 PM 32365539 ER PT J AU Nolte, W Weikard, R Brunner, RM Albrecht, E Hammon, HM Reverter, A Kuhn, C AF Nolte, Wietje Weikard, Rosemarie Brunner, Ronald M. Albrecht, Elke Hammon, Harald M. Reverter, Antonio Kuehn, Christa TI Identification and Annotation of Potential Function of Regulatory Antisense Long Non-Coding RNAs Related to Feed Efficiency in Bos taurus Bulls SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES AB Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can influence transcriptional and translational processes in mammalian cells and are associated with various developmental, physiological and phenotypic conditions. However, they remain poorly understood and annotated in livestock species. We combined phenotypic, metabolomics and liver transcriptomic data of bulls divergent for residual feed intake (RFI) and fat accretion. Based on a project-specific transcriptome annotation for the bovine reference genome ARS-UCD.1.2 and multiple-tissue total RNA sequencing data, we predicted 3590 loci to be lncRNAs. To identify lncRNAs with potential regulatory influence on phenotype and gene expression, we applied the regulatory impact factor algorithm on a functionally prioritized set of loci (n = 4666). Applying the algorithm of partial correlation and information theory, significant and independent pairwise correlations were calculated and co-expression networks were established, including plasma metabolites correlated with lncRNAs. The network hub lncRNAs were assessed for potential cis-actions and subjected to biological pathway enrichment analyses. Our results reveal a prevalence of antisense lncRNAs positively correlated with adjacent protein-coding genes and suggest their participation in mitochondrial function, acute phase response signalling, TCA-cycle, fatty acid beta-oxidation and presumably gluconeogenesis. These antisense lncRNAs indicate a stabilizing function for their cis-correlated genes and a putative regulatory role in gene expression. OI Kuehn, Christa/0000-0002-0216-424X; Nolte, Wietje/0000-0001-7987-9780 EI 1422-0067 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 21 IS 9 AR 3292 DI 10.3390/ijms21093292 UT WOS:000535581700263 PM 32384694 ER PT J AU Bertolozzi-Caredio, D Bardaji, I Coopmans, I Soriano, B Garrido, A AF Bertolozzi-Caredio, Daniele Bardaji, Isabel Coopmans, Isabeau Soriano, Barbara Garrido, Alberto TI Key steps and dynamics of family farm succession in marginal extensive livestock farming SO JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES AB Succession trends in agriculture have been downward in many European regions, especially in the less favoured and mountainous areas of southern Europe. This article aims at understanding family farm succession dynamics in extensive livestock farming of two marginal areas in Spain. We approached the issue applying a qualitative methodology based on inductive content analysis of open interviews with 28 farmers and relatives. The evidence shows that family farm succession is a long-term and multidimensional process during which successors pass through three stages: potential succession, willingness to succeed and effective succession. The factors determining succession can be classed into four dimensions that affect the succession stages differently. Individual and familial dimensions are found to include the most influential factors shaping the potential successor, whereas the influence of familial factors drops in favour of the individual dimension at the willingness stage. The contextual and institutional dimensions mainly influence the willingness and effective succession stages. The scope of policies should be broadened beyond effective succession by enhancing the intention of willing successors to take over the business. SN 0743-0167 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 76 BP 131 EP 141 DI 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2020.04.030 UT WOS:000535697500013 ER PT J AU Oyundelger, K Ritz, CM Munkhzul, O Lang, B Ahlborn, J Oyuntsetseg, B Romermann, C Wesche, K AF Oyundelger, Khurelpurev Ritz, Christiane M. Munkhzul, Oyunbileg Lang, Birgit Ahlborn, Julian Oyuntsetseg, Batlai Roemermann, Christine Wesche, Karsten TI Climate and land use affect genetic structure of Stipa glareosa P. A. Smirn. in Mongolia SO FLORA AB In dry steppes, strong climatic constraints, especially highly variable precipitation, and grazing are the most important factors controlling plant life. Growth is strongly limited by water availability, while grazing may affect species presence and performance. However, there is a lack of studies on population genetics of dryland plants in general, and of those addressing grazing effects in particular. To determine the landscape-scale genetic structure of dryland species, and if grazing has an impact on that, we chose the Eurasian steppe grass Stipa glareosa for a population genetic study employing nine polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. We assessed genetic fingerprints of 200 individuals from six populations in Mongolia, which were sampled along a large-scale precipitation and altitudinal gradient. Nested within this gradient, sub-populations were sampled along short local transects representing different grazing intensities. Overall, S. glareosa populations showed rather low levels of genetic diversity at a mean Bruvo distance among individuals within a given population of 0.494 (mean expected heterozygosity He = 0.053). Linear mixed model analysis implied that genetic diversity was affected by both climatic constraints and local grazing conditions. We found a moderate isolation-by-distance pattern across all populations; grazing additionally influenced the genetic structure at local scale. Analysis of Molecular Variance revealed a modest genetic differentiation between populations (9 % of variation) and among sub-populations representing different grazing levels (11 %). Moreover, we detected indicator alleles that were exclusive for populations along the precipitation gradient; other alleles were associated with certain grazing levels across all populations. Thus, our data suggest that climatic constraints affect the genetic structure of S. glareosa populations, while at local scales differences in grazing disturbance may also matter. SN 0367-2530 EI 1618-0585 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 266 AR 151572 DI 10.1016/j.flora.2020.151572 UT WOS:000535714500002 ER PT J AU Zhang, Y Zhang, KL Ji, YS Tao, J AF Zhang, Yin Zhang, Keliang Ji, Yusong Tao, Jun TI Physical dormancy and soil seed bank dynamics in seeds of Melilotus albus (Fabaceae) SO FLORA AB Information on seed germination and the soil seed bank of a species is important because it contributes to a better understanding of plant reproductive strategies. Melilotus albus (Fabaceae) is considered valuable for honey production and is frequently cultivated as livestock forage. However, it is difficult to germinate M. albus seeds. The primary goal of the present study was to determine the environmental requirements for breaking seed dormancy and the dynamics of soil seed bank. The results indicate that seeds of M. albus have a water impermeable seed coat which can be penetrated by scarification or alternating wet heat and ice water cycles; however, wet heat or dry heat alone were ineffective. After receiving 30 cycles of alternating wet heat and ice water treatments, cracks formed in the lens of seeds. Under natural precipitation and temperature,> 60% of the seedlings emerged in spring. A persistent soil seed bank formed and most seeds were found in the 0-2 cm soil layer. Our findings indicate that seeds of M. albus have physical dormancy; persistence of the seed bank might spread risks associated with a specific seed cohort over multiple years. SN 0367-2530 EI 1618-0585 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 266 AR 151600 DI 10.1016/j.flora.2020.151600 UT WOS:000535714500001 ER PT J AU Shahbaz, P Boz, I ul Haq, S AF Shahbaz, Pomi Boz, Ismet ul Haq, Shamsheer TI Adaptation options for small livestock farmers having large ruminants (cattle and buffalo) against climate change in Central Punjab Pakistan SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Climate change is not a myth anymore and changing with every passing year regardless of the efforts to mitigate its root causes. Livestock being a key source of employment to a large poor world population also contributes to food security and poverty eradication. With the changing climate livestock farmers are also making their farms compatible to the new natural ecosystem. Therefore, this study investigated how small livestock farmers having large ruminants inventory perceive changes in climate, which strategies they adapt and the factors influencing the adaptation of climate changes strategies in livestock. Primary data was collected from 180 small livestock farmers of Central Punjab, and multiple (step-wise) regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting adaptation of climate change strategies. Livestock farmers are also well aware of the climate change as majority of the farmers (63.4% and 71.4%) perceived an increase in temperature and precipitation, respectively. Livestock farmers made an attempt to adopt conventional climate change strategies such as mix farming, reduction in animals, provision of more drinking water, use of tree shades, livestock diversification, use of muddy roof, and floor in order to cope with climate changes. The adoption of these measures was significantly influenced by animal inventory, climate knowledge, livestock working hours, livestock experience, distance of veterinary hospital, and livestock-related training/workshops. Government needs to increase technical and logistic capacity of veterinary doctors, and should create awareness among small livestock farmers through media. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 27 IS 15 SI SI BP 17935 EP 17948 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08112-9 UT WOS:000534662400045 PM 32166685 ER PT J AU Yang, J Wang, YD Fang, SQ Qiang, YF Liang, JP Yang, GH Feng, YZ AF Yang, Jun Wang, Yandong Fang, Shanqi Qiang, Yanfang Liang, Jiping Yang, Gaihe Feng, Yongzhong TI Evaluation of livestock pollution and its effects on a water source protection area in China SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Livestock and poultry (LP) pollution affects water quality of water resources. In this study, spatio-temporal variations in amount, structure, and discharge of LP pollutant in the water source area of the Middle Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP) in China on the county scale were analyzed. In this regard, the gray water footprint (GWF) was employed as an indicator for quantitative evaluation of LP pollution to measure the impact of these parameters on local water resources. Based on the statistical data for the time period of 2000-2017, the results showed that the total amount of LP farming has steadily increased, except for a slight decrease in the years 2007 and 2014. Also, the counties, Dengzhou (DZ), Neixiang (NX), and Xichuan (XC), are found to be the biggest polluters. The GWF of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was calculated to be 12.7, 8.6, and 2.8 billion m(3) in 2017, respectively, with GWF(TN) > GWF(TP) > GWF(COD). The pollution of TN caused by LP has a greater impact on water quality than COD and TP. In 2017, the water pollution level (WPL) of water source area is 0.28, it means LP pollution required 28% of the total local water resources to be diluted. Additionally, the WPL for DZ, NX, and XC was found to be greater than 1, and it is concluded that the water resources of these regions face an environmental threat. Based on the area scale of the water sources, policies and incidence of diseases mainly affected the changes in the number of LP farming. On the county scale, the total amount and structure of LP was affected by factors such as terrain, traffic, economic level, and breeding mode. It is recommended that different policies and disposal methods should be adopted based the LP farming conditions in different cities. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 27 IS 15 SI SI BP 18632 EP 18639 DI 10.1007/s11356-019-06485-0 UT WOS:000534662400101 PM 32200474 ER PT J AU Tan, M Zhao, H Li, G Qu, JF AF Tan, Min Zhao, Hua Li, Gang Qu, Junfeng TI Assessment of potentially toxic pollutants and urban livability in a typical resource-based city, China SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Toxic pollutants are affecting the environment on a global scale. To quantify the extent of the elemental pollution in Peixian, a typical Chinese city, we collected 332 soil samples from agricultural, residential, woodland, and hydrological environments. Using multivariate statistical and geostatistical analyses, the results indicate that contaminants including chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) may share common sources such as commercial activities, coal mining activities, water transportation, power generation, and livestock manure. The presence of mercury (Hg) in the southern part of the study area, however, is almost entirely attributed to nearby mining activities. The value of contamination index was the highest in hydrological environments. Health exposure risk assessments of the elements were also investigated. With the exception of Pb, the potentially toxic elements in the study area do not pose a severe non-carcinogenic health risk. At the levels observed in our study, however, Pb may pose a non-carcinogenic risk to children. Based on these results, the area's livability is assessed. The urban livability analysis shows that the livability level is higher in the western part of the study area than it is in the eastern part. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 27 IS 15 SI SI BP 18640 EP 18649 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08182-9 UT WOS:000534662400102 PM 32200473 ER PT J AU Ghorashi, SA Heller, J Zhang, Q Sahibzada, S AF Ghorashi, Seyed A. Heller, Jane Zhang, Quincy Sahibzada, Shafi TI Differentiation of Community-Associated and Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates and Identification of spa Types by Use of PCR and High-Resolution Melt Curve Analysis SO JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AB Infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are present worldwide and represent a major public health concern. The capability of PCR followed by high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis for the detection of community-associated and livestock-associated MRSA strains and the identification of staphylococcal protein A (spa) locus was evaluated in 74 MRSA samples which were isolated from the environment, humans, and pigs on a single piggery. PCR-HRM curve analysis identified four spa types among MRSA samples and differentiated MRSA strains accordingly. A nonsubjective differentiation model was developed according to genetic confidence percentage values produced by tested samples, which did not require visual interpretation of HRM curve results. The test was carried out at different settings, and result data were reanalyzed and confirmed with DNA sequencing. PCR-HRM curve analysis proved to be a robust and reliable test for spa typing and can be used as a tool in epidemiological studies. RI ; Ghorashi, Seyed/C-1529-2016 OI Sahibzada, Shafi/0000-0001-7362-8323; Ghorashi, Seyed/0000-0002-9820-5308 SN 0095-1137 EI 1098-660X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 58 IS 5 AR e02088-19 DI 10.1128/JCM.02088-19 UT WOS:000535797600030 PM 32132185 ER PT J AU Kothe, C Wolfram, J Mergenthaler, M AF Kothe, Christina Wolfram, Jenny Mergenthaler, Marcus TI Agricultural animal husbandry in the media - A qualitative analysis of expert interviews with journalists from regional and national general and specialist media SO BERICHTE UBER LANDWIRTSCHAFT AB General journalism and specialised journalism deal with animal husbandry in different ways. Media reporting is characterized by the use and development of media frames. The purpose of this study is to show how the topic of animal welfare is dealt with in journalistic work in the context of livestock farming and what role media frames play in this context. The study is based on journalists as key players in media. Expert interviews with 19 journalists from national, regional, and specialised media are used as empirical method in combination with structuring, qualitative content analysis. The results show that journalists' origin and living environment influence the process of framing. Journalists from a metropolitan environment who write for the general media have a rather comprehensive, generalistic relation to livestock topics. Journalists from the specialised media, however, are firmly rooted in the world of agricultural life; they see themselves as advisors on equal terms and agree on an implicit value consensus with their readership. Journalists have a particular role to play in structuring social and agricultural discourse. Greater editorial diversity with regard to journalists' backgrounds would broaden the respective specific views of the general and specialised media on agricultural animal husbandry. Thus, editorial diversity could encourage a constructive and solution-oriented perspective for social dis-course on the future of agricultural animal husbandry. SN 2196-5099 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 98 IS 1 UT WOS:000533522000006 ER PT J AU Smith, RP Gavin, C Gilson, D Simons, RRL Williamson, S AF Smith, R. P. Gavin, C. Gilson, D. Simons, R. R. L. Williamson, S. TI Determining pig holding type from British movement data using analytical and machine learning approaches SO PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE AB Determining the size, location and structure of a livestock population is an essential aspect of surveillance and research as it provides understanding of the representativeness and coverage of any project or scheme. It is an important input for a variety of epidemiological analyses, for example, allowing generation of more accurate sample size calculations for estimating prevalence or freedom from disease, cost-benefit analyses for control measures to reduce or eradicate livestock disease, or development of between-herd network models to estimate the impact of movement of animals between farms on the spread of livestock diseases. The work described here provides information on how British pig movement data was compared against other datasets related to the British pig population to define its appropriateness for defining pig holding demographics. The data were then used to identify the location of pig holdings and the estimated herd size (split into five categories). Two methods are described that were used to classify the holding type of the identified pig holdings. The first method was an epidemiological method that used expert opinion to determine a set of rules based on movement characteristics to classify each holding. The second method was a machine learning approach that used k means cluster analysis to automatically estimate the holding type based on a set of proxy indicators. Each method had a good accuracy rate, when compared to matched holdings present in data provided by the Annual June Agricultural Survey, but all misclassified some holdings. While both of the methods on their own provided a reasonable estimate, it was concluded that a consensus model, considering the results of both models and the Survey, provided the most accurate result. However, the machine learning approach was beneficial, as although some technical expertise was needed to set up the model, it was considerably faster to implement than the other method, as well as being quicker and easier to adapt and re-run with updated information. SN 0167-5877 EI 1873-1716 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 178 AR 104984 DI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104984 UT WOS:000533510200012 PM 32302777 ER PT J AU VanderWaal, K Paploski, IAD Makau, DN Corzo, CA AF VanderWaal, Kimberly Paploski, Igor A. D. Makau, Dennis N. Corzo, Cesar A. TI Contrasting animal movement and spatial connectivity networks in shaping transmission pathways of a genetically diverse virus SO PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE AB Analyses of livestock movement networks has become key to understanding an industry's vulnerability to infectious disease spread and for identifying farms that play disproportionate roles in pathogen dissemination. In addition to animal movements, many pathogens can spread between farms via mechanisms mediated by spatial proximity. Heterogeneities in contact patterns based on spatial proximity are less commonly considered in network studies, and studies that jointly consider spatial connectivity and animal movement are rare. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which movement versus spatial proximity networks determine the distribution of an economically important endemic virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), within a swine-dense region of the U.S. PRRSV can be classified into numerous phylogenetic lineages. Such data can be used to better resolve between-farm infection chains and elucidate types of contact most associated with transmission. Here, we construct movement and spatial proximity networks; farms within the networks were classified as cases if a given PRRSV lineage had been recovered at least once in a year for each of three years analyzed. We evaluated six lineages and sub-lineages across three years, and evaluated the epidemiological relevance of each network by applying network k-tests to statistically evaluate whether the pattern of case occurrence within the network was consistent with transmission via network linkages. Our results indicated that animal movements, not local area spread, play a dominant role in shaping transmission pathways, though there were differences amongst lineages. The median number of case farms inter-linked via animal movements was approximately 4.1x higher than random expectations (range: 1.7-13.7; p < 0.05, network k-test), whereas this measure was only 2.7x higher than random expectations for farms linked via spatial proximity (range: 1.3-5.4; p < 0.05, network k-test). For spatial proximity networks, contact based on proximities of < 5 km appeared to have greater epidemiological relevance than longer distances, likely related to diminishing probabilities of local area spread at greater distances. However, the greater overall levels of connectivity of the spatial network compared to the movement network highlights the vulnerability of pig populations to wide-spread transmission via this route. By combining genetic data with network analysis, this research advances our understanding of dynamics of between-farm spread of PRRSV, helps establish the relative importance of transmission via animal movements versus local area spread, and highlights the potential for targeted control strategies based upon heterogeneities in network connectivity. OI Makau, Dennis/0000-0002-1802-2545 SN 0167-5877 EI 1873-1716 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 178 AR 104977 DI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104977 UT WOS:000533510200014 PM 32279002 ER PT J AU Schou, MF Kristensen, TN Hoffmann, AA AF Schou, Mads F. Kristensen, Torsten N. Hoffmann, Ary A. TI Patterns of environmental variance across environments and traits in domestic cattle SO EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS AB The variance in phenotypic trait values is a product of environmental and genetic variation. The sensitivity of traits to environmental variation has a genetic component and is likely to be under selection. However, there are few studies investigating the evolution of this sensitivity, in part due to the challenges of estimating the environmental variance. The livestock literature provides a wealth of studies that accurately partition components of phenotypic variance, including the environmental variance, in well-defined environments. These studies involve breeds that have been under strong selection on mean phenotype in optimal environments for many generations, and therefore represent an opportunity to study the potential evolution of trait sensitivity to environmental conditions. Here, we use literature on domestic cattle to examine the evolution of micro-environmental variance (CVR-the coefficient of residual variance) by testing for differences in expression of CVR in animals from the same breed reared in different environments. Traits that have been under strong selection did not follow a null expectation of an increase in CVR in heterogenous environments (e.g., grazing), a pattern that may reflect evolution of increased uniformity in heterogeneous environments. When comparing CVR across environments of different levels of optimality, here measured by trait mean, we found a reduction in CVR in the more optimal environments for both life history and growth traits. Selection aimed at increasing trait means in livestock breeds typically occurs in the more optimal environments, and we therefore suspect that the decreased CVR is a consequence of evolution of the expression of micro-environmental variance in this environment. Our results highlight the heterogeneity in micro-environmental variance across environments and point to possible connections to the intensity of selection on trait means. RI Kristensen, Torsten Nygaard/C-5031-2015 OI Kristensen, Torsten Nygaard/0000-0001-6204-8753; Hoffmann, Ary/0000-0001-9497-7645 SN 1752-4571 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 13 IS 5 BP 1090 EP 1102 DI 10.1111/eva.12924 UT WOS:000533397700016 PM 32431754 ER PT J AU Janzen, A Balasse, M Ambrose, SH AF Janzen, Anneke Balasse, Marie Ambrose, Stanley H. TI Early pastoral mobility and seasonality in Kenya assessed through stable isotope analysis SO JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE AB Eastern African pastoralists today depend on mobility to access seasonally available pastures for their livestock. Here, we evaluate the importance of mobility strategies for maintaining herds during the Pastoral Neolithic era in southern Kenya through stable isotope analysis. We use carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of sequentially sampled modern and archaeological cattle, sheep, and goat tooth enamel to reconstruct seasonal vertical mobility strategies of early pastoralists in the region from 3000 to 1200 years ago. An altitudinal transition from C-4 grasses at low elevations to C-3 grasses at higher elevations permits tracking vertical mobility in the Kenya Rift Valley. Results from eight Pastoral Neolithic sites from southern Kenya show that cattle, sheep, and goats were almost exclusively herded at low elevations throughout the year. Higher variability in carbon isotopes of caprines compared to cattle suggests that caprines had greater seasonal dietary flexibility. Oxygen isotopes were not consistently useful for identifying seasonal patterns: intra- and interannual variability in tropical precipitation and plant water isotopic composition are confounding factors. Archaeological contexts representing local foragers that adopted pastoralism show herding strategies similar to those from established pastoral sites. These results suggest that lower elevation savannas were productive enough to support pastoralism year-round during the Pastoral Neolithic era. SN 0305-4403 EI 1095-9238 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 117 AR 105099 DI 10.1016/j.jas.2020.105099 UT WOS:000532174000002 ER PT J AU Stubberfield, E Pringle, M Landen, A Veldman, KT Geurts, Y Jouy, E Le Devendec, L Rubin, JE Kulathunga, DGRS Kristensen, KA Chanter, J Bollard, A Johnson, P Maycock, J Habighorst-Blome, K Rohde, J Card, RM AF Stubberfield, E. Pringle, M. Landen, A. Veldman, K. T. Geurts, Y. Jouy, E. Le Devendec, L. Rubin, J. E. Kulathunga, D. G. R. S. Kristensen, K. A. Chanter, J. Bollard, A. Johnson, P. Maycock, J. Habighorst-Blome, K. Rohde, J. Card, R. M. TI Validation of an antimicrobial susceptibility testing protocol for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli in an international ring trial SO VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY AB Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Brachyspira pilosicoli cause economically important enteric disease in pigs. Treatment of these infections often includes antimicrobial administration, which can be most effective when therapeutic options are informed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing data. Here we describe a method for broth dilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing of these bacteria, both of which are difficult to culture in vitro. The protocol was evaluated for its fitness for use in an inter-laboratory ring trial involving eight laboratories from seven countries, and employing eleven test strains (5 Brachyspira hyodysenteriae including the type strain B78(T) and 6 Brachyspira pilosicoli) and six antibiotics. Overall intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility of this method was very good (> 90 % MICs at mode +/- 1 log(2)). Whole genome sequencing revealed good correspondence between reduced susceptibility and the presence of previously defined antimicrobial resistance determinants. Interestingly, lnu(C) was identified in B. pilosicoli isolates with elevated MICs of lincomycin, whilst tva(B) was associated with elevated MICs of pleuromutilins in this species. We designated two new control strains with MICs lying within currently tested ranges, including for the pleuromutilins, in contrast to the control strain B. hyodysenteriae B78(T). These were deposited at the DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH. The validation of a standard protocol and identification of new control strains facilitates comparisons between studies, establishment of robust interpretative criteria, and ultimately contributes to rational antimicrobial use when treating infected livestock. RI Rubin, Joseph E/B-3374-2009 OI Rubin, Joseph E/0000-0002-2636-406X SN 0378-1135 EI 1873-2542 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 244 AR 108645 DI 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108645 UT WOS:000532227400024 PM 32402332 ER PT J AU Taylor, WA Lindsey, PA Nicholson, SK Relton, C Davies-Mostert, HT AF Taylor, W. Andrew Lindsey, Peter A. Nicholson, Samantha K. Relton, Claire Davies-Mostert, Harriet T. TI Jobs, game meat and profits: The benefits of wildlife ranching on marginal lands in South Africa SO BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AB The private wildlife sector in South Africa must demonstrate value in the face of political pressures for economic growth, job creation and food security. Through structured survey questionnaires of landowners and managers from 276 private wildlife ranches, we describe patterns of wildlife-based land uses (WBLUs), estimate their financial and social contributions and compare these with livestock farming. We show that 46% of surveyed properties combined wildlife with livestock, 86% conducted two or more WBLUs and 80% conducted consumptive use activities. Intensive breeding was conducted on 46% of properties and covered 5.1% of their total land area. Revenues were higher on wildlife only properties than livestock farms, but we were unable to compare the profitability of wildlife and livestock due to data gaps for livestock. Profits from WBLUs were highly variable, while mean return on investment (ROI) was 0.068. Wildlife properties employed more people per unit area than livestock farms, properties conducting ecotourism employed more than twice as many people as non-ecotourism properties, and biltong hunting properties employed 50% fewer people than non-biltong hunting properties. Mean game meat production on wildlife only properties was 4.07 kg/ha, while the top producers harvested game meat at a level comparable with some extensive livestock farms. We suggest that the financial and social benefits of wildlife ranching on marginal land make this a viable land use, but that the contributions towards biodiversity conservation need to be quantified. The South African model could be a suitable option for other African countries seeking sustainable land use alternatives. SN 0006-3207 EI 1873-2917 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 245 AR UNSP 108561 DI 10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108561 UT WOS:000532824200008 ER PT J AU Verschueren, S Briers-Louw, WD Torres-Uribe, C Siyaya, A Marker, L AF Verschueren, Stijn Briers-Louw, Willem D. Torres-Uribe, Carolina Siyaya, Annetjie Marker, Laurie TI Assessing human conflicts with carnivores in Namibia's eastern communal conservancies SO HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE AB Livestock depredation has severe socio-economic impacts on local communities. Consequently, carnivores are often persecuted because of actual or perceived threats to livestock. Perceptions of threats are often shaped by underlying socio-cultural values, which make resolving human conflicts with carnivores complex. We conducted questionnaires with local farmers (n = 276) at workshops to assess annual livestock depredation rates in Namibia's eastern communal conservancies. On average, farmers lost 8% of total herd size to depredation, with high variability among respondents. The main predators were African wild dog and black-backed jackal. Depredation intensified with herd size and carnivore familiarity (i.e., better carnivore identification skills and more frequent carnivore encounters). We suggest that patterns of depredation are predicted by carnivore occurrence and we recommend spatial modeling of risk to prioritize mitigation efforts. Reported livestock husbandry practices used before workshops were apparently ineffective, which might be attributed to lack of knowledge and/or resources. SN 1087-1209 EI 1533-158X DI 10.1080/10871209.2020.1758253 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000532049000001 ER PT J AU Kumari, A Kumar, A Tomar, P Baro, D Grewal, S Sangwan, ML AF Kumari, Anu Kumar, Aman Tomar, Prince Baro, Daoharu Grewal, Satyavir Sangwan, M. L. TI MHC-DRB1 exon 2 polymorphism and its association with faecal egg count of Haemonchus contortus in Munjal sheep SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AB Haemonchosis is an important disease of small ruminants. Anthelmenthic resistance has instigated the demand of other viable method for control of gastrointestinal parasite. Here, we investigated ovine major histocompatibility complex class II (Ovar MHC II) DRB1 exon 2 polymorphism and its association with faecal egg count (FEC) of Haemonchus contortus in Munjal population of sheep. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 46 lambs between 6-7 months of age. The polymorphism in DRB1 gene was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. PCR products of exon 2 of DRB1 gene were digested with HaeII, BsaHI and NciI restriction enzymes. Fragment of the DRB1 gene comprising 9 bp of the 5' intron and 270 bp of entire exon 2 was successfully amplified. On digestion of 279 bp PCR product with NciI, three genotypes viz. A1A1, A2A2 and A1A2 were found with allele frequencies 0.65 and 0.35. HaeII enzyme revealed three genotypes A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 with allele frequencies of A1 and A2 were 0.42 and 0.58. BsaHI enzyme also generated three genotypes A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 with allele frequencies of A1 and A2 was 0.42 and 0.58. We were able to found polymorphism in DRB1 gene but no association could be established between genotypes generated by different restriction enzymes and FEC of H. contortus in Munjal sheep. SN 0019-5189 EI 0975-1009 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 58 IS 5 BP 365 EP + UT WOS:000532174500009 ER PT J AU Barreto, CD Alves, FV Ramos, CECD Leite, MCD Leite, LC Karvatte, N AF Barreto, Camilla Diniz Alves, Fabiana Villa Crispim de Oliveira Ramos, Carlos Eduardo de Paula Leite, Meiby Carneiro Leite, Laudi Cunha Karvatte Junior, Nivaldo TI Infrared thermography for evaluation of the environmental thermal comfort for livestock SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY AB The objective of this study was to assess the use of infrared thermography as a microclimate-evaluating tool and an estimate of the thermal comfort provided by four types of tree to cattle under grazing conditions in the central region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the Embrapa Beef Cattle Company, in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, from June to August 2015. Evaluations were carried out over four consecutive days, at 1-hour intervals, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time; GMT - 4:00). Infrared thermography images of tree crowns and soil surface underneath them from the shadow projection of four tree species native to the Brazilian cerrado (savannah-like) biome were obtained. The microclimate was assessed by estimation of thermal indices: temperature and humidity index, black globe, and radiation thermal load. The previous was calculated based on records of air temperature, dew point temperature, black globe temperature, air relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. The geometrical settings of the trees were assessed for each tree component. Five thematic groups were formed based on multiple factor analysis that summarizes three synthetic analytical dimensions to explain the total variance among the studied elements and the existing correlations between groups. Positive linear correlations were found between thermography and the temperature measurements, thermal comfort indices, and radiation, suggesting that infrared thermography can be used as a tool for estimating and monitoring the microclimate and thermal comfort, presenting a potential use of measurement in agroforestry systems. OI Leite, Laudi/0000-0002-7781-1819 SN 0020-7128 EI 1432-1254 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 64 IS 5 BP 881 EP 888 DI 10.1007/s00484-020-01878-0 UT WOS:000532786800015 PM 32152728 ER PT J AU Lyu, Y Li, J Hou, RX Zhu, H Zhu, WX Hang, S Ouyang, Z AF Lyu, Yun Li, Jing Hou, Ruixing Zhu, He Zhu, Wanxue Hang, Sheng Ouyang, Zhu TI Goats or pigs? Sustainable approach of different raising systems fed by maize silage SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB The ecological livestock husbandry tends to be popular in China but the real situation is many models appeared without scientific analysis. And very limited theoretical researches compared ecological breeding systems and livestock species on environmental and economic and carrying capacity aspects. To choose the best pig-raising method and compare it with the goat raising system, this study combined emergy evaluation methods and economic analysis methods and livestock carrying capacity evaluation methods to gain the objective results. Pigs raising systems all performed little weaker than the goats raising system in the environment-friendly aspect. But the pigs raising systems were good at the aspects of economy and livestock carrying capacity. The 80% maize silage added fodder in the pigs fattening period (Pig-raising system Group A (PA)) performed excellently. The yield-based economic profit (Py) and profit rate (BCR) of PA increased by 2%-13% and 7 %-48%, respectively, compared to the other two pig-raising systems (Pig-raising system Group B (PB) & Group C (PC)). Meanwhile, the emergy yield ratio (EYR) and the emergy loading ratio (ELR) of PA were 0.2%-2% and 1%-3% lower than the other two systems (PB&PC), respectively. And emergy sustainability index (ESI) of PA was about 1% better than PB and PC. Furthermore, the livestock carrying capacity based on planting area (L1) and fertilized area (L2) of PA performed 18%-210% and about 14% better than PB and PC, respectively. To some extent, pigs could tolerate extreme high concentration of the maize silage added into the fodder. Moreover, a high concentration of maize silage added to the fodder of pigs did not result a sharp drop in the yield. On the contrary, the higher concentration of maize silage added to the fodder increased more economic benefits and gained more sustainability and improved the livestock carrying capacity of the ecological pigs raising system. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 254 AR 120151 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120151 UT WOS:000518890800069 ER PT J AU Van Goor, A Redweik, GAJ Stromberg, ZR Treadwell, CG Xin, HW Mellata, M AF Van Goor, Angelica Redweik, Graham A. J. Stromberg, Zachary R. Treadwell, Caroline G. Xin, Hongwei Mellata, Melha TI Microbiome and biological blood marker changes in hens at different laying stages in conventional and cage free housings SO POULTRY SCIENCE AB With the majority of conventional cage (CC) laying facilities transitioning into cage-free (CF) systems in the near future, it is important to characterize biologicalmarkers of health in layers housed in commercial housings for sustainable production. The objectives of this study were to compare i) blood markers, that is heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratios and susceptibility to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and ii) lung and ceca microbiome between hens at different maturity stages in commercial CC and CF farms. Laying hens at 3 maturity stages were randomly sampled (N 5 20 per maturity and per farm). Blood was tested for H:L ratios and APEC killing ability using microscopy and in vitro assay, respectively. Microbiomes were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and QIIME2 analysis. Data show H:L ratios did not differ between maturities in both farms. Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli killing was only different in CC hens, where c7122 level was higher (P< 0.05) in peak compared with early lay. In both farms, microbiome diversity was consistently different (P< 0.05) in both ceca and lung of early lay compared with peak and late lay. In the ceca and lung, relative abundances of the 3 predominant phyla (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) did not significantly change with maturity in both farms. Potential pathogens Campylobacter and Staphylococcus reached greater (P< 0.05) abundances in CC lungs in early lay and in CF lungs in late lay, respectively. Overall, this study showed no differences in the stress marker H:L but identified some differences in resistance to APEC and microbiome composition across maturity stages in CC and CF. The lung and gut microbiomes were highly similar, with both serving as potential reservoirs for Campylobacter and Staphylococcus. Future studies on controllable environments for CF and CC are needed to develop adequate strategies for each housing andmaturity stage to reduce pathogens and optimize disease-resistance. EI 1525-3171 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 99 IS 5 BP 2362 EP 2374 DI 10.1016/j.psj.2020.01.011 UT WOS:000532702800007 PM 32359571 ER PT J AU Dkhil, MA Abdel-Gaber, R Khalil, MF Hafiz, TA Mubaraki, MA Al-Shaebi, EM Al-Quraishy, S AF Dkhil, Mohamed A. Abdel-Gaber, Rewaida Khalil, Mona F. Hafiz, Taghreed A. Mubaraki, Murad A. Al-Shaebi, Esam M. Al-Quraishy, Saleh TI Indigofera oblongifolia as a fight against hepatic injury caused by murine trypanosomiasis SO SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AB Trypanosoma evansi is a hazardous pathogenic parasite infecting a broad variety of livestock and affects wildlife worldwide. Trypanosoma evansi has gained resistance to most drugs used; therefore, it requires alternative medicines. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract (IE) on T. evansi-induced hepatic injury. Mice were once infected with 1000 T. evansi. The treated group was gavaged with 100 mg/Kg IE after infection. Histological and biochemical changes in mice hepatic tissue were studied. Also, the oxidative damage in the liver was evaluated through determining the level of glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and catalase (CAT) markers. IE was able to suppress the induced parasitemia due to infection. Also, IE improved the histological liver architecture. Furthermore, the liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were improved after IE mice were treated. IE protects against hepatic damage caused by trypanosomiasis in mice. Further studies are needed to isolate the active compounds in IE and to monitor these compunds' ameliorative function. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. OI Dkhil, Mohamed/0000-0003-1869-5800; Abdel-Gaber, Rewaida/0000-0001-9263-6871 SN 1319-562X EI 2213-7106 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 27 IS 5 BP 1390 EP 1395 DI 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.11.038 UT WOS:000531546900030 PM 32346351 ER PT J AU Espinosa-Carvajal, M Contreras-Santos, JL Cadena-Torres, J Martinez-Atencia, JD Jaramillo-Barrios, CI Hurtado, MD AF Espinosa-Carvajal, Manuel Luis Contreras-Santos, Jose Cadena-Torres, Jorge del Carmen Martinez-Atencia, Judith Ignacio Jaramillo-Barrios, Camilo del Pilar Hurtado, Maria TI Methane fluxes in soils with pasture covers in the North of Colombia SO AGRONOMIA MESOAMERICANA AB Introduction. Traditional livestock production systems in Colombia are based on the establishment of pastures on large tracts of land, which generate greenhouse gases such as methane. Objective. The objective of the present study was to monitor the monthly methane fluxes that occur in meadows with three soil covers and three levels of nitrogen fertilization. Materials and methods. Methane fluxes were monitored for a year from November 2014 to November 2015, on a Vertic Endoaquepts soil, placed in the middle valley of the Sinu river, Colombia. A full block design was used at random, arranged in divided plots, with two replications. The main plots constituted of two grasses (Brachiaria humidicola CIAT679 and Punicum maximum cv. Tanzania) and one with bare soil, and the subplots by three nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 150, 300 kg N ha(-1)). Additionally, soil physicochemical properties were evaluated. Results. During most of the year (rainy and dry season) methane oxidation occurred, associated with the loam texture and porosity of the soil in the study area, which allowed the free diffusion of gases in the soil. Correlation analyzes showed a close relationship between methane fluxes, porosity, moisture, soil bulk density, and ambient temperature, suggesting these parameters as the main factors that affect the monthly methane flow. Conclusions. Methane fluxes were independent of the type of plant material and nitrogen fertilization evaluated. These flows depended on the time of year (dry and rainy) and exhibited a negative annual balance in the study area, which suggests that these systems have the conditions to behave as methane sinks during most of the year. EI 2215-3608 PD MAY-AUG PY 2020 VL 31 IS 2 BP 291 EP 309 DI 10.15517/am.v31i2.38387 UT WOS:000531070000002 ER PT J AU Umhang, G Richomme, C Bastid, V Boucher, JM de Garam, CP Itie-Hafez, S Danan, C Boue, F AF Umhang, Gerald Richomme, Celine Bastid, Vanessa Boucher, Jean-Marc Peytavin de Garam, Carine Itie-Hafez, Sabine Danan, Corinne Boue, Franck TI National survey and molecular diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in livestock in France, 2012 SO PARASITOLOGY AB The parasitic species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (sl) complex are the causative agents of cystic echinococcosis in humans. The lifecycle of E. granulosus sl is essentially domestic, and is based on the consumption by dogs of hydatid cysts in viscera of livestock species. The aim of this study was to survey E. granulosus sensu lato in livestock in France. A 1-year national survey of E. granulosus sl in livestock at the slaughterhouse was organized in 2012 in France, with systematic molecular confirmation. The prevalence of E. granulosus ss nationally was 0.002% in sheep, mainly focused in the Alpine area, and 0.001% in cattle, with the distribution of cases throughout the country. Echinococcus canadensis G6/7 was observed only in Corsica in pigs, with a prevalence of nearly 1% in the island. A national prevalence of 0.0002% was estimated for E. ortleppi in cattle, due to seven cases distributed in two foci. The results of this survey are of particular interest because of the zoonotic risk associated with the presence of these parasite species, for which systematic control at the slaughterhouse should enable their elimination. RI UMHANG, Gerald/K-6513-2019 OI UMHANG, Gerald/0000-0001-6944-7474 SN 0031-1820 EI 1469-8161 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 147 IS 6 BP 667 EP 672 AR PII S0031182020000190 DI 10.1017/S0031182020000190 UT WOS:000531549800006 PM 32046794 ER PT J AU Pouil, S Tlusty, MF Rhyne, AL Metian, M AF Pouil, Simon Tlusty, Michael F. Rhyne, Andrew L. Metian, Marc TI Aquaculture of marine ornamental fish: overview of the production trends and the role of academia in research progress SO REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE AB The marine ornamental fish trade is expanding and still largely relies on wild fish from tropical coral reef ecosystems. There are unknowns in the wild harvest so that the sustainability of marine ornamental fish trade can therefore be questioned with aquaculture being perceived as a responsible alternative for the procurement of these ornamental marine fish. However, there are still many technical constraints that hinder its development. These blocks require additional coordination with the outcome being an accelerated development of ornamental marine fish production. The main objective of this review was to better identify, understand and discuss the role and the impacts of academic research in the production of marine ornamental fish through qualitative and quantitative approaches. To do so, 222 selected scientific publications (including peer-reviewed articles, conferences articles, thesis and reports) from the literature available to date were analysed and outcomes were framed in perspective of the total number of captive-bred species. Results of the meta-analyses indicate that academic research has led to significant advances in the breeding of some of the more difficult to breed species. While it has a leading role in conservation, its advance of techniques still lags behind private companies and hobbyists. Partnerships promoting synergistic activities between academic research institutes and the private sector (aquaculture farms and public aquariums) are important to optimize future ornamental marine fish production. OI Metian, Marc/0000-0003-1485-5029 SN 1753-5123 EI 1753-5131 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 BP 1217 EP 1230 DI 10.1111/raq.12381 UT WOS:000531069200035 ER PT J AU Liordos, V Kontsiotis, VJ Emmanouilidou, F AF Liordos, Vasilios Kontsiotis, Vasileios J. Emmanouilidou, Foteini TI Understanding stakeholder preferences for managing red foxes in different situations SO ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES AB Background Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have historically been interacting with human societies, thus being an important component of socio-ecological systems. In Greece, farmers and hunters have been increasingly complaining about predation of red foxes on livestock and game, and the recurrence of rabies incidents has raised concerns about human and animal health. Understanding public preferences about management is necessary for successful wildlife management. This study aimed at investigating the preferences of north Greece residents for managing the negative impacts of red foxes and also at understanding variation between stakeholder groups: farmers, hunters, farmers-hunters, and the general public. Data were collected from on-site face-to-face surveys (n = 746), between March and May 2017. Respondents were asked to rate their acceptability of management strategies under three impact scenarios: red foxes attack livestock, reduce game, and carry rabies. Results Stakeholders preferred nonlethal management strategies, with generally high consensus, both between and within groups. Fencing and compensation were the most acceptable strategies for protecting livestock and vaccination and the removal of sick animals for eliminating rabies. Acceptability and consensus for lethal strategies were lower, with hunting being the most acceptable lethal strategy for hunters, especially when foxes threatened game or carried rabies. Doing nothing was becoming more unacceptable and lethal control more acceptable with increasing severity of the impacts, i.e., livestock and game predation versus rabies transmission. Conclusions Variation in the acceptability of and consensus for management strategies was considerable among scenarios, and both between and within stakeholder groups. Research implications could be used as a guide for reaching consensus for proper management strategies during the conservation conflict management process in the study area. As similar studies are scarce, findings might also prove useful elsewhere, especially in the northern hemisphere where native populations do occur. Findings about managing rabid red foxes would be particularly useful for countries where rabies has not been eliminated, particularly for neighboring Balkan and Asia Minor countries. Findings about managing red fox impacts on livestock and game would be most useful for European countries and especially Mediterranean countries with social and ecological conditions similar to Greece. RI Liordos, Vasilios/N-8055-2014 OI Liordos, Vasilios/0000-0001-8985-4253 EI 2192-1709 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 9 IS 1 AR 20 DI 10.1186/s13717-020-00224-x UT WOS:000531242100001 ER PT J AU Magsi, H Randhawa, AA Shah, AH AF Magsi, Habibullah Randhawa, Abid Ali Shah, Atta Hussain TI Halal meat production in Pakistan: status and prospects SO JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC MARKETING AB Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore halal meat production potential and export potential in Pakistan. Following this, the paper is to both stimulate the business and encourage research within this field. Design/methodology/approach For this study, both primary and secondary data were used. Time-series meat production and export data from 1994-1995 to 2015-2016 were collected from different secondary sources; where primary data were collected from distinguish livestock experts on the possibility of halal meat production in various provinces of the country. Findings Results show that during 1994-1995 to 2015-2016, annual average growth rates of meat production and export were 3 and 32%, respectively. Based on these growth rates, it was estimated that Pakistan's total meat production and export is projected to be 6,078 thousand tons and $17,477m by 2029-2030. Results regarding the expert opinion survey indicates that Balochistan province has comparative advantage to rare livestock for beef and mutton meat production over rest of the provinces; there is potency for producing chicken meat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab provinces, while Sindh province has almost the same efficiency to produce beef and chicken meat. Practical implications Experts were in opinion that high yielding livestock breeds should be introduced to farmers; and comprehensive training programs should be designed for all the stockholders involved in meat production, and processing to exports chains. Therefore, it is suggested that registered and corporate livestock farming can be only solution to fulfill required standards of raw and processed meat business in international markets. Originality/value At current, halal meat export is considered as major activity of livestock sector of Pakistan: where, this is one of the pioneer studies exploring potential of halal meat production in various parts of the country, which can not only contribute in national income but support the balance of payments of the country. SN 1759-0833 EI 1759-0841 DI 10.1108/JIMA-05-2019-0094 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000530320000001 ER PT J AU Carmona, P Costa, DFA Silva, LFP AF Carmona, P. Costa, D. F. A. Silva, L. F. P. TI Feed efficiency and nitrogen use rankings of Bos indicus steers differ on low and high protein diets SO ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AB Nutrition represents the major operating cost of beef cattle production. Improvements on feed efficiency (FE) can lead to significant economic benefits and reduce the environmental footprint of red meat production. Usually, livestock selected for FE on high-protein diets are expected to perform as efficiently on low-protein diets. This experiment used 55 Brahman steers (346 +/- 8 kg BW) to determine the agreement in FE rankings between a diet in which rumen degradable protein (RDP) was limiting and a protein abundant diet. It was suggested that the agreement would be low and FE in low-protein diets would be related to nitrogen (N) preservation mechanisms. A completely randomized block design was used. Each steer represented an experimental unit. Steers were fed in individual pens for two periods of 70 days, including an adaptation of 10 days, with diets supplying either 70 % or 100 % of their RDP requirements. Residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), and residual feed intake and gain (RIG) were determined based on average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight. Kappa analysis was used to determine the agreement in FE rankings between both diets. In the low-protein diet, ADG was 0.99 kg/d (0.38-1.53 kg/d), DMI averaged 1.9 kg/100 kg BW d(-1) (1.6-2.3 kg/100 kg BW d(-1)), RFI varied between -1.22 and 1.58, and RG from -0.62 to 0.53. In the high protein diet, ADG was 1.21 kg/d (0.64-1.74) and DMI averaged 1.8 kg/100 kg BW d(-1) (1.0-2.3 kg/100 kg BW d(-1)). RFI varied between -1.52 and 1.58 and RG from -0.36 to 0.41. Kappa analysis showed no agreement (P > 0.10) for RFI (-7 %), RG (2 %), nor RIG (-1 %) between diets. More efficient steers in the low-protein diets, measured as RG, excreted less (P=0.02) N in urine as a proportion of BW and as a proportion of N intake, resulting in higher N use efficiency. This relationship was not present when steers were fed the high-protein diet (P=0.55). These results suggest that different physiological mechanisms are responsible for FE regulation in both diets; thus, appropriate diets must be used when selecting animals for FE. RI Costa, Diogo Fleury Azevedo/A-2873-2013; Prada e Silva, Luis Felipe/C-8861-2012 OI Costa, Diogo Fleury Azevedo/0000-0001-8118-8380; Prada e Silva, Luis Felipe/0000-0003-3271-9864 SN 0377-8401 EI 1873-2216 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 263 AR 114493 DI 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114493 UT WOS:000529337000019 ER PT J AU Kristensen, JM Nierychlo, M Albertsen, M Nielsen, PH AF Kristensen, Jannie Munk Nierychlo, Marta Albertsen, Mads Nielsen, Per Halkjaer TI Bacteria from the Genus Arcobacter Are Abundant in Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants SO APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AB Pathogenic bacteria in wastewater are generally considered to be efficiently removed in biological wastewater treatment plants. This understanding is almost solely based on culture-based control measures, and here we show, by applying culture-independent methods, that the removal of species in the genus Arcobacter was less effective than for many other abundant genera in the influent wastewater. Arcobacter was one of the most abundant genera in influent wastewater at 14 municipal wastewater treatment plants and was also abundant in the "clean" effluent from all the plants, reaching up to 30% of all bacteria as analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Metagenomic analyses, culturing, genome sequencing of Arcobacter isolates, and visualization by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the presence of the human-pathogenic Arcobacter cryaerophilus and A. butzleri in both influent and effluent. The main reason for the high relative abundance in the effluent was probably that Arcobacter cells, compared to those of other abundant genera in the influent, did not flocculate and attach well to the activated sludge flocs, leaving a relatively large fraction dispersed in the water phase. The study shows there is an urgent need for new standardized culture-independent measurements of pathogens in effluent wastewaters, e.g., amplicon sequencing, and an investigation of the problem on a global scale to quantify the risk for humans and livestock. IMPORTANCE The genus Arcobacter was unexpectedly abundant in the effluent from 14 Danish wastewater treatment plants treating municipal wastewater, and the species included the human-pathogenic A. cryaerophilus and A. butzleri. Recent studies have shown that Arcobacter is common in wastewater worldwide, so the study indicates that discharge of members of the genus Arcobacter may be a global problem, and further studies are needed to quantify the risk and potentially minimize the discharge. The study also shows that culture-based analyses are insufficient for proper effluent quality control, and new standardized culture-independent measurements of effluent quality encompassing most pathogens should be considered. RI Albertsen, Mads/T-7358-2018 OI Albertsen, Mads/0000-0002-6151-190X; Nierychlo, Marta/0000-0003-1756-3726; Kristensen, Jannie Munk/0000-0001-7471-7934 SN 0099-2240 EI 1098-5336 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 86 IS 9 AR e03044-19 DI 10.1128/AEM.03044-19 UT WOS:000529303800023 PM 32111585 ER PT J AU Li, YL Dai, SY Wang, BY Jiang, YT Ma, YY Pan, LL Wu, K Huang, XQ Zhang, JB Cai, ZC Zhao, J AF Li, Yunlong Dai, Shenyan Wang, Baoying Jiang, Yuting Ma, Yanyu Pan, Leilv Wu, Kai Huang, Xinqi Zhang, Jinbo Cai, Zucong Zhao, Jun TI Autotoxic Ginsenoside Disrupts Soil Fungal Microbiomes by Stimulating Potentially Pathogenic Microbes SO APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AB Autotoxic ginsenosides have been implicated as one of the major causes for replant failure of Sanqi ginseng (Panax notoginseng); however, the impact of autotoxic ginsenosides on the fungal microbiome, especially on soilborne fungal pathogens, remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of the ginsenoside monomers Rg(1), Rb-1, and Rh-1, and that of their mixture (Mix), on the composition and diversity of the soil fungal community, as well as on the abundance and growth of the soilborne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum in pure culture. The addition of autotoxic ginsenosides altered the composition of the total fungal microbiome, as well as the taxa within the shared and unique treatment-based components, but did not alter alpha diversity (alpha-diversity). In particular, autotoxic ginsenosides enriched potentially pathogenic taxa, such as Alternaria, Cylindrocarpon, Gibberella, Phoma, and Fusarium, and decreased the abundances of beneficial taxa such as Acremonium, Mucor, and Ochroconis. Relative abundances of pathogenic taxa were significantly and negatively correlated with those of beneficial taxa. Among the pathogenic fungi, the genus Fusarium was most responsive to ginsenoside addition, with the abundance of Fusarium oxysporum consistently enhanced in the ginsenoside-treated soils. Validation tests confirmed that autotoxic ginsenosides promoted mycelial growth and conidial germination of the root rot pathogen F. oxysporum. In addition, the autotoxic ginsenoside mixture exhibited synergistic effects on pathogen proliferation. Collectively, these results highlight that autotoxic ginsenosides are capable of disrupting the equilibrium of fungal microbiomes through the stimulation of potential soilborne pathogens, which presents a significant hurdle in remediating replant failure of Sanqi ginseng. IMPORTANCE Sanqi ginseng [Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen] is geoauthentically produced in a restricted area of southwest China, and successful replanting requires a rotation cycle of more than 15 to 30 years. The increasing demand for Sanqi ginseng and diminishing arable land resources drive farmers to employ consecutive monoculture systems. Replant failure has severely threatened the sustainable production of Sanqi ginseng and causes great economic losses annually. Worse still, the acreage and severity of replant failure are increased yearly, which may destroy the Sanqi ginseng industry in the near future. The significance of this work is to decipher the mechanism of how autotoxic ginsenosides promote the accumulation of soilborne pathogens and disrupt the equilibrium of soil fungal microbiomes. This result may help us to develop effective approaches to successfully conquer the replant failure of Sanqi ginseng. SN 0099-2240 EI 1098-5336 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 86 IS 9 AR e00130-20 DI 10.1128/AEM.00130-20 UT WOS:000529303800007 PM 32086303 ER PT J AU Collins, T Stockman, C Hampton, JO Barnes, A AF Collins, T. Stockman, C. Hampton, J. O. Barnes, A. TI Identifying animal welfare impacts of livestock air transport SO AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL AB Air transport of livestock occurs frequently from most Australian major cities. The total journey time starts with road transport from the farm or pre-export facility to the departing airport where livestock are crated, and ends with the unloading of animals at the premises or farm in the importing country. We reviewed the literature regarding airfreight and conclude that there was minimal information on current practices within this industry, particularly for procedures after arrival at the Australian airport, and during the on-board phase. SN 0005-0423 EI 1751-0813 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 98 IS 5 BP 197 EP 199 DI 10.1111/avj.12927 UT WOS:000530287500005 PM 32153011 ER PT J AU Piano, JT Rego, CARD Vengen, AP Egewarth, JF Egewarth, VA Mattei, E de Oliveira, PSR de Herrera, JL AF Piano, Jeferson Tiago Rocha de Moraes Rego, Carlos Augusto Vengen, Andressa Perini Egewarth, Jonas Francisco Egewarth, Vanessa Aline Mattei, Eloisa Rabello de Oliveira, Paulo Sergio de Herrera, Juan Lopez TI SOIL ORGANIC MATTER FRACTIONS AND CARBON MANAGEMENT INDEX UNDER INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM SO BIOSCIENCE JOURNAL AB The objective of this work was to evaluate the carbon content of the physical, chemical and oxidizable fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) and to calculate the carbon management index (CMI) in an area managed under an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) in the western region of Parana, - Brazil. The experiment was carried out at the experimental farm, belonging to the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Parana. Seventeen areas, which are managed in different ways, fifteen in ICLS and two areas of controls (Forest and Haymaking), using the design divided with two nested controls, with three replications were evaluated. Deformed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from all the areas to determine the total organic carbon (TOC), carbon stock, the physical, chemical and oxidizable fractions of SOM and the CMI in the layers of 0-0.05, 0.05-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m. Little significant changes in the fractions were found for the management of the ICLS area in relation to the Forest and the area of Haymaking, although the Forest presented the best values for most of the studied fractions. It is recommended to adopt sustainable practices, such as ICLS, even though the average fractions tend to take time to match reference areas. SN 1981-3163 PD MAY-JUN PY 2020 VL 36 IS 3 BP 743 EP 760 DI 10.14393/BJ-v36n3a2020-47702 UT WOS:000529057300006 ER PT J AU Meurer, E de Brito, SC de Marchi, SR Pinheiro, GHR Martins, D AF Meurer, Edenilson de Brito, Sara Carvalho de Marchi, Sidnei Roberto Rodrigues Pinheiro, Guilherme Henrique Martins, Dagoberto TI POTENTIAL OF METHANE AND CARBON DIOXIDE IN VITRO PRODUCTION BY Urochloa HYBRID SUBJECTED TO PERIODS OF COEXISTENCE WITH WEEDS SO BIOSCIENCE JOURNAL AB The increased world population has raised the demand for animal proteins, forcing livestock to become productive, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. This study aimed to assess the effect of weed coexistence on productivity, nutritional quality, and potential production of greenhouse gases (GHG) by Convert HD364 grass (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) under pasture renovation conditions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications and treatments consisting of eight coexistence periods: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 days after seedling emergence. Phytosociological assessments were performed in the weed community at the end of each coexistence period. The Convert HD364 grass was assessed for the morphological and chemical-bromatological parameters and for the GHG emission potential. Productivity, nutritional quality, and energy value of the Convert HD364 grass decreased proportionally with the increased period of weed coexistence. The non-coexistence with weeds results in a better in vitro digestibility of organic matter and, consequently, decreases the potential of GHG emission by the dry matter of the Convert HD364 grass. RI Martins, Dagoberto/H-1324-2012 OI Martins, Dagoberto/0000-0002-2346-9667 SN 1981-3163 PD MAY-JUN PY 2020 VL 36 IS 3 BP 768 EP 782 DI 10.14393/BJ-v36n3a2020-47709 UT WOS:000529057300008 ER PT J AU Fernandes, FO de Abreu, JA Christ, LM Afonso da Rosa, APS Mendes, SM AF Fernandes, Fabricio Oliveira de Abreu, Jessica Avila Christ, Lucas Martins Schneid Afonso da Rosa, Ana Paula Mendes, Simone Martins TI DEVELOPMENT OF Helicoverpa armigera HUBNER, 1805 AND Spodoptera frugiperda SMITH, 1797 IN WINTER FORAGES SO BIOSCIENCE JOURNAL AB Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, 1805 and Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, 1797 are polyphagous pests of great agricultural importance in subtropical and temperate climate regions. The usual management of production areas in the southern region of Brazil occurs after the harvesting of summer crops, and the areas are sown with pasture. Thus, forages recommended for grazing are azevem (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and cornichdo (Lotus corniculatus L.) due to their nutritional benefits, good palatability, regrowth, and hardiness. Considering the high degree of polyphagia of H. armigera and S. frugiperda, and the impact of maintaining continuous feeding areas (green bridges) in the management of these species, this work aimed to evaluate the development of H. armigera and S. frugiperda fed leaves of azevem and cornichdo under laboratory conditions. The insects were collected in the city of Capao do Leao/RS in corn and soybean plantations. For each forage species, 130 newly hatched caterpillars were each placed in autoclaved glass tubes, with one-third of the tube length containing forage. The tubes were capped with waterproof cotton and placed in a climate-controlled room at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% relative humidity, and a 12-h photophase. The food was replenished daily until the caterpillars entered the pupae stage. The pupae were sexed and weighed, and the newly emerged adults were placed in pairs in PVC cages, lined with white A4 sulfite paper. The papers used as a laying substrate were removed and changed daily, and eggs were counted. The number of instars was determined by the linearized Dyar rule model. The complete randomization design was employed for the variables biological cycle length and viability of egg, caterpillar, pre-pupa, pupa, adult, and pre-oviposition phases and weight of caterpillars on the 14th day and pupae after 24 h. Based on the results obtained, a fertility life table was prepared. H. armigera did not complete the cycle, with only three instars and a duration of 22.1 and 24.6 days in azevem and cornichdo, respectively. When evaluated in S. frugiperda caterpillars, development in forage species was observed, with five and six instars and duration of 51.7 and 45.1 days in azevem and cornichdo, respectively. The azevem was distinguished by interference in the development cycle of the species, reducing the effect of the green bridge. In addition, surviving insects were susceptible to the effects of the agroecosystem due to the low-quality food source. RI Oliveira Fernandes, Fabricio/U-8473-2017 OI Oliveira Fernandes, Fabricio/0000-0002-8776-8308 SN 1981-3163 PD MAY-JUN PY 2020 VL 36 IS 3 BP 844 EP 856 DI 10.14393/BJ-v36n3a2020-47782 UT WOS:000529057300015 ER PT J AU Sun, XX Kong, TL Xu, R Li, BQ Sun, WM AF Sun, Xiaoxu Kong, Tianle Xu, Rui Li, Baoqin Sun, Weimin TI Comparative characterization of microbial communities that inhabit arsenic-rich and antimony-rich contaminated sites: Responses to two different contamination conditions SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB Due to extensive mining and industrial activities, arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) contaminations are becoming a global environmental concern. Both As and Sb are toxic and carcinogenic metalloids from the group 15 in the periodic table. Since As and Sb share many similar geochemical properties, it is often assumed that they exert similar environmental pressure on the native microbial communities. This hypothesis, however, still requires further confirmation. In the current study, a systematic comparison of microbial responses to As and Sb contamination were conducted. The results suggested that regular geochemical parameters, such as pH, nitrate, and TOC, were the driving forces for shaping the microbial community. In correspondence, two heavily contaminated groups showed similar microbial community compositions and the same microbial populations were enriched. The interactions between the contaminant fractions (As and Sb related fractions) and the individual OTUs, however, suggested the different and more diverse impacts of As comparing to Sb fractions, with more taxa significantly impacted by As species comparing to Sb species. The identification of the keystone taxa in the heavily contaminated samples revealed a group of microbial populations that could survive in both As and Sb heavily contaminated conditions and may providing critical environmental services to the community. Further investigation of these key microbial populations may provide valuable insights on employing these microorganisms for remediation applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 260 AR 114052 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114052 UT WOS:000528537600037 PM 32041010 ER PT J AU Teixeira, P Tacao, M Pureza, L Goncalves, J Silva, A Cruz-Schneider, MP Henriques, I AF Teixeira, Pedro Tacao, Marta Pureza, Leide Goncalves, Joana Silva, Artur Cruz-Schneider, Maria Paula Henriques, Isabel TI Occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Portuguese river: bla(NDM), bla(KPC), bla(GES) among the detected genes SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB Carbapenems are used as last-resort drugs to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Despite the increasing number of reports of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), there is still limited information on their distribution or prevalence in the environment. Our aim was to assess the occurrence of CRE in the Lis river (Portugal) and to characterize the genetic platforms linked to carbapenemase genes. We collected six water samples from sites near a wastewater treatment plant (n = 4 samples) and livestock farms (n = 2). Twenty-four CRE were characterized by BOX element-polymerase chain reaction (BOX-PCR), and thirteen representative isolates were analysed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR screening for carbapenemase-encoding genes, conjugation experiments and plasmid analysis were performed. Four isolates were chosen for whole-genome sequencing. All water samples contained CRE (4.0 CFU/mL on average). Representative isolates were multidrug-resistant (resistant to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and to all beta-lactams tested) and were identified as K. pneumoniae, Enterobacter and Citrobacter. Isolates carried plasmids and harboured carbapenemase-encoding genes: bla(K)(PC-)(3) in K. pneumoniae (n = 9), bla(NDM-1) in Enterobacter (n = 3) and bla(GE)(S-)(5) in Citrobacter (n = 1). Conjugation experiments were successful in two Klebsiella isolates. Enterobacter PFGE profiles grouped in one cluster while Klebsiella were divided in three clusters and a singleton. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed bla(GE)(S-)(5) within a novel class 3 integron (In3-16) located on an IncQ/pQ7-like plasmid in Citrobacter freundn CR16. bla(K)(PC-)(3) was present on IncFIA-FII pBK30683-like plasmids, which were subsequently confirmed in all K. pneumoniae (n = 9). Furthermore, bla(K)(PC-)(3) was part of a genomic island in K. pneumoniae CR12. In E. roggenkampii CR11, bla(NDM-1) was on an IncA/C-2 plasmid. The carbapenemaseencoding plasmids harboured other resistance determinants and mobile genetic elements. Our results demonstrate that Lis river is contaminated with CRE, highlighting the need for monitoring antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments, especially to last-resort drugs. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Teixeira, Pedro/U-9034-2017 OI Teixeira, Pedro/0000-0002-7911-6262 SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 260 AR 113913 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113913 UT WOS:000528537600113 PM 31972417 ER PT J AU Xiao, Y Liu, MH Chen, L Ji, LZ Zhao, ZJ Wang, LQ Wei, LL Zhang, YC AF Xiao, Yan Liu, Mohan Chen, Lu Ji, Lingzhen Zhao, Zhuojun Wang, Leqi Wei, Lingling Zhang, Yanchao TI Growth and elemental uptake of Trifolium repens in response to biochar addition, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus fertilizer applications in low-Cd-polluted soils SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB The aim of this study was to examine the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, biochar (BC) addition and phosphorus (P) fertilizer applications on the mycorrhizal response, biomass and elemental uptake of Trifolium repens in cadmium (Cd)-polluted soils. The results showed that mycorrhizal colonization were significantly decreased by 100 mg P kg(-1) fertilizer input. Moreover, AM fungi, BC addition and P fertilizer significantly increased shoot biomass accumulation at all treatments. In the absence of BC, the nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents in the shoots were not affected by AM fungi after P fertilizer application, but the P content in the shoots significantly increased in response to AM fungi. In the absence of BC, both AM fungi and P fertilizer significantly reduced the Cd concentrations in the plant tissues as well as the soil diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-Cd concentration. These results indicated that the translocation factors (TFs) were influenced only by BC addition and that the roots could accumulate greater amounts of Cd than the shoots. On the basis of the hygienic standard for feed in China, the shoot Cd concentration in white clover was below the maximum permitted Cd concentration (1 mu g g(-1)) across all treatments. Therefore, it is suggested that no negative mycorrhizal-white clover symbiotic relationships were observed and T. repens could be a suitable forage species for planting in soils with low concentrations of Cd contamination when BC and P fertilizer are applied. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 260 AR 113761 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113761 UT WOS:000528537600087 PM 32069692 ER PT J AU Olsson, J Toth, GB Oerbekke, A Cvijetinovic, S Wahlstrom, N Harrysson, H Steinhagen, S Kinnby, A White, J Edlund, U Undeland, I Pavia, H Albers, E AF Olsson, Joakim Toth, Gunilla B. Oerbekke, Annelous Cvijetinovic, Suzana Wahlstrom, Niklas Harrysson, Hanna Steinhagen, Sophie Kinnby, Alexandra White, Joel Edlund, Ulrica Undeland, Ingrid Pavia, Henrik Albers, Eva TI Cultivation conditions affect the monosaccharide composition in Ulva fenestrata SO JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY AB In recent years, the interest in using seaweed for the sustainable production of commodities has been increasing as seaweeds contain many potentially worthwhile compounds. Thus, the extraction and refining processes of interesting compounds from seaweeds is a hot research topic but has been found to have problems with profitability for novel applications. To increase the economic potential of refining seaweed biomass, the content of the compounds of interest should be maximized, which can potentially be achieved through optimization of cultivation conditions. In this study, we studied how the monosaccharide composition of the green seaweed species Ulva fenestrata is influenced by the abiotic factors; irradiance, temperature, nitrate, phosphate, and pCO(2). It was evident that lower nitrate concentration and cultivation at elevated temperature increased monosaccharide contents. A 70% increase in iduronic acid and a 26% increase in rhamnose content were seen under elevated irradiance and temperature conditions, though the absolute differences in monosaccharide concentration were small. Irradiance and nitrate impacted the ratio between iduronic and rhamnose, which is an indicator of the ulvan structure. These results could potentially be utilized to coax the ulvan towards specific bioactivities, and thus have a considerable impact on a potential biorefinery centered around Ulva. OI Kinnby, Alexandra/0000-0002-0977-0648; /0000-0002-1631-1781; Steinhagen, Sophie/0000-0001-8410-9932 SN 0921-8971 EI 1573-5176 DI 10.1007/s10811-020-02138-9 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000529857400001 ER PT J AU Gomez-Guillamon, F Diaz-Cao, JM Camacho-Sillero, L Cano-Terriza, D Alcaide, EM Cabezon, O Arenas, A Garcia-Bocanegra, I AF Gomez-Guillamon, Felix Diaz-Cao, Jose M. Camacho-Sillero, Leonor Cano-Terriza, David Alcaide, Eva M. Cabezon, Oscar Arenas, Antonio Garcia-Bocanegra, Ignacio TI Spatiotemporal monitoring of selected pathogens in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB An epidemiological surveillance programme was carried out to assess exposure and spatiotemporal patterns of selected pathogens (Brucella spp., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Mycoplasma agalactiae, Pestivirus and bluetongue virus (BTV)) in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) from Andalusia (southern Spain), the region with the largest population of this species. A total of 602 animals in five distribution areas were sampled during 2010-2012 (P1) and 2013-2015 (P2). The Rose Bengal test (RBT) and complement fixation test (CFT) were used in parallel to detect anti-Brucella spp. antibodies. Commercial ELISAs were used to test for antibodies against the other selected pathogens. Sera positive for BTV and Pestivirus by ELISA were tested by serum neutralization test (SNT) to identify circulating serotypes/genotypes. The overall seroprevalences were as follows: 0.4% for Brucella spp. (2/549; CI 95%: 0.1-1.3) (14/555 positive by RBT; 2/564 by CFT), 0.5% for MAP (3/564; CI 95%: 0.1-1.5), 5.7% for M. agalactiae (30/529; CI 95%: 3.9-8.0), 11.1% for Pestivirus (58/525; CI 95%: 8.5-14.1) and 3.3% for BTV (18/538; CI 95%: 2.0-5.2). Significantly higher seropositivity to both M. agalactiae and BTV was observed in P1 compared with P2. Spatiotemporal clusters of high seroprevalence were also found for M. agalactiae in four of the five sampling areas in 2010, and for BTV in one of five areas in 2012. Specific antibodies against BTV-4, BDV-4 and BVDV-1 were confirmed by SNT. Our results indicate that the Iberian ibex may be considered spillover hosts of Brucella spp. and MAP rather than true reservoirs. The prevalence of antibodies against M. agalactiae and BTV suggests spatiotemporal variation in the circulation of these pathogens, while Pestivirus has a moderately endemic circulation in Iberian ibex populations. Our study highlights the importance of long-term surveillance for a better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of shared infectious diseases and providing valuable information to improve control measures at the wildlife-livestock interface. RI Diaz Cao, Jose Manuel/L-9217-2014; Garcia-Bocanegra, Ignacio/G-1443-2016 OI Diaz Cao, Jose Manuel/0000-0002-8119-7057; Garcia-Bocanegra, Ignacio/0000-0003-3388-2604; Cano-Terriza, David/0000-0001-5657-2567 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13576 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000529684100001 PM 32303109 ER PT J AU Sayour, AE Elbauomy, E Abdel-Hamid, NH Mahrous, A Carychao, D Cooley, MB Elhadidy, M AF Sayour, Ashraf E. Elbauomy, Essam Abdel-Hamid, Nour H. Mahrous, Ayman Carychao, Diana Cooley, Michael B. Elhadidy, Mohamed TI MLVA fingerprinting of Brucella melitensis circulating among livestock and cases of sporadic human illness in Egypt SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Brucella melitensis is a serious public health threat, with human infection exhibiting acute febrile illness and chronic health problems. The present study investigated the genetic diversity and epidemiological links of the important zoonotic bacterium B. melitensis in Egypt using multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) including eight minisatellite (panel 1) and eight microsatellite (panel 2, subdivided into 2A and 2B) markers. A total of 118 isolates were identified as B. melitensis biovar 3 by classical biotyping and Bruce-ladder assay. Although B. melitensis is primarily associated with infection in sheep and goats, most of B. melitensis isolates in this study were obtained from secondary hosts (cattle, buffaloes, humans and a camel) suggesting cross-species adaptation of B. melitensis to large ruminants in Egypt. The MLVA-16 scheme competently discriminated 70 genotypes, with 51 genotypes represented by single isolates, and the remaining 19 genotypes were shared among 67 isolates, suggesting both sporadic and epidemiologically related characteristics of B. melitensis infection. Matching of local genotypes with representatives of global genotypes revealed that the majority of Egyptian isolates analysed had a West Mediterranean descendance. As this study represents the first comprehensive genotyping and genetic analysis of B. melitensis from different sources in Egypt, the information generated from this study will augment knowledge about the main epidemiological links associated with this bacterium and will allow a better understanding of the current epidemiological situation of brucellosis in Egypt. Ultimately, this will help to adopt effective brucellosis intervention strategies in Egypt and other developing nations. RI ; Sayour, Ashraf/J-7548-2017 OI Abdel-hamid, nour hosny/0000-0001-5554-7984; Sayour, Ashraf/0000-0002-0719-398X SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13581 EA MAY 2020 UT WOS:000529683800001 PM 32304280 ER PT J AU Mwanga, G Lockwood, S Mujibi, DFN Yonah, Z Chagunda, MGG AF Mwanga, G. Lockwood, S. Mujibi, D. F. N. Yonah, Z. Chagunda, M. G. G. TI Machine learning models for predicting the use of different animal breeding services in smallholder dairy farms in Sub-Saharan Africa SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB This study is concerned with developing predictive models using machine learning techniques to be used in identifying factors that influence farmers' decisions, predict farmers' decisions, and forecast farmers' demands relating to breeding service. The data used to develop the models comes from a survey of small-scale dairy farmers from Tanzania (n = 3500 farmers), Kenya (n = 6190 farmers), Ethiopia (n = 4920 farmers), and Uganda (n = 5390 farmers) and more than 120 variables were identified to influence breeding decisions. Feature engineering process was used to reduce the number of variables to a practical level and to identify the most influential ones. Three algorithms were used for feature selection, namely: logistic regression, random forest, and Boruta. Subsequently, six predictive models, using features selected by feature selection method, were tested for each country-neural network, logistic regression, K-nearest neighbor, decision tree, random forest, and Gaussian mixture model. A combination of decision tree and random forest algorithms was used to develop the final models. Each country model showed high predictive power (up to 93%) and are ready for practical use. The use of ML techniques assisted in identifying the key factors that influence the adoption of breeding method that can be taken and prioritized to improve the dairy sector among countries. Moreover, it provided various alternatives for policymakers to compare the consequences of different courses of action which can assist in determining which alternative at any particular choice point had a high probability to succeed, given the information and alternatives pertinent to the breeding decision. Also, through the use of ML, results to the identification of different clusters of farmers, who were classified based on their farm, and farmers' characteristics, i.e., farm location, feeding system, animal husbandry practices, etc. This information had significant value to decision-makers in finding the appropriate intervention for a particular cluster of farmers. In the future, such predictive models will assist decision-makers in planning and managing resources by allocating breeding services and capabilities where they would be most in demand. OI Mwanga, Gladness/0000-0001-6497-1568 SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 3 BP 1081 EP 1091 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02097-5 UT WOS:000529543400020 PM 31732835 ER PT J AU Mekuriaw, S Tsunekawa, A Ichinohe, T Tegegne, F Haregeweyn, N Nobuyuki, K Tassew, A Mekuriaw, Y Walie, M Tsubo, M Okuro, T AF Mekuriaw, Shigdaf Tsunekawa, Atsushi Ichinohe, Toshiyoshi Tegegne, Firew Haregeweyn, Nigussie Nobuyuki, Kobayashi Tassew, Asaminew Mekuriaw, Yeshambel Walie, Misganaw Tsubo, Mitsuru Okuro, Toshiya TI Mitigating the anti-nutritional effect of polyphenols on in vitro digestibility and fermentation characteristics of browse species in north western Ethiopia SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB Browse species are important sources of forage for livestock in Ethiopia, especially during the dry season, when the quality and quantity of green herbage is limited. However, browse species have anti-nutritional factors, such as polyphenols. This study evaluated the extent to which polyethylene glycol (PEG) can reduce the anti-nutritional effects of polyphenols whose extent is expected to vary depending on the species type and season on the in vitro fermentation of these plant samples. We selected ten browse species commonly used as livestock feed based on their tannin content, and sixty samples of the leaf and twig of these species were collected during the wet and dry seasons. The study was designed as 10 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with 10 browse species (Acacia nilotica, Crateva adonsonia, Dombeya torrida, Ekebergia capensis, Ensete ventricosum, Erythrina brucei, Maesa lanceolate, Sesbania sesban, Stereospermum kunthianum, and Terminalia laxiflora), 2 seasons (wet and dry) and 2 states of PEG (with and without PEG). The effects of tannin on the nutritive characteristics were also evaluated by adding PEG as a tannin-binding agent. The chemical composition and in vitro fermentation products of these samples differed significantly (p < 0.001) among browse species. Specifically, total extractable phenol (TEP) ranged from 26.3 to 250.3 g/kg, total extractable tannin (TET) from 22.8 to 210.9 g/kg, and condensed tannin (CT) from 11.1 to 141.3 g/kg, respectively. Season, species, and their interaction have a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of most browse species. The addition of PEG increased gas production (GP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME) concentration, dry matter degradability (DMD), and volatile fatty acids (VFA), on average, by 76.8%, 47.9%, 42.2%, 21.2%, and 20.2%, respectively. Secondary polyphenols (TEP, TET, CT, and SCT) were significantly (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with GP, IVOMD, ME, and VFA. Preferable species namely E. ventricosum, S. sesban, M. lanceolata, E. capensis, and A. nilotica were selected for supplementation in terms of their chemical composition, IVOMD, and mitigating effects of PEG on anti-nutritional functions of their secondary compounds. In conclusion, PEG markedly reduced the anti-nutritional effects of polyphenols and improved the in vitro fermentation of browse species harvested in contrasting seasons. RI Okuro, Toshiya/AAP-8431-2020 OI Okuro, Toshiya/0000-0003-2618-9828; Zewdu, Shigdaf Mekuriaw/0000-0002-3519-6061 SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 3 BP 1287 EP 1298 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02126-3 UT WOS:000529543400042 PM 31728955 ER PT J AU Chaves, CDES da Costa, RLD Duarte, KMR Beltrame, RT Quirino, CR AF de Miranda e Silva Chaves, Camila Dias da Costa, Ricardo Lopes Roncato Duarte, Keila Maria Beltrame, Renato Travassos Quirino, Celia Raquel TI Evaluation of a cattle rapid test for early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB The early pregnancy diagnosis allows optimizing production and timely management correction, with a greater reproductive output of livestock. The Idexx Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test (R) consists of an ELISA for visual reading which does not require the use of readers in the laboratory, with satisfactory pregnancy diagnoses at 28 days of pregnancy in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate this rapid test and to verify the most appropriate day for the diagnosis of pregnancy in the ovine species. For this purpose, 98 serum samples from pregnant sheep and 36 from non-pregnant were used, with duplicate samples, and diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound examination, used as the gold standard. The numbers of positive samples obtained at 26, 28, and 30 days of pregnancy were 26, 27, and 45, respectively. The Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test correctly identified 100% of the samples as positive at pregnancy of days 26, 28, and 30. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were also 100%. The Idexx Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test, initially indicated for cattle, is effective for the detection of pregnancy in the ovine species, enabling diagnosis of pregnant sheep from the 26th day of pregnancy. SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 3 BP 1345 EP 1349 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02130-7 UT WOS:000529543400049 PM 31811509 ER PT J AU Naod, E Legesse, SA Tegegne, F AF Naod, Endalkachew Legesse, Solomon Addisu Tegegne, Firew TI Livestock diversification prospects for climate change adaptation in Dangila district, Ethiopia SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB Climate change is expected to increase weather variability and incidences of extreme events, which will have an impact on livelihoods and wellbeing. This study was intended to assess the role of livestock diversification in minimizing climate change adverse impacts on livelihood assets in Dangila district, Ethiopia. A random sampling technique was used, and 107 sample households were selected. Primary data were collected through field visit and interview, whereas secondary data were collected from the district agricultural office and meteorological stations. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regressions were used for testing the hypotheses. Accordingly, the results revealed that weather shocks affected livelihood assets negatively and significantly (beta = - .157, p < 0.05) than other shocks. There has been a significant positive interaction effect (beta = .197, p < 0.05) between adaptive capacity and weather shock which implies that a household's adaptive capacity (through livestock diversification) counteracts the adverse effects of weather shocks on livelihood assets. Cattle population size has decreased by 19.8% from 2008 to 2017, which infers that reductions in rainfall amount and variation drive the downward trend in cattle number. To conclude, the efforts, which were achieved in terms of sustainable adaptation practices that enhance the resilience of household's livelihood assets, were not adequate. Therefore, to further enhance households' adaptive capacity, improvement in livestock diversification through the provision of a package of livestock species and access to credit for youths were recommended. OI Addisu, Solomon/0000-0002-2555-4478 SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 3 BP 1435 EP 1446 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02149-w UT WOS:000529543400059 PM 31907724 ER PT J AU Marins, AT Severo, ES Leitemperger, JW Cerezer, C Muller, TE Costa, MD Weimer, GH Bandeira, NMG Prestes, OD Zanella, R Loro, VL AF Marins, Aline Teixeira Severo, Eduardo Stringini Leitemperger, Jossiele Wesz Cerezer, Cristina Muller, Talise Elwanger Costa, Maiara Dorneles Weimer, Gustavo Henrique Grubel Bandeira, Nelson Miguel Prestes, Osmar Damian Zanella, Renato Loro, Vania Lucia TI Assessment of River Water Quality in an Agricultural Region of Brazil Using Biomarkers in a Native Neotropical Fish, Astyanax spp. (Characidae) SO BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY AB Intensive agricultural and livestock activities demand high pesticide use and, consequently, contaminants reach aquatic ecosystems. In the lower Jacui River, southern Brazil, there is a lack of knowledge about pesticide residues in water samples and the biochemical responses in native fish species. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the influence of pesticide residues and water parameters to biomarker responses in the native fish Astyanax spp. We performed seasonal biomonitoring in 2017 with water samples and fish collections. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidants, biotransformation, and neurotoxicity were analyzed in fish tissues. Fourteen pesticide residues were detected; they presented correlations with detoxification enzyme and oxidative stress biomarkers. These data indicate that most of variations can be related to the pesticide presence in water indicating high aquatic pollution in this place. RI ZANELLA, RENATO/N-9682-2019 OI ZANELLA, RENATO/0000-0002-5971-1785; WEIMER, GUSTAVO HENRIQUE/0000-0001-8776-5994; Marins, Aline/0000-0002-9164-8296 SN 0007-4861 EI 1432-0800 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 104 IS 5 BP 575 EP 581 DI 10.1007/s00128-020-02821-0 UT WOS:000528801400004 PM 32166333 ER PT J AU Choi, JY Won, K Son, S Shin, D Oh, JD AF Choi, Jae-Young Won, KyeongHye Son, Seungwoo Shin, Donghyun Oh, Jae-Don TI Comparison of characteristics of long noncoding RNA in Hanwoo according to sex SO ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES AB Objective: Cattle were some of the first animals domesticated by humans for the production of milk, meat, etc. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is defined as longer than 200 bp in non protein coding transcripts. lncRNA is known to function in regulating gene expression and is currently being studied in a variety of livestock including cattle. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of lncRNA according to sex in Hanwoo cattle. Methods: This study was conducted using the skeletal muscles of 9 Hanwoo cattle include hulls, steers and cows. RNA was extracted from skeletal muscle of Hanwoo. Sequencing was conducted using Illumina HiSeq2000 and mapped to the Bovine Taurus genome. The expression levels of lncRNAs were measured by DEGseq and quantitative trait loci (QTL) data base was used to identify QTLs associated with IncRNA. The python script was used to match the nearby genes Results: In this study, the expression patterns of transcripts of bulls, steers and cows were identified. And we identified significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs in bulls, steers and cows. In addition, characteristics of lncRNA which express differentially in muscles according to the sex of Hanwoo were identified. As a result, we found differentially expressed lncRNAs according to sex were related to shear force and body weight. Conclusion: This study was classified and characterized lncRNA which differentially expressed by sex in Hanwoo cattle. We believe that the characterization of lncRNA by sex of Hanwoo will be helpful for future studies of the physiological mechanisms of Hanwoo cattle. OI Oh, Jae-Don/0000-0001-7756-1330 SN 1011-2367 EI 1976-5517 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 33 IS 5 BP 696 EP 703 DI 10.5713/ajas.18.0533 UT WOS:000528253900002 PM 32054215 ER PT J AU Yuan, W Tian, TT Yang, QX Riaz, L AF Yuan, Wei Tian, Tiantian Yang, Qingxiang Riaz, Luqman TI Transfer potentials of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia spp. strains from different sources SO CHEMOSPHERE AB Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) present a danger to public health. However, information on the dissemination potentials of antibiotic resistance among bacteria from different environments is lacking. We isolated multiple antibiotic-resistant Escherichia spp. from animal farms, hospitals, and municipal wastewater-treatment plants (MWWTPs) using culture-based methods, and carried out resistance phenotype and gene analyses. Thirty-five isolates of multiple antibiotic-resistant Escherichia spp. were further screened to detect 61 ARGs, 18 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and gene cassettes. The isolates from livestock manure and MWWTPs showed greater diversity in plasmid profiling than hospital wastewater. Each Escherichia sp. carried 21-26 ARGs and 8-12 MGEs. In addition, 11 gene cassettes were detected in 34 Escherichia isolates, with greater diversity in livestock manure and MWWTPs than in hospital wastewater. The results indicated that the potential for ARG transfer was higher in livestock manure and MWWTPs compared with human clinical sources, possibly related to the high occurrence of both residual antibiotics and heavy metals in these environments. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0045-6535 EI 1879-1298 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 246 AR 125736 DI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125736 UT WOS:000527918200058 PM 31896018 ER PT J AU Hussin, FNNM Attan, N Wahab, RA AF Hussin, Fathin Najihah Nor Mohd Attan, Nursyafreena Wahab, Roswanira Abdul TI Taguchi design-assisted immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase onto a ternary alginate/nanocellulose/montmorillonite composite: Physicochemical characterization, thermal stability and reusability studies SO ENZYME AND MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY AB Biomass from oil palm frond leaves (OPFL) is an excellent reservoir of lignocellulosic material which full potential remains untapped. This study aimed to statistically optimize the covalent immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) onto a ternary support comprised of OPFL derived nanocellulose (NC) and montmorillonite (MMT) in alginate (ALG) (CRL-ALG/NC/MMT). The coarser topology and the presence of characteristic spherical globules in the field emission scanning electron micrographs and atomic force micrographs, respectively, supported the existence of CRL on ALG/NC/MMT. In addition, amide peaks at 3478 and 1640 cm(-1) in the fourier transform infrared spectra affirmed that CRL was covalently bonded to ALG/NC/MMT. The optimized Taguchi Design-assisted immobilization of CRL onto ALG/NC/MMT (7 h of immobilization, 35 degrees C, pH 5, 7 mg/mL protein loading) gave a production yield of 92.89 % of ethyl levulinate (EL), as proven by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric ([M](+) m/z 144, C7H12O3), FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance (CAS-539-88-8) data. A higher optimal reaction temperature (50 degrees C) and the reusability of CRL-ALG/NC/MMT for up to 9 esterification cycles substantiated the appreciable structural rigidification of the biocatalyst by ALG/NC/MMT, which improved the catalytic activity and thermal stability of the lipase. OI Abdul Wahab, Roswanira/0000-0002-9982-6587 SN 0141-0229 EI 1879-0909 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 136 AR 109506 DI 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2019.109506 UT WOS:000528248400013 PM 32331714 ER PT J AU Trigo, CB Villagra, PE Coles, PC Maras, GA Andrade-Diaz, MS Nunez-Regueiro, MM Derlindati, EJ Talamo, A AF Trigo, Carolina B. Villagra, Pablo E. Cowper Coles, Patricio Maras, Gustavo A. Andrade-Diaz, Maria S. Nunez-Regueiro, Mauricio M. Derlindati, Enrique J. Talamo, Andres TI Can livestock exclusion affect understory plant community structure? An experimental study in the dry Chaco forest, Argentina SO FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT AB Livestock grazing can be a problem for forest conservation because it can generate heterogeneous and unpredictable changes in plant communities. Understanding these changes is important for generating management strategies that are compatible with long-term conservation of threatened forests. Livestock exclusion is a useful experimental approach used to evaluate grazing effects. However, the evidence showing the effects of grazing on forests is mixed and little in know about the responses of different plant life forms, especially in dry forests. