FN Clarivate Analytics Web of Science VR 1.0 PT J AU Boyte, SP Wylie, BK Gu, YX Major, DJ AF Boyte, Stephen P. Wylie, Bruce K. Gu, Yingxin Major, Donald J. TI Estimating Abiotic Thresholds for Sagebrush Condition Class in the Western United States SO RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT AB Sagebrush ecosystems of the western United States can transition from extended periods of relatively stable conditions to rapid ecological change if acute disturbances occur. Areas dominated by native sagebrush can transition from species-rich native systems to altered states where non-native annual grasses dominate, if resistance to annual grasses is low. The non-native annual grasses provide relatively little value to wildlife, livestock, and humans and function as fuel that increases fire frequency. The more land area covered by annual grasses, the higher the potential for fire, thus reducing the potential for native vegetation to reestablish, even when applying restoration treatments. Mapping areas of stability and areas of change using machine-learning algorithms allows both the identification of dominant abiotic variables that drive ecosystem dynamics and the variables' important thresholds. We develop a decision-tree model with rulesets that estimate three classes of sagebrush condition (i.e., sagebrush recovery, tipping point [ecosystem degradation], and stable). We find rulesets that primarily drive development of the sagebrush recovery class indicate areas of midelevations (1 602 m), warm 30-yr July temperature maximums (tmax) (30.62 degrees C), and 30-yr March precipitation (ppt) averages equal to 26.26 mm, about 10% of the 30-yr annual ppt values. Tipping point and stable classes occur at elevations that are lower (1 505 m) and higher (1 939 m), respectively, more mesic during March and annually, and experience lower 30-yr July tmax averages. These defined variable averages can be used to understand current dynamics of sagebrush condition and to predict where future transitions may occur under novel conditions. (C) 2019 The Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 1550-7424 EI 1551-5028 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 73 IS 2 BP 297 EP 308 DI 10.1016/j.rama.2019.10.010 UT WOS:000519928400012 ER PT J AU Ruvuga, PR Wredle, E Mwakaje, A Selemani, IS Sangeda, AZ Nyberg, G Kronqvist, C AF Ruvuga, Peter Rogers Wredle, Ewa Mwakaje, Agnes Selemani, Ismail Saidi Sangeda, Anthony Zozimus Nyberg, Gert Kronqvist, Cecilia TI Indigenous Rangeland and Livestock Management Among Pastoralists and Agro-pastoralists in Miombo Woodlands, Eastern Tanzania SO RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT AB Indigenous rangeland management practices, forage quality and availability, and livestock production by pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in miombo woodlands were investigated in a study conducted in Kilosa district, Tanzania. The study methods comprised household interviews, key informant and focus group discussions, and forage laboratory analyses. Preferred forage species and indigenous rangeland and livestock management practices among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in miombo woodlands were identified, and the nutrient content of the forages was determined. In general, rangeland management in the study area faces challenges such as unclear or disputed land tenure regime and lack of technical knowledge. Moreover, the nutritional value of some native forage species identified in miombo was found to be too low to meet the nutrient requirements of livestock. Livestock in miombo contribute greatly to household livelihoods and food security, but forage scarcity was identified as a limiting factor. Overall, it was concluded that rangeland improvement practices are poor or nonexistent in allocated grazing areas in Kilosa's miombo woodlands. (C) 2019 The Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 1550-7424 EI 1551-5028 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 73 IS 2 BP 313 EP 320 DI 10.1016/j.rama.2019.11.005 UT WOS:000519928400014 ER PT J AU Juandi, M AF Juandi, Muhammad TI Water sustainability model for estimation of groundwater availability in Kemuning district, Riau-Indonesia SO JOURNAL OF GROUNDWATER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AB There are rising interests in the utility of groundwater in various aspects, which is capable of triggering problematic issues. The excessive exploitation for anthropologic uses, without regards to aquifer capacity, will decreases the water table as well as capacity of groundwater in the aquifer. This research was aimed to provide aquifer model of underground water by consideration of various environmental factors, with the propensity of being modeled, in an attempt to predict groundwater conditions in subsequent years. The purpose of this research was to forecast water requirements, availability, as well as three-dimensional model of groundwater depth in Kemuning, Indragiri Hilir Regency-Indonesia between 2015 and 2022. Furthermore, various environmental factors, from aquifer profiles to anthropologic demand, are taken into account in the evaluated model, including water requirements, encompassing recharge and aquifer parameters, which consists of storativity and transmissivity. From anthropologic side are domestic requirements, trade, public facilities, agriculture, and livestock. The results show that groundwater availability in Kemuning is to be safe condition, and average difference is 1.06x10(8) m(3)/yr. The coefficient of storativity and transmissivity are 16.514 m(2)/day and 9 897.26 m(2)/day, respectively, while the average depth was recorded as 2.8965 m to 10.4927 m. SN 2305-7068 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 BP 20 EP 29 DI 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.01.003 UT WOS:000520848600003 ER PT J AU Thutwa, K Chabo, R Nsoso, SJ Mareko, M Kgwatalala, PM Owusu-Sekyere, E AF Thutwa, Ketshephaone Chabo, Ricks Nsoso, Shalaulani James Mareko, Molebeledi Kgwatalala, Patrick Monametsi Owusu-Sekyere, Enoch TI Indigenous Tswana pig production characteristics and management practices in southern districts of Botswana SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB Indigenous animal genetic resources are vital in agriculture especially in the era of climate change because they are adapted to the harsh local conditions. Therefore, their conservation through utilisation is necessary. Indigenous Tswana pigs are one of the animal genetic resources that need to be protected from becoming extinct. The aim of this study was to determine the population of Tswana pigs, their production characteristics and management practices in the southern districts of Botswana. A survey was done in 15 villages in Kweneng, Kgatleng and South East districts of southern Botswana. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling methods was used to select villages and households where the survey was conducted. A questionnaire with closed- and opened-ended questions was administered to 71 indigenous pig farmers. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics procedure, frequency procedure and principal component analysis. The study established that indigenous Tswana pigs are mainly kept and managed by middle-aged and elderly women with lower level of education and no formal employment. These farmers keep Tswana pigs alongside other livestock species. The population of indigenous Tswana pigs in the surveyed districts is 620. Farmers keep indigenous pigs for cash and for home consumption. The pigs are kept in the backyard and fed kitchen leftovers and others are left to scavenge for feeds. Farmers do not put much effort in attending the health of the indigenous pigs; hence, their ignorance of the parasites and diseases affecting the pigs. SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 52 IS 2 BP 517 EP 524 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02037-3 UT WOS:000519374900009 PM 31410694 ER PT J AU Mutua, F Lindahl, J Randolph, D AF Mutua, Florence Lindahl, Johanna Randolph, Delia TI Possibilities of establishing a smallholder pig identification and traceability system in Kenya SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB Consumers have a right to safer foods, and traceability is one approach to meeting their expectations. Kenya does not have an operational animal traceability system, and while a few initiatives have been piloted, these have only focused on the beef value chain. In this paper, we begin a discussion on traceability in the pig value chain, with an initial focus on smallholder systems of Western Kenya. First, a background to local pig production is given, and a description of animal identification and traceability options applicable to these systems is explained. Based on this, a "butcher-to-farm" traceability system, with health, production and food safety as objectives, is discussed. Requirements for establishing such a system (including actor incentives) are additionally discussed. The proposed approach can be piloted in the field and findings used to inform the design of a larger pilot and possibly pave way for implementation of a national traceability system, in line with the guidelines provided by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Organized systems in the area (including commercial producer and trader groups) would offer a useful starting point. OI Lindahl, Johanna/0000-0002-1175-0398 SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 52 IS 2 BP 859 EP 870 DI 10.1007/s11250-019-02077-9 UT WOS:000519374900046 PM 31529303 ER PT J AU Zhang, HY Wu, LF Zhang, YF An, S Miras, HN Song, YF AF Zhang, Huaiying Wu, Lifu Zhang, Yanfen An, Sai Miras, Haralampos N. Song, Yu-Fei TI Heteropolyacids and sulfonic acid-bifunctionalized organosilica spheres for efficient manufacture of cellulose acetate propionate with high viscosity SO CELLULOSE AB Cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), a high value-added chemical, is traditionally prepared using H2SO4 as catalyst. Replacement of the mineral acids by solid acids is current research focus for green and sustainable production of CAP. Herein, we reported the fabrication of novel solid acid catalyst HPW/Si(Et)Si-Dim-SO3H (Si(Et)Si = ethyl-bridged organosilica and Dim = dihydroimidazole) by incorporating phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and sulfonic acid-based Bronsted acidic ionic liquids onto the organosilica nanospheres of the designed catalyst for efficient manufacture CAP via esterification. The results indicated that the as-prepared HPW/Si(Et)Si-Dim-SO3H with 7.5% HPW loading showed the best catalytic performance at 45 degrees C in 3 h and the resulting CAP exhibited viscosity of 447 mPa s, Mw of 102,882 and DS of 2.69. Most importantly, the HPW/Si(Et)Si-Dim-SO3H exhibited high catalytic stability over six consecutive cycles and the obtained products were stable too with similar DS, Mw and viscosity. As such, the designed heteropolyacids and sulfonic acid-bifunctionalized heterogeneous catalyst is highly promising for biomass conversion under mild conditions. Graphic abstract SN 0969-0239 EI 1572-882X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 27 IS 5 BP 2437 EP 2453 DI 10.1007/s10570-019-02936-6 UT WOS:000519634600006 ER PT J AU Du-Pont, T Vilakazi, CMN Thondhlana, G Vedeld, P AF Du-Pont, Tamika Vilakazi, Cebokuhle Mandisa Nonzwakazi Thondhlana, Gladman Vedeld, Pal TI Livestock income and household welfare for communities adjacent to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, South Africa SO ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AB Conflicts in protected areas often result from contestations around benefit-sharing arrangements. Integrating biodiversity conservation and livelihood goals in protected areas can be aided by quantitative assessments of the contribution of surrounding land-use options and trade-offs between conservation and use. Using household surveys, this study examines the contribution of livestock income (cash and subsistence) to household welfare among livestock-owning households living adjacent to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, South Africa. Across all households, livestock income contributed about 28% to total household income but the distribution of and dependence on livestock income varied across groups of people. Livestock income had little effect on income inequality but poverty incidence and depth were tied to livestock income especially for the poor and less-poor households. The potential livelihood and conservation benefits for increased support for livestock production are discussed, including how this could reduce conflict levels between conservation agencies and local communities and in a broader sense, improve the relationship between the state and its citizens. SN 2211-4645 EI 2211-4653 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 33 AR UNSP 100508 DI 10.1016/j.envdev.2020.100508 UT WOS:000520030200018 ER PT J AU Eri, M da Silva, CA Lima, M La Scala, N De Oliveira, JF Teodoro, PE Capristo-Silva, GF Caione, G Peres, CA AF Eri, Marta da Silva Junior, Carlos Antonio Lima, Mendelson La Scala Junior, Newton De Oliveira-Junior, Jose Francisco Teodoro, Paulo Eduardo Capristo-Silva, Guilherme Fernando Caione, Gustavo Peres, Carlos A. TI Capitalizing on opportunities provided by pasture sudden death to enhance livestock sustainable management in Brazilian Amazonia SO ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AB Brazil has the largest commercial beef cattle stock on Earth, and most of the cattle produced in the country is bred and finished on pastures. The cattle ranching sector represents a significant source of the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agricultural intensification has been highlighted as one of the main strategies in reaching global food security and reducing deforestation. The Sudden Death Disease (SDD) of pastures, which affects the most planted cultivar of Urochloa brizantha, is degrading pastures in the Amazon, contributing to low production yields and high emission rates. This paper discusses the intensification of pasture production systems and SDD, to examine the potential for pasture renovation to address livestock productivity and GHG balance, emissions and potential sinks. Does SDD represent a blessing or a curse to climate change mitigation in the Brazilian Amazon? A collection of pasture samples were assessed to measure wet and dry weight in areas with and without SDD, which were related to remote sensing data to provide an overall estimate of the total area affected by the SDD in Alta Floresta, a municipal county of southern Brazilian Amazonia. We found that 77.1% of all pastures had been committed to the syndrome, which has forced farmers to renew their pastures. This also has great potential in increasing soil carbon stocks, effectively reducing the CO2 footprint of meat production in those areas. Therefore, we firmly believe that SDD management has provided an opportunity to rebalance the emissions/sequestration equation associated with meat production by the cattle ranching sector in this Amazonin frontier. RI da Silva Junior, Carlos Antonio/N-9137-2019; La Scala Jr., Newton/C-4398-2012; Peres, Carlos/B-1276-2013 OI da Silva Junior, Carlos Antonio/0000-0002-7102-2077; La Scala Jr., Newton/0000-0002-1575-9875; Peres, Carlos/0000-0002-1588-8765 SN 2211-4645 EI 2211-4653 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 33 AR UNSP 100499 DI 10.1016/j.envdev.2020.100499 UT WOS:000520030200010 ER PT J AU Escarcha, JF Lassa, JA Palacpac, EP Zander, KK AF Escarcha, Jacquelyn F. Lassa, Jonatan A. Palacpac, Eric P. Zander, Kerstin K. TI Livelihoods transformation and climate change adaptation: The case of smallholder water buffalo farmers in the Philippines SO ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AB Livelihood transitions in most agricultural nations are conditioned by changes in both human and climate systems. In the Philippines, climate change related extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods, and