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a 7-8 year of livestock exclusion experiment on understory plant community structure in the dry Chaco forest (Argentina). We categorized understory plant life forms as shrubs, succulents (Cactaceae family + Bromelia hieronymi), and herbs (forbs, grasses and vines). Then, we compared the plant community structure (richness, diversity, density and cover) and understory structure (soil hardness, bare soil and vegetation vertical and horizontal structure) between five excluded plots and five grazed plots, in a paired design. We found that livestock exclusion lead to an increase in grass species richness and grass cover as well as an increase in lower understory biomass (0-0.5 m) and a decrease in percentage of bare soil. On excluded plots, dominant herbs were Setaria nicorae (grass), Trichloris crinita (grass), and Justicia squarrosa (forb). Grass species that were recorded exclusively on excluded plots were Gouinia latifolia, T. crinita, and Pappophorum mucromdatum, all forage species preferred by livestock. In contrast, on grazed plots, the dominant species was Stenandrium duke (forb), a species with resistance strategies to grazing. As for the other variables, we did not find strong differences between excluded and grazed plots. Livestock grazing did not modify the ensemble structure of shrubs and succulents nor did it change the horizontal vegetation structure or soil hardness. Our evidence suggests that the assemblage composed by shrubs and succulents seems to be tolerant to livestock grazing, and that the grass assemblage has the ability to quickly recover when grazing stops. Finally, the effectiveness of exclusion as a management tool will depend on which attribute of the plant community to be conserved or recovered. In dry Chaco forests after many years of grazing at moderate stocking rates, livestock exclusion could help recover grass cover, generate opportunities for the establishment of certain grass species that are sensitive to grazing, and increase ground cover. OI Nunez-Regueiro, Mauricio/0000-0002-6610-9055 SN 0378-1127 EI 1872-7042 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 463 AR 118014 DI 10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118014 UT WOS:000528190400006 ER PT J AU Pedersen, IF Rubaek, GH Nyord, T Sorensen, P AF Pedersen, Ingeborg F. Rubak, Gitte H. Nyord, Tavs Sorensen, Peter TI Row-injected cattle slurry can replace mineral P starter fertiliser and reduce P surpluses without compromising final yields of silage maize SO EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AB Accumulation of phosphorus (P) in soil can be a problem on intensive livestock farms with maize cropping, when mineral P starter fertilisers are applied in combination with evenly injected liquid manure before sowing. We examined the possibilities of replacing mineral P starter fertiliser with placement of cattle slurry close to the maize row before sowing in a two-year field study. The study was carried out on a sandy loam (pH of 6.1 and Olsen-P content of 44 mg P kg(-1)) and a coarse sandy soil (pH of 5.9 and Olsen-P content of 34 mg P kg(-1)) in Denmark. Slurry was row-injected at 10 cm depth in a broad-band with a 26-cm wide goosefoot tine or in a narrow-band. These two row-injection methods were combined with a nitrification inhibitor and/or slurry acidification. Treatments with evenly injected slurry at random lateral positions relative to the maize row (non-placed slurry) with increasing amounts of mineral starter P (0, 10 and 30 kg P ha(-1), respectively) were included as reference treatments. Slurry placement in narrow or broad bands combined with slurry acidification or a nitrification inhibitor resulted in leaf P concentrations at the five-leaf stage that were significantly higher than the reference treatment with non-placed slurry and no mineral starter P. However, increased leaf P concentrations at the early growth stage did not always turn into higher yields at harvest. The highest dry matter yields (up to +1.9 Mg dry matter yield ha(-1) compared to the reference treatment with non-placed slurry and no mineral starter P) were obtained when slurry was applied in a broad band below the maize row, but on the sandy loam only in combination with a nitrification inhibitor or slurry acidification. The P uptake at harvest did not differ among treatments (averaged 37 and 28 kg P ha(-1) on the sandy loam and coarse sandy soil, respectively), and consequently the P surplus could be markedly reduced by omitting the use of mineral starter P fertiliser. We conclude that placement of cattle slurry in broad bands below the row can substitute the use of mineral P starter fertiliser and thus reduce farm P surpluses in silage maize cropping. RI Sorensen, Peter/A-4738-2013 OI Sorensen, Peter/0000-0003-3425-3690 SN 1161-0301 EI 1873-7331 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 116 AR 126057 DI 10.1016/j.eja.2020.126057 UT WOS:000528197900008 ER PT J AU Hanson, JH Schutgens, M Lama, RP Aryal, A Dhakal, M AF Hanson, Jonathan H. Schutgens, Maurice Lama, Rinzin P. Aryal, Achyut Dhakal, Maheshwar TI Local attitudes to the proposed translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal SO ORYX AB Translocations are an important tool for the conservation of biodiversity, but although ecological feasibility studies are frequently conducted prior to implementation, social feasibility studies that consider how local communities perceive such projects are less common. The translocation of blue sheep Pseudois nayaur to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, has been proposed, to reduce livestock depredation by snow leopards Panthera uncia by providing an alternative prey base in addition to the small population of Himalayan thar Hemitragus jemlahicus. This study used systematic sampling, a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative interviews within the Park to provide data on the social viability of the proposed translocation. Quantitative analysis revealed moderate levels of support but qualitative analysis suggested that there are significant concerns about the proposal. In addition, multiple regression analysis found that women and livestock owners were significantly less supportive, although the model had low explanatory power. Potential crop damage and competition for forage were frequently cited as concerns, especially amongst those with a high level of dependence on natural resources. Given the mixed response to the proposed translocation of blue sheep to the Everest region, alleviating the reservations of local residents is likely to be key to any further consultation, planning or implementation. SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 344 EP 350 AR PII S0030605318000157 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000157 UT WOS:000527984100007 ER PT J AU Zorondo-Rodriguez, F Moreira-Arce, D Boutin, S AF Zorondo-Rodriguez, Francisco Moreira-Arce, Dario Boutin, Stan TI Underlying social attitudes towards conservation of threatened carnivores in human-dominated landscapes SO ORYX AB Carnivore conservation depends on people's willingness to implement management practices to reduce threats to carnivores and mitigate conflicts between carnivores and domestic animals. We assessed the willingness of rural communities in central-southern Chile to (1) conserve carnivores, and (2) adopt management practices to reduce predation of domestic animals, a key factor triggering carnivore-human conflicts in rural areas. The study focused on five carnivores: the chilla Lycalopex griseus, the culpeo Lycalopex culpaeus, Darwin's fox Lycalopex fulvipes, the guina or kodkod Leopardus guigna, and the puma Puma concolor. We found that rural communities perceived that threats towards carnivores rarely occurr in their region, contrary to the literature on this subject; people's attitudes differed depending on the carnivore; and people were willing to adopt management practices to help conserve carnivores (e.g. overnight protection of domestic animals and investment in infrastructure for henhouses and cowsheds), except leashing dogs. The willingness to conserve carnivores and adopt practices that would help do so may be associated with how these measures affect people's well-being. Although rural communities would like carnivores to be conserved, this cannot be achieved unless some pivotal practices, such as management of domestic dogs, are adopted by these communities. For successful biodiversity conservation outcomes in human-dominated landscapes, the social incentives necessary for rural communities to adopt appropriate management practices must be identified and implemented. RI Zorondo-Rodriguez, Francisco/I-8273-2014 OI Zorondo-Rodriguez, Francisco/0000-0001-6469-9859 SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 351 EP 358 AR PII S0030605318000832 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000832 UT WOS:000527984100008 ER PT J AU Sangay, T Rajaratnam, R Vernes, K Tighe, M AF Sangay, Tiger Rajaratnam, Rajanathan Vernes, Karl Tighe, Matthew TI Local knowledge and attitude towards the Vulnerable Bhutan takin Budorcas whitei among residents living within its seasonal range SO ORYX AB We assessed local knowledge of and attitudes towards a large, endemic bovid, the Bhutan takin Budorcas whitei, within its seasonal range in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. Using semi-structured questionnaires, data were collected in March 2015 from interviews with 169 park residents. A conditional inference tree analysis was used to explore associations between demography, locality, and secondary response variables through questions relating to respondents' knowledge of the takin's status as a protected species, a Vulnerable species, and as the national animal. Most respondents knew the takin was Bhutan's national animal, and of those, a significantly high proportion also knew of its protected status. Significantly more respondents residing in the species' summer, rather than winter, range were aware of the takin's Vulnerable status. Most respondents expressed positive feelings towards the takin and supported its protection. This strong positive attitude, in conjunction with awareness-raising efforts, could be valuable for promoting the takin as a montane flagship species. RI Vernes, Karl/A-2925-2011; Rajaratnam, Rajanathan/K-2445-2016 OI Vernes, Karl/0000-0003-1635-9950; Rajaratnam, Rajanathan/0000-0002-5932-7935 SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 359 EP 365 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000418 UT WOS:000527984100009 ER PT J AU Broekhuis, F Kaelo, M Sakat, DK Elliot, NB AF Broekhuis, Femke Kaelo, Michael Sakat, Dominic Kantai Elliot, Nicholas B. TI Human-wildlife coexistence: attitudes and behavioural intentions towards predators in the Maasai Mara, Kenya SO ORYX AB Living alongside predators can entail substantial costs both in terms of livelihoods and personal safety. Negative interactions with predators can lead to negative attitudes and behavioural intentions such as retaliatory or pre-emptive killing. As a result, conservation strategies are increasingly adopting human-wildlife coexistence approaches aimed at minimizing the costs associated with living with predators by providing direct or indirect benefits. This is done in the hope that people will foster positive attitudes and behavioural intentions towards predators. However, people's attitudes and their behavioural intentions are not necessarily linked, and both need to be understood for conservation actions to be effective. We conducted 747 semi-structured interviews with community members in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, to determine which factors influenced people's attitudes and behavioural intentions towards predators and whether the two were linked. Most interviewees (57.52%) had a positive attitude towards predators as measured by their assertion that people, livestock and predators should coexist. Their attitude was dependent on benefits, occupation, conservancy membership and perceived community ownership of predators, but was not influenced by the costs of livestock depredation. Most respondents who were members of a conservancy had positive attitudes towards predators but this differed by conservancy, suggesting that, in addition to benefits, conservation politics could influence attitudes. In total, 10.3% of respondents said that they would kill a predator if it killed their livestock. This behavioural intention was only influenced by the respondent's attitude. Understanding the factors that influence attitudes and behavioural intentions will aid future management and coexistence strategies. OI Broekhuis, Femke/0000-0002-4216-8819 SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 366 EP 374 AR PII S0030605318000091 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000091 UT WOS:000527984100010 ER PT J AU Khanal, G Poudyal, LP Devkota, BP Ranabhat, R Wegge, P AF Khanal, Gopal Poudyal, Laxman Prasad Devkota, Bishnu Prasad Ranabhat, Rishi Wegge, Per TI Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal SO ORYX AB The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance, distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation. In October-November 2014 we assessed the distribution of the snow leopard in the recently established Api Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas. Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal wild prey, along transects totalling 106 km. We recorded 203 putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of 1.91 signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive influence and human activities a negative influence on sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively surveyed area of c. 200 km(2), we counted 527 bharal at an estimated density of 2.28 animals/km(2). Recruitment of bharal was low, estimated at 48 kids/100 adult females, most likely a result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be > 1,000, a prey base that could sustain 6-9 snow leopards. Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance and habitat degradation associated with extraction of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would provide robust baseline information on the abundance of snow leopards in this conservation area. OI Devkota, Bishnu Prasad/0000-0002-1160-9255 SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 421 EP 428 AR PII S0030605318000145 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000145 UT WOS:000527984100017 ER PT J AU Lopez-Villalobos, N Wiles, PG Garrick, DJ AF Lopez-Villalobos, N. Wiles, P. G. Garrick, D. J. TI Sire selection and genetic improvement of dairy cattle assuming pure market competition SO JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE AB Breeding companies and farmers rely on selection indices to identify sires they expect to improve production system profitability. Such indices combine estimates of genetic merit for individual traits with corresponding economic values that are fixed based on circumstances at a particular time. Perfect market competition has also been proposed as an economic basis to value alternative sires. The objective of this study was to propose an economic model and develop it for the evaluation of dairy sires. The pure competition model (PUC) was used to evaluate the relationship between a profitability index based on the PUC approach versus the traditional selection index approach for 330 dairy sires comprising Holstein-Friesians, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. The correlation between these 2 selection indices was only 0.56, indicating that the conventional selection index did not correlate well with an index based on the PUC model. In particular, the higher ranking bulls were overvalued using the conventional selection index. Our study concluded that the use of fixed economic values is problematic for the delivery of consistent rankings in selection indices. In contrast, sire rankings based on PUC are more reliable because the sires are evaluated on the basis of efficiency gains rather than production while accounting for market prices and marginal values of dairy outputs over time. OI Lopez-Villalobos, Nicolas/0000-0001-6611-907X SN 0022-0302 EI 1525-3198 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 103 IS 5 BP 4532 EP 4544 DI 10.3168/jds.2019-17582 UT WOS:000527361400052 PM 32113763 ER PT J AU Lu, XR Duan, AQ Li, WQ Abdel-Shafy, H Rushdi, HE Liang, SS Ma, XY Liang, XW Deng, TX AF Lu, X. R. Duan, A. Q. Li, W. Q. Abdel-Shafy, H. Rushdi, H. E. Liang, S. S. Ma, X. Y. Liang, X. W. Deng, T. X. TI Genome-wide analysis reveals genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, and selection for milk production traits in Chinese buffalo breeds SO JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE AB The water buffalo is an important dual-purpose livestock that is widespread throughout central and southern China. However, there has been no characterization of the population genetics of Chinese buffalo. Using an Axiom buffalo genotyping array (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wilmington, DE), we analyzed the genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium pattern, and signature of selection in 176 Chinese buffaloes from 13 breeds. A total of 35,547 SNP passed quality control and were used for further analyses. Population genetic analysis revealed a clear separation between swamp and river types. Ten Chinese indigenous breeds were clustered into the swamp group, the Murrah and Nili-Ravi breeds were clustered into the river group, and the crossbred breed was closer to the river group. Genetic diversity analysis showed that the swamp group had a lower average expected heterozygosity. Linkage disequilibrium decay distance was much shorter in the swamp group compared with the river group, with an average square of correlation coefficient value of 0.2 of approximately 50 kb. Analysis of runs of homozygosity indicated extensive remote and recent inbreeding within swamp and river groups, respectively. Moreover, one genomic region under selection was detected between the river and swamp groups. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the characterization of population genetics in Chinese buffaloes, which in turn may be used in buffalo breeding programs. OI , Xingrong Lu/0000-0002-7822-6953; RUSHDI, HOSSAM E./0000-0002-8516-0366; Deng, Tingxian/0000-0002-7442-6739; Abdel-Shafy, Hamdy/0000-0003-3282-3899 SN 0022-0302 EI 1525-3198 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 103 IS 5 BP 4545 EP 4556 DI 10.3168/jds.2019-17364 UT WOS:000527361400053 PM 32147265 ER PT J AU Brownson, K Fowler, L AF Brownson, Katherine Fowler, Laurie TI Evaluating how we evaluate success: Monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management in Payments for Watershed Services programs SO LAND USE POLICY AB Payments for Watershed Services (PWS) programs have become an increasingly popular policy mechanism both in the U.S. and abroad. These programs are used to meet a variety of objectives, including improving the quality and quantity of water supplies, protecting endangered species, and advancing rural livelihoods. Monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management are important for filling fundamental knowledge gaps and improving the efficacy of PWS on the ground. However, relatively little work has evaluated how programs themselves monitor and evaluate their impacts and whether adaptive management is utilized. Here, we seek to improve understanding of the factors that contribute to the adoption of monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management practices through a literature review and a survey of PWS programs. Based on qualitative and logistic regression analyses, financial, technical and institutional capacity and leveraging broad stakeholder coalitions emerged as important factors contributing to systematic PWS monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management. This research underscores the importance of investing additional resources to support such capacity and coalition-building in PWS to ensure programs can meet their desired objectives. SN 0264-8377 EI 1873-5754 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 94 AR 104505 DI 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104505 UT WOS:000526720000025 ER PT J AU Ma, QX Wen, Y Wang, DY Sun, XD Hill, PW Macdonald, A Chadwick, DR Wu, LH Jones, DL AF Ma, Qingxu Wen, Yuan Wang, Deying Sun, Xiaodan Hill, Paul W. Macdonald, Andy Chadwick, David R. Wu, Lianghuan Jones, Davey L. TI Farmyard manure applications stimulate soil carbon and nitrogen cycling by boosting microbial biomass rather than changing its community composition SO SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY AB Land application of farmyard manure (FYM) is a widespread agronomic practice used to enhance soil fertility, but its long-term effects on soil microbial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling have not been investigated in detail. Topsoils (0-23 cm) and subsoils (23-38 cm) were collected from a field trial on a sandy-textured soil where FYM had been applied at high (50-25 t ha(-1) yr(-1), 28 yr) and low rates (10 t ha(-1) yr(-1), 16 yr), and compared to soil treated only with synthetic NPK fertilisers. The turnover rate of key components of soil organic matter (SOM; proteins, peptides, amino acids, cellulose, and glucose) were evaluated by C-14 labelling and measuring cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, beta-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase, L-leucine aminopeptidase, protease, and deaminase activities, whereas gross NH4+ and NO3- production and consumption were determined by N-15-isotope pool dilution. Microbial communities were determined using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling. Our results indicate that long-term FYM addition significantly enhanced the accumulation of soil C and N, soil organic N (SON) turnover, exoenzyme activity, and gross NO3 production and assimilation. Rates of protein, peptide, and amino acid processing rate were 169-248, 87-147, and 85-305 mg N kg(DWsoil)(-1) d(-1), respectively, gross NH4+ and NO3- production and consumption were 1.8-5.8 mg N kg(DWsoil)(-1) d(-1), and the highest rates were shown under the high FYM treatment in topsoil and subsoil. The half-life of cellulose and glucose decomposition under the high FYM treatment were 16.4% and 31.0% lower than them in the synthetic NPK fertiliser treatment, respectively, indicating higher rates of C cycling under high manure application as also evidenced by the higher rate of CO2 production. This was ascribed to an increase in microbial biomass rather than a change in microbial community structure. Based on the high pool sizes and high turnover rate, this suggests that peptides may represent one of the dominant forms of N taken up by soil microorganisms. We conclude that long-term FYM application builds SOM reserves and induces faster rates of nutrient cycling by boosting microbial biomass rather than by changing its community composition. SN 0038-0717 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 144 AR 107760 DI 10.1016/j.soilbio.2020.107760 UT WOS:000526888500004 ER PT J AU Lambert, DM Clark, CD Medwid, LJ Hawkins, SA McClellan, HA AF Lambert, Dayton M. Clark, Christopher D. Medwid, Laura J. Hawkins, Shawn A. McClellan, Hannah A. TI Best pasture management practice adoption and sediment abatement SO JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS AB Research on producer willingness to adopt individual best pasture management practices (BMPs) is extensive, but less attention has been paid to producers simultaneously adopting multiple, complementary BMPs. Applications linking primary survey data on BMP adoption to water quality biophysical models are also limited. A choice-experiment survey of livestock producers is analyzed to determine willingness to adopt pasture BMPs. Sediment abatement curves are derived by linking estimates of producer responsiveness to incentives to adopt rotational grazing with a biophysical simulation model. Current cost share rates of $24/acre should yield a 12% decrease in sediment loading from pastures. OI Lambert, Dayton/0000-0001-9742-9927 SN 1074-0708 EI 2056-7405 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 2 BP 204 EP 221 DI 10.1017/aae.2019.42 UT WOS:000527359100003 ER PT J AU Hadush, M AF Hadush, Muuz TI Examining the Effect of Animal Resource Scarcity on Farm Labor and Farm Production in Northern Ethiopia SO JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS AB Rural households in Ethiopia suffer from the scarcity of grazing land and water. This article examines the economic impact of time spent looking for water and grazing lands for livestock on crop farming labor and crop output based on a nonseparable farm household model. We estimated a general Cobb-Douglas production function using 518 farmers in Ethiopia. Our results confirm a negative relationship between labor input to crop farming and resource scarcity. On average, a 1% reduction in the time spent looking for water, grazing, and straw led to an increase in food production by 0.16%, 0.28% and 0.33%, respectively. SN 1074-0708 EI 2056-7405 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 2 BP 264 EP 287 DI 10.1017/aae.2019.43 UT WOS:000527359100006 ER PT J AU Ravazzi, C Pini, R De Amicis, M Castellano, L Comolli, R Khair, DA Furlanetto, G Marsetti, D Perego, R AF Ravazzi, Cesare Pini, Roberta De Amicis, Mattia Castellano, Lorenzo Comolli, Roberto Khair, Davide Abu El Furlanetto, Giulia Marsetti, Diego Perego, Renata TI Paleoecological archives unraveling the early land-use history at the emergence of the Bronze Age settlement of Bergamo (Italian Alps) SO REVIEW OF PALAEOBOTANY AND PALYNOLOGY AB The hilltop town of Bergamo, at the southern fringe of the Italian Alps, represents a typical example of the stepped emergence of a prehistoric settlement developing into a proto-historic urban center in the Iron Age. We present here unprecedented multidisciplinary evidence based on several near-site stratigraphies, supported by a robust radiocarbon chronology and by a continuous fine-resolution sedimentary and paleoecological record from a pond used for livestock watering, which was intercepted by drilling underneath the modern Catholic Cathedral. The obtained chronostratigraphy documents the development of arable and fallow land including cereals, legumes and livestock husbandry starting as early as 3355 yrs. cal BP (median of modeled calibrated ages, i.e., 15th century BC). This evidence indicates that already in the Middle Bronze Age the very center of the hilltop of the Bergamo Hill supported an early farming center. Land use reached an acme between 2980 and 2753 yrs. cal BP, triggering intense soil erosion by runoff processes. Paleobotanical evidence suggests uphill grapevine cultivation at the southern Alpine fringe at 2900 yrs. cal BP. Data support settlement continuity until around 2700 yrs. cal BP (8th century BC), before the growth of the Celtic town in the 6th-5th century BC. The location and development of the farming center yet in the Bronze Age might have been promoted by topographical diversification, high geomorphic weathering rate, soil suitability for agriculture and pastoralism, and water availability on the northern side of the hill, secured by orographic precipitation in warmer seasons. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI Perego, Renata/0000-0003-0467-1138 SN 0034-6667 EI 1879-0615 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 276 AR UNSP 104205 DI 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2020.104205 UT WOS:000527103200008 ER PT J AU Choi, Y Lee, JY Lim, SK Ko, KS AF Choi, Yujin Lee, Ji-Young Lim, Suk-Kyung Ko, Kwan Soo TI Intact pap2 downstream of macr-1 appears to be required for colistin resistance SO DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE AB In this study, we investigated the effect of pap2 on colistin susceptibility using intact pap2 and truncated pap2 (pap2 Delta 351) genes, which were found along with mcr-1 in plasmid. Our experiments based on conjugation, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and time-killing assay showed that an intact pap2 gene is necessary along with mcr-1 for reduced colistin susceptibility. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 0732-8893 EI 1879-0070 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 97 IS 1 AR UNSP 114997 DI 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.114997 UT WOS:000526526400015 PM 32139115 ER PT J AU Khusro, A Aarti, C Salem, AZM Pliego, AB Rivas-Caceres, RR AF Khusro, Ameer Aarti, Chirom Salem, Abdelfattah Z. M. Pliego, Alberto B. Rivas-Caceres, Raymundo R. TI Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase (MCR) Receptor as Potential Drug Target for Inhibiting Methanogenesis in Horses Using Moringa oleifera L.: An in Silico Docking Study SO JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Methane (CH4) emission from nonruminant livestock, particularly equines, is a colossal burden for veterinarians worldwide. In view of this, the present context was investigated to predict the antimethanogenic attributes of Moringa oleifera L. associated phytocomponents by targeting methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) receptor in horses using in silico tools. Initially, the pharmacokinetics and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties of 26 phytocomponents were analyzed using Lipinski's rule of five and Swiss ADME tool, respectively. Among all the tested phytocomponents, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, Kaempferol, Moringyne, Niazimisin, and Tetradecanoic acid showed drug-likeness traits with no violation. The molecular docking analysis of selected phytocomponents against MCR receptor was carried out using Hex 8.0.0 docking software. Results estimated the highest binding energy of Tetradecanoic acid against MCR receptor with maximum docking E-value of -142.98 KJ/mol, followed by Niazimisin (-133.98 KJ/mol), Kaempferol (-110.36 KJ/mol), 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol (-93.72 KJ/mol), and Moringyne (-92.62 KJ/mol). In conclusion, Tetradecanoic acid can be utilized as a pronounced antimethanogenic agent in order to develop efficacious CH4 mitigating drugs by inhibiting the methanogenesis mechanism. Most importantly, this in silico outcomes can certainly reduce the cost of in vivo studies strategy toward the development of antimethanogenic drugs for horses in the future. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 0737-0806 EI 1542-7412 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 88 AR UNSP 102949 DI 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102949 UT WOS:000526518500014 PM 32303297 ER PT J AU Silva, LFCE Valadares, SD Benedeti, PD Detmann, E Menezes, ACB Silva, TE Silva, FAD AF Costa e Silva, L. F. de Campos Valadares Filho, S. Del Bianco Benedeti, P. Detmann, E. Baiao Menezes, A. C. Eder Silva, T. de Sales Silva, F. A. TI Development of an equation to predict net protein requirements for the growth of Zebu beef cattle SO ANIMAL AB The accurate estimation of protein requirements for beef cattle is a key factor in increasing livestock profitability and decreasing the environmental impacts of excessive N excretion due to mismatching between assumed requirements and diet formulation. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate and validate a new equation to predict the net protein requirements for growth (NPg) of Zebu beef cattle. For the development of the new approach, a database of 552 observations comprised of bulls, steers, and heifers of different genetic groups (Zebu, beef crossbreed, and dairy crossbreed) was assembled. The new approach was evaluated and compared to current models devised by the international nutrient requirements system committees (Agricultural Research Council, 1980; Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements Model, 2016; BR-CORTE, 2016) to predict NPg. The model evaluation was performed through the model evaluation system (version 3.1.16) using an independent data set (n = 177 observations). An equation was considered the best estimator of NPg if the following conditions were met: (1) the intercept and slope of the regression between ordinary residues and/or predicted NPg values must have been equal to zero and one, respectively; and (2) the greatest concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and determination coefficient (R), and lowest mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) were attained. Based on the regression models of the observed v. predicted NPg of Zebu beef cattle, both the new approach and that of the ARC (1980) correctly estimated NPg, since the intercept and slope were not different (P > 0.05) from zero and one, respectively. Additionally, the new approach's determination coefficient was the greatest and the closest to one. The fact that the new model achieved a higher CCC and lower MSEP than the existing models indicated its superior reproducibility and accuracy. The equations proposed by BR-CORTE (2016) and the BCNRM (2016) did not correctly estimate NPg in that the intercept and slope were different (P < 0.01) from zero and one, respectively. Thus, the equations proposed by the new approach and the ARC (1980) accurately and precisely estimated NPg and are recommended for Zebu cattle. Furthermore, the inclusion of equivalent empty BW (EQEBW) in the new approach improves the estimation of NPg. We suggest the use of the following equation to calculate NPg for Zebu beef cattle: NPg = 176.01 x EBG - 0.381 x EQEBW(0.75) x EBG(1.035) (R = 0.80 and CCC = 0.75); where NPg = net protein requirements for growth, EBG = empty body gain, and EQEBW = equivalent empty BW. RI Del Bianco Benedeti, Pedro/C-3120-2016 OI Del Bianco Benedeti, Pedro/0000-0003-2515-8974 SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 14 IS 5 BP 963 EP 972 AR PII S1751731119002684 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002684 UT WOS:000526081800008 PM 31662140 ER PT J AU Reda, FM Alagawany, M Mahmoud, HK Mahgoub, SA Elnesr, SS AF Reda, F. M. Alagawany, M. Mahmoud, H. K. Mahgoub, S. A. Elnesr, S. S. TI Use of red pepper oil in quail diets and its effect on performance, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, antioxidant indices, immunity and blood constituents SO ANIMAL AB Plant-derived additives are used to maintain the health and growth performance of livestock. The use of red pepper oil (RPO) has recently attracted considerable scientific interest mainly due to its potential benefits for animals and humans. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with RPO on growth performance, carcass measurements, antioxidant status and immunity of growing quails between 1 and 5 weeks of age. A total of 240 growing quails (1-week old) were distributed into 5 equal groups consisting of 48 birds (4 replicates of 12 birds each). The first group was fed a basal diet without RPO (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups received diets containing RPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 g/kg diet, respectively). The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. At age of 5 weeks, quails were slaughtered for carcass examinations, microbiological analysis of intestine and to determine blood constituents. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Quails fed with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet showed 12.14%, 14.4% and 15% improvement in live BW, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, respectively, compared with the control group. Quails that received diets with 1.2 g RPO consumed more feed than the others during the total period (1 to 5 weeks). Plasma globulin levels were significantly decreased (P = 0.0102), but albumin/globulin ratio was significantly increased (P = 0.0009) in birds fed diets containing RPO (0.4 and 1.2 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. Activity of liver enzymes in the plasma was nonsignificantly decreased in quails supplemented with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet compared with those in the control group. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and catalase) in the group fed on diets supplemented with RPO (0.8 g/kg) were significantly higher than those in the control group. The inclusion of RPO (0.8 g/kg diet) in quail diets improved (P < 0.05) plasma lipid profile and also decreased pH of the caecal content (P = 0.0280) compared with those in the control group. The caecal bacterial population, Salmonella spp., coliform and Escherichia coli, were lowered (P < 0.05) in the groups treated with RPO (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of RPO (0.8 g/kg) can enhance the performance and antioxidant indices and decrease intestinal pathogens and thus improve the health status of Japanese quail. RI Mahgoub, Samir/B-9072-2014 OI Mahgoub, Samir/0000-0003-4801-5757; Elnesr, Shaaban/0000-0002-4430-1492; alagawany, mahmoud/0000-0002-8020-0971 SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 14 IS 5 BP 1025 EP 1033 AR PII S1751731119002891 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002891 UT WOS:000526081800014 PM 31826776 ER PT J AU Krogh, MA Hostens, M Salavati, M Grelet, C Sorensen, MT Wathes, DC Ferris, CP Marchitelli, C Signorelli, F Napolitano, F Becker, F Larsen, T Matthews, E Carter, F Vanlierde, A Opsomer, G Gengler, N Dehareng, F Crowe, MA Ingvartsen, KL Foldager, L AF Krogh, M. A. Hostens, M. Salavati, M. Grelet, C. Sorensen, M. T. Wathes, D. C. Ferris, C. P. Marchitelli, C. Signorelli, F. Napolitano, F. Becker, F. Larsen, T. Matthews, E. Carter, F. Vanlierde, A. Opsomer, G. Gengler, N. Dehareng, F. Crowe, M. A. Ingvartsen, K. L. Foldager, L. TI Between- and within-herd variation in blood and milk biomarkers in Holstein cows in early lactation SO ANIMAL AB Both blood- and milk-based biomarkers have been analysed for decades in research settings, although often only in one herd, and without focus on the variation in the biomarkers that are specifically related to herd or diet. Biomarkers can be used to detect physiological imbalance and disease risk and may have a role in precision livestock farming (PLF). For use in PLF, it is important to quantify normal variation in specific biomarkers and the source of this variation. The objective of this study was to estimate the between- and within-herd variation in a number of blood metabolites (beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids, glucose and serum IGF-1), milk metabolites (free glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, urea, isocitrate, BHB and uric acid), milk enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase)) and composite indicators for metabolic imbalances (Physiological Imbalance-index and energy balance), to help facilitate their adoption within PLF. Blood and milk were sampled from 234 Holstein dairy cows from 6 experimental herds, each in a different European country, and offered a total of 10 different diets. Blood was sampled on 2 occasions at approximately 14 days-in-milk (DIM) and 35 DIM. Milk samples were collected twice weekly (in total 2750 samples) from DIM 1 to 50. Multilevel random regression models were used to estimate the variance components and to calculate the intraclass correlations (ICCs). The ICCs for the milk metabolites, when adjusted for parity and DIM at sampling, demonstrated that between 12% (glucose-6-phosphate) and 46% (urea) of the variation in the metabolites' levels could be associated with the herd-diet combination. Intraclass Correlations related to the herd-diet combination were generally higher for blood metabolites, from 17% (cholesterol) to approximately 46% (BHB and urea). The high ICCs for urea suggest that this biomarker can be used for monitoring on herd level. The low variance within cow for NAGase indicates that few samples would be needed to describe the status and potentially a general reference value could be used. The low ICC for most of the biomarkers and larger within cow variation emphasises that multiple samples would be needed - most likely on the individual cows - for making the biomarkers useful for monitoring. The majority of biomarkers were influenced by parity and DIM which indicate that these should be accounted for if the biomarker should be used for monitoring. RI Salavati, Mazdak/H-3211-2019 OI Salavati, Mazdak/0000-0002-7349-2451; Wathes, D Claire/0000-0002-8206-6091; Foldager, Leslie/0000-0002-2639-826X; krogh, mogens/0000-0003-0731-6676; Marchitelli, Cinzia/0000-0001-5160-0717 SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 14 IS 5 BP 1067 EP 1075 AR PII S1751731119002659 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002659 UT WOS:000526081800018 PM 31694730 ER PT J AU Rodriguez, R Alomar, D Morales, R AF Rodriguez, R. Alomar, D. Morales, R. TI Milk and meat fatty acids from sheep fed a plantain-chicory mixture or a grass-based permanent sward SO ANIMAL AB Plantain and chicory are interesting forage species since they present good nutritional quality and are more resistant to drought than many temperate grasses. The fatty acid (FA) profile in milk and meat is related to a growing concern for the consumption of healthy foods, that is, with a lower content of saturated FA, higher polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and a favourable n-6 : n-3 FAs ratio. Our objective was to evaluate the FA content in ewe's milk and lamb's meat fed a plantain-chicory mixture (PCH) or a grass-based permanent sward (GBS) dominated by perennial ryegrass. Eighteen Austral ewes in mid-lactation were allocated to PCH and GBS treatments. Milk samples were obtained during September (spring). Thirty weaned lambs were finished on both treatments from November to December (7 weeks), slaughtered and their meat sampled. Fat from milk and meat samples was extracted and stored until analysed by gas chromatography. Milk fat from GBS was higher than from PCH (P < 0.05) in C18:0 (11 385 v. 5874 mg/100 g FA), 9c-18:1 (15 750 v. 8565 mg/100 g FA), 11 t-18:1 (4576 v. 2703 mg/100 g FA) and 9c,11 t-18:2 (1405 v. 921 mg/100 g FA) and lower in 18:2n-6 (827 v. 1529 mg/100 g FA) and 18:3n-3 (943 v. 1318 mg/100 g FA) FA. Total mono-unsaturated FA was higher in GBS than PCH (P < 0.05). Meat fat from PCH swards presented a higher (P < 0.05) content than GBS for 18:2n-6 (46.8 v. 28.2 mg/100 g FA), linolenic (24.6 v. 14.2 mg/100 g FA), polyunsaturated FA (119.7 v. 73.4 mg/100 g FA), n-6 (65.9 v. 40.8 mg/100 g FA) and n-3 (53.8 v. 32.5 mg/100 g FA), respectively. No effect of treatment (P > 0.05) was detected for 9c-18:1 (283.9 v. 205.8 mg/100 g FA), 11 t-18:1 (26.2 v. 19.3 mg/100 g FA) and 9c,11 t-18:2 (10.1 v. 7.6 mg/100 g FA), for PCH and GBS. These results suggest that grazing a PCH mixture results in a higher concentration of PUFA in ewes' milk and in lambs' fat, as compared to a GBS sward. SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 14 IS 5 BP 1102 EP 1109 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002611 UT WOS:000526081800022 PM 31662130 ER PT J AU Kim, RW Hong, SW Norton, T Amon, T Youssef, A Berckmans, D Lee, IB AF Kim, Rack-woo Hong, Se-woon Norton, Tomas Amon, Thomas Youssef, Ali Berckmans, Daniel Lee, In-bok TI Computational fluid dynamics for non-experts: Development of a user-friendly CFD simulator (HNVR-SYS) for natural ventilation design applications SO BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING AB Measuring the ventilation rate is crucial to ensuring the control of thermal comfort, energy saving, and emission of pollutants in greenhouses and animal houses. This is more difficult in naturally ventilated (NV) buildings because of the dynamic and complex air flow patterns caused by wind and buoyancy effects. In this study, a user-friendly computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulator is developed to analyse internal airflow patterns and ventilation rates of NV buildings, with the initial focus on agricultural buildings. The user-friendly CFD automation program, developed using the freely available open-source OpenFOAM and ParaView visualization toolkit, is aimed at non-CFD experts to help them obtain practical CFD solutions quickly. Users simply input building and ventilating configurations, outdoor wind conditions, topographical conditions, and information regarding plants or animals through user-friendly graphical user interfaces. General CFD processes are automated, and the quality of each process is controlled. After executing the program, a three-dimensional interactive visualization module is used for post-processing. It can ensure the flexibility and manageability of the model by automating predeveloped procedures in a user-interactive manner, thereby reducing time and effort. This paper describes the development process of automation interfaces. (C) 2020 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Youssef, Ali/AAQ-1254-2020; Norton, Tomas/Q-3803-2017; Hong, Se-Woon/M-6053-2013 OI Youssef, Ali/0000-0002-9986-5324; Norton, Tomas/0000-0002-0161-3189; Hong, Se-Woon/0000-0002-9647-5523 SN 1537-5110 EI 1537-5129 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 193 BP 232 EP 246 DI 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2020.03.005 UT WOS:000526114500019 ER PT J AU Chen, J Yang, SH Huang, S Yan, R Wang, MY Chen, S Cai, J Long, M Li, P AF Chen, Jia Yang, Shuhua Huang, Sheng Yan, Rong Wang, Mingyang Chen, Si Cai, Jing Long, Miao Li, Peng TI Transcriptome study reveals apoptosis of porcine kidney cells induced by fumonisin B1 via TNF signalling pathway SO FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY AB Fumonisin B-1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin that contaminates cash crops and has toxic effects on humans and livestock. However, the toxic effect of FB1 is not fully understood. In this study, the apoptosis mechanism of FB1 on porcine kidney cells (PK-15) was elucidated by transcriptome analysis. The results showed that FB1 observably changed the expression of mRNA in PK-15 and induced the cells of apoptosis after being exposed to 106 mu M FB1 in vitro. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that FB1 exposure increased the expressions of related mRNA in TNF signalling pathway in PK-15. To verify our bioinformatics analysis, these changes were verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of NF-kappa B and its downstream genes or proteins decreased significantly (p < 0.01) after the addition of BAY11-7082, the inhibitor of NF-kappa B. Therefore, for the first time, we demonstrate that FB1 can induce apoptosis of PK-15 cells through TNF signalling pathway, and NF-kappa B gene is a target of FB1 acting on the TNF signalling pathway. OI long, miao/0000-0001-6683-1956 SN 0278-6915 EI 1873-6351 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 139 AR 111274 DI 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111274 UT WOS:000526412300017 PM 32198028 ER PT J AU Kolinjivadi, V Bissonnette, JF Mendez, AZ Dupras, J AF Kolinjivadi, Vijay Bissonnette, Jean-Francois Mendez, Alejandra Zaga Dupras, Jerome TI Would you like some fries with your ecosystem services?: McDonaldization and conservation in Prince Edward Island, Canada SO GEOFORUM AB In response to widespread soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and rapid social and ecological homogenization of agri-environmental landscapes, economic incentives such as payments for ecosystem services (PES) are presented by natural resource managers as the most efficient way to address the unintended consequences of intensive agriculture. In this article, we explore the consequences of rationalizing conservation by adopting sociologist George Ritzer's "McDonaldization" thesis to contextualize on-farm conservation payments to farmers on Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. McDonaldization refers to the rendering of both society and nature in increasingly calculable, predictable, efficient and controllable ways. Through the introduction of economic incentives for conservation in the context of increasing pressures to maximise yields of processed potatoes in PEI, we discuss how debates on designing conservation payments are framed in terms of optimizing efficiency and maintaining predictability. In some cases, conservation is viewed as generating new productive values from agricultural landscapes, including for values of "care" "community" and "resilience," that can be commodified for profit. We emphasize how intensifying agriculture necessitates economically beneficial conservation practices to both preempt future production losses and to reproduce the conditions necessary for optimizing future production. Within this arrangement of disciplining unexpected outcomes with ever-uniform, predictable, and controllable responses, we conclude that dynamic spontaneity of unexpected social and ecological responses and the politicization of farmer autonomy may avoid the tendency towards reinforcing business-as-usual agricultural production. SN 0016-7185 EI 1872-9398 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 111 BP 73 EP 82 DI 10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.03.003 UT WOS:000525779200007 ER PT J AU Wu, ZH Cheng, YY Yang, YX Gao, Y Sun, XQ Wang, L Sun, Q Zhang, JF Xu, X AF Wu, Zhuhui Cheng, Yingying Yang, Yunxia Gao, Yan Sun, Xiaqing Wang, Lei Sun, Qi Zhang, Jianfa Xu, Xi TI In vitro and in vivo anti-Listeria effect of Succinoglycan Riclin through regulating MAPK/IL-6 axis and metabolic profiling SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES AB Infectious diseases such as Listeria monocytogenes infection pose a great threat to the health of human beings and the development of livestock and poultry farming. Currently the treatment of Listeria infection mainly relies on antibiotics, which may result in excessive antibiotic residues in livestock and poultry products, as well as causing an increase in the occurrence of zoonotic diseases. Here, we demonstrate that Succinoglycan Riclin promoted the clearance of Lisleria in the in vitro and in vivo infection model. The expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and IL-1 beta were significantly increased after Riclin treatment upon infection. The protective effect of Ridin was mainly through activating MAPK/IL-6 axis. HO-1/IL-1 beta signaling pathway was less important in this process. Moreover, Ridin caused significant metabolic changes including pathways involved in glycolysis, protein synthesis and oxidative stress during Lisleria infection. These results suggest a potential use of Succinoglycan Riclin as non-antibiotic preventive and therapeutic anti-microbial agent in livestock and poultry farming and human diseases. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0141-8130 EI 1879-0003 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 150 BP 802 EP 813 DI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.088 UT WOS:000525869500080 PM 32057883 ER PT J AU Wang, ZC Cui, JW Gao, WS Yang, Q Chen, LZ Yang, LB Sun, Q Zhang, HR AF Wang, Zichao Cui, Jingwen Gao, Wenshuo Yang, Qing Chen, Lingzi Yang, Libo Sun, Qi Zhang, Huiru TI Effects of rice straw structure on chaetoglobosin A production by Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES AB As the most abundant macromolecules in nature, lignocelluloses are served as a promising and renewable source for sustainable production of high value chemical compounds. In present work, extrusion pretreatment with 23% (w/w) distilled water, 2% (w/w) glycerol and 1 g/L NaHCO3 as moisture agent, not only reduced the particle size, crystallinity and component contents (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin) of rice straw, but also effectively enhanced chaetoglobosin A yield and degradation rate of rice straw by C. globosum CGMCC 6882. Meanwhile, mycelial biomass of C. globosum CGMCC 6882 increased from 2.9 g/L to 7.0 g/L, mycelia growth time reduced by 2 days and chaetoglobosin A titer increased from 108.4 mg/L to 270.2 mg/L, representing an increase of 149.3%. Furthermore, degradation rate of rice straw by C. globosum CGMCC 6882 increased from 28.93% to 65.38%. This work provides a good guidance for production of chaetoglobosin A from lignocelluloses. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI wang, zichao/0000-0001-5375-2669 SN 0141-8130 EI 1879-0003 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 150 BP 1223 EP 1228 DI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.132 UT WOS:000525869500124 PM 31743701 ER PT J AU Adenyo, C Ohya, K Qiu, YJ Takashima, Y Ogawa, H Matsumoto, T Thu, MJ Sato, K Kawabata, H Katayama, Y Omatsu, T Mizutani, T Fukushi, H Katakura, K Nonaka, N Inoue-Murayama, M Kayang, B Nakao, R AF Adenyo, Christopher Ohya, Kenji Qiu, Yongjin Takashima, Yasuhiro Ogawa, Hirohito Matsumoto, Tateki Thu, May June Sato, Kozue Kawabata, Hiroki Katayama, Yukie Omatsu, Tsutomu Mizutani, Tetsuya Fukushi, Hideto Katakura, Ken Nonaka, Narikaki Inoue-Murayama, Miho Kayang, Boniface Nakao, Ryo TI Bacterial and protozoan pathogens/symbionts in ticks infecting wild grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) in Ghana SO ACTA TROPICA AB Ticks and tick-borne pathogens constitute a great threat to livestock production and are a potential health hazard to humans. Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) are widely hunted for meat in Ghana and many other West and Central African countries. However, tick-borne zoonotic risks posed by wild grasscutters have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate bacterial and protozoan pathogens in ticks infecting wild grasscutters. A total of 81 ticks were collected from three hunted grasscutters purchased from Kantamanto, the central bushmeat market in Accra. Ticks were identified as Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus sp. based on morphological keys, which were further confirmed by sequencing mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes of specimens. Protozoan infections were tested by PCR amplifying 18S rDNA of Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon, while bacterial infections were evaluated by PCRs or real-time PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, spotted fever group rickettsiae, chlamydiae and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. The results of PCR screening showed that 35.5% (27 out of 76) of I. aulacodi were positive for parasite infections. Sequencing analysis of the amplified products gave one identical sequence showing similarity with Babesia spp. reported from Africa. The Ca. M. mitochondrii endosymbiont was present in 85.5% (65 out of 76) of I. aulacodi but not in the five Rhipicephalus ticks. Two Anaplasmataceae bacteria genetically related to Ehrlichia muris and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were also detected in two I. aulacodi. None of the ticks were positive for Borrelia spp., spotted fever group rickettsiae and chlamydiae. Since I. aulacodi on wild grasscutters are potential carriers of tick-borne pathogens, some of which could be of zoonotic potential, rigorous tick control and pathogen analyses should be instituted especially when wild caught grasscutters are being used as foundation stock for breeding. SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 205 AR UNSP 105388 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105388 UT WOS:000525801200019 PM 32035054 ER PT J AU Ehlers, J Kruger, A Rakotondranary, SJ Ratovonamana, RY Poppert, S Ganzhorn, JU Tappe, D AF Ehlers, Julian Krueger, Andreas Rakotondranary, Solofomalala Jacques Ratovonamana, Rakotomalala Yedidya Poppert, Sven Ganzhorn, Joerg Ulrich Tappe, Dennis TI Molecular detection of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Yersinia pestis in ectoparasites of endemic and domestic animals in southwest Madagascar SO ACTA TROPICA AB Little is known about the presence of vector-borne bacteria in southwest Madagascar. Anthropogenic alteration of natural habitats represents an important driver for the emergence of new diseases. Especially the involvement of livestock and the involuntary maintaining of invasive synanthropic animals (particularly rats) facilitate disease transmission from wildlife to humans and associated animals and vice versa. The dissemination or acquisition of ectoparasites is most likely in regions where human/wildlife contact is increasing. Little is known about the presence of vector-borne bacteria in southwest Madagascar. In 2016 and 2017, ectoparasites were collected from various introduced (cattle and goats, cats, dogs and chicken, rats and mice) and native animal species (mouse lemurs [Microcebus griseorufus], Grandidier's mongooses [Galidictis grandidieri], bastard big-footed mice [Macrotarsomys bastardi], greater hedgehog tenrecs [Setifer setosus] and lesser hedgehog tenrecs [Echinops telfairi]) in the northern portion of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and the adjacent littoral region. Thirteen species of blood-feeding ectoparasites (235 individuals of ticks [5 species], 414 lice [4 spp.] and 389 fleas [4 spp.]) were investigated for the presence and identity of rickettsiae, borreliae, bartonellae and Yersinia pestis using PCR techniques. Rickettsia spp. were detected in every single ectoparasite species (Amblyomma variegatum, A. chabaudi, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis simplex, Argas echinops, Ctenocephalides felis, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis, Haematopinus quadripertusus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Lemurpediculus verruculosus). Lice and ticks were found harboring rickettsiae identified as Rickettsia africae, while Rickettsia felis-like bacteria were associated with fleas. Borrelia spp. were detected in 5% of H. simplex and 1% of R. microplus ticks. Bartonella spp. were detected in 40% of H. quadripertusus pools and in 5% of L. verruculosus pools. Y. pestis was detected in X. cheopis and E. gallinacea fleas collected from a rat. This study presents the detection of a broad spectrum of vector-borne bacteria including potential pathogens, and an unexpected finding of Y. pestis far off the known plague foci in Madagascar. RI Ganzhorn, Joerg/AAO-6955-2020 OI Ganzhorn, Joerg/0000-0003-1395-9758 SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 205 AR UNSP 105339 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105339 UT WOS:000525801200023 PM 31935354 ER PT J AU Khan, A Ahmed, H Naz, K Gul, S Ishaque, SM Zaidi, SSA Afzal, MS Ali, MS Bokari, SA Budke, CM AF Khan, Aisha Ahmed, Haroon Naz, Kashf Gul, Shaista Ishaque, Syed Muhammad Zaidi, Syed Shujaat Ali Afzal, Muhammad Sohail Ali, Muhammad Shahzad Bokari, Saleem Ahmed Budke, Christine M. TI Surgically confirmed cases of cystic echinococcosis from Baluchistan Province, Pakistan for the years 2011-2018 SO ACTA TROPICA AB Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. It has a worldwide geographic distribution and can threaten the livestock industry and human health in endemic areas, including Pakistan. CE prevalence is high in Pakistan due to lack of local knowledge about disease transmission and a lack of control measures. The Pakistan province of Baluchistan shares a border with Iran and Afghanistan and is largely agricultural. However, little is known about E. granulosus transmission in this region. Methods: Information on surgically confirmed cases of CE in Baluchistan Province was obtained through evaluation of paraffin fixed cyst samples and patient records obtained from three local hospitals for the years 2011-2018. Results: A total of 22 paraffin fixed samples were collected during the study period. The majority of cysts were obtained from the liver (9/22; 40.9%), with anatomical location not available for two of the cysts. Demographic information was available for 18 cases. Females made up 61.1% (11/18) of the cases. The largest numbers of cases were found in the 31-40 years age group (5/18; 22.7%). Discussion: This study shows that Echinococcus spp. parasites are circulating in the study area. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive regional surveillance and control program is needed. SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 205 AR UNSP 105354 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105354 UT WOS:000525801200014 PM 31982433 ER PT J AU Rehman, A Ullah, R Khan, MAH Abidi, SMA AF Rehman, Abdur Ullah, Rizwan Khan, M. A. Hannan Abidi, S. M. A. TI Glutathione-S-transferase: an important diagnostic antigen of liver amphistome Gigantocotyle explanatum, infecting the Indian water buffalo SO ACTA TROPICA AB The foodborne trematodiases pose a significant health problem to the animals as well as the human population living in close proximities with the livestock and are still considered as the neglected tropical diseases by the World Health Organisation. The digenetic trematode, Gigantocotyle explanatum infecting the liver of Indian water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, has been identified as one of the most common helminth parasite responsible for the disease, amphistomosis, in livestock. Despite huge abattoir prevalence, the epidemiological data and the actual economic losses incurred due to this parasite alone are yet to be established probably due to the limitations of routinely used diagnostic tests. The gold standard for the confirmation of such infections under field conditions is still the fecal egg count (FEC). However, the poor sensitivity and cumbersome nature of these tests necessitates the development of a more sensitive, reliable and easy to perform workflow/method. Immunological diagnosis of helminthic infections is still considered as an alternative to the FEC. Therefore, efforts have been made to utilize glutathione-S-transferase (GST), a vitally significant molecule of the adult G. explanatum, for the serodiagnosis of amphistomosis under both laboratory and field conditions. The GST antigen was first affinity purified from the somatic extract of the adult worms since its highest level was recorded in the somatic extracts followed by eggs and the excretory/secretory products. A five-fold affinity purified native GST antigen of about 25 kDa was found to be highly immunogenic as evident from high titre (1:25,600) of the polyclonal antibodies raised in the rabbits. The immunoblotting results revealed differential presence of GST in the adult worms, their eggs and excretory/secretory products. The immunolocalization studies revealed that the vitelline glands are the major source of GST in liver amphistome. Further, we were able to successfully screen animals naturally infected with G. explanatum using anti GST polyclonal antibodies in dot blot assay. High levels of both circulating GST antigen and anti GST antibodies were detected in the serum of the animals naturally infected with G. explanatum, while no cross reactivity was observed with the tropical liver fluke, F. gigantica which often infects the buffalo liver concurrently. The findings of the present study indicate that GST could be used as an important antigen for the diagnosis of G. explanatum infection in Indian water buffaloes. SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 205 AR UNSP 105400 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105400 UT WOS:000525801200013 PM 32081660 ER PT J AU Kingwell, R Islarn, N Xayavong, V AF Kingwell, Ross Islarn, Nazrul Xayavong, Vilaphonh TI Farming systems and their business strategies in south-western Australia: A decadal assessment of their profitability SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB This paper draws on a decadal dataset of 250 farms in south-western Australia. These farms, when categorised according to their type of farming system and business strategy, faced different trends in their terms of trade. Profitability measures of these farms for the period 2002/3 to 2011/12 were compared. Most farms, other than some highly crop dominant ones, applied a strategy of maintaining or increasing their cropping intensity and farm size over the decade. The strategy of a greater commitment to cropping was supported by cropping technologies and beneficial change in agronomic practices. Increased cropping was universally profitable among all types of farming systems, providing a statistically significant increase in operating surpluses. By contrast, irrespective of their underpinning farming system, farms which did not strategically increase their intensity of cropping generated statistically significant less returns to their business equity. By maintaining rather than increasing their cropping intensity these businesses failed to capture the operating surplus upside available from increased cropping. Overall, the results show that management of farming systems is not solely about tactics and flexibility. Strategic management can additionally influence the nature and profitability of farming systems. OI Kingwell, Ross/0000-0003-0324-9488 SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 181 AR UNSP 102827 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102827 UT WOS:000525785000001 ER PT J AU Newton, JE Nettle, R Pryce, JE AF Newton, Joanna E. Nettle, Ruth Pryce, Jennie E. TI Farming smarter with big data: Insights from the case of Australia's national dairy herd milk recording scheme SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Digitalization and the use of Smart Farming Technologies are considered a major opportunity for the future of agriculture. However, realisation of full benefits is constrained by: (1) farmers' interest in and use of big data to improve farm decision making; (2) issues of data sovereignty and trust between providers and users of data and technology; (3) institutional arrangements associated with the governance of data platforms. This paper examines the case of Australia's dairy herd milk recording system, arguably one of agriculture's first cases of 'big data' use, which collects, analyses and uses farm-level data (milk production, lactation and breeding records) to provide individual cow and herd performance information, used by individual farmers for farm management decisions. The aim of this study was to 1) examine the use of big data to add value to farm decision making; and 2) explore factors and processes, including institutional arrangements, which influence farmer engagement with and use of big data. This paper traces the Australian history of the organisation of dairy herd recording (established in 1912 and digitalized in late 1970s) and then uses findings from a longitudinal study of 7 case study dairy farms, which were incentivised to become involved in herd recording in 2015. Applying a conceptual framework linking path dependency in farm decision making and collaborative governance capacity, we find three new important dimensions of the farm user context influencing farmer demand for big data applications: 1) the transition to a new business stage; 2) the additionality farmers seek from data generated in one component of the farm system to other subsystems, and 3) the use of data in long term or strategic decision making. Further, we identified critical attributes of support services in addressing digital literacy, capacity and capability issues at farm level, including diversity in data presentation formats and facilitation of the on-farm transition process through intermediary herd test organisations. The role of farmers as governance actors, or citizens in the decisions of the trajectory of big data applications, adds to understanding of the nature of collaborative governance arrangements that support farm engagement. SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 181 AR UNSP 102811 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102811 UT WOS:000525785000016 ER PT J AU Nyberg, Y Wetterlind, J Jonsson, M Oborn, I AF Nyberg, Ylva Wetterlind, Johanna Jonsson, Mattias Oborn, Ingrid TI The role of trees and livestock in ecosystem service provision and farm priorities on smallholder farms in the Rift Valley, Kenya SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Human beings are dependent on ecosystems and the services they provide. Some services are currently being overexploited, resulting in degradation and further pressure on already vulnerable people in e.g., sub-Saharan Africa. Long-term and stable delivery of ecosystem services (ES) is suggested to be enhanced by more diversified farming systems that e.g., mix crops with trees and livestock. Despite the amount of research on ES, few previous studies have identified and compared the roles of trees and livestock for ES considering farm priorities within smallholder systems. We studied the role of trees and livestock for ES provision as well as farm priorities for smallholders in Kenya. Twenty smallholder farms (0.2-0.8 ha) were studied for 1 year in a fully factorial design of high or low tree and livestock density systems. Data were collected on indicators for provisioning (crop, tree and livestock production), supporting/regulating (water infiltration, soil organic carbon and nutrients) and cultural (recreation and aesthetics) ESs. In addition, farm priorities were studied, considering nutrient management, on- and off-farm resources, food and consumption, and crop, tree and livestock species diversity. A mix of qualitative (e.g., semi-structured interviews, seasonal calendar) and quantitative (e.g., soil analyses, infiltration tests) methods were used to collect data. This study confirmed roles of trees and livestock for ES and farm priorities, although they in some cases appeared less important than family labour and farm size. Results showed that high tree density was related to higher workload, lower proportions of off-farm revenue as well as higher crop, fruit and tree diversity for the household. Tree or livestock density showed no clear relation to provisioning, supporting or regulating ES. However, cultural services were on average provided more by trees than livestock. Available family labour was positively related to both farm production (provisioning services) and crop, tree and livestock species diversity. The use of manure, compost and mineral fertilisers was overall low, and the application rate per unit area seemed higher on farms with less land which was reflected in higher soil P and Ca concentrations. The challenges of already small and reducing farm sizes need to be targeted seriously in research and development efforts. Also the issue of labour requirement and pathways for mechanization must be addressed to attract a new generation farmers to develop sustainable and profitable farm enterprises providing ES to the farm and the surrounding landscape. SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 181 AR UNSP 102815 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102815 UT WOS:000525785000013 ER PT J AU Romera, AJ Bos, AP Neal, M Eastwood, CR Chapman, D McWilliam, W Royds, D O'Connor, C Brookes, R Connolly, J Hall, P Clinton, PW AF Romera, A. J. Bos, A. P. Neal, M. Eastwood, C. R. Chapman, D. McWilliam, W. Royds, D. O'Connor, C. Brookes, R. Connolly, J. Hall, P. Clinton, P. W. TI Designing future dairy systems for New Zealand using reflexive interactive design SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Globally, agricultural systems are facing unprecedented challenges. The problems are of systemic nature and will require transformational changes and systemic redesign. In this study, we investigated the redesign of dairy systems in New Zealand, due to their large economic, social and environmental influence nationally. We did not set the boundaries of the 'dairy systems' from the outset, letting this definition be part of the design process. We applied 'Reflexive Interactive Design' (RIO), an approach aimed at structurally addressing complex trade-offs and contributing, by process and design, to change towards sustainable development and integral sustainability (i.e. in all relevant dimensions of sustainability). A detailed system analysis was conducted, followed by two rounds of structured design focused on four main stakeholders ('actors') identified as part of the RIO process: the farmers, the citizens, the consumers, and the dairy cows. Our study established design goals related to enhancing the wellbeing of humans and animals, enhancing environmental performance, economics and resilience of dairy systems and reconnecting dairy farming with the rest of society. The process took us beyond the boundaries of a dairy farm and identified the territorial level as the object of design, arriving at a design concept we have called the 'Agro-ecological Park'. The name was chosen to convey an analogy with 'Tco-industrial Parks'. Operating as a multifunctional network, the Park has the goal of delivering multiple benefits for its members, and multiple goods and services for the rest of society. The coordinated network articulates linkages between farmers and many other businesses and people in the territory. The individual dairy farm is redesigned to be a node in that network rather than operating as an isolated entity. That way, much of the weight for the increased complexity and multifunctionality now demanded of farming can be carried by the network instead of the individual farmer. These preliminary design ideas, and the reasoning behind them, should encourage new perspectives on the complex problems facing NZ dairy farming, and agriculture globally, in the upcoming decades. RI Clinton, Peter W/D-1448-2010 OI Clinton, Peter/0000-0002-8921-4835 SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 181 AR UNSP 102818 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102818 UT WOS:000525785000022 ER PT J AU Sarto, MVM Borges, WLB Sarto, JRW Rice, CW Rosolem, CA AF Sarto, Marcos V. M. Borges, Wander L. B. Sarto, Jaqueline R. W. Rice, Charles W. Rosolem, Ciro A. TI Root and shoot interactions in a tropical integrated crop-livestock-forest system SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Integrated crop-livestock-forest systems (ICLFS) have potential advantages compared to monoculture, but most studies quantifying plant biomass in integrated production systems, have quantified only the aboveground component rather than the total biomass. The objective of this study was to investigate the ecological interactions of Eucalyptus trees intercropped with palisade grass in a tropical region. The study was conducted in an 8-year-old ICLFS in which Eucalyptus trees were introduced into a palisade grass pasture [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) R. Webster 'Marandu']. Samples were collected at four locations from the Eucalyptus trees: 0.0 (planting line), 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 m (middle of the plots). A monoculture palisade grass pasture was included for comparison. The addition of Eucalyptus in the pasture reduced the forage yield, root length density, root density and root diameter of palisade grass close to the Eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus roots were more abundant near the trees, and decreased with distance from the tree at soil depths up to 1.0 m. The total amount of roots decreased by 36 % with the addition of the forest component compared with the monoculture pasture, i.e., 11.6 Mg ha(-1) in the ICLFS compared with 18.4 Mg ha(-1) in the pasture. In the ICLFS, the proportion of palisade grass roots in the soil profile increased with distance from the tree line. However, the high degree of competition in root development in the ICLFS resulted in 20% lower root length and fine roots densities compared with monoculture pasture in the upper 0-0.20 m soil layer. OI Borges, Wander/0000-0002-3804-1401 SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 181 AR UNSP 102796 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102796 UT WOS:000525785000008 ER PT J AU Moraes, JC Echeverri, LMS Magalhaes, MDB Da Silva, GF Miletti, LC AF Moraes, Julio Cesar Salazar Echeverri, Lina Maria Borba Magalhaes, Maria de Lourdes Da Silva, Gustavo Felippe Miletti, Luiz Claudio TI Targeting Trypanosoma evansi with disulphide-rich peptides derived from a phage display library SO EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY AB A phage-display library was generated using a Bus thalamus scorpion toxin (BTK-2) as a peptide scaffold. BTK-2 belongs to the disulfide-rich family of proteins with pronounced structural stability due to the presence of three disulfide bridges that connects antiparallel beta-sheets and one alpha helix. Using BTK-2 as a phage display scaffold, we introduced mutations in five residues located in the alpha-helix and two residues located in the smaller loop, keeping intact the disulfide bridges to create a peptide phage-displayed library with disulfide-rich family properties. The library was subjected to in vivo and in vitro phage display selections against Trypanosoma evansi, the etiological agent of "Surra", a disease that affects a wide range of mammals. The development of T. evansi specific biomarkers is essential to improve diagnostic methods and epidemiological studies leading to a more accurate clinical decision for the treatment of this disease of economic impact for commercial livestock production. In this study, we identified two disulfide-rich peptides targeting T. evansi parasites. Further specificity studies are necessary to investigate the potential of selected peptides as new biomarkers to aid diagnostic and treatment procedures of T. evansi infections. RI Miletti, Luiz Claudio/C-6949-2008 OI Miletti, Luiz Claudio/0000-0001-5926-0286 SN 0014-4894 EI 1090-2449 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 212 AR 107885 DI 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107885 UT WOS:000525871900006 PM 32234306 ER PT J AU Guareschi, RF Martins, MD Urquiaga, S Alves, BJR Boddey, RM Sarkis, LF AF Guareschi, Roni Fernandes Martins, Marcio dos Reis Urquiaga, Segundo Rodrigues Alves, Bruno Jose Boddey, Robert Michael Sarkis, Leonardo Fernandes TI Energy efficiency and emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O in organic and conventional rice production SO SEMINA-CIENCIAS AGRARIAS AB Rice is the second-most produced cereal worldwide and actively contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane, especially under deepwater production. Assessments of energy efficiency (EE) and GHG emissions can indicate the sustainability level of agrosystems and support decisions related to the reduction of production costs and environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess both EE and GHG emissions in organic and conventional rice production in the Southern region of Brazil. For this study, eight rice fields were evaluated. Energy inputs and outputs were calculated by multiplying the production input amounts by their respective calorific values or energy coefficients at each stage of production. EE was determined using the ratio between the total energy output and the total energy consumed during the production process. GHG emissions were estimated using the principles of the lifecycle assessment methodology in addition to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations. Each 1.0 MJ consumed during the production of organic and conventional rice produced renewable energy averages of 10.5 MJ and 7.90 MJ, respectively, as grains. The primary energy expenses for organic rice were represented by seeds, fuel, tractors, and agricultural machinery and implements, and those for conventional rice were seeds, fuel, and fertilizers. Each kilogram of organic and conventional rice produced accounted for the emission of 0.21 and 0.32 kg of CO(2)eq, respectively, during the production cycles and delivery to the warehouse, with seeds, fuel, and fertilizers being the main sources of CO(2)eq emissions to the atmosphere. RI ; Alves, Bruno/B-8349-2018 OI Martins, Marcio/0000-0003-3184-2959; FERNANDES GUARESCHI, RONI/0000-0002-4122-9405; Sarkis, Leonardo/0000-0002-9090-4366; Alves, Bruno/0000-0002-5356-4032 SN 1676-546X EI 1679-0359 PD MAY-JUN PY 2020 VL 41 IS 3 BP 797 EP 810 DI 10.5433/1679-0359.2020v41n3p797 UT WOS:000524973500005 ER PT J AU Bezen, R Edan, Y Halachmi, I AF Bezen, Ran Edan, Yael Halachmi, Ilan TI Computer vision system for measuring individual cow feed intake using RGB-D camera and deep learning algorithms SO COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE AB This study entailed the design and implementation of a computer vision system for cow individual feed intake measurement, based on deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) models, and a low-cost RGB-D (Red, Green, Blue, Depth) camera. Individual feed intake of dairy cows is an important variable currently unavailable in commercial dairies. An RGB-D camera was positioned above the feeding area in an open cowshed. Feed intake was estimated by combining information from the RGB and depth images. Cow identification was conducted using the RGB image. Deep learning algorithms for identification and intake estimation were developed using CNN models. Data for CNN training were acquired by a specially developed automatic data acquisition system. A range of feed weights under varied configurations were collected over a period of seven days with the setup, which included an automatic scale, cameras, and a micro-controller. Test data for feed intake was acquired in an open cowshed research dairy farm, wherein the cows were fed Total Mix Ration (TMR). Images of cows eating over a period of 36 h provided the test data for cow identification. The system was able to accurately identify 93.65% of the cows. The amount of feed consumed, which ranged from 0 to 8 kg per meal, was measured with mean absolute and square errors (MAE and MSE) of 0.127 kg, and 0.034kg(2) respectively. The analysis showed that the amount and diversity of data are important for model training. Better results were achieved for the model that was trained with high-diversity data than the model trained with homogeneous data (MAE of 1.025 kg, and MSE of 2.845 kg(2) for a model trained on shadow conditions only). Additionally, the training analysis shows that the model based on RGB-D data shows better results than the model based on depth channel data without RGB (MAE of 0.241 kg, and MSE of 0.106 kg(2)). These results suggest the potential of low-cost cameras for individual feed intake measurements in advanced dairy farms. SN 0168-1699 EI 1872-7107 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 172 AR 105345 DI 10.1016/j.compag.2020.105345 UT WOS:000525324700009 ER PT J AU Saldana-Robles, AL Bustos-Gaytan, A Diosdado-de la Pena, JA Saldana-Robles, A Alcantar-Camarena, V Balvantin-Garcia, A Saldana-Robles, N AF Saldana-Robles, A. L. Bustos-Gaytan, A. Diosdado-de la Pena, J. A. Saldana-Robles, A. Alcantar-Camarena, V Balvantin-Garcia, A. Saldana-Robles, N. TI Structural design of an agricultural backhoe using TA, FEA, RSM and ANN SO COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE AB An agricultural backhoe is an important machine designed for multiple assignments in agriculture and livestock. Due to severe working conditions, agricultural backhoe elements are subjected to high loads. Therefore, a structural design must provide a safe machine under all loading conditions at minimum weight and cost. In this work, a 3D model of an agricultural backhoe was proposed, to be used in tractors category II according to the classification of the ASABE 5217 standard. In the structural design of the agricultural backhoe Theoretical Analysis (TA), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were used. A finite element model of the agricultural backhoe in the critical position was developed, considering a maximum breakout force according to SAE J1179 standard. The finite element model was theoretically validated through a comparison between numerical and theoretical normal stresses at twelve strategic points of the agricultural backhoe components, finding a maximum absolute difference of 7.0 %. Also, a mass reduction of the principal backhoe components (bucket, arm, boom and links) was done, using Central Composite Design (CCD) under RSM in a commercial FE software and ANN technique with Neural Lab software. A mass reduction of the initial agricultural backhoe model of 24.8% (from 446.3 kg to 335.4 kg) was achieved using the RSM technique, with an increment on the maximum von Mises stress of 6.8% (from 117.4 MPa to 125.4 MPa), as well as a reduction of the minimum safety factor of 4.8% (from 2.94 to 2.80). ANN allowed predicting the results obtained by RSM to reduce the boom mass with a correlation coefficient of 0.96, using 80.0% of data and around 13.0% less time. This study showed that a combination of RSM and ANN techniques with TA and FEA provides useful results to reduce the structural mass of agricultural equipments, thus it is recommended to decrease the number of numerical case studies and the solution time with satisfactory results. OI Saldana Robles, Alberto/0000-0001-7308-7926 SN 0168-1699 EI 1872-7107 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 172 AR 105278 DI 10.1016/j.compag.2020.105278 UT WOS:000525324700008 ER PT J AU Jeong, KH Kim, HJ Kim, HJ AF Jeong, Ki-Ho Kim, Hyoung Jin Kim, Hong-Jin TI Current status and future directions of fish vaccines employing virus-like particles SO FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY AB In most breeding schemes, fish are cultured in enclosed spaces, which greatly increases the risk of outbreaks where the onset of infectious diseases can cause massive mortality and enormous economic losses. Vaccination is the most effective and long-term measure for improving the basic make-up of a fish farm. As the relationship between antibody and antigen is similar to that between screw and nut, similarity in the shape or nature of the vaccine antigen to the original pathogen is important for achieving a satisfactory/good/excellent antibody response with a vaccine. Virus-like particles (VLPs) best fulfil this requirement as their tertiary structure mimics that of the native virus. For this reason, VLPs have been attracting attention as next-generation vaccines for humans and animals, and the effects of various types of VLP vaccines on humans and livestock have been examined. Recent studies of VLP-based fish vaccines indicate that these vaccines are promising, and raise hopes of extending their use in the near future. In this review, the structural properties and immunogenicity of VLP-based vaccines against fish viruses such as infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), salmonid alphavirus (SAV), nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and iridovirus are introduced/summarized. The NNV VLP vaccine is the most-studied VLP-based vaccine against fish viruses. Therefore, the current status of NNV VLP research is highlighted in this review, which deals with the advantages of using VLPs as vaccines, and the expression systems for producing them. Moreover, the need for lyophilized VLPs and oral VLP delivery is discussed. Finally, future directions for the development of VLP vaccines in the fish vaccine field are considered. SN 1050-4648 EI 1095-9947 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 100 BP 49 EP 57 DI 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.060 UT WOS:000523603600006 PM 32130976 ER PT J AU Lu, S da Rocha, LA Torquato, RJS Vaz, ID Florin-Christensen, M Tanaka, AS AF Lu, Stephen da Rocha, Leticia A. Torquato, Ricardo J. S. Vaz Junior, Itabajara da Silva Florin-Christensen, Monica Tanaka, Aparecida S. TI A novel type 1 cystatin involved in the regulation of Rhipicephalus microplus midgut cysteine proteases SO TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES AB Rhipicephalus microplus is a cattle ectoparasite found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world with great impact on livestock production. R. microplus can also harbor pathogens, such as Babesia sp. and Anaplasma sp. which further compromise cattle production. Blood meal acquisition and digestion are key steps for tick development. In ticks, digestion takes place inside midgut cells and is mediated by aspartic and cysteine peptidases and, therefore, regulated by their inhibitors. Cystatins are a family of cysteine peptidases inhibitors found in several organisms and have been associated in ticks with blood acquisition, blood digestion, modulation of host immune response and tick immunity. In this work, we characterized a novel R. microplus type 1 cystatin, named Rmcystatin-1b. The inhibitor transcripts were found to be highly expressed in the midgut of partially and fully engorged females and they appear to be modulated at different days post-detachment. Purified recombinant Rmcystatin-lb displayed inhibitory activity towards typical cysteine peptidases with high affinity. Moreover, rRmcystatin-1b was able to inhibit native R. microplus cysteine peptidases and RNAi-mediated knockdown of the cystatin transcripts resulted in increased proteolytic activity. Moreover, rRmcystatin-1b was able to interfere with B. bovis growth in vitro. Taken together our data strongly suggest that Rmcystatin-1b is a regulator of blood digestion in R. microplus midgut. RI Silva Vaz, I/A-5943-2009; Lu, Stephen/K-3162-2016 OI Silva Vaz, I/0000-0003-0309-9328; SN 1877-959X EI 1877-9603 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 11 IS 3 AR 101374 DI 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101374 UT WOS:000522720000011 PM 32008997 ER PT J AU Parizi, LF Rangel, CK Sabadin, GA Saggin, BF Kiio, I Xavier, MA Matos, RD Camargo-Mathias, MI Seixas, A Konnai, S Ohashi, K Githaka, NW Vaz, ID AF Parizi, Luis Fernando Rangel, Carolina Konrdorfer Sabadin, Gabriela Alves Saggin, Bianca Fagundes Kiio, Irene Xavier, Marina Amaral Matos, Renata da Silva Camargo-Mathias, Maria Izabel Seixas, Adriana Konnai, Satoru Ohashi, Kazuhiko Githaka, Naftaly Wang'ombe Vaz Jr, Itabajara da Silva TI Rhipicephalus microplus cystatin as a potential cross-protective tick vaccine against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus SO TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES AB Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, the brown ear tick, is an important disease vector of livestock in eastern, central and southern Africa. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus acaricide resistance requires the search for alternative methods for its control. Cystatins constitute a superfamily of cysteine peptidase inhibitors vital for tick blood feeding and development. These inhibitors were proposed as antigens in anti-tick vaccines. In this work, we applied structural and biochemical approaches to characterize a new cystatin named R. appendiculatus cystatin 2a (Racys2a). Structural modeling showed that this new protein possesses characteristic type 2 cystatin motifs, besides conservation of other structural patterns along the protein. Peptidase inhibitory assays with recombinant Racys2a showed modulation of tick and host cathepsins involved in blood digestion and immune system responses, respectively. A heterologous tick challenge with R. appendiculatus in rabbits immunized with recombinant Rhipicephalus microplus cystatin 2c (rBmcys2c) was performed to determine cross-reactivity. Histological staining showed that rBmcys2c vaccination caused damage to the gut, salivary gland and ovary tissues in R. appendiculatus. Furthermore, cystatin vaccine reduced the number of fully engorged adult females in 11.5 %. Consequently, strategies to increase the protection rate are necessary, including the selection of two or more antigens to compose a vaccine cocktail. RI Matos, Renata/AAO-3163-2020; Seixas, Adriana/I-9244-2017; Silva Vaz, I/A-5943-2009 OI Matos, Renata/0000-0002-7745-9632; Silva Vaz, I/0000-0003-0309-9328; Githaka, Dr Naftaly/0000-0003-4530-7164 SN 1877-959X EI 1877-9603 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 11 IS 3 AR 101378 DI 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101378 UT WOS:000522720000015 PM 31982372 ER PT J AU Wang, XC Chen, XF Cao, L Zhu, L Zhang, YF Chu, XY Zhu, DF Rahman, SU Peng, CL Feng, SB Li, Y Wu, JJ AF Wang, Xichun Chen, Xiaofang Cao, Li Zhu, Lei Zhang, Yafei Chu, Xiaoyan Zhu, Dianfeng Rahman, Sajid Ur Peng, Chenglu Feng, Shibin Li, Yu Wu, Jinjie TI Mechanism of deoxynivalenol-induced neurotoxicity in weaned piglets is linked to lipid peroxidation, dampened neurotransmitter levels, and interference with calcium signaling SO ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AB Deoxynivalenol (DON) has broad toxicity in livestock, but we know little about its neurotoxic mechanisms. We investigated DON neurotoxicity in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus of "Duroc x Landrace x Yokshire" piglets. Control piglets were fed a basal diet, while those in low- and high-treatment groups were fed diets with 1.3 mg/kg and 2.2 mg/kg DON, respectively. After a 60 d trial, scanning electron microscopy revealed the destruction of hippocampal cell ultrastructure. As DON concentrations increased, oxidative damage also increased in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. Norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations tended to increase, whereas dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations decreased. We also observed an increase in calcium concentration, relative mRNA expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and CaMKII phosphorylation. However, calmodulin (CaM) mRNA and protein content decreased. Overall, our results suggest that DON acts through the Ca2+/CaM/CaMKII signaling pathway to influence cerebral lipid peroxidation and neurotransmitter levels. SN 0147-6513 EI 1090-2414 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 194 AR 110382 DI 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110382 UT WOS:000522141700010 PM 32146195 ER PT J AU Gosling, E Reith, E Knoke, T Paul, C AF Gosling, Elizabeth Reith, Esther Knoke, Thomas Paul, Carola TI A goal programming approach to evaluate agroforestry systems in Eastern Panama SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Agroforestry is hypothesised to increase ecological and economic functions of farms. Yet it is unclear if and how much agroforestry should be embedded in diversified farming systems to satisfy farmers' needs while potentially enhancing environmental services. To address this research gap we use a mathematical programming model to investigate the role of different agroforestry systems in hypothetical farm portfolios that reduce trade-offs between farmers' goals. Our approach is innovative because it simultaneously considers multiple objectives and the effect of land-use diversification within a farm, is based on knowledge and perceptions of local farmers, and accounts for heterogeneity in farmer judgement. We test the model in a forest frontier region in Eastern Panama, using data from farmer interviews. Farmers evaluated conventional land uses and two agroforestry systems (silvopasture and alley cropping) against 10 pre-defined socio-economic and ecological objectives. First we determined the optimal farm land-use composition that reduces trade-offs between the 10 objectives. The model selects the mix of land uses that secures the best worst-case performance across all objectives, when considering uncertainty in the ability of each land use to achieve each objective (which we quantify by the variability in fanner opinion). Agroforestry dominates the optimised farm portfolio, which comprises 60% silvopasture, 39% forest and 1% plantation. This land-use portfolio, however, deviates strongly from the current land use of farmers, which is 59% pasture, 26% crops, 14% forest and 1% plantation. In a second step we explore the implicit objectives driving farmers' current land-use decisions. We find that immediate-term needs related to food security and liquidity best explain farmers' current land-use portfolio; optimising for these objectives produces a land-use portfolio comprising 60% pasture and 40% crops, which is similar to the current land use. This suggests that increasing agroforestry adoption in the study area will require systems that provide early and frequent returns and allow for ongoing crop production, to better satisfy farmers' cash flow and household consumption needs. RI Paul, Carola/I-6711-2019 OI Paul, Carola/0000-0002-6257-2026 SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 261 AR 110248 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110248 UT WOS:000521511800080 PM 32148314 ER PT J AU Bocci, C Sohngen, B Lupi, F Milian, B AF Bocci, Corinne Sohngen, Brent Lupi, Frank Milian, Bayron TI Timber or carbon? Evaluating forest conservation strategies through a discrete choice experiment SO ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AB There are growing concerns that timber harvesting in the tropics, even when done sustainably, can increase carbon emissions. Despite these concerns, few studies have addressed whether households that engage in timber harvesting would be willing to forgo property rights to receive payments for carbon sequestration. This study addresses this issue by examining the trade-off between timber production and carbon storage in the context of the Maya Biosphere Reserve forest concessions in Guatemala. We estimate willingness to increase carbon storage at the expense of timber harvesting through a discrete choice experiment administered to 716 households in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Because many individuals have rights to harvest non-timber forest products and work in the tourism sector, we assess how rights for these activities would influence the willingness to participate in carbon contracts. Contract length and group or individual payment structures are also investigated. The results show that households prefer contracts that focus on carbon storage rather than timber harvesting, but access to forests so individuals can participate in non-timber forest product harvesting and tourism is critically important in this region. SN 0921-8009 EI 1873-6106 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 171 AR 106601 DI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106601 UT WOS:000521120500008 ER PT J AU Kalkuhl, M Schwerhoff, G Waha, K AF Kalkuhl, Matthias Schwerhoff, Gregor Waha, Katharina TI Land tenure, climate and risk management SO ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AB We analyze to what extent climate conditions affect the prevalence of sharecropping as a form of traditional land tenure. We investigate how sharecropping tenure is related to climate risk and how it interacts with fertilizer use and livestock ownership that both influence production risk. We first develop a stylized theoretical model to illustrate the role of climate for land tenure and production. Our empirical analysis is based on more than 9000 households with considerable heterogeneity in climate conditions across several African countries. We find that farmers in areas with low precipitation are more likely to be sharecroppers. We further find evidence for risk management interaction effects as sharecropping farmers are less likely to own livestock and more likely to use fertilizer. In economies where formal kinds of insurance are unavailable, sharecropping thus functions as a form of insurance and reduces the need for potentially costly risk management strategies. RI ; Waha, Katharina/G-5808-2017 OI Schwerhoff, Gregor/0000-0003-3644-3447; Waha, Katharina/0000-0002-8631-8639 SN 0921-8009 EI 1873-6106 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 171 AR 106573 DI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2019.106573 UT WOS:000521120500003 ER PT J AU Mangubhai, S Sykes, H Manley, M Vukikomoala, K Beattie, M AF Mangubhai, Sangeeta Sykes, Helen Manley, Marita Vukikomoala, Kiji Beattie, Madeline TI Contributions of tourism-based Marine Conservation Agreements to natural resource management in Fiji SO ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AB The marine environment is vital for Fiji's tourism sector, yet industry and community partnerships to conserve it have largely gone unrecognised. A study from March to October 2017 documented the extent and scale to which 'Marine Conservation Agreements' (MCAs) between tourism operators and indigenous, resource owning communities are used in Fiji, and their contribution to biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. More than half of operators (69.1%) interviewed had been involved, were involved, or were becoming involved, in some form of MCA, focused on temporary or permanent no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs established through MCAs covered an estimated 26,625 ha, of which 21,000 ha comprised deep water and offshore reefs within two large marine reserves, and 5625 ha comprised mostly nearshore shallow fringing reefs and slopes. Only 28% of tourism-based MCAs included explicit economic incentives to the resource owners such as some level of payment, provision of infrastructure, or employment opportunities directly related to marine conservation. The remaining 72% supplied broader benefits such as sustainable marine resources or general employment in the tourism sector. Although MCAs are in place in Fiji with implied and not formal or explicit conditionality, they contribute to natural resource management and should be counted in global biodiversity targets. SN 0921-8009 EI 1873-6106 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 171 AR 106607 DI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106607 UT WOS:000521120500016 ER PT J AU Zhang, RX Tan, SH Hannaway, D Dai, WZ AF Zhang, Ruxin Tan, Shuhao Hannaway, David Dai, Weizhu TI Multi-household grassland management pattern promotes ecological efficiency of livestock production SO ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AB Grassland degradation has become a global environmental concern. Livestock grazing under inappropriate grassland management and climate change contribute to this. Mitigating grassland degradation through revising the management pattern is needed to improve livestock production sustainability. The current study explores if a multi-household management pattern (M-pattern) is a better approach than single-household pattern (S-pattern) from the perspective of ecological efficiency (EE). EE reflects the ability of a household to gain economic output with less inputs and undesirable environmental conditions. We divided the sample households into multi-group (M group), single-renting group (S-R group) and single-no-renting group (S-NR group). The M group households graze livestock on their merged contracted grasslands; the S-R group households graze on contracted grasslands individually; and the S-NR group households graze on contracted and rented grasslands individually. A slack-based model was used to estimate the EE of 413 herders surveyed from three grassland types of two major areas in Inner Mongolia. The EE of the M group was 0.38, significantly higher than that of the S-R group (0.31) and the S-NR group (0.24). The higher EE of the M group was due to better environmental, economic, and input performances when compared with the S-R group and due to better environmental performance and input performances when compared with the S-NR group. The findings indicate that the M-pattem is a better fit for grassland management from the perspective of EE. This suggests that under the private grassland tenure arrangement, the M-pattern should be promoted to reduce grassland degradation and improve economic sustainability. SN 0921-8009 EI 1873-6106 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 171 AR 106618 DI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106618 UT WOS:000521120500015 ER PT J AU Lu, YH Li, T Whitham, C Feng, XM Fu, BJ Zeng, Y Wu, BF Hu, J AF Lu, Yihe Li, Ting Whitham, Charlotte Feng, Xiaoming Fu, Bojie Zeng, Yuan Wu, Bingfang Hu, Jian TI Scale and landscape features matter for understanding the performance of large payments for ecosystem services SO LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING AB Various payment for ecosystem services (PES) programmes are becoming very common across the globe due to ever-strengthening conservation policies and aspirations for socio-ecological sustainability. Nevertheless, quantifying the performance of PES at large spatial scales remains very challenging. Here, a biophysically-based indicator approach is formulated to assess the effectiveness of a new large-scale PES program in China. Structural equation modelling was also used to reveal the possible landscape features that might impact the effectiveness of the PES. The results suggested the overall effectiveness of the PES implementation, but the effectiveness suggested by the analysis tended to decrease with increasingly fine spatial scales from the whole PES implementing region down to 100 km(2) grids. The selected landscape features combined to explain 27% of the variability in the effectiveness of the PES programme. The spatial scale and landscape dependency of the effectiveness of PES could provide new insight to support the planning and adaptive management of large PES programmes. RI Fu, Bojie/B-1493-2009 SN 0169-2046 EI 1872-6062 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 197 AR 103764 DI 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103764 UT WOS:000519656600006 ER PT J AU Bergius, M Benjaminsen, TA Maganga, F Buhaug, H AF Bergius, Mikael Benjaminsen, Tor A. Maganga, Faustin Buhaug, Halvard TI Green economy, degradation narratives, and land-use conflicts in Tanzania SO WORLD DEVELOPMENT AB The implementation of the green economy in Tanzania is currently re-arranging space in significant ways. The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has been presented by the government as well as investors and aid donors as a model for the green economy in Africa combining investments in large-scale farming with environmental conservation. The Kilombero valley is centrally situated within SAGCOT and has become a national hotspot of land-use conflicts. The valley is dominated by an expanding sector of agricultural capital investments combined with a substantial increase in areas under environmental conservation. While some smallholder farmers are dispossessed through these expansions, others are contracted as outgrowers. Pastoralists are, however, only in the way, and are also thought to cause widespread environmental degradation. This is a long-held view, which also plays a key role in the implementation of SAGCOT. It has led to a series of pastoral evictions in the country. In 2012, 'Operation Save Kilombero' was implemented consisting of violent evictions of all pastoralists from the valley. This eviction had been planned to conserve the wetland ecosystem that was seen by the government and aid donors to be threatened by pastoral overstocking. The arrival of the green economy in Kilombero re-enforced the perceived need to clear the valley of livestock and pastoralists to conserve the environment and make space for investments in agriculture. The pastoral eviction in Kilombero in 2012 was also only one in a series; every eviction leading to the spill-over of pastoralists to other areas creating new farmer-herder conflicts as well as conservation conflicts. While land-use conflicts in Africa are commonly thought to be caused by natural resource scarcity and environmental degradation mainly resulting from population growth, we demonstrate how degradation narratives may themselves be a key driver of conflicts, in this case to legitimize and pave the way for agricultural investments and environmental conservation under a 'green economy'. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. RI Buhaug, Halvard/E-8814-2011 OI Buhaug, Halvard/0000-0002-6432-5985 SN 0305-750X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 129 AR 104850 DI 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104850 UT WOS:000519652400003 ER PT J AU Chapman, M Satterfield, T Wittman, H Chan, KMA AF Chapman, Mollie Satterfield, Terre Wittman, Hannah Chan, Kai M. A. TI A payment by any other name: Is Costa Rica's PES a payment for services or a support for stewards? SO WORLD DEVELOPMENT AB Financial incentives are increasingly popular in development and conservation. A common application involves paying for conservation activities, such as for farmers to set aside land for forests, known as payments for ecosystem services (PES). Debates about incentives such as PES center around the promise and perils of applying market logics to conservation or development goals. A key concern is the potential of financial motivations to crowd out non-financial motivations such as altruism or responsibility. Theoretical debates about the potential impacts of PES programs often assume that PES programs are understood as such by participants as transactions characterized by a payment for a service but research has not sufficiently investigated the extent to which these assumptions hold in practice. We studied Costa Rica's long-standing PES program in the traditional cattle ranching region of Guanacaste via in-depth interviews with program managers, local experts and participants to better understand the range of values and views associated with program payments. We find that whereas program leadership primarily communicated the program as clearly-defined payments for specific services provided, most farmer participants framed financial payments from the program as a form of non-transactional support recognizing their ongoing care for the land and forest. This finding that market framings did not fully transfer from program leadership through local managers to farmer participants shows how participants might experience PES programs not as payments for services per se, but as acknowledgement for land stewardship and an additional form of rural development assistance. The support for stewards framing of PES, as suggested by participants themselves, points to a potential leverage point in designing PES programs that enhance (rather than undermine) connections to nature. More broadly, incentive programs of all sorts might consider program framings that reinforce the kinds of values, (e.g., social cohesion, health) they seek to improve. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Chapman, Mollie/0000-0003-1399-2144 SN 0305-750X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 129 AR 104900 DI 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.104900 UT WOS:000519652400016 ER PT J AU Mulwa, CK Visser, M AF Mulwa, Chalmers K. Visser, Martine TI Farm diversification as an adaptation strategy to climatic shocks and implications for food security in northern Namibia SO WORLD DEVELOPMENT AB Limited non-farm opportunities in the rural areas of the developing world, coupled with population growth, means agriculture will continue to play a dominant role as a source of livelihood in these areas. Thus, while rural transformation has dominated recent literature as a way of improving welfare through diversifying into non-farm sectors, improving productivity and resilience to shocks in smallholder agricultural production cannot be downplayed. This is especially so given the changing climatic conditions affecting agricultural production, and thus threatening many livelihoods in rural areas. Farm diversification is an important strategy for creating resilience against climatic shocks in farm production. Using cross-sectional data from northern Namibia, the study assesses the barriers and success factors related to effective crop and livestock enterprises diversification and the effect of these on food security outcomes. A Seemingly Unrelated Regression model is used to assess the joint factors explaining total farm diversification, while a step-wise error correction model is used to evaluate the conditional effect of diversification in each of the two farm enterprises on two measures of food security: food expenditure and dietary diversity. We find that past exposure to climate shocks informs current diversification levels and that access to climate information is a key success factor for both livestock and crop diversification. In terms of food security, greater diversification in either crop or livestock production leads to higher food security outcomes, with neither crop nor livestock diversification showing dominance in affecting food security outcomes. However, an overall higher level of diversification in both livestock and crop enterprises is dominant in explaining food security outcomes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0305-750X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 129 AR 104906 DI 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.104906 UT WOS:000519652400021 ER PT J AU Sarker, SA Wang, SY Adnan, KMM Sattar, MN AF Sarker, Swati Anindita Wang, Shouyang Adnan, K. M. Mehedi Sattar, M. Nahid TI Economic feasibility and determinants of biogas technology adoption: Evidence from Bangladesh SO RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS AB Biogas technology can play a significant role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and in increasing of rural energy access. This study assesses the profitability of biogas plants and examines the determining factors affecting the adoption of biogas technology by rural households in Bangladesh. Data were extracted from primary sources through a structured questionnaire in four districts in Bangladesh. Stratified random sampling involved 140 biogas adopters with a wide range of biogas plant sizes (2 m(3)-120 m(3)) along with 140 nonadopters. The research used the benefit-cost ratio for profitability estimation. The study employed a logit model for analyzing the key factors influencing the adoption of biogas technology. The outcomes revealed that the benefit-cost ratio is higher than 1, and 6 m(3) is the most economically viable plant among all sizes. Sensitivity analysis helped the research to check the stability of a biogas plant in different economic conditions (10% increase in cost or decrease in profit and constant changes in interest rate) and discovered that all plant sizes were economically stable. Logit regression analysis showed that factors including age, livestock possession, extension service, education, family size, income, and access to credit are influencing the decision of such adoption. In addition to that, economic, technical, ecological and societal reasons were measured for establishing biogas plants. Therefore, this study recommends a change in government approaches and development of extension services, better promotions, adult education and credit facilities to adopt biogas technology in Bangladesh. SN 1364-0321 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 123 AR 109766 DI 10.1016/j.rser.2020.109766 UT WOS:000519737500008 ER PT J AU Yang, Y Meng, GF AF Yang, Yi Meng, Guanfei TI The evolution and research framework of carbon footprint: Based on the perspective of knowledge mapping SO ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS AB Carbon footprint can monitor the degree of human stress on the ecological environment and has been widely used to measure the level of climate change and sustainable development. To systematically sort out and analyse the development history of carbon footprint research, a keyword co-appearance and literature co-citation knowledge mapping has been drawn, the carbon footprint research hotspots, knowledge bases, research frontiers, and research features have been analysed, from Web of Science core database since 2008 as a data source. From the review, by establishing a carbon footprint research framework from the perspectives of both government and market, the problems of regional environmental governance efficiency, fairness mechanisms, and carbon emission rights are analysed under the government-led and market-led approaches and reviewed the development of carbon footprint research methods. In addition, the boundary and the applicability of the carbon footprint accounting methods has been discussed. The results show: (1) China is increasingly becoming an ideal for carbon footprint research due to its varied and complicated problem of climate and environment (2) Future research hotspots will focus more on carbon sinks, land use changes, energy consumption, industrial ecology, buildings, livestock, and international trade. (3) Half-life, burst, and centrality indicate that the knowledge bases of carbon footprint are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emissions Scenarios, ISO14040 (2006) and Livestock's long shadow. (4) The latest international fronts of carbon footprint research focus on the carbon footprint generated in international trade, innovations of methods and discrimination and definition of the theory concept, for example, the expression of carbon footprint means the use of either ecological land area units or physical weight units. (4) The research features are mainly concerned with the carbon footprint application of the multi-region input-output model in international trade, multi-scale assessment of human impact on the environment and sustainable development, and resource-environment effects associated with food loss and waste. SN 1470-160X EI 1872-7034 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 112 AR 106125 DI 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106125 UT WOS:000518385800086 ER PT J AU Buxton, M Cuthbert, RN Dalu, T Nyamukondiwa, C Wasserman, RJ AF Buxton, Mmabaledi Cuthbert, Ross N. Dalu, Tatenda Nyamukondiwa, Casper Wasserman, Ryan J. TI Cattle-induced eutrophication favours disease-vector mosquitoes SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Free-range cattle rearing in arid landscapes contributes profoundly to ecosystem degradation. Cattle dung nutrification in aquatic habitats potentially shapes species diversity and abundance due to resource availability. These nutrient-enriched environments may increase oviposition by mosquitoes and influence proliferation of disease vectors. Here, we examined mosquito larval abundance of Culex pipiens pipiens (culicine) and an unidentified Anopheles (anopheline) species across different concentration treatments of nutrient (cattle dung) loadings (T1-T4: L-1 g L-1, 2 g L-1, 4 g L-1 and 8 g L-1, respectively) in a randomised outdoor mesocosm experiment. The experiment was run for two weeks post-dung inoculation (Day 7 to 21), with mosquito larvae collected (Day 14 and 21), identified and quantified. Higher dung nutrient concentrations significantly increased mosquito larval abundance relative to dung-free controls. Culicine larvae were 26-times more abundant than anopheline on average. Higher dung concentrations also tended to promote more rapid development in larval mosquitoes. With no colonisation by mosquito larvae in the control treatments, we conclude that the input of dung in aquatic ecosystems promotes vector development and abundance with the potential to increase risk of mosquito-borne infections. We therefore recommend sustainable management policies that tackle likely ecological disservices attributable to free-ranging livestock communities. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Dalu, Tatenda/K-3089-2012 OI Dalu, Tatenda/0000-0002-9019-7702; Wasserman, Ryan/0000-0002-4162-1503 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 715 AR 136952 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136952 UT WOS:000518409900025 PM 32007900 ER PT J AU Mamontova, EA Tarasova, EN Mamontov, AA Mamontov, AM AF Mamontova, Elena A. Tarasova, Eugenia N. Mamontov, Alexander A. Mamontov, Anatoliy M. TI Freshwater seal as a source of direct and indirect increased human exposure to persistent organic pollutants in a background area SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB The aim of the study is to investigate POP levels in environmental media (air, snow, soil and sediment), certain food items in the Olkhon district (Irkutsk Region, Russia) and Lake Baikal seal (nerpa) fat and meat in order to define the main pathways of elevated human exposure to POPs in the area. POP levels in soil and air samples and in almost all of the food items from the Olkhon district were comparable to levels in background areas of the Lake Baikal region. Only certain chicken eggs, large fish and blubber of nerpa pups exceeded maximum permissible levels of Sigma DDTs and Sigma HCHs. The combination of elevated levels of POPs in the Baikal nerpa with the use of Baikal nerpa fat (traditional nutritional habits, feed additives, as well as medicine for humans and domestic animals) results in two pathways for POPS to enter the human body: from seals it enters the human body directly, and indirectly from seals to poultry and livestock and then to the human body. Several scenarios of human exposure to POPS including the incidental ingestion of soil, inhalation of air, and ingestion of food were considered. The largest part of POPs enters the human organism through chicken eggs followed by fish and cow's milk in the scenario without the consumption of nerpa meat and blubber. The high consumption rate of fish as well as the consumption of the fat of nerpa pups or melted fat of nerpa increases the daily intake of POPS 1.3-11 times. The indexes of non-cancer risk and total cancer risk were assessed for residents of the Olkhon district and compared with indexes of risk for the average population of Irkutsk Region. Limiting the use of nerpa fat and meat as food and feed supplement reduces the potential human health risk. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Mamontova, Elena/I-2801-2018 OI Mamontova, Elena/0000-0002-1749-7741 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 715 AR 136922 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136922 UT WOS:000518409900067 PM 32041048 ER PT J AU Macias, MDG Carbajal, N Vargas, JT AF Guevara Macias, Maria de Jesus Carbajal, Noel Tuxpan Vargas, Jose TI Soil deterioration in the southern Chihuahuan Desert caused by agricultural practices and meteorological events SO JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS AB In arid and semi-arid regions, unregulated land use changes as a result of poor planning, and the expansion of agricultural and livestock activities increase the risk of desertification and other potentially severe environmental impacts. Several consequences of improper land management practices are soil deterioration and erosion, which may be intensified by meteorological events. This paper presents a historical evaluation of the temporal and spatial evolution of soil deterioration in the southern Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. A multi-temporal analysis of the study area during the 1995-2016 period was carried out using satellite data (Landsat series). Two seasons were analyzed to determine the influence of external events such as rainfall and wind: dry and rainy. The identification of soil conditions was based on the Brightness Index (BI) considering the complete satellite data set. The soil conditions were classified into five categories according to their reflectance values: highly deteriorated, deteriorated, in the process of being deteriorated, in good condition and other (clouds, water, non-soil). The change detection maps clearly show a growing trend wherein areas of deteriorated and eroded soil increase over time. Agriculture and strong winds are the two main factors involved in the soil deterioration process of the study region. OI Tuxpan Vargas, Jose/0000-0001-5167-0205 SN 0140-1963 EI 1095-922X PD MAY PY 2020 VL 176 AR 104097 DI 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2019.104097 UT WOS:000517850300001 ER PT J AU Ghasemi, M Mohammadi, M Sedighi, M AF Ghasemi, Mostafa Mohammadi, Majid Sedighi, Mehdi TI Sustainable production of light olefins from greenhouse gas CO2 over SAPO-34 supported modified cerium oxide SO MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS AB The direct supply of light olefins from CO2 hydrogenation has led to a tremendous interest in its important roles in reducing CO2 emissions. We study here a significantly effective, reliable and multifunctional catalyst, NiCu/CeO2-SAPO-34, capable of directly converting CO2 to light olefins with selectivity up to 76.6% (C2H4 = 22.7%, C3H6 = 35.5%, and C4H8 = 18.4%), while only 2.1% CH4 with CO2 conversion of 15.3% at H-2/CO2 of 3, 12 L. g(cat)(-1) h(-1), 375 degrees C and 20 bar. Under optimum reaction conditions, the CO selectivity is lower than 65%. Physiochemical characterization of the catalyst was performed using BET, NH3-TPD, H-2-TPR, XRD, TEM, and SEM techniques. Compared to the XRD patterns of SAPO-34 and NiCu/CeO2, the composite showed all characteristic XRD peaks of both samples. In addition, our designed hybrid catalyst also has beneficial catalytic stability, which can operate for 90 h without loss of apparent activity. OI Mohammadi, Majid/0000-0002-2944-5308; Ghasemi, Mostafa/0000-0002-1497-1591 SN 1387-1811 EI 1873-3093 PD MAY 1 PY 2020 VL 297 AR 110029 DI 10.1016/j.micromeso.2020.110029 UT WOS:000517854500006 ER PT J AU Yuan, YN Nie, HL Yin, JF Han, YH Lv, YK Yan, HY AF Yuan, Yanan Nie, Hailiang Yin, Junfa Han, Yehong Lv, Yunkai Yan, Hongyuan TI Selective extraction and detection of beta-agonists in swine urine for monitoring illegal use in livestock breeding SO FOOD CHEMISTRY AB The illegal use of beta-agonists often endangers animal-derived food safety. In this study, a selective detection method for beta-agonists in swine urine was established via the combination of polymeric ionic liquid-molecularly imprinted graphene oxide-miniaturized pipette tip solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. It is worth noting that this method relied mainly on the designed adsorbent, which presented a rich adsorption mechanism, fast mass transfer rate, and high selectivity, and was successfully utilized in the selective extraction of beta-agonists from swine urine samples. The proposed method has low LOD (0.20-0.56 ng/mL), high recovery (94.9-107.9%), and high reusability (4 times, 91.9-108.8%), which indicates its high potential as a selective, sensitive, accurate, and nonfatal method for monitoring the illegal use of beta-agonists in the livestock breeding stage. SN 0308-8146 EI 1873-7072 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 313 AR 126155 DI 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.126155 UT WOS:000509390400040 PM 31945701 ER PT J AU Islam, MZ Johannesen, TB Lilje, B Urth, TR Larsen, AR Angen, O Larsen, J AF Islam, Md Zohorul Johannesen, Thor Bech Lilje, Berit Urth, Tinna Ravnholt Larsen, Anders Rhod Angen, Oystein Larsen, Jesper TI Investigation of the human nasal microbiome in persons with long- and short-term exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria from the pig farm environment SO PLOS ONE AB Since its emergence in the early 2000s, livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 398 (LA-MRSA CC398) has led to an increasing number of human infections in Denmark and other European countries with industrial pig production. LA-MRSA CC398 is primarily associated with skin infections among pig farm workers but is also increasingly recognized as a cause of life-threatening disease among elderly and immunocompromised people. Pig farm workers may serve as vehicles for the spread of LA-MRSA CC398 and other farm-origin bacteria between farms and into the general population. Yet, little is known about the bacterial community dynamics in pig farm workers and other persons with long- and short-term exposure to the pig farm environment. To gain insight into this, we investigated the nasal microbiomes in pig farm workers during a workweek on four LA-MRSA CC398-positive pig farms, as well as in short-term visitors two hours before, immediately after, and 48 hours after a 1-hour visit to another LA-MRSA CC398-positive pig farm. S. aureus and LA-MRSA CC398 carriage was quantified by means of culture, and the composition of the bacterial communities was investigated through sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Pig farm workers often carried LA-MRSA CC398 and other bacteria from the pig farm environment, both at work and at home, although at lower levels at home. In contrast, short-term visitors were subject to a less dramatic and rapidly reversible change in the nasal bacterial community composition. These results suggest that pig farm workers may be an important source of LA-MRSA CC398 and perhaps other pathogens of human and veterinary relevance. OI Islam, Md Zohorul/0000-0002-2015-5195 SN 1932-6203 PD APR 30 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0232456 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0232456 UT WOS:000536673200096 PM 32353071 ER PT J AU Ouarti, B Laroche, M Righi, S Meguini, MN Benakhla, A Raoult, D Parola, P AF Ouarti, Basma Laroche, Maureen Righi, Souad Meguini, Mohamed Nadir Benakhla, Ahmed Raoult, Didier Parola, Philippe TI Development of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the identification of lice isolated from farm animals SO PARASITE AB Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is now routinely used for the rapid identification of microorganisms isolated from clinical samples and has been recently successfully applied to the identification of arthropods. In the present study, this proteomics tool was used to identify lice collected from livestock and poultry in Algeria. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of 408 adult specimens were measured for 14 species, including Bovicola bovis, B. ovis, B. caprae, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus africanus, L. vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Menacanthus stramineus, Menopon gallinae, Chelopistes meleagridis, Goniocotes gallinae, Goniodes gigas, Lipeurus caponis and laboratory reared Pediculus humanus corporis. Good quality spectra were obtained for 305 samples. Spectral analysis revealed intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity that were consistent with the morphological classification. A blind test of 248 specimens was performed against the in-lab database upgraded with new spectra and validated using molecular tools. With identification percentages ranging from 76% to 100% alongside high identification scores (mean = 2.115), this study proposes MALDI-TOF MS as an effective tool for discriminating lice species. SN 1252-607X EI 1776-1042 PD APR 30 PY 2020 VL 27 AR 28 DI 10.1051/parasite/2020026 UT WOS:000531309200002 PM 32351208 ER PT J AU Khayyam, U AF Khayyam, Umer TI Floods: impacts on livelihood, economic status and poverty in the north-west region of Pakistan SO NATURAL HAZARDS AB Climate change-induced floods have diversified effects on the physical and economic system of the dwelling societies. These effects mainly hit agricultural livelihood and livestock ending up in poverty. These irreversible damages are associated with high magnitude and frequency of floods, which are common in the South Asian countries. Similarly, Pakistan was hit hard by 2010 floods which were biggest in history as affecting over 20 million people and causing loss of over US$ 10.85 billion. The devastations were extended to rural poor communities of north-western part of Malakand division in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, which were studied in this research on deploying 500 questionnaires at household level. It was to evaluate the extend of damages to livelihood and economic status of locality. Furthermore, this study tried to analyse the rise in poverty level, compared to the situation before inundating event of 2010. The results of cross-tabulation and logistic regressions confirmed that 1% increase in floods led to 0.44%, 0.31% decrease in livelihood and economic status, respectively. It was also found 1% increase in flooding ended up in 1.947% increase in the poverty level at household level. Further, the loss of livelihood resulted in the economic losses due to damages to crops and livestock and caused rise in poverty. The poverty syndrome was coupled with loss of savings and borrowing of funds that further ruined the economic situation of the locality. Conclusively, the flooding was declared to have posed adverse impacts on sustainable livelihood provision and rise in poverty in the area as not yet addressed through any institutional/governmental intervention. OI Khayyam, Dr. Umer/0000-0002-1253-7265 SN 0921-030X EI 1573-0840 PD JUL PY 2020 VL 102 IS 3 BP 1033 EP 1056 DI 10.1007/s11069-020-03944-7 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529728600006 ER PT J AU Kleymann, A Soto, E Illanes, O Malik, YS Fuentealba, C Ghosh, S AF Kleymann, Alyssa Soto, Esteban Illanes, Oscar Malik, Yashpal S. Fuentealba, Carmen Ghosh, Souvik TI High rates of detection and complete genomic analysis of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in the Lesser Antilles island of St. Kitts: Identification of PCV2b-PCV2d recombinants SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Although porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen of swine, there is a lack of information on PCV2 from the Lesser Antilles. In this retrospective study, we report high rates of detection of PCV2 DNA in porcine faecal (41.3%, 26/63) and kidney (32.8%, 20/61) samples from the Lesser Antilles island of St. Kitts. Most of the PCV2-positive faecal samples were from diarrhoeic piglets (23/26), with 15 animals exhibiting stunted growth and/or weight loss. Although the PCV2-positive kidneys were from slaughter age, clinically healthy pigs, microscopically, various degrees of inflammation (mild, moderate or severe) were observed in 18 kidneys. Rotavirus-A, porcine parvovirus and torque teno sus virus were detected in 2, 4 and 14 PCV2-positive samples, respectively. The complete genomes of 18 St. Kitts PCV2 strains were amplified using three overlapping nested PCR assays designed in the present study. By phylogenetic analysis of PCV2 open reading frame 2 (ORF2) and complete genomes, 15 St. Kitts strains were assigned to genotype PCV2b. The remaining three PCV2 strains were identified as PCV2b-PCV2d recombinants, with the involvement of ORF2 in two of the strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report on detection and genotyping of PCV2 strains from the Lesser Antilles. Considering the significant contributions of pig farming to the regional livestock economy and increasing demand for local pork in the Lesser Antilles, our findings emphasize the importance of future studies on surveillance and genotyping of PCV2 in other Caribbean islands of the region. OI Ghosh, Souvik/0000-0001-7581-1033 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13583 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529649000001 PM 32304352 ER PT J AU Willforss, J Leonova, S Tillander, J Andreasson, E Marttila, S Olsson, O Chawade, A Levander, F AF Willforss, J. Leonova, S. Tillander, J. Andreasson, E. Marttila, S. Olsson, O. Chawade, A. Levander, F. TI Interactive proteogenomic exploration of response to Fusarium head blight in oat varieties with different resistance SO JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS AB Fusarium species are cereal pathogens that cause the Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease. FHB can reduce yield, cause mycotoxin accumulation in the grain and reduce germination efficiency of the harvested seeds. Understanding the biochemical interactions between the host plants and the pathogen is crucial for controlling the disease and for the development of cultivars with improved tolerance to FHB. Here, we studied morphological and proteomic differences between the susceptible oat variety Belinda and the more resistant variety Argamak using variety-specific transcriptome assemblies as references. Measurements of deoxynivalenol toxin levels confirmed the partial resistance in Argamak and the susceptibility in Belinda. To jointly investigate the proteomics- and sequence data, we developed an RShiny-based interface for interactive exploration of the dataset using univariate and multivariate statistics. When applying this interface to the dataset, quantitative protein differences between Belinda and Argamak were detected, and eighteen peptides were found uniquely in Argamak during infection, among them several lipoxygenases. Such proteins can be developed as markers for Fusarium resistance breeding. In conclusion, this study provides the first proteogenomic insight on molecular Fusarium-oat interactions at both morphological and molecular levels and the data are openly available through an interactive interface for further inspection. Significance: Fusarium head blight causes widespread damage to crops, and chronic and acute toxicity to human and livestock due to the accumulation of toxins during infection. In the present study, two oat varieties with differing resistance were challenged with Fusarium to understand the disease better, and studied both at morphological and molecular levels, identifying proteins which could play a role in the defense mechanism. Furthermore, a proteogenomics approach allows joint profiling of expression and sequence level differences to identify potentially functionally differing mutations. Here such analysis is made openly available through an interactive interface which allows other scientists to draw further findings from the data. This study may both serve as a basis for understanding oat disease response and developing breeding markers for Fusarium resistant oat and future proteogenomic studies using the interactive approach described. OI Levander, Fredrik/0000-0002-0710-9792 SN 1874-3919 EI 1876-7737 PD APR 30 PY 2020 VL 218 AR 103688 DI 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103688 UT WOS:000527377400001 PM 32061841 ER PT J AU Zewdie, MC Van Passel, S Moretti, M Annys, S Tenessa, DB Ayele, ZA Tsegaye, EA Cools, J Minale, AS Nyssen, J AF Zewdie, Markose Chekol Van Passel, Steven Moretti, Michele Annys, Sofie Tenessa, Daregot Berihun Ayele, Zemen Ayalew Tsegaye, Enyew Adgo Cools, Jan Minale, Amare Sewnet Nyssen, Jan TI Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach SO AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT AB The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers' improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers' improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers' improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies' limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers' improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers' accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information. RI Nyssen, Jan/B-8280-2009; Moretti, Michele/L-9869-2019 OI Nyssen, Jan/0000-0002-2666-3860; Moretti, Michele/0000-0002-8799-9464 SN 0378-3774 EI 1873-2283 PD APR 30 PY 2020 VL 233 AR 106101 DI 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106101 UT WOS:000525291200025 ER PT J AU Rautaray, SK Dubey, R Raychaudhuri, S Pradhan, S Mohanty, S Mohanty, RK Ambast, SK AF Rautaray, Sachin Kanta Dubey, Rachana Raychaudhuri, Sachidulal Pradhan, Sanatan Mohanty, Sheelabhadra Mohanty, Rajeeb Kumar Ambast, Sunil Kumar TI Sustainable agriwaste management at farm level through self-reliant farming system SO WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH AB Annually 500 M t organic wastes are produced in India from the agriculture sector. Transportation of bulky organic manures for centralized collection, processing and distribution to farms is cost prohibitive. Hence, recycling of agricultural wastes using vermicompost technology at the farm level is a practical way of managing agriwaste for meeting the plant nutrient requirement. Our experience with a 1.584 ha farm for three years (2015-2016 to 2017-2018) revealed that 8.1 t vermicompost was produced in three batches from 24 t agriwastes produced within the farm area. The system productivity by recycling these farm generated agriwastes and run-off water was 18.05 t (approximate to 11.4 t ha(-1)) rice equivalent yield which was higher by 2.6 times as compared to rice fallow (4.46 t ha(-1)). Also, the net return from this system (Indian rupees 70141 ha(-1)) was higher by 2.3 times, after considering the fixed cost towards construction of a water recycling pond. An increase in carbon stock in soil for the four years study period was 0.66 Mg ha(-1) year(-1) with the agriwaste recycling system under organic nutrition. For the inorganic fertilizer plot, the increase in carbon stock was 0.53 Mg ha(-1) year(-1). A decrease in bulk density from 1.56 to 1.46 Mg m(-3), increase in water holding capacity from 0.43 to 0.52 cm(3) cm(-3) and increase in available P and K content in soil from 38.0 and 174.7 kg ha(-1) to 45.8 and 186.5 kg ha(-1), respectively, were noted. Thus, recycling of agricultural waste at the farm level is useful in improving soil health and crop productivity. OI Rautaray, Sachin/0000-0002-4320-9782 SN 0734-242X EI 1096-3669 AR 0734242X20920350 DI 10.1177/0734242X20920350 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000533929600001 PM 32347193 ER PT J AU Ball, L Tzanopoulos, J AF Ball, Lawrence Tzanopoulos, Joseph TI Livestock browsing affects the species composition and structure of cloud forest in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman SO APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE AB Questions It is frequently reported that overstocking of camels, cattle and goats is degrading the Anogeissus cloud forest, which is endemic to a 200-km stretch of coastal mountains in southern Arabia. However, livestock impacts on the vegetation have not been assessed. Furthermore, we have a limited understanding of the impacts of large-bodied browsing livestock, such as camels, in woodland and forest rangelands. Therefore, in this study, we examine the effects of livestock browsing on the species composition, density, and phytomorphology of woody vegetation in the Anogeissus cloud forests in the Dhofar Mountains of Oman. Location Data were collected at 30 sites in the Jabal Qamar mountain range in western Dhofar, Oman. Methods The point-centred quarter method was used to sample the composition, density and structure of woody vegetation. Constrained correspondence analysis was used to quantify the effects of livestock browsing on woody plant species composition, whilst effects on plant density were analysed using mixed-effects models. Standardised major axis regression was used to examine differences in height-diameter allometry (stunting) under different stocking rates. Results Fog density, topographic position and long-term stocking rates were found to be important factors affecting woody species composition. We found lower species diversity and plant density, and higher frequencies of unpalatable species, under higher stocking rates. Juveniles showed a stronger response to stocking rates than adults, and several common species exhibited stunted morphology under high stocking rates. Conclusions Browsing by large-bodied livestock, such as camels and cattle, can substantially alter the species composition, structure, and phytomorphology of woody vegetation in semi-arid woodlands and forests. Juveniles are particularly susceptible to browsing which alters woody vegetation demography and inhibits regeneration potential. Our results support previous suggestions of overstocking in Dhofar and highlight the importance of swift measures to reduce livestock browsing pressure in the Anogeissus cloud forests. OI Ball, Lawrence/0000-0003-0549-3345; Tzanopoulos, Joseph/0000-0002-3322-2019 SN 1402-2001 EI 1654-109X DI 10.1111/avsc.12493 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529301700001 ER PT J AU Pareja-Carrera, J Rodriguez-Estival, J Mateo, R Martinez-Haro, M AF Pareja-Carrera, Jennifer Rodriguez-Estival, Jaime Mateo, Rafael Martinez-Haro, Monica TI In vitro assessment of mineral blocks as a cost-effective measure to reduce oral bioavailability of lead (Pb) in livestock SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Soil contamination in former mining districts is a persistent problem resulting from the historic lack of legal requirements as regards land restoration after mine closures. Much of this polluted land is currently being used worldwide for livestock and big game production, with the consequent health risks for the animals exposed and the subsequent threats to food safety. Soil remediation and restoration may be unfeasible or difficult to accomplish in the short term when pollution affects large territories and other alternatives must, therefore, be explored in order to reduce the probability of grazing animals being exposed to this contamination. In this paper, we study the use of mineral blocks (MBs) as a potential alternative by which to reduce the oral bioavailability of lead (Pb) in polluted soils by means of a simplified in vitro assay simulating gastrointestinal pH conditions. Experiments were carried out with twelve commercial MBs of different compositions in order to identify the most useful to be tested in further in vivo bioavailability studies. The results showed that one of them reduced the bioaccessibility of Pb from polluted soil by 88.2% and 75.9% under gastric and intestinal conditions, respectively, when compared with assays containing only polluted soil without MBs. The MB in question had the highest phosphorus content (7%) and one of the highest calcium contents (10%) of all those tested. Furthermore, negative correlations were detected between the content of calcium and phosphorus in the MBs and the percentage of bioaccessible Pb under gastric conditions, and between phosphorus and bioaccessible Pb under intestinal conditions. The use of MBs with a high phosphorus and calcium content should consequently be tested in vivo as a cost-effective (euro 0.6-1.5/sheep/month) tool by which to reduce the bioavailability of Pb for extensive grazing livestock reared in contaminated areas. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08898-8 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529490200003 PM 32347506 ER PT J AU Wang, L DelgadoBaquerizo, M Zhao, X Zhang, MN Song, YQ Cai, JT Chang, Q Li, ZQ Chen, Y Liu, JS Zhu, H Wang, DL Han, GD Liang, CZ Wang, CJ Xin, XP AF Wang, Ling DelgadoBaquerizo, Manuel Zhao, Xuan Zhang, Minna Song, Yueqing Cai, Jinting Chang, Qing Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Ying Liu, Jushan Zhu, Hui Wang, Deli Han, Guodong Liang, Cunzhu Wang, Chengjie Xin, Xiaoping TI Livestock overgrazing disrupts the positive associations between soil biodiversity and nitrogen availability SO FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY AB Livestock overgrazing influences both microbial communities and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the role of overgrazing in regulating the relationship between soil biodiversity and nitrogen availability remains largely unexplored. We performed long-term grazing exclusion experiments across eight sites along precipitation gradient covering three major types of grassland in northern China to compare the linkage between soil microbial diversity and N availability in overgrazed versus non-grazed conditions. We found a significantly positive association between fungal diversity and soil available N in non-grazed grasslands. However, the positive association was absent in overgrazed environments. Bacterial diversity is not related to soil available N in either non-grazed or overgrazed grasslands. Moreover, in bacterial community, we found a positive link between the relative abundance of Actinobacteria with soil available N in non-grazed, but not overgrazed, grasslands. Instead we found the links between relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria with soil available N in overgrazed grasslands, but not non-grazed, grasslands. Synthesis. Our work provides evidence that the relationships between microbial diversity and ecosystem functions are context-dependent, and so microbial community diversity is likely not the major driver of soil N mineralization in overgrazed grasslands. Our study suggests that high intensity anthropogenic activities in grasslands restrains the capacity of diverse soil microbial communities to sustain ecosystem function, and more broadly the capacity of entire ecosystems to maintain important ecosystem processes such as plant production. Our study also indicates that the fundamental microbial communities associated with N availability change with differing land management strategies (e.g. livestock grazing). A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. OI DELGADO-BAQUERIZO, MANUEL/0000-0002-6499-576X; , ling/0000-0002-2276-9529 SN 0269-8463 EI 1365-2435 DI 10.1111/1365-2435.13575 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529250200001 ER PT J AU Cortes, L Perez-Won, M Lemus-Mondaca, R Giovagnoli-Vicuna, C Uribe, E AF Cortes, Lionel Perez-Won, Mario Lemus-Mondaca, Roberto Giovagnoli-Vicuna, Claudia Uribe, Elsa TI Quality properties and mathematical modeling of vinasse films obtained under different conditions SO JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION AB Vinasse (pisco distillation waste) is a promising feedstock for developing new high value-added bioproducts because it is supporting sustainable production as an agroindustrial by-product. The aims of this study were to evaluate experimental drying curves (60 degrees C and 80 degrees C); mathematical modeling of films and the effect of the drying conditions on quality properties of vinasse films plasticized with glycerol at different pH. The results indicated that as the drying temperature increased, the moisture ratio decreased for all films. The Weibull model obtained the best-fit quality of experimental results. The effective moisture diffusivity varied between 2.234 and 2.513 x 10(-11) m(2)/s. The optimal conditions were found at 80 degrees C and pH 11 for films. Under these conditions, the films presented a higher tensile strength (26.54 MPa), lower elongation at break (6.82%), and a higher Young ' s Modulus (385.32 MPa). Thus, vinasse films could be used as packaging or coating materials in the food industry. Practical applications Currently, one of the most relevant challenges is the valorization of agroindustrial wastes, since promoting the sustainability and bioconversion of agro-industrial residues. In the case of the winery, this produces high amounts of wastes per annum in the different processes of production. These wastes can represent important environmental problems caused by their composition and organic burden. Therefore, the agro-industrial liquid residue generated in the distillation step from wine for pisco elaboration in Chile can be to able an opportunity for the valorization of this waste as biofilms or coatings. OI Giovagnoli-Vicuna, Claudia/0000-0001-5840-5439 SN 0145-8892 EI 1745-4549 AR e14477 DI 10.1111/jfpp.14477 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529180800001 ER PT J AU Vilke, R Gedminaite-Raudone, Z Vidickiene, D AF Vilke, Rita Gedminaite-Raudone, Zivile Vidickiene, Dalia TI Collaboration for the socially responsible development of rural regions: biogas production in Lithuanian farms SO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JOURNAL AB Purpose This paper aims to examine the collaboration of livestock farming business with other three groups of actors and explore the gap between expectations and reality concerning biogas production as collaborative innovation for the socially responsible development of rural regions in Lithuania. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the concept of the Quadruple Helix, which focusses on innovation, viewed as a process involving increasingly closer interactions and coordination among the following four groups of actors of the helix: government, academia, industry and civil society. Scientific literature analysis and generalization, expert interview and focus group methods were used to generate data for analysis. Data were collected during the period of July-November 2018 in Lithuania. Findings The research results reveal that the greatest gap among expectations and the actual situation in collaboration for socially responsible innovation, biogas production - is observed among non-governmental organizations as representatives of civil society and all other questioned Quadruple Helix actors, whereas the government had been recognized as a most isolated part of the collaboration for innovation in biogas in Lithuania. Research limitations/implications This paper presents empirical findings, based on qualitative data, collected in one EU new member state, i.e. Lithuania. International comparative perspectives are given in other related papers. Research findings are promising for further research in the field of socially responsible development of rural regions using the Quadruple Helix approach to foster collaboration for modern circular economy innovation both from theoretical and empirical points of view. Practical implications The methodology might be used for practitioners to research collaboration excellence/gaps in any field of activity. Social implications The research takes into account the public interest from a very broad point of view - how to develop rural regions in a socially responsible way by using already established innovations in biogas in livestock farms by giving another dimension of socially responsible collaboration for innovation. Originality/value The paper proposes using the original Quadruple Helix approach to foster the socially responsible development of rural regions, thus enlarging the scope of the theory of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the newly emerged discourse in the field. Socially responsible development of rural regions with the use of collaboration for circular innovations has been absent from theoretical to empirical CSR research. SN 1747-1117 EI 1758-857X DI 10.1108/SRJ-07-2019-0235 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529318100001 ER PT J AU Beigh, YA Ganai, AM Rather, MA Athar, H Hamdani, SA AF Beigh, Yasir Afzal Ganai, Abdul Majeed Rather, Mohammad Ashraf Athar, Hakim Hamdani, Shabeer Ahmad TI Livestock feed resources availability, feeding practices, and nutrient balances in high Himalaya (Gurez) valley of Kashmir SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB Assessment of the ruminant livestock feed sources availability, existing feeding practices, and nutrient balances was embarked at different zones of Gurez valley of Kashmir in two major seasons (summer and winter). A baseline survey was conducted to obtain the information in three zones, viz., Lower, Middle and Upper Gurez. The study was carried out in three villages in each zone where seven farmer families per village were selected randomly for the study. A total of 63 households owning livestock were interviewed to collect the information and the samples of available animal feeds and fodders fed during the seasons for chemical analysis. Daily nutrient intakes were calculated and compared with the standard requirements to determine the nutrient balances of livestock during the seasons. The main crops cultivated only during summer season were pulses (98.41%), maize (95.24%), and potatoes (90.48%), while few farmers in Lower and Middle Gurez also sow oats (42.86%) and had apple orchards (17.46%), the by-products and wastes of which were utilized as livestock feeds. The only fodder crop cultivated throughout Gurez was maize. During winter, due to very harsh climatic conditions, no agricultural activities are being carried out, as such greenery perishes from the scenario. Feed resources availability to the livestock varied according to the season. Animals relied mainly on natural grazing resources available overabundant during summer and remained undernourished due to very limited feed resources during winter when completely stall-fed. Most of the farmers offered tree foliage (92%) and practiced concentrate feed (86%) supplementation to their animals particularly during winter season (96%). Farmers (87%) were preparing concentrate feed at home by blending ingredients available with them. Only 6% of the farmers supplemented the diet of animals with mineral mixture. Nutrient intakes through different feed resources were in excess during summer, while non-availability of green fodder during winter leads to considerable nutritional deficit in quantity, as well as quality. It is concluded that lack of technical know-how among the animal rearers regarding livestock feeding strategies and winter season feed/fodder scarcity are the major constraints that limit livestock productivity. It is therefore suggested that there is a dire need for nutritional innovations to increase fodder production as well as adoption of fodder conservation and feeding strategies for ensuring year-round availability of animal feeds if sustainable livestock production is to be met in the high Himalaya Gurez valley of Kashmir. OI Beigh, Yasir Afzal/0000-0002-2814-9179 SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 DI 10.1007/s11250-020-02273-y EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529584900002 PM 32350819 ER PT J AU Barazesh, A Sarkari, B Shahabi, S Halidi, AG Ekici, A Aydemir, S Mahami-Oskouei, M AF Barazesh, Afshin Sarkari, Bahador Shahabi, Saeed Halidi, Ahmed Galip Ekici, Abdurrahman Aydemir, Selahattin Mahami-Oskouei, Mahmoud TI Genetic Diversity of Echinococcus granulosus Isolated from Humans: A Comparative Study in Two Cystic Echinococcosis Endemic Areas, Turkey and Iran SO BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL AB Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Based on molecular studies and DNA sequencing, E. granulosus has been classified into 10 different genotypes (G1 to G10). Two neighboring countries, Turkey and Iran, are considered the two main foci of CE in the Middle East. The current study is aimed at examining the genotype diversity of E. granulosus isolated from human clinical samples in Turkey and Iran. Surgically removed human hydatid cysts were collected from East Azerbaijan and Fars provinces in Iran and Van province in Turkey. After extracting DNA, performing PCR, targeting the cox1 gene, the PCR products were purified from the gel and were sequenced from both directions. The sequences were aligned and compared, using BioEdit and also the BLAST program of GenBank. The maximum likelihood tree was constructed based on the Tamura-Nei model, using the MEGAX software. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the human isolated samples were classified into two major clades: G1 (from Iran and Turkey) and G3 (5 samples from northwestern Iran and one sample from Turkey). The mean and degree of genetic divergence (K2P) between the two major clades, G1 and G3, were 0.2% and 0.7 +/- 0.4%, respectively. The findings of the current study revealed that the sheep strain (G1) and the less important strain G3 have major roles in the transmission cycle of CE in two neighboring countries, Iran and Turkey. Therefore, it is necessary to interpose the life cycle of this parasite and reduce the disease burden in livestock and humans by adopting common regional preventive and control policies. OI HALIDI, AHMED GALIP/0000-0002-1780-6671; Shahriari (Sarkari), Bahador/0000-0003-2045-9057; AYDEMIR, SELAHATTIN/0000-0002-0941-2779; Barazesh, Afshin/0000-0002-1959-9127 SN 2314-6133 EI 2314-6141 PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 2020 AR 3054195 DI 10.1155/2020/3054195 UT WOS:000533299200001 PM 32420334 ER PT J AU Yin, C Fan, XP Yan, GC Chen, H Ye, MJ Ni, L Peng, HY Ran, W Zhao, YH Li, TQ Wakelin, SA Liang, YC AF Yin, Chang Fan, Xiaoping Yan, Guochao Chen, Hao Ye, Mujun Ni, Liang Peng, Hongyun Ran, Wei Zhao, Yuhua Li, Tingqiang Wakelin, Steven A. Liang, Yongchao TI Gross N2O Production Process, Not Consumption, Determines the Temperature Sensitivity of Net N2O Emission in Arable Soil Subject to Different Long-Term Fertilization Practices SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB Chronic amendment of agricultural soil with synthetic nitrogen fertilization and/or livestock manure has been demonstrated to enhance the feedback intensity of net N2O emission to temperature variation (i.e., temperature sensitivity, TS). Yet few studies have explored the relevance of changes in underlying gross N2O production and consumption processes toward explaining this phenomenon, in particular for the latter. Furthermore, the microbe-based mechanisms associated with the variation of N2O consumption process remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, a temperature- (15, 25, and 35 degrees C) and moisture-controlled (50% water holding capacity) microcosm incubation experiment was established using an arable soil subject to long-term addition of synthetic fertilizer (NPK), a mixture of synthetic fertilizer with livestock manure (MNPK), or with no fertilizer treatment (CT). Over the incubation time period, the C2H2 inhibition method was adopted to monitor reaction rates of gross N2O production and consumption; the population sizes and community structures of nosZI- and nosZII-N2O reducers were analyzed using quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). The results indicated that only NPK significantly increased the TS of net N2O emission, and gross N2O consumption process consistently occurred under all treatment combinations (temperature and fertilization) at each sampling time point. The responses of gross N2O production and consumption processes to temperature elevation exhibited fertilization- and sampling time-dependent pattern, and the higher net N2O production TS in the NPK treatment was underlain by its higher TS of gross production process and insensitivity of gross consumption process to temperature. The size and structure of nosZII-N2O reducers, as well as the community structure of nosZI-N2O reducers, were positively correlated with variation of gross N2O production and consumption rates across all fertilization regimes. NosZII-N2O reducer abundance was less responsive to temperature change, and its community structure less susceptible to fertilization, as compared with nosZI-N2O reducers. Overall, our results demonstrate that the TS of the gross N2O production process, not gross consumption, is the key step regulating the TS of net N2O production, and both nosZI- and nosZII-N2O clades are likely active N2O reducers in the tested soil. OI Yan, Guochao/0000-0001-8784-0229 SN 1664-302X PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 745 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00745 UT WOS:000533381700001 PM 32411109 ER PT J AU Fernandez-Mena, H MacDonald, GK Pellerin, S Nesme, T AF Fernandez-Mena, Hugo MacDonald, Graham K. Pellerin, Sylvain Nesme, Thomas TI Co-benefits and Trade-Offs From Agro-Food System Redesign for Circularity: A Case Study With the FAN Agent-Based Model SO FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AB Realizing more sustainable food, feed, and bioenergy systems will require interventions such as increased recycling of nutrients and coordination of biomass flows among farms. Innovative tools to explore the co-benefits and trade-offs of improving flow circularity in agro-food systems at different scales are needed to better understand the efficacy of these sustainability solutions. Here, we applied the FAN ("Flows in Agro-food Networks") agent-based model to simulate contrasting scenarios of material flows locally in a small farming region of France. These scenarios aim to enhance: (1) best management practices at the farm scale; (2) organic material recycling and biogas production collectively across the agricultural landscape; and (3) system redesign toward complete local circularity through crop and livestock symbiosis, fewer livestock, and elimination of external inputs. Scenario simulation outcomes are assessed in terms of their degree of circularity and food production. We find that best management practices at the farm scale and collective solutions for recycling (organic fertilization and anaerobic digestion) substantially improved the degree of circularity by tightening the local nitrogen (N) cycle without affecting food production. Among other co-benefits, changes in farm rotations to feed livestock locally increased the degree of circularity without appreciably impacting food production. The maximum circularity scenario showed considerable potential to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, however, they involved large trade-offs with food production that were even more pronounced with fewer livestock animals. Although regulating livestock numbers combined with eliminating chemical fertilizers was the most effective at mitigating GHG emissions, when applied simultaneously it substantially impacted food and bioenergy production. Such trade-offs for soil fertility demonstrate the importance of coupling crops and livestock for reaching self-sufficient circular systems. Our study illustrates how the FAN agent-based model can be applied to account for multiple types of interactions involved in transitions toward circularity in local agro-food systems, including the potential for co-benefits, and unintended consequences of interventions. EI 2571-581X PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 4 AR UNSP 41 DI 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00041 UT WOS:000533393700001 ER PT J AU Jang, YH Kim, TW Jeong, MK Seo, YJ Ryoo, S Park, CH Kang, SS Lee, YJ Yoon, SS Kim, JM AF Jang, Yun-Ho Kim, Tae-woon Jeong, Min Kyu Seo, Yoon Jeong Ryoo, Soyoon Park, Chan Ho Kang, Sin Seok Lee, Young Ju Yoon, Soon-Seek Kim, Jae Myung TI Introduction and Application of the Interferon-gamma Assay in the National Bovine Tuberculosis Control Program in South Korea SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease impacting both public health and the livestock industry. The interferon (IFN)-gamma assay has been introduced as an ancillary test for diagnosing bovine tuberculosis to overcome limitations of the skin test. The objective of this study was to assess the IFN-gamma assay in terms of diagnostics and as a nationwide surveillance program in South Korea. From 2012 to 2013, cattle (n = 120) with bovine tuberculosis and cattle (n = 426) from bovine tuberculosis free herds were subjected to the IFN-gamma assay to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the assay, respectively, depending on various cut-offs (0-3.5). When optical density of the cut-off was 0.1, the sensitivity and specificity were found to be 81.7% (74.7-88.6) and 99.5% (98.9-100.0), respectively. After introducing the IFN-gamma assay as part of the national control program, the IFN-gamma assay and single caudal fold skin test data were collected from 47 regional veterinary services to compare the results of these two tests. Overall, the agreement between the IFN-gamma assay and the single caudal fold skin test (n = 492,068) was 98.2%, and Cohen's kappa value for the two methods was 0.47. Serial and parallel use of the IFN-gamma assay and skin test for the bovine tuberculosis control program were compared using samples (n = 91) from cattle confirmed as bovine tuberculosis positive in laboratories from 2014 to 2016. Parallel screening for bTB showed much higher sensitivity (86/91, 94.5%) than the following screening approaches: serial (47.2%, 43/91), single screening using CFT (63.7%, 58/91), or the IFN-gamma assay (78.0%, 71/91). These results indicate that the IFN-gamma assay and single caudal fold skin test are complementary to each other; therefore, parallel use of these two tests is considered a useful approach to reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in South Korea. EI 2297-1769 PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 222 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00222 UT WOS:000533415500001 PM 32411741 ER PT J AU Raymond, B Wientjes, YCJ Bouwman, AC Schrooten, C Veerkamp, RF AF Raymond, Biaty Wientjes, Yvonne C. J. Bouwman, Aniek C. Schrooten, Chris Veerkamp, Roel F. TI A deterministic equation to predict the accuracy of multi-population genomic prediction with multiple genomic relationship matrices SO GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION AB Background: A multi-population genomic prediction (GP) model in which important pre-selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are differentially weighted (MPMG) has been shown to result in better prediction accuracy than a multi-population, single genomic relationship matrix (GRM) GP model (MPSG) in which all SNPs are weighted equally. Our objective was to underpin theoretically the advantages and limits of the MPMG model over the MPSG model, by deriving and validating a deterministic prediction equation for its accuracy. Methods: Using selection index theory, we derived an equation to predict the accuracy of estimated total genomic values of selection candidates from population A (r(EGVAT)), when individuals from two populations, A and B, are combined in the training population and two GRM, made respectively from pre-selected and remaining SNPs, are fitted simultaneously in MPMG. We used simulations to validate the prediction equation in scenarios that differed in the level of genetic correlation between populations, heritability, and proportion of genetic variance explained by the pre-selected SNPs. Empirical accuracy of the MPMG model in each scenario was calculated and compared to the predicted accuracy from the equation. Results: In general, the derived prediction equation resulted in accurate predictions of r(EGVAT) for the scenarios evaluated. Using the prediction equation, we showed that an important advantage of the MPMG model over the MPSG model is its ability to benefit from the small number of independent chromosome segments (M-e) due to the pre-selected SNPs, both within and across populations, whereas for the MPSG model, there is only a single value for M-e, calculated based on all SNPs, which is very large. However, this advantage is dependent on the pre-selected SNPs that explain some proportion of the total genetic variance for the trait. Conclusions: We developed an equation that gives insight into why, and under which conditions the MPMG outperforms the MPSG model for GP. The equation can be used as a deterministic tool to assess the potential benefit of combining information from different populations, e.g., different breeds or lines for GP in livestock or plants, or different groups of people based on their ethnic background for prediction of disease risk scores. OI Bouwman, Aniek/0000-0001-5079-7108 SN 0999-193X EI 1297-9686 PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 52 IS 1 AR 21 DI 10.1186/s12711-020-00540-y UT WOS:000531579400001 PM 32345213 ER PT J AU Ford, L Stratakos, AC Theodoridou, K Dick, JTA Sheldrake, GN Linton, M Corcionivoschi, N Walsh, PJ AF Ford, Lauren Stratakos, Alexandros Ch Theodoridou, Katerina Dick, Jaimie T. A. Sheldrake, Gary N. Linton, Mark Corcionivoschi, Nicolae Walsh, Pamela J. TI Polyphenols from Brown Seaweeds as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent in Animal Feeds SO ACS OMEGA AB Seaweeds offer a natural source of antimicrobials that may help curb antibiotic resistance in livestock. The antibacterial activity of phlorotannin extracts isolated from two brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus serratus was tested. The mechanism of action of phlorotannin extracts against Escherichia coli 0157, Salmonella agona, and Streptococcus suis was elucidated by observing cell membrane permeability and intra-cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The two extracts were effective at killing three foodborne pathogens without negatively affecting the pig intestinal cells. A. nodosum minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range for the different pathogens was between 1.56 and 0.78 mg/mL, whereas F. serratus was 3.13 mg/mL for all pathogens tested. A. nodosum was found to be much more potent compared to F. serratus. The difference in potency in the seaweeds may be a result of the phlorotannins' structural linkages. The antimicrobial properties of the seaweed extracts tested may provide alternative and complementary treatments to antibiotics and zinc oxide in animal feeds. The seasonal screening was performed on both species to assess the availability of phenolics throughout the year using two quantification methods, the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The variation between the methods highlights the challenges involved in the quantification of complex phenolic structures. However, both methods show that the phenolics are subject to seasonal variation, which may prove problematic to the animal feed industry. OI Corcionivoschi, Nicolae/0000-0002-3011-3108; Walsh, Pamela/0000-0003-0591-8577; Ford, Lauren/0000-0003-2350-8678 SN 2470-1343 PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 5 IS 16 BP 9093 EP 9103 DI 10.1021/acsomega.9b03687 UT WOS:000529926400006 PM 32363261 ER PT J AU Agyabeng-Mensah, Y Ahenkorah, E Afum, E Owusu, D AF Agyabeng-Mensah, Yaw Ahenkorah, Esther Afum, Ebenezer Owusu, Dallas TI The influence of lean management and environmental practices on relative competitive quality advantage and performance SO JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AB Purpose Firms are adopting strategies to advance product quality and environmental sustainability to achieve improved profitability and shareholders' wealth. The study investigates strategies that create a superior quality performance to competitors and improve both environmental and business performances. This paper explores the direct and indirect influence of lean management and environmental practices on relative competitive quality advantage, environmental performance and business performance. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a quantitative method where data is gathered from 259 manufacturing firms in Ghana. The data is gathered through customized questionnaires. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 3.2.8) is used to analyze the data. Firm size, industry type and importance of environmental issues are used as control variables in this study. Findings The findings of the study indicate that both lean management and environmental practices create relative competitive quality advantage and improve environmental performance and business performance. Environmental performance and relative competitive quality advantage mediate the influence of lean management and environmental practices on business performance. The results further indicate that lean management creates a higher relative competitive quality advantage than environmental practices, while environmental practices have more potency to enhance environmental performance than lean management. Originality/value The study develops and proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework that examines the potency of environmental practices and lean management in creating a relative competitive quality advantage and improving environmental performance and business performance from a Ghanaian perspective, which is an emerging economy in Africa. Lean management and environmental practices may jointly help firms create relative competitive advantage and improve environmental performance to enhance business performance. SN 1741-038X EI 1758-7786 DI 10.1108/JMTM-12-2019-0443 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000530062300001 ER PT J AU Dutta, A Islam, MZ Barua, H Rana, EA Jalal, MS Dhar, PK Das, A Das, T Sarma, SM Biswas, SK Biswas, PK AF Dutta, Avijit Islam, Md. Zohorul Barua, Himel Rana, Eaftekhar Ahmed Jalal, Mohammad Shah Dhar, Pangkaj Kumar Das, Avijit Das, Tridip Sarma, Sabuj Manohar Biswas, Sanjoy Kanti Biswas, Paritosh Kumar TI Acquisition of Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 in Escherichia coli of Livestock Origin in Bangladesh SO MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE AB Aims: To investigate plasmid-borne colistin resistance mechanism (plasmid-mediated colistin resistance [mcr-1]) in Escherichia coli of human, veterinary, and environmental origin in Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A total of 810 samples were collected from different sources. Isolation and identification of E. coli was performed using classical bacteriology and then tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Colistin-resistant isolates were further analyzed for mcr-1 gene using PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using microbroth dilution technique. After sequencing of mcr-1 gene, phylogenetics was conducted to see the relationship with other mcr-1 gene sequences. Results: A total of 358 E. coli were isolated from 810 samples of humans, animals, environment, and food in Bangladesh. Of them 49 (15.9%) isolates were phenotypically resistant to colistin and 254 (70.9%) were resistant to multiple antimicrobials. mcr-1 gene was detected in three E. coli isolates of poultry source. For the three mcr-1 positive isolates the MIC of colistin sulfate was 4, 8, and 128 mu g/mL. Gene sequencing of two of the three mcr-1 positive isolates and phylogenetic analysis showed close similarities of one isolate to other mcr-1 sequences available at GenBank while the other appeared to have evolved locally. Conclusion: First-ever report on circulation of mcr-1 E. coli of livestock origin in Bangladesh. OI Dhar, Pangkaj Kumar/0000-0002-9595-9980; Das, Tridip/0000-0001-5642-4150 SN 1076-6294 EI 1931-8448 DI 10.1089/mdr.2019.0304 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529988000001 PM 32349645 ER PT J AU Matte, A Waquil, PD AF Matte, Alessandra Waquil, Paulo Dabdab TI Productive changes in Brazilian Pampa: impacts, vulnerabilities and coping strategies SO NATURAL HAZARDS AB This study sought to evaluate to what extent the expansion of both soybean cultivation and forestry plantation (tree plantations) over the Pampa biome in southern Brazil may represent a situation of vulnerability for cattle farmers who traditionally occupy these lands. The study sought to determine the impacts of these activities on the farmers' livelihoods, as well as the coping and adaptation strategies adopted by these farmers to deal with such impacts. During field research, 60 livestock farmers were interviewed, 22% of whom consider soybeans a vulnerability, revealing a contentious and controversial scenario that divides perceptions about this activity. On the other hand, forestry plantation is considered a vulnerability by 82% of the interviewed livestock farmers, being interpreted as a threat to the reproduction of livestock farming. OI Matte, Alessandra/0000-0002-0502-6643 SN 0921-030X EI 1573-0840 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 102 IS 1 BP 469 EP 488 DI 10.1007/s11069-020-03934-9 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529482900002 ER PT J AU Muthusamy, S Vetukuri, RR Lundgren, A Ganji, S Zhu, LH Brodelius, PE Kanagarajan, S AF Muthusamy, Saraladevi Vetukuri, Ramesh R. Lundgren, Anneli Ganji, Suresh Zhu, Li-Hua Brodelius, Peter E. Kanagarajan, Selvaraju TI Transient expression and purification of beta-caryophyllene synthase in Nicotiana benthamiana to produce beta-caryophyllene in vitro SO PEERJ AB The sesquiterpene beta-caryophyllene is an ubiquitous component in many plants that has commercially been used as an aroma in cosmetics and perfumes. Recent studies have shown its potential use as a therapeutic agent and biofuel. Currently, beta-caryophyllene is isolated from large amounts of plant material. Molecular farming based on the Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression system may be used for a more sustainable production of beta-caryophyllene. In this study, a full-length cDNA of a new duplicated beta-caryophyllene synthase from Artemisia annua (AaCPS1) was isolated and functionally characterized. In order to produce beta-caryophyllene in vitro, the AaCPS1 was cloned into a plant viral-based vector pEAQ-HT. Subsequently, the plasmid was transferred into the Agrobacterium and agroinfiltrated into N. benthamiana leaves. The AaCPS1 expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR at different time points after agroinfiltration. The highest level of transcripts was observed at 9 days post infiltration (dpi). The AaCPS1 protein was extracted from the leaves at 9 dpi and purified by cobalt-nitrilotriacetate (Co-NTA) affinity chromatography using histidine tag with a yield of 89 mg kg(-1). fresh weight of leaves. The protein expression of AaCPS1 was also confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot analyses. AaCPS1 protein uses farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) as a substrate to produce p-caryophyllene. Product identification and determination of the activity of purified AaCPS1 were done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS results revealed that the AaCPS1 produced maximum 26.5 +/- 1 mg of P-caryophyllene per kilogram fresh weight of leaves after assaying with FPP for 6 h. Using AaCPS1 as a proof of concept, we demonstrate that N. benthamiana can be considered as an expression system for production of plant proteins that catalyze the formation of valuable chemicals for industrial applications. OI Ganji, Suresh/0000-0002-8849-9883 SN 2167-8359 PD APR 28 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8904 DI 10.7717/peerj.8904 UT WOS:000529067400002 PM 32377446 ER PT J AU Roed, KH Kvie, KS Losey, RJ Kosintsev, PA Hufthammer, AK Dwyer, MJ Goncharov, V Klokov, KB Arzyutov, DV Plekhanov, A Anderson, DG AF Roed, Knut H. Kvie, Kjersti S. Losey, Robert J. Kosintsev, Pavel A. Hufthammer, Anne K. Dwyer, Mark J. Goncharov, Vasiliy Klokov, Konstantin B. Arzyutov, Dmitry V. Plekhanov, Andrei Anderson, David G. TI Temporal and structural genetic variation in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) associated with the pastoral transition in Northwestern Siberia SO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AB Just as the domestication of livestock is often cited as a key element in the Neolithic transition to settled, the emergence of large-scaled reindeer husbandry was a fundamental social transformation for the indigenous peoples of Arctic Eurasia. To better understand the history of reindeer domestication, and the genetic processes associated with the pastoral transition in the Eurasian Arctic, we analyzed archaeological and contemporary reindeer samples from Northwestern Siberia. The material represents Rangifer genealogies spanning from 15,000 years ago to the 18th century, as well as modern samples from the wild Taimyr population and from domestic herds managed by Nenetses. The wild and the domestic population are the largest populations of their kind in Northern Eurasia, and some Nenetses hold their domestic reindeer beside their wild cousins. Our analyses of 197 modern and 223 ancient mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed two genetic clusters, which are interpreted as representing the gene pools of contemporary domestic and past wild reindeer. Among a total of 137 different mitochondrial haplotypes identified in both the modern and archaeological samples, only 21 were detected in the modern domestic gene pool, while 11 of these were absent from the wild gene pool. The significant temporal genetic shift that we associate with the pastoral transition suggests that the emergence and spread of reindeer pastoralism in Northwestern Siberia originated with the translocation and subsequent selective breeding of a special type of animal from outside the region. The distinct and persistent domestic characteristics of the haplotype structure since the 18th century suggests little genetic exchange since then. The absence of the typical domestic clade in modern nearby wild populations suggests that the contemporary Nenets domestic breed feature an ancestry from outside its present main distribution, possibly from further South. SN 2045-7758 DI 10.1002/ece3.6314 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529091400001 ER PT J AU Sakita, GZ Bompadre, TFV Dineshkumar, D Lima, PDT Abdalla, AL Campioni, TS Neto, PD Neto, HB Louvandini, H Abdalla, AL AF Sakita, Gabriel Zanuto Ventoso Bompadre, Thiago Francisco Dineshkumar, Dhanasekaran Tavares Lima, Paulo de Mello Abdalla Filho, Adibe Luiz Campioni, Tania Sila de Oliva Neto, Pedro Bremer Neto, Herman Louvandini, Helder Abdalla, Adibe Luiz TI Fibrolytic enzymes improving in vitro rumen degradability of tropical forages SO JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION AB During specific times of the year, especially dry seasons, tropical forages typically have poor nutritional value due to high contents of neutral and acid detergent fibres, and low crude protein in their composition, which may reduce productivity of ruminant livestock production and lead to increased enteric methane (CH4) emissions per unit of generated product in forage-bases systems. In order to increase fibre degradability and the efficiency of energy utilisation from low-quality forages, exogenous fibrolytic enzymes have been studied. In this assay, we evaluated the effects of increasing dose levels of fibrolytic enzymes extract (FEE) produced by Trichoderma reesei on in vitro rumen organic matter degradability, fermentation parameters, total gas and CH4 production of tropical forages. Forage samples were analysed for their bromatological composition, and enzyme activity from FEE was performed for xylanase and endoglucanase. The in vitro gas production technique was used in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement with five FEE dose levels (0, 5, 50, 500 and 5,000 mu l) and three substrates (Cynodon spp., Panicum maximum and Cenchrus ciliaris L.). The highest dose level of FEE increased degradability, total gas and CH4 production in all substrates (p < .05). Butyrate concentration also increased while acetate:propionate ratio and pH decreased with the addition of FEE (p < .05). These results indicated that the use of fibrolytic enzymes can be a reliable strategy to improve degradability of low-quality forages, contributing to the sustainability and intensification of livestock production in tropical countries. RI Abdalla Filho, Adibe Luiz/C-4499-2013 OI Abdalla Filho, Adibe Luiz/0000-0001-5968-5380 SN 0931-2439 EI 1439-0396 DI 10.1111/jpn.13373 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528858400001 ER PT J AU Costa, MO Fouhse, J Silva, APP Willing, B Harding, JCS AF Costa, Matheus O. Fouhse, Janelle Silva, Ana Paula P. Willing, Benjamin Harding, John C. S. TI Putting the microbiota to work: Epigenetic effects of early life antibiotic treatment are associated with immune-related pathways and reduced epithelial necrosis following Salmonella Typhimurium challenge in vitro SO PLOS ONE AB Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is an animal welfare and public health concern due to its ability to parasite livestock and potentially contaminate pork products. To reduce Salmonella shedding and the risk of pork contamination, antibiotic therapy is used and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Here we hypothesized that immune system education by the microbiota can play a role in intestinal resilience to infection. We used amoxicillin (15mg/Kg) to modulate the intestinal microbiome of 10 piglets, paired with same age pigs that received a placebo (n = 10) from 0 to 14 days of age. Animals were euthanized at 4-weeks old. Each pig donated colon sections for ex vivo culture (n = 20 explants/pig). Explants were inoculated with S. Typhimurium, PBS or LPS (n = 6 explants/pig/group, plus technical controls). The gut bacteriome was characterized by sequencing of the 16S rRNA at 7, 21 days of age, and upon in vitro culture. Explants response to infection was profiled through high-throughput mRNA sequencing. In vivo antibiotic treatment led to beta-diversity differences between groups at all times (P<0.05), while a-diversity did not differ between amoxicillin and placebo groups on day 21 and at euthanasia (P< 0.03 on day 7). Explant microbiomes were not different from in vivo. In vitro challenge with S. Typhimurium led to lower necrosis scores in explants from amoxicillin-treated pigs, when compared to explants placebo-treated pigs (P< 0.05). This was coupled with the activation of immune-related pathways in explants from amoxicillin-treated pigs (IL-2 production, NO production, BCR activation), when compared to placebo-treated pigs. In addition, several DNA repair and intestinal wound healing pathways were also only activated in explants from amoxicillin-treated pigs. Taken together, these findings suggest that immune education by the amoxicillin-disturbed microbiota may have contributed to mitigate intestinal lesions following pathogen exposure. SN 1932-6203 PD APR 27 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0231942 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0231942 UT WOS:000536657400020 PM 32339193 ER PT J AU Sheng, PF Storozum, M Tian, XH Wu, Y AF Sheng, Pengfei Storozum, Michael Tian, Xiaohong Wu, Yong TI Foodways on the Han dynasty's western frontier: Archeobotanical and isotopic investigations at Shichengzi, Xinjiang, China SO HOLOCENE AB Recent archeobotanical work has shed light on prehistoric food globalization across the Eurasian landmass; however, much less research has focused on the foodways of the historical cities and settlements found throughout Central Asia on various portions of the 'Silk Road'. Here, we present archeobotanical and isotopic results from recent excavations at Shichengzi, a Han dynasty (202 BC-AD 220) military garrison. Our archeobotanical results recovered from 11 samples reveal that four types of cereals, naked barley, wheat, common millet, and foxtail millet, were the most common crops at the site. Naked barley, a drought and cold resistant crop, comprised 79% of the crop assemblage recovered from Shichengzi, and the rest of the assemblage is composed of wheat and millet. The reliance on drought resistant crops indicates that people at Shichengzi oriented their agricultural strategy toward mitigating environmental risks. In addition, our isotopic analyses (delta C-13 and delta N-15) of charred cereal grains (n = 22), animal and human remains (n = 12) recovered from excavations at Shichengzi suggests that the delta N-15 values of cereals were enriched by human or livestock dung. Moreover, the delta C-13 data from Shichengzi suggest that farmers preferentially planted their crops in wide areas that would have received the highest amounts of water available on the northern piedmont of the Tianshan mountains. Our research contributes to the growing understanding of the diversity of agricultural strategies used along the Silk Road. SN 0959-6836 EI 1477-0911 AR 0959683620913916 DI 10.1177/0959683620913916 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000533962200001 ER PT J AU Joslin, A AF Joslin, Audrey TI Dividing "Above" and "Below": Constructing Territory for Ecosystem Service Conservation in the Ecuadorian Highlands SO ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GEOGRAPHERS AB Payments for ecosystem services (PES) arrangements aim to influence human activities in critical ecosystems that produce, among other services, water, biodiversity, and carbon sinks. In practice, PES arrangements ultimately seek to redefine and territorialize space for conservation. Establishing control over activities within a targeted area is challenging, however, particularly when these areas are carved from landscapes where people are living and working. Drawing on an empirical case study of a water fund PES from Ecuador called Fondo para la Proteccion del Agua (FONAG), this article employs data from participant observation, key informant interviews, and archival documents to examine labor of the paramo guards, the local residents directly paid as employees of FONAG for their work as intermediaries between the water fund and rural Andean communities. Their labor goes toward (1) patrolling the paramo ecosystem "above" in higher elevations and (2) recruiting the collective labor of their neighbors to do conservation work from "below" in lower elevations. The paramo guards' labor directly contributes to enforcing FONAG's territorial claim on the land, necessary to pursue the commodification of ecosystem services that are derived from it. In highlighting the tensions and contradictions that emerge from the guard position, this article demonstrates how territorial claiming through market-based environmental governance entails labor and multiple governmentalities to circulate value. SN 2469-4452 EI 2469-4460 DI 10.1080/24694452.2020.1735988 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000531996900001 ER PT J AU Neubert, C AF Neubert, Christopher TI The Anthropocene stinks! Odor, affect, and the entangled politics of livestock waste in a rural Iowa watershed SO ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING D-SOCIETY & SPACE AB Recent interventions in geography regarding the Anthropocene have demonstrated how Western logics of order and containment have produced massive geologic transformations. This paper focuses on odor as a sense that, when engaged critically, disrupts those logics by exposing the porousness of the body to other bodies and spaces. Visceral reactions to smell produce affective responses in the body which are informed by circulating political discourses. Thus, this paper explores how research focused on odor can reveal the complicated dynamics through which bodies are enrolled into subject formation and become a terrain of political struggle. Research on the everyday experience of hog manure in a rural Iowa watershed forms the case study through which these questions are raised. Since the transition to concentrated livestock agriculture at the end of the twentieth century, the disposal of animal waste has caused serious concern. This waste is often collected and later spread on fields across the state, producing foul odors and potential toxins. Political discourses that maintain this system claim waste is ordered and properly maintained, generating positive affective responses to foul odors and thereby maintaining support for industrialized agriculture. SN 0263-7758 EI 1472-3433 AR 0263775820919768 DI 10.1177/0263775820919768 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000532746700001 ER PT J AU Bodenham, RF Lukambagire, AS Ashford, RT Buza, JJ Cash-Goldwasser, S Crump, JA Kazwala, RR Maro, VP McGiven, J Mkenda, N Mmbaga, BT Rubach, MP Sakasaka, P Shirima, GM Swai, ES Thomas, KM Whatmore, AM Haydon, DT Halliday, JEB AF Bodenham, Rebecca F. Lukambagire, AbdulHamid S. Ashford, Roland T. Buza, Joram J. Cash-Goldwasser, Shama Crump, John A. Kazwala, Rudovick R. Maro, Venance P. McGiven, John Mkenda, Nestory Mmbaga, Blandina T. Rubach, Matthew P. Sakasaka, Philoteus Shirima, Gabriel M. Swai, Emanuel S. Thomas, Kate M. Whatmore, Adrian M. Haydon, Daniel T. Halliday, Jo E. B. TI Prevalence and speciation of brucellosis in febrile patients from a pastoralist community of Tanzania SO SCIENTIFIC REPORTS AB Brucellosis is an endemic zoonosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Pastoralists are at high risk of infection but data on brucellosis from these communities are scarce. The study objectives were to: estimate the prevalence of human brucellosis, identify the Brucella spp. causing illness, describe non-Brucella bloodstream infections, and identify risk factors for brucellosis in febrile patients from a pastoralist community of Tanzania. Fourteen (6.1%) of 230 participants enrolled between August 2016 and October 2017 met study criteria for confirmed (febrile illness and culture positivity or >= four-fold rise in SAT titre) or probable (febrile illness and single SAT titre >= 160) brucellosis. Brucella spp. was the most common bloodstream infection, with B. melitensis isolated from seven participants and B. abortus from one. Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae were also isolated. Risk factors identified for brucellosis included age and herding, with a greater probability of brucellosis in individuals with lower age and who herded cattle, sheep or goats in the previous 12 months. Disease prevention activities targeting young herders have potential to reduce the impacts of human brucellosis in Tanzania. Livestock vaccination strategies for the region should include both B. melitensis and B. abortus. OI WHATMORE, ADRIAN/0000-0003-4218-156X; Bodenham, Rebecca/0000-0002-3426-9230 SN 2045-2322 PD APR 27 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 DI 10.1038/s41598-020-62849-4 UT WOS:000530731300055 PM 32341414 ER PT J AU Pent, GJ AF Pent, Gabriel J. TI Over-yielding in temperate silvopastures: a meta-analysis SO AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AB Over-yielding in an intercropping system occurs when the productivity of the intercrop exceeds the overall productivity of the systems managed in segregation. The objective of this systematic review was to calculate the over-yielding of silvopastures compared to open pastures and forests, timber plantations, or orchards managed separately. A literature search was completed for comparisons of the productivity of these practices in temperate regions. Data collected from these studies included mean yields of timber or non-timber forest products, forages, and livestock, as well as the characteristics of the study site. Silvopasture practices improve the productivity of land typically managed separately for pasture or trees by 42-55%, depending on whether the productivity of the pastures is measured by livestock or forage output, respectively. In most cases, over-yielding occurred despite a reduction in individual forage, livestock, or tree productivity in the silvopastures. Calculating confidence intervals around these means was not feasible because standard errors were largely not reported or available. Some assumptions were made about the actual productivity of timber or non-timber forest products. This work illustrates the significant level of over-yielding that may be achieved by integrating trees, forages, and livestock into a single production system. SN 0167-4366 EI 1572-9680 DI 10.1007/s10457-020-00494-6 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529074800001 ER PT J AU Yiridomoh, GY Appiah, DO Owusu, V Bonye, SZ AF Yiridomoh, Gordon Yenglier Appiah, Divine Odame Owusu, Victor Bonye, Samuel Ziem TI Women smallholder farmers off-farm adaptation strategies to climate variability in rural Savannah, Ghana SO GEOJOURNAL AB Climate variability presents an additional challenge to the agricultural sector and society's livelihood due to persistent low rainfall and high temperatures. Women smallholder farmers who depend on agricultural production and have limited natural resources are observed to suffer the more from climate-related adverse effects. The aim of the study was to investigate women smallholder farmers' off-farm adaptation strategies to climate variability in rural savanna, Ghana. The study adopted a case study design method with a sample of 187 women smallholde farmers. Multi-stage sampling was used to select the communities and women respondents for the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Science while the interviews were analyzed using thematic approach. Climate vulnerability perception index (CVPI) was performed to determine the sensitivity and exposure of women to climate variability and the need for off-farm adaptation. Again, Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance, test of linearity and Adaptation Strategy Index (ASI) were performed to establish off-farm adaptation strategies that were effective and of importance to the women. The results of the CVPI revealed that women were vulnerable to drought, flood and bush fires in their communities. The results further indicated that, due to women sensitivity and exposure to climate variability, they have engaged in multiple off-farm adaptation strategies to include petty business, poultry and livestock keeping, and agro-processing to respond to the varying climate system. The test of linearity revealed that, most of the off-farm adaptation strategies were significantly associated with climate variability. The ASI results revealed that, women farmers placed agro-processing as the most effective off-farm adaptation strategy to climate variability. Contrarily, women mentioned limited financial resources, poultry and livestock diseases and pests, and low market demands as constraints in their response to climate variability. The practical and policy implications of the study are discussed. SN 0343-2521 EI 1572-9893 DI 10.1007/s10708-020-10191-7 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528963700001 ER PT J AU Garda, M Hale, B Rao, NN Lowe, M Bright, M Goodling, S Phillips, GC AF Garda, Martina Hale, Brett Rao, Naina Lowe, Morgan Bright, Megan Goodling, Shayn Phillips, Gregory C. TI Soybean androgenesis I: identification of pyramidal stressors in anther cultures that sustain cell divisions and putative embryo formation from isolated microspore cultures SO IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-PLANT AB Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the most complete food crops and has fed people and livestock since its domestication. Soybean androgenesis has been a challenging process yet to be advanced significantly. There have been minor advances, e.g., reports of a 2% induction rate in anther culture, formation of roots, rare shoots, but few plantlets and these did not survive to maturity. This research attempted to identify pyramidal stressors (the combination of temperature shock and incubation conditions) for soybean androgenesis using anther cultures. The results across genotypes Jack, Thorne, Williams 82 and IAS-5 indicated that androgenesis can be stimulated up to 9 to 12% induction frequency by the use of 10 degrees C day/8 degrees C night for 3 d then 4 degrees C overnight dark pretreatment of donor plants, a series of incubation temperatures from 11 degrees C to 18 degrees C to 25 degrees C, and nitrogen starvation medium. The adaptation of the anther culture protocol for isolated microspore cultures of IAS-5 and Embrapa-1 resulted in more than 90% of culture replicates (ave. 4 x 10(5) microspores mL(-1), 500 mu L per replicate) exhibiting sustained cell divisions with complex multicellular structures, including formation of one or more putative embryos. These results are a promising step towards the use of microspore cultures for soybean androgenesis, and a possible route to doubled haploid breeding for soybean. SN 1054-5476 EI 1475-2689 DI 10.1007/s11627-020-10074-z EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529130000002 ER PT J AU Yu, AQ Zhao, Y Li, J Li, SL Pang, YR Zhao, YK Zhang, CY Xiao, DG AF Yu, Aiqun Zhao, Yu Li, Jian Li, Shenglong Pang, Yaru Zhao, Yakun Zhang, Cuiying Xiao, Dongguang TI Sustainable production of FAEE biodiesel using the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica SO MICROBIOLOGYOPEN AB Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are fatty acid-derived molecules and serve as an important form of biodiesel. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is considered an ideal host platform for the production of fatty acid-derived products due to its excellent lipid accumulation capacity. In this proof-of-principle study, several metabolic engineering strategies were applied for the overproduction of FAEE biodiesel in Y. lipolytica. Here, chromosome-based co-overexpression of two heterologous genes, namely, PDC1 (encoding pyruvate decarboxylase) and ADH1 (encoding alcohol dehydrogenase) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the endogenous GAPDH (encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) gene of Y. lipolytica resulted in successful biosynthesis of ethanol at 70.8 mg/L in Y. lipolytica. The engineered Y. lipolytica strain expressing the ethanol synthetic pathway together with a heterologous wax ester synthase (MhWS) exhibited the highest FAEE titer of 360.8 mg/L, which is 3.8-fold higher than that of the control strain when 2% exogenous ethanol was added to the culture medium of Y. lipolytica. Furthermore, a synthetic microbial consortium comprising an engineered Y. lipolytica strain that heterologously expressed MhWS and a S. cerevisiae strain that could provide ethanol as a substrate for the production of the final product in the final engineered Y. lipolytica strain was created in this study. Finally, this synthetic consortium produced FAEE biodiesel at a titer of 4.8 mg/L under the optimum coculture conditions. SN 2045-8827 AR e1051 DI 10.1002/mbo3.1051 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529078400001 PM 32342649 ER PT J AU Marrs, RH Lee, H Blackbird, S Connor, L Girdwood, SE O'Connor, M Smart, SM Rose, RJ O'Reilly, J Chiverrell, RC AF Marrs, Robert H. Lee, HyoHyeMi Blackbird, Sabena Connor, Leslie Girdwood, Susan E. O'Connor, Michael Smart, Simon M. Rose, Robert J. O'Reilly, John Chiverrell, Richard C. TI Release from sheep-grazing appears to put some heart back into upland vegetation: A comparison of nutritional properties of plant species in long-term grazing experiments SO ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY AB Rewilding or wilding is a popularised means for enhancing the conservation value of marginal land. In the British uplands, it will involve a reduction, or complete removal, of livestock grazing (sheep), based on the belief that grazing has reduced plant species diversity, the 'Wet Desert' hypothesis. The hope is that if livestock is removed, diversity will recover. If true, we hypothesise that the species extirpated/reduced by grazing and then recover on its removal would more nutritious compared to those that persisted. We test this hypothesis at Moor House National Nature Reserve (North-Pennines), where seven sets of paired plots were established between 1953 and 1967 to compare ungrazed/sheep-grazed vegetation. Within these plot-pairs, we compared leaf properties of seven focal species that occurred only, or were present in much greater abundance, in the absence of grazing to those of 10 common species that were common in both grazed and ungrazed vegetation. Each sample was analysed for macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients, digestibility, palatability and decomposability. We ranked the species with respect to 22 variables based on effect size derived from Generalised Linear Modelling (GLM) and compared species using a Principal Components Analysis. We also assessed changes in abundance of the focal species through time using GLMs. Our results support the 'Wet Desert' hypothesis, that is, that long-term sheep grazing has selectively removed/reduced species like our focal ones and on recovery, they were more nutritious (macro-nutrients, some micro-nutrients) palatable, digestible and decomposable than common species. Measured changes in abundance of the focal species suggest that their recovery will take 10-20 years in blanket bog and 60 years in high-altitude grasslands. Collectively, these results suggest that sheep grazing has brought about biotic homogenization, and its removal in (re)wilding schemes will reverse this process eventually! The 'white woolly maggots' have eaten at least part of the heart out of the highlands/uplands, and it will take some time for recovery. OI Marrs, Robert/0000-0002-0664-9420; Blackbird, Sabena/0000-0003-0942-6836 SN 0003-4746 EI 1744-7348 DI 10.1111/aab.12591 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528637700001 ER PT J AU Wang, JM Xu, J Ji, XF Wu, HZ Yang, H Zhang, H Zhang, XM Li, ZG Ni, XL Qian, MR AF Wang, Jianmei Xu, Jie Ji, Xiaofeng Wu, Huizhen Yang, Hua Zhang, Hu Zhang, Xiaoming Li, Zuguang Ni, Xiaolei Qian, Mingrong TI Determination of veterinary drug/pesticide residues in livestock and poultry excrement using selective accelerated solvent extraction and magnetic material purification combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry SO JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A AB An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method based on selective accelerated solvent extraction and magnetic material purification was established to analyze the residues of various veterinary antibiotics and agricultural fungicides and insecticides in livestock and poultry excrement. Methanol-acetonitrile (4:1, V/V) was used as the extraction solvent and static extraction was conducted three times in 5 min. Preliminary purification was achieved by adding 0.5 g acidic alumina-florisil (1:1, W/W) to the extraction cell while the extraction was conducted. This preliminarily-purified extract was further purified using magnetic material, then analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Under optimal conditions, 33 types of antibiotics, including 3 amphenicols, 8 macrolides, 17 sulfonamides and 5 nitroimidazoles, as well as 37 types of pesticides, including 27 insecticides and 10 fungicides, were detected. Recoveries ranged from 60.3% to 110.0% at three spiked concentrations (10 mu g/kg, 20 mu g/kg and 50 mu g/kg), the detection limits ranged from 0.2 to 3.5 mu g/kg and the quantitative limits ranged from 0.5 to 11.5 mu g/kg. This newly-established method was tested using 30 livestock and poultry excrement samples and confirmed its use for determining veterinary drugs and pesticides in practical samples. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI Li, Zu Guang/0000-0002-8006-9440 SN 0021-9673 EI 1873-3778 PD APR 26 PY 2020 VL 1617 AR 460808 DI 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460808 UT WOS:000527316600005 PM 31982099 ER PT J AU Akimbekov, N Digel, I Abdieva, G Ualieva, P Tastambek, K AF Akimbekov, Nuraly Digel, Ilya Abdieva, Gulzhamal Ualieva, Perizat Tastambek, Kuanysh TI Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data SO BIOFUELS-UK AB The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24% of crude lignite (5% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe-mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health. SN 1759-7269 EI 1759-7277 DI 10.1080/17597269.2020.1753936 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000532325900001 ER PT J AU Tessier, L Bijttebier, J Marchand, F Baret, PV AF Tessier, Louis Bijttebier, Jo Marchand, Fleur Baret, Philippe V. TI Pathways of action followed by Flemish beef farmers - an integrative view on agroecology as a practice SO AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AB In the face of longstanding social and technological trends, the application of agroecological insights at beef farms in Flanders may at first seem a curious proposition. We found, however, that beef farmers pursue agroecological principles through an impressive diversity of practices in this context. In 37 semi-structured interviews, we asked farmers how they put into practice a set of principles which covers many themes addressed in agroecological literature. Inspired by a grounded theory approach, but also based on literature and consultation of fellow researchers, we conceptualized for each principle distinctive pathways of action to categorize relevant practices. By documenting farmers' practices, we show that an agronomic interpretation of agroecology as a practice obfuscates the many ways farmers can contribute to the social dimensions of agroecology too, which also problematizes those food systems approaches that undervalue the farmers' agency in changing their social context themselves. This grounded conceptual framework may be used to further assess how each beef farmer addresses these different principles together in practice. Given these results and perspectives, we contend that empirical inquiries such as these are instrumental in maintaining the connection between agroecological theory and practice, allowing both to move dialectically forward. OI Tessier, Louis/0000-0001-8691-9752; Marchand, Fleur/0000-0002-3110-7615 SN 2168-3565 EI 2168-3573 DI 10.1080/21683565.2020.1755764 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000531932900001 ER PT J AU Jusoh, N Rosly, MB Othman, N Rahman, HA Noah, NFM Sulaiman, RNR AF Jusoh, Norela Rosly, Muhammad Bukhari Othman, Norasikin Rahman, Hilmi Abdul Noah, Norul Fatiha Mohamed Sulaiman, Raja Norimie Raja TI Selective extraction and recovery of polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate using emulsion liquid membrane process SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Polluted sterilization condensate discharged from palm oil mill may contain polyphenols that are rich in the antioxidant property. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process is a promising method for polyphenol recovery due to its several attractive features such as high selectivity, simple operation, and low energy consumption. In this study, the condensate was characterized to determine its total phenolic content (TPC), ionic elements, and pH. ELM formulation containing tributylphosphate (TBP) as a carrier, kerosene as a diluent, sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a stripping agent was developed. The results show that sterilization condensate contains 700-1500 mg GAE/L of TPC. During the ELM process, more than 91% of extraction with 83% recovery and 8.3 enrichment were achieved at the favorable condition of 0.1 M TBP, external phase pH 5, 1 M NaOH, 1:5 treat ratio, 5% v/v of octanol as a modifier, and 100 mg GAE/L external phase concentrations. Thus, ELM offers a potential alternative technology to extract and recover polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate while contributing to sustainable production. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD JUN PY 2020 VL 27 IS 18 SI SI BP 23246 EP 23257 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-07972-5 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528661200007 PM 32335833 ER PT J AU Bessell, PR Auty, HK Roberts, H McKendrick, IJ Bronsvoort, BMD Boden, LA AF Bessell, Paul R. Auty, Harriet K. Roberts, Helen McKendrick, Iain J. Bronsvoort, B. Mark de C. Boden, Lisa A. TI A Tool for Prioritizing Livestock Disease Threats to Scotland SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB There are a number of disease threats to the livestock of Scotland that are not presently believed to be circulating in the UK. Here, we present the development of a tool for prioritizing resources for livestock disease threats to Scotland by combining a semi-quantitative model of the chance of introduction of different diseases with a semi-quantitative model of disease impact. Eighteen key diseases were identified and then input into a model framework to produce a semi-quantitative estimate of disease priorities. We estimate this through a model of the potential impacts of the infectious diseases in Scotland that is interpreted alongside a pre-existing generic risk assessment model of the risks of incursion of the diseases. The impact estimates are based on key metrics which influence the practical impact of disease. Metrics included are the rate of spread, the disease mitigation factors, impacts on animal welfare and production, the human health risks and the impacts on wider society. These quantities were adjusted for the size of the Scottish livestock population and were weighted using published scores. Of the 18 livestock diseases included, the model identifies highly pathogenic avian influenza, foot and mouth disease in cattle and bluetongue virus in sheep as having the greatest priority in terms of the combination of chance of introduction and disease impact. Disregarding the weighting for livestock populations and comparing equally between industry sectors, the results demonstrate that Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza generally have the greatest potential impact. This model provides valuable information for the veterinary and livestock industries in prioritizing resources in the face of many disease threats. The system can easily be adjusted as disease situations evolve. EI 2297-1769 PD APR 24 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 223 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00223 UT WOS:000533596300001 PM 32391390 ER PT J AU Kucuker, MA Demirel, B Onay, TT AF Kucuker, M. A. Demirel, B. Onay, T. T. TI Enhanced biogas production from chicken manure via enzymatic pretreatment SO JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT AB Livestock production residues are commonly used as substrates in agricultural biogas plants for energy recovery. Cattle and poultry manure can be converted to biogas in farm-scale or centralized biogas plants to produce heat and power. This study investigated batch anaerobic digestion of chicken manure coupled with a biological pre-treatment step. The primary objective of this laboratory-scale work was to improve the biological degradability of the mono substrate to obtain higher biogas and methane yields through using an enzymatic pre-treatment. The experimental results showed that the enzymatic pre-treatment for the chicken manure significantly increased the biogas production by about 35% in comparison to the control without enzymatic pre-treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the enzymatic pre-treatment of chicken manure could provide improved biogas and methane yields when the chicken manure is used as mono substrate for anaerobic digestion in agricultural biogas plants. SN 1438-4957 EI 1611-8227 DI 10.1007/s10163-020-01039-w EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528433600003 ER PT J AU Sharma, N Godiyal, RD Bhawana Thapliyal, BP Anupam, K AF Sharma, Nidhi Godiyal, R. D. Bhawana Thapliyal, B. P. Anupam, Kumar TI Insight into papermaking characteristics of D0EPD1-bleached soda, soda-AQ and kraft pulps of citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) SO BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY AB Grasses have emerged as potential alternative raw materials which can replace wood for pulp and paper products. Various species of grasses have been explored previously for pulp and paper production. This study is aimed to investigate pulp and papermaking characteristics of a grass species namely Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt which is commonly known as citronella grass. This grass was subjected to proximate chemical characterisation; fibre morphology analysis; soda, soda-AQ (soda-anthraquinone), and kraft pulping; elemental chlorine free bleaching using D0EPD1 (D = ClO2 in acidic medium; E-P = alkaline extraction with addition of H2O2; 0 and 1 = initial and final stage) sequence; and evaluation of physical strength properties of paper hand sheets. The pulp and paper hand sheets were also examined through SEM (scanning electron microscope) and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopy to observe the structural and functional group variations. The proximate chemical analysis of citronella grass was found superior in terms of alpha-cellulose (38.10%), pentosans (22.30%) and alkali solubility (28.20%) while inferior in terms of ash (8.20%), lignin (25.10%) and alcohol benzene solubility (6.31%) with respect to some other grass species used for pulp and papermaking. Fibre length (0.69-0.74 mm) and fibre width (13.8-15.1 mu m) were also comparable to other grass species. Brown pulp characteristics such as screened yield (44.67%), brightness (similar to 24 %ISO) and kappa number (similar to 20) revealed superiority of soda-AQ pulping among all the pulping processes while the kraft pulp exhibited the highest brightness (83.05 %ISO) and intrinsic viscosity (17.6 cP) after D0EPD1 bleaching. Tear index, tensile index and burst index of paper hand sheets obtained from bleaching of soda-AQ and kraft pulps were almost similar but higher to that of bleached soda pulp. The citronella grass was found suitable for producing writing and printing grade paper based on processes and optimised parameters described in this study. SN 2190-6815 EI 2190-6823 DI 10.1007/s13399-020-00730-0 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528420100002 ER PT J AU Takalloo, Z Nikkhah, M Nemati, R Jalilian, N Sajedi, RH AF Takalloo, Zeinab Nikkhah, Mohsen Nemati, Robabeh Jalilian, Nezam Sajedi, Reza H. TI Autolysis, plasmolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): a comparative study SO WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY AB Saccharomyces cerevisiae is being used for long as a rich source of proteins, sugars, nucleotides, vitamins and minerals. Autolyzed and hydrolyzed yeast biomass has found numerous applications in the health food industry as well as livestock feeds. Here, we have compared three lysis methods for production of yeast lysates using autolysis, plasmolysis (ethyl acetate 1.5%), and enzymatic hydrolysis (Alcalase 0.2%). The efficiency of each process was compared according to soluble solid and protein contents, cell lysis monitoring, and release of intracellular materials, cell viability and microscopic analysis. Results showed that plasmolysis by ethyl acetate was found to be more efficient compared to autolysis, with a higher recovery of yeast extract (YE) content. In comparison, the content of released solids and proteins were higher during the enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase compared to autolysis and plasmolysis treatments. The highest decrease in optical density of 600 nm was monitored for the hydrolyzed cells. Besides, we defined "Degree of Leakage (DL)" as a new index of the lysis process, referring to the percentage of total released proteins from the cells and it was estimated to about 65.8%, which represents an appropriate indicator of the cell lysis. The biochemical and biophysical properties of the hydrolyzed yeast product as well as its biological activity (free radical scavenging activity and bacterial binding capacity) suggest that Alcalase could be used to accelerate the lysis of yeast cells and release the valuable intracellular components used for foodstuffs, feed and fermentation media applications. Graphic abstract Production of baker's yeast lysates using autolysis, plasmolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis methods. [GRAPHICS] . SN 0959-3993 EI 1573-0972 PD APR 24 PY 2020 VL 36 IS 5 AR 68 DI 10.1007/s11274-020-02840-3 UT WOS:000528211200001 PM 32328815 ER PT J AU Ortega-Sanchez, R Camacho-Nuez, M Castaneda-Ortiz, EJ Martinez-Benitez, MB Hernandez-Silva, DJ Aguilar-Tipacamu, G Mosqueda, J AF Ortega-Sanchez, Reyna Camacho-Nuez, Minerva Jacqueline Castaneda-Ortiz, Elizabeth Berto Martinez-Benitez, Maximo Josimar Hernandez-Silva, Diego Aguilar-Tipacamu, Gabriela Mosqueda, Juan TI Vaccine efficacy of recombinant BmVDAC on Rhipicephalus microplus fed on Babesia bigemina-infected and uninfected cattle SO VACCINE AB Rhipicephalus microplus is the most widely distributed tick worldwide and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. It directly affects hosts (especially in large infestations) by feeding on blood and piercing the skin and indirectly affects hosts as a vector of pathogens that cause infectious diseases, such as bovine babesiosis. Current research on the control of ticks is focused on integrated tick control programmes, including vaccination treatment with acaricides and completely blocking pathogen transmission. Our previous studies showed that R. microplus VDAC (BmVDAC) expression is modulated by Babesia bigemina infection. VDAC is a mitochondrial protein with multiple functions in addition to its primary role as a central component of the apoptotic machinery. In this paper, we evaluated BmVDAC as an anti-tick vaccine and its capacity to block the infection of Babesia bigemina in ticks. Our results demonstrate that rBmVDAC is immunogenic and that antibodies specifically recognize the native protein from midguts of R. microplus. Immunization with rBmVDAC afforded an 82% efficacy against R. microplus infestation in the group of vaccinated cattle compared with the control group. In contrast, rBmVDAC showed a lower efficacy of 34% against tick infestation in cattle vaccinated with rBmVDAC, infested with R. microplus and infected with B. bigemina. The main effect on ticks fed in vaccinated and infected cattle was a 34% reduction in egg fertility (DF) compared to ticks fed on the control group. There was no reduction in the B. bigemina parasite levels of ticks fed on rBmVDAC-vaccinated cattle. These results suggest that the rBmVDAC protein could be tested as a vaccine for the control of tick infestation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Mosqueda, Juan/0000-0001-8892-6390 SN 0264-410X EI 1873-2518 PD APR 23 PY 2020 VL 38 IS 19 BP 3618 EP 3625 DI 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.12.040 UT WOS:000525318100015 PM 31928853 ER PT J AU Hu, YC Liu, CW Wang, P Li, GY Wang, AQ Cong, Y Liang, XM Li, W Zhang, XL Li, N AF Hu, Yancheng Liu, Chunwei Wang, Pan Li, Guangyi Wang, Aiqin Cong, Yu Liang, Xinmiao Li, Wei Zhang, Xiuli Li, Ning TI Sustainable Production of Safe Plasticizers with Bio-Based Fumarates and 1,3-Dienes SO INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AB 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylates (e.g., di(isononyl) 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate, DINCH) are widely used as safe plasticizers in the polyvinylchloride (PVC) industry, and they are industrially manufactured from petroleum-derived o-xylene. To reduce the reliance on the limited fossil resources, we herein develop a sustainable alternative to 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylates with bio-based fumarates and 1,3-dienes. The Diels-Alder (D-A) cycloaddition and subsequent Pd/C-catalyzed hydrogenation are combined into a one-pot fashion, and notably they can take place efficiently under solvent-free conditions (>98% yield). The 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylates obtained in this work have similar physical properties to DINCH and do not show evidence of toxicity (LD50 > 5 g/kg), which make them suitable candidates as safe plasticizers. RI Hu, Yan-Cheng/G-2114-2015 OI Hu, Yan-Cheng/0000-0002-8731-4445 SN 0888-5885 PD APR 22 PY 2020 VL 59 IS 16 BP 7367 EP 7374 DI 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b05840 UT WOS:000529151200010 ER PT J AU Zhan, JF Song, HY Wang, N Guo, C Shen, NX Hua, RQ Shi, Y Angel, C Gu, XB Xie, Y Lai, WM Peng, XR Yang, GY AF Zhan, Jiafei Song, Hongyu Wang, Ning Guo, Cheng Shen, Nengxing Hua, Ruiqi Shi, Yuan Angel, Christiana Gu, Xiaobin Xie, Yue Lai, Weimin Peng, Xuerong Yang, Guangyou TI Molecular and Functional Characterization of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP, BIRP) in Echinococcus granulosus SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB The larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, resulting in cystic echinococcosis, a parasitic zoonosis, causes huge economic losses to the livestock industry and poses a threat to public health. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) is a class of endogenous anti-apoptotic family, which plays a significant functional role in the regulation of organism's development. Herein, to explore potential functions of IAPs in E. granulosus, two members of IAPs from E. granulosus (Eg-IAP and Eg-BIRP) were cloned, expressed, and molecularly characterized. Eg-IAP and Eg-BIRP encoded putative 331 and 168 residue proteins, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis showed that both proteins contained a type II BIR domain-the essential functional domain of IAPs. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that both proteins were ubiquitously localized in all life-cycle stages of E. granulosus. Our fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results revealed relatively higher transcription levels of two Eg-IAPs in protoscoleces (PSCs) compared to the 18-day strobilated worms. We further used different concentrations of LCL161, a Smac-mimetic pan-IAPs inhibitor, to induce the apoptosis in PSCs in vitro, and revealed that the survival rate of PSCs and transcription levels of both genes were negatively correlated with the concentration of LCL161. While the results of light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay also showed a higher apoptotic rate in PSCs with the increasing concentrations of LCL161. Taken together, our findings provide the reasonable evidence that both Eg-IAP and Eg-BIRP have potential implication in critical anti-apoptotic roles during the development of E. granulosus. SN 1664-302X PD APR 22 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 729 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00729 UT WOS:000531638700001 PM 32390980 ER PT J AU Panagiotou, D Tseriki, A AF Panagiotou, Dimitrios Tseriki, Alkistis TI Assessing the relationship between closing prices and trading volume in the US livestock futures markets A quantile regressions methodology SO STUDIES IN ECONOMICS AND FINANCE AB Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between closing prices and trading volume in the livestock futures markets of lean hogs, live cattle and feeder cattle. Design/methodology/approach The parametric quantile regressions methodology is used. Daily data between January 1, 2010 and July 31, 2019 were used. Findings Findings suggest that the relationship between the two variables is non-linear. Price-volume relationship is positive (negative) under positive (negative) returns. Furthermore, co-movement is weaker at the lower quantiles and stronger at the higher quantiles. Results are in line with the empirical findings of the price-volume relationship in six agricultural futures markets from the study by Fousekis and Tzaferi (2019). Originality/value This is the first study that uses the parametric quantile regressions method in the livestock futures market, to examine the returns-volume dependence. SN 1086-7376 EI 1755-6791 DI 10.1108/SEF-09-2019-0352 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000529702100001 ER PT J AU Xu, BB Wang, WS Falzon, G Kwan, P Guo, LF Sun, ZG Li, CL AF Xu, Beibei Wang, Wensheng Falzon, Greg Kwan, Paul Guo, Leifeng Sun, Zhiguo Li, Chunlei TI Livestock classification and counting in quadcopter aerial images using Mask R-CNN SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING AB Quadcopters equipped with machine learning vision systems are bound to become an essential technique for precision agriculture applications in pastures in the near future. This paper presents a low-cost approach for livestock counting jointly with classification and semantic segmentation which provide the potential of biometrics and welfare monitoring in animals in real time. The method used in the paper adopts the state-of-the-art deep-learning technique known as Mask R-CNN for feature extraction and training in the images captured by quadcopters. Key parameters such as IoU (Intersection over Union) threshold, the quantity of the training data and the effect the proposed system performs on various densities have been evaluated to optimize the model. A real pasture surveillance dataset is used to evaluate the proposed method and experimental results show that our proposed system can accurately classify the livestock with an accuracy of 96% and estimate the number of cattle and sheep to within 92% of the visual ground truth, presenting competitive advantages of the approach feasible for monitoring the livestock. OI , Beibei/0000-0001-5804-2906 SN 0143-1161 EI 1366-5901 DI 10.1080/01431161.2020.1734245 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528171200001 ER PT J AU Milhorance, C Sabourin, E Le Coq, JF Mendes, P AF Milhorance, Carolina Sabourin, Eric Le Coq, Jean-Francois Mendes, Priscylla TI Unpacking the policy mix of adaptation to climate change in Brazil's semiarid region: enabling instruments and coordination mechanisms SO CLIMATE POLICY AB This study analyzes the patterns of coordination of a set of policy instruments promoted by Brazil's National Adaptation Plan as a means of fostering climate adaptation in the rural areas of the country's semiarid region. It combines institutional data and semi-structured interviews with policymakers to elucidate the process of implementation of these instruments, with a focus on the enabling factors and (missing) connections in the policy mix. Coordination gaps between the enabling instruments and climate adaptation instruments, caused by institutional and political factors, resulted in implementation issues and a policy mix inclined to promote social vulnerability goals rather than sustainable production and climate risk management. The analysis provides insights into the challenges of achieving a coherent policy framework. It also contributes to the policy mix literature by defining criteria for a typology of interactions between policy instruments and by unpacking the functional ties of instruments in the policy mix. Key policy insights Policy coordination is a political rather than technical process. The policy mix includes climate adaptation instruments, enabling instruments, and complementary instruments, each of which play different functional roles. Both formal and informal mechanisms connect policy instruments. A policy mix analysis must be specific to both context and time. A network analysis of instrument interactions can provide methods and comparative outlooks that are more robust. Implementation gaps between the enabling instruments and climate adaptation instruments influence the resulting policy mix, which tends to promote achievement of social vulnerability goals rather than sustainable production and climate risk management. OI Mendes, Priscylla/0000-0001-7074-680X; SABOURIN, Eric/0000-0002-1171-2535 SN 1469-3062 EI 1752-7457 PD MAY 27 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 5 BP 593 EP 608 DI 10.1080/14693062.2020.1753640 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528343700001 ER PT J AU Calegario, AT Pereira, LF da Silva, LNO de Araujo, UL da Silva, DD Pereira, SB Oliveira, GD Fernandes, EI Monteiro, LIB AF Calegario, Arthur Telles Pereira, Luis Flavio da Silva, Laksme Narayana Oliveira de Araujo, Uriel Laurentiz da Silva, Demetrius David Pereira, Silvio Bueno Oliveira, Guilherme de Castro Fernandes Filho, Elpidio Inacio Monteiro, Luane Ines Brito TI Land use capability at recharge zones SO SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT AB Land use capability systems do not present any considerations regarding recharge zones (RZs). To improve conservation planning, the objective of this study was to present a parametrization method for the land use capability of recharge zones (LUC-RZ). RZs were characterized as the upper thirds of the elevations of all slopes with rectilinear, concave and/or convex features in the terrains. The LUC-RZ were parameterized based on the slope of the middle third of the elevations. The proposed methodology was applied to the Doce River basin (DRB) in Brazil, and 27.9% of the total area was characterized as RZs. It was found that 61.9% of the RZs area could be exploited through agricultural and livestock use; however, the usability of most of these areas was conditional on the adoption of rigorous soil and water conservation techniques. The remaining 38.1%, which was equivalent to 10.6% of the DRB, was restricted to native forest cover. Of the 61.9% of RZs area that could be used for agriculture and livestock, 18.2% was occupied by native vegetation. These areas are protected by law and are responsible for several ecosystem services and thus must be preserved. The parameterization of the LUC-RZ was sensitive to pedogeomorphological characteristics. The methodology used for the determination of the recharge zones has a strong theoretical basis and was simple to implement and therefore has great potential for use in multicriteria analyses for determining recharge zones. RI Pereira, Luis Flavio/V-6632-2018 OI Pereira, Luis Flavio/0000-0002-4898-0525; Araujo, Uriel/0000-0001-9709-3714; Fernandes-Filho, Elpidio/0000-0002-9484-1411; Fernandes Filho, Elpidio Inacio/0000-0003-2440-8329 SN 0266-0032 EI 1475-2743 DI 10.1111/sum.12588 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527391700001 ER PT J AU Yin, CY Li, XL Chen, ZX Zou, WX Peng, YL Wei, S Tang, CM Dong, L AF Yin, Chunyu Li, Xinli Chen, Zhi Zou, Weixin Peng, Yanli Wei, Song Tang, Congming Dong, Lin TI Sustainable production of pyruvic acid: oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid over the FeMoO/P catalyst SO NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AB Fe-Mo bimetallic oxide catalysts doped with elemental P (FeMoO/P) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, followed by calcination in air. The resultant catalysts were used to catalyze the oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid to pyruvic acid using air as an oxidant. UV-Vis characterization revealed that Fe2O3 was highly dispersed on the surface of MoO3 for the FeMoO/P sample due to the enhanced band gap energy. The FeMoO/P sample showed distinct diffraction lines of MoO3, while the diffraction of the typical (011) line slightly shifted to a higher 2 theta value. This indicated the incorporation of Fe3+ into the MoO3 lattice, forming a surface substituted Fe-O-x-Mo solid solution. Furthermore, the other characterization techniques such as XPS and H-2-TPR disclosed a strong interaction between Fe2O3 and MoO3 by binding energy shift and reducible peak change, respectively. The enhanced oxidizability of Fe species is responsible for the activation of the alpha-OH group in the lactic acid molecule, transferring hydrogen to the adjacent FeOx site to achieve a crucial step for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid. For comparison, the Fe-Mo bimetallic oxide catalyst offered far better activity than its corresponding monometallic oxide/physically mixed oxide due to the increasing oxidizability of FeMoO/P by electron transfer between Fe and Mo species. On-line analysis of the tail gas revealed that no hydrogen was detected, precluding direct dehydrogenation of lactic acid to form pyruvic acid during the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the experimental results in the absence of O-2, replaced by N-2, showed that a small amount of pyruvic acid formed, and it gradually decreased with time on stream, demonstrating lattice oxygen as an active species for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lactic acid. Encouragingly, the oxidative dehydrogenation reaction of lactic acid over the FeMoO/P catalyst proceeded efficiently at around 60 h on stream and with an excellent selectivity (>70%). SN 1144-0546 EI 1369-9261 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 44 IS 15 BP 5884 EP 5894 DI 10.1039/d0nj00118j UT WOS:000531211600028 ER PT J AU Brymer, ALB Toledo, D Spiegal, S Pierson, F Clark, PE Wulfhorst, JD AF Bentley Brymer, Amanda L. Toledo, David Spiegal, Sheri Pierson, Fred Clark, Patrick E. Wulfhorst, J. D. TI Social-Ecological Processes and Impacts Affect Individual and Social Well-Being in a Rural Western U.S. Landscape SO FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AB To achieve agroecosystem conservation strategies while balancing the needs of people who live and work across rural landscapes, it is critical to understand what people need to improve and sustain their quality of life and well-being. Research that is designed to connect social-ecological dynamics, landscape change, and human impacts to human well-being and ecosystem health is well-suited to inform land management strategies and decision-making for agricultural production policies. We asked livestock producers, public land and resource managers, recreation users, conservationists, and wilderness advocates who live and work among rural communities in southwestern Idaho to describe social-ecological conditions that support and degrade their well-being. Using grounded theory methodology, we analyzed semi-structured interviews to discover meanings of well-being and to understand how people experience changes to their quality of life in an arid rangelands context. Our findings support previous research that suggests well-being is experienced at both individual and community scales, with sense of well-being influenced by ecological, economic, and socio-cultural processes. Specifically, our findings illuminate the role of social interactions as processes that support agroecosystem conditions and functions to the benefit or detriment of human well-being and ecosystem health. Community is not just a geographic territory; it is a process of social interactions through which people build, improve, or damage relationships that support or degrade well-being. By integrating scholarship on social change processes, ecosystem services, and impacts to human well-being, we contribute an integrated framework with a comprehensive set of social-ecological concepts to be used as a common language and synthesis guide for agroecosystem researchers and practitioners. We discuss our findings in the context of the USDA Agricultural Research Service's national network for Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR). The LTAR network is charged with identifying strategies for sustainable intensification that support agricultural productivity, environmental quality, and rural well-being. Our research sheds light on the functions of agroecosystem stakeholders and rural communities beyond their adoption (or not) of new technologies and management practices. Future assessments of environmental change and impacts must adequately address social processes that, alongside ecological processes, affect well-being for rural communities and landscapes. EI 2571-581X PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 4 AR UNSP 38 DI 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00038 UT WOS:000531602300001 ER PT J AU Song, SS Zhu, JL Zheng, TL Tang, ZY Zhang, F Ji, CJ Shen, ZH Zhu, JX AF Song, Shanshan Zhu, Jiangling Zheng, Tianli Tang, Zhiyao Zhang, Fan Ji, Chengjun Shen, Zehao Zhu, Jianxiao TI Long-Term Grazing Exclusion Reduces Species Diversity but Increases Community Heterogeneity in an Alpine Grassland SO FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AB Extensive grazing activity is threatening the alpine grassland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Evidence has shown that grazing exclusion may change the composition, structure, and functions of grassland ecosystems. However, such effects depend on the intensity and duration of exclusion. We explored the effects of short-term (2 and 4 years) and long-term (9 and 11 years) grazing exclusion on plant height, coverage, and diversity and community heterogeneity in the alpine grassland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We found no difference in plant diversity between short-term grazing exclusion and control. However, long-term grazing exclusion reduced species richness and increased the Simpson dominance index. This decrease in plant species richness was mainly attributable to the decrease in common species richness (defined as species with a relative coverage of 1 similar to 5%). In addition, community heterogeneity (coefficient of variation, CV) was significantly higher in long-term grazing exclusion than in controlled plots. Structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that long-term grazing exclusion increased the community heterogeneity mainly by reducing species diversity. These results suggest that the effects of grazing exclusion on the composition, structure, and community spatial heterogeneity of the alpine grassland ecosystem are dependent on exclusion duration. Grazing activity may maintain the high biodiversity and community stability of the alpine grassland in the harsh environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. SN 2296-701X PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 66 DI 10.3389/fevo.2020.00066 UT WOS:000531597200001 ER PT J AU Weng, XD Mu, ZQ Wei, X Wang, X Zuo, QQ Ma, S Ding, YZ Wang, XM Wu, WP Craig, PS Wang, ZH AF Weng, Xiaodong Mu, Zhiqiang Wei, Xu Wang, Xu Zuo, Qingqiu Ma, Shuo Ding, Youzhong Wang, Xiaoming Wu, Weiping Craig, Philip S. Wang, Zhenghuan TI The effects of dog management on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in villages on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB BackgroundThe pastoral area of the eastern Tibetan Plateau is highly endemic for human echinococcosis. Domestic dogs are the main definitive host for the transmission of both Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) and E. multilocularis to humans. To control the infection risks, a national-level canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme has been implemented since 2015 in Shiqu County, Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. The objective of this study was to evaluate its effect on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in dogs.MethodsWe surveyed 69 households with 84 owned dogs, for dog fecal samples and dog keeping information in the villages of Rizha and Eduoma. A total of 105 dog fecal samples (75 from owned dogs and 30 unknown dog fecal samples) were collected between 2015-2017 to determine Echinococcus spp. prevalence using copro-PCR. Eight variables based on household surveys were included into a logistic regression model for significant risk factors to canine echinococcosis prevalence in dogs.ResultsBetween 2015-2017, the overall Echinococcus spp. copro-DNA prevalence decreased significantly in dogs from 51.2% (2015) to 20.0% (2017) in Rizha, and insignificantly from 11.5% (2016) to 4.3% (2017) in Eduoma. Echinococcus multilocularis was the most prevalent species continually copro-DNA detected during the entire study period, while E. granulosus was rare and not detected in 2017. Echinococcus shiquicus copro-DNA prevalence (a probable non-zoonotic wildlife species) was as high in dogs as that of E. multilocularis, although only detected in 2015 in Rizha. Unleashed dog feces were mainly collected in Rizha in 2015. Although 93.2% of owned dogs were leashed, and the monthly praziquantel dosing rate reached 97%, E. multilocularis infection could still be detected in 11.1% of owned dogs in 2017. Monthly deworming, leashing dogs 24 h per day, and the avoidance of dogs feeding on livestock viscera were significant measures to prevent canine echinococcosis infection in owned dogs.ConclusionsCarrying out a canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme can significantly decrease Echinococcus spp. prevalence. The potential contact between leashed dogs and wild small mammals is still a risk for re-infection of owned dogs with E. multilocularis. This study shows that the long-term application of regular dog treatment with praziquantel in the vast and remote echinococcosis endemic areas of the eastern Tibetan Plateau can reduce transmission in dogs but remains a challenging intervention. OI WANG, Xu/0000-0002-5193-9697 SN 1756-3305 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04082-6 UT WOS:000530358800004 PM 32317015 ER PT J AU Jongejan, F Berger, L Busser, S Deetman, I Jochems, M Leenders, T de Sitter, B van der Steen, F Wentzel, J Stoltsz, H AF Jongejan, Frans Berger, Laura Busser, Suzanne Deetman, Iris Jochems, Manon Leenders, Tiffany de Sitter, Barry van der Steen, Francine Wentzel, Jeanette Stoltsz, Hein TI Amblyomma hebraeum is the predominant tick species on goats in the Mnisi Community Area of Mpumalanga Province South Africa and is co-infected with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Rickettsia africae SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, Amblyomma ticks are vectors of heartwater disease in domestic ruminants, caused by the rickettsial pathogen Ehrlichia ruminantium. Immature tick stages often bite humans, whereby they act as vectors of tick-bite fever caused by Rickettsia africae. Moreover, Amblyomma ticks cause damage to livestock due to their feeding behaviour. In South Africa, we studied the abundance of Amblyomma hebraeum ticks on goats of emerging farmers in Mpumalanga Province. A selected number of A. hebraeum nymphs and adult ticks was tested for co-infection with E. ruminantium and R. africae.MethodsA total of 630 indigenous goats, belonging to farmers in the Mnisi Community area, were examined for ticks in 2013 and 2014. All ticks were identified, and a selected number was tested by PCR with reverse line blot hybridisation.ResultsIn total, 13,132 ticks were collected from goats distributed over 17 different households. Amblyomma hebraeum was the predominant species, followed by R. microplus. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. simus and R. zambeziensis were also identified. Amblyomma hebraeum was present throughout the year, with peak activity of adults in summer (November) and nymphs in winter (July). The ratio between adults and nymphs ranged from 1:2.7 in summer to 1:55.1 in winter. The mean prevalence of infection for E. ruminantium by PCR/RLB in adult ticks was 17.4% (31/178), whereas 15.7% (28/178) were infected with R. africae. In pooled nymphs, 28.4% were infected with E. ruminantium and 38.8% carried R. africae infection. Co-infections of E. ruminantium and R. africae in adult and pooled nymphal ticks were 3.9% (7/178) and 10% (14.9), respectively. Lameness of goats due to predilection of ticks for the interdigital space of their feet was observed in 89% of the households.ConclusionsGoats act as important alternative hosts for cattle ticks, which underscored the necessity to include goats in control programs. It is suggested to use acaricide-impregnated leg-bands as a sustainable method to kill ticks and prevent lameness in goats. The challenge of goats by considerable numbers of E. ruminantium-infected ticks is a major obstacle for upgrading the indigenous goat breeds. Humans may be at risk to contract tick-bite fever in this area. SN 1756-3305 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04059-5 UT WOS:000529204300002 PM 32312285 ER PT J AU Hidalgo, A Gacitua, P Melo, A Oberg, C Herrera, C Fonseca-Salamanca, F AF Hidalgo, Alejandro Gacitua, Pablo Melo, Angelica Oberg, Carlos Herrera, Christian Fonseca-Salamanca, Flery TI First Molecular Characterization of Trichostrongylus colubriformis Infection in Rural Patients from Chile SO ACTA PARASITOLOGICA AB Purpose The aim was to characterize the infection by Trichostrongylus spp. in patients from Chile using a combination of molecular detection techniques and phylogenetic analysis relating the findings to clinical and epidemiological reports of the patients Methods Strongylid eggs were detected in seven patients by coproparasitological techniques. From each sample a fragment of the ITS-2 ribosomal gene was amplified by PCR, sequenced and analyzed by the Neighbor-Joining method. Results All the sequences and phylogenetic clusters corresponded to T. colubriformis. Two samples presented a single nucleotide polymorphism showing two possible haplotypes. Six patients presented gastrointestinal symptoms. All of them lived on farms and used sheep manure as fertilizer. Conclusion T. colubriformis was the strongylid involved in the infections of these Chilean patients associated with the presence of livestock and agricultural practices that favor infection by this type of nematode. RI Herrera, Christian L./AAO-8979-2020 OI Herrera George, Christian Leonardo/0000-0001-7251-2716 SN 1230-2821 EI 1896-1851 DI 10.2478/s11686-020-00206-1 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528505600003 PM 32319036 ER PT J AU Zheng, XR Zhao, PJ Yang, KJ Ning, C Wang, HF Zhou, L Liu, JF AF Zheng, Xianrui Zhao, Pengju Yang, Kaijie Ning, Chao Wang, Haifei Zhou, Lei Liu, Jianfeng TI CNV analysis of Meishan pig by next-generation sequencing and effects of AHR gene CNV on pig reproductive traits SO JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY AB Background Reproductive performance of livestock is an economically important aspect of global food production. The Chinese Meishan pig is a prolific breed, with an average of three to five more piglets per litter than European breeds; however, the genetic basis for this difference is not well understood. Results In this study, we investigated copy number variations (CNVs) of 32 Meishan pigs and 29 Duroc pigs by next-generation sequencing. A genome-wide analysis of 61 pigs revealed 12,668 copy number variable regions (CNVRs) that were further divided into three categories based on copy number (CN) of the whole population, i.e., gain (n = 7,638), and loss (n = 5,030) CNVRs. We then compared Meishan and Duroc pigs and identified 17.17 Mb of 6,387 CNVRs that only existing in Meishan pigs CNVRs that overlapped the reproduction-related gene encoding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) gene. We found that normal AHR CN was more frequent than CN loss in four different pig breeds. An association analysis showed that AHR CN had a positive effect on litter size (P < 0.05) and that a higher CN was associated with higher total number born (P < 0.05), number born alive (P < 0.05), number of weaned piglets, and birth weight. Conclusions The present study provides comprehensive CNVRs for Meishan and Duroc pigs through large-scale population resequencing. Our results provide a supplement for the high-resolution map of copy number variation in the porcine genome and valuable information for the investigation of genomic structural variation underlying traits of interest in pig. In addition, the association results provide evidence for AHR as a candidate gene associated with reproductive traits that can be used as a genetic marker in pig breeding programs. SN 2049-1891 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 11 IS 1 AR 42 DI 10.1186/s40104-020-00442-5 UT WOS:000529289100001 PM 32337028 ER PT J AU Zhu, YJ Delgado-Baquerizo, M Shan, D Yang, XH Liu, YS Eldridge, DJ AF Zhu, Yuanjun Delgado-Baquerizo, Manuel Shan, Dan Yang, Xiaohui Liu, Yanshu Eldridge, David J. TI Diversity-productivity relationships vary in response to increasing land-use intensity SO PLANT AND SOIL AB Background and aims Theoretical and experimental evidence, predominantly from temperate grasslands, demonstrates strong support for a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This relationship is likely to be affected by land use drivers that remove vegetation, and/or disturb the soil surface. Our study aimed to examine the links between land use intensity and plant richness, and potential effects on productivity and function. Methods We examined the impact of mowing, grazing, and mowing plus grazing, on the relationship between plant diversity, and two measures of function; aboveground biomass and soil carbon. Our focus was on Eurasian grasslands, which support a high diversity of plant species, millions of people and their livelihoods, and where livestock grazing and mowing are predominant land uses. We used structural equation modelling to examine the effects of these land use drivers at 371 sites across 100,000 km(2) of northern China. Results Mown sites supported a greater number of plant species than sites that were either grazed, or grazed and mown. Increasing plant richness was associated with greater aboveground biomass and soil carbon when sites were either mown or grazed, but these relationships disappeared when the two land use drivers were combined. Relationships among plant diversity and two measures of function were maintained when we accounted for the spatial differences between sites. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that additional land use pressure imposed when mowing and grazing are applied together can decouple the positive associations between plant richness and functions. An understanding of these potential effects is important if we are to adopt strategies, such as destocking or reduced mowing, to maintain diverse grassland ecosystems, and their services and functions. OI zhuZHU, yuan junYuanjun/0000-0001-7932-8516 SN 0032-079X EI 1573-5036 DI 10.1007/s11104-020-04516-1 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528502700001 ER PT J AU Hall, MC Mware, NA Gilley, JE Bartelt-Hunt, SL Snow, DD Schmidt, AM Eskridge, KM Li, X AF Hall, Maria C. Mware, Noelle A. Gilley, John E. Bartelt-Hunt, Shannon L. Snow, Daniel D. Schmidt, Amy M. Eskridge, Kent M. Li, Xu TI Influence of Setback Distance on Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Runoff and Soil Following the Land Application of Swine Manure Slurry SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AB The environmental spread of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from the land application of livestock wastes can be a potential public health threat. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of setback distance, which determines how close manure may be applied in relation to surface water, on the transport of antibiotics and ARGs in runoff and soil following land application of swine manure slurry. Rainfall simulation tests were conducted on field plots covered with wheat residues, each of which contained an upslope manure region where slurry was applied and an adjacent downslope setback region that did not receive slurry. Results show that all three antibiotics (chlortetracycline, lincomycin, and tiamulin) and seven out of the ten genes tested (erm(B), erm(C), intI1, tet(O), tet(Q), tet(X), and the 16S rRNA gene) decreased significantly in runoff with increased setback distance. Only bla(TEM) chlortetracycline, and tiamulin decreased significantly in surface soil with increased setback distance, while the other analytes did not exhibit statistically significant trends. By using linear regression models with field data, we estimate that a setback distance between 34-67 m may allow manure-borne antibiotics and ARGs in runoff to reach background levels under the experimental conditions tested. OI Li, Xu/0000-0002-1006-3027 SN 0013-936X EI 1520-5851 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 54 IS 8 BP 4800 EP 4809 DI 10.1021/acs.est.9b04834 UT WOS:000527738300012 PM 32207931 ER PT J AU Ng'ang'a, TW Coulibaly, JY Crane, TA Gachene, CK Kironchi, G AF Ng'ang'a, Teresiah Wairimu Coulibaly, Jeanne Y. Crane, Todd A. Gachene, Charles K. Kironchi, Geoffrey TI Propensity to adapt to climate change: insights from pastoralist and agro-pastoralist households of Laikipia County, Kenya SO CLIMATIC CHANGE AB Climate change is a reality in Africa's drylands. Pastoralists are engaging and embracing a range of adaptive strategies to adjust to these changes. The socioeconomic factors driving them to engage in a portfolio of multiple adaptation strategies have not been adequately addressed in the existing literature. A multivariate probit model was used to analyze them as determinants of adaptive capacity that promotes or hinders adaptation to climate change. Adaptation is represented by uptake of multiple strategies (irrigation, livestock migration, fodder production, and improved livestock breeds) by households, a demonstration of a household's ability to diversify and adapt to the effects of climate change. The household asset base, particularly social capital represented by government assistance, stands out as it positively influenced by the uptake of four out of five adaptation strategies; that is, irrigation, livestock manure, fodder production, and improved breeds. Information heavily supports the adaptation process as it influenced all the five adaptation strategies analyzed but has a heterogeneous effect, supporting households to either adopt or reject a strategy. Crop-based information positively determines uptake of yield-enhancing strategies while relevant information for livestock activities contributes to the uptake of livestock-based strategies. These findings suggest that mainstreaming agricultural innovations, building a household asset base, and facilitating access to agronomic and climatic information will enable dryland communities to better adapt to climate change. SN 0165-0009 EI 1573-1480 DI 10.1007/s10584-020-02696-4 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528077200001 ER PT J AU Kiss, A AF Kiss, Andrea TI The great (1506-)1507 drought and its consequences in Hungary in a (Central) European context SO REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AB Although in contemporary documentation 1506-1507 is the best-documented drought event in the medieval and sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Carpathian Basin, until now no investigations have been carried out on this subject. Based on contemporary sources-such as narratives, charters, official and private correspondence, estate, town, county and taxation accounts-a concise overview of the documented natural-physical characteristics, temporal-spatial distribution of the drought event and related weather extremes is provided. In a European context, the present investigation reveals that 1506 was a dry year not only in the Carpathian Basin but also in most of Europe. Drought continued in the Carpathian Basin and Italy in 1507, while opposing weather patterns developed in West-Central, Western and Northern Europe, showing similarities to the 2007 and 2015 summer heat and drought events. In the Carpathian Basin, the drought was characterized by the critical low water levels of the River Tisza, heat and high-intensity convective events. Major socio-economic consequences were the higher occurrence rate of major urban fires, bad harvests (cereals, grapevine/wine, hay) and livestock problems (lack or loss of bee, bee products, sheep, cattle, fish, fur)-the latter ones might serve as indicators for future studies. The drought induced numerous individual and institutional responses, including various types of tax relief and common works. The ensuing plague epidemic reached a particularly high level in Hungary; the drought, bad harvests, a change to cooler and wetter conditions, and nutrition problems could have contributed to the intensification of the epidemic outbreak in 1508-1511. SN 1436-3798 EI 1436-378X PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 2 AR UNSP 50 DI 10.1007/s10113-020-01634-5 UT WOS:000527580900001 ER PT J AU Attri, K Dey, A Dahiya, SS Paul, SS Jerome, A Bharadwaj, A Kakker, NK AF Attri, Kiran Dey, Avijit Dahiya, Satbir Singh Paul, Shyam Sundar Jerome, Andonissamy Bharadwaj, Anurag Kakker, Naresh Kumar TI Abatement of enteric methane production from lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with improving production performance and immune status through dietary supplementation of composite feed additive SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Ruminant livestock production processes are the major sources of methane production in agriculture sector triggering global environmental pollution. Above 90% of world buffalo population present in Asian countries, India ranks first and contributes significantly to the environmental pollution by enteric methane emissions. In this study, we examined the effect of dietary composite feed additive supplementation on ruminal methane production, nutrient utilization, milk production and immune status of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes at early stage of lactation were divided into two groups of nine animals and fed a composite feed additive [consisted of (%, w/w) dried and ground leaves of Cordia dichotoma and Holoptelea integrifolia, 31.4 each; garlic oil, 0.6; sodium nitrate, 3.1; magnesium sulphate, 8.4; mustard oil, 12.6 and cottonseed oil, 12.5] which contained an ideal combinations of methane inhibitors, alternate hydrogen sinks and rumen stimulating agents to treatment (CFA) group animals along with basal feed of chaffed green sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) fodder, chaffed wheat straw and concentrate mixture for maintenance and milk production. The results showed a decrease (44.6%) in methane concentration in exhaled air of CFA group buffaloes with increase (p < 0.05) in digestibility of feed in comparison to control (CON). Total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of the ration fed to buffaloes of CFA group was significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The daily milk yield, 6% fat corrected milk (FCM) yield and immune response were also increased (p < 0.05) in CFA group. The study suggests that the supplementation of composite feed additive was effective to reduce enteric methane emissions and improvement in production performance and immune status of buffaloes. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD JUN PY 2020 VL 27 IS 18 SI SI BP 22476 EP 22485 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08601-x EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527481400001 PM 32314293 ER PT J AU Elmenofy, W Mohamed, I El-Gaied, L Salem, R Osman, G Ibrahim, M AF Elmenofy, Wael Mohamed, Ismail El-Gaied, Lamiaa Salem, Reda Osman, Gamal Ibrahim, Mohamed TI Expression of 1B capsid protein of Foot- and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) using baculovirus expression system and its validation in detecting SAT 2-specific antisera SO PEERJ AB Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the most devastating animal viruses that affect livestock worldwide. The 1B capsid of FMDV has been widely used to detect and confirm the infection. In the present study, the sequence coding for 1B subunit of FMDV capsid was expressed in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system under the polyhedrin (polh) promoter. The expression of 1B capsid protein was validated in the culture filtrate of insect cells using SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The culture filtrate containing recombinant 1B capsid (r1B) was used as a coated antigen in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antigenicity and specificity of r1B against SAT 2 serotype-specific antibodies were assessed. Our results revealed that a protein concentration as low as 25 ng could detect SAT 2-specific antibodies in ELISA. The results highlight the application of insect cells developed r1B protein in the detection of FMDV. Further studies are required to determine the ability of r1B to detect other FMDV serotypes. SN 2167-8359 PD APR 21 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8946 DI 10.7717/peerj.8946 UT WOS:000527115200006 PM 32341896 ER PT J AU Couch, CE Arnold, HK Crowhurst, RS Jolles, AE Sharpton, TJ Witczak, MF Epps, CW Beechler, BR AF Couch, Claire E. Arnold, Holly K. Crowhurst, Rachel S. Jolles, Anna E. Sharpton, Thomas J. Witczak, Marci F. Epps, Clinton W. Beechler, Brianna R. TI Bighorn sheep gut microbiomes associate with genetic and spatial structure across a metapopulation SO SCIENTIFIC REPORTS AB Studies in laboratory animals demonstrate important relationships between environment, host traits, and microbiome composition. However, host-microbiome relationships in natural systems are understudied. Here, we investigate metapopulation-scale microbiome variation in a wild mammalian host, the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). We sought to identify over-represented microbial clades and understand how landscape variables and host traits influence microbiome composition across the host metapopulation. To address these questions, we performed 16S sequencing on fecal DNA samples from thirty-nine bighorn sheep across seven loosely connected populations in the Mojave Desert and assessed relationships between microbiome composition, environmental variation, geographic distribution, and microsatellite-derived host population structure and heterozygosity. We first used a phylogenetically-informed algorithm to identify bacterial clades conserved across the metapopulation. Members of genus Ruminococcaceae, genus Lachnospiraceae, and family Christensenellaceae R7 group were among the clades over-represented across the metapopulation, consistent with their known roles as rumen symbionts in domestic livestock. Additionally, compositional variation among hosts correlated with individual-level geographic and genetic structure, and with population-level differences in genetic heterozygosity. This study identifies microbiome community variation across a mammalian metapopulation, potentially associated with genetic and geographic population structure. Our results imply that microbiome composition may diverge in accordance with landscape-scale environmental and host population characteristics. OI Beechler, Brianna/0000-0002-9711-4340 SN 2045-2322 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 DI 10.1038/s41598-020-63401-0 UT WOS:000537155000012 PM 32313214 ER PT J AU Barnes, AN Baasandavga, U Davaasuren, A Gonchigoo, B Gray, GC AF Barnes, Amber N. Baasandavga, Uyanga Davaasuren, Anu Gonchigoo, Battsetseg Gray, Gregory C. TI Knowledge and practices surrounding zoonotic disease among Mongolian herding households SO PASTORALISM-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE AB The strong bond between herder and livestock was forged centuries ago in rural Mongolia and remains an element of national pride and a cornerstone to the economy. However, semi-nomadic herders frequently live at the edge of human health care, veterinary services, and municipal infrastructure like water and sanitation. This study examined zoonotic risk factors and disease perceptions among 150 rural herding households. Less than half of the participating households used an improved drinking water source (43.3%), and the majority of herding families did not use an improved sanitation service (68.5%). Almost half of the study population practise open defaecation (49.7%). Hand washing occurs after animal contact (78%) but not after defaecation/urination (76.6%). Domestic animal ownership and/or presence was reported at every household, and exposure risks varied by the gender of the household member. Most households had knowledge about zoonotic disease transmission (74%) but far less recognized the risk of reverse zoonoses, or human-to-animal disease transmission (53.3%). Few survey respondents believed that animal contact is a risk factor for diarrhoeal disease (8.7%). This study highlights zoonotic disease exposure risks from animal husbandry practices and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene access and behaviours among rural herding households. Zoonotic disease prevention among Mongolian herders should be implemented using a One Health framework to simultaneously address human, animal, and environmental health concerns of rural herding households. SN 2041-7136 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 AR 8 DI 10.1186/s13570-020-00162-5 UT WOS:000529946100002 ER PT J AU Gupta, R Dasgupta, A AF Gupta, Ridhima Dasgupta, Amlan TI Milk will drive methane emissions in India SO CLIMATIC CHANGE AB Livestock is a significant contributor to global anthropogenic emissions of methane, a short-lived greenhouse gas that is responsible for about 20% of the warming induced by greenhouse gases since pre-industrial times. India is a major contributor to these emissions, and its demand for livestock products is continually increasing in response to both growth in incomes and in population. We estimate methane emissions from livestock in India by estimating the demand for milk and milk products using countrywide representative consumption data over the period 1983-2012. We find that the average annual growth rate of methane emissions from dairy cattle is about twice as large (2.4%) as current estimates that do not take into account the economic factors that influence livestock demand. The difference in growth rates translates to an almost 40% difference in forecasted emissions from dairy cattle by 2050. Our findings suggest that, in a rapidly changing economic environment, current forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock may inaccurately estimate emissions since they fail to consider the economics governing it. We also estimate emissions under different scenarios, in terms of milk price trajectories and livestock composition. The changes in price do not alter our results significantly but the transition to crossbred animals in livestock drastically reduces future methane emissions from milk production. SN 0165-0009 EI 1573-1480 DI 10.1007/s10584-020-02715-4 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527506400003 ER PT J AU van Eeden, LM Slagle, K Crowther, MS Dickman, CR Newsome, TM AF van Eeden, Lily M. Slagle, Kristina Crowther, Mathew S. Dickman, Christopher R. Newsome, Thomas M. TI Linking social identity, risk perception, and behavioral psychology to understand predator management by livestock producers SO RESTORATION ECOLOGY AB Human behaviors can determine the success of efforts to restore predators to ecosystems. While behaviors such as lethal predator control may impede predator restoration, other land management practices can facilitate coexistence between predators and humans. Socio-psychological theories provide useful tools for understanding and improving these human behaviors. We explore three frameworks to understand what shapes Australian livestock graziers' behaviors with regards to management of the threat that dingoes pose to livestock. These frameworks are the theory of reasoned action (incorporating values and beliefs about dingoes), the social identity approach, and perception of risk. We distributed a survey to Australian graziers by mail and online (n = 138) which allowed recording of information on these three frameworks and their engagement in lethal dingo control. Among the respondents, we found that all three frameworks were linked with lethal dingo control when assessed individually, but when combined in a hierarchical regression, only social identity (specifically, identifying as an "environmentalist" or "pest controller") was significant in predicting behavior. This result reveals the strength of social norms and normative beliefs over perceived risk in shaping behavior. As such, social identity is a useful metric for predicting and understanding environmental management behavior. Determining what these social identities mean in a given context is important for identifying how to implement behavior change to promote evidence-based management that facilitates restoration of wildlife such as predators to landscapes where conflict with humans occurs. RI Crowther, Mathew/M-7406-2013 OI Crowther, Mathew/0000-0001-8968-1161 SN 1061-2971 EI 1526-100X DI 10.1111/rec.13154 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527701700001 ER PT J AU Makarewicz, CA AF Makarewicz, Cheryl A. TI The adoption of cattle pastoralism in the Arabian Peninsula: A reappraisal SO ARABIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND EPIGRAPHY AB The translocation of livestock into the Arabian Peninsula was underway by the sixth millennium BC. It remains unclear, however, whether nascent pastoralism in Arabia focused on specialised cattle herding, intensive caprine husbandry, or more extensive forms of sheep, goat and cattle management. Here, the role of Bos in Neolithic animal exploitation systems in the Arabian Peninsula is re-examined in the context of fisher-hunter-gatherer groups inhabiting the coasts of the Arabian Gulf, agro-pastoralist settlements located in the Jordanian highlands, and hunter-herder communities in adjacent Jordanian steppe (badia). By the late sixth millennium BC, cattle from southern Mesopotamia were imported to the Arabian littoral via Ubaid exchange networks but remained a relatively unimportant part of local hunter-gatherer-herder subsistence for at least a millennium. New zooarchaeological evidence indicating cattle herding in the Jordanian highlands by the late eighth millennium BC suggests a southern transmission route originating out of Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B settlements and the subsequent spread of cattle along the Sarawat mountains into the interior or down the relatively arid Red Sea coast via land or boat. Cattle eventually played a central role in the symbolic and ritual lives of herders in southern Arabia, but the use of the term 'cattle pastoralism' to describe early Neolithic subsistence systems in the region is premature. SN 0905-7196 EI 1600-0471 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 31 IS 1 BP 168 EP 177 DI 10.1111/aae.12156 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527090000001 ER PT J AU Shao, J Huang, S Lemus-Aguilar, I ?nal, E AF Shao, Jing Huang, Shuo Lemus-Aguilar, Isaac Unal, Enes TI Circular business models generation for automobile remanufacturing industry in China Barriers and opportunities SO JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AB Purpose Although China can be considered an early adopter of the circular economy, there are few studies of remanufacturing business models (BMs) in the context of the Chinese automobile industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate viable BMs, summarizes current obstacles and anticipates future development opportunities and directions. Design/methodology/approach The cross-case analysis considers the roles of value networks and of customer value proposition and interface in circular business models (CBMs) by examining the strategies and tactical measures of two leading remanufacturers. The data are collected from semi-structured interviews, documents, etc. Findings The analysis identifies the following components of viable BMs of remanufacturers: reclaiming raw material, managing used components, producing new products and marketing. Several current obstacles are summarized from four perspectives: policy barriers and insufficient government support; consumer awareness; related product quality; and technology. The study also identifies future directions and opportunities for the automobile parts remanufacturing industry. Originality/value This study contributes to the CBM literature by mapping the barriers and opportunities in remanufacturing. The results have shed some light into the field of sustainability in manufacturing firms by empirically testing the theoretical model. The results will help managers to design viable CBMs in different contexts. SN 1741-038X EI 1758-7786 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 31 IS 3 BP 542 EP 571 DI 10.1108/JMTM-02-2019-0076 UT WOS:000526906400006 ER PT J AU Quaranta, G Salvi, R Salvati, L De Paola, V Coluzzi, R Imbrenda, V Simoniello, T AF Quaranta, Giovanni Salvi, Rosanna Salvati, Luca De Paola, Velia Coluzzi, Rosa Imbrenda, Vito Simoniello, Tiziana TI Long-term impacts of grazing management on land degradation in a rural community of Southern Italy: Depopulation matters SO LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT AB Depopulation and economic marginalization of rural districts have induced a progressive land abandonment in agricultural and pastoral districts. In Europe, areas at higher risk of farmland abandonment are characterized by low-intensity pasture systems whose fate is strongly dependent on state incentives or subsidies to rural development promoting more sustainable land-use trajectories. Especially in Southern Europe, undergrazing is the main driver of pasture degradation. In such a context, a land management preserving pasture resilience requires a wider knowledge about the impact of practices on the ecological characteristics of pastures and an improved understanding of complex socio-environmental interactions underlying the adoption of such practices. Based on these premises, this study investigates the extent to which the past land management reflects the current state of agro-pastoral systems in a local community of Southern Apennine (Basilicata, Italy). Based on a multi-scale analysis integrating multiple sources of data and exploratory techniques, three land-use trajectories with different implications for land degradation were identified: (a) areas completely abandoned, (b) areas with a decrease in grazing where the management system is remained unchanged, and (c) areas characterized by a decrease in grazing with changes in the management system. Results outline the importance of landscape history shaping (optimal and sub-optimal) land management and the influence of landscape structure on livestock performances within different farm management types. SN 1085-3278 EI 1099-145X DI 10.1002/ldr.3583 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527087600001 ER PT J AU Clark, NJ Tozer, S Wood, C Firestone, SM Stevenson, M Caraguel, C Chaber, AL Heller, J Magalhaes, RJS AF Clark, Nicholas J. Tozer, Sarah Wood, Caitlin Firestone, Simon M. Stevenson, Mark Caraguel, Charles Chaber, Anne-Lise Heller, Jane Magalhaes, Ricardo J. Soares TI Unravelling animal exposure profiles of human Q fever cases in Queensland, Australia, using natural language processing SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Q fever, caused by the zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed emerging infectious disease. Livestock are the most important zoonotic transmission sources, yet infection in people without livestock exposure is common. Identifying potential exposure pathways is necessary to design effective interventions and aid outbreak prevention. We used natural language processing and graphical network methods to provide insights into how Q fever notifications are associated with variation in patient occupations or lifestyles. Using an 18-year time-series of Q fever notifications in Queensland, Australia, we used topic models to test whether compositions of patient answers to follow-up exposure questionnaires varied between demographic groups or across geographical areas. To determine heterogeneity in possible zoonotic exposures, we explored patterns of livestock and game animal co-exposures using Markov Random Fields models. Finally, to identify possible correlates of Q fever case severity, we modelled patient probabilities of being hospitalized as a function of particular exposures. Different demographic groups consistently reported distinct sets of exposure terms and were concentrated in different areas of the state, suggesting the presence of multiple transmission pathways. Macropod exposure was commonly reported among Q fever cases, even when exposure to cattle, sheep or goats was absent. Males, older patients and those that reported macropod exposure were more likely to be hospitalized due to Q fever infection. Our study indicates that follow-up surveillance combined with text modelling is useful for unravelling exposure pathways in the battle to reduce Q fever incidence and associated morbidity. RI Caraguel, Charles/P-6631-2019 OI Caraguel, Charles/0000-0003-0019-4813 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13565 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527229900001 PM 32259390 ER PT J AU Kamilaris, C Dewhurst, RJ Sykes, AJ Alexander, P AF Kamilaris, C. Dewhurst, R. J. Sykes, A. J. Alexander, P. TI Modelling alternative management scenarios of economic and environmental sustainability of beef finishing systems SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB The livestock industry, and particularly beef production, is recognised as an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to climate change. The complexity of beef systems means that appropriate GHG mitigating strategies depend on local conditions, requiring tailored entry points to be identified and evaluated. Using Scotland as a case study, here we combine a bio-economic simulation model and farm-level carbon footprinting tool to study the environmental impact of a range of beef production scenarios, and trade-offs generated between mitigating emissions and increasing farm profitability. To measure the environmental impact of finishing duration, type and gender selection of beef fattening systems, emissions were grouped into five categories: (1) land and crops, (2) enteric emissions, (3) manure, (4) feed and bedding, and (5) fuel and electricity. Results suggest that more intensive shorter duration systems have the lowest environmental impact of all the systems investigated. However, medium duration (i.e. 18-24 months) pasture-based beef production systems in Scotland were found to achieve a balance between financial returns and environmental performance. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI ; Dewhurst, Richard/D-2384-2010 OI Alexander, Peter/0000-0001-6010-1186; Dewhurst, Richard/0000-0002-9357-7372 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 253 AR 119888 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119888 UT WOS:000516788400075 ER PT J AU Zheng, J Zhou, XJ Yu, YG Wu, J Ling, W Ma, HP AF Zheng, Jun Zhou, Xingjian Yu, Yunge Wu, Jian Ling, Wei Ma, Hongping TI Low carbon, high efficiency and sustainable production of traditional manufacturing methods through process design strategy: Improvement process for sand casting defects SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Energy saving and emission reduction in traditional manufacturing can be achieved by reducing the occurrence of defective products. Most of the existing optimization methods are obtained by referring to production experience and technical manual, which are time-consuming and laborious. Thus, a method of process selection and optimization for defective products in the design phase is required. In this paper, a process design strategy based on design parameters for eliminating sand casting defects is proposed. Firstly, the technological process and hole-type defects of sand casting are analyzed. The process design parameters are divided into three categories to propose a process design strategy. Three specific optimization schemes named OSP (structure parameters optimized process), OGP (gating system parameters optimized process), and OPP (processing parameters optimized process) are derived. Then a carbon emission prediction model is established to evaluate the effect of these schemes, and a sustainable manufacturing evaluation method with six indicators is also raised. Finally, a case study illustrates that 21%-24% of process carbon emission was saved after optimization on average. Among the strategies, OSP has the best energy-saving performance of average carbon emission, which is 4% lower than the others. OGP has the largest proportion of recyclable resources while OPP has the highest process yield and lowest adjustment cost. The results show that the proposed strategies can effectively improve the process yield, quality of casting, and decrease carbon emissions. The strategy raised in the paper supports the sustainable development of traditional manufacturing methods. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 253 AR 119917 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119917 UT WOS:000516788400069 ER PT J AU Shah, SHH Li, YM Wang, JY Collins, AL AF Shah, Syed Hamid Hussain Li, Yumei Wang, Junye Collins, Adrian L. TI Optimizing farmyard manure and cattle slurry applications for intensively managed grasslands based on UK-DNDC model simulations SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Fertilizer applications can enhance soil fertility, pasture growth and thereby increase production. Nitrogen fertilizer has, however, been identified as a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agriculture if not used correctly and can thereby increase the environmental damage costs associated with agricultural production. The optimum use of organic fertilizers requires an improved understanding of nutrient cycles and their controls. Against this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the scope for reducing N2O emissions from grassland using a number of manure management practices including more frequent applications of smaller doses and different methods of application. We used a modified UK-DNDC model and N2O emissions from grasslands at Pwllpeiran (PW), UK during the calibration period in autumn, were 135 kg N/ha/y (cattle slurry) and 0.95 kg N/ha/y (farmyard manure), and 2.31 kg N/ha/y (cattle slurry) and 1.08 kg N/ha/y (farmyard manure) during validation period in spring, compared to 1.43 kg N/ha/y (cattle slurry) and 029 kg N/ha/y (farmyard manure) during spring at North Wyke (NW), UK. The modelling results suggested that the time period between fertilizing and sampling (TPFA), rainfall and the daily average air temperature are key factors for N2O emissions. Also, the emission factor (EF) varies spatio-temporally (0-2%) compared to uniform 1% EF assumption of IPCC. Predicted N2O emissions were positively and linearly (R-2 approximate to 1) related with N loadings under all scenarios. During the scenario analysis, the use of high frequency, low dose fertilizer applications compared to a single one off application was predicted to reduce N2O peak fluxes and overall emissions for cattle slurry during the autumn and spring seasons at the PW and NW experimental sites by 17% and 15%, respectively. These results demonstrated that an optimized application regime using outputs from the modelling approach is a promising tool for supporting environmentally-friendly precision agriculture. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI ; Collins, Adrian/V-5938-2018 OI Wang, Junye/0000-0001-5562-1400; Collins, Adrian/0000-0001-8790-8473 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 714 AR 136672 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136672 UT WOS:000517760200104 PM 31982741 ER PT J AU Srivathsa, A Sharma, S Oli, MK AF Srivathsa, Arjun Sharma, Sushma Oli, Madan K. TI Every dog has its prey: Range-wide assessment of links between diet patterns, livestock depredation and human interactions for an endangered carnivore SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Livestock depredation is the most ubiquitous type of negative interaction between humans and carnivores. We conducted a range-wide assessment linking diet patterns of the endangered dhole Cuon alpinus, with livestock consumption and human-dhole interactions. We first performed a reanalysis of dhole diet data from all published studies (1973-2013) incorporating a recently-developed non-linear correction factor for quantifying prey biomass consumed. We then determined the relative livestock numbers consumed by dholes over time across its range, compared these with earlier estimates, and investigated the relative importance of wild vs. non-wild prey in dhole diet. Using information from >70 studies, we explored links between livestock consumption by dholes, availability of wild versus non-wild prey, sympatric depredation-prone carnivores, and people's perception of dholes as livestock predators. We found that (a) dhole diet profiles varied regionally, (b) dholes consumed fewer livestock compared to estimates generated using other, widely used methods, (c) livestock consumption by dholes was associated with wild and non-wild prey densities, and number of co-predator species, and (d) people's negative perception of dholes was associated with pack sizes, levels of livestock depredation and number of sympatric carnivore species. Global efforts for dhole conservation should involve different strategies based on region-specific realities that account for ecological context as well as human perceptions, which would require well-designed studies of dhole social and population dynamics, and human-dhole interactions. We also call for more such range-wide assessments of livestock depredation by wild canids, complemented with direct investigations of human-canid interactions. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 20 PY 2020 VL 714 AR 136798 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136798 UT WOS:000517760200052 PM 31986391 ER PT J AU Sung, K Cooper, T Oehlmann, J Singh, J Mont, O AF Sung, Kyungeun Cooper, Tim Oehlmann, Johanna Singh, Jagdeep Mont, Oksana TI Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives on Scaling up UK Fashion Upcycling Businesses SO FASHION PRACTICE-THE JOURNAL OF DESIGN CREATIVE PROCESS & THE FASHION INDUSTRY AB Fashion upcycling, the process of using waste clothing and textiles to create new products, is an alternative to business-as-usual practices which can effectively address concerns on excessive consumption of energy and material resources and use of chemicals in the fashion industry. Scaling up fashion upcycling businesses could enable the transition of the fashion industry towards sustainability. Past studies in fashion upcycling have paid attention to limited aspects of the businesses, and comprehensive synthesis of viewpoints from diverse stakeholders involved in the business is lacking. This paper provides such a synthesis, focusing on the challenges and success factors for expanding (or scaling up) UK fashion upcycling businesses. Twenty three stakeholders in the UK were interviewed. Four different perspectives (by material suppliers, upcyclers, retailers and consumers) on challenges and success factors for scaling up fashion upcycling businesses in the UK as well as suitable actors to take actions for positive change were identified. Common challenges and success factors across stakeholders were highlighted. The paper further discusses theoretical and practical implications of the study. RI Singh, Jagdeep/C-4913-2018 OI Singh, Jagdeep/0000-0002-9215-0166 SN 1756-9370 EI 1756-9389 DI 10.1080/17569370.2019.1701398 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528470600001 ER PT J AU Akbar, M Niaz, R Amjad, M AF Akbar, Muhammad Niaz, Rizwan Amjad, Muhammad TI Determinants of households' food insecurity with severity dimensions in Pakistan: Varying estimates using partial proportional odds model SO HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AB This study is conducted to determine the impact of some selected socioeconomic and demographic factors on households' food insecurity in Pakistan. Data are taken from national-level survey Household Integrated Income and Consumption Survey 2015-2016. Inclusion of gender dimensions of some important factors and estimation of varying estimates at four severity levels of households' food insecurity status using partial proportional odds model may be considered unique features of the study. It is concluded that household's income, employment, agricultural income, donations, parental education level and some households' characteristics are important factors for improving food security in Pakistan. Maternal education, and maternal paid employment compared to paternal education, and paternal paid employment show strong positive effects to improve severe food insecurity. Couple paid employment, livestock ownership and operating agricultural land seem to have the most effective role for improving food security. Social welfare programmes and religious institution of Zakat are helpful to cope with severe food insecurity in Pakistan. Some special efforts or development strategies are recommended to improve food insecurity of rural households and Baluchistan province. Moreover, the observed U-type quadratic impact of household size and the adverse impact of dependency ratio induce effective policies to control high birth rate in Pakistan. Hence, creation of employment opportunities especially for women, appreciation of couple paid employment, easy access to education for women, steps to raise level of education, growth of agricultural sector, rural development, social welfare and development schemes for Baluchistan, and continuation of Benazir Income Support Program are recommended to overcome severe and moderate level food insecurity in Pakistan. Since socioeconomic conditions and food insecurity issues of developing countries and especially in South Asian countries are homogeneous and therefore, the analysis in this study might be relevant to South Asian region. OI Amjad, Muhammad/0000-0001-8191-635X; Akbar, Muhammad/0000-0002-0381-3547 SN 0966-0410 EI 1365-2524 DI 10.1111/hsc.12995 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526168300001 PM 32301160 ER PT J AU Allyn, AJ Alexander, MA Franklin, BS Massiot-Granier, F Pershing, AJ Scott, JD Mills, KE AF Allyn, Andrew J. Alexander, Michael A. Franklin, Bradley S. Massiot-Granier, Felix Pershing, Andrew J. Scott, James D. Mills, Katherine E. TI Comparing and synthesizing quantitative distribution models and qualitative vulnerability assessments to project marine species distributions under climate change SO PLOS ONE AB Species distribution shifts are a widely reported biological consequence of climate-driven warming across marine ecosystems, creating ecological and social challenges. To meet these challenges and inform management decisions, we need accurate projections of species distributions. Quantitative species distribution models (SDMs) are routinely used to make these projections, while qualitative climate change vulnerability assessments are becoming more common. We constructed SDMs, compared SDM projections to expectations from a qualitative expert climate change vulnerability assessment, and developed a novel approach for combining the two methods to project the distribution and relative biomass of 49 marine species in the Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem under a "business as usual" climate change scenario. A forecasting experiment using SDMs highlighted their ability to capture relative biomass patterns fairly well (mean Pearson's correlation coefficient between predicted and observed biomass = 0.24, range = 0-0.6) and pointed to areas needing improvement, including reducing prediction error and better capturing finescale spatial variability. SDM projections suggest the region will undergo considerable biological changes, especially in the Gulf of Maine, where commercially-important groundfish and traditional forage species are expected to decline as coastal fish species and warmer-water forage species historically found in the southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Bight area increase. The SDM projections only occasionally aligned with vulnerability assessment expectations, with agreement more common for species with adult mobility and population growth rates that showed low sensitivity to climate change. Although our blended approach tried to build from the strengths of each method, it had no noticeable improvement in predictive ability over SDMs. This work rigorously evaluates the predictive ability of SDMs, quantifies expected species distribution shifts under future climate conditions, and tests a new approach for integrating SDMs and vulnerability assessments to help address the complex challenges arising from climate-driven species distribution shifts. OI Allyn, Andrew/0000-0002-1584-0198; Scott, James D/0000-0002-8709-8594 SN 1932-6203 PD APR 16 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0231595 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0231595 UT WOS:000536011400071 PM 32298349 ER PT J AU Liu, K Yang, ZR Liang, WF Guo, TC Long, Y Shao, ZJ AF Liu, Kun Yang, Zurong Liang, Weifeng Guo, Tianci Long, Yong Shao, Zhongjun TI Effect of climatic factors on the seasonal fluctuation of human brucellosis in Yulin, northern China SO BMC PUBLIC HEALTH AB BackgroundBrucellosis is a serious public health problem primarily affecting livestock workers. The strong seasonality of the disease indicates that climatic factors may play important roles in the transmission of the disease. However, the associations between climatic variability and human brucellosis are still poorly understood.MethodsData for a 14-year series of human brucellosis cases and seven climatic factors were collected in Yulin City from 2005 to 2018, one of the most endemic areas in northern China. Using cross-correlation analysis, the Granger causality test, and a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), we assessed the quantitative relationships and exposure-lag-response effects between monthly climatic factors and human brucellosis.ResultsA total of 7103 cases of human brucellosis were reported from 2005 to 2018 in Yulin City with a distinct peak between April and July each year. Seasonal fluctuations in the transmission of human brucellosis were significantly affected by temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation. The effects of climatic factors were non-linear over the 6-month period, and higher values of these factors usually increased disease incidence. The maximum separate relative risk (RR) was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.81) at a temperature of 17.4 degrees C, 1.12 (95% CI, 1.03-1.22) with 311h of sunshine, and 1.18 (95% CI, 0.94-1.48) with 314mm of evaporation. In addition, the effects of these three climatic factors were cumulative, with the highest RRs of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.09-4.57), 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10-2.18), and 1.27 (95% CI, 0.73-2.14), respectively.ConclusionsIn Yulin, northern China, variations in climatic factors, especially temperature, sunshine duration, and evaporation, contributed significantly to seasonal fluctuations of human brucellosis within 6months. The key determinants of brucellosis transmission and the identified complex associations are useful references for developing strategies to reduce the disease burden. EI 1471-2458 PD APR 16 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s12889-020-08599-4 UT WOS:000528623600003 PM 32299414 ER PT J AU Gong, XQ Xiao, X Liu, JW Han, HJ Qin, XR Lei, SC Yu, XJ AF Gong Xiao-Qing Xiao Xiao Liu Jian-Wei Han Hui-Ju Qin Xiang-Rong Lei Si-Cong Yu Xue-Jie TI Occurrence and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in Hedgehogs in China SO VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES AB Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever (Q fever), and distributes broadly in environment. Livestock are identified as main reservoirs, which may infect people through their contaminative urine, feces, milk, and birth products. Wild animals can also be the potential carriers and transmitters of C. burnetii. To understand the geographic distribution and host species of C. burnetii in China, we investigated the prevalence of C. burnetii in hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) in Hubei Province. Hedgehogs were tested for C. burnetii with PCR targeting three genes (com1, rrs, and icd) followed by multispacer sequence typing (MST). We found that 12.2% (5/41) hedgehogs were PCR positive for C. burnetii. MST revealed presence of two novel genotypes and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains were similar to a group of isolates from chronic Q fever patients and mammals. This study showed that C. burnetii are highly prevalent in hedgehogs in Hubei Province in central China, suggesting that hedgehogs may play an important role in the ecology and transmission of C. burnetii to humans because it is captured and used as traditional medicine in China. SN 1530-3667 EI 1557-7759 DI 10.1089/vbz.2019.2589 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526960500001 PM 32301684 ER PT J AU Gurbuz, IB Ozkan, G AF Gurbuz, Ismail Bulent Ozkan, Gulay TI Integrated environmental impact and risk assessment in rural women entrepreneurs SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB This study set out to reveal to what extent women entrepreneurs operating in rural areas have been affected by environmental pollution and climate change. Besides, it emphasises how much they will be affected over the next 5 years throughout Turkey. The study covered rural areas of all seven regions in Turkey. Findings were analysed by using SPSS 23 programme. Women entrepreneurs were younger in less developed regions of the country, such as the Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Anatolia, and were older in the more economically developed coastal areas. One-third of the respondents were microentrepreneurs; 12% employ five or more workers. The problems of rural women entrepreneurs are further complicated by environmental pollution and climate change. Among the significant environmental issues, women entrepreneurs endure a loss of income, loss of trade stock/goods, and loss of livestock, property damage and potable water supply. Women entrepreneurs agreed that, in the next 5 years, environmental problems would adversely affect customer demand, the quality of raw materials they use and the products they offer; therefore, customer demand would reduce. On the other hand, they were divided in their opinion about whether environmental problems will be affecting their business location and the need to invest in technology and equipment. The study showed that none of the participants obtained disaster insurance, and none of them was members of an environmental organisation. RI Ozkan, Gulay/G-7807-2015 OI Ozkan, Gulay/0000-0001-6878-1673; gurbuz, ismail bulent/0000-0001-5340-3725 SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08753-w EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526215000003 PM 32297117 ER PT J AU Glaize, A Gutierrez-Rodriguez, E Hanning, I Diaz-Sanchez, S Gunter, C van Vliet, AHM Watson, W Thakur, S AF Glaize, Ayanna Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Eduardo Hanning, Irene Diaz-Sanchez, Sandra Gunter, Chris van Vliet, Arnoud H. M. Watson, Wes Thakur, Siddhartha TI Transmission of antimicrobial resistant non-O157 Escherichia coli at the interface of animal-fresh produce in sustainable farming environments SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY AB The interaction of typical host adapted enteric bacterial pathogens with fresh produce grown in fields is complex. These interactions can be more pronounced in co-managed or sustainable farms where animal operations are, by design, close to fresh produce, and growers frequently move between the two production environments. The primary objectives of this study were to 1) determine the transmission of STEC or enteric pathogens from small and large animal herds or operations to fresh produce on sustainable farms in TN and NC, 2) identify the possible sources that impact transmission of AMR E. coli, specifically STEC on these systems, and 3) WGS to characterize recovered E. coli from these sources. Samples were collected from raw and composted manure, environment, and produce sources. The serotype, virulence, and genotypic resistance profile were determined using the assembled genome sequences sequenced by Illumina technology. Broth microdilution was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of each isolate against a panel of fourteen antimicrobials. The prevalence of E. coli increased during the summer season for all sources tested. ParSNP trees generated demonstrated that the transmission of AMR E. coli is occurring between animal feeding operations and fresh produce. Ten isolates were identified as serotype O45, a serotype that is associated with the "Big Six" group that is frequently linked with foodborne outbreaks caused by non-O157 E. coli. However, these isolates did not possess the stx gene. The highest frequency of resistance was detected against streptomycin (n = 225), ampicillin (n = 190) and sulfisoxazole FIS (n = 140). A total of 35 (13.7%) isolates from two TN farms were positive for the blaCMY (n = 5) and blaTEM (n = 32) genes. The results of this study show the potential of AMR E. coli transmission between animal feeding operations and fresh produce, and more studies are recommended to study this interaction and prevent dissemination in sustainable farming systems. RI Diaz Sanchez, Sandra/M-4317-2015 OI Diaz Sanchez, Sandra/0000-0002-7205-3174 SN 0168-1605 EI 1879-3460 PD APR 16 PY 2020 VL 319 AR 108472 DI 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108472 UT WOS:000526517300011 PM 31901751 ER PT J AU Wilson-Welder, JH Boggiatto, P Nally, JE Wafa, EI Alt, DP Hornsby, RL Frank, A Jones, DE Olsen, SC Bowden, NB Salem, AK AF Wilson-Welder, Jennifer H. Boggiatto, Paola Nally, Jarlath E. Wafa, Emad, I Alt, David P. Hornsby, Richard L. Frank, Ami Jones, Douglas E. Olsen, Steven C. Bowden, Ned B. Salem, Aliasger K. TI Bovine immune response to leptospira antigen in different novel adjuvants and vaccine delivery platforms SO VACCINE AB Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis causing significant economic losses for cattle production. Current cattle vaccines against leptospirosis need improvement to provide efficacy against multiple serovars, reduce shedding in urine, and to induce earlier and more robust immune responses. In this study, Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo strain 203 antigen was combined with novel adjuvants (a biodegradable polyanhydride compressed rod implant (VPEAR), poly(diaminosulfide) microparticles, a water-oil-water emulsion adjuvant, and aluminum hydroxide) to develop novel vaccines. Cattle were immunized twice, at a 4 week interval, with inoculums containing adjuvants alone or leptospira antigens and immune responses were compared to responses of cattle receiving a commercial monovalent leptospirosis vaccine (Spirovac). All animals were inoculated with a single dose of Spirovac at 20 weeks to assess antigen recall responses. Serum antibody responses were increased (P > 0.05) at 8 and 20 weeks after vaccination in cattle receiving inoculums containing leptospira antigens combined with water-oil-emulsion, poly(diaminosulfide) microparticles (PNSN-MP), or aluminum hydroxide and in cattle vaccinated with Spirovac. Humoral responses were predominantly IgG1 isotypes. Antigen-specific proliferative responses were detected after initial vaccination in cattle vaccinated with Spirovac, PNSN-MP and water-oil-water treatments. Most proliferative responses occurring within CD4+ and gamma delta T cell populations expressing CD45RO and CD25 markers, a response consistent with an effector memory phenotype. Antigen-specific immune responses were not detected in cattle vaccinated with VPEAR after initial inoculation, but were detected in the antigen recall responses. PBMCs from cattle vaccinated with Spirovac, oil-water-oil, or PNSN-MP treatments had increased (P < 0.05) IL-17A release after in vitro stimulation with leptospirosis antigens, whereas all groups produced IFN-gamma and IL-17A after in vitro stimulation during the antigen recall response. Our data demonstrates that combining leptospirosis antigens with these adjuvants enhances immunogenicity in cattle. Interpretative Summary: Vaccination of livestock is a key mechanism for minimizing transmission of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease. Leptospirosis vaccines for cattle need to be improved to provide greater levels of protection from kidney colonization, better immune responses, and protection against multiple serovars. This could be accomplished using new vaccine adjuvants. In this study, several novel adjuvants were evaluated for their ability to induce effective immune responses in cattle to leptospira antigens as compared to currently available vaccines. Data suggested that vaccines containing biodegradable polymer microparticles and oil-emulsion adjuvants induced similar or greater immune responses as compared to a commercial vaccine. Our data suggest these new vaccine formulations warrant further investigation as new vaccine formulations for cattle and other livestock. Published by Elsevier Ltd. OI Wafa, Emad/0000-0002-9854-502X SN 0264-410X EI 1873-2518 PD APR 16 PY 2020 VL 38 IS 18 BP 3464 EP 3473 DI 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.086 UT WOS:000525318000008 PM 32204939 ER PT J AU Zhou, YC Chen, ZZ Gong, HJ Wang, XS Yu, HQ AF Zhou, Yuchen Chen, Zezhi Gong, Huijuan Wang, Xiaoshu Yu, Huiqiang TI A strategy of using recycled char as a co-catalyst in cyclic in -situ catalytic cattle manure pyrolysis for increasing gas production SO WASTE MANAGEMENT AB Cattle manure is a major livestock waste in agroecosystem, and in-situ catalytic pyrolysis is considered as a potential technology for its disposal. In order to increase the gas production during cattle manure pyrolysis and alleviate the problem of frequent regeneration-separation of the in-situ catalyst, a strategy of in-situ catalytic pyrolysis was proposed in this work, in which the pyrolytic char product was not separated from the pyrolysis catalyst of NiO/gamma-Al2O3 but mixed with it and recycled for several times as the co-catalyst for cattle manure pyrolysis instead. Adopting this strategy, it was observed that the mixed-type catalyst could lead to 70% increase in gas production and 82% promotion in syngas energy conversion rate compared with the circumstance of no catalyst added. Through different means of characterization, it was found that there are synergistic effects between char and NiO/gamma-Al2O3, which enhance the catalytic performance of catalyst. On one hand, during the pyrolysis process, char can translate NiO into Ni that has higher cracking activity through in-situ reduction. On the other hand, due to its rich porous texture and large pore volume, char can act as an additional adsorbent for the reactants. Based on the experimental results of this work, the proposed strategy of cyclic in-situ catalysis with the recycled char as the co-catalyst can be a promising scheme in the practical biomass pyrolysis process for gas production. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Chen, Zezhi/0000-0003-0455-4329 SN 0956-053X EI 1879-2456 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 107 BP 74 EP 81 DI 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.04.002 UT WOS:000536511400009 PM 32278218 ER PT J AU Fajardo-Ortiz, D Shattuck, A Hornbostel, S AF Fajardo-Ortiz, David Shattuck, Annie Hornbostel, Stefan TI Mapping the coevolution, leadership and financing of research on viral vectors, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 and other genomic editing technologies SO PLOS ONE AB Genomic editing technologies are developing rapidly, promising significant developments for biomedicine, agriculture and other fields. In the present investigation, we analyzed and compared the process of innovation for six genomic technologies: viral vectors, RNAi, TALENs, meganucleases, ZFNs and CRISPR/Cas including the profile of the main research institutions and their funders, to understand how innovation evolved and what institutions influenced research trajectories. A Web of Science search of papers on viral vectors RNAi, CRISPR/Cas, TALENs, ZFNs and meganucleases was used to build a citation network of 16,746 papers. An analysis of network clustering combined with text mining was performed. For viral vectors, a long-term process of incremental innovation was identified, which was largely publicly funded in the United States and the European Union. The trajectory of RNAi research included clusters related to the study of RNAi as a biological phenomenon and its use in functional genomics, biomedicine and pest control. A British philanthropic organization and a US pharmaceutical company played a key role in the development of basic RNAi research and clinical application respectively, in addition to government and academic institutions. In the case of CRISPR/Cas research, basic science discoveries led to the technical improvements, and these two in turn provided the information required for the development of biomedical, agricultural, livestock and industrial applications. The trajectory of CRISPR/Cas research exhibits a geopolitical division of the investigation efforts between the US, as the main producer and funder of basic research and technical improvements, and Chinese research institutions increasingly leading applied research. Our results reflect a change in the model for financing science, with reduced public financing for basic science and applied research on publicly funded technological developments in the US, and the emergence of China as a scientific superpower, with implications for the development of applications of genomic technologies. OI Fajardo-Ortiz, David/0000-0002-7657-7514 SN 1932-6203 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0227593 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0227593 UT WOS:000536003500005 PM 32294089 ER PT J AU Terefe, Y Deblais, L Ghanem, M Helmy, YA Mummed, B Chen, DH Singh, N Ahyong, V Kalantar, K Yimer, G Hassen, JY Mohammed, A McKune, SL Manary, MJ Ordiz, MI Gebreyes, W Havelaar, AH Rajashekara, G AF Terefe, Yitagele Deblais, Loic Ghanem, Mostafa Helmy, Yosra A. Mummed, Bahar Chen, Dehao Singh, Nitya Ahyong, Vida Kalantar, Katrina Yimer, Getnet Hassen, Jemal Yousuf Mohammed, Abdulmuen McKune, Sarah L. Manary, Mark J. Ordiz, Maria Isabel Gebreyes, Wondwossen Havelaar, Arie H. Rajashekara, Gireesh TI Co-occurrence of Campylobacter Species in Children From Eastern Ethiopia, and Their Association With Environmental Enteric Dysfunction, Diarrhea, and Host Microbiome SO FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH AB High Campylobacter prevalence during early childhood has been associated with stunting and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), especially in low resource settings. This study assessed the prevalence, diversity, abundance, and co-occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in stools from children in a rural area of eastern Ethiopia and their association with microbiome, diarrhea, and EED in children. Stool samples (n = 100) were collected from randomly selected children (age range: 360-498 days) in five kebeles in Haramaya District, Ethiopia. Diarrhea, compromised gut permeability, and gut inflammation were observed in 48, 45, and 57% of children, respectively. Campylobacter prevalence and species diversity were assessed using PCR and meta-total RNA sequencing (MeTRS). The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in the children's stools was 50% (41-60%) by PCR and 88% (80-93.6%) by MeTRS (P < 0.01). Further, seven Campylobacter species (Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter upsaliensis, Campylobacter hyointestinalis, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter sp. RM6137, uncultured Campylobacter sp., and Campylobacter sp. RM12175) were detected by MeTRS in at least 40% of children stools in high abundance (>1.76-log read per million per positive stool sample). Four clusters of Campylobacter species (5-12 species per cluster) co-occurred in the stool samples, suggesting that Campylobacter colonization of children may have occurred through multiple reservoirs or from a reservoir in which several Campylobacter species may co-inhabit. No associations between Campylobacter spp., EED, and diarrhea were detected in this cross-sectional study; however, characteristic microbiome profiles were identified based on the prevalence of Campylobacter spp., EED severity, and diarrhea. Forty-seven bacterial species were correlated with Campylobacter, and 13 of them also correlated with gut permeability, gut inflammation and/or EED severity. Forty-nine species not correlated with Campylobacter were correlated with gut permeability, gut inflammation, EED severity and/or diarrhea. This study demonstrated that (1) in addition to C. jejuni and C. coli, multiple non-thermophilic Campylobacter spp. (i.e., Campylobacter hyointestinalis, Campylobacter fetus, and Campylobacter concisus) were frequently detected in the children's stools and (2) the Campylobacter, gut permeability, gut inflammation, EED severity, and diarrhea were associated with characteristic microbiome composition. Additional spatial and longitudinal studies are needed to identify environmental reservoirs and sources of infection of children with disparate Campylobacter species and to better define their associations with EED in low-income countries. OI Helmy, Yosra A./0000-0003-1470-5418 EI 2296-2565 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 99 DI 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00099 UT WOS:000531358000001 PM 32351922 ER PT J AU Liu, MR Feng, PY Kakade, A Yang, L Chen, G Yan, XJ Ni, HYH Liu, P Kulshreshtha, S Abomohra, AF Li, XK AF Liu, Minrui Feng, Pengya Kakade, Apurva Yang, Ling Chen, Gang Yan, Xiaojun Ni, Hongyuhang Liu, Pu Kulshreshtha, Saurabh Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah Li, Xiangkai TI Reducing residual antibiotic levels in animal feces using intestinal Escherichia coli with surface-displayed erythromycin esterase SO JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AB Antibiotics are widely used in livestock and poultry industries, which results in large quantities of antibiotic residues in manure that influences subsequent treatments. In this study, an Escherichia coli strain was engineered to display erythromycin esterase on its cell surface. The engineered strain (E. coli ereA) efficiently degraded erythromycin by opening the macrocyclic 14-membered lactone ring in solution. Erythromycin (50 mg/L) was completely degraded in a solution by E. coli ereA (1 x 10(9) CFU/mL) within 24 h. E. coli ereA retained over 86.7 % of the initial enzyme activity after 40 days of storage at 25 degrees C, and 78.5 % of the initial activity after seven repeated batch reactions in solution at 25 degrees C. Mice were fed with E. coli ereA and real-time quantitative PCR data showed that E. coli ereA colonized in the mice large intestine. The mice group fed E. coli ereA exhibited 83.13 % decrease in erythromycin levels in their feces compared with the mice group not fed E. coli ereA. E. coli ereA eliminated antibiotics from the source preventing its release into the environment. The surface-engineered strain therefore is an effective alternative agent for treating recalcitrant antibiotics, and has the potential to be applied in livestock and poultry industries. RI Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah/J-1006-2016; Kulshrestha, Saurabh/M-4213-2017 OI Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah/0000-0003-2784-3297; Kulshrestha, Saurabh/0000-0003-0351-9425 SN 0304-3894 EI 1873-3336 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 388 AR 122032 DI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122032 UT WOS:000524462500097 PM 31955024 ER PT J AU Min, XY Lin, XS Ndayambaza, B Wang, YR Liu, WX AF Min, Xueyang Lin, Xiaoshan Ndayambaza, Boniface Wang, Yanrong Liu, Wenxian TI Coordinated mechanisms of leaves and roots in response to drought stress underlying full-length transcriptome profiling in Vicia sativa L SO BMC PLANT BIOLOGY AB Background Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important self-pollinating annual forage legume and is of interest for drought prone regions as a protein source to feed livestock and human consumption. However, the development and production of common vetch are negatively affected by drought stress. Plants have evolved common or distinct metabolic pathways between the aboveground and underground in response to drought stress. Little is known regarding the coordinated response of aboveground and underground tissues of common vetch to drought stress. Results Our results showed that a total of 30,427 full-length transcripts were identified in 12 samples, with an average length of 2278.89 bp. Global transcriptional profiles of the above 12 samples were then analysed via Illumina-Seq. A total of 3464 and 3062 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the leaves and roots, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses identified that the dehydrin genes and Delta(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase were induced for the biosynthesis of proline and water conservation. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis results indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism, and various drought response candidate genes were also identified. Abscisic acid (ABA; the AREB/ABF-SnRK2 pathway) regulates the activity of AMY3 and BAM1 to induce starch degradation in leaves and increase carbon export to roots, which may be associated with the drought stress responses in common vetch. Among the co-induced transcription factors (TFs), AREB/ABF, bHLH, MYB, WRKY, and AP2/ERF had divergent expression patterns and may be key in the crosstalk between leaves and roots during adaption to drought stress. In transgenic yeast, the overexpression of four TFs increased yeast tolerance to osmotic stresses. Conclusion The multipronged approach identified in the leaves and roots broadens our understanding of the coordinated mechanisms of drought response in common vetch, and further provides targets to improve drought resistance through genetic engineering. SN 1471-2229 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR 165 DI 10.1186/s12870-020-02358-8 UT WOS:000529044300009 PM 32293274 ER PT J AU Reyes, NJ Geronimo, FK Kim, LH AF Reyes, Nash Jett Geronimo, Franz Kevin Kim, Lee-Hyung TI Evaluation of the factors influencing the treatment performance of a livestock constructed wetland SO ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING AB The expansion of livestock industry resulted to larger waste production and pollutant deposition in the natural environment. Advanced treatment systems for treating wastewater and discharges from livestock areas are necessary to reduce the pollutant loads in receiving water bodies. This study mainly focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a livestock constructed wetland in treating composite wastewater discharge and stormwater runoff. Water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed to determine the factors that can potentially affect the performance of the facility. Positive pollutant removal performances for turbidity (52% to 81%), TSS (61 to 82%), organics (34% to 50%), and nutrients (10% to 48%) were noted in the CW for storm events and dry days due to the continuity of flow and adequate HRT conducive to pollutant removal. SLR models for pollutant removal efficiency yielded low r(2) values (0.26 to 0.53) and high errors (6.85% to 31.45%) implied that the predictive removal efficiencies were not precise. Despite the significant decrease (p <.05) in pollutant concentrations after the treatment, water quality standards were still exceeded by the effluent from the CW. Further improvements in the design of CWs can be incorporated to achieve the desired water quality standards. The findings of this inquiry can be used to establish the factors affecting the treatment performance of CWs and formulate design guidelines to improve the treatment process. OI Kim, Inhi/0000-0001-9711-7587 SN 0925-8574 EI 1872-6992 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 149 AR 105811 DI 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.105811 UT WOS:000529358300002 ER PT J AU Cuellar, AC Kjaer, LJ Baum, A Stockmarr, A Skovgard, H Nielsen, SA Andersson, MG Lindstrom, A Chirico, J Luhken, R Steinke, S Kiel, E Gethmann, J Conraths, FJ Larska, M Smreczak, M Orlowska, A Hamnes, I Sviland, S Hopp, P Brugger, K Rubel, F Balenghien, T Garros, C Rakotoarivony, I Allene, X Lhoir, J Chavernac, D Delecolle, JC Mathieu, B Delecolle, D Setier-Rio, ML Scheid, B Chueca, MAM Barcelo, C Lucientes, J Estrada, R Mathis, A Venail, R Tack, W Bodker, R AF Cuellar, Ana Carolina Kjaer, Lene Jung Baum, Andreas Stockmarr, Anders Skovgard, Henrik Nielsen, Soren Achim Andersson, Mats Gunnar Lindstrom, Anders Chirico, Jan Luhken, Renke Steinke, Sonja Kiel, Ellen Gethmann, Joern Conraths, Franz J. Larska, Magdalena Smreczak, Marcin Orlowska, Anna Hamnes, Inger Sviland, Stale Hopp, Petter Brugger, Katharina Rubel, Franz Balenghien, Thomas Garros, Claire Rakotoarivony, Ignace Allene, Xavier Lhoir, Jonathan Chavernac, David Delecolle, Jean-Claude Mathieu, Bruno Delecolle, Delphine Setier-Rio, Marie-Laure Scheid, Bethsabee Miranda Chueca, Miguel Angel Barcelo, Carlos Lucientes, Javier Estrada, Rosa Mathis, Alexander Venail, Roger Tack, Wesley Bodker, Rene TI Modelling the monthly abundance of Culicoides biting midges in nine European countries using Random Forests machine learning SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB BackgroundCulicoides biting midges transmit viruses resulting in disease in ruminants and equids such as bluetongue, Schmallenberg disease and African horse sickness. In the past decades, these diseases have led to important economic losses for farmers in Europe. Vector abundance is a key factor in determining the risk of vector-borne disease spread and it is, therefore, important to predict the abundance of Culicoides species involved in the transmission of these pathogens. The objectives of this study were to model and map the monthly abundances of Culicoides in Europe.MethodsWe obtained entomological data from 904 farms in nine European countries (Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway) from 2007 to 2013. Using environmental and climatic predictors from satellite imagery and the machine learning technique Random Forests, we predicted the monthly average abundance at a 1 km(2) resolution. We used independent test sets for validation and to assess model performance.ResultsThe predictive power of the resulting models varied according to month and the Culicoides species/ensembles predicted. Model performance was lower for winter months. Performance was higher for the Obsoletus ensemble, followed by the Pulicaris ensemble, while the model for Culicoides imicola showed a poor performance. Distribution and abundance patterns corresponded well with the known distributions in Europe. The Random Forests model approach was able to distinguish differences in abundance between countries but was not able to predict vector abundance at individual farm level.ConclusionsThe models and maps presented here represent an initial attempt to capture large scale geographical and temporal variations in Culicoides abundance. The models are a first step towards producing abundance inputs for R-0 modelling of Culicoides-borne infections at a continental scale. RI ; Barcelo, Carlos/M-2390-2018; Brugger, Katharina/O-6031-2015 OI Kjaer, Lene Jung/0000-0001-9659-4672; Baum, Andreas/0000-0003-1552-0220; Stockmarr, Anders/0000-0002-8681-2370; Barcelo, Carlos/0000-0002-8345-3229; Gethmann, Jorn/0000-0001-7455-803X; Brugger, Katharina/0000-0002-7327-4841 SN 1756-3305 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04053-x UT WOS:000529212300003 PM 32295627 ER PT J AU Rosso, CF Bilotto, F Lauric, A De Leo, GA Carbonell, CT Arroqui, MA Sorensen, CG Machado, CF AF Fernandez Rosso, Catalina Bilotto, Franco Lauric, Andrea De Leo, Geronimo A. Torres Carbonell, Carlos Arroqui, Mauricio A. Sorensen, Claus G. Machado, Claudio F. TI An innovation path in Argentinean cow-calf operations: Insights from participatory farm system modelling SO SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE AB The information of how the high climatic variability in the south-west Buenos Aires Province (SWBS) region, Argentina, impacts on existing cow-calf operations is needed. This research uses a combination of quantitative (modelling) and qualitative (workshops) methodologies. The objective was to assess, under interannual climate variability, the productive and economic performance and greenhouse gas emissions and the marginal value of additional feed of four cow-calf systems arranged as a potential farm innovation path in the SWBS, Argentina. Modelling results showed that along this technological path where forage crops are decreased, perennial pastures are increased and anticipated weaning is included, productive and economic outcomes increased and the emission intensity decreased. How extra feeds may be used to cope with seasonal and interannual feeding was also identified. Moreover, barriers to adopt the suggested farm innovation path were identified by farmers, consultants and extensionists and strategies and their implication discussed. RI Gron Sorensen, Claus/C-2259-2009 OI Gron Sorensen, Claus/0000-0002-6340-7778 SN 1092-7026 EI 1099-1743 DI 10.1002/sres.2679 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526668900001 ER PT J AU Yamada, M Morimitsu, S Hosono, E Yamada, T AF Yamada, Masanori Morimitsu, Sakura Hosono, Eiji Yamada, Tetsuya TI Preparation of bioplastic using soy protein SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES AB Soybean, one of the most abundant plants, has been cultivated around the world as a familiar crop. Especially, most of the soybean is globally used as a crop to obtain the oil. The degreased soybean contains a lot of protein in it. The part of the degreased soybean is used for the food of human consumption and livestock feed, however most of this are discarded as industrial waste throughout the world. Therefore. we demonstrated the preparation of bioplastics consisting of soy protein. Although the soy protein without the cross-linking reaction by formaldehyde (HCHO) was collapsed in water. bioplastics were stable in water. Additionally, the bending strength of the bioplastic increased with the HCHO concentration and showed the maximum value of approximately 35 MPa at a 1% HCHO concentration. Surprisingly, this bending strength value was the same as that of polyethylene. In contrast, the infrared spectra indicated the formation of methylene cross-linking between the basic amino adds, such as lysine and arginine. Finally, we estimated the biodegradable property of the bioplastic by pronase, one of the proteolytic enzymes. As a result, this bioplastic showed the weight loss of approximately 30% after the incubation time of 6 days. These results suggested that the bioplastic consisting of soy protein possesses a biodegradable property. Therefore, the bioplastic consisting of soybean may have the potential to be used as a biodegradable material, such as agricultural materials, industrial parts, and disposable items. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. OI Yamada, Tetsuya/0000-0001-6671-4995 SN 0141-8130 EI 1879-0003 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 149 BP 1077 EP 1083 DI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.025 UT WOS:000525795400108 PM 32035156 ER PT J AU Donazar, JA Barbosa, JM Garcia-Alfonso, M ThijsvanOverveld Gangoso, L LaRiva, M AF Donazar, Jose A. Barbosa, Jomar M. Garcia-Alfonso, Marina ThijsvanOverveld Gangoso, Laura LaRiva, Manuelde TI Too much is bad: increasing numbers of livestock and conspecifics reduce body mass in an avian scavenger SO ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS AB Individual traits such as body mass can serve as early warning signals of changes in the fitness prospects of animal populations facing environmental impacts. Here, taking advantage of a 19-yr monitoring, we assessed how individual, population, and environmental factors modulate long-term changes in the body mass of Canarian Egyptian vultures. Individual vulture body mass increased when primary productivity was highly variable, but decreased in years with a high abundance of livestock. We hypothesized that carcasses of wild animals, a natural food resource that can be essential for avian scavengers, could be more abundant in periods of weather instability but depleted when high livestock numbers lead to overgrazing. In addition, increasing vulture population numbers also negatively affect body mass suggesting density-dependent competition for food. Interestingly, the relative strength of individual, population and resource availability factors on body mass changed with age and territorial status, a pattern presumably shaped by differences in competitive abilities and/or age-dependent environmental knowledge and foraging skills. Our study supports that individual plastic traits may be extremely reliable tools to better understand the response of secondary consumers to current and future natural and human-induced environmental changes. RI Gangoso, Laura/C-6575-2015 OI Gangoso, Laura/0000-0002-6205-6769; Donazar, Jose Antonio/0000-0002-9433-9755; Barbosa, Jomar Magalhaes/0000-0001-7869-5533 SN 1051-0761 EI 1939-5582 DI 10.1002/eap.2125 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525773900001 PM 32167643 ER PT J AU Marciano, AF Golo, PS Coutinho-Rodrigues, CJB Camargo, MG Fiorotti, J Mesquita, E Correa, TA Perinotto, WMS Bittencourt, VREP AF Marciano, A. F. Golo, P. S. Coutinho-Rodrigues, C. J. B. Camargo, M. G. Fiorotti, J. Mesquita, E. Correa, T. A. Perinotto, W. M. S. Bittencourt, V. R. E. P. TI Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) oil-in-water emulsions drastically reduced Rhipicephalus microplus larvae outbreak population on artificially infested grass SO MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY AB Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini, 1887 (Arachnida: Ixodidae) is a mandatory bloodsucking ectoparasite, and it is considered one of the main sanitary problems in livestock. In the development of new technologies for controlling ticks, Metarhizium anisopliae complex (M. anisopliae s. l.) Sorokin, 1883 (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) have been shown to be an effective and safe alternative. However, when applied in the field, abiotic factors may directly influence their microbial activity, and different oily adjuvants enhance fungal efficacy, stability and viability under environmental conditions. Here, the efficacy of two Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolates (CG 148 and CG 347) were compared in mineral oil (MO) or vegetable oil (VO) emulsions to control cattle ticks under semi-natural conditions, as well as their persistence in the soil over time. Engorged female ticks were placed on the soil of grass pots previously treated or not with conidial oil-in-water emulsions. Both M. anisopliae s.l. oil-in-water emulsions tested were able to control R. microplus, achieving up to 100% daily efficacy, and remained viable in the soil for up to 60 days after treatment. These results show the prospective applicability of Metarhizium spp. to control the cattle tick and a real possibility for its control in the environment. RI Golo, Patricia/AAQ-2227-2020 OI Golo, Patricia/0000-0003-1854-7488; Perinotto, Wendell/0000-0002-8712-7850 SN 0269-283X EI 1365-2915 DI 10.1111/mve.12445 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525801400001 PM 32293047 ER PT J AU Farrell, HL Barberan, A Danielson, RE Fehmi, JS Gornish, ES AF Farrell, Hannah L. Barberan, Albert Danielson, Rachel E. Fehmi, Jeffrey S. Gornish, Elise S. TI Disturbance is more important than seeding or grazing in determining soil microbial communities in a semiarid grassland SO RESTORATION ECOLOGY AB A primary goal of ecological restoration is often to return processes and functions to degraded ecosystems. Soil, while often ignored in restoration, supports diverse communities of organisms and is a fundamental actor in providing ecosystem processes and services. We investigated the impact of seeding and livestock grazing on plant communities, soil microorganisms, and soil fertility 3 years after the restoration of a disturbed pipeline corridor in southeastern Arizona. The initial soil disturbance and topsoil treatment, regardless of seeding or grazing, was the most influential factor in determining differences in both plant and microbial communities. Compared with the control, the disturbed and restored sites had greater plant species richness, greater total herbaceous plant cover, greater soil organic matter, higher pH, and differed in soil nutrients. Bacteria and fungi appeared to generally correlate with micro-environment and soil physiochemical properties rather than specific plant species. The undisturbed control had a smaller proportion of bacterial functional groups associated with the breakdown of plant biomass (polysaccharide decomposition) and a smaller proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) compared with disturbed and restored sites. The ability of the unseeded disturbed site to recover robust vegetation may be due in part to the high presence of AMF. These differences show selection for soil microorganisms that thrive in disturbed and restored sites and may contribute to increased plant productivity. Restoration of specific plant species or ecological processes and services would both benefit from better understanding of the impacts of disturbance on soil microorganisms and soil fertility. OI Fehmi, Jeffrey/0000-0003-0618-9740; Gornish, Elise/0000-0002-2055-4874 SN 1061-2971 EI 1526-100X DI 10.1111/rec.13156 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525768600001 ER PT J AU Gutierrez, E Lozano, S Guillen, J AF Gutierrez, Ester Lozano, Sebastian Guillen, Jordi TI Efficiency data analysis in EU aquaculture production SO AQUACULTURE AB This paper analyses the operational efficiency of fish farming across EU Member States using a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. In the first stage, a non-oriented Slacks-Based Measure of efficiency (SBM) DEA model is used to compute efficiency scores in marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish aquaculture subsectors for different EU countries during the period 2014-2016. In a second stage, these scores are processed by standard, censored and fractional regression models to test the effects of some exogenous variables. Between 57% and 74% of the observations, depending on the subsector considered, were efficient. The average technical efficiency was 0.918 for freshwater finfish, 0.885 for marine finfish and 0.802 for shellfish. Extending the best practices to the inefficient countries would involve a reduction of feed costs (2.9%-4.3%), livestock costs (9.0% -11.8%), energy costs (2.4%-25.3%), repairing costs (3.7%-13.8%) and other operating costs (4.3%-13.8%)at the same time that an improvement in production value totalling 0.03% for freshwater finfish, 2.13% for marine finfish and 0.37% for shellfish. As regards productivity change in the period under study, there has been a productivity regress in the case of freshwater finfish, productivity increase in the case of marine finfish and an initial productivity increase between 2014 and 2015 followed by a slight decrease between 2015 and 2016 in the case of shellfish. Results also indicate that countries specializing in cultivating freshwater and marine populations are more likely to be on the efficient frontier and that technical efficiency seems to be influenced by the size of the country's gross domestic product and capture fisheries. SN 0044-8486 EI 1873-5622 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 520 AR 734962 DI 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.734962 UT WOS:000515498200059 ER PT J AU Feng, LK Liu, Y Zhang, JY Li, C Wu, HM AF Feng, Likui Liu, Yang Zhang, Jinyong Li, Cong Wu, Haiming TI Dynamic variation in nitrogen removal of constructed wetlands modified by biochar for treating secondary livestock effluent under varying oxygen supplying conditions SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Vertical flow constructed wetlands are facing the problem of low removal efficiency when treating high-load wastewater. This study explored the effect of oxygen supplement (1.2, 1.0, 0.8 L min(-1) for 6 h; 1.0 L min(-1) for 4 h and 2 h) on enhancing nitrogen removal in vertical flow constructed wetlands modified by adding biochar for treating secondary livestock effluent. The results indicated that biochar addition could enhance contaminant removal due to its adsorption of contaminants under the condition of no aeration. Additionally, the aeration addition of 1.0 L min(-1) for 2 h per day in biochar-based constructed wetlands achieved the high efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (95%) and total nitrogen (73%) removal. However, total nitrogen removal efficiency in biochar-based constructed wetlands declined under excessive dissolved oxygen conditions which might restrain the denitrification process. Average nitrous oxide emission fluxes in biochar-based constructed wetlands (575-1877 mu g m(-2) h(-1)) were lower than those in non-biochar constructed wetlands (745-2298 mu g m(-2) h(-1)). In addition, the variation of N2O emission under different aeration conditions was similar with the maximum value at the aeration condition of 1.2 L min(-1) for 6 h d(-1). These results could be useful for improving the sustainable design and operation of constructed wetlands for high-load wastewater treatments. SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 260 AR 110152 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110152 UT WOS:000517661900071 PM 32090842 ER PT J AU Zhang, FF Xing, J Zhou, Y Wang, SX Zhao, B Zheng, HT Zhao, X Chang, HZ Jang, C Zhu, Y Hao, JM AF Zhang, Fenfen Xing, Jia Zhou, Yang Wang, Shuxiao Zhao, Bin Zheng, Haotian Zhao, Xiao Chang, Huanzhen Jang, Carey Zhu, Yun Hao, Jiming TI Estimation of abatement potentials and costs of air pollution emissions in China SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Understanding the air pollution emission abatement potential and associated control cost is a prerequisite to design cost efficient control policies. In this study, a linear programming algorithm model, International Control Cost Estimate Tool, was updated with cost data for applications of 56 types of end-of-pipe technologies and five types of renewable energy in 10 major sectors namely power generation, industry combustion, cement production, iron and steel production, other industry processes, domestic combustion, transportation, solvent use, livestock rearing, and fertilizer use. The updated model was implemented to estimate the abatement potential and marginal cost of multiple pollutants in China. The total maximum abatement potentials of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), primary particulate matter (PM2.5), non-volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and ammonia (NH3) in China were estimated to be 19.2, 20.8, 9.1, 17.2 and 8.6 Mt, respectively, which accounted for 89.7%, 89.9%, 94.6%, 74.0%, and 80.2% of their total emissions in 2014, respectively. The associated control cost of such reductions was estimated as 92.5, 469.7, 75.7, 449.0, and 361.8 billion CNY in SO2, NOx, primary PM2.5, NMVOCs and NH3, respectively. Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces exhibited large abatement potentials for all pollutants. Provincial disparity analysis shows that high GDP regions tend to have higher reduction potential and total abatement costs. End-of-pipe technologies tended be a cost-efficient way to control pollution in industries processes (i.e., cement plants, iron and steel plants, lime production, building ceramic production, glass and brick production), whereas such technologies were less cost-effective in fossil fuel-related sectors (i.e., power plants, industry combustion, domestic combustion, and transportation) compared with renewable energy. The abatement potentials and marginal abatement cost curves developed in this study can further be used as a crucial component in an integrated model to design optimized cost-efficient control policies. OI Zhu, Yun/0000-0002-8387-2300 SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 260 AR 110069 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110069 UT WOS:000517661900018 PM 32090813 ER PT J AU Zhang, J Cui, XY Wang, YF Gongbuzeren Zhuang, MH Ji, BM AF Zhang, Jing Cui, Xiaoyong Wang, Yanfen Gongbuzeren Zhuang, Minghao Ji, Baoming TI Ecological consequence of nomad settlement policy in the pasture area of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: From plant and soil perspectives SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB The prevailing trend in pasture areas worldwide is that of mobile pastoralism to settlement, which produces a positive impact on pastoral livelihoods and livestock husbandry. However, the impact of nomad settlement on the grassland ecosystem is not well documented and remains debatable. In response, from 2001 to 2015, the central Chinese government initiated the Nomad Settlement Policy (NSP). In this study, we conducted a case study of the pastoral area of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, to investigate impact of NSP on grassland ecological conditions including plants, soil and microorganisms. Results showed that grassland ecological conditions presented differentiation characteristics, with changes depending on the distance from settlements. The grassland ecological conditions showed heavy degradation near the settlement based on the classification of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau grassland degradation, and gradual improvement with increasing distance from the settlement. Based on our investigation and previous studies, we found that intervention of NSP decreased the distance in livestock mobility and led to intensive grazing near the settlement, thereby increased grassland degradation. At the same time, the grassland maintained a relatively good ecological condition with the increase in distance from settlement, which may be attributed to short-period grazing and light trampling effects. Our findings provide new insight into the grassland ecological condition in the aftermath of NSP implementation, and also put forward some measures (e.g. multi-household grazing management, pastoral cooperative) to restore the grassland degradation. SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 260 AR 110114 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110114 UT WOS:000517661900017 PM 31941636 ER PT J AU Chabert, A Sarthou, JP AF Chabert, Ariane Sarthou, Jean-Pierre TI Conservation agriculture as a promising trade-off between conventional and organic agriculture in bundling ecosystem services SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Agriculture is a human activity that receives the most direct benefits from ecosystem services (ES) while it is one of the most influent on their sustainability and is also directly impacted by global changes. One main challenge for future agroecological systems is thus to encourage the co-occurrence of multiple services both to agriculture and from agriculture. In this article, we questioned through a large-scale study, the ability of conservation agriculture to support not only supporting services related to soils, as it was originally designed for, but also overall biotic potential for multiservice agriculture. We assessed the expression levels of ES from and to agroecosystems (input and output services respectively) within 5 crop management systems, comparing different forms of conservation, organic and conventional agricultures. Fifty winter wheat and fava bean fields in southwestern France were monitored for 17 ES: seven input services (either supporting or regulating) and ten output services (either provisioning or out of direct agricultural income). Observed co-variations and antagonisms between services occurred only for input services and were related to services based on mobile agents or soil properties. Regarding pest regulations, opposite responses were observed between aphids and bruchids, attributed to contrasted responses of the pests to habitat diversity and especially notable in fields under conservation agriculture. As to soil quality, conservation agriculture exhibited significantly higher levels of soil structure stability than conventional and organic systems but slightly lower water infiltration. For output services, our results showed that crop production was not jeopardized by conservation agriculture practices with, for instance, no significant differences in levels of winter wheat yields between systems based on direct seeding or plowing. Organic agriculture however improved crop health regarding diseases but significantly decreased yields. However, high variability in level of expression of output services in conservation agriculture was observed, with both highest and lowest rated fields observed under direct seeding management for provisioning services. These variations can be attributed mainly to system immaturity regarding both ecological processes and farmers' expertise. Finally, one unexpected outcome of the study was that negative impacts of intensive agricultural practices appeared to be mitigated by elements of production situation such as presence of livestock and clayey soils. Overall, the study provides a detailed illustration of the potential for conservation agriculture to address the apparent antagonism between productivity and environmental performances. OI Chabert, Ariane/0000-0002-8050-8271 SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 292 AR UNSP 106815 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106815 UT WOS:000514931700011 ER PT J AU Xu, SR Wei, P Yang, QL Jia, GX Ma, SK Yang, QE Jun, Z Zhang, RN AF Xu, Shang-Rang Wei, Peng Yang, Qi-Lin Jia, Gong-Xue Ma, Shi-Ke Yang, Qi-En Jun, Zhang Zhang, Rui-Na TI Transcriptome analysis revealed key signaling networks regulating ovarian activities in the domestic yak SO THERIOGENOLOGY AB Domestic yaks are the most important livestock species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Adult female yaks normally breed in warm season and enter anestrous in cold season. Currently, how the ovarian activity is regulated at the molecular level remains to be determined. This study was conducted to investigate follicular development and gene expression patterns of yak ovarian tissues in the warm and cold seasons. Dynamics of follicular development was evaluated based on histological analyses and global gene expression was examined by using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Firstly, we found that follicle development of yak cows in cold season was different from that in warm season. Interestingly, ovaries collected from yaks in cold season contained a significant higher number of antral follicles and some of these follicles showed signs of polycystic structure, indicating abnormal granulosa cell function. RNA-seq analyses of ovarian tissues from non-pregnant adult yaks in cold and warm season revealed that a list of 320 transcripts were differentially expressed, specifically, 79 were up-regulated and 241 were down-regulated in the ovaries from yaks during the cold season. Further analysis demonstrated that transcripts associated with estrogen secretion and metabolism signaling pathway were altered, including FST, CYP1A1, PIK3R1 and PIK3R2. This study showed histological features of follicle development and revealed candidate genes that may have important roles in regulating ovarian activities in the yak seasonal reproduction. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 0093-691X EI 1879-3231 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 147 BP 50 EP 56 DI 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.023 UT WOS:000521654700007 PM 32092605 ER PT J AU Czubaszek, M Andraszek, K Banaszewska, D AF Czubaszek, Magdalena Andraszek, Katarzyna Banaszewska, Dorota TI Influence of the age of the individual on the stability of boar sperm genetic material SO THERIOGENOLOGY AB Routine evaluation of the sperm of livestock animals involves detection of morphological abnormalities. However, most sperm defects that reduce fertilizing capacity are a result of anomalies in spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a boar's age on the stability of the genetic material of its sperm. The age of the boar was found to have a significant effect on sperm DNA stability and chromatin structure. The highest percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation was found in the oldest group of boars (0,61%), while the highest proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal histone retention (8,01%) and protamination (9,78%) was found in the youngest group of boars. Aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and acridine orange (AO) staining should be routinely used in individuals used for artificial insemination especially young animals at the start of their exploitation for breeding, as well as older individuals with an age-related decrease in the stability of genetic material. Earlier diagnosis based on additional tests would allow for stricter selection and elimination of males with fertility disorders from breeding, to be replaced by breeders of full value. It was also demonstrated that all three staining methods mentioned above can be used in classical morphological analysis, because they clearly distinguish the sperm head from the background of the slide. Chromomycin staining clearly reveals the midpiece and thus can be used as a specific staining method for its evaluation. Staining with aniline blue is a fast and simple test whose result can be analysed under a light microscope. This staining technique can be recommended for use at insemination stations. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. RI Andraszek, Katarzyna/V-4928-2017 OI Andraszek, Katarzyna/0000-0001-5920-4102 SN 0093-691X EI 1879-3231 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 147 BP 176 EP 182 DI 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.018 UT WOS:000521654700022 PM 31767186 ER PT J AU Cameira, MD Li, R Fangueiro, D AF Cameira, Maria do Rosario Li, Rick Fangueiro, David TI Integrated modelling to assess N pollution swapping in slurry amended soils SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB In the present work, it was hypothesized that through modelling it is possible to overcome the constraints that arise in the quantification of N pollution swapping associated to slurry application practices when using individual experimental data. For this, environmental N losses were assessed under two methods of dairy slurry application to a double cropping system (miffed oats (Avena strigusa)/irrigated maize (Zea mays)) in two different soils. An integrated experimentation and modelling approach was applied using the RZWQM2 model. The model was first tested using four years of experimental data concerning N fluxes toifrom different environmental compartments (soil mineralization, N gas emissions, and N leaching). The model estimated emissions with overall efficiencies of similar to 70% and r(2) similar to 0.75. Total N losses were higher for surface band application (95.4 and 40.2 kg ha(-1) for the sandy and sandy loam soils, respectively). However, when slurry was injected, nitrate leaching considerably increased (by 107 and 64% for the sandy and sandy loam soils, respectively), even though gas emissions were minimized. This N swapping among path losses requires targeting of the N mitigation measures to the environmental compartment showing the highest vulnerability. Generally, the estimated emission factors (EFs) were lower than or equal to (slurry injection in the sandy loam soil) the IPCC default. The values showed high variability, reinforcing the need to use agricultural system specific EFs. The methodologies used in this study, focused on scenario analysis, can support policy as they can be used to set up integral strategies to decrease N emissions from livestock farming systems, taking into account possible synergies and antagonisms produced by the measures among NH3 and N2O emissions and NO3- leaching. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Cameira, Maria/F-8982-2010 OI Cameira, Maria/0000-0002-2186-5172; Fangueiro, David/0000-0002-6101-9210 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 713 AR 136596 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136596 UT WOS:000514544700079 PM 31955096 ER PT J AU Hwang, D Rothrock, MJ Pang, H Guo, M Mishra, A AF Hwang, Daizy Rothrock, Michael J., Jr. Pang, Hao Guo, Miao Mishra, Abhinav TI Predicting Salmonella prevalence associated with meteorological factors in pastured poultry farms in southeastern United States SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Consumer demand has increased for pastured poultry products as the drive for sustainable farming practices and ethical treatments of livestock have become popular in the press. It is necessary to identify the important meteorological factors associated with the prevalence of Salmonella in the pastured poultry settings since the presence of Salmonella in the environment could lead to contamination of the final product. The objective of this study was to develop a model to describe the relationship between meteorological factors and the presence of Salmonella on the pastured poultry farms. The random forest method was used to develop a model where 83 meteorological factors were included as the predicting variables. The soil model identified humidity as the most important variable associated with Salmonella prevalence, while high wind gust speed and average temperature were identified as important meteorological variables in the feces model. The developed models were robust in predicting the prevalence of Salmonella in pastured poultry farms with the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve values of 0.884 and 0.872 for the soil model and feces model, respectively. The predictive models developed in this study can provide users with practical and effective tools to make informed decisions with scientific evidence regarding the meteorological parameters that are important to monitor for increased on-farm Salmonella prevalence. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI Pang, Hao/0000-0001-6647-5138 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 713 AR 136359 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136359 UT WOS:000514544700111 PM 32019007 ER PT J AU McLaughlin, MC Borch, T McDevitt, B Warner, NR Blotevogel, J AF McLaughlin, Molly C. Borch, Thomas McDevitt, Bonnie Warner, Nathaniel R. Blotevogel, Jens TI Water quality assessment downstream of oil and gas produced water discharges intended for beneficial reuse in arid regions SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Produced water (PW) is the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas extraction and contains organics, salts, metals and radioactive materials. In the United States, west of the 98th meridian, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System exemption allows for release of PW to surface waters for agricultural beneficial reuse if it is "of good enough quality". Due to the complex and variable composition of PW. the downstream impacts of these releases are not fully understood. In this study, a detailed chemical analysis was conducted on a stream composed of PW released for agricultural beneficial reuse. Over 50 geogenic and anthropogenic organic chemicals not specified in the effluent limits were detected at the discharge including hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds, and surfactants. Most were removed within 15 km of the discharge due to volatilization, biodegradation, and sorption to sediment. Inorganics detected at the discharge were within regulatory effluent limits. While some inorganic species (i.e., strontium, barium and radium) decreased in concentration downstream due to co-precipitation, concentrations of many inorganic species including sodium, sulfate and boron increased due to water evaporation. Consequently, downstream water quality changes need to be considered to adequately evaluate the potential impact of discharged PW. Regulatory health thresholds for humans, livestock, and aquatic species for most chemical species present at the discharge are still lacking. As a result, toxicity tests are necessary to determine the potential health impacts to downstream users. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Borch, Thomas/A-2288-2008 OI Borch, Thomas/0000-0002-4251-1613; McDevitt, Bonnie/0000-0001-8390-0028 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 713 AR 136607 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136607 UT WOS:000514544700151 PM 31955100 ER PT J AU Zhang, L Zhou, LH Wei, JB Xu, HQ Tang, QY Tang, JW AF Zhang, Lang Zhou, Linghong Wei, Jiabing Xu, Huaqin Tang, Qiyuan Tang, Jianwu TI Integrating cover crops with chicken grazing to improve soil nitrogen in rice fields and increase economic output SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Winter fallow is important for renewing and improving soil fertility under double-cropping rice systems, such as those in southern China. Using a regenerative farming technology of integrating grass-chicken farming in a winter fallow field, we investigated soil nitrogen conversion and assessed the agricultural economic benefits of the whole farmland ecosystem. To test the effects of chicken grazing on the fallow system, we established field treatments involving adding chickens to a field planted with the cover crops, including cover milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) with chicken grazing treatment (MC) and cover ryegrass (Lolium spp.) with chicken grazing (RC); cover crops only, including cover milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) treatment (M) and cover ryegrass (Lolium spp.) (R); and a bare fallow field treatment (CK). We found that both cover crops (M and R) and cover crops with chicken grazing (MC and RC) increased nitrate, ammonium, dissolved organic nitrogen, and total nitrogen contents, and the increase was higher in MC and RC treatments. We also observed increased straw biomass and grain yield in the all four treatments, with more increases with chicken treatments as compared with CK. On the economic profits, MC increased by 101.72% and RC increased by 104.12% as compared with CK, while R increased by 5.19% and M reduced by 1.86% as compared with CK. The nitrogen transfer rate (the output/input ratio) of MC, RC, M, and R increased by 66.71%, 71.50%, 65.97%, and 59.97%, respectively, while the nitrogen accumulation rate (input-output) of MC, RC, M, and R increased by 480.56%, 612.98%, 356.74%, and 267.65%, respectively. Our study demonstrates that retaining nitrogen and gaining economic profit by integrating cover crops with chicken grazing is potentially more sustainable than adding cover crops alone. We further suggest that using the integrated grass-livestock farming technology can reduce environmental damage caused by commercial fertilizers. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 15 PY 2020 VL 713 AR 135218 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135218 UT WOS:000514544700080 PM 31836215 ER PT J AU Fernandez-Fontelo, A Puig, P Caceres, G Romero, L Revie, CW Sanchez, J Dorea, FC Alba-Casals, A AF Fernandez-Fontelo, Amanda Puig, Pedro Caceres, German Romero, Luis Revie, Crawford W. Sanchez, Javier Dorea, Fernanda C. Alba-Casals, Ana TI Enhancing the monitoring of fallen stock at different hierarchical administrative levels: an illustration on dairy cattle from regions with distinct husbandry, demographical and climate traits SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background The automated collection of non-specific data from livestock, combined with techniques for data mining and time series analyses, facilitates the development of animal health syndromic surveillance (AHSyS). An example of AHSyS approach relates to the monitoring of bovine fallen stock. In order to enhance part of the machinery of a complete syndromic surveillance system, the present work developed a novel approach for modelling in near real time multiple mortality patterns at different hierarchical administrative levels. To illustrate its functionality, this system was applied to mortality data in dairy cattle collected across two Spanish regions with distinct demographical, husbandry, and climate conditions. Results The process analyzed the patterns of weekly counts of fallen dairy cattle at different hierarchical administrative levels across two regions between Jan-2006 and Dec-2013 and predicted their respective expected counts between Jan-2014 and Jun- 2015. By comparing predicted to observed data, those counts of fallen dairy cattle that exceeded the upper limits of a conventional 95% predicted interval were identified as mortality peaks. This work proposes a dynamic system that combines hierarchical time series and autoregressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA). These ARIMA models also include trend and seasonality for describing profiles of weekly mortality and detecting aberrations at the region, province, and county levels (spatial aggregations). Software that fitted the model parameters was built using the R statistical packages. Conclusions The work builds a novel tool to monitor fallen stock data for different geographical aggregations and can serve as a means of generating early warning signals of a health problem. This approach can be adapted to other types of animal health data that share similar hierarchical structures. RI Revie, Crawford/B-5002-2011 OI Revie, Crawford/0000-0002-5018-0340; FERNANDEZ-FONTELO, AMANDA/0000-0002-0822-6915 EI 1746-6148 PD APR 14 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 110 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-02312-8 UT WOS:000528759700001 PM 32290840 ER PT J AU Najjar, D Baruah, B El Garhi, A AF Najjar, Dina Baruah, Bipasha El Garhi, Aman TI Gender and Asset Ownership in the Old and New Lands of Egypt SO FEMINIST ECONOMICS AB The Middle East and North Africa region has the lowest level of women's land ownership in the world, yet little research has explored the barriers and opportunities women face in land ownership in the region. This paper identifies patterns, opportunities, and constraints of ownership of land and other assets (houses, livestock, poultry, and gold) by women and men in the Old and New Lands of Egypt. Based on a survey complemented with qualitative interviews, the study finds that both women and men viewed land and houses as the most economically and socially important assets, but they differed in what assets they considered to be valuable for women. The findings highlight the importance of implementing policies that optimize women's property ownership, even if they own non-land assets. The study concludes that while legal and economic interventions aid in accomplishing gender-equity goals, consciousness-raising initiatives are as crucial as pro-women policy reforms. RI Najjar, Dina/AAN-5431-2020 OI Najjar, Dina/0000-0001-9156-7691 SN 1354-5701 EI 1466-4372 DI 10.1080/13545701.2020.1743877 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527609400001 ER PT J AU Tanil, E Nikerel, E AF Tanil, Ezgi Nikerel, Emrah TI Black-box kinetic modeling of growth and citric acid production and estimation of ATP maintenance parameters for Candida oleophila ATCC20177 SO BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AB Mathematical modeling represents and predicts biological systems, explains underlying mechanisms, constituting one of the key focus points for fundamental and applied research to improve our understanding and to decrease costs. Organic acids are used in several industries such as monomers for bioplastics, food preservatives and additives, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Nonpetrochemical, sustainable production of organic acids is therefore of great interest. An important step in production of organic acids is the determination of growth and acid production dynamics, as the product itself may have direct and indirect inhibitory effects on the host's metabolism. The aim of this study it twofold: (i) to determine the parameters related to energetics of growth and production as growth (Kx ) and nongrowth associated (m(ATP) ) maintenance constants and (ii) to set up and analyze an unstructured, black-box kinetic model to describe the dynamics of the growth and production of citric acid by Candida oleophila ATCC20177 using published batch fermentation data. Kx and m(ATP) were found to be 2.3 +/- 1.7 and 5.25 +/- 2.75, respectively, for the published P/O ratio of 1.45. The parameter sensitivities and correlations are determined using the Monte Carlo approach, and the final model is tested using chemostat data. SN 0885-4513 EI 1470-8744 DI 10.1002/bab.1905 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525840500001 PM 32125024 ER PT J AU Bijarchiyan, M Sahebi, H Mirzamohammadi, S AF Bijarchiyan, Mohadeseh Sahebi, Hadi Mirzamohammadi, Saeed TI A sustainable biomass network design model for bioenergy production by anaerobic digestion technology: using agricultural residues and livestock manure SO ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY AB Scarcity of fossil fuels and their emissions have led energy policymakers to look for alternative renewable and clean energy sources. In line with this target, biomass is a promising alternative source for the generation of clean energy and the development of a sustainable society. The use of animal and agricultural wastes is one of the very promising renewable energy alternatives paving the way for a more sustainable energy network. Animal and agricultural wastes as biomass sources do not endanger food security and mitigate environmental impacts and may therefore considerably contribute to an appropriate waste management. As a result, converting animal and agricultural wastes to energy is a challenging issue that has attracted the attention of academic and industrial researchers. A multi-echelon multi-objective model is developed to design a sustainable supply chain for bioenergy generation through the anaerobic digestion process. The model maximizes economic and social objective functions, representing direct economic profits and positive social externalities such as job creation and economic development, respectively. Factors affecting the international supply chain include imports of intermediate production equipment, exports of a final product, international business terms applied, customs duties, and foreign exchange rates. Bioenergy and fertilizers are outputs considered in this study; the former to be converted to electricity in a biogas plant to meet domestic demands, and the latter to be exported. A case study for the Golestan province is used to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed model. The results support the potential for three biogas power plants in Gonbad-e-Kavoos, with an annual production capacity of about 1000 tons of fertilizer and an electricity supply for 101,556 households per month. There is still a broad field of promising avenues for future research. Studying uncertainty in different supply chain parameters and using robust optimization to deal with uncertainties are recommended approaches. SN 2192-0567 PD APR 14 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 AR 19 DI 10.1186/s13705-020-00252-7 UT WOS:000525775700001 ER PT J AU Ghorai, S Roy, I De, S Dash, PS Basu, A Chattopadhyay, D AF Ghorai, Soumitra Roy, Indranil De, Sriparna Dash, Pratik Swarup Basu, Arijita Chattopadhyay, Dipankar TI Exploration of the potential efficacy of natural resource-derived blue-emitting graphene quantum dots in cancer therapeutic applications SO NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AB Coal being the most abundant natural resource is used worldwide and shows graphite-like clusters. Here, for the first time, we report an innovative and cost-effective oxidative functionalization approach, followed by an acid-free and oxone oxidant-assisted solvothermal synthesis of graphene quantum dots from coal. This method involving the oxidative functionalization of coal was performed through the heat treatment of nitric acid, followed by an acid recovery process. Indeed, the solvothermal method used was entirely free from the utilization of strong acids, and involved a simple, eco-friendly, and salt-free purification process with a high production yield (similar to 45%). Due to the synergistic synthesis technique, our developed GQDs were found to exhibit a strong blue photoluminescence (PL) characteristic with a significantly high quantum yield (similar to 14.42%). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images indicated that the nanocrystalline GQDs had a uniform and narrow particle-size distribution in the range of 2.5-5 nm. The anticancer efficacy of the as-synthesized GQD nanomaterial was validated through cellular morphological pattern analysis and DAPI-staining images of neuroblastoma cells and breast cancer cells. In addition, the alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential was scrutinized using JC-1 micrographs. Interestingly, the RITC-tagged GQDs showed cellular internalization within breast cancer cells. The robust functionality, luminescence stability, nanosecond lifetime, biocompatibility, and low toxicity of our developed GQDs suggest they could be promising probes for cancer therapeutic applications. This study unveils new opportunities for the sustainable production of GQDs with novel attributing features due to the easily availability of the raw materials, their cost-effective production, and fascinating photoluminescence property. SN 1144-0546 EI 1369-9261 PD APR 14 PY 2020 VL 44 IS 14 BP 5366 EP 5376 DI 10.1039/c9nj06239d UT WOS:000524498200020 ER PT J AU Bhattacharya, A Chatterjee, N Rawat, GS Habib, B AF Bhattacharya, Ankita Chatterjee, Nilanjan Rawat, Gopal Singh Habib, Bilal TI Blue Sheep Resource Selection in Alpine Grasslands of a Western Himalayan Landscape - A Point Process Approach SO ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES AB In-depth knowledge of distribution and factors influencing it is important for species conservation and management. Many forms of such data have led to the development of new analytical techniques for better interpretation. For mountainous terrains with certain limitations, species data are obtained in the presence-only form. The point process model is one of the recent approaches for modelling such data, taking care of pseudo-absences and spatial independence. For conservation in regions with limited resources and species with similar ecological requirements, it is important to properly assess the extent of competition extent between wild and domestic species. We attempted to use point process framework to estimate the function of resource selection in blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in areas influenced by pastoralism in a western Himalayan region. Our study is the first attempt to use this framework to estimate resource selection on a dataset not collected using radio-telemetry. Spatial locations of blue sheep and livestock and a background sample of random points with six topographic covariates were used to model resource selection probability via intensity function. Blue sheep showed its predicted presence in areas with open vegetation coinciding with alpine meadows, influenced by southern aspect keeping a threshold distance of 600-1000 m from cliffs (escape terrain). Livestock, also showed presence probability in open vegetation, but at lower altitudes, mainly on valley floors. Our results suggest that though blue sheep continued to use the same habitat type after livestock arrival, they selected different resources based on topographic factors. Livestock were in areas where it was convenient for pastoralists to establish campsites and where nutritious grasses were present, making it feasible to graze. Thus, we argue that the probable shift in habitat for blue sheep from optimal areas occurs due to livestock presence, which might disturb their nutritional balance. Our study provides helpful insights for managing rangelands, which when tied with dietary patterns will give a better idea for proper conservation measures in the future. SN 1021-5506 EI 1810-522X PD APR 14 PY 2020 VL 59 AR 11 DI 10.6620/ZS.2020.59-11 UT WOS:000525386000001 ER PT J AU Lundgren, C Bokrantz, J Skoogh, A AF Lundgren, Camilla Bokrantz, Jon Skoogh, Anders TI Factors influencing maintenance-related investments in industry: a multiple-case study SO JOURNAL OF QUALITY IN MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING AB Purpose The purpose of this study is to ensure productive, robust and sustainable production systems by enabling future investments in maintenance. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the investment process and thereby facilitate future maintenance-related investments. The objectives are to describe the investment process, map the decision support and roles involved and identify factors influencing the process. Design/methodology/approach The study was designed as a multiple-case study, with three industrial cases of maintenance-related investments. A structured coding procedure was used to analyse the empirical data from the cases. Findings This paper provides a deeper understanding of the process of maintenance-related investments. Eleven factors influencing the investment process could be identified, three of which were seen in all three cases. These three factors are: fact-based decision-support, internal integration and foresight. Practical implications Investments in modern maintenance are needed to ensure productive, robust and sustainable production in the future. However, it is a challenge in manufacturing industry to justify maintenance-related investments. This challenge may be solved by developing a decision-support system, or a structured work procedure, that considers the findings of this study. Originality/value From this study, an extended view of the relation between quantifying effects of maintenance and maintenance-related investment is proposed, including surrounding factors influencing the investment process. The factors were identified using a structured and transparent coding procedure which is rarely used in maintenance research. RI Lundgren, Camilla/AAO-8536-2020; /N-7541-2015 OI Lundgren, Camilla/0000-0002-3742-0354; /0000-0003-4930-7786 SN 1355-2511 EI 1758-7832 DI 10.1108/JQME-08-2018-0066 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000528544700001 ER PT J AU Qi, YK Zheng, YC Zhang, ZJ Xu, JH AF Qi, Yi-Ke Zheng, Yu-Cong Zhang, Zhi-Jun Xu, Jian-He TI Efficient Transformation of Linoleic Acid into 13(S)-Hydroxy-9,11-(Z,E)-octadecadienoic Acid Using Putative Lipoxygenases from Cyanobacteria SO ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING AB Enzymatic dioxygenation of unsaturated fatty acids by lipoxygenases (LOXs) represents a useful method in the transformation of bioresources for hydroperoxy and hydroxy fatty acids production. Difficulties in screening for optimal enzymes and in producing LOXs in sufficient quantity limit the large-scale application of LOXs. In this work, we identified three putative LOXs from Cyanobacteria, i.e., Ca-LOX from Calothrix sp. HK-06, Ri-LOX from Rivularia sp. PCC 7116, and Tb-LOX from Tolypothrix bouteillei VB521301. After heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and purification by HisTrap affinity chromatography, these LOXs showed high specific activities toward linoleic acid (73.1, 68.8, and 10.1 U mg(-1)protein, respectively). All three enzymes were identified as linoleate 13S-lipoxygenases. Ca-LOX and Ri-LOX are the highest-activity LOXs yet reported, and Ri-LOX gave a high titer of 38.3 U/mL on heterologous expression in E. coli. Consequently, by using Ri-LOX as an efficient biocatalyst with a subsequent reduction step, the renewable material linoleic acid was efficiently transformed into a value-added chemical, 13(S)-hydroxy-9,11-(Z,E)-octadecadienoic acid (13S-HODE), with an unprecedented space-time yield of 1008 g L-1 d(-1), indicating great potential of this LOX for sustainable production of 13-HODE and its derivatives. SN 2168-0485 PD APR 13 PY 2020 VL 8 IS 14 BP 5558 EP 5565 DI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b07457 UT WOS:000526375000015 ER PT J AU Issahaku, H Mahama, I Addy-Morton, R AF Issahaku, Haruna Mahama, Ishaque Addy-Morton, Reginald TI Agricultural labour productivity and credit constraints: implications for consumption in rural Ghana SO AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES AB Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of credit constraints on agricultural labour productivity as well as the impact of credit constraints and agricultural labour productivity on rural households' consumption in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the Ghana Living Standard Survey round six (GLSS 6) as the main source of data, which happens to be one of the most comprehensive household datasets in Ghana. Quantitative estimation techniques (namely: Endogenous Switching Regression and Two Stage Least Squares) are used to address possible endogeneity and selection into credit markets. Findings First, large households are prone to credit constraints while age (experience) and compliance with extension advice reduce credit constraints. Second, the determinants of agricultural labour productivity for both constrained and unconstrained households are age, sex, farm equipment, herbicide and farm size. Third, household size, education and livestock rearing influence agricultural labour productivity of constrained households. Fourth, credit constraints, irrespective of how they are measured, impede agricultural labour productivity while access to credit fosters labour productivity. Lastly, credit constraints robustly reduce consumption while agricultural labour productivity strongly enhances rural households' consumption. Originality/value The first contribution is that, unlike most previous studies, we do not focus on the widely used measure of productivity - output per unit land, but on agriculture labour productivity in particular. Secondly, unlike most previous studies which examine the effect of credit constraints either on productivity alone or consumption alone, our study examines the impact of credit constraints on both. Thirdly, unlike the existing literature which uses one or two measures of credit constraints, we use a wide range of measures of credit constraints - seven different measures of credit constraints. Lastly, our empirical strategy solves at least two critical econometric problems - sample selection bias and endogeneity. SN 2040-0705 EI 2040-0713 DI 10.1108/AJEMS-03-2019-0124 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526879900001 ER PT J AU Coyle, AH Berrian, AM van Rooyen, J Bagnol, B Smith, MH AF Coyle, Allison H. Berrian, Amanda M. van Rooyen, Jacques Bagnol, Brigitte Smith, Martin H. TI Gender Roles and One Health Risk Factors at the Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interface, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa SO ECOHEALTH AB Gender sensitivity in health promotion has been widely recommended, yet attention to gender roles and gender-disaggregated studies is often lacking in disease research and public health intervention planning. In the rural Mnisi community of Mpumalanga, South Africa, where zoonotic pathogens are known to contribute to acute febrile illness, community and household tasks may increase an individual's risk of exposure, and these tasks are likely to be influenced by gender. This study described the roles and responsibilities of community residents, specifically those that have been identified as critical control points for infectious pathogen exposure, by gender. Male gender-typed tasks included those associated with livestock and poultry husbandry, hunting and slaughtering wildlife, and rodent control. Female gender-typed tasks included animal-sourced food preparation, domestic cleaning and maintenance, and caregiving to children and ill family members. Given the gender-specific nature of these tasks, potential pathogen exposure and transmission patterns of infectious diseases may be also gender specific. These data can inform the development and revision of health promotion strategies, such as the community-based One Health Training and Leadership program, prioritizing outcomes for male and female participants alike. Gender-disaggregated analysis is recommended for effective risk mitigation and community-wide health promotion using a One Health approach. SN 1612-9202 EI 1612-9210 DI 10.1007/s10393-020-01478-9 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526279300001 PM 32285224 ER PT J AU Vaibhav, N Ghosh, A Kamath, S Vivek, GK Shetty, A Raut, R AF Vaibhav, N. Ghosh, Abhishek Kamath, Shashidhara Vivek, G. K. Shetty, Akshay Raut, Rohan TI Maxillofacial Injuries as an Occupational Hazard of Farming in Rural and Semi-urban Population: A 3-Year Retrospective Epidemiological Study SO JOURNAL OF MAXILLOFACIAL & ORAL SURGERY AB Purpose The aim of the retrospective study is to conduct an epidemiological evaluation of farm-based/farm-related maxillofacial injuries to assess the pattern and severity of maxillofacial injuries sustained and to formulate prevention strategies. Materials & Method In this analytical retrospective study, records/case sheets of patients presenting with trauma sustained in farm-based settings in a government hospital catering to rural and semi-urban population from January 2014 to Dec 2017 were analyzed to assess the incidence, pattern, etiology and trauma configurations of maxillofacial injuries sustained. Results Out of a total of 11,736 trauma cases, 2484 patients suffered injuries in farm-based settings. Out of these, 334 patients had maxillofacial injuries. Mandibular condylar fracture along with parasymphysis fracture was the most common fracture configuration. Injuries while working with non-motorized machinery followed by working around farm livestock were the most common etiological factors in farm-related trauma. Conclusion Maxillofacial injuries account for a significant percentage of injuries suffered in a farm-related environment. Through this study, we have identified the patterns of maxillofacial injuries occurring in such an environment, and the data thus obtained can be used to develop various ergonomic and safety interventions in terms of machinery design and handling along with implementation of training programs and enforcing strict safety guidelines to minimize maxillofacial trauma in farm-based settings. SN 0972-8279 EI 0974-942X DI 10.1007/s12663-020-01354-7 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526876700001 ER PT J AU Ahmad, D Afzal, M Rauf, A AF Ahmad, Dilshad Afzal, Muhammad Rauf, Abdur TI Environmental risks among rice farmers and factors influencing their risk perceptions and attitudes in Punjab, Pakistan SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Farming community confronted with sundry type of risks while production and environmental risks are more significant. Farms management decisions and operations are considerably influenced by farmers' perceptions and attitude to risks. Risk management issues specific to cereals crops not properly focused in developing countries specifically to Pakistan, so this gap tried to address in this study. This research work was spotlighted to quantify farmers' perception and attitude of diverse form of risks toward rice crop in Pakistan. The present study used cross-sectional data of 450 rice farmers categorized as low, medium, and high production base six rice districts of Punjab, Pakistan. In attempting to identify farmers attitude to risk, the study used Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent approach, as farmers' perception were ranked in four catastrophic risk basis, rice diseases, high input prices, drought, and heavy rainfall and hail, by risk matrix. In estimating the factors influencing farmers' attitude and perceptions to risk, the study used Probit model. Farmers believe heavy rainfall and hails, high input prices, drought, and rice disease major threats for rice crop while mostly farmer is risk-averse behavior as indicated in the results of the study. Estimates of the study signified as education, gender, size of farm, religious, age, credit, off-farm income, farmer livestock, and experience of farming significantly influences farmer risk perception and risk attitude. This research provided applied and suitable investigation for farming community, extension services, researchers, agricultural policymakers, and insurance institutions. Farmers confronting risk and their attitude need to understand by researcher and policymakers' access them accurate information regarding sophisticated tools of risk management and risks to make sure the provision of advance extension services and agricultural finance. In formulating applied policy measures, it is prerequisite for researchers and policymakers to accurate understanding of local environmental conditions, crop-related threats, and farmers' perceptions and attitude. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08771-8 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525335500001 PM 32281067 ER PT J AU Bustamante, S Amarillo-Suarez, A Wirth, R AF Bustamante, Santiago Amarillo-Suarez, Angela Wirth, Rainer TI Effects of pasture and forest microclimatic conditions on the foraging activity of leaf-cutting ants SO BIOTROPICA AB The fragmentation and transformation of land cover modify the microclimate of ecosystems. These changes have the potential to modify the foraging activity of animals, but few studies have examined this topic. In this study, we investigated whether and how the foraging activity of the leaf-cutter ant Atta cephalotes is modified by microclimatic variations due to land cover change from forest to pasture. We characterized the microclimate of each habitat and identified alterations in foraging behavior in response to relative humidity (RH), air temperature, and surface temperature along ant foraging trails by synchronously assessing foraging activity (number of ants per 5 min including incoming laden and unladen and outgoing ants) and microclimatic variables (air temperature, RH, and maximum and minimum surface temperature along the foraging trail). There were climatic differences between habitats during the day but not throughout the night, and A. cephalotes was found to have a high tolerance for foraging under severe microclimatic changes. This species can forage at surface temperatures between 17 and 45 degrees C, air temperatures between 20 and 36 degrees C, and an RH between 40% and 100%. We found a positive effect of temperature on the foraging activity of A. cephalotes in the pasture, where the species displayed thermophilic behavior and the ability to forage across a wide range of temperatures and RH. These results provide a mechanism to partially explain why A. cephalotes becomes highly prolific as anthropogenic disturbances increase and why it has turned into a key player of human-modified neotropical landscapes. in Spanish is available with online material SN 0006-3606 EI 1744-7429 DI 10.1111/btp.12783 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525993600001 ER PT J AU Dong, HG Liu, T Liu, ZQ Song, ZL AF Dong, Hegan Liu, Tong Liu, Zhongquan Song, Zhanli TI Fate of the soil seed bank of giant ragweed and its significance in preventing and controlling its invasion in grasslands SO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AB Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida, L. henceforth referred to as GR), an annual non-native invasive weed, may cause health problems and can reduce agricultural productivity. Chemical control of GR in grasslands may have irreversible side effects on herbs and livestock. In an attempt to propose a solution to the harmful effects of GR on grasslands, this study explores the fate of its soil seed bank (SSB) and considers the physical control of its SSB reduction. By studying GR distributed in grasslands of the Yili Valley, Xinjiang, China, we measured the spatial and temporal changes in seed density, seed germination, dormancy, and death. We analyzed seed germination, dormancy, and death following different storage periods. The study analyzed population characteristics over time, including seed fate, and examined physical control methods for reducing the SSB density. The SSB of GR occurs in the upper 0-15 cm of soil in grasslands. Seed density in the SSB decreased by 68.1% to 82.01% from the reproductive growth period to the senescence period. More than 98.7% of the seeds were rotten, eaten, germinated, dispersed, or died within one year after being produced. The seed germination rate of the SSB decreased with the number of years after invasion. When stored for 0.5 or 3.5 years, seed germination rates fell by 40%, during which time seed death rate increased by almost 40%. When GR was completely eradicated for two consecutive years, the SSB and population densities decreased by >99%. The vast majority of GR seeds germinated or died within one year; the germination rate decreased significantly if the seeds were stored dry at room temperature for a long time. Newly produced seeds are the main source of seeds in the SSB. Therefore, thoroughly eradicating GR plants for several years before the seeds can mature provides an effective control method in grasslands. SN 2045-7758 DI 10.1002/ece3.6238 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526008500001 PM 32551066 ER PT J AU Ho, TVT Dang, MP Tu, TL Thien, TH Bach, LG AF Thi Van Thanh Ho Minh Pham Dang Thoa Lu Tu Tai Huynh Thien Long Giang Bach TI Assessing the Ability to Treat industrial Wastewater by Constructed Wetland Model Using the Brachiaria mutica SO WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION AB The speed of urbanization-industrialization in Vietnam is increasing, which helps to boost the economy and at the same time create great environmental pressure. Industrial wastewater from production processes is always abundant and discharged continuously every day with diverse pollution components. Wastewater treatment of by simple and low-cost methods has been concerned. In this study, constructed wetland (CW) model using the Brachiaria mutica has been researched to evaluate the performance of Horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) CW in treating industrial effluents. The model built with dimensions is 1.2 m x 0.4 m x 0.6 m and operated under 4 research organic load rates respectively 40; 60; 80; 100 kgCOD/ha.day. Average treatment efficiency of pollution parameters through study is COD 93.86%, T-N 97.46%, T-P 91.12%, TSS 83.07%, BOD5 97.72%. The output concentration values of the pollution parameters are smaller than the allowable values in column A QCVN 40: 2011/ BTNMT. The results of this study will be the premise to find solutions for industrial wastewater treatment with easy to operate and environmentally friendly. The process of industrial wastewater treatment using CW planning B. mutica is simple and efficient. The success of this work is possible to expand research on wastewater treatment capacity of CW planning B. mutica with different kinds of wastewater such as domestic wastewater, livestock wastewater, medical wastewater. [GRAPHICS] . OI Huynh, Tai Thien/0000-0002-8280-7902 SN 1877-2641 EI 1877-265X DI 10.1007/s12649-020-01065-7 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525153600002 ER PT J AU Mousavi, SM Afgar, A Mohammadi, MA Mortezaei, S Faridi, A Sadeghi, B Harandi, MF AF Mousavi, Seyed Mohammad Afgar, Ali Mohammadi, Mohammad Ali Mortezaei, Seifollah Faridi, Ashkan Sadeghi, Balal Harandi, Majid Fasihi TI Biological and morphological consequences of dsRNA-induced suppression of tetraspanin mRNA in developmental stages of Echinococcus granulosus SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB BackgroundCystic echinococcosis, caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is a neglected tropical disease with remarkable morbidity in humans and a problem of worldwide economic importance in livestock industry. Understanding the molecular basis of the parasite growth and development is essential for the disease diagnosis, management and control. The tetraspanin (TSP) family of proteins are transmembrane proteins with a role in many physiological processes of eukaryotic organisms. TSPs present in the tegumental surface of platyhelminths play pivotal roles in host-parasite interaction. However, little is known about the role of TSPs in growth and development in the Platyhelminthes. To understand the role of TSP1 in the growth and development of E. granulosus we investigated the effect of EgTSP1-specific long dsRNA in different in vitro stages of the parasite.MethodsDifferent stages of E. granulosus, protoscoleces and strobilated worms, were cultivated In vitro in di-phasic media. Using long dsRNA and two delivery methods, i.e. electroporation and electro-soaking, EgTSP1 silencing was performed with an EgTSP1-specific dsRNA. The TSP1 expression profile was assessed as well as the biological and ultrastructural properties of the parasites.ResultsAfter three days of dsRNA treatment, EgTSP1 expression was significantly reduced in both stages of E. granulosus as compared to irrelevant/unrelated dsRNA and untreated controls. Silencing expression of EgTSP1 in different stages of E. granulosus resulted in reduced viability and body contractions, inhibition of protoscoleces evagination and distinctive tegumental changes. Ultrastructural morphology of the strobilated worms treated with EgTSP1-specific dsRNA was indicative of the microtriches impairments and vacuolated tegument compared to the control helminths.ConclusionsResults of the present study suggest that EgTSP1 plays important structural roles in tegument configuration in E. granulosus. EgTSP1 is proved to be a potential target for the development of vaccines and RNAi-based drugs. RI Fasihi Harandi, Majid/C-4636-2008 OI Fasihi Harandi, Majid/0000-0003-3257-5389 SN 1756-3305 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04052-y UT WOS:000525624900001 PM 32276648 ER PT J AU Trachtman, AR Bergamini, L Palazzi, A Porrello, A Dondona, AC Del Negro, E Paolini, A Vignola, G Calderara, S Marruchella, G AF Trachtman, Abigail R. Bergamini, Luca Palazzi, Andrea Porrello, Angelo Dondona, Andrea Capobianco Del Negro, Ercole Paolini, Andrea Vignola, Giorgio Calderara, Simone Marruchella, Giuseppe TI Scoring pleurisy in slaughtered pigs using convolutional neural networks SO VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Diseases of the respiratory system are known to negatively impact the profitability of the pig industry, worldwide. Considering the relatively short lifespan of pigs, lesions can be still evident at slaughter, where they can be usefully recorded and scored. Therefore, the slaughterhouse represents a key check-point to assess the health status of pigs, providing unique and valuable feedback to the farm, as well as an important source of data for epidemiological studies. Although relevant, scoring lesions in slaughtered pigs represents a very time-consuming and costly activity, thus making difficult their systematic recording. The present study has been carried out to train a convolutional neural network-based system to automatically score pleurisy in slaughtered pigs. The automation of such a process would be extremely helpful to enable a systematic examination of all slaughtered livestock. Overall, our data indicate that the proposed system is well able to differentiate half carcasses affected with pleurisy from healthy ones, with an overall accuracy of 85.5%. The system was better able to recognize severely affected half carcasses as compared with those showing less severe lesions. The training of convolutional neural networks to identify and score pneumonia, on the one hand, and the achievement of trials in large capacity slaughterhouses, on the other, represent the natural pursuance of the present study. As a result, convolutional neural network-based technologies could provide a fast and cheap tool to systematically record lesions in slaughtered pigs, thus supplying an enormous amount of useful data to all stakeholders in the pig industry. RI Capobianco Dondona, Andrea/B-3832-2017 OI Capobianco Dondona, Andrea/0000-0002-5970-8383 SN 0928-4249 EI 1297-9716 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 AR 51 DI 10.1186/s13567-020-00775-z UT WOS:000525599900001 PM 32276670 ER PT J AU Ribeiro, AEC Oliveira, AR da Silva, ACM Caliari, M Soares, MS AF Chaves Ribeiro, Alline Emannuele Oliveira, Aryane Ribeiro Mendes da Silva, Ana Caroline Caliari, Marcio Soares Junior, Manoel Soares TI Physicochemical quality and sensory acceptance of toasts with partial replacement of wheat flour by maize biomass flour SO JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE AB The aim of this study was to assess physicochemical and sensory viability of toasts developed from the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) by maize biomass flour (MBF). Different levels of MBF (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g 100 g(-1)) were used. Data obtained were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The level of replacement of WF by MBF influenced all physicochemical properties of the toast. Moisture (5.67-7.12 g 100 g(-1)), hardness (56.67-131.66 N), chroma of crust and crumb (29.86-30.27 and 19.76-25.83, respectively), and hue angle of crust and crumb (60.32 degrees-64.79 degrees and 81.41 degrees-82.06 degrees, respectively) were increased; and area (2286.4-1658.1 mm(2)), specific volume (3.47-1.83 mL g(-1)) and luminosity of crust and crumb (62.39-59.67 and 65.49-62.54, respectively) were decreased as the level of substitution of WF by MBF increased. The toasts did not present microbiological risk. The formulations with higher sensory acceptance were 5 and 15 g 100 g(-1) of MBF, being considered rich in proteins (16.25 and 15.43 g 100 g(-1), respectively) and rich in dietary fibers (12.10 and 16.02 g 100 g(-1), respectively), therefore with high nutritional and functional values. The production of toasts with partial replacement of WF by MBF is feasible in relation to physicochemical and sensory characteristics, which it may stimulate exploitation of this by-product and sustainable production of baked goods. OI Ribeiro, Alline/0000-0001-6048-0235 SN 0022-1155 EI 0975-8402 DI 10.1007/s13197-020-04416-3 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000524961300003 ER PT J AU Olba-Ziety, E Stolarski, MJ Krzyzaniak, M Golaszewski, J AF Olba-Ziety, Ewelina Stolarski, Mariusz J. Krzyzaniak, Michal Golaszewski, Janusz TI Environmental external cost of poplar wood chips sustainable production SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB In sustainable production, information about product costs should be complete. Not only economic but also environmental aspects need to be taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to estimate environmental external costs of poplar short rotation woody crops (SRWC) cultivation according to different soil enrichment procedures for wood chips production. The base scenario was to grow unfertilized crops. Three other scenarios were analyzed: mineral fertilization, lignin application, and combined lignin and mineral fertilization. The assessment of the environmental costs was based on emissions originating from production of poplar wood chips. The costs were calculated based on the emissions and their monetary value. The environmental external cost of the production of poplar chips was (sic)137.24 ha(-1) year(-1) on average, and corresponded to 27.5% of the internal cost. The external cost of poplar chips production relative to a mass unit was (sic)15.67 Mg-1 d.m. on average, corresponding to 20% of the total production cost. Our analysis shows that field emission and harvest generate most of the external cost. The highest cost was associated with particulate matter formation and terrestrial acidification. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. RI Krzyzaniak, Michal/AAH-5130-2020; Olba-Ziety, Ewelina/P-1647-2019 OI Olba-Ziety, Ewelina/0000-0003-1236-0719 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 252 AR 119854 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119854 UT WOS:000516777200101 ER PT J AU Song, YY Hu, JW Liu, JY Evrendilek, F Buyukada, M AF Song, Yueyao Hu, Jinwen Liu, Jingyong Evrendilek, Fatih Buyukada, Musa TI Catalytic effects of CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and red mud on Pteris vittata combustion: Emission, kinetic and ash conversion patterns SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Catalytic effects of red mud (RM), calcium oxide (CaO), aluminum trioxide (Al2O3), and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) were quantified on the combustion, emission and ash characteristics of aboveground (PA) and belowground (PB) biomass of Pteris vittata using thermogravimetric, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray fluorescence and FactSage analyses. CaO affected the specific formation pathways of tar species and inhibited the CO2, HCN and SO2 emissions. Fe2O3 shortened the initial release time of the emissions. Al2O3 inhibited the final NO emission but did not control the N-containing products. RM catalyzed the combustion by suppressing the emissions. The enthalpy of PA was catalytically enhanced in the following order: CaO > RM > Fe2O3 > Al2O3. Only Fe2O3 increased the enthalpy of PB. The stationary index value of PB declined with the catalysts. The comprehensive combustion index of PA was high at 20 degrees C/min. Al2O3 reduced the risks of slagging, and fouling for PA and PB, while RM exerted a more pronounced effect on PA than PB. The fusion of low-melting point minerals accelerated the mass and heat transfers, and the ash melting. Activation energy was reduced by 275.99% with RM and by 119.82 and 115.81% with Al2O3, and Fe2O3 for PA, respectively. Our results pave the way for cleaner and sustainable production strategies with the catalytic biomass combustion. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Evrendilek, Fatih/AAL-9010-2020; Evrendilek, Fatih/AAP-4480-2020 OI Evrendilek, Fatih/0000-0003-1099-4363; Evrendilek, Fatih/0000-0003-1099-4363 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 252 AR 119646 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119646 UT WOS:000516777200020 ER PT J AU Armas-Herrera, CM Badia-Villas, D Mora, JL Gomez, D AF Armas-Herrera, Cecilia M. Badia-Villas, David Luis Mora, Juan Gomez, Daniel TI Plant-topsoil relationships underlying subalpine grassland patchiness SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Approximately half of the area in the Spanish Central Pyrenees is dedicated to pastures. A decrease in stocking rate coupled with changes in livestock management in recent decades have favoured the expansion ofNardus grasslands, which are considered undesirable for grazing use and for diversity conservation. The objective of this study was to analyse how topsoil properties are related to grassland plant composition occurring in erosion-disturbed (chalk grasslands) and undisturbed (Nardus mat-grasslands) soils in a subalpine area of the Spanish Central Pyrenees. We selected six paired sampling points for a side-by-side comparison of both communities. At each point, we 1) estimated the plant cover of each species through inventories and 2) analysed a set of physical-chemical topsoil properties (0-5 and 5-10 cm depth). Data were analysed through multivariate analysis. We found typical species of Nardus mat-grasslands in the undisturbed sites growing on non-eroded and well-structured soils that were low in calcium and acidic, with high contents of organic matter. In turn, we found earlier-successional grassland communities growing on slopes recently affected by soil erosion processes. The species composition was mainly species from stony slope grasslands and, to a lesser extent, from the long-term snow-covered environments of the high mountains. These soils were shallower and stonier and had a less-stable structure, higher pH, and lower organic matter and calcium content than undisturbed soils. Our results suggest that the differences between both communities emerge and are maintained by soil-plant feedback mechanisms mediated in Nardus mat-grasslands through soil stabilization and acidification and in chalk grasslands through soil erosion and basification. These findings suggest that the subalpine grassland mosaic results from a model of non-equilibrium plant coexistence due to soil disturbance and inexorable succession. Management should be focused on maintaining a disturbance regime, through grazing, sufficient to prevent the spreading of Nardus mat-grasslands. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 712 AR 134483 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.1114283 UT WOS:000512369600112 PM 31822420 ER PT J AU Zhang, SX Zhang, QQ Liu, YS Yan, XT Zhang, B Xing, C Zhao, JL Ying, GG AF Zhang, Shao-Xuan Zhang, Qian-Qian Liu, You-Sheng Yan, Xiao-Ting Zhang, Bing Xing, Cheng Zhao, Jian-Liang Ying, Guang-Guo TI Emission and fate of antibiotics in the Dongjiang River Basin, China: Implication for antibiotic resistance risk SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Antibiotics used for human and veterinary purposes are released into the environment, resulting in potential adverse effects, including the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Here we investigated the dynamic fate of 36 antibiotics in a large river basin Dongjiang in South China, and discussed their potential antibiotic resistance selection risk. Based on the usage, excretion rate, wastewater treatment rate, human population and animal numbers the emissions of 36 frequently detected antibiotics were estimated for the Dongjiang River Basin. The total usage of the 36 antibiotics in the basin was 623.4 tons, which included 37% for human use and the rest for veterinary purposes. After being metabolized and partially treated, the amount of antibiotics excreted and released into the environment decreased to 267.6 tons. By allocating the high-precision antibiotic discharge inventory to 42 sewage plants and 17 livestock farms, an improved GREAT-ER (Geography referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers) model for the Dongjiang River Basin, with a well calibration river flow network based on the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), was established to simulate the dynamic fate of 36 antibiotics. The simulation results showed that antibiotics contaminated >50% of the river sections. The modelled concentrations in water were almost within an order of magnitude of the measured concentrations. Antibiotic contamination in the dry season was obviously higher than that in the wet season. The concentrations of the antibiotics were always higher at the discharge zones and lower reaches of the river basin than the other reaches. The antibiotic resistance risk assessment showed that 23 out of the 36 antibiotics (nearly 65%) could pose high risks in the river basin. For those river reaches with high risks, the risk levels could mostly be reduced to low risk levels with a certain distance (15 km) from the pollution source. Therefore, more attention should be paid to those impact zones in term of antibiotic resistance. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Ying, Guang-Guo/A-2670-2008 OI Ying, Guang-Guo/0000-0002-3387-1078 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD APR 10 PY 2020 VL 712 AR 136518 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136518 UT WOS:000512369600051 PM 32050380 ER PT J AU Alvarenga, AB Veroneze, R Oliveira, HR Marques, DBD Lopes, PS Silva, FF Brito, LF AF Alvarenga, Amanda B. Veroneze, Renata Oliveira, Hinayah R. Marques, Daniele B. D. Lopes, Paulo S. Silva, Fabyano F. Brito, Luiz F. TI Comparing Alternative Single-Step GBLUP Approaches and Training Population Designs for Genomic Evaluation of Crossbred Animals SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB As crossbreeding is extensively used in some livestock species, we aimed to evaluate the performance of single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and weighted ssGBLUP (WssGBLUP) methods to predict Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) of crossbred animals. Different training population scenarios were evaluated: (SC1) ssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering purebred and crossbred animals in a joint training population; (SC2) ssGBLUP based on a multiple-trait model to enable considering phenotypes recorded in purebred and crossbred training animals as different traits; (SC3) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering purebred and crossbred animals jointly in the training population (both populations were used for SNP weights' estimation); (SC4) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model considering only purebred animals in the training population (crossbred population only used for SNP weights' estimation); (SC5) WssGBLUP based on a single-trait model and the training population characterized by purebred animals (purebred population used for SNP weights' estimation). A complex trait was simulated assuming alternative genetic architectures. Different scaling factors to blend the inverse of the genomic (G(-1)) and pedigree (A22-1) relationship matrices were also tested. The predictive performance of each scenario was evaluated based on the validation accuracy and regression coefficient. The genetic correlations across simulated populations in the different scenarios ranged from moderate to high (0.71-0.99). The scenario mimicking a completely polygenic trait (hQTL2= 0) yielded the lowest validation accuracy (0.12; for SC3 and SC4). The simulated scenarios assuming 4,500 QTLs affecting the trait and hQTL2=h2 resulted in the greatest GEBV accuracies (0.47; for SC1 and SC2). The regression coefficients ranged from 0.28 (for SC3 assuming polygenic effect) to 1.27 (for SC2 considering 4,500 QTLs). In general, SC3 and SC5 resulted in inflated GEBVs, whereas other scenarios yielded deflated GEBVs. The scaling factors used to combine G(-1) and A22-1 had a small influence on the validation accuracies, but a greater effect on the regression coefficients. Due to the complexity of multiple-trait models and WssGBLUP analyses, and a similar predictive performance across the methods evaluated, SC1 is recommended for genomic evaluation in crossbred populations with similar genetic structures [moderate-to-high (0.71-0.99) genetic correlations between purebred and crossbred populations]. EI 1664-8021 PD APR 9 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 263 DI 10.3389/fgene.2020.00263 UT WOS:000529970600001 PM 32328083 ER PT J AU Hornok, S Takacs, N Szekeres, S Szoke, K Kontschan, J Horvath, G Sugar, L AF Hornok, Sandor Takacs, Nora Szekeres, Sandor Szoke, Krisztina Kontschan, Jeno Horvath, Gabor Sugar, Laszlo TI DNA of Theileria orientalis, T. equi and T. capreoli in stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB Background From a veterinary-medical point of view, the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is perhaps the economically most important blood-sucking muscoid fly species (Diptera: Muscidae), owing to its worldwide occurrence, frequently high local abundance, direct harm caused to livestock, pet animals and humans, as well as its vector role. Considering the latter in the context of protozoan parasites, the stable fly is a mechanical vector of trypanosomes and Besnoitia besnoiti. However, its role as a vector of piroplasms appears to be seldom studied, despite old data suggesting mechanical transmission of babesiae by dipteran flies. Methods In this study 395 stable flies (and one Haematobia stimulans) were collected at a cattle farm with known history of bovine theileriosis, and at further nine, randomly chosen locations in Hungary. These flies were separated according to sex (30 of them also cut into two parts: the head with mouthparts and the thorax-abdomen), followed by individual DNA extraction, then screening for piroplasms by PCR and sequencing. Results In stable flies, Theileria orientalis and T. capreoli were identified at the cattle farm and T. equi was identified in three other locations. At the cattle farm, significantly more male stable flies carried piroplasm DNA than females. There was no significant difference between the ratio of PCR-positive flies between the stable (void of cattle for at least two hours) and the pen on the pasture with cattle at the time of sampling. Among dissected flies (29 S. calcitrans and 1 H. stimulans), exclusively the thoracic-abdominal parts were PCR-positive, whereas the head and mouthparts remained negative. Conclusions Theileria DNA is detectable in stable flies, in the case of T. orientalis at least for two hours after blood-feeding, and in the case of T. capreoli also in the absence of infected hosts (i.e. roe deer). Male flies rather than females, and thoracic-abdominal (most likely crop) contents rather than mouthparts may pose a risk of mechanical transmission. These data suggest that it is worth to study further the vector role of stable flies in the epidemiology of theilerioses, in which not the immediate, but rather the delayed type transmission seems possible. SN 1756-3305 PD APR 9 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 AR 186 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04041-1 UT WOS:000526906000001 PM 32272968 ER PT J AU Krell, NT Giroux, SA Guido, Z Hannah, C Lopus, SE Caylor, KK Evans, TP AF Krell, N. T. Giroux, S. A. Guido, Z. Hannah, C. Lopus, S. E. Caylor, K. K. Evans, T. P. TI Smallholder farmers' use of mobile phone services in central Kenya SO CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT AB Information and services delivered through mobile phones, 'm-services', have transformative potential to provide rural African farmers with important agro-meteorological information. However, a greater understanding is needed regarding the types of m-services available to farmers, how farmers access that information, and possible factors affecting m-service use. With a study of smallholder farming communities in central Kenya, we examine factors affecting the likelihood of Kenyan farmers' adoption of m-services specifically related to agriculture and livestock information, buying and selling products, and alerts about agricultural or livestock activities. According to a survey of 577 farming households, 98% of respondents own a mobile phone. Approximately 25% use it to access information about agriculture and livestock, 23% access information about buying and selling products, and 18% receive alerts. Personal smartphone ownership increases the likelihood of m-services use (p < .001), as does membership in farmer organizations (p < .001). We find that age and income are not significantly related to m-service use, and we discuss this result in terms of intersections between smartphone ownership, gender, and education. Consistent with prior qualitative research, our quantitative results further support the need for m-services providers to design for basic or feature phone users for improved dissemination of agro-meteorological information. RI ; Caylor, Kelly/B-7734-2008 OI Guido, Zack/0000-0002-4817-606X; Hannah, Corrie/0000-0003-0470-6118; Krell, Natasha/0000-0001-6308-5580; Caylor, Kelly/0000-0002-6466-6448; Lopus, Sara/0000-0001-7453-1961 SN 1756-5529 EI 1756-5537 DI 10.1080/17565529.2020.1748847 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000526306600001 ER PT J AU Bernardon, A Assmann, TS Soares, AB Franzluebbers, A Maccari, M de Bortolli, MA AF Bernardon, Angela Assmann, Tangriani Simioni Soares, Andre Brugnara Franzluebbers, Alan Maccari, Marcieli de Bortolli, Marcos Antonio TI Carryover of N-fertilization from corn to pasture in an integrated crop-livestock system SO ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE AB Nutrient-use efficiency in pasture-crop rotations is not well understood. The hypothesis of this research is that nitrogen (N) cycled from the corn crop to the following pasture is not enough to supply the N demand of the pasture, independent of pasture height management. Our goal was to assess the carryover effect of N-fertilization from corn crop to a mixed pasture of black oat and ryegrass managed with two sward heights in an integrated crop-livestock system. The experimental design was a factorial arrangement (2 x 2) of sward height (10 and 25 cm) and N pasture fertilization: 0 kg N ha(-1) (representing the carryover of N-fertilization from the corn crop) and 200 kg N ha(-1). Accumulated forage dry matter and N concentration increased by 62% and 40%, respectively, in the pasture-fertilized compared with fertilization only in the previous crop phase. The residual effect of N applied to the previous corn crop was not enough to adequately meet the N requirements of the subsequent pasture, thereby reducing forage dry matter accumulation compared with the pasture-fertilized system. Our data suggest that fertilization of the pasture phase is key to better nutrient use efficiency in integrated crop-livestock systems. OI Franzluebbers, Alan/0000-0003-0739-0913 SN 0365-0340 EI 1476-3567 DI 10.1080/03650340.2020.1749268 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000524121500001 ER PT J AU Vargas-Mena, JC Cordero-Schmidt, E Rodriguez-Herrera, B Medellin, RA Bento, DD Venticinque, EM AF Vargas-Mena, Juan Carlos Cordero-Schmidt, Eugenia Rodriguez-Herrera, Bernal Medellin, Rodrigo A. Bento, Diego de Medeiros Venticinque, Eduardo M. TI Inside or out? Cave size and landscape effects on cave-roosting bat assemblages in Brazilian Caatinga caves SO JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY AB Cave bats have an intimate association with their roosts. Size, structural heterogeneity, and microclimatic conditions are traits of caves known to affect the structure of these assemblages. The effects of the natural and anthropogenic landscape factors around caves on the structure of these assemblages are poorly known, especially in areas with large cave clusters. We assessed the effects of cave size and surrounding landscape attributes on the richness and species composition of cave-roosting bats in 13 caves distributed in two landscapes with large cave clusters in Caatinga dry forests, Brazil. In a 1-km buffer around caves, we obtained 13 internal cave and external landscape variables. Candidate univariate models using generalized linear models were constructed and the Akaike information criterion was used for model selection. The cave size model explained richness and variance in the species composition; larger caves tended to have greater richness and assemblage composition varied depending on the cave size, hence affecting the occurrence of certain species, some of conservation concern (Natalus macrourus, Furipterus horrens). The cave connectivity model affected only the richness; caves located in denser cave clusters had higher richness likely attributed to movement of bats among caves by a more diverse array of species. Both environmental and anthropic variables affected species composition, but differently depending of the landscape context of cave location (protected versus nonprotected area). The extent these landscape variables affected the species composition was due to species-specific responses, and observed in the mean colony sizes of the species shared between the cave systems. All the landscape variables that we tested affected the structuring process of cave-roosting bats assemblages, and evidences that variables found in disturbed karstic landscapes also affect the structure of the assemblage (e.g., large colonies of vampire bats). However, the ubiquitous effect of cave size on both richness and species composition reinforces the critical importance of the roost in the life of these flying mammals. SN 0022-2372 EI 1545-1542 PD APR 8 PY 2020 VL 101 IS 2 BP 464 EP 475 DI 10.1093/jmammal/gyz206 UT WOS:000537550900013 ER PT J AU Ndengu, M Matope, G Tivapasi, M Pfukenyi, DM Cetre-Sossah, C de Garine-Wichatitsky, M AF Ndengu, Masimba Matope, Gift Tivapasi, Musavengana Pfukenyi, Davies M. Cetre-Sossah, Catherine de Garine-Wichatitsky, Michel TI Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Rift Valley fever in cattle and selected wildlife species at the livestock/wildlife interface areas of Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe SO ONDERSTEPOORT JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH AB A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Rift Valley fever (RVF) infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface: porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted); non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing) and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent contact or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged >= 2 years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. AX2 test was used to assess differences between categories, and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 1.7% (17/1011) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.7). The porous interface recorded a seroprevalence of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.2-4.3), the non-porous interface recorded a prevalence of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7-4.3) and the non-interface area recorded a seroprevalence of 0.4% (955 CI: 0.02-2.5), but the difference in seroprevalence according to site was not significant (p > 0.05). All impala and kudu samples tested negative. The overall seroprevalence in buffaloes was 11.7% (95% CI: 6.6-19.5), and there was no significant (p = 0.38) difference between the sites (Mabalauta, 4.4% [95% CI: 0.2-24] vs. Chipinda, 13.6% [95% CI: 7.6-23]). The overall seroprevalence in buffaloes (11.7%, 13/111) was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than in cattle (1.7%, 17/1011). The results established the presence of RVFV in cattle and selected wildlife and that sylvatic infections may be present in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to investigate if the virus is circulating between cattle and wildlife. SN 0030-2465 EI 2219-0635 PD APR 8 PY 2020 VL 87 IS 1 AR a1731 DI 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1731 UT WOS:000526891600001 PM 32370521 ER PT J AU Damian, D Maghembe, R Damas, M Wensman, JJ Berg, M AF Damian, Donath Maghembe, Reuben Damas, Modester Wensman, Jonas Johansson Berg, Mikael TI Application of Viral Metagenomics for Study of Emerging and Reemerging Tick-Borne Viruses SO VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES AB Ticks are important vectors for different tick-borne viruses, some of which cause diseases and death in humans, livestock, and wild animals. Tick-borne encephalitis virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Kyasanur forest disease virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Heartland virus, African swine fever virus, Nairobi sheep disease virus, and Louping ill virus are just a few examples of important tick-borne viruses. The majority of tick-borne viruses have RNA genomes that routinely undergo rapid genetic modifications such as point mutations during their replication. These genomic changes can influence the spread of viruses to new habitats and hosts and lead to the emergence of novel viruses that can pose a threat to public health. Therefore, investigation of the viruses circulating in ticks is important to understand their diversity, host and vector range, and evolutionary history, as well as to predict new emerging pathogens. The choice of detection method is important, as most methods detect only those viruses that have been previously well described. On the other hand, viral metagenomics is a useful tool to simultaneously identify all the viruses present in a sample, including novel variants of already known viruses or completely new viruses. This review describes tick-borne viruses, their historical background of emergence, and their reemergence in nature, and the use of viral metagenomics for viral discovery and studies of viral evolution. SN 1530-3667 EI 1557-7759 DI 10.1089/vbz.2019.2579 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525462500001 PM 32267808 ER PT J AU Antun, M Baldi, R AF Antun, Milagros Baldi, Ricardo TI Choosing what is left: the spatial structure of a wild herbivore population within a livestock-dominated landscape SO PEERJ AB Shrublands and grasslands comprise over 30% of the land surface and are among the most exploited ecosystems for livestock production. Across natural landscapes, the distribution and abundance of wild herbivores are affected by interspecific competition for foraging resources, hunting and the development of infrastructure among other factors. In Argentine Patagonia, the abundance of domestic sheep grazing on native vegetation outnumbers the widely distributed guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and sheep ranching monopolizes the most productive lands. In this work, we aimed to assess the spatial variation in the abundance of guanacos in Peninsula Valdes, a representative landscape of Patagonia, investigating the incidence of natural and human-related factors. We conducted ground surveys during the austral autumn in 2017 totaling 383.4 km along areas with and without sheep ranching. We built density surface models to account for the variation in guanaco abundance and obtained a map of guanaco density at a resolution of 4 km(2). We estimated an overall density of 11.71 guanacos.km(-2) for a prediction area of 3,196 km(2), although the density of guanacos tripled in areas where sheep ranching was terminated (in around 20% of the surface of Peninsula Valdes) compared to areas with sheep. Guanacos were more abundant at lower values of primary productivity and sheep stocking rates and further from inhabited ranch buildings, suggesting competition with sheep and conflict with humans. Although guanacos selected open, grass-dominated habitats across sheep-free sites, fences dividing properties and paddocks played a significant role in the spatial structure of their population in Peninsula Valdes affecting negatively the abundance of guanacos. Our results indicate that actions to improve habitat connectivity for guanacos, favor the coexistence among guanacos and sheep ranching, and promote responsible human activities and attitudes towards wildlife are needed. SN 2167-8359 PD APR 8 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8945 DI 10.7717/peerj.8945 UT WOS:000524530100012 PM 32296614 ER PT J AU De Groot, AS Moise, L Terry, F Gutierrez, AH Hindocha, P Richard, G Hoft, DF Ross, TM Noe, AR Takahashi, Y Kotraiah, V Silk, SE Nielsen, CM Minassian, AM Ashfield, R Ardito, M Draper, SJ Martin, WD AF De Groot, Anne S. Moise, Leonard Terry, Frances Gutierrez, Andres H. Hindocha, Pooja Richard, Guilhem Hoft, Daniel Fredric Ross, Ted M. Noe, Amy R. Takahashi, Yoshimasa Kotraiah, Vinayaka Silk, Sarah E. Nielsen, Carolyn M. Minassian, Angela M. Ashfield, Rebecca Ardito, Matt Draper, Simon J. Martin, William D. TI Better Epitope Discovery, Precision Immune Engineering, and Accelerated Vaccine Design Using Immunoinformatics Tools SO FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY AB Computational vaccinology includes epitope mapping, antigen selection, and immunogen design using computational tools. Tools that facilitate the in silico prediction of immune response to biothreats, emerging infectious diseases, and cancers can accelerate the design of novel and next generation vaccines and their delivery to the clinic. Over the past 20 years, vaccinologists, bioinformatics experts, and advanced programmers based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA have advanced the development of an integrated toolkit for vaccine design called iVAX, that is secure and user-accessible by internet. This integrated set of immunoinformatic tools comprises algorithms for scoring and triaging candidate antigens, selecting immunogenic and conserved T cell epitopes, re-engineering or eliminating regulatory T cell epitopes, and re-designing antigens to induce immunogenicity and protection against disease for humans and livestock. Commercial and academic applications of iVAX have included identifying immunogenic T cell epitopes in the development of a T-cell based human multi-epitope Q fever vaccine, designing novel influenza vaccines, identifying cross-conserved T cell epitopes for a malaria vaccine, and analyzing immune responses in clinical vaccine studies. Animal vaccine applications to date have included viral infections of pigs such as swine influenza A, PCV2, and African Swine Fever. "Rapid-Fire" applications for biodefense have included a demonstration project for Lassa Fever and Q fever. As recent infectious disease outbreaks underscore the significance of vaccine-driven preparedness, the integrated set of tools available on the iVAX toolkit stand ready to help vaccine developers deliver genome-derived, epitope-driven vaccines. OI Minassian, Angela/0000-0001-7832-9824 SN 1664-3224 PD APR 7 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 442 DI 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00442 UT WOS:000529006000001 PM 32318055 ER PT J AU Galvidis, IA Eremin, SA Burkin, MA AF Galvidis, Inna A. Eremin, Sergei A. Burkin, Maksim A. TI Three for the price of one! Immunodetection of three amphenicols in foodstuffs using a universal standard curve SO ANALYTICAL METHODS AB Antibiotics from the amphenicol family are widely used to treat farm animals; however, the regulation of their residues in livestock production varies significantly and depends on the type of animal and the type of particular amphenicol. In this regard, different requirements are imposed on immunoanalytical systems for their identification. In the present study, direct and indirect ELISA formats were developed for simultaneous determination of florfenicol (FF), its main metabolite florfenicol amine (FFA), and thiamphenicol (TAP) using antibodies against FFA conjugated to succinylated BSA. Among a panel of heterologous conjugates, a glutaraldehyde linked FFA-coating antigen and tracer were the only ones which provided equal recognition of FFA, FF, and TAP. Owing to equal 100% cross-reactivity, these analytes could be quantified in chicken muscle at their MRL level using a single universal standard curve. Recovery of amphenicols was in the range 77.2-98.8% with variation no more than 9.6%. The prohibited drug chloramphenicol was undetectable (<0.1%) and had no influence on the assay developed for quantification of approved amphenicols. RI Burkin, Maksim A/R-2940-2016 OI Burkin, Maksim A/0000-0003-1946-430X; Eremin, Sergei/0000-0002-6936-0720 SN 1759-9660 EI 1759-9679 PD APR 7 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 13 BP 1728 EP 1735 DI 10.1039/c9ay02724f UT WOS:000526708700004 ER PT J AU Galea, B Pittock, J Crimp, S AF Galea, Ben Pittock, Jamie Crimp, Steven TI Greenhouse gas implications of replacing fish protein with beef in the lower Mekong Basin SO ASIA PACIFIC VIEWPOINT AB At least 88 new hydropower dams are planned between 2010 and 2030 in the lower Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia as a source of electricity with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Dams result in declines in fish populations that will need to be replaced with other sources of protein for food security. We make the first assessment of emissions should beef production substitute for lost fish in Cambodia and Laos. We assessed two sources of emissions. Replacing lost fish with beef would require as much as 12 million hectares of new pasture. Forest clearing for pastures in Cambodia and Lao PDR would initially emit between 0.859 and 3.015 giga-tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (Gt CO2-eq.). Methane emissions from additional cattle would add at least 0.0013 Gt CO2-eq./year to Cambodia's total greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to a 20% increase. In Laos at least 0.0005 Gt CO2-eq./year would be released, a 4-12% increase in annual emissions. We demonstrate that activities displaced by hydropower developments could significantly increase emissions. It shows how enclosure of commons at local scales impacts upon other common pool resources at different scales, raising questions for sustainable and equitable transboundary governance. RI Pittock, Jamie/N-1541-2018 OI Pittock, Jamie/0000-0001-6293-996X SN 1360-7456 EI 1467-8373 DI 10.1111/apv.12274 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000524264200001 ER PT J AU Li, XK Zhang, YG AF Li, Xiukai Zhang, Yugen TI Metal Catalyst-Free Oxidative C-C Bond Cleavage of a Lignin Model Compound by H2O2 in Formic acid SO CHEMSUSCHEM AB Selective cleavage of the beta-O-4 ether bond of lignin to produce aromatics is one of the most important topics for the sustainable production of chemicals from biomass. A simple system has been developed for C-alpha-C-beta bond cleavage of a beta-O-4 ketone-structured lignin model compound (LMC) by H2O2 in formic acid under metal catalyst-free conditions. By using this simple system, with H2O2, formic acid, and mineral acid catalyst, over 90 % product yield is achieved in 6 h at room temperature. The reaction proceeds through the classic Baeyer-Villiger oxidation and in situ-generated performic acid serves as the key oxidant. The cleavage of alcoholic LMCs by using the presented method in a two-step process is also demonstrated. RI Zhang, Yugen/B-8535-2014 OI Zhang, Yugen/0000-0002-8497-1175 SN 1864-5631 EI 1864-564X PD APR 7 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 7 BP 1740 EP 1745 DI 10.1002/cssc.201903180 UT WOS:000523506000011 PM 32048446 ER PT J AU Yang, B Qin, SY Xu, WS Busch, J Yang, XY Gu, XD Yang, ZS Wang, B Dai, Q Xu, Y AF Yang, Biao Qin, Siyu Xu, Wansu Busch, Jonah Yang, Xuyu Gu, Xiaodong Yang, Zhisong Wang, Bin Dai, Qiang Xu, Yu TI Gap Analysis of Giant Panda Conservation as an Example for Planning China's National Park System SO CURRENT BIOLOGY AB Protected areas have been the cornerstone for conservation globally [1], but gaps still exist in preserving biodiversity [2]. Meanwhile, areas designated as protected have overlaps between designations and might vary in their management [3, 4]. All three phenomena-coverage gaps, overlapping designations, and disparities in management-are present in China [5, 6]. China plans to establish a national park system for the first time, aiming to reform the existing protected-area system [ ]. However, there has been no quantitative spatial analysis that can aid the planning of national parks. This study shows how an improved conservation gap analysis can inform the construction of new national parks. Taking the proposed Giant Panda National Park as an example, we analyzed the relationship between panda habitat and the existing protected areas, considering not only de jure designated coverage but also de facto levels of two types of potentially harmful activities (timber extraction and human disturbance). We find that, first, there are coverage gaps in the four mountains comprising the potential national park, and existing protected areas have overlaps between designations. Second, current protected areas have gaps and disparities in terms of restrictions on timber extraction and human disturbance. Third, overlapped designations and less restrictive management appear to have adverse effects on panda protection. On the basis of these results,we propose integrated management under a single national park administration, focusing on the key gaps, which we identify. This study can serve as a reference for the establishment of other national parks in China and the world. OI Xu, Yu/0000-0002-9437-3267; Qin, Siyu/0000-0001-6466-7400 SN 0960-9822 EI 1879-0445 PD APR 6 PY 2020 VL 30 IS 7 BP 1287 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.069 UT WOS:000527844000031 PM 32197079 ER PT J AU Correa, CMA Audino, LD Holdbrook, R Braga, RF Menendez, R Louzada, J AF Correa, Cesar M. A. Audino, Livia D. Holdbrook, Robert Braga, Rodrigo F. Menendez, Rosa Louzada, Julio TI Successional trajectory of dung beetle communities in a tropical grassy ecosystem after livestock grazing removal SO BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION AB Grazing by large herbivorous mammals is still a structuring force in tropical grassy ecosystems, and cattle grazing is one of the main economic activities carried out in these ecosystems in modern times. Therefore, understanding the impacts of cattle grazing removal on biodiversity may be a key step for conservation of this ecosystem. Here, we studied the successional trajectory of dung beetle communities in a tropical grassy ecosystem after cattle removal. For this, we assessed the patterns of dung beetle taxonomic and functional diversity of 14 natural grasslands with distinct cattle grazing removal ages (from 3 months to 22 years) along a chronosequence, applying the space-for-time substitution method. Our results show a strong decrease in dung beetle abundance (93 times) and species richness (6 times) in the first ten years of cattle removal. However, after ten years there is an increase in dung beetle abundance (73 times) and species richness (5 times). Taxonomic composition was also influenced by cattle removal time demonstrating the importance of cattle in the structuring of dung beetle communities in natural grasslands. In contrast, functional composition and diversity were not affected by cattle grazing removal, indicating these metrics are less sensitive to cattle absence than taxonomic diversity and composition. Our results provide evidence that cattle grazing removal, at least in the short term (10 years), may be an inefficient management tool for restoration and conservation of tropical grassy ecosystems. However, we highlight the need to investigate the reintroduction of cattle grazing after different removal times to provide complimentary information to livestock management able to integrate human use and conservation of tropical grassy ecosystems. RI de Albuquerque Correa, Cesar Murilo/O-7305-2014 OI Menendez, Rosa/0000-0001-9997-5809 SN 0960-3115 EI 1572-9710 PD JUN PY 2020 VL 29 IS 7 BP 2311 EP 2328 DI 10.1007/s10531-020-01975-x EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000525079900001 ER PT J AU Ros-Freixedes, R Whalen, A Chen, CY Gorjanc, G Herring, WO Mileham, AJ Hickey, JM AF Ros-Freixedes, Roger Whalen, Andrew Chen, Ching-Yi Gorjanc, Gregor Herring, William O. Mileham, Alan J. Hickey, John M. TI Accuracy of whole-genome sequence imputation using hybrid peeling in large pedigreed livestock populations SO GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION AB Background The coupling of appropriate sequencing strategies and imputation methods is critical for assembling large whole-genome sequence datasets from livestock populations for research and breeding. In this paper, we describe and validate the coupling of a sequencing strategy with the imputation method hybrid peeling in real animal breeding settings. Methods We used data from four pig populations of different size (18,349 to 107,815 individuals) that were widely genotyped at densities between 15,000 and 75,000 markers genome-wide. Around 2% of the individuals in each population were sequenced (most of them at 1x or 2x and 37-92 individuals per population, totalling 284, at 15-30x). We imputed whole-genome sequence data with hybrid peeling. We evaluated the imputation accuracy by removing the sequence data of the 284 individuals with high coverage, using a leave-one-out design. We simulated data that mimicked the sequencing strategy used in the real populations to quantify the factors that affected the individual-wise and variant-wise imputation accuracies using regression trees. Results Imputation accuracy was high for the majority of individuals in all four populations (median individual-wise dosage correlation: 0.97). Imputation accuracy was lower for individuals in the earliest generations of each population than for the rest, due to the lack of marker array data for themselves and their ancestors. The main factors that determined the individual-wise imputation accuracy were the genotyping status, the availability of marker array data for immediate ancestors, and the degree of connectedness to the rest of the population, but sequencing coverage of the relatives had no effect. The main factors that determined variant-wise imputation accuracy were the minor allele frequency and the number of individuals with sequencing coverage at each variant site. Results were validated with the empirical observations. Conclusions We demonstrate that the coupling of an appropriate sequencing strategy and hybrid peeling is a powerful strategy for generating whole-genome sequence data with high accuracy in large pedigreed populations where only a small fraction of individuals (2%) had been sequenced, mostly at low coverage. This is a critical step for the successful implementation of whole-genome sequence data for genomic prediction and fine-mapping of causal variants. RI Ros-Freixedes, Roger/M-5247-2013 OI Ros-Freixedes, Roger/0000-0002-3745-6736 SN 0999-193X EI 1297-9686 PD APR 6 PY 2020 VL 52 IS 1 AR 17 DI 10.1186/s12711-020-00536-8 UT WOS:000525468900001 PM 32248811 ER PT J AU Ros-Freixedes, R Whalen, A Gorjanc, G Mileham, AJ Hickey, JM AF Ros-Freixedes, Roger Whalen, Andrew Gorjanc, Gregor Mileham, Alan J. Hickey, John M. TI Evaluation of sequencing strategies for whole-genome imputation with hybrid peeling SO GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION AB Background For assembling large whole-genome sequence datasets for routine use in research and breeding, the sequencing strategy should be adapted to the methods that will be used later for variant discovery and imputation. In this study, we used simulation to explore the impact that the sequencing strategy and level of sequencing investment have on the overall accuracy of imputation using hybrid peeling, a pedigree-based imputation method that is well suited for large livestock populations. Methods We simulated marker array and whole-genome sequence data for 15 populations with simulated or real pedigrees that had different structures. In these populations, we evaluated the effect on imputation accuracy of seven methods for selecting which individuals to sequence, the generation of the pedigree to which the sequenced individuals belonged, the use of variable or uniform coverage, and the trade-off between the number of sequenced individuals and their sequencing coverage. For each population, we considered four levels of investment in sequencing that were proportional to the size of the population. Results Imputation accuracy depended greatly on pedigree depth. The distribution of the sequenced individuals across the generations of the pedigree underlay the performance of the different methods used to select individuals to sequence and it was critical for achieving high imputation accuracy in both early and late generations. Imputation accuracy was highest with a uniform coverage across the sequenced individuals of 2x rather than variable coverage. An investment equivalent to the cost of sequencing 2% of the population at 2x provided high imputation accuracy. The gain in imputation accuracy from additional investment decreased with larger populations and higher levels of investment. However, to achieve the same imputation accuracy, a proportionally greater investment must be used in the smaller populations compared to the larger ones. Conclusions Suitable sequencing strategies for subsequent imputation with hybrid peeling involve sequencing similar to 2% of the population at a uniform coverage 2x, distributed preferably across all generations of the pedigree, except for the few earliest generations that lack genotyped ancestors. Such sequencing strategies are beneficial for generating whole-genome sequence data in populations with deep pedigrees of closely related individuals. RI Ros-Freixedes, Roger/M-5247-2013 OI Ros-Freixedes, Roger/0000-0002-3745-6736 SN 0999-193X EI 1297-9686 PD APR 6 PY 2020 VL 52 IS 1 AR 18 DI 10.1186/s12711-020-00537-7 UT WOS:000525468900002 PM 32248818 ER PT J AU Bargues, MD Artigas, P Angles, R Osca, D Duran, P Buchon, P Gonzales-Pomar, RK Pinto-Mendieta, J Mas-Coma, S AF Bargues, M. Dolores Artigas, Patricio Angles, Rene Osca, David Duran, Pamela Buchon, Paola Gonzales-Pomar, R. Karina Pinto-Mendieta, Julio Mas-Coma, Santiago TI Genetic uniformity, geographical spread and anthropogenic habitat modifications of lymnaeid vectors found in a One Health initiative in the highest human fascioliasis hyperendemic of the Bolivian Altiplano SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB Background Fascioliasis is a snail-borne zoonotic trematodiasis emerging due to climate changes, anthropogenic environment modifications, and livestock movements. Many areas where Fasciola hepatica is endemic in humans have been described in Latin America altitude areas. Highest prevalences and intensities were reported from four provinces of the northern Bolivian Altiplano, where preventive chemotherapy is ongoing. New strategies are now incorporated to decrease infection/re-infection risk, assessment of human infection sources to enable efficient prevention measures, and additionally a One Health initiative in a selected zone. Subsequent extension of these pilot interventions to the remaining Altiplano is key. Methods To verify reproducibility throughout, 133 specimens from 25 lymnaeid populations representative of the whole Altiplano, and 11 used for population dynamics studies, were analyzed by rDNA ITS2 and ITS1 and mtDNA cox1 and 16S sequencing to assess their classification, variability and geographical spread. Results Lymnaeid populations proved to belong to a monomorphic group, Galba truncatula. Only a single cox1 mutation was found in a local population. Two cox1 haplotypes were new. Comparisons of transmission foci data from the 1990's with those of 2018 demonstrated an endemic area expansion. Altitudinal, northward and southward expansions suggest movements of livestock transporting G. truncatula snails, with increasing temperatures transforming previously unsuitable habitats into suitable transmission areas. Transmission foci appear to be stable when compared to past field observations, except for those modified by human activities, including construction of new roads or control measures undertaken in relation to fascioliasis. Conclusions For a One Health initiative, the control of only one Fasciola species and snail vector species simplifies efforts because of the lower transmission complexity. Vector monomorphism suggests uniformity of vector population responses after control measure implementation. Hyperendemic area outer boundary instability suggests a climate change impact. All populations outside previously known boundaries were close to villages, human dwellings and/or schools, and should therefore be considered during disease control planning. The remarkable southward expansion implies that a fifth province, Aroma, should now be included within preventive chemotherapy programmes. This study highlights the need for lymnaeid molecular identification, transmission foci stability monitoring, and potential vector spread assessment. RI Artigas, Patricio/L-6122-2014 OI Artigas, Patricio/0000-0002-2815-1324; Osca, David/0000-0001-5259-9420 SN 1756-3305 PD APR 6 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 AR 171 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04045-x UT WOS:000525138400002 PM 32252808 ER PT J AU Rahbari, M Hajiagha, SHR Dehaghi, MR Moallem, M Dorcheh, FR AF Rahbari, Misagh Hajiagha, Seyed Hossein Razavi Dehaghi, Mahdi Raeei Moallem, Mahmoud Dorcheh, Farshid Riahi TI Modeling and solving a five-echelon location-inventory-routing problem for red meat supply chain Case study in Iran SO KYBERNETES AB Purpose In this paper, multi-period location-inventory-routing problem (LIRP) considering different vehicles with various capacities has been investigated for the supply chain of red meat. The purpose of this paper is to reduce variable and fixed costs of transportation and production, holding costs of red meat, costs of meeting livestock needs and refrigerator rents. Design/methodology/approach The considered supply chain network includes five echelons. Demand considered for each customer is approximated as deterministic using historical data. The modeling is performed on a real case. The presented model is a linear mixed-integer programming model. The considered model is solved using general algebraic modeling system (GAMS) software for data set of the real case. Findings A real-world case is solved using the proposed method. The obtained results have shown a reduction of 4.20 per cent in final price of red meat. Also, it was observed that if the time periods changed from month to week, the final cost of meat per kilogram would increase by 43.26 per cent. Originality/value This paper presents a five-echelon LIRP for the meat supply chain in which vehicles are considered heterogeneous. To evaluate the capability of the presented model, a real case is solved in Iran and its results are compared with the real conditions of a firm, and the rate of improvement is presented. Finally, the impact of the changed time period on the results of the solution is examined. SN 0368-492X EI 1758-7883 DI 10.1108/K-10-2019-0652 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000524466400001 ER PT J AU Mogomotsi, PK Stone, LS Mogomotsi, GEJ Dube, N AF Mogomotsi, Patricia Kefilwe Stone, Lesego S. Mogomotsi, Goemeone E. J. Dube, Nqobizitha TI Factors influencing community participation in wildlife conservation SO HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE AB Botswana is one of the few countries considered to be a haven for globally threatened wildlife species such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and vulnerable ones such as the African elephant (Loxondota Africana). In the recent past, human-wildlife conflicts have increased. This article investigated factors that influence community participation in wildlife conservation. Data were collected using key informant interviews (n = 18) and household surveys with farmers (n = 221). Results indicates that all respondents have had encounters with wildlife through crop-raiding, livestock predation or both. Despite coexistence with wildlife for time immemorial, local communities had negative perceptions and attitudes toward wildlife. These were linked to the spread of the foot and mouth disease (74%), a reduction in the value of livestock (62%), and problems with payment of compensation for damages to crops (58%). Based on these results, implications for policy and practice are discussed. OI Mogomotsi, Goemeone E.J/0000-0002-0339-3271; Mogomotsi, Patricia Kefilwe/0000-0003-2800-3230 SN 1087-1209 EI 1533-158X DI 10.1080/10871209.2020.1748769 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523379100001 ER PT J AU Stylianou, M Montel, E Dermentzis, K Agapiou, A AF Stylianou, Marinos Montel, Etienne Dermentzis, Konstantinos Agapiou, Agapios TI Electrochemical Treatment of Cattle Wastewater Samples SO WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION AB Cattle wastewater (CWW) is considered an important source of contamination in the livestock sector. Therefore, electrocoagulation (EC) using Aluminium electrodes and electrooxidation (EO) through Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) electrodes processes, were applied to the liquid fraction of cattle waste (CW) to decrease the levels of certain pollutants such as nitrogen (N-NO3, T-N), phosphates (P-PO4) and organic content (Chemical Oxygen Demand, COD), in order to eliminate their environmental impacts to soil, groundwater and atmosphere. The respective electrochemical methods, were compared with chemical coagulation process by using Al-2(SO4)(3) and FeCl3 as a coagulant. CWW samples were derived from three cattle farms. As experimentally was revealed, the main parameters strongly affecting the experimental procedure were the solid density of the sample and the high concentration of pollutants. Other operating parameters such as current density, electroprocessing time, dilution ratio and agitation speed were studied and optimised. Results showed an optimal removal efficiency after using the combined EC-EO processes at current density of 200A/m(2), agitation at 300 rpm, duration time of 2 h for both processes at room temperature, with a 1:5 dilution ratio. The results also showed that P-PO4 were fully removed, COD up to 70%, N-NO3 at 80% and T-N close to 20%. The combined use of EC and EO improved the quality of CWW in regard to P-PO4, COD, N-NO3 and T-N content. Nevertheless, further experiments are needed in order to verify the respective results in a pilot scale. [GRAPHICS] . SN 1877-2641 EI 1877-265X DI 10.1007/s12649-020-01056-8 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523581900001 ER PT J AU Santander, P Bravo, L Pecchi, G Karelovic, A AF Santander, Paola Bravo, Luis Pecchi, Gina Karelovic, Alejandro TI The consequences of support identity on the oxidative conversion of furfural to maleic anhydride on vanadia catalysts SO APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL AB Maleic anhydride (MA) is a high value building block molecule whose synthesis from furfural (FUR) is proposed as a green and sustainable alternative. In this work, vanadia supported on SiO2, gamma-Al2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 catalysts were synthesized, characterized and investigated for the selective gas phase oxidation of FUR to MA. The catalytic properties depend on both, the nature of the support and the vanadia surface dispersion. V2O5 /SiO2 and V2O5/gamma-Al2O3 display ca. 50 % MA yield. Conversely, for the V2O5/ZrO2 and V2O5/TiO2 catalysts, complete FUR oxidation to CO2 and negligible MA production was obtained. By decreasing the oxidation potential of the reaction feed, V2O5/ZrO2 and V2O5/TiO2 catalysts achieve MA yields comparable to V2O5/SiO2 and V2O5/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts. This behavior is attributed to the higher vanadia dispersion on ZrO2 and TiO2 and the reducible nature of these supports. The results obtained in this work offer new catalytic alternatives for the sustainable production of MA. SN 0926-860X EI 1873-3875 PD APR 5 PY 2020 VL 595 AR 117513 DI 10.1016/j.apcata.2020.117513 UT WOS:000523558600016 ER PT J AU Sun, ZW Huang, D Duan, XH Hong, W Liang, JS AF Sun, Zhiwei Huang, Di Duan, Xinhui Hong, Wei Liang, Jinsheng TI Functionalized nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate for effective adsorption of aflatoxin B1 SO JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AB Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is widely found in food and feed, poses a serious threat to the health of human and livestock. In this work, functionalized nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate (FNHMS) was synthesized for adsorption of AFB1. First, bulk magnesium silicate (MS) was converted into nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate (NHMS) by hydroxylation. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) modification then enhanced the hydrophobicity and the affinity to AFB1 of NHMS. The adsorption performance for AFB1 followed the order of MS < NHMS < FNHMS, and the adsorption performance increased with the increase of the dose of CTMAB. Isothermal adsorption analysis indicated that the surface of FNHMS was heterogeneous. The adsorption capacity of FNHMS-0.4 to AFB1 was estimated to be 27.34 mg g(-1) and 28.61 mg g(-1) by Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm adsorption model, respectively. By analyzing the adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics, both physical adsorption and chemisorption existed in the process of AFB1 being adsorbed on FNHMS-0.4. Adsorption mechanisms analysis indicated that the adsorption followed the adsorption site priority of H > O > Mg. This work demonstrates that FNHMS could be a promising adsorbent for removal of AFB1. SN 0304-3894 EI 1873-3336 PD APR 5 PY 2020 VL 387 AR 121792 DI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121792 UT WOS:000514758500056 PM 31818670 ER PT J AU Kapembwa, S Gardiner, A Petursson, JG AF Kapembwa, Sydney Gardiner, Alan Petursson, Jon Geir TI Small-scale fishing: Income, vulnerability and livelihood strategies at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia SO DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA AB There is still a need for appropriate livelihood strategies to improve livelihoods of small-scale fishers, despite several roles the African inland fisheries play to fishers' wellbeing. This study assessed the nexus between small-scale fishing and fishers' livelihoods at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Using the mixed-methods approach under a sustainable livelihood framework, findings revealed the fishing income was insufficient to improve their livelihood assets due to the low fish catches per fisher. Deficiency in fishing income was compounded by fishers' vulnerability to shocks caused mainly by the effects of the closed fishing season and crop/livestock production failures. As such, the study suggests, among other strategies, the support of fishery stakeholders towards alternative income sources and development of a livelihood-inclusive fisheries policy framework to help enhance the livelihoods of fishers at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi fishery. Beyond this lake fishery, this study contributes similar strategies as lessons for addressing the fishers' livelihood challenges and promoting sustainable fishing. RI Petursson, Jon Geir/L-1216-2015 OI Petursson, Jon Geir/0000-0002-4337-8703 SN 0376-835X EI 1470-3637 DI 10.1080/0376835X.2020.1746636 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000527191200001 ER PT J AU Awad, A Khalil, SR Hendam, BM Abd El-Aziz, RM Metwally, MMM Imam, TS AF Awad, Ashraf Khalil, Samah R. Hendam, Basma M. Abd El-Aziz, Reda M. Metwally, Mohamed M. M. Imam, Tamer S. TI Protective potency of Astragalus polysaccharides against tilmicosin- induced cardiac injury via targeting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis-encoding pathways in rat SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Tilmicosin (Til) was purposed to be used in the treatment of a wide range of respiratory diseases in livestock. However, undesirable adverse effects, cardiac toxicity, in particular, may be associated with Til therapy. In the present study, the response of adult rats administered Til subcutaneously at different doses (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg b.w.; single injection) was evaluated. Astragalus polysaccharide (AP) at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.; intraperitoneally) was investigated for its potential to counteract the cardiac influences, involving the oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptotic cell death, elicited by the Til treatment at a dose of 75 mg/kg b.w. in rats. Til induced mortalities and altered the levels of the biomarkers for the cardiac damage, particularly in the rats treated with the doses of 75 and 100 mg/kg b.w.; similarly, morphological alterations in cardiac tissue were seen at all studied doses. AP was found to cause a significant (P < 0.05) decline in the levels of impaired cardiac injury markers (troponin, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine phosphokinase-MB), improvement in the antioxidant endpoints (total antioxidant capacity), and attenuation in the oxidative stress indices (total reactive oxygen species, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, lipid peroxides [malondialdehyde], and protein carbonyl), associated with a significant (P < 0.05) modulation in the mRNA expression levels of the encoding genes (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, P53, Apaf-1, and AIF), related to the intrinsic pathway of apoptotic cell death in the cardiac tissue. AP administration partially restored the morphological changes in the rat's heart. The highest protective efficacy of AP was recorded at a dose level of 200 mg/kg b.w. Taken together, these results indicated that AP is a promising cardioprotective compound capable of attenuating Til-induced cardiac impact by protecting the rat cardiac tissue from Til-induced apoptosis when administered concurrently with and after the Til injection. RI awad, ashraf/Y-9951-2019 OI awad, ashraf/0000-0002-7666-7536 SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08565-y EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523102800001 PM 32246429 ER PT J AU Hess, MK Rowe, SJ Van Stijn, TC Henry, HM Hickey, SM Brauning, R McCulloch, AF Hess, AS Kirk, MR Kumar, S Pinares-Patino, C Kittelmann, S Wood, GR Janssen, PH McEwan, JC AF Hess, Melanie K. Rowe, Suzanne J. Van Stijn, Tracey C. Henry, Hannah M. Hickey, Sharon M. Brauning, Rudiger McCulloch, Alan F. Hess, Andrew S. Kirk, Michelle R. Kumar, Sandeep Pinares-Patino, Cesar Kittelmann, Sandra Wood, Graham R. Janssen, Peter H. McEwan, John C. TI A restriction enzyme reduced representation sequencing approach for low-cost, high-throughput metagenome profiling SO PLOS ONE AB Microbial community profiles have been associated with a variety of traits, including methane emissions in livestock. These profiles can be difficult and expensive to obtain for thousands of samples (e.g. for accurate association of microbial profiles with traits), therefore the objective of this work was to develop a low-cost, high-throughput approach to capture the diversity of the rumen microbiome. Restriction enzyme reduced representation sequencing (RE-RRS) using ApeKI or PstI, and two bioinformatic pipelines (reference-based and reference-free) were compared to bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing using repeated samples collected two weeks apart from 118 sheep that were phenotypically extreme (60 high and 58 low) for methane emitted per kg dry matter intake (n = 236). DNA was extracted from freeze-dried rumen samples using a phenol chloroform and bead-beating protocol prior to RE-RRS. The resulting sequences were used to investigate the repeatability of the rumen microbial community profiles, the effect of laboratory and analytical method, and the relationship with methane production. The results suggested that the best method was PstI RE-RRS analyzed with the reference-free approach, which accounted for 53.3 +/- 5.9% of reads, and had repeatabilities of 0.49 +/- 0.07 and 0.50 +/- 0.07 for the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2), phenotypic correlations with methane yield of 0.43 +/- 0.06 and 0.46 +/- 0.06 for PC1 and PC2, and explained 41 +/- 8% of the variation in methane yield. These results were significantly better than for bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the same samples (p<0.05) except for the correlation between PC2 and methane yield. A Sensitivity study suggested approximately 2000 samples could be sequenced in a single lane on an Illumina HiSeq 2500, meaning the current work using 118 samples/lane and future proposed 384 samples/lane are well within that threshold. With minor adaptations, our approach could be used to obtain microbial profiles from other metagenomic samples. RI McEwan, John/A-1143-2008 OI McEwan, John/0000-0003-4801-6207; Kumar, Sandeep/0000-0002-7097-6848 SN 1932-6203 PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0219882 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0219882 UT WOS:000535949600001 PM 32243481 ER PT J AU Konzock, O Norbeck, J AF Konzock, Oliver Norbeck, Joakim TI Deletion of MHY1 abolishes hyphae formation in Yarrowia lipolytica without negative effects on stress tolerance SO PLOS ONE AB There is a need for development of sustainable production processes for production of fats/oils and lipid derived chemicals. The dimorphic oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising organism for conversion of biomass hydrolysate to lipids, but in many such processes hyphae formation will be problematic. We have therefore constructed and compared the performance of strains carrying deletions in several published gene targets suggested to abolish hyphae formation (MHY1, HOY1 and CLA4). The MHY1-deletion was the only of the tested strains which did not exhibit hyphae formation under any of the conditions tested. The MHY1-deletion also had a weak positive effect on lipid accumulation without affecting the total fatty acid composition, irrespective of the nitrogen source used. MHY1 has been suggested to constitute a functional homolog of the stress responsive transcription factors MSN2/4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the deletion of which are highly stress sensitive. However, the deletion of MHY1 displayed only minor difference on survival of a range of acute or long term stress and starvation conditions. We conclude that the deletion of MHY1 in Y.lipolytica is a reliable way of abolishing hyphae formation with few detectable negative side effects regarding growth, stress tolerance and lipid accumulation and composition. OI Norbeck, Joakim/0000-0001-6017-2689; Konzock, Oliver/0000-0001-5253-5961 SN 1932-6203 PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 4 AR e0231161 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0231161 UT WOS:000535949600036 PM 32243483 ER PT J AU Zhu, XY Wu, YJ Li, CX Yan, WY Pan, JR Wang, SZ Zhao, ST AF Zhu, Xiaoyan Wu, Yongji Li, Cixia Yan, Wenyong Pan, Jiarong Wang, Shuzhong Zhao, Shanting TI Prenatal Exposure to Gossypol Impairs Corticogenesis of Mouse SO FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE AB Gossypol is a yellow polyphenolic compounds extracted from roots, stems and seeds of cotton plants. Excessive intake of gossypol induces severe pathological signs of toxicity in livestock and wildlife. Currently, gossypol has received widespread attention for its toxic effects on the reproductive system. However, reports of the effects of gossypol during corticogenesis and the development of the mouse cerebral cortex are unavailable. In the present study, gossypol was orally administrated at a dose of 0, 20, and 50 mg/kg body weight/day to pregnant mice from embryonic day 6.5 to the time of sample collection. We used in utero electroporation and immunofluorescence to demonstrate that gossypol impaired cortical neuronal migration. Furthermore, labeling with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine and western blot analysis revealed that gossypol disturbed the balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors, inhibited neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and maturation. Additionally, cortical progenitor apoptotic cell death increased in the developing gossypol-treated cortex, which was associated with NF-kappa B and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, our findings indicate that gossypol exposure disrupted neurogenesis in the developing neocortex, suggesting the potentially harmful impact of gossypol on the cerebral cortex development of humans and livestock. EI 1662-453X PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 14 AR 318 DI 10.3389/fnins.2020.00318 UT WOS:000528926100001 PM 32317927 ER PT J AU Acharya, Y Naz, S Galway, LP Jones, AD AF Acharya, Yubraj Naz, Saman Galway, Lindsay P. Jones, Andrew D. TI Deforestation and Household- and Individual-Level Double Burden of Malnutrition in Sub-saharan Africa SO FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AB Introduction: Although forests and forest-based ecosystems have been shown to influence health and sustainable diets, there is limited evidence on how deforestation affects the current nutrition transition and the double burden of malnutrition. We examined the relationship between deforestation and the individual- and household-level double burden of malnutrition in 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and methods: We combined data from geolocated Demographic and Health Surveys and the Global Forest Change dataset. We defined household-level double burden of malnutrition as the co-occurrence of an overweight woman of childbearing age (WCBA) and a stunted pre-school child (PSC) within the same household. We defined individual-level double burden in two ways: (1) as the co-occurrence of overweight and anemia within an individual WCBA, and (2) as the co-occurrence of overweight and stunting within a PSC. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association between forest cover loss and these three measures after adjusting for potential confounders. We also assessed the mechanisms linking forest cover loss and nutritional status, such as livestock ownership and access to clean water. Results: In our sample, the prevalence rates of the three measures of the double burden were: overweight and anemic WCBA: 8.4%, overweight WCBA and stunted PSC: 6.9%, overweight and stunted PSC: 2.7%. After adjusting for the confounders as well as country fixed effects and the month of the survey, forest cover loss was marginally associated with a higher odds of an overweight WCBA and stunted PSC [odds ratio (95% CI): 4.80 (0.82, 28.25)]. We found no association between forest cover loss and odds of an overweight and stunted PSC [odds ratio (95% CI): 2.47 (0.80, 7.60)] or the odds of an anemic and overweight WCBA [odds ratio (95% CI): 0.71 (0.15, 3.32)]. Discussion: Deforestation does not seem to be an important driver of the double burden of malnutrition in SSA. However, deforestation influences several intermediate factors which, in turn, may influence the double burden. The overall weak association between forest cover loss and double burden measures mask significant heterogeneity across regions within SSA. Future research should unpack the mechanisms behind these regional differences. EI 2571-581X PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 4 AR UNSP 33 DI 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00033 UT WOS:000528766000001 ER PT J AU Muhanguzi, D Byaruhanga, J Amanyire, W Ndekezi, C Ochwo, S Nkamwesiga, J Mwiine, FN Tweyongyere, R Fourie, J Madder, M Schetters, T Ivan, I Juleff, N Jongejan, F AF Muhanguzi, Dennis Byaruhanga, Joseph Amanyire, Wilson Ndekezi, Christian Ochwo, Sylvester Nkamwesiga, Joseph Mwiine, Frank Norbert Tweyongyere, Robert Fourie, Josephus Madder, Maxime Schetters, Theo Ivan, Ivan Juleff, Nick Jongejan, Frans TI Invasive cattle ticks in East Africa: morphological and molecular confirmation of the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in south-eastern Uganda SO PARASITES & VECTORS AB BackgroundRhipicephalus microplus, an invasive tick species of Asian origin and the main vector of Babesia species, is considered one of the most widespread ectoparasites of livestock. The tick has spread from its native habitats on translocated livestock to large parts of the tropical world, where it has replaced some of the local populations of Rhipicephalus decoloratus ticks. Although the tick was reported in Uganda 70 years ago, it has not been found in any subsequent surveys. This study was carried out to update the national tick species distribution on livestock in Uganda as a basis for tick and tick-borne disease control, with particular reference to R. microplus.MethodsThe study was carried out in Kadungulu, Serere district, south-eastern Uganda, which is dominated by small scale livestock producers. All the ticks collected from 240 cattle from six villages were identified microscopically. Five R. microplus specimens were further processed for phylogenetic analysis and species confirmation.ResultsThe predominant tick species found on cattle was Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (86.9 %; n = 16,509). Other species found were Amblyomma variegatum (7.2 %; n = 1377), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.3 %; n = 434) and R. microplus (3.6 %; n = 687). Phylogenetic analysis of the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequences of R. microplus confirmed the morphological identification.ConclusionsIt is concluded that R. microplus has replaced R. decoloratus in the sampled villages in Kadungulu sub-county, since the latter was not any longer found in this area. There is currently no livestock movement policy in force in Uganda, which could possibly limit the further spread of R. microplus ticks. Future surveys, but also retrospective surveys of museum specimens, will reveal the extent of distribution of R. microplus in Uganda and also for how long this tick has been present on livestock without being noticed OI Mwiine, Frank/0000-0002-8434-4710; Nkamwesiga, Joseph/0000-0001-6524-1241; Muhanguzi, Dennis/0000-0001-5458-8530 SN 1756-3305 PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s13071-020-04043-z UT WOS:000525192300003 PM 32245511 ER PT J AU Macharia, JN Diiro, GM Busienei, JR Munei, K Affognon, HD Ekesi, S Muriithi, B Nakimbugwe, D Tanga, CM Fiaboe, KKM AF Macharia, John Njenga Diiro, Gracious Malton Busienei, John Rono Munei, Kimpei Affognon, Hippolyte D. Ekesi, Sunday Muriithi, Beatrice Nakimbugwe, Dorothy Tanga, Chrysantus Mbi Fiaboe, Komi K. M. TI Gendered analysis of the demand for poultry feed in Kenya SO AGREKON AB This paper uses a translog cost function approach to study the farm-level demand for poultry feed in Kenya. The study estimates the demand elasticities of the three common types of poultry feed; mixed feed, grain, and leafy vegetables. The estimated model was used to obtain estimates of Marshallian demand elasticities for poultry feed in Kenya for male-headed and female-headed households. The elasticities reported can be used by researchers and policy analysts to evaluate policy effects of changes in feed demand quantities within the livestock economy in Kenya. Moreover, these parameters can provide more reliable estimates of the total change in feed demand than relying on subjective measures of elasticities. Furthermore, the results of this study are essential in enhancing gender equitable policy formulation. Our findings show that own price elasticities of demand for all the feed types are negative and less than unit in absolute value for the sample of farmers surveyed, indicating that the feed types are relatively inelastic. The cross-price elasticities indicate that vegetables and grain are compliments while the rest of the poultry feed types are substitutes. The results also show that there are substantial gender differences in feed demand and elasticities of feed demand with respect to feed prices. SN 0303-1853 EI 2078-0400 DI 10.1080/03031853.2020.1742747 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000524193900001 ER PT J AU Khan, A Ahmed, H Simsek, S Liu, H Yin, JH Wang, Y Shen, YJ Cao, JP AF Khan, Aisha Ahmed, Haroon Simsek, Sami Liu, Hua Yin, Jianhai Wang, Ying Shen, Yujuan Cao, Jianping TI Molecular characterization of human Echinococcus isolates and the first report of E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis from the Punjab Province of Pakistan using sequence analysis SO BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES AB Background Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease causing serious health problems in both humans and animals in different endemic regions across the world. There are two different forms of human echinococcosis: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). CE is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and AE by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Geographically, CE is universally distributed, while AE is prevalent in the northern hemisphere. Although the disease is endemic in neighboring countries (China, Iran and India) of Pakistan, there are limited reports from that country. Besides, there are no comprehensive data on the genotyping of Echinococcus species in humans based on sequence analysis. This study aimed to detect the presence of human CE and to identify Echinococcus spp. in human isolates through genetic characterization of hydatid cysts in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Methods Genetic analysis was performed on 38 human hydatid cyst samples collected from patients with echinococcosis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH subunit 1 (nad1). Patient data including age, epidemiological history, sex, and location were obtained from hospital records. Results According to the sequence analysis we detected E. granulosus sensu stricto (n = 35), E. canadensis (G6/G7) (n = 2), and E. multilocularis (n = 1). Thus, the majority of the patients (92.1%, 35/38) were infected with E. granulosus s.s. This is the first molecular confirmation of E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis in human subjects from Pakistan. Conclusions These findings suggested that E. granulosus s.s. is the dominant species in humans in Pakistan. In addition, E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis are circulating in the country. Further studies are required to explore the genetic diversity in both humans and livestock. RI Ahmed, Haroon/S-4085-2019 EI 1471-2334 PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR 262 DI 10.1186/s12879-020-04989-6 UT WOS:000523446100002 PM 32245373 ER PT J AU Tretina, K Pelle, R Orvis, J Gotia, HT Ifeonu, OO Kumari, P Palmateer, NC Iqbal, SBA Fry, LM Nene, VM Daubenberger, CA Bishop, RP Silva, JC AF Tretina, Kyle Pelle, Roger Orvis, Joshua Gotia, Hanzel T. Ifeonu, Olukemi O. Kumari, Priti Palmateer, Nicholas C. Iqbal, Shaikh B. A. Fry, Lindsay M. Nene, Vishvanath M. Daubenberger, Claudia A. Bishop, Richard P. Silva, Joana C. TI Re-annotation of the Theileria parva genome refines 53% of the proteome and uncovers essential components of N-glycosylation, a conserved pathway in many organisms SO BMC GENOMICS AB Background The apicomplexan parasite Theileria parva causes a livestock disease called East coast fever (ECF), with millions of animals at risk in sub-Saharan East and Southern Africa, the geographic distribution of T. parva. Over a million bovines die each year of ECF, with a tremendous economic burden to pastoralists in endemic countries. Comprehensive, accurate parasite genome annotation can facilitate the discovery of novel chemotherapeutic targets for disease treatment, as well as elucidate the biology of the parasite. However, genome annotation remains a significant challenge because of limitations in the quality and quantity of the data being used to inform the location and function of protein-coding genes and, when RNA data are used, the underlying biological complexity of the processes involved in gene expression. Here, we apply our recently published RNAseq dataset derived from the schizont life-cycle stage of T. parva to update structural and functional gene annotations across the entire nuclear genome. Results The re-annotation effort lead to evidence-supported updates in over half of all protein-coding sequence (CDS) predictions, including exon changes, gene merges and gene splitting, an increase in average CDS length of approximately 50 base pairs, and the identification of 128 new genes. Among the new genes identified were those involved in N-glycosylation, a process previously thought not to exist in this organism and a potentially new chemotherapeutic target pathway for treating ECF. Alternatively-spliced genes were identified, and antisense and multi-gene family transcription were extensively characterized. Conclusions The process of re-annotation led to novel insights into the organization and expression profiles of protein-coding sequences in this parasite, and uncovered a minimal N-glycosylation pathway that changes our current understanding of the evolution of this post-translational modification in apicomplexan parasites. OI Palmateer, Nicholas/0000-0002-4307-8049; Daubenberger, Claudia/0000-0001-7136-0642 SN 1471-2164 PD APR 3 PY 2020 VL 21 IS 1 AR 279 DI 10.1186/s12864-020-6683-0 UT WOS:000523494500002 PM 32245418 ER PT J AU Bhandari, S Morley, C Aryal, A Shrestha, UB AF Bhandari, Shivish Morley, Craig Aryal, Achyut Shrestha, Uttam Babu TI The diet of the striped hyena in Nepal's lowland regions SO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AB Striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) are extremely rare in Nepal, and only a few people have studied them in their natural forest and grassland habitat. Their rarity is due to anthropogenic pressures such as hunting, habitat modification, being killed on roads, and depletion of their natural prey. Here, we studied the feeding ecology of hyenas in lowland, Nepal. We employed an opportunistic sampling to collect hyena scats in a range of habitats and the line transect sampling to identify the prey of the hyena in the study site. We collected 68 hyena scats between 2015 and 2018. Most of the hyena scat (39.7%) was found in the Churia Hill forest followed by riverbed (26.4%), mixed forest (14.7%), Sal (Shorea robusta)-dominated forest (11.7%), and grassland area (7.3%). We found eleven mammalian prey species, plants, and some unidentified items in the hyena scats. The frequency of occurrence and relative biomass of the medium-sized wild boar (Sus scrofa) were higher than other smaller prey species such as hare (Lepus nigricollis) and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Similarly, the proportion of large prey species such as nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the hyena diet was lower compared with wild boar, hares, and rhesus macaques indicating medium-sized wild boar is the most preferred prey species. Livestock contributed 17.3% of the total dietary biomass. Domesticated species such as goats, sheep, cows, and even dogs were found in the diet of hyenas. Predation of livestock by hyenas could cause conflict, especially if this ongoing issue continues in the future. Rather, more conservation effort is required in lowland areas of Nepal to protect the hyenas' natural prey species, particularly in wildlife habitats to reduce the lure of taking domestic livestock. Similarly, conservation education at the local level and active involvement of government authorities in the conservation of this species might be helpful to mitigate human-hyena conflict in the human-dominated landscape. OI Shrestha, Uttam/0000-0002-8766-279X SN 2045-7758 DI 10.1002/ece3.6223 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523630600001 ER PT J AU Castesana, PS Vazquez-Amabile, G Dawidowski, LH Gomez, DR AF Castesana, Paula S. Vazquez-Amabile, Gabriel Dawidowski, Laura H. Gomez, Dario R. TI Temporal and spatial variability of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture in Argentina SO CARBON MANAGEMENT AB Agricultural activities constitute the main N2O emission source in Argentina. Although GHG inventories have been developed at the national and provincial level, emissions have not been thus far estimated at a higher spatial resolution. We estimated the time series 2000-2012 of N2O emissions at national, provincial and district levels. National N2O emissions in 2012 amounted to 105.1 Gg (95% CI: 73.0-200.7), with manure deposited on pasture accounting for 59.8%, crop residues 24.0%, N-fertilizers use 14.3%, manure management 1.7% and agricultural waste burning 0.2%. Beef cattle excreta followed by soybean crop residues were the major sources of N2O. The time series of N2O emission estimated at district level allowed identifying the effect of the frequent displacement of crops and livestock indicative of the variability of the intensity and location of the emission sources. The observed annual variability of emissions and the identification of the main drivers indicate the convenience of using surrogate methods to estimate emissions when activity data cannot be acquired on annual basis. This type of inventory would be of interest for decision makers and stakeholders when discussing environmental policies and measures in light of the responsibility of agricultural activities occurring in the territory of their concern. OI Castesana, Paula/0000-0001-9281-4789 SN 1758-3004 EI 1758-3012 PD MAY 3 PY 2020 VL 11 IS 3 BP 251 EP 263 DI 10.1080/17583004.2020.1750229 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523672600001 ER PT J AU Marquart, A Eldridge, DJ Geissler, K Lobas, C Blaum, N AF Marquart, Arnim Eldridge, David J. Geissler, Katja Lobas, Christoph Blaum, Niels TI Interconnected effects of shrubs, invertebrate-derived macropores and soil texture on water infiltration in a semi-arid savanna rangeland SO LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT AB Many semi arid savannas are prone to degradation, caused for example, by overgrazing or extreme climatic events, which often lead to shrub encroachment. Overgrazing by livestock affects vegetation and infiltration processes by directly altering plant composition (selective grazing) or by impacting soil physical properties (trampling). Water infiltration is controlled by several parameters, such as macropores (created by soil-burrowing animals or plant roots) and soil texture, but their effects have mostly been studied in isolation. Here we report on a study, in which we conducted infiltration experiments to analyze the interconnected effects of invertebrate-created macropores, shrubs and soil texture (sandy soil and loamy sand) on infiltration in two Namibian rangelands. Using structural equation modeling, we found a direct positive effect of shrub size on infiltration and indirectly via invertebrate macropores on both soil types. On loamy sands this effect was even stronger, but additionally, invertebrate-created macropores became relevant as a direct driver of infiltration. Our results provide new insights into the effects of vegetation and invertebrates on infiltration under different soil textures. Pastoralists should use management strategies that maintain a heterogeneous plant community that supports soil fauna to sustain healthy soil water dynamics, particularly on soils with higher loam content. Understanding the fundamental functioning of soil water dynamics in drylands is critical because these ecosystems are water-limited and support the livelihoods of many cultures worldwide. OI Eldridge, David/0000-0002-2191-486X SN 1085-3278 EI 1099-145X DI 10.1002/ldr.3598 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523278800001 ER PT J AU Ayim-Akonor, M Krumkamp, R May, J Mertens, E AF Ayim-Akonor, Matilda Krumkamp, Ralf May, Juergen Mertens, Eva TI Understanding attitude, practices and knowledge of zoonotic infectious disease risks among poultry farmers in Ghana SO VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE AB Zoonotic infectious diseases (ZIDs) are increasing globally, and livestock farmers in low- and middle-income countries are at particularly high risk. An evaluation of farmer's behaviour on farms can be used to identify the risk factors and to develop tailored control strategies. This study documents the knowledge of zoonotic poultry diseases (ZPD) among 152 poultry farm workers (respondents) from 76 farms in the Ashanti region of Ghana and assessed their on-farm attitude and practices that increase their risk to exposure of ZPD. The median age of respondents was 29 years, 91.4% (n = 139) had a formal education, and 80.9% (n = 123) had worked on the farm for more than 1 year. The majority of farms (n = 69, 90.8%) had multiple flocks and 27.6% (n = 21) kept other animals, of which 57.1% (n = 12) were pigs. The majority of respondents had good knowledge about poultry diseases but not about ZPD. A higher level of education and longer work experience improved respondents' knowledge of poultry and ZPD. Although respondents identified the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a major ZPD preventive measure, the majority did not put that knowledge into practice. Most farms (71.1%, n = 54) had no footbath and 55.3% (n = 42) deposited farm-waste on the farm. While 97.4% (n = 148) of respondents washed their hands after working, only 48.7% (n = 74) wore protective footwear, 2.7% (n = 4) wore overalls, 2% (n = 3) wore nose masks and none (n = 0) wore gloves. The husbandry practices and attitude of farmers expose them to pathogens on the farm and increase their risk of becoming infected with ZPD in the sub-region. The results from this study could be used to promote human health among farm workers in Ghana. OI May, Jurgen/0000-0001-7831-8420; Ayim-Akonor, Matilda/0000-0003-4435-3206 EI 2053-1095 DI 10.1002/vms3.257 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523265100001 PM 32243723 ER PT J AU Russell, T AF Russell, Thembi TI The role of the Cape's unique climatic boundaries in sustaining specialised pastoralists in southern Africa during the last 2000 years SO AZANIA-ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN AFRICA AB Genetic analyses show that milch pastoralism existed in southern Africa for at least the last 1300 years. This paper addresses the question of how specialised milch pastoralists would have sustained their herds in the arid western half of southern Africa, where archaeological evidence shows their traces. This might be down to what Jared Diamond terms 'geographic luck', i.e. that pastoralists, whom we know moved rapidly to the southern and western Cape, discovered the winter rainfall and all year round rainfall areas that are unique in southern Africa and settled there. Good grazing and all year-round rainfall would have been found by moving between these zones and the summer rainfall zone of the neighbouring Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces. These zones fall outside the areas that were later settled by agropastoralist farmers. European mariner sightings of livestock along South Africa's shores from the end of the fifteenth century AD onward have previously been used to reconstruct the seasonal movements of pastoralists. There is, however, an inherent bias in these data caused by the prevailing wind patterns that determined the timing of mariners' arrival to the Cape. SN 0067-270X EI 1945-5534 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 55 IS 2 BP 242 EP 257 DI 10.1080/0067270X.2020.1757887 UT WOS:000538118700004 ER PT J AU Ndobochani, NM AF Ndobochani, Nonofho Mathibidi TI The Kwena of Botswana and the cattle post institution SO AZANIA-ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN AFRICA AB In southern Africa, early research on the archaeological study of livestock herding revolved around the evidence for their presence and distribution. More recent research has expanded these concerns through interest in the socio-economic and political issues associated with cattle ownership, as well as questions relating to the history of their management. With evidence of increased numbers of cattle in southern Africa from the Middle Iron Age onwards, a key question has emerged: where were these animals kept and how were they managed? Several archaeological studies have shown that keeping cattle outside the main settlement, commonly known as the cattle post system, is not a new phenomenon. However, this work has not yet answered the questions of when the system first appeared or how we can effectively differentiate cattle posts from isolated homesteads. Nor has it addressed the factors influencing the establishment and location of cattle posts. This paper uses the Kwena polity of southeastern Botswana as a case study in order to begin to address these gaps. It is a preliminary report of an ongoing research project on the origin and evolution of the cattle post system among the Tswana. It reviews the evidence, both archaeological and historical, for herd management strategies in southern Africa and beyond and then defines a cattle post (Tswana moraka) before investigating the concept further from an ethnoarchaeological perspective. It shows that several factors lead to the establishment of cattle posts, of which two main kinds can be identified, some designed for risk management, others for ecological management. Both are implicated in the changing settlement patterns and expansion of Kwena territory. The next stage of the research will be to apply these insights to interpreting the archaeological record of pre-colonial cattle keeping in Botswana and south Africa. SN 0067-270X EI 1945-5534 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 55 IS 2 BP 258 EP 289 DI 10.1080/0067270X.2020.1761687 UT WOS:000538118700005 ER PT J AU Hack, J Molewijk, D Beissler, MR AF Hack, Jochen Molewijk, Diana Beissler, Manuel R. TI A Conceptual Approach to Modeling the Geospatial Impact of Typical Urban Threats on the Habitat Quality of River Corridors SO REMOTE SENSING AB While for most of a landscape, urbanization leads to a significant habitat loss, rivers in urban areas are usually maintained or developed for their drainage function. Rivers are often the most important biophysical and ecological connection of cities with their surrounding ecosystems, although usually heavily altered due to urban impacts. For the conservation of urban rivers as ecological corridors, it is important to assess the impact of typical urban threats on habitat quality. In this study, we used the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Trade-offs) habitat quality model to assess the individual and combined impacts of built-up areas, first- and second-order road and water pollution from urban drainage, and wastewater discharge on habitat quality within a 200 m wide river corridor. The Pochote River in Leon, Nicaragua, was used as a case study. Our results show the spatial distribution and magnitude of the individual threat impacts, as well as the respective contribution of each threat to the overall impact of urbanization on the habitat quality within the river corridor. While close to the city center, all threats almost equally contributed to severe habitat degradation, while further downstream, an individual threat influence became more distinct with only water pollution having a consistent negative impact. We concluded that the InVEST habitat quality model can be used to assess the impact of typical urban threats on habitat quality in river corridors at a high spatial resolution. The results can help to improve urban planning and development to improve habitat conservation along urban rivers. OI Hack, Jochen/0000-0002-8060-7990 EI 2072-4292 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 1345 DI 10.3390/rs12081345 UT WOS:000534628800118 ER PT J AU Le Guen, L Huchet, F AF Le Guen, L. Huchet, F. TI Thermal imaging as a tool for process modelling: application to a flight rotary kiln SO QUANTITATIVE INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY JOURNAL AB The rotary kiln is widely used for the thermal treatment of granular materials in various industries. A better understanding of the heat transfer phenomena, both inside and outside of the industrial rotary kiln, will lead to developing sustainable production techniques, such as materials recycling and heat waste recovery. The present paper summarises two complementary works based on infrared measurements. The first, by Le Guen et al. [5], was conducted at the industrial scale and sought to correlate the external wall temperature with the thermal behaviour of rotary kilns. The second, by Huchet et al. [17], was performed at the pilot scale in order to derive the external heat transfer coefficient into heat waste recovery. A combination of these two approaches, based on a physical model of the full system at a large scale, is provided while the inherent energy efficiencies are calculated from the logarithmic mean temperature difference. SN 1768-6733 EI 2116-7176 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 17 IS 2 BP 79 EP 95 DI 10.1080/17686733.2019.1611222 UT WOS:000533887400001 ER PT J AU Pontes, LD Stafin, G Moletta, JL Porfirio-da-Silva, V AF Pontes, Laise da Silveira Stafin, Giliardi Moletta, Jose Luiz Porfirio-da-Silva, Vanderley TI Performance of Puruna beef heifers and pasture productivity in a long-term integrated crop-livestock system: the effect of trees and nitrogen fertilization SO AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AB The incorporation of trees in integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) has been suggested to recovery degraded pastures and to improve production and environmental outcomes in livestock systems. A challenge for their long-term productive stability is to minimize competition (especially for light) among components of the systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef heifers grazing cool-season grasses in two different ICLS, crop-livestock only and crop-livestock with trees (CLT), and at two N supply levels (90 and 180 kg N ha(-1)), in the subtropical region of Brazil. This study was performed over two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), in 11-12-year-old tree plantation (238 trees ha(-1)) and after a drastic reduction in tree density (remaining similar to 40 eucalyptus trees ha(-1)). The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments set up in split plots with three replications. Main plots were treatments (ICLS * N) and subplots were years. The results indicate that the moderate shading level (similar to 36%) provided by trees in the CLT system affected pasture growth (the total herbage accumulation was reduced in 2.02 Mg ha(-1)), the daily gain per animal (- 27%) and, consequently, decreased carrying capacity (- 28%) and weight gain per area (- 42%). An increase in N availability was not enough to overcome these differences. The possible influence of previous periods with intense shading (> 50%) in this long-term experiment on the current results, via reduction in the quantity of residues (plant and animal) deposited on soil surface, is discussed, as well as possible strategies to reduce losses in animal production in CLT systems. RI Pontes, Laise/B-8234-2016 OI Pontes, Laise/0000-0002-3906-3047 SN 0167-4366 EI 1572-9680 DI 10.1007/s10457-020-00491-9 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523105800001 ER PT J AU Ranjitkar, S Bu, DP Van Wijk, M Ma, Y Ma, L Zhao, LS Shi, JM Liu, CS Xu, JC AF Ranjitkar, Sailesh Bu, Dengpan Van Wijk, Mark Ma, Ying Ma, Lu Zhao, Lianshen Shi, Jianmin Liu, Chousheng Xu, Jianchu TI Will heat stress take its toll on milk production in China? SO CLIMATIC CHANGE AB There are clear signs that milk production growth is leveling off, and recently even declining, in China. Heat stress is one of the main reasons for the recent reduction in milk production. In this study, we computed the change in milk production as a result of heat stress in major milk production areas in China. We constructed a temperature-humidity index (THI) spatial layer to understand the monthly distribution of heat and moisture. We documented specific areas in northern China where cattle were at high risk to heat stress in specific months. THI values exceeded the threshold above which milk production declines during months of June, July, and August. Especially during July, the THI value was higher than the production threshold in recent years (2008 to 2016) and in projected future scenarios (2050 and 2070). THI-based milk yield losses were up from 0.7 to about 4 kg per cow per day in July 2016. These losses are projected to increase from 1.5 to 6.5 kg in 2050 and 2 to 7.2 kg in 2070 (representing production losses between 15 and 50%). These results suggest that climate change will have significant consequences for the dairy sector in major milk-producing areas in China. Our results are useful in identifying areas susceptible to heat stress where adaptive livestock management practices are needed to prevent significant production decreases. RI Ranjitkar, Sailesh/I-9307-2014 OI Ranjitkar, Sailesh/0000-0002-4741-3975 SN 0165-0009 EI 1573-1480 DI 10.1007/s10584-020-02688-4 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000523049400001 ER PT J AU Dalton, M Ryan, P AF Dalton, Matthew Ryan, Philippa TI Variable Ovicaprid Diet and Faecal Spherulite Production at Amara West, Sudan SO ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY CT 2nd Workshop on Integrated Microscopy Approaches in Archaeobotany (IMAA) CY FEB 25-26, 2017 CL Univ Reading, Sch Archaeol Geog & Environm Sci, Reading, ENGLAND HO Univ Reading, Sch Archaeol Geog & Environm Sci AB This paper presents the results of integrated geoarchaeological and archaeobotanical analyses of desiccated and charred ovicaprid dung pellets from the New Kingdom pharaonic settlement of Amara West (Sudan). These analyses reveal diagnostic phytolithic evidence for considerable variations in plant diet amongst the site's ovicaprid population. These data shed light on aspects of ancient animal husbandry practice, the settlement's subsistence economy and residents' exploitation of natural resources. We also observe that specific phytolith types correlate with the presence (and quantity) or absence of calcium carbonate faecal spherulites in analysed dung pellets. This evidence, augmented by experimental analysis of analogous modern plant material, suggests that dietary Ca intake is implicated in faecal spherulite crystallization within the ovicaprid digestive system. SN 1461-4103 EI 1749-6314 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 25 IS 2 SI SI BP 178 EP 197 DI 10.1080/14614103.2018.1501852 UT WOS:000523031000003 ER PT J AU Morandi, LF AF Morandi, Lionello F. TI An Ethnoarchaeological Case Study of Dung Fungal Spore and Faecal Spherulite Taphonomy in a Pastoral Cave Deposit SO ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY CT 2nd Workshop on Integrated Microscopy Approaches in Archaeobotany (IMAA) CY FEB 25-26, 2017 CL Univ Reading, Sch Archaeol Geog & Environm Sci, Reading, ENGLAND HO Univ Reading, Sch Archaeol Geog & Environm Sci AB In alkaline cave sediments, the presence of faecal spherulites is regarded as a reliable indicator of animal dung. Spores of coprophilous fungi are nowadays frequently employed as grazing indicators in palaeoecological sequences, but their use in dryland pastoral deposits is not routine in geoarchaeological practice. The paper assesses the relationship between the occurrence of spherulites and dung fungal spores from an abandoned rock shelter used as a stable for several decades. A clear match between these proxies is shown, and their distribution across the sediments is discussed, highlighting the potential of coprophilous spore analysis from archaeological stabling deposits, alongside other established dung indicators. The abundance of other microfossils (parasite eggs, coccolith plates and freshwater indicators) is also quantified and discussed. OI morandi, lionello/0000-0001-8840-6096 SN 1461-4103 EI 1749-6314 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 25 IS 2 SI SI BP 198 EP 207 DI 10.1080/14614103.2018.1529944 UT WOS:000523031000004 ER PT J AU Aguirre, L Vidal, A Serninati, C Tello, M Redondo, N Darwich, L Martin, M AF Aguirre, Laia Vidal, Anna Serninati, Chiara Tello, Montse Redondo, Noelia Darwich, Laila Martin, Marga TI Antimicrobial resistance profile and prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamases and colistin resistance (mcr) genes in Escherichia coli from swine between 1999 and 2018 SO PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT AB The frequent usage of antibiotics in livestock has led to the spread of resistant bacteria within animals and their products, with a global warning in public health and veterinarians to monitor such resistances. This study aimed to determine antibiotic resistance patterns and genes in pig farms from Spain during the last twenty years. Susceptibility to six antibiotics commonly used in pig production was tested by qualitative (disk diffusion) and quantitative (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) methods in 200 strains of Escherichia coli which had been isolated between 1999 and 2018 from clinical cases of diarrhoea in neonatal and post-weaned piglets. Results showed resistance around 100% for amoxicillin and tetracycline since 1999, and a progressive increase in ceftiofur resistance throughout the studied period. For colistin, it was detected a resistance peak (17.5% of the strains) in the 2011-2014 period. Concerning gentamicin, 11 of 30 strains with intermediate susceptibility by the disk diffusion method were resistant by MIC. Besides, the most frequent antimicrobial resistance genes were the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) bla(CTX-M) (13.5% of strains, being CTX-M-14, CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-32 the most prevalent genomes, followed by CTX-M-27, CTX-M-9 and CTX-M-3), AmpC-type beta-lactamase (AmpC) bla(CMY-2) (3%) and colistin resistance genes mcr-4 (13%), mcr-1 (7%) and in less proportion mcr-5 (3%). Interestingly, these mcr genes were already detected in strains isolated in 2000, more than a decade before their first description. However, poor concordance between the genotypic mcr profile and the phenotypical testing by MIC was found in this study. These results indicate that although being a current concern, resistance genes and therefore antimicrobial resistant phenotypes were already present in pig farms at the beginning of the century. RI ; Darwich, Laila/F-5330-2016 OI Martin, Margarita/0000-0003-4370-6700; Aguirre Molins, Laia/0000-0003-3257-3965; Darwich, Laila/0000-0001-9027-9452 EI 2055-5660 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 6 IS 1 AR 8 DI 10.1186/s40813-020-00146-2 UT WOS:000523748400001 PM 32266079 ER PT J AU Cui, SB Dong, HJ Wilson, J AF Cui, Shibo Dong, Huijuan Wilson, Jeffrey TI Grey water footprint evaluation and driving force analysis of eight economic regions in China SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB The grey water footprint (GWF) can be used to connect wastewater quality and quantity, making it a powerful tool for policy makers and those responsible for managing wastewater systems. As a supplementary to existing GWF research, this study explores the GWF evolution of eight economic regions in China by taking into consideration the GWF of livestock feeding. In addition, we use the logarithmic mean division index method to study the background driving forces of GWF in primary industry for eight economic regions. Results show that the overall GWF in China fluctuates from 6082 billion m(3) to 6238 billion m(3) between the years 2003 and 2015. Primary industry contributes most to the GWF because of livestock feeding, particularly for the northwest economic region, accounting for 84.81% in 2015. The southwest economic region has the highest total GWF, and east coast region has the lowest total GWF. An analysis of driving forces shows that economic scale and industrial structure are the driving forces that best explain the GWF for the East coast, middle of Yellow River, Northwest, and Southwest economic regions. The effects of economic scale and pollution producing intensity are driving the GWF in the Northeast Regions. For the North coast and middle Yangtze River Regions, economic scale, industrial structure, and pollution producing intensity are driving forces for GWF. While for the South coast region, population is an important contributor apart from economic scale and industrial structure. Policy implications from perspective of the agriculture GWF and endowment of different regions were finally discussed. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-08450-8 EA APR 2020 UT WOS:000522945800004 PM 32239415 ER PT J AU Najafi, H FallahMehrabadi, MH Hosseini, H Kafi, ZZ Hamdan, AM Ghalyanchilangeroudi, A AF Najafi, Hamideh FallahMehrabadi, Mohammad Hossein Hosseini, Hossein Kafi, Zahra Ziafati Hamdan, Amir Modiri Ghalyanchilangeroudi, Arash TI The first full genome characterization of an Iranian foot and mouth disease virus SO VIRUS RESEARCH AB High transmissibility of FMDV and drop in productivity following infection, make FMD an important economically disease of livestock. According to the endemic nature of the disease in Iran, vaccines have been routinely applied, but not able to prevent frequent outbreaks. Circulation of different FMDV types in Iran along with unrestricted animal movements complicates epidemiological situations. The relatively short length of VP1 does not provide high resolution molecular epidemiological data, therefore FMDV full genome sequencing has been employed. Outbreaks of FMD occurred in Qom province, Iran during 2017. A 8190 nucleotide-long FMDV complete genome was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the virus into Asia 1 serotype. Complete genome analysis revealed a high level of homology of the virus to Asia 1 viruses previously detected in Turkey, India, Israel, and Pakistan. The data suggest that Asia 1/Shimi/2017 probably originated from India, have circulating in Iran since the last couple of years and reached Turkey in 2013. The results highlight the role of Iran in westward spreading of FMDV among South-central Asia, hinting the urgent need for an effective vaccine against Asia 1 type FMDV and also applying restriction rules on animal movements. SN 0168-1702 EI 1872-7492 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 279 AR 197888 DI 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197888 UT WOS:000521114300005 PM 32023478 ER PT J AU Caria, M Todde, G Sara, G Piras, M Pazzona, A AF Caria, Maria Todde, Giuseppe Sara, Gabriele Piras, Marco Pazzona, Antonio TI Performance and Usability of Smartglasses for Augmented Reality in Precision Livestock Farming Operations SO APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL AB In recent years, smartglasses for augmented reality are becoming increasingly popular in professional contexts. However, no commercial solutions are available for the agricultural field, despite the potential of this technology to help farmers. Many head-wearable devices in development possess a variety of features that may affect the smartglasses wearing experience. Over the last decades, dairy farms have adopted new technologies to improve their productivity and profit. However, there remains a gap in the literature as regards the application of augmented reality in livestock farms. Head-wearable devices may offer invaluable benefits to farmers, allowing real-time information monitoring of each animal during on-farm activities. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge base on how augmented reality devices (smartglasses) interact with farming environments, focusing primarily on human perception and usability. Research has been conducted examining the GlassUp F4 smartglasses during animal selection process. Sixteen participants performed the identification and grouping trials in the milking parlor, reading different types of contents on the augmented reality device optical display. Two questionnaires were used to evaluate the perceived workload and usability of the device. Results showed that the information type could influence the perceived workload and the animal identification process. Smart glasses for augmented reality were a useful tool in the animal genetic improvement program offering promising opportunities for adoption in livestock operations in terms of assessing data consultation and information about animals. EI 2076-3417 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 7 AR 2318 DI 10.3390/app10072318 UT WOS:000533356200117 ER PT J AU Senda, TS Kiker, GA Masikati, P Chirima, A van Niekerk, J AF Senda, Trinity S. Kiker, Gregory A. Masikati, Patricia Chirima, Albert van Niekerk, Johan TI Modeling Climate Change Impacts on Rangeland Productivity and Livestock Population Dynamics in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe SO APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL AB Smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas depend on both cropping and livestock as the main sources of livelihoods. Rangeland productivity varies on both spatial and temporal scales and provides the major source of feed for livestock. Rangeland productivity is expected to decline with climate change thereby reducing livestock feed availability and consequently livelihoods that depend on livestock. This study was carried out to assess the impacts of climate change on rangeland productivity and consequently livestock population dynamics using a 30-year simulation modeling approach. The climate scenarios used in the simulations are built from the localized predictions by General Circulation Models (GCMs). The primary climate variables under consideration are rainfall (+/-7% change), carbon dioxide (CO2 up to 650 ppm) and temperature (+4 degrees C change). This was done by applying the SAVANNA ecosystem model which simulates rangeland processes and demographic responses of herbivores on a temporal and spatial scale using a weekly internal time step and monthly spatial and temporal outputs. The results show that rainfall levels of less than 600 mm/year have the largest negative effect on herbaceous biomass production. The amount of biomass from the woody layer does not change much during the year. The carbon dioxide (CO2) effects are more influential on the tree and shrub layers (C-3 plants) than the herbaceous layer (C-4 grasses). The CO2 effect was more dominant than the effects of rainfall and temperature. In the baseline simulations, the shrub plant layer increased significantly over 30 years while there is a three-fold increase in the woody plant layer (trees and shrubs) where biomass increased from a 1980 production to that of 2010. The biomass of the herbaceous layer was stable over the historical period (1980 to 2010) with values fluctuating between 200 and 400 g/m(2). Grass green biomass has a variable distribution where most production occurred in the fields and cleared areas while lower levels of production were found in the forested areas. The spatial distribution of shrub green biomass was less directly linked to yearly rainfall. Shrub biomass was mostly found in forested areas, and it showed a steady increase in production. Cattle, donkey, and goat populations rose slowly from 1980 but the rise was disrupted by a dry period during the late 1980s to the early 1990s causing a decline in all populations primarily due to grass unavailability. The populations of cattle goats and donkeys started to rise again from 1995 onwards due to improvements in rainfall. Cattle and donkey populations were rising faster than that of goats while sheep population was not changing much for most of the simulation period, otherwise they declined significantly during the drought of 2002. Similar changes in simulated grass biomass (g/m(2)) were observed in almost all climate scenarios, except for the peak and low years. The livestock population simulation showed few variations in livestock population under all scenarios. The main conclusion from the study is that CO2 effects on rangeland productivity are much more dominant than the localized effects of rainfall and temperature. This has implications of favoring the growth of the tree and shrub layers over herbaceous layer, which meant that in the long run, the species that are able to use tree and shrub layers may be kept as a livelihood source as they will have a feed source. EI 2076-3417 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 7 AR 2330 DI 10.3390/app10072330 UT WOS:000533356200129 ER PT J AU Alvarez-Zeferino, JC Ojeda-Benitez, S Cruz-Salas, AA Martinez-Salvador, C Vazquez-Morillas, A AF Carlos Alvarez-Zeferino, Juan Ojeda-Benitez, Sara Areanely Cruz-Salas, Arely Martinez-Salvador, Carolina Vazquez-Morillas, Alethia TI Microplastics in Mexican beaches SO RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING AB Mexican sandy beaches are a natural resource that provides environmental services and contribute to the economic growth of the country. However, due to mismanagement of solid waste, discharges of wastewaters and other land and marine activities, they can be polluted by microplastics. This research aimed to quantify and classify the microplastics found in Mexican beaches. Samples were taken in 33 beaches, along the five marine regions of the country, following a systematic method that allows comparison of results. Microplastics concentration varied from 31.7-545.8 M P/m(2), with high variance coefficients (28.7-122.3 %). The Gulf of California was the region that showed a higher mean concentration. Presence of microplastics was higher in urban-overdeveloped beaches and increased with the occurrence of extreme weather events. Prevention of pollution of beaches by microplastics would allow to preserve the natural resources of the country, as well as to recover valuable materials that can be reinserted in production cycles. SN 0921-3449 EI 1879-0658 PD APR PY 2020 VL 155 AR 104633 DI 10.1016/j.reconrec.2019.104633 UT WOS:000540558400012 ER PT J AU Morales, RM Menendez-Buxadera, A Demyda-Peyras, S Molina, A AF Morales, Rosa M. Menendez-Buxadera, Alberto Demyda-Peyras, Sebastian Molina, Antonio TI Genetic effect of season on the preweaning growth of beef cattle: A first approach on Retinta calves SO REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE CIENCIAS PECUARIAS AB Background: Heat stress derived from global warming is causing major economic losses in the livestock industry. Objective: To develop a novel methodological approach for determining the influence of climatic factors on the estimation of genetic parameters for growth traits in Retinta cattle breed by using reaction-norm models. Methods: Live weight records (n=7,753) from 3,162 Retinta calves born from 1,249 dams and 85 sires and raised in the Andalusian region (Spain) were analyzed. The effect of heat stress was measured using the temperature-humidity index, calculated with climatological data obtained from four weather stations. A bivariate-random-regression reaction-norm model was used to estimate the (co)variance components of weight until weaning in two different climatic seasons corresponding to warm and cold months. Results: The heritability pattern of individuals reared under diverse environments during the first 90 days of age was different. However, differences were not significant at the end of the growing period. Weaned calves reared during the cold season showed greater growth from 70 to 160 days in comparison with those reared during the warm season. Conclusions: Highly significant evidence of genotype-climatic condition interaction was found during the calf ' s first three months of growth. SN 0120-0690 EI 2256-2958 PD APR-JUN PY 2020 VL 33 IS 2 BP 134 EP 143 DI 10.17533/udea.rccp.v33n2a01 UT WOS:000540537700005 ER PT J AU Nieto-Espinet, A Valenzuela-Lamas, S Bosch, D Gardeisen, A AF Nieto-Espinet, Ariadna Valenzuela-Lamas, Silvia Bosch, Delphine Gardeisen, Armelle TI Livestock production, politics and trade: A glimpse from Iron Age and Roman Languedoc SO JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS AB Mobility is crucial in animal husbandry to overcome scarcity of food and the related over-grazing of pastures. It is also essential to reduce the inbreeding rate of animal populations, which is known to have a negative impact on fertility and productivity. Complex societies with a strong territorial component developed during the Iron Age in Southern France and across Europe. The impact of this phenomenon over animal husbandry is not yet fully understood, but a general small size of animals is attested in different parts of Europe at that time. This paper presents the main zooarchaeological results (main domesticates species representation, mortality profiles, osteometry, pathologies) of two major Iron Age sites in Languedoc - La Monediere (Bessan) and Lattara (Lattes). In addition, the strontium isotopic ratios (Sr-87/Sr-86) of 44 sheep and 16 cattle teeth from these sites are provided together with some baseline isotopic data. La Monediere and Lattara represent good case studies to characterise the geographic range of meat provisioning in coastal urban centres in the mid Iron Age (6th-4th c. BC). Their archaeological record enables us to analyse whether different species may have had different mobility patterns. In addition the strontium ratios of 4 Roman cattle from these sites were analysed for comparative purposes. The results are contextualised with other archaeological and zooarchaeological data from Languedoc and neighbour Catalonia, and suggest that the socio-political context has a major influence on animal production. SN 2352-409X PD APR PY 2020 VL 30 AR 102077 DI 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102077 UT WOS:000540008200036 ER PT J AU Chen, DQ Li, HP Zhang, WS Pueppke, SG Pang, JP Diao, YQ AF Chen, Dongqiang Li, Hengpeng Zhang, Wangshou Pueppke, Steven G. Pang, Jiaping Diao, Yaqin TI Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Nitrogen Transport in the Qiandao Lake Basin, a Large Hilly Monsoon Basin of Southeastern China SO WATER AB The Qiandao Lake Basin (QLB), which occupies low hilly terrain in the monsoon region of southeastern China, is facing serious environmental challenges due to human activities and climate change. Here, we investigated source attribution, transport processes, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of nitrogen (N) movement in the QLB using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a physical-based model. The goal was to generate key localized vegetative parameters and agronomic variables to serve as credible information on N sources and as a reference for basin management. The simulation indicated that the basin's annual average total nitrogen (TN) load between 2007 and 2016 was 11,474 tons. Steep slopes with low vegetation coverage significantly influenced the spatiotemporal distribution of N and its transport process. Monthly average TN loads peaked in June due to intensive fertilization of tea plantations and other agricultural areas and then dropped rapidly in July. Subsurface flow is the key transport pathway, with approximately 70% of N loads originating within Anhui Province, which occupies just 58% of the basin area. The TN yields of sub-basins vary considerably and have strong spatial effects on incremental loads entering the basin' major stream, the Xin'anjiang River. The largest contributor to N loads was domestic sewage (21.8%), followed by livestock production (20.8%), cropland (18.6%), tea land (15.5%), forest land (10.9%), atmospheric deposition (5.6%), orchards (4.6%), industry (1.4%), and other land (0.8%). Our simulation underscores the urgency of increasing the efficiency of the wastewater treatment, conserving slope land, and optimizing agricultural management as components of a comprehensive policy to control N pollution in the basin. EI 2073-4441 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1075 DI 10.3390/w12041075 UT WOS:000539527500152 ER PT J AU Marin-Comitre, U Schnabel, S Pulido-Fernandez, M AF Marin-Comitre, Ubaldo Schnabel, Susanne Pulido-Fernandez, Manuel TI Hydrological Characterization of Watering Ponds in Rangeland Farms in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula SO WATER AB Watering ponds are an important source of drinking water supply for livestock in semi-arid rangelands. Understanding the hydrological functioning of this kind of infrastructures is crucial for efficient water management in areas where water resources are often scarce. In this line, we have analyzed temporal patterns of water availability in a set of watering ponds located in Iberian rangelands and their relationship with temporal rainfall variability. In addition, the effectiveness of the ponds for conserving stored water during dry periods and some influencing factors (pond size and catchment area) have also been assessed. The results showed a high correlation between water availability and precedent rainfall, confirming, on the one hand, the capacity of storage of these infrastructures and, on the other hand, the importance of temporal rainfall patterns in their hydrological behavior. Our findings point to a minimum pond area of 2000 m(2) and a catchment area/storage capacity ratio around 100 m(-1) in order for watering ponds can face the dry summer period with certain guarantees, at least in regular hydrological years. Nonetheless, the vulnerability shown by the majority of the watering ponds in times of drought limits their usefulness as unique sources of water supply in many farms. RI Pulido, Manuel/L-8277-2018 OI Pulido, Manuel/0000-0001-9340-0107 EI 2073-4441 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1038 DI 10.3390/w12041038 UT WOS:000539527500115 ER PT J AU Daza, DAV Moreno, HS Portz, L Manzolli, RP Bolivar-Anillo, HJ Anfuso, G AF Villate Daza, Diego Andres Sanchez Moreno, Hernando Portz, Luana Portantiolo Manzolli, Rogerio Jose Bolivar-Anillo, Hernando Anfuso, Giorgio TI Mangrove Forests Evolution and Threats in the Caribbean Sea of Colombia SO WATER AB Colombia has approximately 379,954 hectares of mangrove forests distributed along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea coasts. Such forests are experiencing the highest annual rate of loss recorded in South America and, in the last three decades, approximately 40,000 hectares have been greatly affected by natural and, especially, human impacts. This study determined, by the use of Landsat multispectral satellite images, the evolution of three mangrove forests located in the Colombian Caribbean Sea: Malloquin, Totumo, and La Virgen swamps. Mangrove forest at Mallorquin Swamp recorded a loss of 15 ha in the period of 1985-2018, associated with alterations in forest hydrology, illegal logging, urban growth, and coastal erosion. Totumo Swamp lost 301 ha in the period 1985-2018 associated with changes in hydrological conditions, illegal logging, and increased agricultural and livestock uses. La Virgen Swamp presented a loss of 31 ha in the period of 2013-2018 that was linked to the construction of a roadway, alterations of hydrological conditions, illegal logging, and soil urbanization, mainly for tourist purposes. Although Colombian legislation has made efforts to protect mangrove ecosystems, human activities are the main cause of mangrove degradation, and thus it is mandatory for the local population to understand the value of the ecosystem services provided by mangroves. RI Anfuso, Giorgio/C-3844-2017 OI Anfuso, Giorgio/0000-0002-7266-2842 EI 2073-4441 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1113 DI 10.3390/w12041113 UT WOS:000539527500190 ER PT J AU Liu, DY Wagner, JG Harkema, JR Gerlofs-Nijland, ME Pinelli, E Folkerts, G Vandebriel, RJ Cassee, FR AF Liu, Dingyu Wagner, James G. Harkema, Jack R. Gerlofs-Nijland, Miriam E. Pinelli, Elena Folkerts, Gert Vandebriel, Rob J. Cassee, Flemming R. TI Livestock farm particulate matter enhances airway in flammation in mice with or without disease SO WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL RI Cassee, Flemming R./G-4241-2010 OI Cassee, Flemming R./0000-0001-9958-8630 SN 1939-4551 PD APR PY 2020 VL 13 IS 4 AR 100114 DI 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100114 UT WOS:000540216300006 PM 32256941 ER PT J AU Piouceau, J Panfili, F Bois, G Anastase, M Feder, F Morel, J Arfi, V Dufosse, L AF Piouceau, Julien Panfili, Frederic Bois, Gregory Anastase, Matthieu Feder, Frederic Morel, Julien Arfi, Veronique Dufosse, Laurent TI Bamboo Plantations for Phytoremediation of Pig Slurry: Plant Response and Nutrient Uptake SO PLANTS-BASEL AB On Reunion Island, a French overseas territory located in the western Indian Ocean, increasing pig livestock farming is generating large quantities of slurry. Most of it is spread on a little agricultural land due to the insular context. Considering the limitation of the quantities that can be spread on agricultural areas (European "Nitrate Directive" 91/676/EEC), the use of wastewater treatment systems using phytoremediation principles is an attractive option for the pig slurry treatment. A wastewater treatment system using bamboo groves was assessed for the pig slurry treatment. Three field plots were designed on an agricultural area and planted with 40 bamboo clumps on each plot. A total of 67 m(3) of pig slurry was spread on two plots in two forms: raw slurry and centrifuged slurry. The latter plot was watered with tap water. The total amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was 5.3, 1.4 and 5.5 t.ha(-1), respectively, for the raw slurry treatment and 4.2, 0.4 and 5.1 t.ha(-1), respectively, for the centrifuged slurry treatment. The response of bamboo species to pig slurry application was determined using morphologic parameters, Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and biomass yield. Compared to the control, the biomass increased by 1.8 to 6 times, depending on the species and the form of slurry. Depending on the species, the average biomass ranged from 52 to 135 t.DM.ha(-1) in two years of experiment. RI FEDER, Frederic/A-1882-2009; Dufosse, Laurent/F-5658-2011 OI FEDER, Frederic/0000-0001-8434-5193; Dufosse, Laurent/0000-0001-7392-355X EI 2223-7747 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 522 DI 10.3390/plants9040522 UT WOS:000539578900116 PM 32316604 ER PT J AU Guo, YS Wentworth, DE Stucker, KM Halpin, RA Lam, HC Marthaler, D Saif, LJ Vlasova, AN AF Guo, Yusheng Wentworth, David E. Stucker, Karla M. Halpin, Rebecca A. Lam, Ham Ching Marthaler, Douglas Saif, Linda J. Vlasova, Anastasia N. TI Amino Acid Substitutions in Positions 385 and 393 of the Hydrophobic Region of VP4 May Be Associated with Rotavirus Attenuation and Cell Culture Adaptation SO VIRUSES-BASEL AB Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading cause of the acute viral gastroenteritis in young children and livestock animals worldwide. Although live attenuated vaccines have been applied to control RV infection for many years, the underlying mechanisms of RV attenuation following cell culture adaption are unknown. To study these mechanisms at the genomic level, we have sequenced and conducted a comparative analysis of two virulent human (Wa, G1P[8] and M, G3P[8]) and two virulent porcine (Gottfried, G4P[6] and OSU, G5P[7]) RV strains maintained in gnotobiotic piglets for 22, 11, 12 and 9 serial passages, respectively, with their attenuated counterparts serially passaged in MA-104 cell cultures for 25, 43, 54 and 43 passages, respectively. We showed that most of the mutations were clustered in the VP4 gene, with a relatively high nonsynonymous substitution rate (81.2%). Moreover, two amino acid substitutions observed in the VP4 gene were conserved between two or more strain pairs. D385N substitution was found in M, Wa and Gottfried strains, and another one, S471H/L was present in Wa and Gottfried strains. Importantly, D385 was reported previously in another study and may be involved in regulation of virus entry. Of interest, although no 385 substitution was found in OSU strains, the attenuated OSU strain contained a unique D393H substitution within the same VP4 hydrophobic domain. Collectively, our data suggest that the VP4 hydrophobic region may play an important role in RV attenuation and aa385 and aa393 may represent potential targets for RV vaccine development using reverse genetics and site-specific mutagenesis. OI Vlasova, Anastasia/0000-0002-1447-6283 EI 1999-4915 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 408 DI 10.3390/v12040408 UT WOS:000539525300050 PM 32272747 ER PT J AU Rangel-Munoz, EJ Valdivia-Flores, AG Moreno-Rico, O Hernandez-Delgado, S Cruz-Vazquez, C De-Luna-Lopez, MC Quezada-Tristan, T Ortiz-Martinez, R Mayek-Perez, N AF Janet Rangel-Munoz, Erika Gerardo Valdivia-Flores, Arturo Moreno-Rico, Onesimo Hernandez-Delgado, Sanjuana Cruz-Vazquez, Carlos Carolina De-Luna-Lopez, Maria Quezada-Tristan, Teodulo Ortiz-Martinez, Rani Mayek-Perez, Netzahualcoyotl TI Characterization of Aspergillus flavus and quantification of aflatoxins in feed and raw milk of cows in Aguascalientes, Mexico SO REVISTA MEXICANA DE CIENCIAS PECUARIAS AB Contamination of agricultural and livestock products with aflatoxins (AF) is distributed worldwide. AFs are toxic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive; however, in Mexico, there is little information about Aspergillus flavus, the main fungus that produces them. The objective was to characterize the molecular and morphological, aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus and quantify the AFs in the feed and in the milk of Holstein cows in Aguascalientes (Mexico). A dairy production unit (2,749 cows) was selected for reasons of convenience, and monthly samples of food ingredients and total mixed ration (n= 267), raw milk (n= 288), and agricultural soil (n =40) were collected during 24 months and were cultivated (in PDA) using the pour plate technique with serial dilutions. The fungi were characterized using SEM, TLC and vapors of ammonium in coconut agar; the genes of calmodulin and a regulator of the biosynthetic pathway of AF, as well as the region of the internal spacer of the transcript, were sequenced. AFs were quantified in feed with HPLC and in milk, using ELISA. A total of 283 fungal isolates were characterized molecularly; of which 88 proved to be Aspergillus spp. Five of these were A. flavus with an aflatoxigenic capacity, and one was non-aflatoxigenic. 99.3 % of the samples of feed and 39.9 % of the milk samples exhibited detectable levels of AF (14.8 and 0,021 mu g/kg). The cows ate daily 621 mu g of AF and eliminated 0.09 % as AFM1 in milk. This suggests that the occurrence of aflatoxigenic A. flavus in the feed of dairy cows leads to a widespread contamination of the diets and food chain with AF. SN 2007-1124 EI 2448-6698 PD APR-JUN PY 2020 VL 11 IS 2 BP 435 EP 454 DI 10.22319/rmcp.v11i2.5686 UT WOS:000538164700010 ER PT J AU Shahbazi, AE Saidijam, M Maghsood, AH Matini, M Motavali Haghi, M Fallah, M AF Shahbazi, Ali Ehsan Saidijam, Massoud Maghsood, Amir Hossein Matini, Mohammad Motavali Haghi, Moosa Fallah, Mohammad TI Genotyping of Fresh and Parafinized Human Hydatid Cysts Using nad1 and cox1 Genes in Hamadan Province, West of Iran SO IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY AB Background: Hydatidosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection and Hamadan Province in the west of Iran is one of the most important foci of human hydatidosis in Iran. The aim of the current study was the genetic characterization of hydatid cysts operated from humans in Hamadan Province. Methods: Seventy-two hydatid cysts samples including 50 paraffinized and 22 fresh human hydatid cysts collected from different hospitals in Hamadan Province, western Iran. The cysts' DNA genome was extracted by kit and PCR was performed for amplifying the fragments of 400 and 450bp for nad1 and cox1 mitochondrial genes, respectively. Genotype diversity and sequence variations of the cysts' isolates were studied by related software. Results: DNA from all (100%) paraffinized and fresh hydatid cysts samples extracted successfully. All paraffinized and fresh hydatid cysts samples were amplified by PCR assay using nad1 gene, however, only 18 and 8 samples from paraffinized and fresh hydatid cyst samples was amplified using cox1 gene, respectively. The sequences analysis indicated that, 98.61% the Echinococcus granulosus samples were belong to the genotype G1 and 1.39% were G3 genotype. Conclusion: Genotypes of E. granulosus in human samples in Hamadan Province are G1 and G3 and these findings are proved by phylogenic analysis. SN 1735-7020 EI 2008-238X PD APR-JUN PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 BP 259 EP 265 UT WOS:000537854300013 PM 32595717 ER PT J AU Coyne, L Patrick, I Arief, R Benigno, C Kalpravidh, W McGrane, J Schoonman, L Sukarno, AH Rushton, J AF Coyne, Lucy Patrick, Ian Arief, Riana Benigno, Carolyn Kalpravidh, Wantanee McGrane, James Schoonman, Luuk Sukarno, Ady Harja Rushton, Jonathan TI The Costs, Benefits and Human Behaviours for Antimicrobial Use in Small Commercial Broiler Chicken Systems in Indonesia SO ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL AB There are growing concerns over the threat to human health from the unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock. Broiler production is of great economic and social importance in Indonesia. This study used a structured questionnaire approach to explore the human behaviours and economic drivers associated with antimicrobial use in small commercial broiler systems in Indonesia (n = 509). The study showed that antimicrobial use was high with farmers easily able to access antimicrobials through local animal medicine, however, it was difficult for farmers to access veterinary advice on responsible antimicrobial use. The most significant finding was that the relative cost of antimicrobials was low, and farmers observed improvements in productivity rates from routine antimicrobial administration. However, farmers seldom kept detailed records on farm productivity or economic costs; this is a hurdle to undertaking a more detailed economic analysis of antimicrobial use. There is a need for further research on the cost-effectiveness of alternative methods of preventing disease and ensuring that feasible alternatives are easily available. Farm-level economics and securing the food supply chain need to be central to any future policy interventions to reduce antimicrobial use in broiler systems in Indonesia and this observation is relevant at a regional and global level. SN 2079-6382 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 154 DI 10.3390/antibiotics9040154 UT WOS:000537218600009 PM 32244693 ER PT J AU Kim, S Woo, JH Jun, SH Moon, DC Lim, SK Lee, JC AF Kim, Shukho Woo, Jung Hwa Jun, So Hyun Moon, Dong Chan Lim, Suk-Kyung Lee, Je Chul TI Synergy between Florfenicol and Aminoglycosides against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates from Livestock SO ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL AB The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the laborious development of novel antimicrobial agents have limited the options for effective antimicrobial therapy. The combination of previously used antimicrobial agents represents an alternative therapy for multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of a florfenicol (FFL)-based combination with other antimicrobial agents against MDR Escherichia coli isolates from livestock using checkerboard assays and murine infection models. The FFL/amikacin (AMK) and FFL/gentamicin (GEN) combinations showed synergy against 10/11 and 6/11 MDR E. coli isolates in vitro, respectively. The combination of FFL with aminoglycosides (AMK or GEN) exhibited a better synergistic effect against MDR E. coli isolates than the cephalothin (CEF)/GEN or FFL/CEF combinations. The combination of FFL with AMK or GEN could reduce the emergence of resistant mutants in vitro. The FFL/AMK combination showed a higher survival rate of mice infected with MDR E. coli isolates than FFL or AMK alone. In summary, the combination of FFL with aminoglycosides (AMK or GEN) is highly effective against MDR E. coli isolates both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may contribute to the discovery of an effective combination regimen against MDR E. coli infections in veterinary medicine. OI Kim, Shukho/0000-0003-3322-7984 SN 2079-6382 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 185 DI 10.3390/antibiotics9040185 UT WOS:000537218600031 PM 32316130 ER PT J AU Kobusch, I Muller, H Mellmann, A Kock, R Boelhauve, M AF Kobusch, Iris Mueller, Hannah Mellmann, Alexander Koeck, Robin Boelhauve, Marc TI Single Blinded Study on the Feasibility of Decontaminating LA-MRSA in Pig Compartments under Routine Conditions SO ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL AB In countries with intensive pig husbandry in stables, the prevalence of livestock-associated (LA) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on such farms has remained high in the last few years or has also further increased. Simple measures to reduce the LA-MRSA among pigs have not yet been successfully implemented. Earlier publications showed a decontamination of LA-MRSA was only possible with great effort. The aim of this study is to determine the suitability of routine cleaning and disinfection (C&D) for adequate LA-MRSA decontamination. For this purpose, at least 115 locations in a piglet-rearing compartment were examined before and after cleaning and disinfection. The sample locations were stratified according to accessibility for pigs and the difficulty of cleaning. The cleaning work was carried out routinely by farm employees, who were not informed about the sampling (single blinded). While before cleaning and disinfection, 85% of the samples from the surfaces were LA-MRSA positive, while only 2% were positive thereafter. All LA-MRSA-positive samples after cleaning and disinfection were outside the animal area. Air samples also showed no LA-MRSA after cleaning and disinfection. Conclusion: In well-managed livestock farms, decontamination of the LA-MRSA barn is quite possible; after C&D no LA-MRSA was detectable at animal height. OI Boelhauve, Marc/0000-0002-7961-9425; Mellmann, Alexander/0000-0002-0649-5185; Kobusch, Iris/0000-0002-5126-9363 SN 2079-6382 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 141 DI 10.3390/antibiotics9040141 UT WOS:000537218600030 PM 32224941 ER PT J AU Fox, S Kotelba, A AF Fox, Stephen Kotelba, Adrian TI An Information-Theoretic Analysis of Flexible Efficient Cognition for Persistent Sustainable Production SO ENTROPY AB Amidst certainty, efficiency can improve sustainability by reducing resource consumption. However, flexibility is needed to be able to survive when uncertainty increases. Apropos, sustainable production cannot persist in the long-term without having both flexibility and efficiency. Referring to cognitive science to inform the development of production systems is well established. However, recent research in cognitive science encompassing flexibility and efficiency in brain functioning have not been considered previously. In particular, research by others that encompasses information (I), information entropy (H), relative entropy (D), transfer entropy (TE), and brain entropy. By contrast, in this paper, flexibility and efficiency for persistent sustainable production is analyzed in relation to these information theory applications in cognitive science and is quantified in terms of information. Thus, this paper is consistent with the established practice of referring to cognitive science to inform the development of production systems. However, it is novel in addressing the need to combine flexibility and efficiency for persistent sustainability in terms of cognitive functioning as modelled with information theory. EI 1099-4300 PD APR PY 2020 VL 22 IS 4 AR 444 DI 10.3390/e22040444 UT WOS:000537222600069 ER PT J AU Silva, V de Sousa, T Gomez, P Sabenca, C Vieira-Pinto, M Capita, R Alonso-Calleja, C Torres, C Capelo, JL Igrejas, G Poeta, P AF Silva, Vanessa de Sousa, Telma Gomez, Paula Sabenca, Carolina Vieira-Pinto, Madalena Capita, Rosa Alonso-Calleja, Carlos Torres, Carmen Capelo, Jose L. Igrejas, Gilberto Poeta, Patricia TI Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Purulent Subcutaneous Lesions of Farm Rabbits SO FOODS AB Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are one of the main pathogens associated with purulent infections. MRSA clonal complex 97 (CC97) has been identified in a wide diversity of livestock animals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles of MRSA strains isolated from purulent lesions of food-producing rabbits. Samples from purulent lesions of 66 rabbits were collected in a slaughterhouse in Portugal. Samples were seeded onto ORSAB plates with 2 mg/L of oxacillin for MRSA isolation. Susceptibility to antibiotics was tested by the disk diffusion method against 14 antimicrobial agents. The presence of resistance genes, virulence factors and the immune evasion cluster (IEC) system was studied by polymerase chain reaction. All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), agr and spa typing. From the 66 samples analyzed, 16 (24.2%) MRSA were detected. All strains were classified as multidrug-resistant as they were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics. All isolates showed resistance to penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin. Seven isolates were resistant to gentamicin and harbored the aac(6 ')-Ie-aph (2 '')-Ia gene. Resistance to tetracycline was detected in 10 isolates harboring the tet(K) gene. The IEC genes were detected in three isolates. MRSA strains belonged to CC97, CC1, CC5, CC15 or CC22. The isolates were assigned to six different spa types. In this study we found a moderate prevalence of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains in food-producing rabbits. This may represent concern for food safety and public health, since cross-contamination may occur, leading to the spread of MRSA and, eventually, the possibility of ingestion of contaminated meat. RI Silva, Vanessa/I-3671-2017; Torres, Carmen/C-9027-2013; Vieira-Pinto, Madalena/K-4041-2013 OI Silva, Vanessa/0000-0001-9406-8433; Torres, Carmen/0000-0003-3709-1690; Sousa, Telma/0000-0003-2326-6226; Vieira-Pinto, Madalena/0000-0002-8588-7071 EI 2304-8158 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 439 DI 10.3390/foods9040439 UT WOS:000537220500042 PM 32268528 ER PT J AU Spagnuolo, OSB Jarvey, JC Battaglia, MJ Laubach, ZM Miller, ME Holekamp, KE Bourgeau-Chavez, LL AF Spagnuolo, Olivia S. B. Jarvey, Julie C. Battaglia, Michael J. Laubach, Zachary M. Miller, Mary Ellen Holekamp, Kay E. Bourgeau-Chavez, Laura L. TI Mapping Kenyan Grassland Heights Across Large Spatial Scales with Combined Optical and Radar Satellite Imagery SO REMOTE SENSING AB Grassland monitoring can be challenging because it is time-consuming and expensive to measure grass condition at large spatial scales. Remote sensing offers a time- and cost-effective method for mapping and monitoring grassland condition at both large spatial extents and fine temporal resolutions. Combinations of remotely sensed optical and radar imagery are particularly promising because together they can measure differences in moisture, structure, and reflectance among land cover types. We combined multi-date radar (PALSAR-2 and Sentinel-1) and optical (Sentinel-2) imagery with field data and visual interpretation of aerial imagery to classify land cover in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya using machine learning (Random Forests). This study area comprises a diverse array of land cover types and changes over time due to seasonal changes in precipitation, seasonal movements of large herds of resident and migratory ungulates, fires, and livestock grazing. We classified twelve land cover types with user's and producer's accuracies ranging from 66%-100% and an overall accuracy of 86%. These methods were able to distinguish among short, medium, and tall grass cover at user's accuracies of 83%, 82%, and 85%, respectively. By yielding a highly accurate, fine-resolution map that distinguishes among grasses of different heights, this work not only outlines a viable method for future grassland mapping efforts but also will help inform local management decisions and research in the Masai Mara National Reserve. EI 2072-4292 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 DI 10.3390/rs12071086 UT WOS:000537709600036 ER PT J AU Barbedo, JGA Koenigkan, LV Santos, PM Ribeiro, ARB AF Arnal Barbedo, Jayme Garcia Koenigkan, Luciano Vieira Santos, Patricia Menezes Bueno Ribeiro, Andrea Roberto TI Counting Cattle in UAV Images-Dealing with Clustered Animals and Animal/Background Contrast Changes SO SENSORS AB The management of livestock in extensive production systems may be challenging, especially in large areas. Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to collect images from the area of interest is quickly becoming a viable alternative, but suitable algorithms for extraction of relevant information from the images are still rare. This article proposes a method for counting cattle which combines a deep learning model for rough animal location, color space manipulation to increase contrast between animals and background, mathematical morphology to isolate the animals and infer the number of individuals in clustered groups, and image matching to take into account image overlap. Using Nelore and Canchim breeds as a case study, the proposed approach yields accuracies over 90% under a wide variety of conditions and backgrounds. RI Barbedo, Jayme/E-4160-2013; Santos, Patricia/F-8408-2012; Koenigkan, Luciano/N-3599-2016 OI Barbedo, Jayme/0000-0002-1156-8270; Santos, Patricia/0000-0001-8753-0263; Koenigkan, Luciano/0000-0001-7673-296X EI 1424-8220 PD APR PY 2020 VL 20 IS 7 AR 2126 DI 10.3390/s20072126 UT WOS:000537110500322 PM 32290316 ER PT J AU di Perta, ES Mautone, A Oliva, M Cervelli, E Pindozzi, S AF di Perta, Ester Scotto Mautone, Antonio Oliva, Marco Cervelli, Elena Pindozzi, Stefania TI Influence of Treatments and Covers on NH3 Emissions from Dairy Cow and Buffalo Manure Storage SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The storage of livestock manure is responsible for ammonia emissions into the atmosphere. Different natural covers could be used during animal manure storage, but the mitigation effect is influenced by the manure characteristics due to the housing or treatment systems. Starting from cattle and buffalo manure, the objectives of this study were (i) to assess the effect of anaerobic digestion (AD) and solid-liquid separation (SLS) on ammonia emissions during storage as well as natural crust development and (ii) to investigate the reduction in ammonia emissions by using a layer of straw to cover the stored animal manure. Storage conditions were simulated in a small-scale application in a climate-controlled room. Results showed that the higher organic matter content of cow raw slurry facilitated the surface crust formation starting from the first days of storage. AD with SLS increased ammonia emissions (48.5%) due to the increase of the ammoniacal nitrogen content. On the other hand, animal manure covered with a layer of straw showed a 7.3% reduction of ammonia emissions. This study suggests that treatments and covering strategies must be calibrated to different manure types to enhance the mitigation effect. OI Scotto di Perta, Ester/0000-0003-1174-8607 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2986 DI 10.3390/su12072986 UT WOS:000531558100411 ER PT J AU Finzi, A Mattachini, G Lovarelli, D Riva, E Provolo, G AF Finzi, Alberto Mattachini, Gabriele Lovarelli, Daniela Riva, Elisabetta Provolo, Giorgio TI Technical, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of a Collective Integrated Treatment System for Energy Recovery and Nutrient Removal from Livestock Manure SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The aim of this 5-year study was to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental performances of a collective-based integrated treatment system for bioenergy production and nutrients removal to improve the utilization efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of land applied livestock manure. The study involved 12 livestock production units located in an intensive livestock area designated as nitrate vulnerable zone with large N surplus. The treatment system consisted of an anaerobic digestion unit, a solid-liquid separation system, and a biological N removal process. Atmospheric emissions and nutrient losses in water and soil were examined for the environmental assessment, while estimated crop removal and nutrient utilization efficiencies were used for the agronomic assessment. The integrated treatment system achieved 49% removal efficiency for total solids (TS), 40% for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and 41% for total phosphorous (TP). A surplus of 58kWh/t of treated manure was achieved considering the electricity produced by the biogas plant and consumed by the treatment plant and during transportation of raw and treated manure. A profit of 1.61 (sic)/t manure treated and an average reduction of global warming potential by 70% was also achieved. The acidification potential was reduced by almost 50%. The agronomic use of treated manure eliminated the TKN surplus and reduced the TP surplus by 94%. This collective integrated treatment system can be an environmentally and economically sustainable solution for farms to reduce N surplus in intensive livestock production areas. RI Lovarelli, Daniela/Q-9547-2017 OI Lovarelli, Daniela/0000-0002-0187-8515 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2756 DI 10.3390/su12072756 UT WOS:000531558100181 ER PT J AU Jabeen, S Haq, S Jameel, A Hussain, A Asif, M Hwang, J Jabeen, A AF Jabeen, Salma Haq, Sanam Jameel, Arif Hussain, Abid Asif, Muhammad Hwang, Jinsoo Jabeen, Abida TI Impacts of Rural Women's Traditional Economic Activities on Household Economy: Changing Economic Contributions through Empowered Women in Rural Pakistan SO SUSTAINABILITY AB In Pakistan, as in other developing countries, rural women make ample contributions to the economy through vital productive and reproductive roles. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of women's traditional economic activities that supplement their household economy directly through earning income and indirectly through savings expenditure and to assess the factors that influence their productivity performance. For this purpose, six rural areas from Khyber, which is located in the Pukhtoonkhwah province, were chosen to represent the south, north, and the central plain regions. About 480 women responded out of 600, which were selected using a snowball sampling technique from the entire three regions. The data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). About 68.33% respondents were illiterate, 47.71% were 31 to 40 years old, and 47.92% lived in a joint family system. Due to the strict Purdah (veil) culture, about 71.88% of the women's economic activities were confined indoors, such as stitching; embroidery; basket and candle making; preparing pickles, jams, and squash; dairy products; apiculture; sericulture; livestock; poultry; nursery raising; and some agriculture-related off-farm activities. It was reported that the major decisions in the household are made by the male members due to the strong patriarchal norms and values. Development projects by the NGOs and the government have played a significant role to provide credit, training, and awareness that has arisen specifically in the north and the south regions. All of the women were aware of the positive effects of economic independence, but some of them also revealed the negative effects on their physical and psychological health as well as the social ties within the households and communities due to the extensive workload and time issues. The study concluded that many demographic social, cultural, religious, and economic factors negatively influence the women's productive potential. OI jameel, arif/0000-0001-8551-4040; Hwang, Jinsoo/0000-0001-6243-8524; Asif, Muhammad/0000-0002-9037-5249 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2731 DI 10.3390/su12072731 UT WOS:000531558100156 ER PT J AU Jiang, WT Xing, YY Wang, XK Liu, XH Cui, ZG AF Jiang, Wenting Xing, Yingying Wang, Xiukang Liu, Xiaohu Cui, Zhigang TI Developing a Sustainable Management Strategy for Quantitative Estimation of Optimum Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendation Rates for Maize in Northeast China SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Excessive application of chemical fertilizers has caused a series of environmental problems, including environmental pollution. Quantitative estimation of a sustainable fertilizer recommendation rate is paramount for formulating fertilizer management strategies to improve productivity of low-yield regions and to prevent environmental damage. In this study, the database was drawn from 31 experimental sites in the main maize production region of Northeast China, during the period 2009 to 2013, to study the relationships between yield factors and nitrogen application rates, and to explore sustainable nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendation rates based on analysis using the fertilizer response model. The fertilizer response model method is a technique that can provide effective performance predictions for the estimation of the optimum crop balanced fertilizer rates in varied agricultural regions. Results revealed that the average grain yield in treatment of N180 (the amount of nitrogen application rate was 90 kg ha (-1)) was highest, and the yield increase rate ranged from 4.77% to 58.53%, with an average of 25.89%. The sequence of grain yields in each treatment receiving N fertilizer management from high to low was: N180 > N270 > N90 in all the regions. The agronomic efficiency for applied N in N90, N180, N270 treatments was 11.8, 10.8, and 4.6 kg kg (-1), respectively. The average optimum N fertilizer recommendation rate in Liaoning province was 180.4 kg ha (-1), and the predicted optimum yield ranged between 7908.7 and 12,153.9 kg ha (-1), with an average of 9699.1 kg ha (-1). The mean optimum N fertilizer recommendation rate in western (WL), central and southern (SCL), eastern (EL), and northern (NL) of Liaoning province were 184.2, 177.2, 163.5, and 192.5 kg ha (-1), and the average predicted optimum yields were 8785.3, 10,630.3, 9347, and 9942.4 kg ha (-1). This study analyzed the spatial distribution of optimum fertilizer recommendation rates and the corresponding theoretical yield based on a large database, which helped to develop effective and environment-friendly N management strategies for sustainable production systems. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2607 DI 10.3390/su12072607 UT WOS:000531558100032 ER PT J AU Krieger, M Jones, PJ Blanco-Penedo, I Duval, JE Emanuelson, U Hoischen-Taubner, S Sjostrom, K Sundrum, A AF Krieger, Margret Jones, Philip J. Blanco-Penedo, Isabel Duval, Julie E. Emanuelson, Ulf Hoischen-Taubner, Susanne Sjostrom, Karin Sundrum, Albert TI Improving Animal Health on Organic Dairy Farms: Stakeholder Views on Policy Options SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Although ensuring good animal health is a stated aim of organic livestock farming and an important reason why consumers purchase organic products, the health states actually achieved are comparable to those in conventional farming. Unfortunately, there have been no studies to date that have assessed stakeholder views on different policy options for improving animal health on organic dairy farms. To address this deficit, stakeholder consultations were conducted in four European countries, involving 39 supply-chain stakeholders (farmers, advisors, veterinarians, inspectors, processors, and retailers). Stakeholders were encouraged to discuss different ways, including policy change, of improving organic health states. Acknowledging the need for further health improvements in organic dairy herds, stakeholders generally favoured establishing outcome-oriented animal health requirements as a way of achieving this. However, as a result of differing priorities for animal health improvement, there was disagreement on questions such as: who should be responsible for assessing animal health status on organic farms; and how to define and implement minimum health requirements. The results of the study suggest that future research must fully explore the opportunities and risks of different policy options and also suggest ways to overcome the divergence of stakeholders' interests in public debates. RI Blanco-Penedo, Isabel/L-1766-2014 OI Blanco-Penedo, Isabel/0000-0002-4066-9046 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 3001 DI 10.3390/su12073001 UT WOS:000531558100426 ER PT J AU Li, JY Zhu, AD Liu, DS Zhao, WM Zhou, Y Chen, YH Liu, YN Sun, N AF Li, Jingyu Zhu, Anding Liu, Dongsheng Zhao, Wenmin Zhou, Yi Chen, Yahui Liu, Yanni Sun, Nan TI Sustainability of China's Singles Day Shopping Festivals: Exploring the Moderating Effect of Fairness Atmospherics on Consumers' Continuance Participation SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Singles Day Shopping Festival (SDSF) is one of the most influential online sales events in China. As a big production and even a well-known brand, SDSF has its own design, image, performance, and life cycle. Consumer satisfaction and continuous participation play an important role in the sustainable marketing of SDSF. This study empirically examined the antecedents of continuous participation intention by employing both expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) and stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model to reveal that promotion scale and social interaction have positive and significant effects on participants' emotional satisfaction-as-trust and -pleasure, which subsequently lead to continuous participation behaviors. This study investigated participants' perception of fairness atmospherics and its moderating effects on the positive links between promotion scale/social interaction and satisfaction, and the relationships between satisfaction and continuous participation intention. This study suggested that spending more money on jubilant festival buildings will not always exert more influence on participants' satisfaction as expected. Alternatively, creating a good and fair trading environment will reach the same goal and promote the sustainability of SDSFs. More detailed findings and implications are also discussed at the end of the paper. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2644 DI 10.3390/su12072644 UT WOS:000531558100069 ER PT J AU Nam, K Lim, H Ahn, BI AF Nam, Kyungsoo Lim, Heesun Ahn, Byeong-il TI Analysis of Consumer Preference for Milk Produced through Sustainable Farming: The Case of Mountainous Dairy Farming SO SUSTAINABILITY AB As income is rising and urbanization progressing, the consumption of meat and dairy products is increasing, especially in developing countries. However, increasing livestock production leads to challenges that need to be addressed, such as yielding environmental pollution and causing climate change. Due to these circumstances, the importance of sustainable livestock farming has been highlighted in order to effectively utilize natural resources and to protect the environment. We analyzed consumers' preference and willingness to pay for milk, one of the representative dairy products, which was produced in a sustainable way. Among the various attributes of milk, marginal willingness to pay for "performing sustainability" through mountainous farming was estimated to be the biggest. The willingness to pay was revealed to be higher for the consumer group with a high awareness of sustainable farming than the consumer group with low awareness. The empirical results in this study suggest that it is important to consider the economic feasibility of dairy farming by forming a consensus with consumers through publicity and changing the production pattern to promote sustainability. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 3039 DI 10.3390/su12073039 UT WOS:000531558100464 ER PT J AU Nicol, P Taherzadeh, A AF Nicol, Poppy Taherzadeh, Alice TI Working Co-operatively for Sustainable and Just Food System Transformation SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Co-operative ways of working can be understood as people-centred approaches. This article considers how co-operative ways of working have the potential to support the scaling-out of sustainable and just food systems in the context of Wales through people-centred change. Drawing upon a series of interviews with stakeholders involved in the sustainable and the co-operative food sector within Wales and international case studies, opportunities and challenges facing the scaling-out of sustainable and just food systems are considered. Findings demonstrate the potential of co-operative and community-based approaches to sustainable production, processing, distribution, and trading of healthy food that is affordable, culturally appropriate, and based upon an ethic of justice and care for land, workers, and animals. Community supported agriculture, incubator farms, food hubs, and platform co-operatives are identified as key mechanisms for sustainable and just food systems. Capacity building through education, information, and training are further critical foundations for co-operative and people-centred ways of working. In order to accelerate sustainable and just food futures, community-based participation, networks for training, access to resources and land, and transformative forms of governance, including legislative change, are key. We conclude by highlighting implications for future research into policy transfer and food system transformation. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2816 DI 10.3390/su12072816 UT WOS:000531558100241 ER PT J AU Oduniyi, OS Rubhara, TT Antwi, MA AF Oduniyi, Oluwaseun Samuel Rubhara, Theresa Tendai Antwi, Michael Akwasi TI Sustainability of Livestock Farming in South Africa. Outlook on Production Constraints, Climate-Related Events, and Upshot on Adaptive Capacity SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The practice of pasture-based livestock farming systems in South Africa is susceptible to climate-related events, low production output, income fluctuation, and by extension poor adaptive capacity. Understanding the importance and gravity of sustainable livestock farming through adaptive capacity has been identified as a tool to cope in the face of the climate-related event which extends to production output. It is to this end, that the study explored the adaptive capacity and the socioeconomic determinants that influence this capacity used by the pasture-based livestock farmers in the study area. Random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 277 pasture-based livestock farmers in the study area from and their responses concerning on demography, farm-based characteristics, production constraints and adaptive capacity were used. Data were analyzed, in which the descriptive statistics, composite scores, and the extended ordered probit model were used to establish the results. The findings revealed the adaptive capacity score of low, moderate, and high to be 40.1%, 43.7%, and 16.2% respectively. Correspondingly, the model estimate revealed the significant factors that affect the adaptive capacity to include: the use of labor (p < 0.05), other sources of income (p < 0.05). Conversely, the age of the farmers (p < 0.05) and landowners (p < 0.01) was found significant but had a negative relationship to adaptive capacity. By implication, the study concluded that there is a need for fruitions of policies that support farmers' socioeconomic behavior to engage more in adaptive capacity and to improve the Sustainable Development Goals of the united nation as well as vision 2030 of the National Development Plan. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2582 DI 10.3390/su12072582 UT WOS:000531558100006 ER PT J AU Oladimeji, TE Oyinbo, O Hassan, AA Yusuf, O AF Oladimeji, Tolulope E. Oyinbo, Oyakhilomen Hassan, Abubakar A. Yusuf, Oseni TI Understanding the Interdependence and Temporal Dynamics of Smallholders' Adoption of Soil Conservation Practices: Evidence from Nigeria SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The adoption of soil conservation practices is widely recognized as essential in improving soil fertility and promoting climate-smart agriculture in general. Yet, smallholders' adoption of soil conservation practices in Sub-Saharan Africa has not been adequately documented, especially in relation to the interdependence and temporal dynamics of adoption decisions. In this paper, we analyze the interdependence and temporal dynamics of smallholders' adoption of soil conservation practices, such as animal manure, crop residue retention, intercropping, and crop rotation in northern Nigeria. We use data from two rounds of a farm-household panel survey among maize-based farming households and estimate econometric models, including pooled multivariate probit and random effects ordered probit. We found that there is a significant positive correlation between the soil conservation practices, suggesting that adoption decisions for these practices are interrelated and the practices are considered complements by the farmers. We found evidence of inter-temporal variability in the adoption of soil conservation practices, which suggests that some farmers do switch in and out of these practices and may likely explain the often-reported variability in maize yields. Also, we found that the farmers' decisions to adopt soil conservation practices and the intensity of adoption are influenced by several factors, including farmer-, household-, farm-, institutional-, and biophysical-level factors. Yet, the factors that significantly influence the likelihood of adoption differ slightly from those that influence the intensity of adoption. Policy interventions to enhance the adoption intensity of conservation practices should strongly leverage important factors, such as contract farming, crop-livestock integration, and off-farm income diversification. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2736 DI 10.3390/su12072736 UT WOS:000531558100161 ER PT J AU Pellegrini, G Annosi, MC Conto, F Fiore, M AF Pellegrini, Giustina Annosi, Maria Carmela Conto, Francesco Fiore, Mariantonietta TI What Are the Conflicting Tensions in an Italian Cooperative and How Do Members Manage Them? Business Goals', Integrated Management, and Reduction of Waste within a Fruit and Vegetables Supply Chain SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Social enterprise is a model of hybrid organization driven by the need to generate positive externalities by reinvesting their surplus for social and environmental objectives. One of the biggest problems arising from joining financial goals with social goals is the presence of increasing tensions between the members and stakeholders involved. Nevertheless, there has not been enough focus on how managers, employees, and stakeholders respond to the tensions caused by contradictions and how they try to reach a balance between financial, environmental, and social goals. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating how members of an agricultural cooperative in the Apulia region (Italy) try to join the organizational forms of business and social values, namely, the sustainable practices related to CO2 emission reduction, resource use efficiency, and food waste mitigation. Additionally, the study goes further and explores whether and how these contradictory pressures are solved. Starting from the sensemaking approach, the study carried out an inductive case study through the use of a multiple case study design and in-depth interviews. The findings highlight the following two novel aspects: (1) Managers prefer to adopt a cumulative mitigating hybridization approach and (2) a weak integration can be noticed between social and commercial dimensions, originating from a lack of holistic perspective and poor interorganizational communication. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 3050 DI 10.3390/su12073050 UT WOS:000531558100475 ER PT J AU Pena-Garcia, A Salata, F AF Pena-Garcia, Antonio Salata, Ferdinando TI The Perspective of Total Lighting as a Key Factor to Increase the Sustainability of Strategic Activities SO SUSTAINABILITY AB In the last decades, lighting has evolved from a branch of engineering ensuring safety and performance in indoor and outdoor installations, to a key discipline interacting with a wide spectrum of fields and having a deep impact on our daily lives. Although this evolution also applies to other areas of knowledge, the special features of lighting make its potential and also its limitations different. It is not the typical field where a well-established mathematical framework allows a departure from well-defined input and identifying clear effects and conclusions. The reason is that lighting is a field dealing with the interaction between a physical phenomenon and a physiological and psychological system, the human being. In addition to the complexity of its basis, the relationship between lighting and sustainability has become stronger in recent years. This relationship is bi-directional in some cases: on one hand, advanced societies require more and more complex lighting installations, which means high energy consumption, use of raw materials, financial costs, manufacturing and maintenance processes, waste and emissions to the atmosphere. On the other hand, good lighting has an impact on issues like productivity, well-being, happiness, disease avoidance, safety, and many other qualitative aspects whose direct or indirect impact on sustainability is remarkable. This work will analyze how lighting can give answers to questions related to sustainability, not only from the classic topics of energy consumption and waste management, but from a wider and global perspective. The results of these works are analyzed, and the basis of the new framework of total lighting, discussed. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2751 DI 10.3390/su12072751 UT WOS:000531558100176 ER PT J AU Peplinski, B AF Peplinski, Benedykt TI Location of Cows and Pigs in Suburban Areas of Polish Metropolitan Centers SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The main aim of this paper was to assess the impact of socioeconomic and agricultural factors on cow and pig density in suburban areas located up to 50 km from the 11 biggest cities in Poland. This study relied on data retrieved from all municipalities located within 50 km from central cities. The impact of the previously mentioned socioeconomic and agricultural factors was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analysis. This study shows that the lowest cow and pig density was recorded in the two inner rings. From 1996 to 2010, the gap between them and the levels recorded in other rings became much more pronounced. The analysis only corroborated the high correlation between livestock (cow and pig) density and the share of corresponding livestock farms in the total number of farms as well as the average herd size. Regarding other agricultural and socioeconomic factors, the correlation was weak or low except for a moderate correlation between the entrepreneurship indicator and pig density. The regression analysis demonstrated that the share of cow and pig farms in the total number of farms, average herd size, residential housing density, and unemployment rate had a significant impact on the density of animal groups considered. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2619 DI 10.3390/su12072619 UT WOS:000531558100044 ER PT J AU Szakos, D Ozsvari, L Kasza, G AF Szakos, David Ozsvari, Laszlo Kasza, Gyula TI Perception of Older Adults about Health-Related Functionality of Foods Compared with Other Age Groups SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The proportion of older adults in the population is significantly growing in the EU, therefore, wellbeing of the older population has become a social challenge. Functional foodstuffs are food products with nutritional composition that may reduce the risk of diet-related diseases or enhance physiological functions. Therefore, they could play an important role in prevention and mitigation of health-related problems, and in promotion of healthy ageing. The aim of this study is to present the impact of age on consumer preferences about functionality of foods, covering attitude aspects, nutrition claims, possible carriers, some particular health problems and expectations about sustainable production. The results are based on a representative quantitative survey. Findings highlight statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in preferences of older adults compared to other age segments. They generally accept functional foods, especially when functionality is attached to increased vitamin, protein, and fiber content. Older adults also prefer products with lower salt and sugar content, which were less relevant for other age groups. Products of fruit and vegetable origin are distinguished as carriers of functional traits. Compared to other segments, older adults accept products of animal origin (especially milk products) and even breakfast products on a higher level. The paper provides details about particular health issues that could be addressed by functional foods based on actual consumer concerns. OI Ozsvari, Laszlo/0000-0002-5568-7319 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2748 DI 10.3390/su12072748 UT WOS:000531558100173 ER PT J AU Tiwari, KR Sitaula, BK Bajracharya, RM Raut, N Bhusal, P Sengel, M AF Tiwari, Krishna Raj Sitaula, Bishal Kumar Bajracharya, Roshan Man Raut, Nani Bhusal, Prabin Sengel, Mukunda TI Vulnerability of Pastoralism: A Case Study from the High Mountainsof Nepal SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Pastoralism in the Himalayan region of Nepal has undergone significant socio-economic and ecological changes. While there are numerous contributing factors behind these changes, the effect of a changing climate has not been thoroughly studied. This paper adds a significant contribution to the knowledge base through analysis from a survey of 186 herder households, interviews with 38 key participants, and four focus group discussions with individuals from three National Parks and Conservation areas in the high-mountain region of Nepal. Additionally, a review of the existing policies and programs on pastoralism was carried out. Results demonstrate several reasons behind the decline of transhumance pastoralism: Policy focus on the establishment of conservation areas, increasing vulnerability to extreme events (avalanches, snowfall, storms, and disappearing water sources), and ineffective government policies and programs. Hardships involved in herding combined with changing social values and the degradation of pasture quality were identified as contributing factors to the growing challenges facing mountain pastoralism. Similarly, the declining interest among herders to continue their profession can be traced to vulnerability associated with escalating climate change impacts. Considerable knowledge gaps regarding threats to high-altitude pastoralism remain, and continued research on pastureland conservation, capacity development, facilitation for climate change adaptation, and coping strategies for herders in the high mountains is urgently needed. Our analysis suggests that non-climatic variables such as policy and globalization were more influential in eroding pastoralism as compared to climate change. OI Bhusal, Prabin/0000-0003-2328-239X EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2737 DI 10.3390/su12072737 UT WOS:000531558100162 ER PT J AU Tzouramani, I Mantziaris, S Karanikolas, P AF Tzouramani, Irene Mantziaris, Stamatis Karanikolas, Pavlos TI Assessing Sustainability Performance at the Farm Level: Examples from Greek Agricultural Systems SO SUSTAINABILITY AB In recent years, farmers and policymakers have faced ample challenges and have struggled to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Sustainable agriculture encompasses multiple concepts, and its performance produces extensive debate about data requirements, appropriate indicators, evaluation methods, and tools. Under the European Union (EU) financed project FLINT (Farm Level Indicators for New Topics in policy evaluation), detailed data have been collected at the farm level to provide broader coverage of sustainability indicators on a wide range of relevant topics to facilitate the assessment of sustainability performance. The approach has been applied in a pilot network of representative farms at the EU level, considering the heterogeneity of the EU farming sector to provide data infrastructure with up to date information for sustainability indicators. This study aims to assess sustainability performance at the farm level in Greece. Representative and dominant agricultural systems, such as permanent crops, olive trees, arable crops, and livestock (sheep) farms, comprise the Greek sample. It uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology and attempts to gain insights into the sustainability performance of agricultural systems. The outcome of the sustainability assessment reveals knowledge and develops support for strategic farm choices in order to support both farmers and policymakers towards more sustainable development plans. The results indicate that three typical Mediterranean farming systems, namely permanent crops, olive trees, and extensive livestock systems (sheep farms), are more sustainable in contrast to intensive and arable crop farms. OI Mantziaris, Stamatis/0000-0001-7047-1447 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 7 AR 2929 DI 10.3390/su12072929 UT WOS:000531558100354 ER PT J AU Liu, M Huang, JK Dries, L Heijman, W Zhu, XQ AF Liu, Min Huang, Jikun Dries, Liesbeth Heijman, Wim Zhu, Xueqin TI How does land tenure reform impact upon pastoral livestock production? An empirical study for Inner Mongolia, China SO CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW AB This paper investigates how land tenure reform has affected livestock production in the pastoral areas of China. County-level data for Inner Mongolia between 1985 and 2008 are used in a fixed effects model to disentangle the effects of land tenure reform on livestock production from factors related to market forces, grassland condition, technological development and environmental heterogeneity. The results show that the implementation of the land tenure reform slowed down the increase in livestock production, although it did not completely stop this increase. It therefore appears that land reform is in itself unable to offset the impact of other factors that accelerate the increase in livestock production. Moreover, the constraining effect of the land tenure reform on the increase in livestock production decreases over time, and ultimately disappears. Finally, the constraining effect of the land tenure reform was shown to be stronger on the increase of the livestock population than on that of meat output. This indicates that the land tenure reform has helped to improve livestock productivity. OI liu, min/0000-0001-6260-0480 SN 1043-951X EI 1873-7781 PD APR PY 2020 VL 60 AR 101110 DI 10.1016/j.chieco.2017.09.009 UT WOS:000536766700002 ER PT J AU Ahmad, MI Oxley, L Ma, HY AF Ahmad, Muhammad Irshad Oxley, Les Ma, Hengyun TI What Makes Farmers Exit Farming: A Case Study of Sindh Province, Pakistan SO SUSTAINABILITY AB In agriculture based economies like Pakistan, farmers often shift from farming to off-farm activities as part of an apparent livelihood transition strategy, despite the fact that most of the workforce depends upon farming. In this paper, we try to uncover insights into how livelihood assets, such as human capital, natural capital, economic capital, and locational characteristics, affect a household's exit decision from on-farm to off-farm activities as a livelihood transition strategy in rural Pakistan. We analyzed data from 335 farming households from the second largest agricultural producing province in the country, Sindh. Our findings show that more than 19% of households have completely shifted from farming to off-farm activities. Furthermore, we identified that the 'crop input credit' is one of the major constraints to farmers converting their previous input-driven small loans into larger loans, where large markups may be imposed if they fail to pay when the harvest is made. The empirical findings from Binary Logistic Regression provide strong evidence for family labor characteristics, particularly for working-age males, working-age females, and working-age children. Surprisingly, the cultivated land size significantly and positively influences farm exit rather than a continuation of farming. Off-farm employment, exogenous shocks, and urbanization also significantly and positively influenced the decision to transition into off-farm work. In contrast, the age of the household head, livestock ownership, and distance to a commercial zone significantly inhibited the decision to exit farming. However, government assistance, including subsidies, strongly encouraged farmers to continue farming. These findings provide new insights into the factors affecting the drivers of both exit and continuation in the farming sector as part of a long-term livelihood transition strategy. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3160 DI 10.3390/su12083160 UT WOS:000535598700093 ER PT J AU Donkor, EA Donkor, E Owusu-Sekyere, E Owusu, V AF Donkor, Eunice Adu Donkor, Emmanuel Owusu-Sekyere, Enoch Owusu, Victor TI The Development and Promotion of Sweet Potato Yoghurt in Ghana: Implications for Sustainable Production and Consumption Policies SO SUSTAINABILITY AB This paper analyzes how a newly developed food product (potagurt) with nutritional and health benefits can be promoted in Ghana. We employ the hedonic modeling and contingent valuation methods to estimate monetary values attached to the product's attributes using 400 consumers in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. The findings reveal that consumers have positive perceptions on the health and nutritional benefits of the product. Buyers place a higher value on potagurt relative to normal yogurt. The high value attached to potagurt is mainly linked to the health, nutritional, food safety, and quality attributes of the product, as well as perception. Consumers' socioeconomic factors such as income, educational, and awareness levels also play a significant role in explaining their choice of the product. The practical implication is that the development and promotion of potagurt could stimulate sustainable economic development through better consumer health and improvement in the livelihoods of many players in the sweet potato value chain, especially the producers of potagurt and sweet potato farmers. We conclude that the promotion of the innovative food product could contribute to sustainable production and consumption of sweet potatoes. OI Owusu-Sekyere, Enoch/0000-0002-4993-5064 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3336 DI 10.3390/su12083336 UT WOS:000535598700269 ER PT J AU Erdal, H Erdal, G AF Erdal, Hilmi Erdal, Gulistan TI Panel FMOLS Model Analysis of the Effects of Livestock Support Policies on Sustainable Animal Presence in Turkey SO SUSTAINABILITY AB This paper studied the effects of livestock support policies applied in Turkey. The effects of the support policies were built upon the change in the cattle presence data. Full Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) model was used in the analysis. In the panel dataset which was created for the study, the time period was taken as the years between 2004 and 2014 and the cross-section was 26 sub-regions. The results of panel FMOLS test for both the total livestock supports and each support component presents important details. According to the results of the analyses, a 1.0% increase in livestock supports leads to a 0.3% increase in animal presence in Turkey. On the other hand, it is stated that the utilization rate of the support payments is high in the western regions, whereas it is comparatively low in the eastern and interior regions in Turkey although the appliance of the policies is carried out in the same way, since animal presence in western regions in terms of fertile races is higher. This situation reveals the importance of breeders of high conscience, educational level, and agricultural income besides organized associations and provincial organizations. OI Erdal, Gulistan/0000-0003-0227-3013 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3444 DI 10.3390/su12083444 UT WOS:000535598700377 ER PT J AU Odoemena, KG Walters, JP Kleemann, HM AF Odoemena, Kelechukwu G. Walters, Jeffrey P. Kleemann, Holger Maximilian TI A System Dynamics Model of Supply-Side Issues Influencing Beef Consumption in Nigeria SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The per capita consumption of beef in Nigeria is reducing amidst a rising population that is dependent on beef as a major source of animal protein. In this paper, a system dynamics (SD) model was developed with the aim of testing exploratory policies aimed at reversing this trend. The simulations of various policy tests showed that, of all the policies tested, having a higher carcass yield seems to be the most efficient solution, but its feasibility faces some steep biological and ecological challenges. However, a combination of policies that cuts across the land-cattle-market nexus is necessary to obtain a consumption level that almost meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for recommended animal protein intake. Complex inter-linked systems, like beef production and consumption, require a systemic approach that considers dynamic feedback to avoid fixes that fail or shift the burden when making policy decisions. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3241 DI 10.3390/su12083241 UT WOS:000535598700174 ER PT J AU Olagunju, KO Patton, M Feng, S AF Olagunju, Kehinde Oluseyi Patton, Myles Feng, Siyi TI Estimating the Impact of Decoupled Payments on Farm Production in Northern Ireland: An Instrumental Variable Fixed Effect Approach SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The production stimulating impact of agricultural subsidies has been a well-debated topic in agricultural policy analysis for some decades. In light of the EU reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in year 2005 in which agricultural subsidies were decoupled from current production decisions and the modification to this payment in 2015, this study investigates the impact of decoupled payments under these two reforms on livestock production in Northern Ireland. The study uses a farm-level panel dataset covering 2008-2016 period and employs an instrumental variable fixed effect model to control for relevant sources of endogeneity bias. According to the empirical results, the production impacts of decoupled payments were positive and significant but with differential impacts across livestock production sectors, suggesting that decoupled payments still maintain a significant effect on agricultural production and provide an indication of the supply response to changes in decoupled payments. OI Olagunju, Kehinde Oluseyi/0000-0002-5619-054X EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3222 DI 10.3390/su12083222 UT WOS:000535598700155 ER PT J AU Palese, AM Persiani, A D'Adamo, C Pergola, M Pastore, V Sileo, R Ippolito, G Lombardi, MA Celano, G AF Palese, Assunta Maria Persiani, Alessandro D'Adamo, Carmine Pergola, Maria Pastore, Vittoria Sileo, Rocco Ippolito, Giuseppe Lombardi, Maria Assunta Celano, Giuseppe TI Composting as Manure Disposal Strategy in Small/Medium-Size Livestock Farms: Some Demonstrations with Operative Indications SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The livestock sector plays a fundamental role in human beings' livelihood all over the world. However, significant changes have occurred in the last decades, transforming the livestock sector into a highly intensive economic activity with negative impacts on human health and the environment. Such a reality requires the identification of easy methods to apply to sustainable manure management. Composting is a clever approach to transform manure into a resource. Very limited scientific literature is available on techniques for composting in small and medium livestock farms. This paper describes, in detail, some on-farm composting plants made in Southern Italy within different rural contexts. A depth analysis of farm starting situation and nearby territory (resources/services) was performed to identify the least expensive/impactful composting logistics (reduction of ex novo farm investments and transport costs, etc.), making the action economically sustainable for farmers. This approach appears to be successful in guiding farmers towards the best composting technological option, based on pre-existent on-farm resources. These small-scale composting plants, reproducible in other similar contexts, allow one to turn manure into a product with a profitable placement on the market. For this reason, these manure management options should be widespread, especially under organic farming systems. OI Persiani, Alessandro/0000-0002-8603-5591 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3315 DI 10.3390/su12083315 UT WOS:000535598700248 ER PT J AU Peri, PL Rosas, YM Ladd, B Diaz-Delgado, R Martinez Pastur, G AF Peri, Pablo L. Rosas, Yamina M. Ladd, Brenton Diaz-Delgado, Ricardo Martinez Pastur, Guillermo TI Carbon Footprint of Lamb and Wool Production at Farm Gate and the Regional Scale in Southern Patagonia SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Natural steppe grasslands are the principal food resource for sheep in the Patagonia region, reared for meat and wool. However, there is currently a concern about the relationship between ruminant livestock and climate change due to its contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of this study was to determine the carbon footprints (CF) of sheep meat (lamb) and wool on a range of farms using empirical data collected on farm and then upscaled to the regional scale using models that use topographic, climatic, and vegetation indices as independent variables. At the regional level, the total CF of lamb and wool (the combination of emissions produced on farm, via transport, and via industrial processing) varied from 10.64 to 41.32 kg CO2-eq/kg for lamb meat (carcass) and from 7.83 to 18.70 kg CO2-eq/kg for fine-grade wool. For both, the predominant contribution was from primary production on-farm (75-90%), followed by industrial processing (2-15%), and transportation. We used multiple regression models to produce maps of lamb and wool CF at farm gate across Santa Cruz province. The model for variation of lamb CF explained 95% of the variance on the data and the most significant predictor variables were temperature seasonality and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, dimensionless). The most important variables for the model of CF of greasy wool production at farm gate were isothermality, temperature seasonality, and NDVI explained 98%. The lowest CF values of both products (lamb and wool) were located in more productive grasslands. The successful management of livestock GHG emissions becomes an important challenge to the scientific, commercial, and policy communities. The results of CF for lamb and wool production found in the present work assist in characterizing the greenhouse gas emissions profile of livestock products in Southern Patagonia by providing a baseline against which mitigation actions can be planned and progress monitored. RI Diaz-Delgado, Ricardo/A-5757-2012 OI Diaz-Delgado, Ricardo/0000-0002-0460-4616; Martinez Pastur, Guillermo Jose/0000-0003-2614-5403; LADD, brenton/0000-0002-9388-6298 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3077 DI 10.3390/su12083077 UT WOS:000535598700010 ER PT J AU Qi, WH Huang, ZX Dincer, H Korsakiene, R Yuksel, S AF Qi, Wenhao Huang, Zhixiong Dincer, Hasan Korsakiene, Renata Yuksel, Serhat TI Corporate Governance-Based Strategic Approach to Sustainability in Energy Industry of Emerging Economies with a Novel Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Hybrid Decision Making Model SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The sustainability in energy industry is one of the most prominent issues in emerging economies because of needs for the long-term growth of production and managerial capacity. Accordingly, corporate governance could lead to develop the sustainable production of energy industry. The purpose of this study is to define a set of criteria and dimensions for analyzing the corporate governance-based strategic approach to sustainability in the energy industry of emerging economies. For this purpose, this study provides several novelties by extending a hybrid decision making model with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIF) and defining the related criteria and dimensions of corporate governance-based strategic approach with the supported literature. IVIF decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is constructed for measuring the relative importance of criteria and dimensions. IVIF VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) is applied for ranking the corporate governance-based performance of sustainable energy industries in emerging economies. Sensitivity analysis is also used for understanding the coherence of ranking results. Analysis results illustrate that the energy industry could provide more sustainable results than the conventional managerial policies by considering the social capital of board members. Additionally, mass-economies are closely related to the sustainable production capacities of energy industry and have the best performance results for the corporate governance-based sustainable energy production strategies. The results are discussed to provide the policy recommendations by comparing analysis results of emerging economies for further studies. RI Korsakiene, Renata/E-8598-2017; Yuksel, Serhat/W-1477-2017 OI Korsakiene, Renata/0000-0002-4119-4521; Dincer, Hasan/0000-0002-8072-031X; Yuksel, Serhat/0000-0002-9858-1266 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3307 DI 10.3390/su12083307 UT WOS:000535598700240 ER PT J AU Schmitz, A Isselstein, J AF Schmitz, Anja Isselstein, Johannes TI Effect of Grazing System on Grassland Plant Species Richness and Vegetation Characteristics: Comparing Horse and Cattle Grazing SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Horses are of increasing relevance in agriculturally managed grasslands across Europe. There is concern to what extent grazing with horses is a sustainable grassland management practice. The effect of longer-term horse grazing on the vegetation characteristics of grasslands has received little attention, especially in comparison to grazing cattle. Our study analyses the relative importance of grazing system (grazer species and regime) and grassland management for vegetation characteristics in grasslands as indicator for sustainable management. We monitored grassland vegetation in western central Germany and compared paddocks grazed by horses under two different regimes, continuous (HC) vs. rotational (HR), to paddocks grazed by cattle (C) under similar trophic site conditions. We observed more plant species and more High Nature Value indicator species on HC compared to C. The vegetation of C was more grazing tolerant and had higher forage value than HC. Regardless of the grazing regime, the competitive component was lower, the stress-tolerant component higher and the floristic contrast between patch-types stronger on HC and HR paddocks compared to C. Species richness was strongly influenced by the extent of the floristic contrast. Our results emphasize the potential of horse grazing for biodiversity in agriculturally managed grasslands. EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3300 DI 10.3390/su12083300 UT WOS:000535598700233 ER PT J AU Siddig, O Al-Afnan, S Elkatatny, S Bahgat, M AF Siddig, Osama Al-Afnan, Saad Elkatatny, Salaheldin Bahgat, Mohamed TI Novel Cake Washer for Removing Oil-Based Calcium Carbonate Filter Cake in Horizontal Wells SO SUSTAINABILITY AB An impermeable layer "filter cake" usually forms during the overbalanced drilling technique. Even though it helps in protecting the formation from a further invasion of drilling fluids, the removal of this layer is essential for a proper cement job and to avoid any reduction in wellbore deliverability. The design of the removal process is complicated and depends on the filter cake composition and homogeneity. This paper presents an experimental evaluation on the usage of a novel cake washer (NCW) in the removal of a filter cake formed by an invert emulsion oil-based drilling fluid that contains calcium carbonate as a weighting material while drilling a horizontal reservoir. The proposed NCW is a mixture of organic acid, mutual solvent and nonionic surfactant. It is designed to enable restored wellbore permeability for a sustainable production. Since the filter cake mainly consists of the weighting material, the solubility of calcium carbonate in NCW at different ranges of temperature, duration and concentration was investigated. An actual casing joint was used to test the corrosion possibility of the treating solution. High-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) filtration tests on ceramic discs and Berea sandstone core samples were conducted to measure the efficiency of the filter cake removal and the retained permeability. Ethylene glycol mono butyl ether (EGMBE) was used as a mutual solvent and the solubility was higher compared to when the mutual solvent was not used in the washer formulation. A significant increase in calcium carbonate dissolution with time was observed for a duration of 24 h. The solubility was found to be proportional to the concentration of NCW with optimum results of 99% removal at a temperature of around 212 degrees F. At those conditions, no major corrosion problems were detected. Permeability of the core retained its pristine value after the treatment. OI Elkatatny, Salaheldin/0000-0002-7209-3715 EI 2071-1050 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 8 AR 3427 DI 10.3390/su12083427 UT WOS:000535598700360 ER PT J AU Mangtani, P Berry, I Beauvais, W Holt, HR Kulashri, A Bharti, S Sagar, V Nguipdop-Djomo, P Bedi, J Kaur, M Guitian, J McGiven, J Kaur, P Singh Gill, JP Grover, GS Kumar, R AF Mangtani, Punam Berry, Isha Beauvais, Wendy Holt, Hannah R. Kulashri, Amit Bharti, Satinder Sagar, Vivek Nguipdop-Djomo, Patrick Bedi, Jasbir Kaur, Manmeet Guitian, Javier McGiven, John Kaur, Paviter Singh Gill, Jatinder P. Grover, Gagandeep Singh Kumar, Rajesh TI The prevalence and risk factors for human Brucella species infection in a cross-sectional survey of a rural population in Punjab, India SO TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE AB Background: Brucellosis is an important neglected zoonosis. Effective cattle vaccines are available but are infrequently used in India, where rural households commonly own one or two cattle as sources of protein and income. We assessed the prevalence of infection and risk factors in humans. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional sero-survey in randomly selected individuals in 60 villages in Punjab. Infection prevalence was assessed by positive Rose Bengal testing or immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Risk factors were adjusted for potential confounding using multivariable analyses. Results: Of the 1927 subjects who were approached, 93% agreed to participate. Age-standardised prevalence for Brucella infection was 2.24% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61 to 3.11). More than 60% of households kept cattle and 10% assisted with calving or abortions. Nearly all individuals consumed boiled cow/buffalo milk from their own or neighbours' cattle and 3.3% consumed goat's milk. There was a 2.18 times increased odds (95% CI 0.96 to 4.95) of infection with calving/abortions and a 4.26 times increased odds (95% CI 1.33 to 13.6) with goat's milk but not bovine milk consumption. Conclusions: An association with calving/abortions and goat's milk consumption was seen. Brucella vaccination of household livestock would reduce the risk to humans in such settings. Additional measures include biosecurity training around calving/abortions, education to boil all milk and for healthcare workers to test for brucellosis. RI ; Guitian, Javier/C-3022-2009 OI , Jasbir/0000-0003-3132-7471; Guitian, Javier/0000-0003-0799-0476 SN 0035-9203 EI 1878-3503 PD APR PY 2020 VL 114 IS 4 BP 255 EP 263 DI 10.1093/trstmh/trz133 UT WOS:000536513400006 PM 32086527 ER PT J AU Taghiyari, HR Majidi, R Esmailpour, A Samadi, YS Jahangiri, A Papadopoulos, AN AF Taghiyari, Hamid R. Majidi, Roya Esmailpour, Ayoub Samadi, Younes Sarvari Jahangiri, Asghar Papadopoulos, Antonios N. TI Engineering Composites Made from Wood and Chicken Feather Bonded with UF Resin Fortified with Wollastonite: A Novel Approach SO POLYMERS AB Wood-composite panel factories are in shortage of raw materials; therefore, finding new sources of fibers is vital for sustainable production. The effects of chicken feathers, as a renewable source of natural fibers, on the physicomechanical properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard panels were investigated here. Wollastonite was added to resin to compensate possible negative effects of chicken feathers. Only feathers of the bodies of chickens were added to composite matrix at 5% and 10% content, based on the dry weight of the raw material, particles or fibers. Results showed significant negative effects of 10%-feather content on physical and mechanical properties. However, feather content of 5% showed some promising results. Addition of wollastonite to resin resulted in the improvement of some physical and mechanical properties. Wollastonite acted as reinforcing filler in resin and improved some of the properties; therefore, future studies should be carried out on the reduction of resin content. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) demonstrated the formation of new bonds between wollastonite and carbohydrate polymers in the wood cell wall. It was concluded that chicken feathers have potential in wood-composite panel production. OI Papadopoulos, Antonios/0000-0002-6226-5309 EI 2073-4360 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 857 DI 10.3390/polym12040857 UT WOS:000535587700127 PM 32272812 ER PT J AU Vakanjac, B Rutherford, N Vakanjac, VR Dumic, T Dordevic Milosevic, S AF Vakanjac, Boris Rutherford, Neil Vakanjac, Vesna Ristic Dumic, Tanita Dordevic Milosevic, Suzana TI Distribution of Uranium and Rare Elements in Radioactive Phosphate-Bearing Anomalies in Southeast Mongolia SO MINERALS CT 7th International Symposium on Mining and Environmental Protection (MEP) CY SEP 25-28, 2019 CL Vrdnik, SERBIA AB Soviet and Mongolian geologists initiated geological exploration of Mongolia for minerals after World War II (1945). These activities lasted until the breakup of the USSR in 1991. As part of this exploration systematic uranium and rare element exploration was undertaken across Mongolia. New exploration resumed in Mongolia at the beginning of the 21st century for a range of ore and mineral deposit styles including uranium, coal, base and precious metals and Fe-ore. This was generally undertaken by Western-based companies. This paper presents the results from regional reassessment by company exploration in 2011 for uranium radiometric anomalism found during the early Soviet investigations located north of Sainshand Provincial City and the results of preliminary prospecting studies near the town of Mandakh, both in southeastern Mongolia. These radioactive sites are characterized by elevated phosphate-uranium-rare element abundance. The primary company exploration objective of the new study was to confirm and characterize the anomalies and investigate in more detail the concentration of uranium and rare elements at these sites and assess the economic potential for their exploitation. A secondary objective based on the results from radiochemistry and rare element content was to highlight the potential environmental impact on livestock pastoral activities and wellbeing of nomadic families who graze their stock over the anomalous zones in the region. The source of most of the anomalism is considered derived from erosion and subsequent transport in solution or in heavy minerals from extensively eroded granites and mafic magmas of various ages into graben basins and drainage depressions in the windswept arid terrain. The economic potential of the sites explored was considered too low to be of exploration interest. The anomalism does require characterization for environmental health and safety purposes, given sheep, goats, camels and other livestock traditionally bred in Mongolia are grazing on the enriched pasture and nomadic people reside on, or in their vicinity of elevated zones of radiometric anomalism from anomalous uranium, radon and radium held in phosphorus enriched soils. EI 2075-163X PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 307 DI 10.3390/min10040307 UT WOS:000535581500015 ER PT J AU Pagiola, S Honey-Roses, J Freire-Gonzalez, J AF Pagiola, Stefano Honey-Roses, Jordi Freire-Gonzalez, Jaume TI Assessing the Permanence of Land-Use Change Induced by Payments for Environmental Services: Evidence From Nicaragua SO TROPICAL CONSERVATION SCIENCE AB Gains achieved by conservation interventions such as payments for environmental services (PES) may be lost upon termination of the program, a problem known as permanence. However, there have been few efforts to evaluate the permanence of conservation results. This article examines the permanence of land-use changes induced by a short-term PES program implemented between 2003 and 2008 in Matiguas-Rio Blanco, Nicaragua. Under this program, PES had induced substantial adoption of silvopastoral practices. To assess the long-term permanence of these changes, participants were resurveyed in 2012, 4 years after the last payment was made. We find that the land-use changes that had been induced by PES were broadly sustained in intervening years, with minor differences across specific practices and subgroups of participants. The patterns of change in the period after the PES program were completed to help us understand the reasons for the program's success and rule out alternative explanations for the program's success. Our results suggest that, at least in the case of productive land uses such as silvopastoral practices, PES programs can be effective at encouraging land owners to adopt environmentally beneficial practices and that the benefits will persist after payments cease. OI Honey-Roses, Jordi/0000-0003-0097-1811 SN 1940-0829 PD APR PY 2020 VL 13 AR 1940082920922676 DI 10.1177/1940082920922676 UT WOS:000535764400001 ER PT J AU Becker, T Isselstein, J Jurschik, R Benke, M Kayser, M AF Becker, Talea Isselstein, Johannes Juerschik, Rena Benke, Matthias Kayser, Manfred TI Performance of Modern Varieties of Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense as an Alternative to Lolium perenne in Intensively Managed Sown Grasslands SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB In future, grass swards need to be adapted to climate change and interactions of management and site are becoming more important. The persistence of Lolium perenne on peatland or during dry periods is limited and alternative forage species are required. We tested the performance of a modern variety of Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense as an alternative to Lolium perenne on clay, peat, and sandy soils. Each of these grasses was sown as main species in mixture with Poa pratensis and Trifolium repens and the mixtures were subjected to different frequencies of defoliation. Differences in yield proportions in the third year were significantly influenced by main species, site and their interaction. Remaining mass proportions of main species after three years were smallest on peat; on all sites Festuca arundinacea showed the highest persistence and largest yield, followed by Lolium perenne. Mass proportions of Phleum pratense were small on peat soils and Phleum had been replaced there by Holcus lanatus, and by Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis on the clay and sandy soils. We conclude that the choice of grass species in mixtures is a management tool to control stability and productivity of grass swards under specific site conditions. EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 540 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040540 UT WOS:000534620300054 ER PT J AU Razola-Diaz, MD Verardo, V Martin-Garcia, B Diaz-de-Cerio, E Garcia-Villanova, B Guerra-Hernandez, EJ AF del Carmen Razola-Diaz, Maria Verardo, Vito Martin-Garcia, Beatriz Diaz-de-Cerio, Elixabet Garcia-Villanova, Belen Jesus Guerra-Hernandez, Eduardo TI Establishment of Acid Hydrolysis by Box-Behnken Methodology as Pretreatment to Obtain Reducing Sugars from Tiger Nut Byproducts SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB Carbohydrate-rich byproducts may be used as a growth substrate for microalgae. The tiger nut, compared to other tubers, has higher carbohydrate content, which mostly remain in the byproduct after the production of tiger nut milk ("Horchata"). The aim of this study is the optimization of a hydrolysis pre-treatment in tiger nut byproduct to obtain reducing sugars, objective framed in the European SUSPUFA (Sustainable production of health-promoting n-3 LC-PUFA using agro-food industry by-products through microalgae) Project. Two experimental 4-factor Box-Behnken designs (acid concentration (N), temperature (degrees C), time (min) and ratio acid/sample) were carried out with 27 experiments to optimize chemical hydrolysis conditions with H2SO4 and H3PO4 in duplicate. The sugars were determined by the Schoorl method and the extracts obtained by the optimal conditions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Protected designation of origin (PDO) and non-protected designation of origin (n-PDO) tiger nut byproducts were characterized by physicochemical methods. The validity of the experimental designs was confirmed by ANOVA. The optimum sugar values were obtained with H2SO4 2 N at 85 degrees C, 60 min and ratio 60 and H3PO4 21 N at 90 degrees C, 60 min and ratio 60. Glucose and xylose were the sugars detected in the hydrolyzed samples. In conclusion, almost 50% of the total carbohydrates present in the tiger nut byproduct were hydrolyzed to reducing sugars. RI del Carmen Razola-Diaz, Maria/AAQ-5176-2020; verardo, vito/W-2878-2017 OI del Carmen Razola-Diaz, Maria/0000-0002-0611-9139; verardo, vito/0000-0003-0723-5163 EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 477 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040477 UT WOS:000534619900009 ER PT J AU Duque-Acevedo, M Belmonte-Urena, LJ Plaza-Ubeda, JA Camacho-Ferre, F AF Duque-Acevedo, Monica Belmonte-Urena, Luis J. Plaza-Ubeda, Jose A. Camacho-Ferre, Francisco TI The Management of Agricultural Waste Biomass in the Framework of Circular Economy and Bioeconomy: An Opportunity for Greenhouse Agriculture in Southeast Spain SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB For decades, non-renewable resources have been the basis of worldwide economic development. The extraction rate of natural resources has increased by 113% since 1990, which has led to overexploitation and generation of vast amounts of waste. For this reason, it is essential that a sustainable development model is adopted-one which makes it possible to produce more food and energy with fewer fossil fuels, low pollutant gas emissions and minimal solid waste. Certain management policies and approaches, such as the strategy of a circular ecocomy or bioeconomy, are oriented towards sustainable production and consumption. The present study focuses on the importance of intensive horticulture in the Mediterranean region, specifically in the province of Almeria (Spain). After having conducted a study of the main crops in this area, it was determined that the waste biomass generated presented strong potential for exploitation. With the proper regulatory framework, which promotes and prioritises the circularity of agricultural waste, there are several opportunities for improving the current waste management model. In the same way, the results of the economic evaluation demonstrate that the alternative of self-management of waste biomass is profitable, specifically from tomato crops. Compost and green fertilizer production also prove to be a key strategy in the transition towards a more circular and sustainable agricultural production model. As for the said transition, government support is vital in terms of carrying out awareness campaigns and training activities and providing financing for Research and Development (R&D). EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 489 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040489 UT WOS:000534619900013 ER PT J AU Hilaire, SS Bellows, B Brady, JA Muir, JP AF Hilaire, Sheldon S. Bellows, Barbara Brady, Jeff A. Muir, James P. TI Oxytetracycline and Monensin Uptake by Tifton 85 Bermudagrass from Dairy Manure-Applied Soil SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB To address concerns regarding the potential impact of antibiotic use in animal husbandry on antibiotic resistance in humans, we conducted a greenhouse-based study examining uptake of the veterinary antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC) and monensin (MON) by Tifton 85 Bermudagrass (T85), the most commonly grown forage grass in the southeastern U.S.A. Since oxytetracycline is used in both veterinary and human medicine, its accumulation in animal products could impact human resistance to this antibiotic. Monensin is not used in human medicine but has a high potential for accumulating in the environment. Our research examined antibiotic uptake by forage grass T85, the effect of dairy manure application on its uptake, and antibiotic retention in soil. We compared unspiked, wet dairy manure to wet dairy manure spiked with MON or OTC that was soil surface applied to pots or incorporated into soil. After 6 wk, plant stem/leaf and root tissue, as well as soil samples, were assessed for antibiotic residues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results confirmed Tifton 85 MON and OTC uptake. Six weeks after adding the antibiotics, the greatest plant matter OTC and MON contents were 157.9 +/- 70.6 and 234.4 +/- 19.6 mu g kg(-1), respectively, and 17.6 and 369.5 mu g kg(-1), respectively, for soil. When spiked with OTC, manure incorporation led to decreased OTC uptake by T85 tissue. Bioaccumulation of these antimicrobials in livestock and in the environment is a potential concern for animal, environmental, and human health. OI hilaire, sheldon/0000-0003-0890-0575 EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 468 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040468 UT WOS:000534619900008 ER PT J AU Kankarla, V Shukla, MK Picchioni, GA VanLeeuwen, D Schutte, BJ AF Kankarla, Vanaja Shukla, Manoj K. Picchioni, Geno A. VanLeeuwen, Dawn Schutte, Brian J. TI Germination and Emergence Responses of Alfalfa, Triticale and Quinoa Irrigated with Brackish Groundwater and Desalination Concentrate SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB Increasing human population has raised the demand for food and forage production for a secure future. Current agriculture is challenged by increasing salinity and decreasing vegetation, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Western United States, especially, New Mexico is confronting continued drought, sodic soils, and degrading rangelands. Groundwater is increasingly used to supplement surface water for irrigation, despite being brackish, with an EC greater than 3 dSm(-1). One way to supplement irrigation water supply is to desalinize brackish groundwater using a reverse osmosis (RO) process and utilize the RO concentrate to irrigate food and forage crops. The objective of this study were to determine the germination and emergence of three species, alfalfa (Medicago sativa-VNS (variety not stated)), triticale (xTriticosecale (VNS)), and quinoa (Chenopodium californicum-hand selected from native stand in S. California), when irrigated with brackish and RO concentrate waters. A germination experiment was conducted with alfalfa, triticale, and quinoa for 20 days in growth chambers set at their optimum germination temperatures of 29/18 degrees C, 17/7 degrees C, and 17/7.2 degrees C day/night, respectively, with a 12-hour photoperiod. An emergence experiment was conducted with the same species under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. In both the experiments, seeds were irrigated with four irrigation water salinity treatments (EC 0.7 dSm(-1) (tap water as control)), 4.0 dSm 1 brackish groundwater (BGW), 8.0 dSm(-1) reverse osmosis concentrate (RO), and 10.0 dSm 1 (BGW + NaCl) irrigation. Germination %, and emergence %, mean germination and emergence time, germination and emergence index, Timson's index and Timson's modified index were calculated. Results showed triticale had the highest germination % (80.5% as soils main e ffect and 87.84 % as species main e ffect irrespective of salinity) and emergence % (91.25% with control and BGW, 87.19% with RO) while quinoa was the most sensitive to salinity. Sand soil was favorable promoting higher germination up to 8 dSm 1 and clay soil promoted good emergence in alfalfa and triticale. The mean germination and emergence time was the shortest for triticale followed by alfalfa and longest for quinoa. This clearly demonstrates triticale as a promising salt tolerant forage species that can be cultivated in dry and degraded rangelands. EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 549 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040549 UT WOS:000534620300058 ER PT J AU Mgolozeli, S Nciizah, AD Wakindiki, IIC Mudau, FN AF Mgolozeli, Sibongiseni Nciizah, Adornis D. Wakindiki, Isaiah I. C. Mudau, Fhatuwani N. TI Innovative Pro-Smallholder Farmers' Permanent Mulch for Better Soil Quality and Food Security Under Conservation Agriculture SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB Soil degradation is the greatest threat to agricultural production globally. The practice of applying or retaining crop residues in the field as mulch is imperative to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil quality and improve crop productivity. However, smallholder farmers resort to maximizing profit by removing crop residues after harvest to sell or use them as feed for livestock. Agrimats are innovative pro-smallholder farming mulching materials that are manufactured using cheap or freely available organic waste materials. These materials include forestry waste, grasses, etc., therefore allowing smallholder farmers to make more profit through improved crop productivity for better food security. The most notable attributes of agrimats include their ability to prevent soil erosion, increase and sustain soil organic matter, suppress weeds, and conserve soil moisture. Food security challenge can be addressed by adopting agrimat technology as a sustainable permanent soil cover to improve soil quality and crop productivity. Agrimat incorporation in conservation agriculture practice could produce more food from less input resources (chemical fertilizers, water, etc.) with minimal or no adverse effect on the environment. This study aims to advocate permanent soil cover using agrimat as an innovative pro-smallholder farmer technology to improve soil quality for better food security. RI Nciizah, Adornis/Q-4468-2018; Mudau, Fhatuwani Nixwell/M-7788-2014 OI Nciizah, Adornis/0000-0002-2481-5218; Mgolozeli, Sibongiseni/0000-0001-9110-0848; Wakindiki, Isaiah/0000-0003-0306-1071; Mudau, Fhatuwani Nixwell/0000-0003-3623-6421 EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 605 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040605 UT WOS:000534620300091 ER PT J AU Moreno-Garcia, B Guillen, M Quilez, D AF Moreno-Garcia, Beatriz Guillen, Monica Quilez, Dolores TI Greenhouse Gas Emissions as Affected by Fertilization Type (Pig Slurry vs. Mineral) and Soil Management in Mediterranean Rice Systems SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB The great increase in livestock production in some European areas makes it necessary to recycle organic slurries and manures and to integrate them in crop production. In Northeast Spain, the application of pig slurry (PS) is being extended to alternative crops such as rice due to the great increase in pig production. However, there is a lack of information of the effect of substitution of synthetic fertilizers with pig slurry on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice crop, and this information is key for the sustainability of these agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the substitution of mineral fertilizers by PS on GHG emissions in Mediterranean flooded rice cultivation conditions under optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization. Two field experiments were carried out in two different (contrasting) soil types with different land management. Site 1 had been cultivated for rice in the previous three years with no puddling practices. Site 2 had been cultivated for rice for more than 15 years with puddling tillage practices and had higher organic matter content than site 1. The cumulative nitrous oxide emissions during the crop season were negative at both sites, corroborating that under flooded conditions, methane is the main contributor to global warming potential rather than nitrous oxide. The substitution of mineral fertilizer with PS before seeding at the same N rate did not increase emissions in both sites. However, at site 1 (soil with lower organic matter content), the higher PS rate applied before seeding (170 kg N ha(-1)) increased methane emissions compared to the treatments with lower PS rate and mineral fertilizer before seeding (120 kg N ha(-1)) and complemented with topdressing mineral N. Thus, a sustainable strategy for inclusion of PS in rice fertilization is the application of moderate PS rates before seeding (approximate to 120 kg N ha(-1)) complemented with mineral N topdressing. OI Quilez, Dolores/0000-0002-2638-9443; Moreno-Garcia, Beatriz/0000-0003-3918-8103 EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 493 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040493 UT WOS:000534620300028 ER PT J AU Porter, SA James, DE AF Porter, Sarah A. James, David E. TI Using a Spatially Explicit Approach to Assess the Contribution of Livestock Manure to Minnesota's Agricultural Nitrogen Budget SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB The size and density of concentrated animal feeding operations have grown significantly over the past twenty-five years, raising concern over the ability of the surrounding landscape to sustainably handle the byproducts of animal agriculture. A novel geographic information system program was developed to spatially model the application of manure nutrients to proximal agricultural fields. Nutrient losses during storage and field application were accounted for to determine the amount of manure sourced nitrogen available annually for land application. By-field nitrogen requirements were estimated using six-year crop rotations and commonly used guidelines on fertilizer recommendations for agronomic crops. Three different nitrogen fertilizer recommendation approaches, ranging from economically optimized rates on the low end to yield goal-driven rates on the high end, were modeled to gauge the sensitivity of the analysis approach to varying nitrogen application rates. For each fertilizer N rate, three manure haul distance scenarios were modeled, allowing for manure travel distance to be capped at distances unique to each livestock type. Lastly, commercial nitrogen fertilizer sales data were combined with manure sourced nitrogen estimates to assess statewide agricultural nitrogen application. Results indicated minimal (<5%) over-application from manure alone when applied at recommended rates and using the haul distances specified. However, regardless of which application rate guidelines were used, combined manure and commercial fertilizer nitrogen exceeded statewide crop requirements (110%-155%). This suggests that significant application of nitrogen above recommended rates is likely occurring. Information on commercial fertilizer application at the field level is sparse, precluding greater understanding of the relative contribution of manure and commercial sources. Despite this knowledge gap, additional focus should be placed on cumulative nitrogen application in areas with dense animal concentrations. Adequate crediting of all nitrogen sources, including the recognition of manure as a valuable fertilizer resource, presents the opportunity for substantial producer cost savings and potential widespread reduction in the contamination of water resources. EI 2073-4395 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 450 DI 10.3390/agronomy10040480 UT WOS:000534620300021 ER PT J AU Kowler, LF Pratihast, AK del Arco, APO Larson, AM Braun, C Herold, M AF Kowler, Laura F. Pratihast, Arun Kumar Ojeda del Arco, Alonso Perez Larson, Anne M. Braun, Christelle Herold, Martin TI Aiming for Sustainability and Scalability: Community Engagement in Forest Payment Schemes SO FORESTS AB Community-based forest monitoring is seen as a way both to improve community engagement and participation in national environmental payment schemes and climate mitigation priorities and to implement reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+). There is a strong assumption among community-based monitoring advocates that community monitoring is a desirable approach. However, it is unclear why community members would want to participate in their own surveillance or be involved in a program likely to limit livelihood uses of forest areas and possibly even sanction them based on the data provided. This paper explores these issues by examining three communities involved in Peru's Conditional Direct Transfer Program, in which indigenous communities are compensated for protecting communal forests through various mechanisms, including forest monitoring. The case studies focus specifically on communities that received smartphones and were trained in their use for monitoring. The results affirm the importance that benefits outweigh the costs of local participation to sustain motivation. They also point to key factors supporting the legitimacy of the program, specifically to overcome historical tensions between the state and indigenous communities. These include the nature of engagement by program implementers and the importance of building trust over time. RI Herold, Martin/F-8553-2012 OI Herold, Martin/0000-0003-0246-6886; Pratihast, Arun/0000-0003-3131-8399 EI 1999-4907 PD APR PY 2020 VL 11 IS 4 DI 10.3390/f11040444 UT WOS:000534632500082 ER PT J AU Pecenka, R Lenz, H Hering, T AF Pecenka, Ralf Lenz, Hannes Hering, Thomas TI Options for Optimizing the Drying Process and Reducing Dry Matter Losses in Whole-Tree Storage of Poplar from Short-Rotation Coppices in Germany SO FORESTS AB For sustainable production of wood in short-rotation coppices and agroforestry systems, it is necessary to optimize the storage processes to achieve low dry matter losses together with low-cost drying. The harvesting of the trees can be carried out very efficiently with modified forage harvesters or tractor-powered mower-chippers. The wood chips produced can be dried naturally at low cost in open-air piles. However, this type of storage is connected with high dry matter losses of up to about one fourth in the course of seven-month storage. Although harvesting whole trees is connected with significantly higher costs, lower dry matter losses are to be expected from storing the trees in piles. Consequently, in this study, the storage and drying behavior of poplar under different German weather conditions and depending on the structure of the storage piles has been examined in detail. After a seven-months storage period, the trees still displayed moisture contents of 41-44% following an initial moisture content of 56% but achieved very low dry matter losses of only 4-7%. Moisture contents of 35-39% could only be achieved in October after a further two-months drying period under favorable weather conditions. All storage piles were built up on approximately 30 cm high support timbers for better ventilation. Additionally, covering the ground with a fleece did not have any influence on the drying behavior, nor did different pile heights. Smaller tree trunk diameters are not only connected with a higher share of bark or ash, but also thinner trunks tend to become damp again more quickly after rainfall. That is why whole-tree storage is suitable above all for medium or longer rotation periods with which, under favorable conditions, the higher harvesting costs can be compensated by a higher wood chip quality and lower storage losses. OI Pecenka, Ralf/0000-0003-1660-7256 EI 1999-4907 PD APR PY 2020 VL 11 IS 4 DI 10.3390/f11040374 UT WOS:000534632500012 ER PT J AU Li, QB He, LQ Cui, HX Hao, LT Sun, DS AF Li Qing-bo He Lin-qian Cui Hou-xin Hao Long-teng Sun Dong-sheng TI Determination of Nitrite Nitrogen Concentration in Surface Water Based on UV-Vis Spectral Analysis Method SO SPECTROSCOPY AND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS AB With the rapid development of China's economy, surface water pollution has become increasingly serious. Therefore, it is of vital importance to realize the continuous monitoring of surface water quality to ensure human health and protect the environment. Nitrite nitrogen concentration is an important index in water quality assessment. Polluted water poses a great threat to human, livestock and aquatic products. The detection of organic pollutants by UV-Visible absorption spectrum has become an important method for water quality detection. A few papers about the detection of nitrite nitrogen concentration in water by UV-Vis spectroscopy in China can be found. Most methods require chemical pretreatment of water samples and then use UV spectrophotometer to predict the nitrite nitrogen concentration. These methods are tedious, time-consuming and labor-consuming so thatthey can't realize real-time continuous detection. Besides, they will cause further environmentpollution. The detection of nitrite nitrogen concentration without chemical pretreatment based on UV-Vis absorption spectrometry is rarely mentioned in the literature. Therefore, UV-Vis spectroscopy was adopted in this paper to carry out basic research on unattended automatic continuous monitoring of surface water quality. Nitrite nitrogen solution samples were preparedand a three-day experiment was designed to measure the ultraviolet and visible spectra of all samples (group D1, group D2, and group D3) respectively every day. Firstly, samples from group Dl and group D2 were modeled respectively by partial least squares regression method (PLSR). The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) obtained by full cross validation was 1. 19% and 1. 85% respectively. The result shows that the PLSR model has good prediction accuracy. Secondly, in order to verify the adaptability of PLSR model under different measurement conditions, the experimental data of groupD1 and group D2 were used for mutual prediction analysis. The MAPE was respectively 3. 36% and 4. 51% , less than 5% , indicating that PLSR model has good robustness. Finally, all samples from groupD1 and group D2 were used for PLSR modeling, and samples from group D3 were used as the test set. The MAPE of the test set was 2. 19%. The results show that the MAPE of the PLSR algorithm based on UV-Vis spectral analysis technique for detecting the nitrite nitrogen concentration in solution is controlled under 5% , better than similar reports. In addition, the modeling process of PLSR model is simple and the operation time is short. The model is simple in structure and easier to be transplanted and solidified into embedded systems, bringing convenience to the later development and design of portable devices. As the basic research of the detection of nitrite nitrogencon centration in surface water, this paper can provide guidance for the accurate and rapid detection of surface water quality in the future. SN 1000-0593 PD APR PY 2020 VL 40 IS 4 BP 1127 EP 1131 DI 10.3964/j.issn.1000-0593(2020)04-1127-05 UT WOS:000534352300023 ER PT J AU Campbell, T Dixon, KW Dods, K Fearns, P Handcock, R AF Campbell, Tristan Dixon, Kingsley W. Dods, Kenneth Fearns, Peter Handcock, Rebecca TI Machine Learning Regression Model for Predicting Honey Harvests SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB Honey yield from apiary sites varies significantly between years. This affects the beekeeper's ability to manage hive health, as well as honey production. This also has implications for ecosystem services, such as forage availability for nectarivores or seed sets. This study investigates whether machine learning methods can develop predictive harvest models of a key nectar source for honeybees, Corymbia calophylla (marri) trees from South West Australia, using data from weather stations and remotely sensed datasets. Honey harvest data, weather and vegetation-related datasets from satellite sensors were input features for machine learning algorithms. Regression trees were able to predict the marri honey harvested per hive to a Mean Average Error (MAE) of 10.3 kg. Reducing input features based on their relative model importance achieved a MAE of 11.7 kg using the November temperature as the sole input feature, two months before marri trees typically start to produce nectar. Combining weather and satellite data and machine learning has delivered a model that quantitatively predicts harvest potential per hive. This can be used by beekeepers to adaptively manage their apiary. This approach may be readily applied to other regions or forage species, or used for the assessment of some ecosystem services. RI Dixon, Kingsley/A-8133-2016 OI Dixon, Kingsley/0000-0001-5989-2929 EI 2077-0472 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 118 DI 10.3390/agriculture10040118 UT WOS:000533904400017 ER PT J AU Dlamini, SI Huang, WC AF Dlamini, Sicelo Ignatius Huang, Wen-Chi TI Towards Intensive Co-operated Agribusiness: A Gender-Based Comparative Borich Needs Assessment Model Analysis of Beef Cattle Farmers in Eswatini SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB Beef cattle farming assumes a pivotal role in economic growth, household food security, and poverty alleviation in Eswatini. However, paucity of information dissemination, and competence are drawbacks that accord a steady annual increase in beef imports and a decline in exports. Therefore, the study conducted a gender-based comparative assessment of training needs for beef cattle farmers. Primary data were collected through personal interviews, guided by a reliability-tested questionnaire, from a sample of 397 farmers. The Borich Needs Assessment Model was adopted for data analysis and inferential statistics were employed to evaluate statistically significant differences between the gender groups. On a scale of 5, farmers were found to be less proficient (M = 1.891, SD = 0.529) in cattle production and agribusiness management practices. Female farmers were significantly less proficient than males (t = -6.004, p = 0.000). Statistically significant differences in mean weighted discrepancy scores (t = 5.280, p = 0.000) revealed a strong training need for females compared to men. It is recommended that dissemination of training information should be prioritized as follows: (1) agribusiness management concepts, (2) feed and feeding concepts, (3) cattle health concepts, (4) farmer-organizational concepts, (5) farm structures, and (6) breeding and rearing concepts. RI Huang, Wen-Chi/AAJ-8007-2020 OI Huang, Wen-Chi/0000-0003-4427-9325 EI 2077-0472 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 96 DI 10.3390/agriculture10040096 UT WOS:000533904400049 ER PT J AU Dikshit, A Sarkar, R Pradhan, B Acharya, S Alamri, AM AF Dikshit, Abhirup Sarkar, Raju Pradhan, Biswajeet Acharya, Saroj Alamri, Abdullah M. TI Spatial Landslide Risk Assessment at Phuentsholing, Bhutan SO GEOSCIENCES AB Landslides are one of the most destructive and most recurring natural calamities in the Himalayan region. Their occurrence leads to immense damage to infrastructure and loss of land, human lives, and livestock. One of the most affected regions is the Bhutan Himalayas, where the majority of the landslides are rainfall-induced. The present study aims to determine the hazard and risk associated with rainfall-induced landslides for the Phuentsholing region located in the southwestern part of the Bhutan Himalayas. The work involves developing a landslide risk map using hazard and vulnerability maps utilizing landslide records from 2004 to 2014. The landslide hazard map was generated by determining spatial and temporal probabilities for the study region. The spatial probability was computed by analyzing the landslide contributing factors like geology, slope, elevation, rainfall, and vegetation based on comprehensive field study and expertise about the area. The contributing factors were divided into various classes and the percentage of landslide occurrence under each class was calculated to understand its contributing significance. Thereafter, a weighted linear combination approach was used in a GIS environment to develop the spatial probability map which was multiplied with temporal probabilities based on regional rainfall thresholds already determined for the region. Consequently, vulnerability assessment was conducted using key elements at risk (population, land use/land cover, proximity to road, proximity to stream) and the weights were provided based on expert judgment and comprehensive field study. Finally, risk was determined and the various regions in the study area were categorized as high, medium, and low risk. Such a study is necessary for low-economic countries like Bhutan which suffers from unavailability of extensive data and research. The study is conducted for a specific region but can be extended to other areas around the investigated area. The tool can serve as an indicator for the civil authorities to analyze the risk posed by landslides due to the rapid infrastructure development in the region. OI Dikshit, Abhirup/0000-0003-2876-4080 EI 2076-3263 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 131 DI 10.3390/geosciences10040131 UT WOS:000533908200015 ER PT J AU Achieng, T Maciejewski, K Dyer, M Biggs, R AF Achieng, Therezah Maciejewski, Kristine Dyer, Michelle Biggs, Reinette TI Using a Social-ecological Regime Shift Approach to Understand the Transition from Livestock to Game Farming in the Eastern Cape, South Africa SO LAND AB This study explored the shift in land use from livestock farming to game farming in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, from a social-ecological regime shift perspective. A regime shift can be defined as a large, persistent change in the structure and function of the intertwined social and ecological components of a landscape. This research focused on the Amakhala game reserve as a case study to understand how the shift affected the provision of ecosystem services and human wellbeing. We used remote sensing techniques to quantify changes in vegetation and found evidence of vegetation recovery following the shift. We then conducted interviews with both landowners and farmworkers and used participatory mapping to understand their perceptions of the main drivers and social-ecological impacts of the shift in land use. Social narratives revealed stark differences in different stakeholders' perceptions, highlighting that the change in land use had varied implications for, and were perceived differently by, different stakeholders. Farmworkers emphasized changes in social structures that weakened community bonds and erased valued connections to the land. At the same time, they increased employment of women, skills development, and increased wages as benefits of the new game farming regime. Landowners, on the other hand, indicated financial gains from the land use change. The transition therefore resulted in trade-offs that surfaced as social, economic, and cultural losses and gains. These changes, especially in social relationships and community structures, have implications for resilience and possible future pathways of development in the region. EI 2073-445X PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 97 DI 10.3390/land9040097 UT WOS:000533901100020 ER PT J AU Hargrove, WL Heyman, JM AF Hargrove, William L. Heyman, Josiah M. TI A Comprehensive Process for Stakeholder Identification and Engagement in Addressing Wicked Water Resources Problems SO LAND AB Various sectors of stakeholders (urban, agricultural, policymakers, etc.) are frequently engaged in participatory research projects aimed at improving water resources' sustainability. However, a process for comprehensive and integrative identification, classification, and engagement of all types of water stakeholders for a region or river basin, especially in a transboundary context, is missing for water resources research projects. Our objective was to develop a systematic approach to identifying and classifying water stakeholders, and engage them in a discussion of water futures, as a foundation for a participatory modeling research project to address the wicked water resource problems of the Middle Rio Grande basin on the U.S./Mexico border. This part of the Rio Grande basin can be characterized as having limited and dwindling supplies of water, increasing demands for water from multiple sectors, and a segmented governance system spanning two U.S. states and two countries. These challenges are being exacerbated by climate change; a transitioning agriculture to more water demanding, high value crops; urbanization; and growing demand for environmental services. Moving forward, a core question for this region is how can water be managed so that the three competing sectors-agricultural, urban, and environmental-can realize a sustainable future in this challenged water system? We identified the major water-using sectors who represent competing demands as including agricultural, municipal, self-supplied industrial users, environmental, and a sector we labeled "social justice", comprised of individuals who lack access to potable water, or who represent groups who advocate for access to water. We included stakeholders from both the U.S. and Mexico, which is seldom done, who share transboundary water resources in the region. We hosted a series of stakeholder dialogues and obtained results that identified and described their vision for the future of water; challenges to be overcome; and important research questions that could be addressed using participatory modeling approaches. Four broad themes common to multiple sectors emerged: (1) quantity, drought, and scarcity; (2) quality/salinization; (3) urbanization; and (4) conservation and sustainability. Each sector expressed distinctive views regarding the future of water. Agricultural stakeholders, in particular, had strong feelings of ownership of water rights as part of land ownership and a concomitant sense of threat to those water rights emanating from dwindling supplies and competing demands. The contribution of this work is a methodology for identifying, classifying, and engaging all types of stakeholders in the context of a research project, enabling us to compare and contrast views of different types of stakeholders. Heretofore, this has been accomplished in "bits and pieces", but never comprehensively and holistically. OI , Josiah/0000-0001-6243-9535 EI 2073-445X PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 119 DI 10.3390/land9040119 UT WOS:000533901100030 ER PT J AU Sari, RR Saputra, DD Hairiah, K Rozendaal, DMA Roshetko, JM van Noordwijk, M AF Sari, Rika Ratna Saputra, Danny Dwi Hairiah, Kurniatun Rozendaal, Danae M. A. Roshetko, James M. van Noordwijk, Meine TI Gendered Species Preferences Link Tree Diversity and Carbon Stocks in Cacao Agroforest in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia SO LAND AB The degree to which the maintenance of carbon (C) stocks and tree diversity can be jointly achieved in production landscapes is debated. C stocks in forests are decreased by logging before tree diversity is affected, while C stocks in monoculture tree plantations increase, but diversity does not. Agroforestry can break this hysteresis pattern, relevant for policies in search of synergy. We compared total C stocks and tree diversity among degraded forest, complex cacao/fruit tree agroforests, simple shade-tree cacao agroforestry, monoculture cacao, and annual crops in the Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We evaluated farmer tree preferences and the utility value of the system for 40 farmers (male and female). The highest tree diversity (Shannon-Wiener H index 2.36) and C stocks (282 Mg C ha(-1)) were found in degraded forest, followed by cacao-based agroforestry systems (H index ranged from 0.58-0.93 with C stocks of 75-89 Mg ha(-1)). Male farmers selected timber and fruit tree species with economic benefits as shade trees, while female farmers preferred production for household needs (fruit trees and vegetables). Carbon stocks and tree diversity were positively related (R-2 = 0.72). Adding data from across Indonesia (n = 102), agroforestry systems had an intermediate position between forest decline and reforestation responses. Maintaining agroforestry in the landscape allows aboveground C stocks up to 50 Mg ha(-1) and reduces biodiversity loss. Agroforestry facilitates climate change mitigation and biodiversity goals to be addressed simultaneously in sustainable production landscapes. OI van Noordwijk, Meine/0000-0002-7791-4703; Rozendaal, Danae/0000-0002-3007-3222; Saputra, Danny Dwi/0000-0003-1450-0746; Sari, Rika Ratna/0000-0002-3803-9352 EI 2073-445X PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 108 DI 10.3390/land9040108 UT WOS:000533901100015 ER PT J AU Barasona, JA Barroso-Arevalo, S Rivera, B Gortazar, C Sanchez-Vizcaino, JM AF Barasona, Jose A. Barroso-Arevalo, Sandra Rivera, Belen Gortazar, Christian Sanchez-Vizcaino, Jose M. TI Detection of Antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis in Oral Fluid from Eurasian Wild Boar SO PATHOGENS AB The presence of Mycobacterium bovis and other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) is a main concern in wildlife populations such as the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). Tests detecting antibodies against the MTC are valuable for tuberculosis (TB) monitoring and control and particularly useful in suids. The development of accurate, efficient, and non-invasive new tools to detect exposure to MTC would be highly beneficial for improving disease surveillance. This study aimed to determine if antibodies against MTC could be detected in oral fluid (OF) samples by a new ELISA test (IgG detection) from naturally TB-infected wild boar. For this, individual, paired serum and OF samples were collected from 148 live wild boar in two TB-status areas from Spain and quantitatively used to validate the new ELISA test. Antibodies against MTC were widely detected in OF samples, for which a significant positive correlation (r = 0.83) was found with the validated serology test. OF ELISA sensitivity and specificity were 67.3% and 100%, respectively. The results of this work suggest that OF samples have the potential to be used for MTC diagnosis as a further step in TB surveillance and control in suid populations. Based on our results, further research is warranted and could be performed using non-invasive new tools directly in field conditions to detect exposure to MTC. OI Barroso Arevalo, Sandra/0000-0001-6852-2487; Barasona, Jose Angel/0000-0003-4066-8454 EI 2076-0817 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 242 DI 10.3390/pathogens9040242 UT WOS:000534051600011 PM 32218183 ER PT J AU Doyon, S AF Doyon, Sabrina TI The Political Ecology of Alternative, Small-Scale Farmers in Emporda (Catalonia) Working Between the Sea and the Mountain SO DEVELOPPEMENT DURABLE & TERRITOIRES AB The Emporda region in the north of Spanish Catalonia has seen the emergence, in the last 20 years, of small-scale farming which is an alternative to conventional agriculture and which combines an increasing use of ecological practices and a regional approach to food production. The present article examines this type of farming among wine - and olive-sector producers as well as, to a lesser degree, fruit and vegetable producers and livestock breeders. How have they succeeded in combining these two processes? What are the values that guide them in their practices? What are the social and economic repercussions of these initiatives? Using the political ecology approach, we explore the recent environmental changes in Emporda. The socioeconomic and political context in which they have taken root represents the foundation on which small-scale, alternative farmers are basing their practices and their discourse. Our analysis revealed that they have their own unique model which combines the sea and the mountain, albeit somewhat ambiguously. As such, they shed light on the tensions and paradoxes that are inherent in this alternative, ecological approach. SN 1772-9971 PD APR PY 2020 VL 11 IS 1 AR 16601 DI 10.4000/developpementdurablel.16601 UT WOS:000533196800005 ER PT J AU Shalapy, A Zhao, SQ Zhang, CX Li, YF Geng, HR Ullah, S Wang, G Huang, SJ Liu, Y AF Shalapy, Ahmed Zhao, Shuangqing Zhang, Chenxi Li, Yifei Geng, Hairong Ullah, Sana Wang, Gang Huang, Shujian Liu, Yang TI Adsorption of Deoxynivalenol (DON) from Corn Steep Liquor (CSL) by the Microsphere Adsorbent SA/CMC Loaded with Calcium SO TOXINS AB The occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in animal feed is a serious issue for the livestock industry. Approaches using mycotoxin adsorbents are key to decreasing mycotoxin carryover from contaminated feed to animals. In this paper, a novel functional microsphere adsorbent comprising an alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose sodium composite loaded with calcium (SA/CMC-Ca) was prepared by an emulsification process to adsorb DON from polluted corn steep liquor (CSL) containing DON at a concentration of 3.60 mu g/mL. Batch experiments were conducted under different experimental conditions: CSL volumes, reaction times, desorption times, and microsphere recyclability. Results showed that 5 g of microspheres reacted with 5 mL of DON-polluted CSL for 5 min, the microspheres can be recycled 155 times, and the maximum DON adsorption for the microspheres was 2.34 mu g/mL. During recycling, microspheres were regenerated by deionized water every time; after the microspheres were cleaned, DON in the deionized water was degraded by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 70 degrees C for 1 h at pH 12. The mechanism for physical adsorption and hydrogen bonding was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that the microsphere adsorbent SA/CMC-Ca adsorbs DON. Therefore, we suggest that using microsphere absorbents would be a possible way to address DON-contaminated CSL issues in animal feed. EI 2072-6651 PD APR PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 208 DI 10.3390/toxins12040208 UT WOS:000533393900068 PM 32218143 ER PT J AU Krauss, J Vikuk, V Young, CA Krischke, M Mueller, MJ Baerenfaller, K AF Krauss, Jochen Vikuk, Veronika Young, Carolyn A. Krischke, Markus Mueller, Martin J. Baerenfaller, Katja TI Epichloe Endophyte Infection Rates and Alkaloid Content in Commercially Available Grass Seed Mixtures in Europe SO MICROORGANISMS AB Fungal endophytes of the genus Epichloe live symbiotically in cool season grass species and can produce alkaloids toxic to insects and vertebrates, yet reports of intoxication of grazing animals have been rare in Europe in contrast to overseas. However, due to the beneficial resistance traits observed in Epichloe infected grasses, the inclusion of Epichloe in seed mixtures might become increasingly advantageous. Despite the toxicity of fungal alkaloids, European seed mixtures are rarely tested for Epichloe infection and their infection status is unknown for consumers. In this study, we tested 24 commercially available seed mixtures for their infection rates with Epichloe endophytes and measured the concentrations of the alkaloids ergovaline, lolitrem B, paxilline, and peramine. We detected Epichloe infections in six seed mixtures, and four contained vertebrate and insect toxic alkaloids typical for Epichloe festucae var. lolii infecting Lolium perenne. As Epichloe infected seed mixtures can harm livestock, when infected grasses become dominant in the seeded grasslands, we recommend seed producers to test and communicate Epichloe infection status or avoiding Epichloe infected seed mixtures. RI Krauss, Jochen/C-6216-2014; Baerenfaller, Katja/D-8799-2017 OI Krauss, Jochen/0000-0003-2304-9117; Young, Carolyn/0000-0003-0406-8398; Baerenfaller, Katja/0000-0002-1904-9440 EI 2076-2607 PD APR PY 2020 VL 8 IS 4 AR 498 DI 10.3390/microorganisms8040498 UT WOS:000533510400073 PM 32244510 ER PT J AU Schlattmann, A von Lutzau, K Kaspar, U Becker, K AF Schlattmann, Andreas von Luetzau, Knut Kaspar, Ursula Becker, Karsten TI The Porcine Nasal Microbiota with Particular Attention to Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Germany-A Culturomic Approach SO MICROORGANISMS AB Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) remains a serious public health threat. Porcine nasal cavities are predominant habitats of LA-MRSA. Hence, components of their microbiota might be of interest as putative antagonistically acting competitors. Here, an extensive culturomics approach has been applied including 27 healthy pigs from seven different farms; five were treated with antibiotics prior to sampling. Overall, 314 different species with standing in nomenclature and 51 isolates representing novel bacterial taxa were detected. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from pigs on all seven farms sampled, comprising ten different spa types with t899 (n = 15, 29.4%) and t337 (n = 10, 19.6%) being most frequently isolated. Twenty-six MRSA (mostly t899) were detected on five out of the seven farms. Positive correlations between MRSA colonization and age and colonization with Streptococcus hyovaginalis, and a negative correlation between colonization with MRSA and Citrobacter spp. were found (p < 0.05). Of 209 non-S. aureus members of the Staphylococcaceae family, 25 isolates (12.0%) from three out of the seven farms exhibited methicillin resistance, including two Macrococcus goetzii isolates carrying the mecB gene. Among 125 Enterobacterales, none tested positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase production. The high frequency of methicillin-resistant staphylococci supports the need for enhanced efforts within the "One Health" concept to manage the antibiotic resistance crisis in the human and veterinary medicine sector. OI Becker, Karsten/0000-0002-6391-1341 EI 2076-2607 PD APR PY 2020 VL 8 IS 4 AR 514 DI 10.3390/microorganisms8040514 UT WOS:000533510400118 PM 32260366 ER PT J AU Ritchie, ME AF Ritchie, Mark E. TI Grazing Management, Forage Production and Soil Carbon Dynamics SO RESOURCES-BASEL AB Soil carbon pools remain a target for sequestering greenhouse gases, but appropriate land management options to achieve such sequestration remain uncertain. Livestock grazing can have profound positive or negative effects on soil carbon. Different models for assessing the influences of grazing are available, but few explicitly account for different management options on soil organic carbon (SOC). Here, I link a previous simple SOC dynamic model (SNAP) to a recent model of episodic grazing and its effects on primary production. The resulting combined model, called SNAPGRAZE, assesses the potential effects of grazing management on SOC across a range of climates with only eight climate, soil, and management input variables. SNAPGRAZE predicts that, at high stocking densities relative to those sustainable under continuous grazing and at higher mean annual temperature and precipitation, short-duration, high stocking density (SDHSD) grazing schemes can enhance forage production and increase stocks of soil organic carbon. Model predictions for current SOC, given a known 50 year grazing history, agrees well with data from nine private ranches in the North American Great Plains. SNAPGRAZE may provide a framework for exploring the consequences of grazing management for forage production and soil carbon dynamics. EI 2079-9276 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR 49 DI 10.3390/resources9040049 UT WOS:000533886300003 ER PT J AU Bertelloni, F Cilia, G Bogi, S Ebani, VV Turini, L Nuvoloni, R Cerri, D Fratini, F Turchi, B AF Bertelloni, Fabrizio Cilia, Giovanni Bogi, Samantha Ebani, Valentina Virginia Turini, Luca Nuvoloni, Roberta Cerri, Domenico Fratini, Filippo Turchi, Barbara TI Pathotypes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Tuscany SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary In recent years, in geographic areas such as Central Italy, the wild boar population has greatly increased. Although wildlife represents a fundamental resource for ecosystems and biodiversity, wild animals could act as reservoirs for different pathogens, representing an issue for human and domestic animal health. This investigation reports the presence and circulation of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in wild boar hunted in Tuscany (Italy). Different pathotypes, responsible for human and animal diseases, were detected. Furthermore, resistance to commonly used antibiotics was detected in a large percentage of isolates. Considering the possibility of contact between wild boars, domestic animals, and humans, active monitoring of pathogens is essential for epidemiological purposes. Abstract Wild boar are among the most widespread wild mammals in Europe. Although this species can act as a reservoir for different pathogens, data about its role as a carrier of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant and pathogenic Escherichia coli in wild boar in the Tuscany region of Italy. During the hunting season of 2018-2019, E. coli was isolated from 175 of 200 animals and subjected to antimicrobial resistance tests and PCR for detection of resistance and virulence factor genes. The highest resistance rates were against cephalothin (94.