droughts have detrimental impacts on crop production and have significantly affected the livelihoods of cash crop focused rural villages. A shift from crop to livestock production is emerging as a buffer activity to recover from crop losses; however, whether this adaptive response is viable is still unexplored. The aim of this study is to understand how farmers perceive water buffalo as a transformative opportunity and how they use water buffalo in the adaptation process to sustain their livelihoods when the climate becomes more volatile. Data were collected from farming villages in the Nueva Ecija province, the Philippines using mixed methods. It was found that farmers' livelihood patterns evolved as economic consequences of recurrent crop failures caused by typhoons, flooding, and dry spells. Farmers' changed their farming activities as an adaptive response driven by past experiences of climatic changes, farmers' social relations, household capacity, and resources available. The increasing trend of shifting to water buffalo dairying demonstrated farmers' preferences for less risky sources of income in lieu of the opportunities and options available. Thus, local adaptation can be understood to be an outcome of both farmers' livelihood survival strategies and the institutional dynamics in their localities. The results imply a need to integrate adaptation programs that are linked to local livelihood development, particularly in the Carabao Development Program (CDP). This study concludes by suggesting issues to be considered for water buffalo dairying as a viable adaptation option for climate-resilient livelihoods. RI Zander, Kerstin/M-2888-2013 OI Zander, Kerstin/0000-0002-2237-1801; Lassa, Jonatan/0000-0002-8432-842X SN 2211-4645 EI 2211-4653 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 33 AR UNSP 100468 DI 10.1016/j.envdev.2019.100468 UT WOS:000520030200001 ER PT J AU Roubik, H Mazancova, J AF Roubik, Hynek Mazancova, Jana TI Suitability of small-scale biogas systems based on livestock manure for the rural areas of Sumatra SO ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AB The increasing demand for farm animal products leads to higher pressure on the effective treatment of animal waste. Based on practice from other countries, biogas systems offer several significant advantages in terms of energy, environmental and economic development. Therefore, this paper investigates the potential development of small-scale biogas systems and their suitability in rural parts of northern Sumatra. A baseline field survey using semi-structured personal interviews based on questionnaires was carried out among randomly selected rural households (n = 196) in northern Sumatra in July-August 2014. The follow-up field visits to verify the results from the first stage were organised in August-September 2016. The findings show that only small individual farmers, who own 2-5 cattle heads spread on pastures, face difficulties to collect the dung. Other farmers report enough cattle manure to cover feedstock for biogas production. The calculations show sufficient animal waste feedstock supply and consequently estimated potential of energy from biogas (845 TJy(-1)) in the region. Nevertheless, the respondents manage animal manure only with composting (65% of respondents) and with sun-drying for fuel purposes (6%); often they leave manure fallow. The surveyed households use mostly a combination of subsidized LPG and electricity as a primary energy source for food and feed preparation, supplemented by fuelwood as the secondary source. Only half of the respondents have some knowledge about biogas technology and its benefits. The potential for small biogas systems development in the region is supported with a sufficient amount of animal manure as feedstock and suitable designs of biogas digesters on one hand; and on the other hand, impeded by challenges related to low information accessibility and investment power of rural households. RI Mazancova, Jana/AAP-6233-2020; Mazancova, Jana/AAK-2685-2020 OI Mazancova, Jana/0000-0002-7735-5606; SN 2211-4645 EI 2211-4653 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 33 AR UNSP 100505 DI 10.1016/j.envdev.2020.100505 UT WOS:000520030200015 ER PT J AU Oh, SS Song, J Kim, J Shin, J AF Oh, Sung-Suck Song, Jihyun Kim, Junghee Shin, Jinwook TI Increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli isolates from fresh vegetables and healthy food animals in South Korea SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AB Colistin is a last-resort antimicrobial against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The occurrence and spread of colistin resistance in humans and animals have been reported globally. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of mcr-harboring colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from retail vegetables and food animals in South Korea in 2018. The mcr-1 gene was detected in Escherichia coli isolates from 0.076% (1/1324) of vegetables, 5.9% (2/34) of chickens, 6.8% (4/59) of pigs, and 0% (0/57) of cattle. Other mcr genes were not detected. All seven of the mcr-1-positive isolates showed multidrug resistance and co-produced beta-lactamases. Multilocus sequence typing analysis revealed five known E. coli sequence types (STs), including ST10 in the vegetable sample. The study findings demonstrated that the mcr-1 gene has emerged in vegetables and is increasingly detected in food animals in South Korea, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and control of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae to prevent them from being transmitted to humans. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. RI Shin, Jinwook/AAG-6004-2019 OI shin, jinwook/0000-0003-3476-7595 SN 1201-9712 EI 1878-3511 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 92 BP 53 EP 55 DI 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.12.025 UT WOS:000519191900009 PM 31877351 ER PT J AU Stojkov, J von Keyserlingk, MAG Duffield, T Fraser, D AF Stojkov, J. von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Duffield, T. Fraser, D. TI Management of cull dairy cows: Culling decisions, duration of transport, and effect on cow condition SO JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE AB Many cows culled from dairy farms arrive at livestock markets or abattoirs in compromised condition, but it is unknown whether cows are compromised at the time of culling or deteriorate during the marketing process. This study followed cull cows from farm to abattoir, monitored any deterioration, and tested the effect of providing such information on subsequent culling. For 11 mo, data were collected from 20 dairy farms, livestock markets, and abattoirs. Cows' body condition, lameness, and udder condition (as binary outcomes) were assessed at 4 points: when placed on the culling list, before leaving the farm, at auction, and at the abattoir. Based on the first 5 mo of data (baseline period), information materials were provided to 10 randomly selected farms (Informed treatment), and the other 10 served as a Control. Logistic mixed models were used to test differences in cows' condition at the 4 points of assessment, using the assessment before leaving the farm as a reference value and cow-within-farm as a random effect. The effects of providing information on outcome measures (proportion thin, severely lame, with udder edema, poor fitness for transport, euthanized, and died) were tested with a general linear model. As demand for milk increased during the baseline period, additional linear mixed models were fitted to test whether the same outcome measures were affected by time (baseline or treatment period) and treatment (Informed or Control) using farm as a random effect. While cows were on the culling list (before shipping) the odds of being thin or having poor fitness for transport increased. After leaving the farms, cows spent (mean +/- standard deviation) 82 +/- 46 h in the marketing system before being slaughtered. Shipping from farm to abattoir increased the odds of being thin, having udder edema, or showing poor fitness for transport [odds ratio (OR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval 4.2 to 8.1; OR 14.7, 10.7 to 20.2; and OR 7.3, 5.7 to 9.5, respectively]. Providing this information to farmers (Informed treatment) did not affect the outcome measures. Compared with the baseline, during the treatment period fewer cows were shipped when thin (4.9 versus 9.0%) and with poor fitness for transport (15.7 versus 25.8%), and fewer cows died (5.4 versus 11.9%) or were euthanized (13.3 versus 20.5%). Increased demand for milk appeared to lead to delayed culling, such that more compromised cows were sent to slaughter. The results of this study show a need for clear and specific guidelines to assess fitness for transport of cull dairy cows. OI Duffield, Todd/0000-0001-6035-4669; von Keyserlingk, Marina/0000-0002-1427-3152 SN 0022-0302 EI 1525-3198 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 103 IS 3 BP 2636 EP 2649 DI 10.3168/jds.2019-17435 UT WOS:000514817200048 PM 31954571 ER PT J AU Stojkov, J von Keyserlingk, MAG Duffield, T Fraser, D AF Stojkov, J. von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. Duffield, T. Fraser, D. TI Fitness for transport of cull dairy cows at livestock markets SO JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE AB Cows are regularly removed from dairy herds and sold at livestock markets. Many cows are removed because of health problems, and their fitness for transport may vary because of seasonal variation, delayed or poor on-farm culling decisions, injuries during transport, and other factors. However, many dairy producers lack feedback about the condition of their cows during the marketing process and how cow condition influences sale price. This study evaluated the condition of cull dairy cows sold at livestock markets, tested how changing demand for milk influenced fitness for transport, and quantified how cow condition affected the price paid. For 12 mo, 2 livestock markets in British Columbia, Canada, were visited during 137 auction events when cull dairy cows were sold; 3 trained assessors observed 6,263 cull dairy cows while they were marketed in a sale ring. Observers recorded the cows' body condition score (BCS), locomotion score (LS), udder condition, quality defects (e.g., injuries, illness), and price. Logistic regression was used to test how month-to-month changes in demand for milk affected cows' fitness for transport, and a linear mixed model assessed how the animals' condition influenced the price. About 10% of the cows were thin (BCS <= 2), 7% were severely lame (locomotion score >= 4), 13% had engorged or inflamed udders, and 6% had other quality defects including abscesses, injuries, and signs of sickness (e.g., pneumonia). Cows culled during months with increased milk demand had much higher odds of poor fitness for transport (odds ratio 8.6, 95% confidence interval: 4.02-18.22). The price was most reduced if cows were thin (BCS <= 2) or visibly sick (-$0.63 +/- 0.01/kg and -$0.56 +/- 0.02/kg, respectively). Prices were reduced to a lesser degree by locomotion score >= 4 (-$0.35 +/- 0.02/kg) and by udder condition (udder inflammation; -$0.30 +/- 0.02/kg). Overall fitness for transport reduced the price by $0.51 +/- 0.01/kg. In summary, about 30% of the cows sold at livestock markets had poor fitness for transport, which was partially influenced by increased milk demand and resulted in reduced market prices. OI Duffield, Todd/0000-0001-6035-4669; von Keyserlingk, Marina/0000-0002-1427-3152 SN 0022-0302 EI 1525-3198 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 103 IS 3 BP 2650 EP 2661 DI 10.3168/jds.2019-17454 UT WOS:000514817200049 PM 31882216 ER PT J AU Liu, C Chen, YX Li, XH Zhang, YR Ye, J Huang, HK Zhu, CX AF Liu, Chong Chen, Yongxing Li, Xiaohua Zhang, Yanrong Ye, Jing Huang, Hongkun Zhu, Changxiong TI Temporal effects of repeated application of biogas slurry on soil antibiotic resistance genes and their potential bacterial hosts SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB Biogas slurry, a liquid end product of animal manure fermentation, is widely used as fertilizer in crop fields. Land application may introduce antibiotics and related resistance genes from livestock production into agricultural soil. Nevertheless, changes in antimicrobial resistance in soil where biogas slurry has been repeatedly applied are not fully understood. In the present study, 13 veterinary antibiotics were analyzed in soils that were repeatedly sprayed with biogas slurry, and simultaneously, temporal changes in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial community composition were investigated using a real-time quantitative PCR assay and MiSeq sequencing. Long-term repeated application of biogas slurry did not result in excessive accumulation of antibiotic residuals in the soil but increased the abundance of ARGs and facilitated ARG transfer among potential hosts. Although the quantitative PCR assay showed a decreasing trend for the relative abundance of ARGs over time, a relevance network analysis revealed highly complex bacteria-ARG co-occurrence after long-term application, which implied that repeated application might intensify horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs among different bacterial hosts in soil. The increased relative abundance of the intl1 gene supported the shift in ARG-bacteria co-occurrence. Furthermore, ordination analysis showed that the distributions of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and ARGs were closely related to application duration than to the influence of antibiotic residuals in the biogas slurry-treated soil environment. Additionally, natural level of ARG abundance in untreated soils indirectly suggested the presence/absence of antibiotics was not a key determinant causing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study provides improved insight into the effects of long-term repeated application of biogas slurry on the shift in ARG abundances and bacteria-ARG co-occurrence in soils, highlighting the need to focus on the influence of changed soil environment on the ARG transfer. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 258 AR 113652 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113652 UT WOS:000519655100096 PM 31818620 ER PT J AU Wang, QZ Gu, J Wang, XJ Ma, JY Hu, T Peng, HL Bao, JF Zhang, RR AF Wang, Qianzhi Gu, Jie Wang, Xiaojuan Ma, Jiyue Hu, Ting Peng, Huiling Bao, Jianfeng Zhang, Ranran TI Effects of nano-zerovalent iron on antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements during swine manure composting SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AB Livestock manure is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and aerobic composting is used widely for recycling animal manure. This study investigated the effects of adding nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI) at 0,100, and 1000 mg/kg on the fates of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) during swine manure composting. Under nZVI at 100 mg/kg, the relative abundances of sul1, sul2, dfrA7, ermF, and ermX decreased by 33.26-99.31% after composting, and the relative abundances of intl2 and Tn916/1545 decreased by 95.59% and 97.65%, respectively. Most of the ARGs and MGEs co-occurred and they had strong correlations with each other. The bacterial community structure was significantly separated by the composting periods, and they clustered together under different treatments in the same phase. Network analysis showed that Solibacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Terrisporobacter, Romboutsia, Turicibacter, Lactobacillus, Planococcus, Dietzia, and Corynebacterium_1 were common potential hosts of ARGs and MGEs. Redundancy analysis suggested that MGEs had key effects on the variations in the relative abundances of ARGs. Adding 100 mg/kg nZVI could reduce the environmental risk of ARGs by decreasing the abundances of MGEs. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0269-7491 EI 1873-6424 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 258 AR 113654 DI 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113654 UT WOS:000519655100098 PM 31806457 ER PT J AU Mak, V Terryn, E AF Mak, V. Terryn, E. TI Circular Economy and Consumer Protection: The Consumer as a Citizen and the Limits of Empowerment Through Consumer Law SO JOURNAL OF CONSUMER POLICY AB The role of consumers as citizens contributing to a circular economy must be seen as part of a broader policy mix aimed at stimulating sustainable production on the supply side of the market, and sustainable consumption on the demand side. Consumers can be active contributors to a circular economy through their actions on the demand side, and EU law has sought to facilitate environmentally-friendly consumer choices through information rights. Further reaching measures can however be envisaged whereby sustainability aims can be taken into account when shaping consumer law. Thus, consumers may be stimulated to opt for repair or to engage in shared use of products through "servitization." OI Mak, Vanessa/0000-0002-8016-7948 SN 0168-7034 EI 1573-0700 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 SI SI BP 227 EP 248 DI 10.1007/s10603-019-09435-y UT WOS:000520034600015 ER PT J AU You, MP Lamichhane, JR Aubertot, JN Barbetti, MJ AF You, Ming Pei Lamichhane, Jay Ram Aubertot, Jean-Noel Barbetti, Martin J. TI Understanding Why Effective Fungicides Against Individual Soilborne Pathogens Are Ineffective with Soilborne Pathogen Complexes SO PLANT DISEASE AB Annual forage legumes across southern Australia continue to be devastated by soilborne diseases. Nine fungicide seed treatments (thiram, metalaxyl, iprodione, phosphonic acid, propamocarb, fluquinconazole, difenoconazole + metalaxyl, ipconazole + metalaxyl, sedaxane + difenoconazole + metalaxyl) and four foliar fungicide treatments (phosphonic acid, metalaxyl, propamocarb, iprodione) were tested on four subterranean clover cultivars against individual oomycete soilborne pathogens Pythium irregulare, Aphanomyces trifolii, and Phytophthora el clandestina a and the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Best treatments were then further tested across southern Australia in 2 years of field experiments. Under controlled conditions, seed treatment with thiram was best against damping-off caused by P. irregulare across the four cultivars (Woogenellup, Riverina, Seaton Park, Meteora), while metalaxyl was the most effective for maximizing root and shoot weights. Against A. trifolii, metalaxyl, iprodione, difenoconazole + metalaxyl, ipconazole + metalaxyl, and sedaxane + difenoconazole + metalaxyl, all reduced damping-off; sedaxane + difenoconazole + metalaxyl, fluquinconazole, and ipconazole + metalaxyl all reduced lateral root disease across two or more cultivars; while iprodione, thiram, and sedaxane + difenoconazole + metalaxyl increased shoot dry weight. Against P. clandestina, metalaxyl was the most effective in reducing tap and lateral root rot followed by ipconazole + metalaxyl or phosphonic acid for tap and lateral rot, respectively. Against R. solani, there were no effects of fungicides. For P. irregulare and P. clandestina, there were strong seed fungicide x cultivar interactions (P < 0.001). Under controlled conditions for foliar fungicide spray treatments, phosphonic acid was best at preventing productivity losses from A. trifolii, but was ineffective against P. clandestina, P. irregulare, or R. solani. Overall, controlled environment studies highlighted strong potential for utilizing seed treatments against individual pathogens to ensure seedling emergence and early survival, with seed and foliar sprays enhancing productivity by reducing seedling damping-off and root disease from individual pathogens. However, in field experiments over 2 years across southern Australia against naturally occurring soilborne pathogen complexes involving these same pathogens, only rarely did fungicide seed treatments or foliar sprays tested show any benefit. It is evident that currently available fungicide seed and/or foliar spray treatment options do not offer effective field mitigation of damping-off and root disease on annual forage legumes that underpin livestock production across southern Australia. The main reason for this failure relates to the unpredictable and ever-changing soilborne pathogen complexes involved, highlighting a need to now refocus away from fungicide options, particularly toward developing and deploying new host tolerances, but also in deploying appropriate cultural control options. OI Lamichhane, Jay Ram/0000-0001-9780-0941; Barbetti, Martin/0000-0002-5331-0817 SN 0191-2917 EI 1943-7692 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 104 IS 3 BP 904 EP 920 DI 10.1094/PDIS-06-19-1252-RE UT WOS:000518772100037 PM 31859588 ER PT J AU Silatsa, BA Simo, G Githaka, N Kamga, R Oumarou, F Tiambo, CK Machuka, E Domelevo, JB Odongo, D Bishop, R Kuiate, JR Njiokou, F Djikeng, A Pelle, R AF Silatsa, Barberine A. Simo, Gustave Githaka, Naftaly Kamga, Rolin Oumarou, Farikou Tiambo, Christian Keambou Machuka, Eunice Domelevo, Jean-Baka Odongo, David Bishop, Richard Kuiate, Jules-Roger Njiokou, Flobert Djikeng, Appolinaire Pelle, Roger TI First detection of Theileria parva in cattle from Cameroon in the absence of the main tick vector Rhipicephalus appendiculatus SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB A major risk factor for the spread of livestock diseases and their vectors is the uncontrolled transboundary movement of live animals for trade and grazing. Such movements constrain effective control of tick-transmitted pathogens, including Theileria parva. Only limited studies have been undertaken to identify ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs) affecting cattle in central African countries, including Cameroon. We hereby report the collection of baseline data on the prevalence of T. parva in Cameroon through a countrywide cross-sectional survey, conducted in 2016, involving collection of blood samples from cattle from 63 sites across the five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the country. ELISA-based surveillance of infected cattle was performed on 479 randomly selected samples and revealed specific antibodies to T. parva in 22.7% and T. mutans in 41.1% of cattle. Screening of 1,340 representative DNA samples for the presence of T. parva identified 25 (1.86%) positives using a p104 antigen gene-based nested PCR assay. The positives were distributed across agro-ecological zones I, II, III and V. None of the p104 positive cattle exhibited clinical symptoms of East Coast fever (ECF). Using reverse line blot (RLB), 58 (4.3%) and 1,139 (85%) of the samples reacted with the T. parva and T. mutans oligonucleotide probes, respectively. This represents the first report of T. parva from Cameroon. Surprisingly, no Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks, the main vector of T. parva, were identified in a parallel study involving comprehensive morphological and molecular survey of tick species present in the country. Only two of the 25 p104 positive cattle were PCR-positive for the CD8+ T-cell target schizont-expressed antigen gene Tp1. Cloning and sequencing of Tp1 amplicons revealed sequence identity with the reference T. parva Muguga. This new finding raises serious concerns of a potential spread of ECF into the central African region. OI Odongo, David/0000-0001-5745-4327; Silatsa Assongo, Barberine/0000-0002-7457-4168; Domelevo Entfellner, Jean-Baka/0000-0002-8282-1325 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 67 SU 1 SI SI BP 68 EP 78 DI 10.1111/tbed.13425 UT WOS:000519593000007 PM 32174039 ER PT J AU Delhon, C Binder, D Verdin, P Mazuy, A AF Delhon, Claire Binder, Didier Verdin, Pascal Mazuy, Arnaud TI Phytoliths as a seasonality indicator? The example of the Neolithic site of Pendimoun, south-eastern France SO VEGETATION HISTORY AND ARCHAEOBOTANY AB Pendimoun rock-shelter is among the oldest Neolithic sites known on the French littoral (Impressa culture, since ca. 5700 bce). It was discontinuously occupied from the Mesolithic to the end of the Neolithic. During the Neolithic, it was used for pastoral purposes and domestic activities as well as for pottery production. Agriculture and cereal processing are clearly attested during the Impressa occupation (grains, husk and straw macroremains, grindstones) and become less obvious in the overlying layers. Phytolith analysis concerned 1 Mesolithic sample (Sauveterrian culture) and 16 samples covering most of the 6th millennium bce (Impressa, Cardial, and transition to Early Square Mouthed Pottery-SMP cultures). Significant amounts of grass phytoliths and the scarcity of dicot phytoliths suggest that the livestock, whose dung constitutes an important part of the sediment, mainly fed on wild grasses. Inflorescence bract phytoliths are well represented only in the Impressa levels, confirming that cereals were partly processed in situ only during the earliest stages of the Neolithic. Amounts of Bilobate short cells proved to be higher than expected in an area where only a few panicoid species can grow. The three candidates for Bilobate phytolith producers (Setaria spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa crus-galli) all have a short vegetation cycle that lies entirely between the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, suggesting that the shelter was mainly used during that period. The low amount of inflorescence bract phytoliths (except during the Impressa) seems to restrict that range to the period before the ears become mature, namely the end of spring or early summer. SN 0939-6314 EI 1617-6278 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 29 IS 2 BP 229 EP 240 DI 10.1007/s00334-019-00739-0 UT WOS:000519346400009 ER PT J AU Whytock, RC Fuentes-Montemayor, E Watts, K Macgregor, NA Call, E Mann, JA Park, KJ AF Whytock, Robin C. Fuentes-Montemayor, Elisa Watts, Kevin Macgregor, Nicholas A. Call, Eilidh Mann, Jennifer A. Park, Kirsty J. TI Regional land-use and local management create scale-dependent 'landscapes of fear' for a common woodland bird SO LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY AB Context Land-use change and habitat fragmentation are well known drivers of biodiversity declines. In forest birds, it has been proposed that landscape change can cause increased predation pressure that leads to population declines or community change. Predation can also have non-lethal effects on prey, such as creating 'landscapes of fear'. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated the relative contribution of regional land-use and local management to creating 'landscapes of fear'. Objectives To quantify the relative contribution of regional land-use and local management to the 'landscape of fear' in agricultural landscapes. Methods Bioacoustic recorders were used to quantify Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes alarm call rates in 32 naturally replicated broadleaf woodlands located in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes. Results Alarm call rates (the probability of an alarm per 10 min of audio) were positively correlated with the amount of agricultural land (arable or pasture) within 500 m of a woodland (effect size of 1) and were higher when livestock were present inside a woodland (effect size of 0.78). The amount of woodland and urban land cover in the landscape also had positive but weak effects on alarm call rates. Woodlands with gamebird management had fewer alarm calls (effect size of - 0.79). Conclusions We found that measures of both regional land-use and local management contributed to the 'landscape of fear' in agricultural landscapes. To reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities on 'fear' levels (an otherwise natural ecological process), land-managers should consider limiting livestock presence in woodlands and creating traditional 'buffer strips' (small areas of non-farmed land) at the interface between woodland edges and agricultural fields. OI Whytock, Robin/0000-0002-0127-6071; Fuentes-Montemayor, Elisa/0000-0002-5550-9432 SN 0921-2973 EI 1572-9761 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 35 IS 3 BP 607 EP 620 DI 10.1007/s10980-019-00965-x UT WOS:000519543400005 ER PT J AU Stites, E AF Stites, Elizabeth TI 'THE ONLY PLACE TO DO THIS IS IN TOWN': EXPERIENCES OF RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN NORTHERN KARAMOJA, UGANDA SO NOMADIC PEOPLES AB Towns in northern Karamoja, Uganda, are growing due to an expanding commercial sector, shifts in livestock-based rural livelihoods, and the economic and social appeal of urban life. This article presents qualitative data from 83 individual migrants to Abim, Kaabong and Kotido, the three largest towns in northern Karamoja. The research aimed to better understand the factors behind migration, the livelihood strategies pursued by those moving to towns and the opportunities and challenges associated with urban life. The data show that the majority of respondents in urban centres retained links to their rural conununities: these connections allowed migrants to access key assets such as land, social networks and food, and allowed rural residents to receive remittances and other forms of support. Those who were not able to maintain ties to their rural homes or families were frequently the most vulnerable; most were widowed or abandoned women. Reasons for migration included household-level shocks, such as the loss of livestock or the death of a family member, as well as food insecurity or 'hunger'. Towns are attractive destinations because of their economic opportunities and potential for a better life. However, many respondents struggled with the cost of living in towns and worked multiple ad hoc and low-skilled jobs in order to get by. While rural linkages were important for populations in both areas, most respondents did not envision returning to their rural areas. Urban planning and services have not kept pace with migratory patterns. SN 0822-7942 EI 1752-2366 PD SPR PY 2020 VL 24 IS 1 BP 32 EP 55 DI 10.3197/np.2020.240103 UT WOS:000519560300003 ER PT J AU Semplici, G AF Semplici, Greta TI CLOTTING NOMADIC SPACES: ON SEDENTISM AND NOMADISM SO NOMADIC PEOPLES AB With reference to Jeffrey C. Kaufmann's concept of a 'sediment of nomadism', for which pastoralism is still, implicitly or not, referenced and essentialised to 'pure' degrees of mobility and 'pure' food economies centred around livestock, this article argues that, in pastoral settings, sedentism is equally essentialised. This article reverses the traditional critique of the nomadism/sedentism dichotomy by questioning the relevance of ideal types of 'pure sedentism'. Based on fourteen months of ethnographic fieldwork in the Northern Kenya arid lands, this article looks away from big cities and regional urbanities to focus on small settlements springing up along improved roads and telecommunications infrastructure, showing that places are never motionless, despite measures of emplacement promoted by national and local governments and the international community. The drilling of boreholes, the construction of health centres and schools, the distribution of aid does not stop the mobility of places nor of their inhabitants. Until places remain mobile, they are alive; otherwise they clot. This argument makes it possible to move beyond a dichotomic definition of sedentism and nomadism to value changes, flexibility, and plasticity as important features of places created and recreated by mobile pastoralists. SN 0822-7942 EI 1752-2366 PD SPR PY 2020 VL 24 IS 1 BP 56 EP 85 DI 10.3197/np.2020.240104 UT WOS:000519560300004 ER PT J AU Ericksen, A AF Ericksen, Annika TI THE LIMITATIONS OF WINTERING AWAY FROM CUSTOMARY PASTURES IN RELATION TO DZUD IN MONGOLIA'S GOBI REGION SO NOMADIC PEOPLES AB This article, based on ethnographic research in a Gobi district in Mongolia, focuses on herders 'wintering away' from customary winter campsites to access better pasture elsewhere. Because of the drawbacks associated with wintering at non-customary as opposed to 'home' pastures, many herders consider 'wintering away' to be a last resort. In the 2009-10 dzud (winter disaster), in Bayanlig soum, most households that wintered away were hit by unusually heavy snowfall and suffered higher livestock losses than those households that stayed at their customary campsites. While herders' migration decisions are guided by expert knowledge of the environment, complicating factors and high uncertainty can contribute to livestock losses despite their best efforts. Mobility is essential to herders' success in a variable environment, but not all forms and instances of migration are equally beneficial. This article draws on herders' accounts to explore a migration dilemma in the Gobi that may become more common. SN 0822-7942 EI 1752-2366 PD SPR PY 2020 VL 24 IS 1 BP 86 EP 110 DI 10.3197/np.2020.240105 UT WOS:000519560300005 ER PT J AU Bao, HY AF Bao, Haiyan TI TOWARDS A THEORY OF DUNG CULTURE:AN INNER ASIAN CASE STUDY SO NOMADIC PEOPLES AB Research on milk, meat, fur, bone and animal power predominates in theories of livestock resources. However, research on livestock dung, an important livestock resource that is produced regardless of the age and sex of the animal, and is a continuous and stable resource in terms of quantity, has been neglected. From the perspective of cultural anthropology, based on archival and ethnographic research, this paper examines livestock dung culture in terms of dung gathering, utilisation, and naming systems. It is argued that a theory of dung culture will provide an insight into the formation of pastoralism and the origin of domestication. SN 0822-7942 EI 1752-2366 PD SPR PY 2020 VL 24 IS 1 BP 143 EP 166 DI 10.3197/np.2020.240107 UT WOS:000519560300007 ER PT J AU Vargas, LP Vargas, AFD Silveira, VCP AF Vargas, Leticia Paludo da Costa Vargas, Adriana Ferreira Pires Silveira, Vicente Celestino TI Ecosystem services and production systems of family cattle farms: an analysis of animal production in Pampa Biome SO SEMINA-CIENCIAS AGRARIAS AB This paper aims at discussing the beef cattle production system, related to ecosystem services, to emphasize the case of Associacao de Produtores do Rincao do Vinte e Oito (Association of Rincao do Vinte e Oito Producers). The main objective is to analyze the offer of ecosystem services in the Ibirapuita Environmental Protection Area (EPA), regarding the beef cattle production and sheep farming in the natural grassland. A case study with nine producers of the Association, considered as an analysis unit, was conducted in 2017 through semi-structured interviews. According to the producers, the preservation of animal production was valid, as they believed that it can provide welfare for their families and the remaining population. The respondents mentioned that, in the past, the tradition of producing beef cattle and sheep was very strong in the region, but nowadays, besides the tradition, they produce for profit, to be able to remain in rural areas. Beef cattle through the ecosystem supply service providers food for the population through meat production and sheep farming through meat and wool. Although the main theme of the research is directly related to the provisioning services, mainly focusing on beef cattle in the natural grassland, the cultural ecosystem services were widely cited during the research. The interviewers strongly highlighted the preservation of the traditional activities, conducted since the early days of occupation of the territory of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as the issues related to the preservation of the environment in which they live, the solidarity between the producers, and the natural grassland maintenance. Moreover, the observed landscapes indicated that the maintenance of rural agroecosystems in the region was preserved, thus putting even more emphasis on the range of ecosystem regulatory services. SN 1676-546X EI 1679-0359 PD MAR-APR PY 2020 VL 41 IS 2 BP 661 EP 676 DI 10.5433/1679-0359.2020v41n2p661 UT WOS:000519543300022 ER PT J AU Moreno-Sader, K Alarcon-Suesca, C Gonzalez-Delgado, AD AF Moreno-Sader, K. Alarcon-Suesca, C. Gonzalez-Delgado, A. D. TI Application of environmental and hazard assessment methodologies towards the sustainable production of crude palm oil in North-Colombia SO SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY AB Palm oil processing is one of the most dynamic economic activities in Colombia due to its high productivity for oil extraction. The crude palm oil (CPO) extraction from fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) requires processing stages (e.g. sterilization, threshing, digestion, pressing, clarification and drying) that may generate by-products or wastes impacting negatively the environment. In this work, the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) was used for a better understanding of environment/human health-related issues during oil extraction. Besides, potential hazards were determined through Hazard Identification and Ranking (HIRA) methodology to identify the most critical units and propose relevant safety corrections. The environmental assessment revealed that pressed cake and empty fruit bunches (EFBs) most contributed to total freshwater ecotoxicity calculated in 2.66 x 10(-1) CTUeco/kg CPO. The residual water from both clarification and sterilization stages caused significant impacts to water eutrophication (1.51 x 10(-2) kg N eq/kg CPO). Process safety assessment showed risks of fire and explosion due to emissions of combustible dust and handling flammable materials. For most of the studied units, Fire & Explosion Damage Index (FEDI) achieved values above 400, which are classified in the categories of extremely or highly hazardous. Boiler reached the highest FEDI (790) due to the high temperature and pressure conditions during combustion and steam production. The novelty of this work lies in: i) detecting environmental and safety issues that need to be addressed, ii) providing insights for process improvements to move towards sustainable CPO production by incorporating safety and environmental aspects. OI Moreno-Sader, Kariana/0000-0002-7149-5333 EI 2352-5541 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 15 AR 100221 DI 10.1016/j.scp.2020.100221 UT WOS:000519562700005 ER PT J AU Gazave, E Tassone, EE Baseggio, M Cryder, M Byriel, K Oblath, E Lueschow, S Poss, D Hardy, C Wingerson, M Davis, JB Abdel-Haleem, H Grant, DM Hatfield, JL Isbell, TA Vigil, MF Dyer, JM Jenks, MA Brown, J Gore, MA Pauli, D AF Gazave, Elodie Tassone, Erica E. Baseggio, Matheus Cryder, Michelle Byriel, Kelli Oblath, Emily Lueschow, Shiloh Poss, Dave Hardy, Cody Wingerson, Megan Davis, James B. Abdel-Haleem, Hussein Grant, David M. Hatfield, Jerry L. Isbell, Terry A. Vigil, Merle F. Dyer, John M. Jenks, Matthew A. Brown, Jack Gore, Michael A. Pauli, Duke TI Genome-wide association study identifies acyl-lipid metabolism candidate genes involved in the genetic control of natural variation for seed fatty acid traits in Brassica napus L. SO INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS AB Brassica napus L. represents a potential plant feedstock for the sustainable production of hydrotreated renewable fuels needed to support carbon-based energy production. However, to increase the use of plant-derived oils for energy needs, breeding efforts are required to optimize the amount and profile of fatty acids (FAs) contained in the oil extracted from B. maims seed to meet demands of the various market categories. To this end, we analyzed the genetic basis of FA content and composition of seed from a diverse panel of spring-type B. napus accessions evaluated at four US locations across multiple years. The extent of phenotypic variations for total oil content, nine FA compounds, and 14 derivative traits were found, in general, to be highly heritable. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted that detected 53 SNPs significantly associated with one or more of the 24 FA seed traits, resulting in the implicated genetic role of 12 candidate genes, four of which had two homologs each, from the acyl-lipid pathway. To our knowledge, the two detected homologs of 3-Ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (KAT), have never been associated with seed oil traits in B. napus. Through the application of whole-genome prediction, the 24 FA seed traits were generally found to have moderately high predictive abilities (70% of traits with abilities > 0.70), suggesting that these traits are highly amenable to genomic selection. Overall, our results contribute to the expanding body of knowledge regarding key enzymes in the acyl-lipid pathway at the quantitative genetic level and illustrate how genomics-assisted breeding could be leveraged to genetically improve FA seed traits in B. napus. OI Pauli, Duke/0000-0002-8292-2388 SN 0926-6690 EI 1872-633X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 145 AR 112080 DI 10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.112080 UT WOS:000518865400081 ER PT J AU Mussig, J Haag, K Musio, S Bjelkova, M Albrecht, K Uhrlaub, B Wang, SL Wieland, H Amaducci, S AF Muessig, Joerg Haag, Katharina Musio, Salvatore Bjelkova, Marie Albrecht, Katharina Uhrlaub, Birgit Wang, Shaoliang Wieland, Hansjoerg Amaducci, Stefano TI Biobased 'Mid-performance' composites using losses from the hackling process of long hemp - A feasibility study as part of the development of a biorefinery concept- SO INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS AB The Multihemp biorefinery concept combines processing systems that, starting from harvesting, transform hemp biomass into a spectrum of marketable intermediate and final products. Hackling loss sorted out during production of long hemp was used for the compounding process to produce hemp fibre-reinforced Polylactide (PLA) granules for the injection moulding process. Even though only side stream fibres were used, the overall mechanical properties lie within the range of properties reported for PLA - bast fibre composites cited in the literature or even above. The use of hemp from an earlier harvest at full flowering (harvest 1) significantly increases Young's modulus values compared to the pure PLA polymer and shows a slightly better reinforcing potential than hemp harvested later at seed maturity (harvest 2). A significant influence of harvest time on the composite properties was found, which is stronger than the variety influence. Based on the presented results, the poly-product MultiHemp system showed a proof of concept for the use of hackling loss for injection moulded composites. SN 0926-6690 EI 1872-633X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 145 AR 111938 DI 10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111938 UT WOS:000518865400111 ER PT J AU Kedzia, K Dziuba, R AF Kedzia, Katarzyna Dziuba, Radoslaw TI A SYSTEM FOR PERSONALIZED CLOTHING PRODUCTION AS A MODEL FOR SUPPORTING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMES ON THE EXAMPLE OF LODZ PROVINCE SO AUTEX RESEARCH JOURNAL AB Poland's accession to the European Union has given many opportunities both in terms of access to the EU economy and European funds. Owing to the set sustainable development goals, the business sphere faces the challenge of their implementation through, among others, activities in the area of social and human capital, and environmental protection. It is important to model solutions that enable sustainable production and consumption. The introduction of innovative product and process technologies may contribute to increasing the competitiveness of SMEs in the Textile and Clothing sector, which in consequence should also contribute to the implementation of objectives of the Regional Smart Specializations for Lodz Province. An example of such solutions is the system for personalized production of clothes presented in the article. The aim of the article is to determine the current situation of the Polish clothing industry in trade with the European Union by analyzing comparative advantages for CN 61 and 62 (related to the clothing industry) and presenting the level of innovation of Lodz Province against the background of Poland as a region specializing in the production of clothing under the adopted Regional Smart Specializations for Lodz Province. It is assumed that the presented system for the personalized production of clothing may affect the competitiveness of this industry and the region. SN 1470-9589 EI 2300-0929 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 BP 93 EP 99 DI 10.2478/aut-2019-0065 UT WOS:000519195100014 ER PT J AU Seo, JS Lee, JH Park, JJ Choi, JS Bae, JS Lee, CW Yang, CY Kang, YJ Choi, SN Ha Park, K AF Seo, Jung-Soo Lee, Ji-Hoon Park, Jung-Jin Choi, Ji-Sung Bae, Jun Sung Lee, Chae Won Yang, Chan Yeong Kang, Yue-Jai Choi, Sang-Noon Ha Park, Kwan TI Biochemical and stress-attenuating effects of butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin combination drug in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus SO FISHERIES SCIENCE AB Butaphosphan {[1-(butylamino)-1-methylethyl]-phosphonic acid (BTP)}-cyanocobalamin [vitamin B-12 (C)], a combination drug comprising an organic source of phosphorus and a synthetic form of vitamin B-12, is used to attenuate stress responses in livestock. This study was performed to examine the effects of BTP-C in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus under normal and stressful conditions. P. olivaceus was intramuscularly injected with BTP-C (50-300 mg BTP-C/kg body weight) under normal conditions and changes in muscle adenosine nucleotides examined. BTP-C increased adenosine 5 '-triphosphate (ATP) levels; this effect was more pronounced at 22 degrees C than at 13 degrees C. Serum transaminase levels were also elevated at a dose of 300 mg BTP-C/kg, which suggested possible hepatotoxicity of the drug. Effects of BTP-C on stress were examined by injecting it at a rate of 50 mg/kg. BTP-C partially prevented hypothermia- and hypoxia-induced reduction in feeding. Serum immunoglobulin M levels were increased by BTP-C in these stress tests. Although BTP-C did not affect hypothermia-induced cortisol elevation or lysozyme reduction, changes in these parameters due to hypoxia were alleviated by the drug. Stress-attenuating effects of BTP-C were also confirmed in fish farms following injection of an antibiotic. These results indicate that BTP-C may be useful against various forms of stress in fish. Accelerated ATP production following the administration of BTP-C is one possible mechanism resulting in the attenuation of stress effects. The clinically effective dose of BTP-C, 50 mg/kg, did not cause any marked toxicity in P. olivaceus. SN 0919-9268 EI 1444-2906 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 86 IS 2 BP 375 EP 384 DI 10.1007/s12562-019-01389-x UT WOS:000519350500013 ER PT J AU Kittl, S Brodard, I Heim, D Andina-Pfister, P Overesch, G AF Kittl, Sonja Brodard, Isabelle Heim, Dagmar Andina-Pfister, Patrizia Overesch, Gudrun TI Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains in Swiss Pigs and Their Relation to Isolates from Farmers and Veterinarians SO APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AB Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged over the last few decades as a One Health problem with an increasing prevalence in various animal species. The most notable animals are pigs, as asymptomatic carriers, and horses, where there is often an association with infections. The current study looked at the course of MRSA prevalence in Swiss livestock since 2009, with a special focus on pigs, followed by screening of veterinarians and farmers. Livestock isolates were obtained from the Swiss monitoring program and then characterized by spa typing. Concentrating on the year 2017, we analyzed the prevalence of MRSA in Swiss veterinarians and farmers, followed by whole-genome sequencing of selected human and animal strains. The phylogeny was assessed by applying core-genome multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, followed by screening for resistance genes and virulence factors. The prevalence of MRSA in Swiss pigs showed a dramatic increase from 2% in 2009 to 44% in 2017. Isolates typically belonged to clonal complex 398 (CC398), split between spa t011 and t034. The higher prevalence was mainly due to an increase in t011. spa t034 strains from farmers were found to be closely associated with porcine t034 strains. The same could be shown for spa t011 strains from horses and veterinarians. spa t034 strains had a high number of additional resistance genes, and two strains had acquired the immune evasion cluster. However, all but one of the pig spa t011 strains clustered in a separate group. Thus, the increase in pig spa t011 strains does not directly translate to humans. IMPORTANCE MRSA is an important human pathogen; thus, its increasing prevalence in livestock over the last decade has a potentially large impact on public health. Farmers and veterinarians are especially at risk due to their close contact with animals. Our work demonstrates a dramatic increase in MRSA prevalence in Swiss pigs, from 2% in 2009 to 44% in 2017. Whole-genome sequencing allowed us to show a close association between farmer and pig strains as well as veterinarian and horse strains, indicating that the respective animals are a likely source of human colonization. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that pig spa t011 strains cluster separately and are probably less likely to colonize humans than are pig spa t034 strains. This research may provide a basis for a more substantiated risk assessment and preventive measures. SN 0099-2240 EI 1098-5336 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 86 IS 5 AR e01865-19 DI 10.1128/AEM.01865-19 UT WOS:000519018300003 PM 31836575 ER PT J AU Rafidison, VM Rakouth, B Carri?re, SM Kjellberg, F Aumeeruddy-Thomas, Y AF Rafidison, Verohanitra M. Rakouth, Bakolimalala Carriere, Stephanie M. Kjellberg, Finn Aumeeruddy-Thomas, Yildiz TI Multiple values of isolated and clusters of Ficus tree species protected by Betsileo farmers in rural landscapes in Madagascar: implications for biodiversity conservation SO BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION AB In Madagascar, biodiversity, local livelihoods and agroecosystems are increasingly threatened. It is critical to understand and support local social-ecological systems that sustain livelihoods and value biodiversity. This study investigates why Betsileo communities in Ambendrana and Sahabe protect isolated individuals and clusters of Ficus species in their rural landscapes. Ficus trees have multiple values and sustain webs of ecological interactions that favor biodiversity. We show that spontaneous seedlings of Ficus are protected and that people also actively propagate Ficus by stem cuttings. Their multiple values and uses and the distribution patterns of each species, are linked to social-ecological dynamics and to the historical construction of local landscapes. Both past and present uses associated with each Ficus species define how they are protected. Different sets of practices associated with each species are governed by both material and symbolic considerations. Ficus reflexa, a boundary marker of zebu corrals, has a symbolic role in protecting humans and livestock and checks erosion; F. lutea is a marker of residences of ancient noble classes and F. tiliifolia is a remnant of swidden agriculture and a marker of the memory of ancestors, but its numbers are shrinking. Ficus trees are protected but there is no strict taboo against cutting them when they hinder crop production. Their potential role for biodiversity conservation is linked to these social-ecological dynamics. Based on these findings, we propose some rules of thumb for developing collaborative approaches which consider synergies between local and scientific knowledge. SN 0960-3115 EI 1572-9710 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 29 IS 3 BP 1027 EP 1058 DI 10.1007/s10531-019-01924-3 UT WOS:000519084800019 ER PT J AU Koci, J Sidle, RC Kinsey-Henderson, AE Bartley, R Wilkinson, SN Hawdon, AA Jarihani, B Roth, CH Hogarth, L AF Koci, Jack Sidle, Roy C. Kinsey-Henderson, Anne E. Bartley, Rebecca Wilkinson, Scott N. Hawdon, Aaron A. Jarihani, Ben Roth, Christian H. Hogarth, Luke TI Effect of reduced grazing pressure on sediment and nutrient yields in savanna rangeland streams draining to the Great Barrier Reef SO JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY AB Excess sediment and nutrient yields from degraded rangelands have detrimental off-site ecological and on-site economic impacts, yet the effect of reduced grazing pressure on water quality is not fully understood. This study compares 15-year records of runoff, sediment and nutrient yields amongst three ephemeral headwater catchments (10.5-13.5 km(2)) with similar wet/dry tropical climate and landform characteristics, but contrasting cattle grazing pressure. The catchments are located within the Burdekin River basin which is the largest source of sediment and particulate nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Estimated mean annual total suspended sediment (TSS), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads are: 0.6 t ha(-1), 1.3 and 0.3 kg ha(-1), respectively, in a catchment from which cattle were excluded over the study period ('Main Creek'); 1.5 t ha(-1), 1.4 and 0.4 kg ha(-1), respectively, in a catchment where grazing pressure was reduced from approximately 25 to 13 cattle per km(2) at the commencement of monitoring ('Weany Creek'); and 1.4 t ha(-1), 3.0 and 0.5 kg ha(-1), respectively, in a catchment which maintained higher levels of grazing pressure ('Wheel Creek', approximately 25 head per km(2)). Higher annual sediment loads in the grazed catchments compared to the ungrazed catchment are likely due to degradation of soil water storage capacity, soil surface protection and gully erosion rates, but could also be influenced by differences in catchment geomorphic attributes (e.g., hydrological and sediment connectivity). Events with runoff > 20 mm (16-25% of all events) generated 79-85% of the total runoff volume and 71-78% of the total TSS, TN, and TP loads. At the event timescale, there are not clear differences in runoff, sediment and nutrient loads among the catchments, attributed to variability in catchment conditions (e.g., antecedent soil moisture, rainfall intensity, vegetation) that occur within- and between events. It is concluded that recovery of degraded savanna rangelands following reduction in livestock grazing pressure takes decades and is strongly influenced by climate. Measuring water quality responses to land management change in variable climates requires nested spatial monitoring over long time scales that also includes factors that can influence the response (e.g., climate, soil properties, vegetation and land use). RI Wilkinson, Scott/C-6490-2011; Bartley, Rebecca/A-5850-2009 OI Wilkinson, Scott/0000-0002-2879-8603; Bartley, Rebecca/0000-0001-9471-5354 SN 0022-1694 EI 1879-2707 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 582 AR 124520 DI 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2019.124520 UT WOS:000517663700075 ER PT J AU Mahmoud, AH Abul Farah, M Rady, A Alanazi, KM Mohammed, O Amor, N Alarjani, KM AF Mahmoud, Ahmed Hossam Abul Farah, Mohammad Rady, Ahmed Alanazi, Khalid Mashai Mohammed, Osama Amor, Nabil Alarjani, Khaloud Mohammed TI Molecular characterization of goats from Saudi Arabia using microsatellite markers SO JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE AB This study is undertaken for genetic characterization of local Saudi goat populations for maintaining genetic variability of livestock population. Genomic DNA was extracted from three goat populations namely Ardi, Hollandi and Shami and subjected for genotyping using eighteen recommended microsatellite markers. The average values obtained for number of private alleles, effective number of alleles and different alleles 2.071, 5.343 and 9.389, respectively. The expected and observed heterozygosity values were 0.757 and 0.913, respectively. F- values were 0.081, -0.115, -0.18 and Shannon's Information Index was found to be 1.751. All loci were highly differed from Hardy-Weinburg Equilibrium and an average migrant's value was 4.302. The maximum value was obtained between Hollandi and Ardi (8.474) and the value was extremely low between Shami and Ardi (2.518). Pairwise population of Fst and Nei's Genetic Distance showed very close relationship between Hollandi and Ardi goat population than between this population with the Shami. STRUCTURE software revealed 3 clusters at K = 3 in goat population. The present findings revealed genetic variations in Hollandi and Ardi populations. Molecular characterization of Saudi goats is important for maintaining and improving genetic resources. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University. SN 1018-3647 EI 2213-686X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 32 IS 2 BP 1681 EP 1686 DI 10.1016/j.jksus.2020.01.001 UT WOS:000518388400060 ER PT J AU Amir, S Saqib, Z Khan, MI Khan, MA Bokhari, SA Zaman-ul-Haq, M Majid, A AF Amir, Sarah Saqib, Zafeer Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Azeem Bokhari, Syed Atif Zaman-ul-Haq, Muhammad Majid, Abdul TI FARMERS' PERCEPTIONS AND ADAPTATION PRACTICES TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN RAIN-FED AREA: A CASE STUDY FROM DISTRICT CHAKWAL, PAKISTAN SO PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AB Farmers in the rain-fed regions are becoming more exposed to extreme weather adversities and hence, suffer significant losses. The present study was designed to decipher the impacts of the climate change on the farming communities residing in the rainfed areas of Pakistan. For this purpose, 475 households were surveyed through a pre-tested structured questionnaire to know farmers' perceptions about climate change and its impacts; available sources of information and strategies adopted to cope with climate-related events. The results indicated that 96% of the respondents perceive that the climate in their surroundings is not only changing rather aggressively denting on crop productivity, livestock sustenance and human health. These climatic variations are being realized in the form of rising temperature (61%), irregular pattern of precipitation (86%) hailstorm (73%), delay in the start of winter season (71%), incidents of the cold breeze (67%) and heat waves (65%), storms (64%), frost (59%) and an increase in the occurrences of drought conditions (39%). This factor by and large tantamount the overall depression in the rain-fed farming community pressing them to look for the alternative avenues for their livelihood. Nevertheless, the farmers rely on different adaptation strategies (changing planting decisions: 76%, changing cropping pattern: 46%, left land fallow: 24% etc.), but these are insufficient and less effective. In conclusion, only few farmers could adapted their agricultural strategies to changing climate due to limited resources and capacities and majority is vulnerable Therefore, the scenario demands for integrated technical, financial and institutional support to the farmers. This upcoming alarming situation requires potential measures be taken to ensure resilience of agriculture sector that may ultimate poverty reduction. SN 0552-9034 EI 2076-0906 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 2 BP 465 EP 475 DI 10.21162/PAKJAS/19.9030 UT WOS:000518805000021 ER PT J AU Siddique, RM Sajid, MS Iqbal, Z Saqib, M AF Siddique, Rao Muhammad Sajid, Muhammad Sohail Iqbal, Zafar Saqib, Muhammad TI ASSOCIATION OF DIFFERENT RISK FACTORS WITH THE PREVALENCE OF BABESIOSIS IN CATTLE AND BUFFALOS SO PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AB This study was planned to conduct a cross-sectional prospective survey in cattle and buffalos of districts Khanewal (southern sandy zone), Faisalabad (central plain zone) and Chakwal (northern arid zone) to determine the epidemiology of bovine babesiosis. A total of 2176 cattle and buffalos randomly selected from each of the study districts were screened through conventional microscopy of Giemsa stained blood films. PCR was performed for 207, 201 and 210 collected blood samples from Khanewal, Faisalabad and Chakwal, respectively. The DNA was amplified using species-specific primers, then subjected to 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Logistic regression and Odds ratio were applied to analyze the data statistically at 95% confidence interval. Babesiosis was found prevalent in the bovine populations of the study districts with lower cumulative distribution of 17.23% (1125/6528) through optical microscopy and higher (P<0.05) of 26.86% (166/618) through PCR. Prevalence was found highest (P<0.05) in district Khanewal (22.75-34.03%) followed in order by districts Faisalabad (18.47-29.85%) and Chakwal (10.48-16.67%). Animal species (cattle-20.19% vs buffalo-14.28%), buffalo breed (Kundi-23.25% vs Nili-Ravi-8.31%), cattle breed (exotic, cross bred and Sahiwal - 29.34%, 21.45% and 10.3%, respectively), sex (female-21.13% vs male-12.68%), age (young-23.17% vs adult-11.9%), animal keeping (tethered-23.48% vs open-11.10%), housing system (closed, semi-closed and open - 22.10%, 19.25% and 9.24%, respectively), hygienic system (very poor, poor and good - 21.04%, 19.78% and 7.07%, respectively), floor pattern (uncemented, partially cemented and cemented - 20.39%, 17.54% and 11.98%, respectively) and season (summer, autumn, spring and winter - 23.41%, 20.47%, 17.77% and 7.29%, respectively) were also found positively associated (P<0.05) with the dissemination of babesiosis in the bovine population of study districts. The study provided baseline data on the distribution of bovine babsesiosis in the selected three agro-geoclimatic zones of Punjab, Pakistan which can help in preventive management tools to reduce the risk of disease in the livestock population of Punjab, Pakistan. OI Saqib, Muhammad/0000-0002-2796-1413 SN 0552-9034 EI 2076-0906 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 2 BP 517 EP 524 DI 10.21162/PAKJAS/19.8626 UT WOS:000518805000027 ER PT J AU Ashfaq, M Kousar, R Makhdum, MSA Naqivi, SAA Razzaq, A AF Ashfaq, Muhammad Kousar, Rakhshanda Makhdum, Muhammad Sohail Amjad Naqivi, Syed Asif Ali Razzaq, Amar TI FARMERS' PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS REGARDING CONSTRAINTS AND STRATEGIES TO CONTROL LIVESTOCK DISEASES SO PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AB The livestock sector of Pakistan is facing many problems due to which it has low milk productivity as compared to other countries in the world. Livestock diseases are one cause which lower the productivity of this sector and weaken the farmers economically. This study attempts to identify the key constraints which prevent the livestock farmers from controlling livestock diseases. In addition, the study aims to find out the discrepancies in farmers' knowledge about incidence of livestock diseases and the actual situation. Based on the constraints identified in this study, we aim to suggest strategies which can help farmers to overcome the constraints faced in control of livestock diseases. The study was carried out in the districts of Sahiwal, Jhang and Sargodha in Punjab province because these districts have the highest population of buffaloes and cattle. Primary data was collected from 340 livestock farmers by using a multi-stage random sampling technique. In addition, a separate field survey was planned to conduct the clinical testing of diseases to identify the differences in farmers knowledge about diseases and the actual situation. The results of the study indicate that the key constraints toward control of livestock diseases included insufficient finance, low quality and high price of medicines, low level of awareness about diseases, poor availability and facilities of veterinary hospitals, and lapses in vaccination programs and their effectiveness. The knowledge constraint was also confirmed by clinical testing done in the field. To this end, the results revealed a wide discrepancy in farmers' knowledge