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (87.4%), ampicillin (68.6%), and tetracycline (44.6%). The most detected resistance genes were bla(CMY-2) (54.3%), sul1 (38.9%), sul2 (30.9%), and tetG (24.6%). Concerning genes encoding virulence factors, 55 of 175 isolates (31.4%) were negative for all tested genes. The most detected genes were hlyA (47.4%), astA (29.1%), stx2 (24.6%), eaeA (17.1%), and stx1 (11.4%). E. coli was classified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (21.7%), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (6.3%), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (5.1%), and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) (3.4%). Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), and typical enteropathogenic E. coli (tEPEC) were not detected. Our results show that wild boars could carry pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli, representing a possible reservoir of domestic animal and human pathogens. RI Bertelloni, Fabrizio/L-5052-2019; NUVOLONI, ROBERTA/P-8754-2015 OI Bertelloni, Fabrizio/0000-0002-5292-0613; Cilia, Giovannni/0000-0002-5234-1240; NUVOLONI, ROBERTA/0000-0002-7469-571X; Turini, Luca/0000-0002-4164-8263 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 744 DI 10.3390/ani10040744 UT WOS:000531832800201 PM 32344604 ER PT J AU Borgonovo, F Ferrante, V Grilli, G Pascuzzo, R Vantini, S Guarino, M AF Borgonovo, Federica Ferrante, Valentina Grilli, Guido Pascuzzo, Riccardo Vantini, Simone Guarino, Marcella TI A Data-Driven Prediction Method for an Early Warning of Coccidiosis in Intensive Livestock Systems: A Preliminary Study SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The development of new methods, able to promptly detect the onset of the infection, is highly important to control parasitic infections of the intestinal tract (coccidiosis) in poultry. The early detection of this disease would reduce the use of anticoccidial and antimicrobials drugs, thus lowering the risk of antibiotic resistance. A data-driven machine learning algorithm was built to relate air quality data to the time of enteric disorders. The results show that this procedure has great potential to be used as a rapid technique to detect coccidiosis. Abstract Coccidiosis is still one of the major parasitic infections in poultry. It is caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria, which cause concrete economic losses due to malabsorption, bad feed conversion rate, reduced weight gain, and increased mortality. The greatest damage is registered in commercial poultry farms because birds are reared together in large numbers and high densities. Unfortunately, these enteric pathologies are not preventable, and their diagnosis is only available when the disease is full-blown. For these reasons, the preventive use of anticoccidials-some of these with antimicrobial action-is a common practice in intensive farming, and this type of management leads to the release of drugs in the environment which contributes to the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Due to the high relevance of this issue, the early detection of any health problem is of great importance to improve animal welfare in intensive farming. Three prototypes, previously calibrated and adjusted, were developed and tested in three different experimental poultry farms in order to evaluate whether the system was able to identify the coccidia infection in intensive poultry farms early. For this purpose, a data-driven machine learning algorithm was built, and specific critical values of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found to be associated with abnormal levels of oocystis count at an early stage of the disease. This result supports the feasibility of building an automatic data-driven machine learning algorithm for an early warning of coccidiosis. RI Ferrante, Valentina/B-3250-2014; Guarino, Marcella/K-8328-2017 OI Ferrante, Valentina/0000-0002-8745-6777; Guarino, Marcella/0000-0003-4131-0016 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 747 DI 10.3390/ani10040747 UT WOS:000531832800204 PM 32344716 ER PT J AU Campbell, M Ortuno, J Stratakos, AC Linton, M Corcionivoschi, N Elliott, T Koidis, A Theodoridou, K AF Campbell, Mairead Ortuno, Jordi Stratakos, Alexandros Ch. Linton, Mark Corcionivoschi, Nicolae Elliott, Tara Koidis, Anastasios Theodoridou, Katerina TI Impact of Thermal and High-Pressure Treatments on the Microbiological Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary While facing climate change and natural resource scarcity, ensuring sufficient, nutritious, safe, and affordable protein sources to a fast-growing feed demand becomes increasingly challenging. The emerging insect sector has the potential to improve the circularity of the agri-food chain thanks to their ability to upcycle industrial organic wastes into valuable biomass that can be included as a feed ingredient for livestock. The black soldier fly is considered one of the most promising insect species for its large-scale production due to its ability to be reared in a wide variety of organic substrates. However, more information is required regarding the suitability of agri-food by-products and processing techniques to ensure the quality of the final insect-derived products for large-scale production. The present study showed that breweries' by-products are a suitable source of substrate for the development of black soldier fly larvae as an ingredient for both ruminant and non-ruminant livestock feed. High-pressure processing showed no clear improvement in terms of decontamination capacity and digestibility in comparison to heating treatment, resulting in a less cost-effective process for large-scale production of black soldier fly larvae. Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are gaining importance in animal feeding due to their ability to upcycle low-value agroindustry by-products into high-protein biomass. The present study evaluated the nutritional composition of BSFL reared on brewer's by-product (BBP) and the impact of thermal (90 degrees C for 10/15 min) and high-pressure processing (HPP; 400/600MPa for 1.5/10 min) treatments on the microbial levels and in vitro digestibility in both ruminant and monogastric models. BBP-reared BSFL contained a high level of protein, amino acids, lauric acid, and calcium, and high counts of total viable counts (TVC; 7.97), Enterobacteriaceae (7.65), lactic acid bacteria (LAB; 6.50), and yeasts and moulds (YM; 5.07). Thermal processing was more effective (p < 0.05) than any of the HPP treatments in reducing TVC. Both temperature of 90 degrees C and pressure of 600 MPa reduced the levels of Enterobacteriaceae, LAB, and YM below the detection limit. In contrast, the application of the 400 MPa showed a reduced inactivation (p < 0.05) potential. Heat-treated samples did not result in any significant changes (p > 0.05) on any of the in vitro digestibility models, whereas HPP showed increased and decreased ruminal and monogastric digestibility, respectively. HPP did not seem to be a suitable, cost-effective method as an alternative to heat-processing for the large-scale treatment of BSFL. RI ; Koidis, Anastasios (Tassos)/B-4727-2009 OI Ortuno Casanova, Jordi/0000-0002-2010-5403; Koidis, Anastasios (Tassos)/0000-0002-9199-8704; Corcionivoschi, Nicolae/0000-0002-3011-3108 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 682 DI 10.3390/ani10040682 UT WOS:000531832800139 PM 32295154 ER PT J AU Ceccobelli, S Lasagna, E Demir, E Rovelli, G Albertini, E Veronesi, F Sarti, FM Rosellini, D AF Ceccobelli, Simone Lasagna, Emiliano Demir, Eymen Rovelli, Giacomo Albertini, Emidio Veronesi, Fabio Sarti, Francesca Maria Rosellini, Daniele TI Molecular Identification of the "Facciuta Della Valnerina" Local Goat Population Reared in the Umbria Region, Italy SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The Facciuta goat originated from Valnerina, a geographic area in central Italy, including the adjacent parts of four regions: Umbria, Marche, Lazio, and Abruzzo. The aim of this study was to assess how useful microsatellite molecular markers are for the genetic discrimination of the local goat, Facciuta della Valnerina, compared with the two cosmopolitan breeds, Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi, reared in the same geographic area. The results revealed a very clear separation between the local population (Facciuta della Valnerina) and the two reference goat breeds (Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi). Furthermore, reducing the number of markers from 16 to 12 still allowed us to distinguish the local population, indicating that microsatellite markers are an inexpensive method to discriminate local livestock breeds. This could be a fast and inexpensive genomic tool to trace goat products and distinguish their origin. Abstract Italy holds important genetic resources of small ruminant breeds. By distinguishing goat breeds at the DNA level, certification of products from specific breeds can be valorized. The aim of this study was to establish the genetic identity of Facciuta della Valnerina, a local goat population of Italy, compared with the cosmopolitan breeds, Saanen and Camosciata delle Alpi, reared in the same geographic area. A total of 116 microsatellite alleles ranging from 4 to 13 were detected at 16 loci in the three goat populations/breeds. A total of 23 private alleles with frequencies lower than 0.3 were detected in the Facciuta della Valnerina population. The mean numbers of alleles were 6.67, 4.58, and 4.92 in Facciuta della Valnerina, Camosciata delle Alpi, and Saanen, respectively. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.20 to 0.86. Most loci were highly polymorphic and informative (polymorphic information content >= 0.50). Factorial correspondence analysis and principal components analysis revealed very clear separation between Facciuta della Valnerina and the two reference goat breeds. Reducing the number of markers from 16 to 12 (on the basis of polymorphic information content and the number of alleles) still allowed us to distinguish the local population, indicating that microsatellite markers are capable of discriminating local livestock breeds at a low cost. RI Sarti, Francesca Maria FMS/Y-4993-2018 OI Lasagna, Emiliano/0000-0003-2725-2921; Rosellini, Daniele/0000-0002-8473-7012; SARTI, Francesca Maria/0000-0001-9366-0400; DEMIR, Eymen/0000-0003-4507-7426; Rovelli, Giacomo/0000-0002-2827-5765; Albertini, Emidio/0000-0003-2585-5649 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 601 DI 10.3390/ani10040601 UT WOS:000531832800058 PM 32244771 ER PT J AU Chen, K Liu, Y Cheng, Y Yan, QX Zhou, CS He, ZX Zeng, JG He, JH Tan, ZL AF Chen, Kai Liu, Yong Cheng, Yan Yan, Qiongxian Zhou, Chuanshe He, Zhixiong Zeng, Jianguo He, Jianhua Tan, Zhiliang TI Supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum or Macleaya cordata Extract Alleviates Oxidative Damage Induced by Weaning in the Lower Gut of Young Goats SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Weaning stress is a serious problem in the goat production industry. This article demonstrates that weaning can induce intestinal oxidative damage, and adding Lactobacillus plantarum or Macleaya cordata can alleviate the oxidative damage of the lower gut in weaned young goats in an intestinal region-specific way. Abstract Weaning usually leads to stress in livestock, which has a negative impact on their growth and development. Research on oxidative stress and inflammation induced by weaning has not been reported in goats. Here, we focused on oxidative stress profile and inflammation status of the lower gut (jejunum, ileum, and colon) of goats. First, we illustrated the status of antioxidant activity and inflammation in the intestine of young goats on pre-(2 weeks postnatal, 2 wk(pn)) or post-(11 wk(pn), weaning at day 45 postnatal)-weaned period of young goats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher (p < 0.0001) in jejunum and ileum of the young goats in 11 wk(pn) than that in 2 wk(pn), whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was lower (p = 0.012) in the lower gut of the young goats with 11 wk(pn) than that in 2 wk(pn). Furthermore, we intended to explore the protective influence of a probiotic additive (Lactobacillus plantarum (LAC) P-8, 10 g/d) and a prebiotic additive (Sangrovit((R)), Macleaya cordata (MAC) extract 3.75% w/w premix, 0.3 g/d) on intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation status of early-weaned young goats (average weights of 5.63 +/- 0.30 kg, weaned on d 45 postnatal). We observed that LAC reduced MDA in jejunum and ileum (p < 0.0001), increased SOD activity in ileum (p < 0.01), and increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in jejunum (p < 0.05). Similarly, MAC reduced MDA contents (p < 0.0001), increased SOD activities (p < 0.01) in both of ileum and jejunum, and increased GSH-Px activity (p < 0.05) in jejunum. However, there were no differences in feed intake, average daily gain, inflammation parameters (interleukin 2 and interleukin 6), and colon oxidative stress profile (MDA, SOD, or GSH-Px) among treatments. These results provide evidence that weaning induces oxidative damage in the lower gut of young goats, and the oxidative damage in the small intestine can be reduced by adding the addition of LAC or MAC in diets depending on the region of the lower gut. OI He, Jianhua/0000-0002-9289-4405; He, Zhixiong/0000-0002-4802-3506; Yan, Qiongxian/0000-0003-0035-6819 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 548 DI 10.3390/ani10040548 UT WOS:000531832800005 PM 32218197 ER PT J AU Delibes-Mateos, M AF Delibes-Mateos, Miguel TI Wolf Media Coverage in the Region of Castilla y Leon (Spain): Variations over Time and in Two Contrasting Socio-Ecological Settings SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Wolf management is often controversial, because this carnivore is viewed by some as a major threat for livestock, while others perceive it as a flagship for environmental conservation. Attitudes towards the wolf can be influenced by how the media portrays this canid, and media analysis can therefore be a useful tool for understanding and managing conflicts over wolf management. My aim was to study wolf media coverage in a newspaper in northern Spain, how it varied over the period 2006-2017, and in two different socio-ecological settings. Most documents focused on the conflictive relationship between the wolf and livestock, particularly in the south of the study area, where the carnivore is protected and has recolonised new localities, causing increasing damage to livestock. In the north, where wolves have been present for a long time and are a game species, wolf media coverage was more diverse and addressed other topics such as wolf conservation or hunting more frequently. In conclusion, this study suggests that the media often portrays the wolf as a risk for livestock and thus for human livelihood in northern Spain, which could have a significant influence on public attitudes towards the species and potentially compromise coexistence between wolves and humans. Abstract People's attitudes towards large carnivores, and thus public support for their conservation, can be influenced by how these species are framed in the media. Therefore, assessing media coverage of large carnivores is of particular interest for their coexistence with humans. I used content analysis to assess how the grey wolf was portrayed in a newspaper in northern Spain, how wolf media coverage varied over time (2006-2017), and in two different socio-ecological settings. Most documents addressed the conflictive relationship between the wolf and livestock (60%; n = 902). Moreover, coverage of this relationship increased over the study period in the south of the study area, where the wolf is strictly protected, has recolonised new localities, and damage to livestock has increased. Overall, other topics, such as wolf conservation or hunting, appeared much less frequently in the media, but predominated in the north of the study area, where the wolf is more abundant and huntable. Conflictive issues like wolf-livestock interactions are generally attractive for audiences, but drawing attention to this issue may compromise the management of conflicts associated with wolves. Ideally, the media should promote potential wolf conservation values if coexistence between wolves and humans is sought. RI Delibes-Mateos, Miguel/F-8733-2014 OI Delibes-Mateos, Miguel/0000-0002-3823-5935 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 736 DI 10.3390/ani10040736 UT WOS:000531832800193 PM 32340236 ER PT J AU Dunston-Clarke, E Willis, RS Fleming, PA Barnes, AL Miller, DW Collins, T AF Dunston-Clarke, Emma Willis, Renee S. Fleming, Patricia A. Barnes, Anne L. Miller, David W. Collins, Teresa TI Developing an Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Livestock Transported by Sea SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Australia exports large numbers of live cattle and sheep by sea to many destinations. Increasingly high animal welfare standards are being required of all livestock industries, and reports of substantial mortality events on some voyages have raised public concerns regarding animal welfare. Mortality rates alone do not assure stakeholders that livestock experience adequate welfare throughout the voyage. Determining the animal welfare status of large animal consignments is complex and requires many measures that are focused on the environment and resources provided, and also on how the animals respond to their surroundings. A list of measures, appropriate for use on cattle and sheep that enter the livestock export supply chain, was determined by reviewing three international welfare assessment protocols, and consulting the Australian livestock export standards and an animal health handbook used by shipboard veterinarians and stockpersons. After preliminary testing of the measures on a sheep and cattle voyage, we propose a protocol that is potentially practical and applicable for pen assessments for both species at pre-export and destination feedlot facilities and during sea transport. Proposing a protocol is the first step towards developing a system that evaluates livestock welfare throughout the export supply chain, and will contribute to improved industry transparency. Abstract Australian livestock industries face increased scrutiny from animal welfare groups and society, and the long-distance transport of livestock by sea has recently gained particular attention. Other than non-compliance with broad regulatory standards and voyage mortality rates, there is minimal information to ascertain the welfare of exported livestock. There is currently no standardised, validated animal welfare assessment protocol for livestock on-farm prior to live export or when undergoing transport. This study describes a novel assessment protocol suitable for use on live feeder and slaughter animals exported by sea from Australia. Health and welfare indicators for use in the livestock export supply chain were identified by reviewing three internationally recognised animal welfare assessment protocols for livestock; Welfare Quality((R)), AWIN and AssureWel, as well as consulting with industry compliance standards and guidelines. This paper proposes a welfare protocol designed to assess sheep and beef cattle exported by sea from Australia, and incorporates environmental-, resource-, management- and animal-based measures. In collaboration with industry, this welfare protocol can be tested on commercial livestock consignments, and be used for ongoing management, for increased transparency and to provide feedback to operators for continuous improvement. SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 705 DI 10.3390/ani10040705 UT WOS:000531832800162 PM 32316532 ER PT J AU Huang, YF Matthew, C Li, F Nan, ZB AF Huang, Yafeng Matthew, Cory Li, Fei Nan, Zhibiao TI Comparative Effects of Stovers of Four Varieties of Common Vetch on Growth Performance, Ruminal Fermentation, and Nutrient Digestibility of Growing Lambs SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Common vetch is an important legume crop of mixed crop-livestock systems, and it has the ability to satisfy food, fodder, and fertilizer demands through grain, stover, and nitrogen fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate common vetch varietal differences in stover nutritive value, ruminal fermentation properties, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and animal performance in fattening lambs consuming a diet comprising 20% common vetch. The results showed that the substitution of alfalfa hay by varieties Lanjian No. 1 and Lanjian No. 2 stovers in ruminant diets could be advantageous in reducing dependence on imported alfalfa hay, thereby enhancing sustainability of small holder farmers on the Tibetan Plateau. Abstract This study evaluated common vetch stover as a feed in mixed rations for growing lambs. Four common vetch varieties were compared with alfalfa (control) for their effects on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Male Hu lambs (n = 50) aged 3 months, with a mean body weight of 17.5 +/- 0.34 kg were allocated randomly to one of the five dietary treatments, making 10 lambs per treatment. The experiment lasted 67 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 50-day fattening period, and with the final 7 days used for a nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance trial. All diets contained 30.0% maize straw and 50.0% concentrate, with different forage sources (on a fed basis): 20.0% alfalfa hay (control), 20.0% local common vetch variety 333A (C333A) stover, or 20.0% stover of one of three improved common vetch varieties: Lanjian No. 1 (CLJ1), Lanjian No. 2 (CLJ2), or Lanjian No. 3 (CLJ3). For stover quality, CLJ1 stover had the greatest crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) content and the least cell wall contents, while C333A stover had the least CP, IVOMD, and ME contents and the greatest cell wall contents. Sheep fed the control diet had a greater average daily gain (ADG), apparent digestibility of organic matter (DOM), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and nitrogen retention, and greater ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration than lambs fed the C333A or CLJ3 diet, but similar performance to lambs fed the CLJ1 and CLJ2 diets. The feed conversion ratio and predicted CH4 emission per unit of DOM intake and ADG of the control, CLJ1, and CLJ2 diets was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than for the other diets. Based on these results, stovers of varieties CLJ1 and CLJ2 can be recommended as an alternative to alfalfa hay and for use in a legume crop rotation with cereals on the Tibetan plateau. OI Matthew, Cory/0000-0002-6151-4828 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 596 DI 10.3390/ani10040596 UT WOS:000531832800053 PM 32244689 ER PT J AU Kubasiewicz, LM Rodrigues, JB Norris, SL Watson, TL Rickards, K Bell, N Judge, A Raw, Z Burden, FA AF Kubasiewicz, Laura M. Rodrigues, Joao B. Norris, Stuart L. Watson, Tamlin L. Rickards, Karen Bell, Nikki Judge, Andrew Raw, Zoe Burden, Faith A. TI The Welfare Aggregation and Guidance (WAG) Tool: A New Method to Summarize Global Welfare Assessment Data for Equids SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Animal welfare can be considered in terms of health, the nutrition animals receive, the behavior of animals, the humans they interact with, their living environment, or working conditions. Each of these indicators can be measured in myriad ways. Consequently, welfare assessments tend to be lengthy, resulting in a wealth of data about each animal. There is, however, a need to report animal welfare concisely in order to compare and measure change. We propose a method to aggregate an existing questionnaire-based welfare assessment into five 'grades' to reflect the main components of animal welfare. We aim to provide a succinct way for stakeholders such as animal welfare charities to measure and report on welfare, aiding resource allocation, and enabling monitoring of the efficacy of intervention measures aimed at improving welfare conditions. In an assessment of the health and behavior of over 6000 equids across Europe and Asia, equids in Pakistan and India were found to have the poorest welfare levels. We recommend detailed assessments in these areas to identify the specific causes of the identified issues in order to guide the development of appropriate intervention schemes and, ultimately, improve equid welfare. Abstract Animal welfare can be represented by an array of indicators. There is, however, increasing demand for concise welfare assessments that can be easily communicated and compared. Previous methods to aggregate welfare assessments have focused on livestock systems and produced a single welfare score, which may not represent all aspects of welfare. We propose an aggregation method for the recently developed Equid Assessment Research and Scoping (EARS) welfare assessment tool that results in grades for five welfare categories: housing conditions, working conditions, health, nutrition, and behavior. We overcome the problems associated with existing approaches by using a single aggregation method (decision trees) that incorporates the most important welfare indicators in a single step. The process aims to identify equids with the poorest welfare and aid decision-making when allocating resources. We demonstrate its application using a case study of over 6000 equids across Europe and Asia, where equids in India and Pakistan had the poorest welfare status in terms of health (respiratory disease and open wounds) and behavior (signs of fear and distress, and limb tethering practices). We recommend identification of the specific causes of these issues, using either existing detailed welfare data or through issue-specific assessments by an appropriate professional, to guide the development of appropriate interventions and, ultimately, improve equid welfare. OI Watson, Tamlin/0000-0002-2751-5149; Norris, Stuart/0000-0002-4583-4426 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 546 DI 10.3390/ani10040546 UT WOS:000531832800003 PM 32218133 ER PT J AU Lovarelli, D Finzi, A Mattachini, G Riva, E AF Lovarelli, Daniela Finzi, Alberto Mattachini, Gabriele Riva, Elisabetta TI A Survey of Dairy Cattle Behavior in Different Barns in Northern Italy SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The climate crisis is accompanied by an increasing number of heat waves that negatively affect the behavior of dairy cows and their welfare. To understand if and how this is affecting farms in Northern Italy, a survey was carried out on eight cattle farms located in the Lombardy region. Three periods were monitored for one year (thermoneutral, hot and cold seasons) using environmental sensors installed in the barn and accelerometers mounted on the hind leg of groups of cows. From the results, it emerged that cows react to high air temperature and humidity conditions by reducing their lying time, which negatively affects milk production. Four out of the eight investigated farms showed that the negative effects caused by heat stress were evident. Hence, the farmer should consider the possibility of improving the barn structure, for example with an efficacious forced ventilation system. Cattle welfare is the first step towards healthy and productive cows. Abstract Due to its increasing pressure on dairy cows, studies that investigate how to cope with heat stress are needed. The heat stress affects multiple aspects of cows' lives, among which their behavior and welfare. In this study, a survey was carried out in eight farms located in Northern Italy to monitor and evaluate the environmental aspects of the barns and the behavioral responses of dairy cows. For one year, three periods were monitored: thermoneutral (T_S), hot (H_S) and cold (C_S) seasons. Temperature and relative humidity were measured by environmental sensors, and lying vs. standing time, number of lying bouts and their average duration were collected by accelerometers. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was quantified inside and outside of the barn. Results show that at the increase of the THI, behavioral adaptations occurred in all the farms, especially with a reduction of lying time and an increase of respiration rate. Four of the eight farms need interventions for improving the cows' welfare. Here, environmental problems should be solved by introducing or improving the efficacy of the forced ventilation or by modifying the barn structure. Monitoring dairy barns with sensors and Precision Livestock Farming techniques can be helpful for future livestock farming to alert farmers on the need for their interventions to respond immediately to unwanted barn living conditions. RI ; Lovarelli, Daniela/Q-9547-2017 OI FINZI, ALBERTO/0000-0002-7886-0057; Mattachini, Gabriele/0000-0002-5640-6662; Lovarelli, Daniela/0000-0002-0187-8515 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 713 DI 10.3390/ani10040713 UT WOS:000531832800170 PM 32325873 ER PT J AU Luzzago, C Ebranati, E Lavazza, A Besozzi, M Zehender, G Lanfranchi, P Lauzi, S AF Luzzago, Camilla Ebranati, Erika Lavazza, Antonio Besozzi, Martina Zehender, Gianguglielmo Lanfranchi, Paolo Lauzi, Stefania TI Identification and Genetic Characterization of a Novel Respirovirus in Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The Alpine chamois is a free-living wild ruminant distributed across the mountainous areas of France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. This wide distribution favours interactions with other wild ruminants and livestock, implying the risk of cross-transmission of pathogens. Due to the impact of lung diseases on chamois populations, the investigation of respiratory pathogens is important for wildlife conservation and for the understanding of infection transmission at the livestock-wildlife interface. In the present study, a novel respirovirus was isolated from a chamois with lung lesions and characterized by full-genome sequence and phylogeny. The genome characterization of this novel virus revealed similarities to domestic ruminant respiroviruses, mainly of caprine and ovine origin. Overall, phylogenetic analyses indicated that the chamois virus is distinct from already defined species and suggested that it is a putative novel member of the genus Respirovirus. The present investigation contributes to the knowledge of respiratory infections in wild ruminants and raises questions on the epidemiological link between chamois and other animal species. Abstract The Respirovirus genus, family Paramamixoviridae, includes respiratory viral pathogens. Here we report the identification and genetic characterization of a respirovirus in an Alpine chamois showing interstitial pneumonia associated with catarrhal bronchopneumonia. The full-genome characterization of this respirovirus, named ChamoisRV/IT2014, revealed low similarities to caprine respirovirus (77.1%), bovine respirovirus (74.5%) and human respirovirus (72.0%). The phylogenetic analyses based on the full-length genome sequence of the novel isolate and reference respirovirus strains showed that ChamoisRV/IT2014 clustered with caprine respirovirus but formed a separate branch. The phylogenetic tree topology of complete large protein amino acid sequences, representing the current species demarcation criterion for Respirovirus genus, showed a 0.05 branch length of ChamoisRV/IT2014 sequence between the nearest node and the tip of the branch, suggesting that this virus belongs to a novel species. This new isolate in a new host species raises several questions to be addressed on the epidemiological role of chamois and the risks of cross-transmission between wild ruminants and livestock. RI lavazza, antonio/G-8182-2011; Luzzago, Camilla/G-2829-2011 OI lavazza, antonio/0000-0002-7646-3592; Luzzago, Camilla/0000-0001-9236-2049 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 704 DI 10.3390/ani10040704 UT WOS:000531832800161 PM 32316522 ER PT J AU Marin, C Garcia-Dominguez, X Montoro-Dasi, L Lorenzo-Rebenaque, L Vicente, JS Marco-Jimenez, F AF Marin, Clara Garcia-Dominguez, Ximo Montoro-Dasi, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Laura Vicente, Jose S. Marco-Jimenez, Francisco TI Experimental Evidence Reveals Both Cross-Infection and Cross-Contamination Risk of Embryo Storage in Liquid Nitrogen Biobanks SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary This study was conducted to demonstrate the potential hazards of cross-infection and cross-contamination of embryos during storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks. For the harmless and successful cryopreservation of embryos, the vitrification method must be chosen meticulously to guarantee not only a high post-thaw survival of embryos, but also to reduce the risk of disease transmission when those embryos are in storage for long periods. Abstract In recent decades, gamete and embryo cryopreservation have become routine procedures in livestock and human assisted reproduction. However, the safe storage of germplasm and the prevention of disease transmission continue to be potential hazards of disease transmission through embryo transfer. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential risk of cross-infection of embryos from contaminated liquid nitrogen, and cross-contamination of sterile liquid nitrogen from infected embryos in naked and closed devices. Additionally, we examined the effects of antibiotic-free media on culture development of infected embryos. The study was a laboratory-based analysis using rabbit as a model. Two experiments were performed to evaluate both cross-infection (liquid nitrogen to embryos) and cross-contamination (embryos to liquid nitrogen) of artificially inoculated Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on rabbit embryos, stored for a year, thawed, and cultured. In vivo produced late morulae-early blastocyst stages (72 h) embryos were used (n = 480). Embryos were cultured for 1 h in solutions with and without pathogens. Then, the embryos were vitrified and stored in naked and closed devices for one year in two liquid nitrogen biobanks (one pathogen-free and the other artificially contaminated). Embryos were warmed and cultured for a further 48 h, assessing the development and the presence of microorganism (chromogenic media, scanning electron microscopy). Embryos stored in naked devices in artificially contaminated liquid nitrogen became infected (12.5%), while none of the embryos stored in closed devices were infected. Meanwhile, storage of artificially infected embryos incurred liquid nitrogen biobank contamination (100%). Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed that all the microorganisms were caught in the surface of embryos after the vitrification-thawed procedure. Nevertheless, embryos cultured in antibiotics and antimycotic medium developed to the hatched blastocyst stage, while artificially infected embryos cultured in antibiotic-free medium failed to develop. In conclusion, our findings support that both cross-contamination and cross-infection during embryo storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks are plausible. So, to ensure biosafety for the cryogenic storage, closed systems that avoid direct contact with liquid nitrogen must be used. Moreover, it seems essential to provide best practice guidelines for the cryogenic preservation and storage of gametes and embryos, to define appropriate quality and risk management procedures. RI ; Marco-Jimenez, Francisco/I-7126-2012 OI Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Laura/0000-0002-4759-258X; Marco-Jimenez, Francisco/0000-0002-5226-4118; Garcia-Dominguez, Ximo/0000-0003-3022-8092; Montoro Dasi, Laura/0000-0002-3130-0933 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 598 DI 10.3390/ani10040598 UT WOS:000531832800055 PM 32244732 ER PT J AU Niero, G Cendron, F Penasa, M De Marchi, M Cozzi, G Cassandro, M AF Niero, Giovanni Cendron, Filippo Penasa, Mauro De Marchi, Massimo Cozzi, Giulio Cassandro, Martino TI Repeatability and Reproducibility of Measures of Bovine Methane Emissions Recorded using a Laser Detector SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The collection of phenotypes related to livestock methane emissions is hampered by costly and time-demanding techniques. In the present research, a laser methane detector was used to measure several novel phenotypes, including mean and aggregate of methane records, and mean and number of methane peak records, considering Simmental heifers as a case study. Phenotypes showed satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility for log-transformed data. The number of emission peaks had great variability across animals and thus it is a promising candidate to discriminate between high and low emitters. Abstract Methane (CH4) emissions represent a worldwide problem due to their direct involvement in atmospheric warming and climate change. Ruminants are among the major players in the global scenario of CH4 emissions, and CH4 emissions are a problem for feed efficiency since enteric CH4 is eructed to the detriment of milk and meat production. The collection of CH4 phenotypes at the population level is still hampered by costly and time-demanding techniques. In the present study, a laser methane detector was used to assess repeatability and reproducibility of CH4 phenotypes, including mean and aggregate of CH4 records, slope of the linear equation modelling the aggregate function, and mean and number of CH4 peak records. Five repeated measurements were performed in a commercial farm on three Simmental heifers, and the same protocol was repeated over a period of three days. Methane emission phenotypes expressed as parts per million per linear meter (ppm x m) were not normally distributed and, thus, they were log-transformed to reach normality. Repeatability and reproducibility were calculated as the relative standard deviation of five measurements within the same day and 15 measurements across three days, respectively. All phenotypes showed higher repeatability and reproducibility for log-transformed data compared with data expressed as ppm x m. The linear equation modelling the aggregate function highlighted a very high coefficient of determination (>= 0.99), which suggests that daily CH4 emissions might be derived using this approach. The number of CH4 peaks resulted as particularly diverse across animals and therefore it is a potential candidate to discriminate between high and low emitting animals. Results of this study suggest that laser methane detector is a promising tool to measure bovine CH4 emissions in field conditions. OI Cozzi, Giulio/0000-0003-0408-1082 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 606 DI 10.3390/ani10040606 UT WOS:000531832800063 PM 32244846 ER PT J AU Pauletto, M Elgendy, R Ianni, A Marone, E Giantin, M Grotta, L Ramazzotti, S Bennato, F Dacasto, M Martino, G AF Pauletto, Marianna Elgendy, Ramy Ianni, Andrea Marone, Elettra Giantin, Mery Grotta, Lisa Ramazzotti, Solange Bennato, Francesca Dacasto, Mauro Martino, Giuseppe TI Nutrigenomic Effects of Long-Term Grape Pomace Supplementation in Dairy Cows SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grape pomace (GP), the polyphenol-rich agricultural by-product, on dairy cows' whole-blood transcriptome, milk production and composition. Twelve lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to two groups; the first received a GP-supplemented diet for 60 days (group GP), whereas the second was given only a basal diet (CTR). The results reveal 40 protein-coding genes differentially expressed in the GP group when compared with the CTR group, but no effects were noticed on milk production, concentrations of crude protein, fat, casein, lactose and urea, or somatic cell count. Compared to CTR, GP had a transcriptomic signature mainly reflecting a reinforced immunogenic response. Abstract The increasing demand for more animal products put pressure on improving livestock production efficiency and sustainability. In this context, advanced animal nutrition studies appear indispensable. Here, the effect of grape pomace (GP), the polyphenol-rich agricultural by-product, was evaluated on Holstein-Friesian cows' whole-blood transcriptome, milk production and composition. Two experimental groups were set up. The first one received a basal diet and served as a control, while the second one received a 7.5% GP-supplemented diet for a total of 60 days. Milk production and composition were not different between the group; however, the transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 40 genes significantly affected by GP supplementation. Among the most interesting down-regulated genes, we found the DnaJ heat-shock protein family member A1 (DNAJA1), the mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), and the impact RWD domain protein (IMPACT) genes. The gene set enrichment analysis evidenced the positive enrichment of 'interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and IFN-gamma response', 'IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling' and 'complement' genes. Moreover, the functional analysis denoted positive enrichment of the 'response to protozoan' and 'negative regulation of viral genome replication' biological processes. Our data provide an overall view of the blood transcriptomic signature after a 60-day GP supplementation in dairy cows which mainly reflects a GP-induced immunomodulatory effect. OI GIANTIN, Mery/0000-0003-0015-3800 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 714 DI 10.3390/ani10040714 UT WOS:000531832800171 PM 32325906 ER PT J AU Rashid, W Shi, JB Rahim, IU Dong, SK Sultan, H AF Rashid, Wajid Shi, Jianbin Rahim, Inam Ur Dong, Shikui Sultan, Hameeda TI Issues and Opportunities Associated with Trophy Hunting and Tourism in Khunjerab National Park, Northern Pakistan SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Trophy hunting and mass tourism were introduced to Khunjerab National Park, northern Pakistan to generate income for the community and help conserve and sustain the ecosystem in the region. These initiatives have provided economic benefits, but only at the cost of other environmental problems, as both trophy hunting and mass tourism have resulted in various ecological issues. Trophy hunting has not been based on scientific population data and has thus not helped increase numbers of wild ungulates or wild carnivores. Although mass tourism has increased enormously in this region, it has damaged the ecosystem through pollution generation and negatively impacted wildlife. We suggest that trophy hunting should be stopped, and mass tourism should be shifted to ecotourism as a sustainable solution to help improve the ecosystem, while generating income for the local community. Further studies are required to investigate ecotourism as a potential mitigation measure for the conservation issues in this region. Abstract Trophy hunting and mass tourism are the two major interventions designed to provide various socioeconomic and ecological benefits at the local and regional levels. However, these interventions have raised some serious concerns that need to be addressed. This study was conducted in Khunjerab National Park (KNP) with an aim to analyze comparatively the socioeconomic and ecological impacts of trophy hunting and mass tourism over the last three decades within the context of sustainability. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders and household interviews were conducted to collect data on trophy hunting and mass tourism, and on local attitudes towards these two interventions in and around KNP. The results revealed that 170 Ibex (Capra sibirica) and 12 Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) were hunted in the study area over the past three decades, and trophy hunting was not based on a sustainable harvest level. Trophy hunting on average generated USD 16,272 annual revenue, which was invested in community development. However, trophy hunting has greatly changed the attitudes of local residents towards wildlife: a positive attitude towards the wild ungulates and strongly negative attitude towards wild carnivores. In addition, trophy hunting has reduced the availability of ungulate prey species for Snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and consequently, Snow leopards have increased their predation on domestic livestock. This has, in turn, increased human-snow leopard conflict, as negative attitudes towards carnivores result in retaliatory killing of Snow leopards. Furthermore, according to official record data, the number of tourists to KNP has increased tremendously by 10,437.8%, from 1382 in 1999 to 145,633 in 2018. Mass tourism on average generated USD 33,904 annually and provided opportunities for locals to earn high incomes, but it caused damages to the environment and ecosystem in KNP through pollution generation and negative impacts on wildlife. Considering the limited benefits and significant problems created by trophy hunting and mass tourism, we suggest trophy hunting should be stopped and mass tourism should be shifted to ecotourism in and around KNP. Ecotourism could mitigate human-Snow leopard conflicts and help conserve the fragile ecosystem, while generating enough revenue incentives for the community to protect biodiversity and compensate for livestock depredation losses to Snow leopards. Our results may have implications for management of trophy hunting and mass tourism in other similar regions that deserve further investigation. SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 597 DI 10.3390/ani10040597 UT WOS:000531832800054 PM 32244688 ER PT J AU Rice, M Hemsworth, LM Hemsworth, PH Coleman, GJ AF Rice, Maxine Hemsworth, Lauren M. Hemsworth, Paul H. Coleman, Grahame J. TI The Impact of a Negative Media Event on Public Attitudes Towards Animal Welfare in the Red Meat Industry SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The public's perception of a livestock industry can affect the sustainability of the industry. We used a random telephone survey of the Australian public to examine the effects on public attitudes of an Australian media campaign exposing animal cruelty in live export of sheep by sea. We found no apparent differences between those respondents that completed the survey before or after this media campaign in their concern for sheep or beef cattle welfare, their attitudes to red meat farming, acceptability of the red meat industry or their trust in farmers in the red meat industry. However, prior to the media campaign, respondents believed sheep to be more comfortable when transported by boats than those who completed the survey after the media campaign. While the media coverage was widespread, caution is required in the interpretation of these results as the survey questionnaire did not specifically ask if the respondents had seen the media coverage. Nevertheless, the coverage appears to have had little impact on public attitudes, either because the message itself had little impact or because of lack of exposure to the message. Abstract Public perception of livestock industries and consumer trust in farmers can affect consumer behaviour and impact on social license to farm. Coincidental with a large random telephone survey of Australian public attitudes and behaviour towards the red meat industry, a media campaign exposing animal cruelty in live export of sheep by sea, occurred. Data collected from the nationwide survey of the public attitudes immediately before (n = 278 respondents) and after (n = 224 respondents) this media campaign was utilised in the present study to examine the effects of the media campaign on the public. In general, respondents' attitudes towards the red meat industry were positive. Independent t-tests revealed no significant differences between those respondents that completed the survey before or after the 60 Minutes programme in their concern for sheep or beef cattle welfare, attitudes to red meat farming, acceptability of the red meat industry or their trust in farmers in the red meat industry. However, prior to the media campaign, respondents believed sheep to be more comfortable when transported by boats than did respondents who completed the survey after the media campaign. More respondents after the 60 Minutes programme cited social and internet media as a source of information. Therefore, despite the wide media coverage associated with the 60 Minutes programme, these results indicate little effect on the public's attitudes towards farm animal welfare and the red meat industry. The significant impacts of the programme were reflected in increased community discussion, increased social media activity and an increase in the perceived importance of conditions aboard boats used for live sheep transport. OI Coleman, Grahame/0000-0002-9558-789X; Hemsworth, Paul/0000-0002-0211-0751 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 619 DI 10.3390/ani10040619 UT WOS:000531832800076 PM 32260202 ER PT J AU Rioja-Lang, FC Connor, M Bacon, H Dwyer, CM AF Rioja-Lang, Fiona C. Connor, Melanie Bacon, Heather Dwyer, Cathy M. TI Determining a Welfare Prioritization for Horses Using a Delphi Method SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Horses are used for a wide range of different purposes and may be vulnerable to a large number of different welfare issues, some of which are unique to equines, such as responses to being ridden or trained. Compared to farmed livestock, their welfare has received less attention, but concern for their welfare is increasing. Welfare issues can arise from the environments in which animals are kept, how they are treated by their human caregivers and their health. To determine which of the issues are most important and may need the greatest attention in terms of research effort or owner education, we used a process of eliciting expert opinion. Through a series of surveys and ranking of issues, we determined that, in the opinion of equine experts, the most important issues for horses were poor disease prevention, issues arising when old or sick horses are not promptly euthanized, lack of owner knowledge of welfare needs of horses, fear and stress involved in horse use, inability of owners to recognize pain behaviour, obesity and inadequate feeding practices. Prioritizing different welfare issues can help to focus attention on the most pressing or severe issues causing the greatest amount of suffering. Abstract Equine welfare issues are receiving increasing attention in the UK, but welfare problems can arise from a wide range of causes. In order to identify the most important welfare concerns for horses, we used a Delphi method with 19 equine welfare experts. An initial list of 84 equine welfare issues was generated using an online discussion board and NVivo thematic analysis. Subsequently, experts ranked these welfare issues for perceived prevalence, severity and duration of suffering associated with each issue on a 6-point Likert scale. All issues with a mean score of 3 or above (n = 37) were included in subsequent rounds. Finally, a subset of experts attended a two-day workshop to determine the final priority list of welfare issues. The welfare issues perceived to be most prevalent were lack of biosecurity, delayed euthanasia, lack of owner knowledge of equine welfare needs, fear and stress from use, and obesity. The issues considered to cause greatest suffering for individual horses were delayed euthanasia, lack of recognition by owners of pain behaviour, large worm burdens, obesity and being fed unsuitable diets for equine feeding behaviour. These outcomes can help to focus research and education interventions on the most pressing welfare issues for horses. OI Dwyer, Cathy/0000-0001-7511-2056; Bacon, Heather/0000-0002-0011-8047 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 647 DI 10.3390/ani10040647 UT WOS:000531832800104 PM 32283607 ER PT J AU Saleh, AA Paray, BA Dawood, MAO AF Saleh, Ahmed A. Paray, Bilal Ahamad Dawood, Mahmoud A. O. TI Olive Cake Meal and Bacillus licheniformis Impacted the Growth Performance, Muscle Fatty Acid Content, and Health Status of Broiler Chickens SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The extraction of oils from olives usually results in large quantities of olive cake meal (OCM), which has a high nutritional value. The OCM is used successfully in livestock and poultry feeding, but due to the high fiber content, alternative methods of treating OCM must be considered. To increase the efficiency of OCM in broiler chickens' diet, it can be mixed with suitable microorganisms with beneficial effects. Hence, the current study investigated the influence of OCM and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) on the growth, nutrient utilization, blood chemistry, and muscle fatty acid profile of broilers. Birds were divided into six experimental groups (control, OCM (2%), OCM (4%), BL, OCM (2%)/BL, and OCM (4%)/BL groups). The results revealed that the inclusion of BL with OCM diets improved the fat utilization and, accordingly, increased the growth, nutrient utilization, and antioxidative response in broilers. Abstract Olive cake meal (OCM) is characterized by its high nutritional value and is used as an alternative source of protein and fats in poultry diets. However, due to the high percentage of fiber in OCM, beneficial bacteria cells are used to improve the digestion rates. Therefore, the influence of OCM and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) on the growth, nutrient utilization, blood chemistry, and muscle fatty acid profile of broilers was exclusively examined in this study. Three hundred and sixty birds were randomly divided into six experimental groups (6 replicates/10 birds each): Control, OCM (2%), OCM (4%), BL, OCM (2%)/BL, and OCM (4%)/BL groups. Although feed intake was not meaningfully influenced by dietary treatments, weight gain was enhanced and feed conversion ratio was reduced (p < 0.05). The abdominal fat was lowered in broilers fed OCM (2%), OCM (4%), OCM (2%)/BL, and OCM (4%)/BL diets without a difference to those fed BL only (p < 0.05). Interestingly, blood total protein, albumin, Newcastle disease (ND) titer, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were significantly increased, while total cholesterol was decreased by the mixture of OCM and BL (p < 0.05). Muscle oleic and linoleic acids, as well as vitamin E, increased significantly in broilers fed both OCM (4%) and BL, while linolenic acid increased in all groups except those fed BL and control diets (p < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased by feeding BL or both OCM at 2% or 4% and BL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of BL to OCM diets resulted in improved fat utilization and, accordingly, enhanced growth, nutrient utilization, and antioxidative response in broilers. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to use BL to improve the nutritional value of OCM and to increase the feed utilization of OCM by broilers. RI Saleh, Ahmed/H-7928-2014 OI Saleh, Ahmed/0000-0002-2052-5248; Dawood, Mahmoud/0000-0002-4887-8838 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 695 DI 10.3390/ani10040695 UT WOS:000531832800152 PM 32316269 ER PT J AU Sarabia-Salgado, L Solorio-Sanchez, F Ramirez-Aviles, L Alves, BJR Ku-Vera, J Aguilar-Perez, C Urquiaga, S Boddey, RM AF Sarabia-Salgado, Lucero Solorio-Sanchez, Francisco Ramirez-Aviles, Luis Rodrigues Alves, Bruno Jose Ku-Vera, Juan Aguilar-Perez, Carlos Urquiaga, Segundo Boddey, Robert Michael TI Increase in Milk Yield from Cows through Improvement of Forage Production Using the N-2-Fixing Legume Leucaena leucocephala in a Silvopastoral System SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary In tropical livestock production, forage availability and quality are a serious constraint for milk and meat production. There is an urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of animal production while increasing productivity. The use of legume trees or shrubs associated with grasses effectively increased milk production and decreased the need to use nitrogen fertilizers by taking advantage of atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Abstract The objective was to evaluate milk production, N-2-fixation and N transfer, forage yield and composition (under two cutting intervals) in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Leucaena leucocephala-Megathyrsus maximus and M. maximus-monoculture (MMM) with crossbred cows in a completely randomized design. Forage yield in the SPS was 6490 and 6907 kg DM ha(-1) for cutting intervals (CI) of 35 and 50 days. Forage yield for the MMM was 7284 and 10,843 kg DM ha(-1), and forage crude protein (CP) was 29.0% and 26.1% for L. leucocephala, harvested at 35 and 50 days, respectively. CP for the associated M. maximus was 9.9% and 7.8% for CI 35 and 50 days, respectively, and for MMM was 7.4% and 8.4%, harvested at 35 and 50 days. Milk production was 4.7 kg cow(-1) day(-1) for cows grazing MMM and 7.4 kg cow(-1) day(-1) under SPS. Nitrogen fixation in L. leucocephala (%Ndfa) was estimated to be 89% and 95%, at 35 and 50 days, with an N-2 transfer to the associated grass of 34.3% and 52.9%. SPS has the potential to fix and transfer important amounts of N-2 to the associated grass, and increase forage CP content and milk production. RI ; Urquiaga, Segundo/Y-2317-2018 OI Sarabia Salgado, Lucero/0000-0003-0815-3389; Urquiaga, Segundo/0000-0002-3601-1233 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 734 DI 10.3390/ani10040734 UT WOS:000531832800191 PM 32340205 ER PT J AU Stokes, JE Mullan, S Takahashi, T Monte, F Main, DCJ AF Stokes, Jessica E. Mullan, Siobhan Takahashi, Taro Monte, Federica Main, David C. J. TI Economic and Welfare Impacts of Providing Good Life Opportunities to Farm Animals SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary An input-based framework to evaluate positive welfare opportunities for farm animals presents a case for incorporating quality of life measures into farm assurance schemes, thereby encouraging more producers to deliver higher welfare. Using an original dataset of UK laying hen farms that uniquely connects input-based measures of positive welfare to outcome-based measures of both positive and negative welfare, this study investigates the feasibility of evaluating positive welfare within certification schemes from both scientific and financial viewpoints. Abstract Existing animal welfare standards for legislation and food certification programmes are primarily designed to avoid harms to the livestock, with minimal consideration given to their behavioural freedoms. Recent research has shown, however, that animal welfare should not only be evaluated by the absence of negative states but also by the presence of "good life" or positive experiences enjoyed by animals. The objective of the present study is to investigate the scientific validity and on-farm cost implications of utilising potential input-based measures of positive welfare as part of evaluation criteria for farm assurance schemes. Building upon the Farm Animal Welfare Council's concept of good life opportunities, an assessment was undertaken on 49 noncaged laying hen farms across the UK by measuring on-farm resources to facilitate positive experiences alongside commonly measured metrics for welfare outcomes. The financial cost of providing these resources on each enterprise was also estimated using a farm-scale costing tool. The results suggested that 63% of resource needs that facilitate the behaviour opportunities of laying hens are already being provided by these producers, far above legal and commercial requirements. This practice attracts no reward mechanism or direct financial benefit under the current market structure. Additional provision of opportunities was positively associated with behavioural outcomes, but only limited impact was observed on health and productivity measures. Economic modelling indicated that significant room exists to further improve welfare scores on these farms, on average by 97%, without incurring additional costs. Together we argue that these results can be seen as evidence of market failure since producers are providing positive welfare value to society that is not being currently recognised. It is therefore contended that measuring and rewarding the supply of good life opportunities could be a novel policy instrument to create an effective marketplace that appropriately recognises high welfare production. OI Stokes, Jessica/0000-0001-8933-2981 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 610 DI 10.3390/ani10040610 UT WOS:000531832800067 PM 32252335 ER PT J AU Tomaszewska, E Dobrowolski, P Swiatkiewicz, M Donaldson, J Puzio, I Muszynski, S AF Tomaszewska, Ewa Dobrowolski, Piotr Swiatkiewicz, Malgorzata Donaldson, Janine Puzio, Iwona Muszynski, Siemowit TI Is Dietary 2-Oxoglutaric Acid Effective in Accelerating Bone Growth and Development in Experimentally-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retarded Gilts? SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant health issue that not only affects infant mortality or term body weight, but may also predispose individuals to a reduced rate of weight gain and the development of numerous diseases later in life. In livestock production, growth restricted (IUGR) animals require more time to reach slaughter weight. In this study, we examined the effects of long-term administration of 2-oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox) to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts. Abstract In this study, the effect of long-term 2-oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox) supplementation to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts was examined. Sows were treated with synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) every second day, during the last 45 days of pregnancy, at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg b.w. At birth, the gilts were randomly divided into two groups: unsupplemented and supplemented with 2-Ox for nine months (0.4 g/kg body weight/day). Oral supplementation of 2-Ox to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts increased body weight at weaning as well as final body weight at the age of nine months, and showed a regenerative effect on bone mineralization and morphology of trabeculae and articular cartilage. The positive effects on bone structure were attributed to the 2-Ox-induced alterations in bone metabolism, as evidenced by the changes in the expression of proteins involved in bone formation and remodeling: osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Beta ligand (RANKL), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RI , Ewa/U-5490-2018; Swiatkiewicz, Malgorzata/X-1919-2018; Muszynski, Siemowit/U-4945-2018 OI , Ewa/0000-0002-7574-2653; Swiatkiewicz, Malgorzata/0000-0001-7788-7509; Muszynski, Siemowit/0000-0002-4118-6302 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 728 DI 10.3390/ani10040728 UT WOS:000531832800185 PM 32331362 ER PT J AU Verdile, N Pasquariello, R Scolari, M Scire, G Brevini, TAL Gandolfi, F AF Verdile, Nicole Pasquariello, Rolando Scolari, Marco Scire, Giulia Brevini, Tiziana A. L. Gandolfi, Fulvio TI A Detailed Study of Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) Intestine Revealed That Digestive and Absorptive Functions Are Not Linearly Distributed along Its Length SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Aquaculture is the fastest growing food-producing sector due to the increase of fish intended for human consumption. However, aquaculture growth generates concerns, since carnivorous fish are extensively fed using fish-meal and fish-oil. This constitutes a severe limit to the aquaculture industry, questioning its sustainability. Consequently, alternative feeds are continuously searched through extensive in vivo feeding trials. Undoubtedly, to evaluate their impact on the gastrointestinal tract health, detailed knowledge of the intestine morphology and physiology is required. To date, extensive studies have been performed in several livestock species; however, available information on fish is limited nowadays, most importantly because their alimentary canal is able to easily adapt to external stimuli, and their intestinal morphology is affected by external factors. Therefore, it is essential to establish accurate reference values, especially along the productive cycle of animals raised in standardized conditions. Here, we performed a detailed characterization of the epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa in rainbow trout along the first year of development. We studied the absorptive and secretory activity as well as its ability to self-renewal. Our results indicate that, in this species, both digestive and absorptive functions are not linearly distributed along the intestinal length. Abstract To increase the sustainability of trout farming, the industry requires alternatives to fish-based meals that do not compromise animal health and growth performances. To develop new feeds, detailed knowledge of intestinal morphology and physiology is required. We performed histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis at typical time points of in vivo feeding trials (50, 150 and 500 g). Only minor changes occurred during growth whereas differences characterized two compartments, not linearly distributed along the intestine. The first included the pyloric caeca, the basal part of the complex folds and the villi of the distal intestine. This was characterized by a significantly smaller number of goblet cells with smaller mucus vacuoles, higher proliferation and higher apoptotic rate but a smaller extension of fully differentiated epithelial cells and by the presence of numerous pinocytotic vacuolization. The second compartment was formed by the proximal intestine and the apical part of the posterior intestine complex folds. Here we observed more abundant goblet cells with bigger vacuoles, low proliferation rate, few round apoptotic cells, a more extended area of fully differentiated cells and no pinocytotic vacuoles. Our results suggest that rainbow trout intestine is physiologically arranged to mingle digestive and absorptive functions along its length. RI PASQUARIELLO, ROLANDO/O-3998-2018; Gandolfi, Fulvio/G-6781-2017 OI PASQUARIELLO, ROLANDO/0000-0003-3191-7009; Gandolfi, Fulvio/0000-0002-3246-2985 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 745 DI 10.3390/ani10040745 UT WOS:000531832800202 PM 32344584 ER PT J AU Vieira, AD Anthony, R AF Vieira, Andreia De Paula Anthony, Raymond TI Recalibrating Veterinary Medicine through Animal Welfare Science and Ethics for the 2020s SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary This article emphasizes the importance of educating veterinarians and veterinary students in animal welfare science and veterinary ethics, so that they can ably advance pertinent scientific knowledge and promote ethical thinking as trusted animal advocates in the 2020s. In light of this public expectation, a number of challenges are raised for veterinarians and the veterinary profession. These challenges involve: (1) re-envisioning the nature of disease treatment that goes beyond traditional conceptions of health or clinical matters, and which include animal welfare; (2) re-imagining disease prevention at the intersection of animal-human-ecosystem health; (3) developing core competencies in animal welfare science and ethics in order to provide professional leadership in animal welfare; and (4) taking a more active role in the development of novel networked devices, monitoring technologies and automated animal welfare solutions, and understanding their effects on the welfare of animals, human-animal relationships, and the veterinary profession in general. Abstract What should leading discourses and innovation regarding animal welfare look like for the veterinary profession in the 2020s? This essay considers four main challenges into which veterinarians are increasingly being drawn, as they respond to increasing public expectation for them to be scientific and moral authorities in animal welfare in addition to their traditional role as trusted health experts. They include: (1) to go beyond traditional conceptions of health by adopting a holistic view that also considers animal welfare, not only disease treatment; (2) to reimagine their professional duties when it comes to disease prevention at the intersection of animal-human-ecosystem health; (3) to develop core competencies/proficiency in animal welfare science and ethics in order to navigate discourses concerning competing priorities and socio-political ideologies and to provide professional leadership in animal welfare; (4) to provide feedback on novel networked devices, monitoring technologies and automated animal welfare solutions and their impact on animals' welfare. To competently navigate the intricacies of the socio-political and connected world as trusted authorities and conduits for innovation in and through animal welfare, veterinarians and veterinary students are encouraged to: (a) develop core competencies in veterinary ethics, animal welfare science and deliberative capacities that are well-informed by current multidisciplinary frameworks, such as One Health; (b) engage interested parties in more effective collaboration and ethical decision-making in order to address animal welfare related concerns within their immediate sphere of influence (e.g., in a given community); and (c) participate in the process of engineering and technological design that incorporates animals' welfare data (such as their preferences) for real-time animal monitoring through adding animal scientific and values-aware evidence in information technology systems. In order to tackle these challenges, four pillars are suggested to help guide veterinarians and the veterinary profession. They are: Collaboration, Critical Engagement, Centeredness on Research, and Continuous Self-Critique. SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 654 DI 10.3390/ani10040654 UT WOS:000531832800111 PM 32283812 ER PT J AU Weise, FJ Tomeletso, M Stein, AB Somers, MJ Hayward, MW AF Weise, Florian J. Tomeletso, Mathata Stein, Andrew B. Somers, Michael J. Hayward, Matt W. TI Lions Panthera leo Prefer Killing Certain Cattle Bos taurus Types SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Livestock production continues to increase throughout the world. Meanwhile, lions are becoming increasingly endangered, in part due to the severe conflict arising from cattle predation. Because cattle closely resemble the body size, shape and herding patterns of wild lion prey, it becomes imperative to understand lion preferences for specific cattle to enhance our ability to design appropriate predation mitigation measures, reduce conflict, and ultimately improve the conservation of lions. Investigating cattle predation patterns in Botswana's Okavango Delta, we found that lions mostly killed cattle at night and targeted the easiest prey, such as cattle without horns. However, lion preferences differed according to hunting circumstances. Where cattle were confined in enclosures, lions preferred young inexperienced calves, often leading to considerable losses in a single incident. When cattle were left out grazing unprotected, lions preferentially killed cattle with mixed coat patterns and lone males. Losses to lions were driven by cattle characteristics associated with easy husbandry, resulting from domestication. Widespread cattle availability and cavalier protection efforts further fuel losses because cattle no longer possess the key features that enabled their ancestors to coexist with large predators. Cattle are now reliant upon humans to perform critical protection activities. Abstract Lion predation on cattle causes severe human-wildlife conflict that results in retaliatory persecution throughout the lion's geographic range. Cattle closely resemble the body size, shape, and herding patterns of preferred lion prey species. We studied cattle depredation patterns in Botswana's Okavango Delta and tested whether lions exhibited specific preferences based on cattle demographic characteristics (sex and age), as well as morphological traits (body mass, horn length, and pelage patterns). We also tested whether human disturbance of kills influenced lion energy intake and whether depredation circumstances influenced loss levels. Lions predominantly killed cattle at night (87.1%) and exhibited no preference for either sex. Overall, bulls and calves were most preferred, whereas heifers were significantly avoided, as were cattle with uniform colour patterns. Cattle with mottled pelage patterns were most preferred, especially among free-roaming herds. Preferences were context-specific, with lions preferring inexperienced calves during enclosure attacks (including multiple cases of surplus killing) and free-roaming bulls and oxen. About 13% of adult cattle had no horns, and these were preferentially targeted by lions, while cattle with short horns were killed in accordance with their availability and long horned cattle were highly avoided. The contemporary morphology of Tswana cattle that resulted from unnatural selective pressures during domestication does not offer effective antipredatory protection. Human disturbance of feeding soon after kills occurred reduced cattle carcass consumption by >40% (or about 30 kg per carcass per lion). Lions killed significantly more cattle in nonfortified enclosures than in the veldt, although this was influenced by surplus killing. Our results suggest that cattle predation by lions is driven by availability and cavalier husbandry practices, coupled with morphological features associated with facilitating easy husbandry. Cattle no longer exhibit the key features that enabled their ancestors to coexist with large predators and are now reliant upon humans to perform critical antipredator activities. Hence, the responsibility for mitigating human-wildlife conflict involving lions and cattle lies with people in either breeding traits that minimise predation or adequately protecting their cattle. RI /A-1523-2008; Hayward, Matt W./F-3569-2010 OI /0000-0002-5836-8823; Hayward, Matt W./0000-0002-5574-1653 SN 2076-2615 PD APR PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 692 DI 10.3390/ani10040692 UT WOS:000531832800149 PM 32316176 ER PT J AU Kalia, A Kaur, J Kaur, A Singh, N AF Kalia, Anu Kaur, Jaspal Kaur, Amrinder Singh, Narinder TI Antimycotic activity of biogenically synthesised metal and metal oxide nanoparticles against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme (F. fujikuroi) SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AB Consistent and injudicious application of antifungal agents to control fungal pathogens on crops results in off-target ill-effects on livestock and human health besides issues, such as disruption of ecological balance. In this context, development of novel specific antifungal agents such as metal or metal oxide nanoparticles without side effects becomes a necessity. Here, we attempted green synthesis of three different metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, ZnO and FeO) by incubating metal salts with Trichoderma harzianum hyphal or mycelial extract (HE). The AgNPs were also generated using hyphal filtrate (HF). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and evaluated by poisoned food technique/agar well diffusion technique under in vitro conditions on Czapek dox agar against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme. The tested NPs exhibited varied efficacy for curbing the growth of F. moniliforme. A NP concentration dependent increase in percent growth inhibition was recorded for the above mentioned three types of NPs. Moreover, the antimycotic efficacy of the microbial synthesized Ag NPs also varied for the T. harzianum cell free filtrate and hyphal extract formulations. Maximum percent hyphal growth inhibition (58.83%) was recorded for T. harzianum HE Ag NPs at 800 ppm followed by FeO NPs at 400 ppm (40.38%). SN 0019-5189 EI 0975-1009 PD APR PY 2020 VL 58 IS 4 BP 263 EP 270 UT WOS:000532172100005 ER PT J AU Nimbalkar, SD Patil, DS Deo, AD AF Nimbalkar, S. D. Patil, D. S. Deo, A. D. TI Ethnoveterinary practices (EVP) for control of ectoparasite in livestock SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AB The inclusion of traditional plant-based ectoparasite control methods in primary healthcare of livestock is increasingly becoming an important intervention for improving livestock productivity in resource challenged tribal areas. The study was conducted at Peint and Jawhar blocks of Nashik and Palghar districts of Maharashtra. The effectiveness of Ethno veterinary practices (EVP) for control of ectoparasite was assessed through social acceptance and field study. The formulations were prioritized considering its effectiveness, accessibility, easy to treat and fast post recovery. The formulations were co-related with modern literatures to gauge its scientific reference. The prevalence of tick infestation on different body part examined of cows, buffaloes was suggested that udder had maximum presence of ticks on buffaloes and cows. The EVP has significant effect in reduction of tick population in Buffaloes, Bulls and Cows was recorded. The study reveals that, the efficacy of herbal medicine to reduce the tick's incidence on buffalo is 63%, bull 60% and cow 61% were recorded. SN 0972-5938 EI 0975-1068 PD APR PY 2020 VL 19 IS 2 BP 401 EP 405 UT WOS:000532840200018 ER PT J AU Chen, HB Yin, YY Li, XH Li, SG Gao, H Wang, XJ Zhang, YW Liu, YD Wang, H AF Chen, Hongbin Yin, Yuyao Li, Xiaohua Li, Shuguang Gao, Hua Wang, Xiaojuan Zhang, Yawei Liu, Yudong Wang, Hui TI Whole-Genome Analysis of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 398 Strains Isolated From Patients With Bacteremia in China SO JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AB Sequence type (ST) 398 is the most prevalent clone of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To evaluate the molecular characteristics and phylogeny of Chinese ST398 isolates, 4 MRSA ST398 strains and 4 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) ST398 strains were collected from patients with bacteremia at 6 teaching hospitals in China between 1999 and 2016. Moreover, 689 ST398 genome sequences were downloaded from the GenBank database for comparison. The 4 MRSA ST398 strains were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, and 2 strains were also resistant to erythromycin. Among the 4 MSSA ST398 strains, 2 strains displayed multidrug resistance (MDR) and were resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin. The accessory genome of MSSA ST398 was more diverse than that of MRSA ST398. All 4 MRSA ST398 strains carried type V staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements; however, MSSA ST398 carried more resistance genes than MRSA ST398. These 4 MRSA ST398 strains carried hemolysin, along with virulence genes associated with immune invasion and protease. Phylogenic analysis showed that the 4 MRSA ST398 strains clustered in 1 clade. The global ST398 phylogeny showed that ST398 was divided into an animal clade and a human clade, and the ST398 strains of this study clustered in the human clade. A small number of human strains were also present in the animal clade and vice versa, suggesting transmission of ST398 between animals and humans. In conclusion, livestock-associated MRSA ST398 has caused severe infections in Chinese hospitals, and it should therefore be paid more attention to and monitored. OI GAO, Hua/0000-0002-1029-1476 SN 0022-1899 EI 1537-6613 PD APR 1 PY 2020 VL 221 SU 2 BP S220 EP S228 DI 10.1093/infdis/jiz575 UT WOS:000532694700011 PM 32176793 ER PT J AU Scarff, CA Thompson, RF Newlands, GFJ Jamson, AH Kennaway, C da Silva, VJ Rabelo, EM Song, CF Trinick, J Smith, WD Muench, SP AF Scarff, Charlotte A. Thompson, Rebecca F. Newlands, George F. J. Jamson, Alexander. H. Kennaway, Christopher da Silva, Vivian J. Rabelo, Elida M. Song, Chun-Feng Trinick, John Smith, W. David Muench, Stephen P. TI Structure of the protective nematode protease complex H-gal-GP and its conservation across roundworm parasites SO PLOS PATHOGENS AB Roundworm parasite infections are a major cause of human and livestock disease worldwide and a threat to global food security. Disease control currently relies on anthelmintic drugs to which roundworms are becoming increasingly resistant. An alternative approach is control by vaccination and 'hidden antigens', components of the worm gut not encountered by the infected host, have been exploited to produce Barbervax, the first commercial vaccine for a gut dwelling nematode of any host. Here we present the structure of H-gal-GP, a hidden antigen from Haemonchus contortus, the Barber's Pole worm, and a major component of Barbervax. We demonstrate its novel architecture, subunit composition and topology, flexibility and heterogeneity using cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and modelling. Importantly, we demonstrate that complexes with the same architecture are present in other Strongylid roundworm parasites including human hookworm. This suggests a common ancestry and the potential for development of a unified hidden antigen vaccine. Author summary Roundworm parasites are responsible for disease within both animal and human populations with Ancylostomiasis (human hookworm) affecting over 500 million a year and the Trichostrongylids causing significant animal health and production harm to global livestock industries. Despite their prevalence many aspects of roundworm parasite growth and homeostasis are poorly understood. For example, we still do not understand how these parasites digest their meal (often blood) and take up nutrients such that they avoid immune system recognition by not releasing the degradative enzymes into the blood stream. In this study we have, for the first time, solved the structure of the Haemonchus galactose containing glycoprotein complex (H-gal-GP) and show how it acts as an efficient digestion machine, capable of trapping hemoglobin and channeling it to different enzymes for processing. Moreover, we show for the first time that this is conserved across other important roundworm parasites (taxonomic Order Strongylida), suggesting a common digestive mechanism. Importantly, H-gal-GP is an active ingredient in the Barbervax vaccine and the conservation of this complex across different parasites could open up new avenues for developing a universal vaccine against these devastating roundworm parasites. OI Newlands, George/0000-0001-6352-3552; Jamson, Alexander Henry/0000-0002-1995-9049; Thompson, Rebecca/0000-0002-4254-8854 SN 1553-7366 EI 1553-7374 PD APR PY 2020 VL 16 IS 4 AR e1008465 DI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008465 UT WOS:000531365400018 PM 32271834 ER PT J AU Sharma, S Pandey, M Onteru, SK Singh, D AF Sharma, Sanjay Pandey, Mamta Onteru, Suneel Kumar Singh, Dheer TI Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Detection of Ureaplasma diversum from Cervico-vaginal Swab of Buffaloes SO APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY AB The main plan of the current study was to develop a rapid, robust, and field-applicable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Ureaplasma diversum. A strain-specific 16S rRNA gene of Ureaplasma diversum was used for detection which was cloned, sequenced, and characterized earlier. LAMP results were visualized within 90 min with the naked eye. Cervico-vaginal swabs of 50 buffaloes were randomly collected from Livestock Research Center of NDRI as per the Institute Animal ethics guidelines. Out of 50 cervico-vaginal swab samples collected randomly, 34 were found positive with LAMP while 16 samples were negative. Conventional PCR results showed the same result. Therefore, the accuracy of the developed LAMP was about 100%. The developed LAMP assay can also be used to screen the animals for Ureaplasma diversum infection in cervico-vaginal swab. However, further study is needed to assess sensitivity and accuracy towards their detection and their relationship in disease diagnosis. SN 0273-2289 EI 1559-0291 PD APR PY 2020 VL 190 IS 4 BP 1201 EP 1211 DI 10.1007/s12010-019-03155-2 UT WOS:000531155500006 PM 31729698 ER PT J AU Feodorova, VA Zaitsev, SS Khizhnyakova, MA Saltykov, YV Evstifeev, VV Khusainov, FM Yakovlev, SI Larionova, OS Motin, VL AF Feodorova, Valentina A. Zaitsev, Sergey S. Khizhnyakova, Mariya A. Saltykov, Yury V. Evstifeev, Vitaliy V. Khusainov, Fidail M. Yakovlev, Sergey I. Larionova, Olga S. Motin, Vladimir L. TI Data of de novo genome assembly of the Chlamydia psittaci strain isolated from the livestock in Volga Region, Russian Federation SO DATA IN BRIEF AB Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria globally widespread across humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. Chlamydia psittaci is a primarily zoonotic pathogen with multiple hosts, which can be transmitted to humans, resulting in psittacosis or ornithosis. Since this pathogen is a well-recognized threat to human and animal health, it is critical to unravel in detail the genetic make-up of this microorganism. Though many genomes of C. psittaci have been studied to date, little is known about the variants of chlamydial organisms causing infection in Russian livestock. This research is the first de novo genome assembly of the C. psittaci strain Rostinovo-70 of zoonotic origin that was isolated in Russian Federation. The results were obtained by using standard protocols of sequencing with the Illumina HiSeq 2500 and Oxford Nanopore MinION technology that generated 3.88 GB and 3.08 GB of raw data, respectively. The data obtained are available in NCBI DataBase (GenBank accession numbers are CP041038.1 & CP041039.1). The Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) showed that the strain Rostinovo-70 together with C. psittaci GR9 and C. psittaci WS/RT/E30 belong to the sequence type (ST)28 that could be further separated into two different clades. Despite C. psittaci Rostinovo-70 and C. psittaci GR9 formed a single clade, the latter strain did not contain a cryptic plasmid characteristis to Rostinovo-70. Moreover, the genomes of two strains differed significantly in the cluster of 30 genes that in Rostinovo-70 were closer to Chlamydia abortus rather than C. psittaci. The alignment of the genomes of C. psittaci and C. abortus in this area revealed the exact boarders of homologous recombination that occurred between two Chlamydia species. These findings provide evidence for the first time of genetic exchange between closely related Chlamydia species. (c) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). SN 2352-3409 PD APR PY 2020 VL 29 DI 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105190 UT WOS:000529377400042 PM 32071972 ER PT J AU Miao, SG Jiang, WM Liang, P Liu, HN Wang, XM Tan, JG Zhang, N Li, J Du, WP Pei, L AF Miao, Shiguang Jiang, Weimei Liang, Ping Liu, Hongnian Wang, Xuemei Tan, Jianguo Zhang, Ning Li, Ju Du, Wupeng Pei, Lin TI Advances in Urban Meteorological Research in China SO JOURNAL OF METEOROLOGICAL RESEARCH AB Over the past decades, a large number of studies have been carried out in the field of urban meteorology in China. This paper summarizes the main progress in urban meteorology research from four aspects: urban meteorological observation network and field campaign, multi-scale model of urban meteorology, interaction between urban meteorology and atmospheric environment, and the impacts of urbanization on weather and climate. Major advances are as follows. China's major cities have established or are improving comprehensive urban meteorological observation networks characterized by multi-platform, multi-variable, multi-scale, multi-link, and multi-function. Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and other cities carried out urban meteorological field campaigns, which were included in the WMO research demonstration project. Wind tunnel experiments and scale-model outdoor experiments were successfully conducted. Multi-scale urban meteorological and air quality prediction numerical model systems have been developed and put into operational use. The urban heat island effect; urban impacts on precipitation, regional climate, and air quality; urban planning; and interaction between urban meteorology and atmospheric environment are extensively investigated. Finally, efforts to improve observational technology, data assimilation, and urban system modeling, to explore the impacts of urbanization on environment and human health, and to provide integrated urban hydro-meteorological climate and environmental services are planned ahead. RI Miao, Shiguang/E-7321-2010 OI Miao, Shiguang/0000-0003-2561-0238 SN 2095-6037 EI 2198-0934 PD APR PY 2020 VL 34 IS 2 BP 218 EP 242 DI 10.1007/s13351-020-9858-3 UT WOS:000531813900002 ER PT J AU Ma, L Chen, DC Zou, SY Liu, YY Zhou, LY Xiu, ZG AF Ma, Li Chen, De-Cai Zou, Shi-Yue Liu, Yan-Yi Zhou, Lin-Yong Xiu, Zhi-Gang TI Epidemiological characteristics of hepatic echinococcosis, concurrent cerebral echinococcosis, and pulmonary echinococcosis in Ganzi County, Sichuan Province, China SO MEDICINE AB Human echinococcosis has become a major public health problem in most parts of the world. The objective of this article was to study the demographics of patients with hepatic echinococcosis in Ganzi County to elucidate the main risk factors, as well as to report the concurrent prevalence of cerebral echinococcosis and pulmonary echinococcosis. We recruited 195 patients with hepatic echinococcosis from the Datongma area of Ganzi County from January 2018 to November 2018. The patients' demographics, living environments, supported medical resources, knowledge of echinococcosis prevention and control, and hygienic practices were investigated and analyzed. The prevalence of cerebral echinococcosis and pulmonary echinococcosis were also investigated. The data were analyzed to identify risk factors for human echinococcosis. Our analysis showed that the herding Tibetan population within the 20 to 60 age group, and females, in particular, were at the highest risk of human echinococcosis infection. Having stray dogs around habitations and intimate activities with dogs and livestock were also behavioral risk factors. People with poor health literacy and low educational qualifications had possible risks of infection. In terms of hygiene, not using tap water as the drinking water source and lack of medical staff were significantly correlated with echinococcosis prevalence. Four patients were diagnosed with cerebral echinococcosis. Among them, 1 patient had both cerebral echinococcosis and pulmonary echinococcosis. Possible high-risk factors for echinococcosis were being female, herding population, in the 20 to 60 age group, having stray dogs around habitations, having activities with dogs and livestock, having poor health literacy, having low educational qualifications, and not using tap water as a drinking water source. The detection rate for brain echinococcosis in patients with hepatic echinococcosis was high (2.05%). Effective preventive strategies should be implemented in epidemic areas. Head CT scans should be applied for early detection of cerebral echinococcosis to carry out the treatment. SN 0025-7974 EI 1536-5964 PD APR PY 2020 VL 99 IS 15 AR e19753 DI 10.1097/MD.0000000000019753 UT WOS:000531848600046 PM 32282737 ER PT J AU Pascall, DJ Nomikou, K Breard, E Zientara, S Filipe, AD Hoffmann, B Jacquot, M Singer, JB De Clercq, K Botner, A Sailleau, C Viarouge, C Batten, C Puggioni, G Ligios, C Savini, G van Rijn, PA Mertens, PPC Biek, R Palmarini, M AF Pascall, David J. Nomikou, Kyriaki Breard, Emmanuel Zientara, Stephan Filipe, Ana da Silva Hoffmann, Bernd Jacquot, Maude Singer, Joshua B. De Clercq, Kris Botner, Anette Sailleau, Corinne Viarouge, Cyril Batten, Carrie Puggioni, Giantonella Ligios, Ciriaco Savini, Giovanni van Rijn, Piet A. Mertens, Peter P. C. Biek, Roman Palmarini, Massimo TI "Frozen evolution" of an RNA virus suggests accidental release as a potential cause of arbovirus re-emergence SO PLOS BIOLOGY AB The mechanisms underlying virus emergence are rarely well understood, making the appearance of outbreaks largely unpredictable. Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8), an arthropod-borne virus of ruminants, emerged in livestock in northern Europe in 2006, spreading to most European countries by 2009 and causing losses of billions of euros. Although the outbreak was successfully controlled through vaccination by early 2010, puzzlingly, a closely related BTV-8 strain re-emerged in France in 2015, triggering a second outbreak that is still ongoing. The origin of this virus and the mechanisms underlying its re-emergence are unknown. Here, we performed phylogenetic analyses of 164 whole BTV-8 genomes sampled throughout the two outbreaks. We demonstrate consistent clock-like virus evolution during both epizootics but found negligible evolutionary change between them. We estimate that the ancestor of the second outbreak dates from the height of the first outbreak in 2008. This implies that the virus had not been replicating for multiple years prior to its re-emergence in 2015. Given the absence of any known natural mechanism that could explain BTV-8 persistence over this long period without replication, we hypothesise that the second outbreak could have been initiated by accidental exposure of livestock to frozen material contaminated with virus from approximately 2008. Our work highlights new targets for pathogen surveillance programmes in livestock and illustrates the power of genomic epidemiology to identify pathways of infectious disease emergence. RI Jacquot, Maude/T-7584-2019; Nomikou, Kyriaki/Q-5555-2016; van Rijn, Piet A./C-1163-2017 OI Jacquot, Maude/0000-0001-5945-4689; Zientara, Stephan/0000-0002-6733-8503; De Clercq, Kris/0000-0002-2928-3521; da Silva Filipe, Ana Cristina/0000-0002-9442-2903; Singer, Joshua/0000-0001-6989-475X; Nomikou, Kyriaki/0000-0002-7013-1853; van Rijn, Piet A./0000-0002-2594-1232 SN 1544-9173 EI 1545-7885 PD APR PY 2020 VL 18 IS 4 AR e3000673 DI 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000673 UT WOS:000531804900020 PM 32343693 ER PT J AU Guo, XR Ye, ZL Chen, DS Wu, HK Shen, YQ Liu, JF Cheng, SY AF Guo, Xiurui Ye, Zhilan Chen, Dongsheng Wu, Hongkan Shen, Yaqian Liu, Junfang Cheng, Shuiyuan TI Prediction and mitigation potential of anthropogenic ammonia emissions within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB Large ammonia (NH3) emissions contribute approximately 8-30% to the fine particle pollution in China and highlight the need for understanding the emission trends and mitigation effects of NH3 in the future. The purpose of this study is to predict the NH3 emissions and analyze the mitigation potential up to year 2040 by scenario analysis based on the established new NH3 emission inventory from anthropogenic sources for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. The results showed that the total NH3 emission in the BTH region was estimated at 966.14 Gg in 2016. Under the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario, the total NH3 emissions in 2030 and 2040 would increase by 13% and 26% compared with 2016 levels, with average annual growth rates of 0.9% and 1.0%, respectively. Livestock will continue to dominate NH3 emissions in the future, with the proportions of total emissions increasing from 57% in 2016 to 64% in 2030 and 68% in 2040. The share of the second-largest NH3 emission source, synthetic fertilizer application, will decrease from 36% in 2016 to 31% in 2030 and 27% in 2040. Among five other sources, the largest change occurred in waste disposal, increasing notably by 3.31 times from 2016 to 2040 owing to rapid urbanization. Under the Combined Options (CO) scenario, the total NH3 emissions could be reduced by as much as 34% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 compared with the BAU scenario, which is attributed to livestock (24% in 2030, 37% in 2040) and synthetic fertilizer application (10% in 2030, 13% in 2040), respectively. This study can give a reliable estimation of anthropogenic NH3 emission in the BTH region during 2020-2040 and provide a valuable reference for effective mitigation measures and control strategies for policy makers. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD APR PY 2020 VL 259 AR 113863 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113863 UT WOS:000528534600101 PM 31918139 ER PT J AU Sunder, J Sujatha, T De, AK Bhattacharya, D Bhowmick, S Perumal, P Kundu, A AF Sunder, Jai Sujatha, T. De, A. K. Bhattacharya, D. Bhowmick, S. Perumal, P. Kundu, A. TI First report of contagious ecthyma (orf) outbreak in goats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH AB Goat constitutes almost 42.1% of the total livestock population of the A and N islands. Generally the livestock are free from many dreaded diseases which are prevalent in mainland, India. However, in the present study the outbreak of contagious ecthyma (orf) in goats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was investigated and confirmed by PCR assay. The outbreak of orf was reported from different villages of the South Andaman. A total of 171 clinical cases of contagious ecthyma were reported during the different outbreak reported during the year 2017. The scab samples from the affected goats were collected and processed for extraction of viral DNA. Nested PCR assay was done by using the forward and reverse primers of parapox virus. The results revealed the confirmation of the outbreak of Contagious ecthyma (orf) virus in the goats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the first time. SN 0367-6722 PD APR PY 2020 VL 54 IS 4 BP 503 EP 507 DI 10.18805/ijar.B-3787 UT WOS:000531037600021 ER PT J AU Sankhyan, V Thakur, YP Dogra, PK AF Sankhyan, Varun Thakur, Y. P. Dogra, P. K. TI Genetic polymorphism in IGF-1 gene in four sheep and goat breeds and its association with biometrical traits in migratory Gaddi goat breed of western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, India SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH AB Sheep and goat production is a predominant livestock activity in harsh climatic regions of the country particularly in hilly areas. The goat and sheep population in Himachal Pradesh is 1.12 and 0.81 million respectively. Gaddi and Rampur-Bushair are the two indigenous sheep breeds of the state well adapted to the prevalent migratory production system. The somatotrophic axis (GH/IGF-I axis) is considered as the key in postnatal growth and metabolism in different mammals including farm animals. The technique of PCR-RFLP was used to analyze polymorphism of IGF-1 gene in sheep and goat breeds of Himachal Pradesh and to study association with body measurements in Gaddi goats. For polymorphism studies, genomic DNA was isolated from 63, 68, 197 and 73 animals belonging to Gaddi sheep, Rampur-Bushair sheep, Gaddi goat and Chegu goats, respectively. PCR amplification of IGF-1 yielded 363 bp amplicon. The PCR-RFLP digestion of amplified products with Haelll revealed three fragments of 363 bp, 264 bp and 99 bp after digestion. Allele frequencies for A allele were 0.66 0.59, 0.65 and 0.70 and for B allele were 0.34, 0.41, 0.35 and 0.20 in Gaddi sheep, Rampur-Bushair sheep, Gaddi goat and Chegu goat, respectively. The frequency of AA, AB and BB genotypes ranged from 0.38 to 0.55, 0.30 to 0.42 and 0.14 to 0.19 in different breeds studied. The N-e, H-obs and H-exp ranged from 1.80 to 1.99, 0.30 to 0.43, 0.42 to 0.48 and 0.33 to 0.37, respectively in different populations. The PIC revealed median level of polymorphism in studied breeds. Alignment of sequences also confirmed presence of C/G substitution at 264 bp. Nucleotide variability was found at 17 places between different breeds. Genetic variability was detected among all four breeds studied, however no significant association could be detected in Gaddi goats. SN 0367-6722 PD APR PY 2020 VL 54 IS 4 BP 508 EP 512 DI 10.18805/ijar.B-3795 UT WOS:000531037600022 ER PT J AU Daniel, D Diener, A van de Vossenberg, J Bhatta, M Marks, SJ AF Daniel, D. Diener, Arnt van de Vossenberg, Jack Bhatta, Madan Marks, Sara J. TI Assessing Drinking Water Quality at the Point of Collection and within Household Storage Containers in the Hilly Rural Areas of Mid and Far-Western Nepal SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB Accurate assessments of drinking water quality, household hygenic practices, and the mindset of the consumers are critical for developing effective water intervention strategies. This paper presents a microbial quality assessment of 512 samples from household water storage containers and 167 samples from points of collection (POC) in remote rural communities in the hilly area of western Nepal. We found that 81% of the stored drinking water samples (mean log(10) of all samples = 1.16 colony-forming units (CFU)/100 mL, standard deviation (SD) = 0.84) and 68% of the POC samples (mean log(10) of all samples = 0.57 CFU/100 mL, SD = 0.86) had detectable E. coli. The quality of stored water was significantly correlated with the quality at the POC, with the majority (63%) of paired samples showing a deterioration in quality post-collection. Locally applied household water treatment (HWT) methods did not effectively improve microbial water quality. Among all household sanitary inspection questions, only the presence of livestock near the water storage container was significantly correlated with its microbial contamination. Households' perceptions of their drinking water quality were mostly influenced by the water's visual appearance, and these perceptions in general motivated their use of HWT. Improving water quality within the distribution network and promoting safer water handling practices are proposed to reduce the health risk due to consumption of contaminated water in this setting. RI sihombing, daniel/AAP-8940-2020 OI Diener, Arnt/0000-0002-0566-774X; van de Vossenberg, Jack/0000-0003-4497-6155; Sihombing, Daniel/0000-0002-2664-2517; Marks, Sara/0000-0003-0566-3041 EI 1660-4601 PD APR PY 2020 VL 17 IS 7 AR 2172 DI 10.3390/ijerph17072172 UT WOS:000530763300004 PM 32218157 ER PT J AU Li, XP Yan, Y Yao, LY AF Li, Xiaoping Yan, Yan Yao, Liuyang TI 'Get a Fish' vs. 'Get a Fishing Skill': Farmers' Preferred Compensation Methods to Control Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB Ecological compensation is an important means for controlling agricultural nonpoint source pollution, and compensation methods comprise an essential part of the compensation policy for mitigating this form of pollution. Farmers' choice of compensation methods affects their response to compensation policies as well as the effects of pollution control and ecological compensation efficiency. This study divides ecological compensation methods into two distinct philosophies-the "get a fish" method (GFM) and "get a fishing skill" method (GFSM)-based on policy objectives, to determine farmers' choice between the two methods and the factors influencing this choice. Furthermore, by analyzing survey data of 632 farmers in the Ankang and Hanzhong cities in China and using the multivariate probit model, the study determines farmers' preferred option among four specific compensation modes of GFM and GFSM. The three main results are as follows. (1) The probability of farmers choosing GFM is 82%, while that of choosing GFSM is 51%. Therefore, GFM should receive more attention in compensation policies relating to agricultural nonpoint source pollution control. (2) Of the four compensation modes, the study finds a substitution effect between farmers' choice of capital and technology compensations, capital and project compensations, material and project compensations, while there is a complementary relationship between the choice of material and technology compensations. Therefore, when constructing the compensation policy basket, attention should be given to achieving an organic combination of different compensation methods. (3) Highly educated, young, and male farmers with lower part-time employment, large cultivated land, and a high level of eco-friendly technology adoption and policy understanding are more likely to choose GFSM. Hence, the government should prioritize promoting GFSM for farmers with these characteristics, thereby creating a demonstration effect to encourage transition from GFM to GFSM. OI Yao, Liuyang/0000-0003-4526-3333 EI 1660-4601 PD APR PY 2020 VL 17 IS 7 AR 2484 DI 10.3390/ijerph17072484 UT WOS:000530763300316 PM 32260510 ER PT J AU Lledo, L Gimenez-Pardo, C Gegundez, MI AF Lledo, Lourdes Gimenez-Pardo, Consuelo Isabel Gegundez, Maria TI Epidemiological Study of Thogoto and Dhori Virus Infection in People Bitten by Ticks, and in Sheep, in an Area of Northern Spain SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB There is little information on Thogoto virus (THOV) and Dhori virus (DHOV)infection in Spain. A total of 283 serum samples from 150 human subjects (78 males, 72 females) bitten by ticks, as well as samples from 120 sheep (one per animal), were studied by immunofluorescence assay. All human and animal subjects were from the province of Palencia in northern Spain. Eight human subjects had antibodies against THOV (seroprevalence: 5.3%) and six had antibodies against DHOV (seroprevalence: 4%); titers ranged between 1/32-1/256 and 1/32-1/128, respectively. No significant differences were seen in seroprevalence in terms of gender or age, although people with antibodies were significantly more likely to have had contact with livestock for professional reasons. One subject with an acute infection had IgM antibodies to both viruses and seroconverted to IgG. For the sheep, 24 serum samples were positive for antibodies to THOV (seroprevalence: 20%) and 32 for antibodies to DHOV (seroprevalence: 26.8%); titers ranged between 1/16 and 1/128. The seroprevalence of both viruses was significantly higher in animals < 4 years of age. Together, these results reveal the circulation of DHOV and THOV in humans and sheep in the province of Palencia. Sheep might be used as indicators of the presence of these organisms. OI lledo, lourdes/0000-0001-5387-6792 EI 1660-4601 PD APR PY 2020 VL 17 IS 7 AR 2254 DI 10.3390/ijerph17072254 UT WOS:000530763300086 PM 32230796 ER PT J AU Sato, M Kato, H Noguchi, M Ono, H Kobayashi, K AF Sato, Miho Kato, Hiromi Noguchi, Makiko Ono, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Kuniyuki TI Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Work Environment Factors among Dairy Farmers in Japan SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB Dairy farmers are more likely than nonfarmers to experience high demands and are at risk of mental health problems. However, there is scarce evidence on the current state of psychological health and related factors among dairy farmers, and the knowledge of potential gender differences is limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and its association with work environment characteristics and to identify gender differences. Data were collected from 273 dairy farmer participants (169 males and 104 females) in Japan. Females were more likely to be depressed, and young and middle-aged women appeared to be at risk of depression. For both genders, a demanding work environment was related to depression. There were some gender differences; for example, worries about the harmful effects of pesticides on health and the balancing of family roles and work roles were related to depression in men, while worries about one's financial situation and the health status of livestock were associated with depression in women. Females benefited from support through direct interaction, while males benefited from involvement in social activities. These findings will contribute to the development of a gender-specific approach to promote psychological health in the dairy farming community. EI 1660-4601 PD APR PY 2020 VL 17 IS 7 AR 2569 DI 10.3390/ijerph17072569 UT WOS:000530763300401 PM 32283628 ER EF