about incidence of diseases and the actual situation. The study recommends that a comprehensive policy framework is needed to overcome financial, awareness, and access to input/facility constraints in animal disease control. SN 0552-9034 EI 2076-0906 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 2 BP 573 EP 583 DI 10.21162/PAKJAS/20.8346 UT WOS:000518805000033 ER PT J AU Lee, ST Welch, KD Stonecipher, CA Cook, D Gardner, DR Pfister, JA AF Lee, Stephen T. Welch, Kevin D. Stonecipher, Clinton A. Cook, Daniel Gardner, Dale R. Pfister, James A. TI Analysis of rumen contents and ocular fluid for toxic alkaloids from goats and cows dosed larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi), lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus), and death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) SO TOXICON AB Larkspurs, lupines, and death camas can be acutely toxic to livestock and are serious poisonous plant problems in western North America. The toxicity of these plants depends on the composition and concentrations of the toxic alkaloids in the plants. In this study, goats and cows were dosed sub-lethal doses of larkspur, lupine, and death camas. Rumen contents and ocular fluid samples were collected, and simple extraction, sample preparation, and analytical methods were developed for the detection of toxic alkaloids in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples. Toxic alkaloids were detected in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples from the goats and cows dosed larkspur, lupine, and death camas. In addition, results from a case report where rumen contents were analyzed from a steer that was suspected to have died due to larkspur are reported. This demonstrates the utility of the methods described for the diagnosis of acute plant poisonings. SN 0041-0101 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 176 BP 21 EP 29 DI 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.01.003 UT WOS:000518870700004 PM 31965970 ER PT J AU Welch, KD Stonecipher, CA Lee, ST Cook, D AF Welch, K. D. Stonecipher, C. A. Lee, S. T. Cook, D. TI The acute toxicity of water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) in a goat model SO TOXICON AB Water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) is one of the most toxic plants to livestock and humans. Little is known regarding the amount of plant required to cause death. The objective of this study was to determine a lethal dose of water hemlock in a goat model. Plants were dosed to goats via oral gavage of freeze-dried ground plant material. The results from this study suggest that 1-2 fresh tubers would be lethal to goats. SN 0041-0101 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 176 BP 55 EP 58 DI 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.010 UT WOS:000518870700009 PM 32103796 ER PT J AU Amir, SM Liu, YG Shah, AA Khayyam, U Mahmood, Z AF Amir, Syed M. Liu, Yonggong Shah, Ashfaq A. Khayyam, Umer Mahmood, Zafar TI Empirical study on influencing factors of biogas technology adoption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan SO ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT AB Climate change caused by global warming, and the growing scarcity of nonrenewable energy sources, have driven Pakistan to shift from a traditional energy consumption pattern to a renewable-energy-use pattern. The per capita energy consumption in rural Pakistan is very low, especially in rural areas heavily relying on traditional energy sources. This paper presents the extent of biogas technology adoption by Pakistani rural households and the factors affecting their decision to adopt the technology in three selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The data were collected by interviewing 480 respondents by using a pretested and designed questionnaire. The results show that the household adoption rate of biogas technologies is low. The factors affecting the adoption decision of households included household income, access to credit, cultivated land area, the number of cattle in the household, education, and family size. The study also found fundamental barriers to the household adoption of biogas technologies, such as a lack of proper technical services by implementing organizations and insufficient governmental support. The authors make recommendations based on the findings to increase the adoption rate of biogas technologies in rural Pakistan. OI Amir, Syed Muhammad/0000-0003-1441-3239; Khayyam, Dr. Umer/0000-0002-1253-7265; Shah, Dr Ashfaq Ahmad/0000-0001-9142-2441 SN 0958-305X EI 2048-4070 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 31 IS 2 BP 308 EP 329 DI 10.1177/0958305X19865536 UT WOS:000516635500007 ER PT J AU Showler, AT Harlien, JL AF Showler, Allan T. Harlien, Jessica L. TI Effects of Silica-Based CimeXa and Drione Dusts Against Lone Star Tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) on Cattle SO JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY AB Ixodid ticks vector pathogens of humans, livestock, and wildlife, and occur in tropical and temperate regions worldwide. We used the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), as a model for other ixodid species, including the southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Ixodida: Ixodidae). We assessed the lethality of CimeXa, an inert silica-based desiccant dust, and Drione, a silica-based desiccant dust with pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), against A. americanum larvae and nymphs on calves. CimeXa was highly lethal to larvae released onto shaved calf skin 72-96 h previously, and moderately toxic to nymphs. It did not affect immature life stages treated after they began feeding because desiccation was offset by ingestion of blood. Being inert, CimeXa can protect cattle from infestation before feeding occurs for a potentially indefinite period of time. Drione killed immatures within 24 h when released on treated skin and when applied to feeding ixodids because of the pyrethrin and PBO (PBO will also reduce resistance to pyrethrin if it develops). When CimeXa was applied to calves with the hair intact, approximate to 90% and approximate to 70% of A. americanum larvae and nymphs, respectively, were killed within 24 h and Drione killed 100% of each life stage. Drione also prevented and drastically reduced egg production and hatching. While CimeXa protects against infestation by immatures, Drione will also control ticks that are feeding. When pyrethrin and PBO in Drione eventually degrade, the silica aerogel carrier can continue to protect against infestation indefinitely. SN 0022-2585 EI 1938-2928 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 2 BP 485 EP 492 DI 10.1093/jme/tjz180 UT WOS:000518550900016 PM 31618422 ER PT J AU Abutaha, N Al-Mekhlafi, FA Farooq, M AF Abutaha, Nael Al-Mekhlafi, Fahd A. Farooq, Muhammad TI Target and Nontarget Toxicity of Cassia fistula Fruit Extract Against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), Lung Cells (BEAS-2B) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos SO JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY AB Mosquitoes transmit serious diseases, which threaten humans and severely affect livestock. The half-lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated by log probit analysis. The LC50 and LC90 values of larvicidal activity of Cassia fistula Linn. hexane-methanol soluble fraction (HMSF) after 24 h of exposure were 21.04 and 34.68 mu g/ml, respectively. The LC50 values after 24 h of exposure were 84.09 mu g/ml and 108.08 mu g/ml for chloroform-methanol soluble fraction (CMSF) and ethyl acetate-methanol soluble fraction (EMSF) respectively. The percent hatchability of eggs exposed to the hexane extract was 90 +/- 5.0, 68.33 +/- 7.6, 46.6 +/- 11.5, 10 +/- 0.0, and 0 +/- 0.0% at 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm, respectively. The pupicidal activity of the hexane extract at 40 mu g/ml was 0.0%. The LC50 value of adulticidal activity of the hexane extract was 12.8 mg/test tube. The biosafety of the hexane extract was assessed in nontarget organisms, i.e., zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and normal lung cells (BEAS-2B). The hexane extract of C. fistula was well tolerated by zebrafish embryos, and no mortality or toxicity was found in the embryos exposed to the highest tested concentration of 300 mu g/ml. Similarly, all the concentrations tested against the normal lung cells (BEAS-2B) showed more than 95% survival. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis identified 12 compounds, and 2-methyl hexanoic acid and 2-methyl butanoic acid were the major compounds identified in the hexane extract. The larvicidal activity of C. fistula extracts will help in the development of natural substitutes for vector management of mosquito populations. SN 0022-2585 EI 1938-2928 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 2 BP 493 EP 502 DI 10.1093/jme/tjz174 UT WOS:000518550900017 PM 31691818 ER PT J AU Al Masud, M Gain, AK Azad, A AF Al Masud, Mahedi Gain, Animesh K. Azad, Abul Kalam TI Tidal river management for sustainable agriculture in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta: Implication for land use policy SO LAND USE POLICY AB The tidal river management (TRM) approach is an indigenous management practice in the Southwest part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh. This approach has a high potential for extending area under agriculture with a positive impact on sustainable production and consequently on sustainable land use planning. Until recently, no studies provide a quantitative assessment on agricultural benefits of TRM operation. In this study, we aim to assess the benefits of TRM operation by using innovative approaches such as comparing land use change, agricultural production and economic cost-benefit analysis for two scenarios (with and without TRM) in the Hari-Teka-Bhadra catchment. We found that the financial benefit of TRM operation was 85.5 million US dollar per year from the agriculture sector. The results are useful for promoting land use policy through TRM approach in achieving greater sustainability in the area. OI Gain, Animesh K./0000-0003-3814-693X SN 0264-8377 EI 1873-5754 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 92 AR 104443 DI 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104443 UT WOS:000517662900009 ER PT J AU Carrer, MJ Maia, AG Vinholis, MDB de Souza, HM AF Carrer, Marcelo Jose Maia, Alexandre Gori Brandao Vinholis, Marcela de Mello de Souza Filho, Hildo Meirelles TI Assessing the effectiveness of rural credit policy on the adoption of integrated crop-livestock systems in Brazil SO LAND USE POLICY AB This study analyzes the effectiveness of rural credit policy to increase the adoption of ICLS. Analyzes are based on a survey with 175 farmers in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our estimates suggest that rural credit has positive and relevant impacts on the adoption of ICLS. In turn, the adoption of these systems may also involve investments in fixed capital and increases in operational costs, which create additional demand for rural credit. Other factors, such as access to extension policy, production scale, ex-ante perceptions, and market infrastructure also explain ICLS adoption. The access to rural credit policy is also determined by dependence on farm income, farmer's perception of transaction costs, and supply of credit in the municipality. The study finally discusses important implications for the devising of rural credit policies and the diffusion of sustainable production systems in developing countries. RI Maia, Alexandre Gori/Q-5222-2019 OI Maia, Alexandre Gori/0000-0003-0075-5094 SN 0264-8377 EI 1873-5754 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 92 AR 104468 DI 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104468 UT WOS:000517662900033 ER PT J AU Pereira, EJDL Ribeiro, LCD Freitas, LFD Pereira, HBD AF de Area Leao Pereira, Eder Johnson de Santana Ribeiro, Luiz Carlos da Silva Freitas, Lucio Flavio de Barros Pereira, Hernane Borges TI Brazilian policy and agribusiness damage the Amazon rainforest SO LAND USE POLICY AB Since his inauguration on January 1, 2019, Jair Bolsonaro, a declared right-wing candidate nicknamed "Tropical Trump," has introduced measures to reduce environmental restrictions on livestock farming, the main greenhouse gas (GHG) producing sector in Brazil that is responsible for most of the deforestation in the country. This dangerous relationship between politics and livestock farming in Brazil is detrimental to environmental conservation. Politicians are introducing measures that facilitate the expansion of this type of farming, which in turn provides inputs for the food industry, i.e. agribusiness, which in turn finances politics, thus producing a dangerous cycle in forest conservation. OI Ribeiro, Luiz Carlos/0000-0001-6374-3811 SN 0264-8377 EI 1873-5754 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 92 AR 104491 DI 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104491 UT WOS:000517662900039 ER PT J AU Ota, L Herbohn, J Gregorio, N Harrison, S AF Ota, Liz Herbohn, John Gregorio, Nestor Harrison, Steve TI Reforestation and smallholder livelihoods in the humid tropics SO LAND USE POLICY AB Smallholder livelihoods and the restoration of tropical forests are intimately intertwined. To address the question of how reforestation affects livelihoods and how they in turn affect reforestation, a meta-synthesis was undertaken of 339 scientific publications identified from a systematic literature search. This study is focused on smallholders in the humid tropics, and uses the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, which was developed by the UK Department for International Development as the framework for analysis. The links between reforestation and livelihoods are found to be diverse and highly interconnected. Reforestation is only one of a smallholder's activities and typically forms part of a mosaic of land uses across a landscape. Therefore, reforestation should be designed, managed and evaluated under the perspective of a diverse livelihood portfolio, and not as a single activity isolated from other portfolio components, especially under current landscape approaches. It is important for reforestation to be a complementary rather than a competitive livelihood activity. Reforestation has great potential to address poverty, and to increase smallholder socio-ecological resilience and local social equity. However, reforestation outcomes are often suboptimal. Assessing smallholder capacity and the surrounding environment prior to reforestation, and addressing limiting local capacities and conditions in a timely manner, may enhance the likelihood of optimal benefits. SN 0264-8377 EI 1873-5754 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 92 AR 104455 DI 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104455 UT WOS:000517662900015 ER PT J AU Lucas, AS Lanari, MR Oyarzabal, MI AF Solis Lucas, Araceli Rosa Lanari, Maria Ines Oyarzabal, Maria TI INTEGRAL TYPIFICATION OF GOAT SYSTEMS OF SANTA ELENA PROVINCE, ECUADOR SO GRANJA-REVISTA DE CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA AB As a preliminary step to propose development strategies in the goat productive systems (SPC) of the Santa Elena province, Ecuador, the SPC were typified by means of socio-economic, productive and environmental indicators. A sample of 172 producers was surveyed on family composition and participation in work, adopted technology, communications, composition of the herd, livestock stock, land use, income, infrastructure and basic services, access to farms, technical assistance and training, off-farm work and income, management and facilities, water sources and food supplement, reproductive aspects, difficulties in the production of goats, marketing of goats. The number of proposed variables was reduced by principal component analysis (PCA) and chi(2) tests for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Based on the main components that explained 80% of the variability, a conglomerate analysis (CA) was carried out, resulting in the division of the SPC into 7 groups. Through a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), associations between groups and modalities of qualitative variables were identified. The variables that contributed most to the differentiation of SPC groups were related to goat production, family size, poultry, agricultural, pig and bovine production, participation in family work, income from social benefits, the size of the farm and the technology adopted. Two groups were mixed, one with a predominance of livestock activity and the other with agricultural activity; a group with greater swine activity; two groups were characterized by the breeding of goats for consumption, whose income came from external sources; and two groups were defined by the age of their producers. SN 1390-3799 EI 1390-8596 PD MAR-AUG PY 2020 VL 31 IS 1 BP 82 EP 95 DI 10.17163/lgr.n31.2020.06 UT WOS:000518421800007 ER PT J AU Bobeck, EA AF Bobeck, Elizabeth Ann TI NUTRITION AND HEALTH: COMPANION ANIMAL APPLICATIONS: Functional nutrition in livestock and companion animals to modulate the immune response SO JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AB Advances in the understanding of how the immune system functions in response to diet have altered the way we think about feeding livestock and companion animals on both the short (weeks/months) and long-term (years) timelines; however, depth of research in each of these species varies. Work dedicated to understanding how immune function can be altered with diet has revealed additional functions of required nutrients such as vitamins D and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and minerals such as zinc, while feed additives such as phytogenics and probiotics add an additional layer of immunomodulating potential to modern diets. For certain nutrients such as vitamin D or omega-3 PUFA, inclusion above currently recommended levels may optimize immune function and reduce inflammation, while for others such as zinc, additional pharmacological supplementation above requirements may inhibit immune function. Also to consider is the potential to over-immunomodulate, where important functions such as clearance of microbial infections may be reduced when supplementation reduces the inflammatory action of the immune system. Continued work in the area of nutritional immunology will further enhance our understanding of the power of nutrition and diet to improve health in both livestock and companion animals. This review collects examples from several species to highlight the work completed to understand how nutrition can be used to alter immune function, intended or not. OI Bobeck, Elizabeth/0000-0002-0257-9074 SN 0021-8812 EI 1525-3163 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 98 IS 3 AR UNSP skaa035 DI 10.1093/jas/skaa035 UT WOS:000518602600003 PM 32026938 ER PT J AU Alexander, R AF Alexander, Rachel TI Emerging Roles of Lead Buyer Governance for Sustainability Across Global Production Networks SO JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS AB Global production networks (GPNs) connect multiple producers involved in fragmented manufacturing processes. Major brands and retailers, considered as lead firms, are under increasing pressure to ensure products made through GPNs are produced sustainably. Theories of governance developed to understand dynamics in outsourced production can provide insight into this issue. However, these theories and related empirical research have often focused on relationships between lead firms and upper-tier suppliers. When manufacturing involves multiple fragmented stages, understanding the role of lead firms becomes more difficult. This article considers new governance roles that lead firms, as buyers, are playing when attempting to promote sustainable practices across all stages of production for buyer-driven industries. The focus is exploring the nature of new governance approaches which lead firms have developed in order to address diverse sustainability challenges found within GPNs, particularly related to lower-tier suppliers. These approaches can involve lead firms working through vertical buyer-seller links or developing new horizontal relationships, which link lead firms with lower-tier suppliers and governance processes in these suppliers' local productive systems. The findings draw from field research examining how top UK garment retailers provide governance to producers involved in creating cotton garments in India and a review of publicised policies and practices of these retailers related to promoting sustainable production. Five types of governance mechanisms that can involve vertical or horizontal links are identified. Considering the growth of new governance relationships expands previous conceptions of the roles of lead firm governance. SN 0167-4544 EI 1573-0697 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 162 IS 2 SI SI BP 269 EP 290 DI 10.1007/s10551-019-04199-4 UT WOS:000518405000002 ER PT J AU Fernandes, JS Crispim, BA Seno, LO Aspilcueta-Borquis, RR Barufatti, A AF Fernandes, J. S. Crispim, B. A. Seno, L. O. Aspilcueta-Borquis, R. R. Barufatti, A. TI Polymorphisms Related to Bovine Leptin Gene and Association with Productive and Reproductive Traits in Nellore Heifers SO TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL AB The identification of genes and polymorphisms in female zebu related to the leptin gene that may be involved in better productive and reproductive performances is relevant to the livestock and economic sector. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the SNP markers (T954M and C305T) and the BM1500 microsatellite and to analyze their associations with the traits of body weight, age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), and reproductive efficiency (RE) in Nellore heifers. DNA extraction was performed, followed by the amplification of all markers. Association analyses were carried out with each marker and each traits separately. The result showed that no significant association was found between the reproductive traits and all markers and between body weight and both SNP markers. For the BM1500 microsatellite, the effect of the allele 138 (p=0.0383) on body weight was observed, with the growth curve for this allele being related to the lower asymptotic weight. Therefore, the BM1500 microsatellite marker was the only one with a significant association with a productive trait providing information about the condition of body weight in Nellore heifers. SN 2615-787X EI 2615-790X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 BP 18 EP 24 DI 10.5398/tasj.2020.43.1.18 UT WOS:000518218700003 ER PT J AU Chai, MH Faiq, TAM Ariffin, SMZ Suhaili, Z Sukiman, MZ Ghazali, MF AF Chai, M. H. Faiq, T. A. M. Ariffin, S. M. Z. Suhaili, Z. Sukiman, M. Z. Ghazali, M. F. TI Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Raw Goat Milks from Selected Farms in Terengganu, Malaysia SO TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL AB The emergence of antimicrobial drug resistant bacteria has been a concern worldwide. One of bacteria that has been reported to develop resistance is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Recent studies showed that Livestock Associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) was found in domestic food animals and their handlers. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in goat milk of goat farms located in Terengganu. A total of 664 udder milks were taken from 332 goats at 40 selected farms within Terengganu state. Then, screening of bacteria and isolation of suspected S. aureus isolates in the milk samples was done using selective agar, Gram staining and biochemical tests. The identity of the bacteria isolated was further confirmed using PCR where specific designed primers were used to detect the presence of nuc gene of S. aureus (278bp) and mecA gene (533bp) of MRSA. Both S. aureus and MRSA isolates were also tested for their susceptibilities toward the antimicrobial drugs. Fifty milk samples were found to contain S. aureus and one of the S. aureus isolates were MRSA. The bacteria isolates were found to have higher tendency to be resistance toward Penicillin (26.0%) and Oxacillin (12.0%). This study provides useful data on the current status of MRSA prevalence in small ruminant's milk, which can be used to prevent transmission of LAMRSA to human and other animals. RI Suhaili, Zarizal/Q-2385-2015 SN 2615-787X EI 2615-790X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 BP 64 EP 69 DI 10.5398/tasj.2020.43.1.64 UT WOS:000518218700009 ER PT J AU Afandi, R Hartono, B Djunaidi, I AF Afandi, R. Hartono, B. Djunaidi, I TI The Analysis of Production Costs of Laying Hen Farms Using Semi Self-Mixing and Total Self-Mixing Feeds in Blitar Regency, East Java SO TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL AB Feed plays an important role in determining the success of livestock businesses and also as a significant cost factor. Feed contributes 60%-80% of the total production costs. The types of feed could have different effects on the cost, efficiency, and productivity of livestock business. Some laying-hen farmers in Blitar District use two kinds of feed, semi self-mixed feed, and total self-mixed feed. This study was conducted to compare the use of two types of feed on the net revenue of laying hen farmers in Blitar Regency. The research used the survey method. The sample in this research consisted of 100 laying-hen farmers in Blitar Regency, 50 of them used semi self-mixing feed and the rest used total self-mixing feed. Data were collected from several laying hen farms in Blitar Regency with a survey method. All data were then analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The average feed price of semi self-mixed feed and total self-mixed feeds were IDR 5,143.38 and IDR 4,854.91 per kg, respectively. The results showed that the feed price, cost of medication/vaccine, the amount of feed, and egg production for semi self-mixed feed farmers had significant effects on the net revenue of the farmer (p<0.05), with the average net revenue being IDR 12,785,471.68 per 1,000 birds/period. Whereas for total self-mixed feed, the medication/vaccine cost and feed amount had significant effects on the net revenue of the farmer (p<0.05), with the average net revenue being IDR 18,467,373.76 per 1,000 birds/period. As a conclusion, the total self-mixed feed showed more optimal net revenue of laying hen than semi self-mixed feed. SN 2615-787X EI 2615-790X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 BP 70 EP 76 DI 10.5398/tasj.2020.43.1.70 UT WOS:000518218700010 ER PT J AU Dewi, RS Damajanti, R Wardhana, AH Mulatsih, S Poetri, ON Steeneveld, W Hogeveen, H AF Dewi, R. S. Damajanti, R. Wardhana, A. H. Mulatsih, S. Poetri, O. N. Steeneveld, W. Hogeveen, H. TI The Economic Losses of Surra Outbreak in Sumba Timur, Nusa Tenggara Timur-Indonesia SO TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL AB Surra or trypanosomiasis outbreak occurred at Sumba Timur in 2010. Investigating the economic impact of an outbreak of Surra, especially in areas that were free of Surra before, has never been performed in Indonesia. The overall aims of this research are to analyze the economic impact of the Surra outbreak between 2010 and 2016 in Sumba Timur using a modified formula. Total economic losses were calculated by the sum of direct cost, indirect cost, and the other expenditure cost using primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from interviews with 30 farmers, selected by multistage random sampling and from 2 livestock services officers. Secondary data were collected from The Livestock Services of Sumba Timur and The Diseases Investigation Center in Denpasar and The Local Quarantine Agency of Kupang. The result showed that the total economic loss caused by Surra was IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) 25.7 billion. The highest cost was indirect costs (46%), followed by the direct cost (37%) and control expenditure (17%). The highest proportion of the costs occurred in the years of 2011 and 2012, when the Surra outbreak started and when there was no control program in place. From the total of government expenditure related to the Surra outbreak, 64% of the total costs were part of the epidemic response program. The costs of prevention (maximal IDR 3.24 billion in 2013) were estimated to be lower than the costs of an outbreak (maximal IDR 5.04 billion in 2012). The high cost of outbreak was caused by the absence of a control program in place and the lack of knowledge of farmers about Surra diseases at the beginning of outbreak. SN 2615-787X EI 2615-790X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 BP 77 EP 85 DI 10.5398/tasj.2020.43.1.77 UT WOS:000518218700011 ER PT J AU Santoso, B Prasetiyono, BWHE AF Santoso, B. Prasetiyono, B. W. H. E. TI The Regional Analysis of Beef Cattle Farm Development in Semarang Regency SO TROPICAL ANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL AB One of the reasons for the low production and productivity of beef cattle in Indonesia is that information on the allocation of livestock areas development is not yet clear. This study aimed to determine the priority areas for developing beef cattle farm in Semarang Regency based on the concept of sustainability. Sustainability was analyzed through the determination of leading commodities (analysis of Location Quotient and Shift Share), optimization of regional potential (analysis of carrying capacity and carrying capacity index of forage, and assessment of suitability of ecological environment of beef cattle). The process of spatial analysis used GIS software. Comprehensive planning for the development of beef cattle farm was directed in three sub-districts, namely: Bringin, Bancak, and Banyubiru. The results of the analysis showed that the three subdistricts were beef cattle base areas (LQ>1), had business growth (positive SS), and had a safe status for forage availability (>2). Other results showed that the carrying capacity for beef cattle farms in Bringin sub-district was 15,829 AU, Bancak was 8,457 AU, and Banyubiru was 6,315 AU. The land area suitable for beef cattle farm from the three priority sub-districts was 5,760.141 Ha. It can be concluded that the development of beef cattle farm in Semarang Regency is focused on three priority subdistricts, namely: Bringin, Bancak, and Banyubiru. The results of this study can be an input for local governments in determining the direction and pattern of beef cattle farm development to be more sustainable. OI Santoso, Budi/0000-0002-7166-4053 SN 2615-787X EI 2615-790X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 1 BP 86 EP 94 DI 10.5398/tasj.2020.43.1.86 UT WOS:000518218700012 ER PT J AU Ondier, J Okach, DO John, OC Otieno, DO AF Ondier, Joseph Okach, Daniel O. John, Onyango C. Otieno, Dennis O. TI Influence of rainfall amount and livestock grazing on soil respiration in a moist Kenyan savannah SO AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY AB The influence of livestock grazing and changing rainfall patterns on soil respiration (Rs) in the tropical savannah in Lambwe is unclear. Measurements of Rs using chambers were conducted between June and November 2012 in a humid savannah in Western Kenya to determine how simulated rainfall amounts and cattle grazing affected soil respiration. The experimental layout was split plot comprising rainfall simulations which were laid on grazed and fenced blocks, respectively. The rainfall simulations split plots each measured 6 m x 3 m and were covered with rainout gutters above the canopy of the herbaceous layer to either increase or reduce ambient rainfall by 50%. Grazing increased soil bulk density and significantly (p < 0.05) lowered soil respiration rates and soil water content irrespective of the rainfall treatment. The positive correlation between Rs and root biomass in both grazed and fenced plots revealed a significant contribution of root growth activities to Rs. Increased soil water content (SWC) by rainfall addition improved water penetration into deeper soil layers and therefore stimulated root and microbial activities which in turn built up soil respiration. Reduction in SWC by rainfall exclusion lowered microbial contact with the organic substrate and likely caused death and/ or inactivity of roots. OI Ondier, Joseph/0000-0002-0858-574X SN 0141-6707 EI 1365-2028 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 58 IS 1 BP 92 EP 99 DI 10.1111/aje.12670 UT WOS:000517614800010 ER PT J AU Cobon, DH Stone, G Carter, J McKeon, G Zhang, BS Heidemann, H AF Cobon, David H. Stone, Grant Carter, John McKeon, Greg Zhang, Baisen Heidemann, Hanna TI Native pastures and beef cattle show a spatially variable response to a changing climate in Queensland, Australia SO EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AB Queensland's rangelands are an important source for Australia's pastoral food production. However, they are subject to significant climate variability and will be under increasing pressure as the climate changes, potentially leading to loss of productivity. Pasture growth fluctuates greatly due to rainfall variability, which unfortunately is the climate variable with the largest uncertainties in future projections for northern and eastern Australia. This sensitivity study examines the effect of climate change and its interaction with soil fertility and trees on pasture and livestock production in Queensland. Nine climate change sensitivities were tested in various combinations; an increase in air temperatures by a median projected value of +3 degrees C, rainfall changes of -20 %, -10 % and + 10 % and an increase of carbon dioxide concentrations to 700 ppm. The GRASP model was used to assess the responses of pasture growth, pasture quality and cattle liveweight change per head. The most arid areas in western and south-western Queensland were the most sensitive to changes in rainfall. In contrast, the tropical north was the most resilient region. Southern and south-eastern Queensland benefitted from higher air temperatures producing greater pasture growth, quality and liveweight gain per head by extending the growing season and reducing frost during the winter months. The presence of trees competing for water and nitrogen increased the sensitivity of pasture to climate change, especially at higher carbon dioxide levels and lower rainfall. Increased carbon dioxide enhanced pasture growth and mitigated rainfall reductions by improving the water use efficiency of the plants. Thus, a warmer climate may create new opportunities in the south and south-east, but a warmer and drier climate in the western regions of Queensland is likely to reduce pasture and livestock production. SN 1161-0301 EI 1873-7331 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 114 AR 126002 DI 10.1016/j.eja.2020.126002 UT WOS:000517849700004 ER PT J AU Bruns, A Waltert, M Khorozyan, I AF Bruns, Antonia Waltert, Matthias Khorozyan, Igor TI The effectiveness of livestock protection measures against wolves (Canis lupus) and implications for their co-existence with humans SO GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION AB Wolves (Canis lupus) can kill domestic livestock resulting in intense conflicts with humans. Damage to livestock should be reduced to facilitate human-wolf coexistence and ensure positive outcomes of conservation efforts. Current knowledge on the effectiveness of livestock protection measures from wolves is limited and scattered in the literature. In this study, we compiled a dataset of 30 cases describing the application of 11 measures of protecting cattle and smaller livestock against wolves, estimated their effectiveness as a relative risk of damage, and identified the best measures for damage reduction. We found that: (1) lethal control and translocation were less effective than other measures, (2) deterrents, especially fladry which is a fence with ropes marked by hanging colored flags that sway in the wind and provide a visual warning signal, were more effective than guarding dogs; (3) deterrents, fencing, calving control and herding were very effective, but the last two measures included only one case each; and (4) protection of cattle was more effective than that of small stock (sheep and goats, or sheep only) and mixed cattle and small stock. In all of these cases, the relative risk of damage was reduced by 50-100%. Considering Germany as an example of a country with a recovering wolf population and escalating human-wolf conflicts, we suggest electric fences and electrified fladry as the most promising measures, which under suitable conditions can be accompanied by well-trained livestock guarding dogs, and the temporary use of deterrents during critical periods such as calving and lambing seasons. Further research in this field is of paramount importance to efficiently mitigate human-wolf conflicts. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. RI ; Waltert, Matthias/E-9134-2010 OI Khorozyan, Igor/0000-0002-0657-7500; Waltert, Matthias/0000-0001-7053-0291 SN 2351-9894 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 21 AR e00868 DI 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00868 UT WOS:000517814100061 ER PT J AU Ciucci, P Mancinelli, S Boitani, L Gallo, O Grottoli, L AF Ciucci, Paolo Mancinelli, Sara Boitani, Luigi Gallo, Orlando Grottoli, Lorenza TI Anthropogenic food subsidies hinder the ecological role of wolves: Insights for conservation of apex predators in human-modified landscapes SO GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION AB In ecologically pristine ecosystems, top-down effects of apex predators play a fundamental role in shaping trophic cascades and structuring ecosystems, but in human-modified landscapes anthropogenic effects may markedly alter the ecological role of predators. In particular, human-provisioned food subsidies represent a serious concern for the conservation of apex predators, even though little empirical attention has been given to this aspect in assessing conservation outcomes. To assess the extent to which anthropogenic food subsidies affected feeding ecology of a protected wolf (Canis lupus) population in a human-modified landscape, we integrated scat-analysis (n = 1141 from 4 packs; Jan 2005-Mar 2009) and winter field inspections of Global Positioning System telemetry re-locations (n = 595 clusters and 96 single locations from 5 wolves in 5 packs and 3 floaters; 2008-2011) of wolves living in a historical national park of central Italy hosting both wild prey and livestock at high densities. We revealed that livestock dominated the wolf diet (mean biomass = 63.3 +/- 14.2% SD), secondarily supplemented by wild prey (36.7 +/- 5.3%, mostly wild boar [Sus scrofa], roe deer [Capreolus capreolus], and red deer [Cervus elaphus]). During winter, we revealed a higher propensity of wolves to scavenge (72.5%; n = 91 feeding events) rather than killing prey, and feeding behavior was affected by prey type (i.e., domestic vs wild ungulates) as the large majority of scavenged carrions (75.8%) were livestock carcasses abandoned on the ground that died for causes different from predation. Feeding behavior of wolves was not affected by social affiliation (i.e., pack members vs solitary wolves), indicating that pack members, even if aided by cooperative hunting, were equally likely than solitary wolves to scavenge rather than killing prey; yet, 27.5% of winter feeding events involved predation, exclusively targeted to wild prey. Our findings indicate that large livestock carrion subsidies may strongly depress predatory behavior in wolves, despite the occurrence of an abundant wild prey community, and have relevant ecological, evolutionary and management implications. Reliance on human-provided livestock carrion subsidies likely alters the ecological role of wolves by reducing their top-down cascading effects on the ecosystem, and this has relevant implications for the conservation of wolves and other apex predators in national parks. Accordingly, we call for more strict regulations to govern live-stock management and practices and argue that, at least in national parks, conservation goals of apex predators need to explicitly consider their ecological role. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. RI CIUCCI, Paolo/C-7677-2009 OI CIUCCI, Paolo/0000-0002-0994-3422; Gallo, Orlando/0000-0002-6732-3512 SN 2351-9894 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 21 AR e00841 DI 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00841 UT WOS:000517814100037 ER PT J AU Nasreen, N Niaz, S Khan, A Ayaz, S Rashid, M Khattak, I Yu, ZJ Wang, TH Al Sarraf, M Ali, A AF Nasreen, Nasreen Niaz, Sadaf Khan, Adil Ayaz, Sultan Rashid, Muhammad Khattak, Irfan Yu, Zhijun Wang, Tianhong Al Sarraf, Mohammed Ali, Abid TI Molecular characterization of ticks infesting livestock in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACAROLOGY AB In recent decades, climate change has significantly affected the relationship between parasites and host animal species. Parasitism in livestock has especially increased in terms of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDs). Ectoparasite and their associated diseases present a major problem for dairy-based economies like Pakistan where the livelihood of farmers is deeply associated with the marketing of milk and milk-related products. The work herein describes a cross-sectional study designed to investigate the distribution of ticks infesting household large ruminants (cows and buffaloes) from different areas of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (KPK), Pakistan. Five ecologically distinct districts of the KPK were selected and a total number of 649 ticks were hand collected from cows (n = 156) and buffaloes (n = 121) from February to May of 2018. Collected ticks were morphologically identified using standard keys followed by molecular confirmation targeting the cytochrome c oxidase (COX1) gene. Regression model and Pearson Chi-square tests along-with descriptive analysis were used for risk factor analysis and prevalence of ticks. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from COX1 gene sequences of ticks procured from livestock in the KPK. We observed that Rhipicephalus (97.22%) was the most prevalent tick genera infesting livestock in KPK followed by Hyalomma (2.77%). This study identified the most prevalent tick species in the province, which will contribute to what strategies can be implemented for tick control based on species distribution data. OI Khan, Adil/0000-0001-6661-7271 SN 0164-7954 EI 1945-3892 PD APR 2 PY 2020 VL 46 IS 3 BP 165 EP 170 DI 10.1080/01647954.2020.1734082 EA MAR 2020 UT WOS:000518252800001 ER PT J AU Belachew, A Mekuria, W Nachimuthu, K AF Belachew, Agere Mekuria, Wuletaw Nachimuthu, Kavitha TI Factors influencing adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the northwest Ethiopian highlands SO INTERNATIONAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH AB Soil erosion has long been a problem in the Ethiopian highlands in general and Dembecha district in particular. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing adoption of soil and water conservation practices. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from respondent samples and key informants through interview and personal observation. The secondary data were collected from sources such as books, journals, statistical reports and official documents. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select sample households. Sample sizes of 150 households were selected using simple random sampling. Both descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit econometric model were employed to analyze the data. The model results revealed that the likelihood of decisions to adopt soil bund, stone bund, check dam and strip cropping were 74, 56, 29 and 56% respectively. The joint probability of adopting the selected soil and water conservation practices was 14.2%. The model results also confirmed that age, sex, education level, household size, livestock holding, land size, access to credit, access to extension service and training were significant factors that affected the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the study area. Based on our findings, the study suggests that the government and stakeholders should focus on strengthening the provision of formal and non-formal training and facilitate an effective extension service. (C) 2020 International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation and China Water and Power Press. Production and Hosting by Elsevier B.V. SN 2095-6339 EI 2589-059X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 BP 80 EP 89 DI 10.1016/j.iswcr.2020.01.005 UT WOS:000517833900008 ER PT J AU Graham, J AF Graham, Jim TI Waterborne Illness Sparks Major Water Reform in New Zealand SO JOURNAL AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION AB Key Takeaways Following a severe outbreak of campylobacteriosis, a government investigation uncovered numerous failures and shortcomings in the way New Zealand's water supplies were regulated and organized. The current government of New Zealand has established a new national drinking water regulator in the interest of resolving longstanding problems that have put the safety of the country's water supplies at risk. Political and special-interest obstacles have stymied progress on broad changes; nevertheless, legislative work on ensuring safe drinking water is progressing. SN 2164-4535 EI 1551-8833 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 112 IS 3 BP 30 EP 36 DI 10.1002/awwa.1461 UT WOS:000517632800005 ER PT J AU Premraj, A Aleyas, AG Nautiyal, B Rasool, TJ AF Premraj, Avinash Aleyas, Abi George Nautiyal, Binita Rasool, Thaha Jamal TI Camelid type I interferons: Identification and functional characterization of interferon alpha from the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) SO MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY AB Investigations into the molecular immune response of dromedary camel, a key livestock species of the arid, have been limited due to the lack of species-specific reagents. Here we describe for the first time, the identification and characterization of type I IFNs of dromedary camel, which are the most important cytokines in the innate host immune response against viruses. We cloned camel IFN-alpha coding sequences and identified a total of eleven subtypes. The canonical IFN-alpha subtype designated as IFN-alpha 1 contained a 555-bp Open Reading Frame encoding a protein of 184 amino acids. Recombinant IFN-alpha 1 protein was produced in E. coli and purified from inclusion bodies. Recombinant camel IFN-alpha 1 induced the mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in camel kidney cells. The purified protein also showed potent in-vitro antiviral activity against Camelpox Virus in kidney cells. The identified camel IFN-alpha protein and the subtypes will facilitate a better understanding of the host immune response to viral infections in camel and the development of potential antiviral biologicals for zoonotic diseases for which camel act as a reservoir. RI Karabulut, Erman/G-6679-2011 OI Karabulut, Erman/0000-0002-0787-905X; Premraj, Avinash/0000-0002-0523-8208 SN 0161-5890 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 119 BP 132 EP 143 DI 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.01.020 UT WOS:000517657900016 PM 32014632 ER PT J AU Benkort, D Lavoie, D Plourde, S Dufresne, C Maps, F AF Benkort, Deborah Lavoie, Diane Plourde, Stephane Dufresne, Christiane Maps, Frederic TI Arctic and Nordic krill circuits of production revealed by the interactions between their physiology, swimming behaviour and circulation SO PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY AB The two species Thysanoessa raschii and Meganyctiphanes norvegica dominate the krill biomass of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) ecosystem. The EGSL is the southernmost limit of seasonal sea-ice cover in the North Atlantic and constitutes a dynamic frontier between Arctic and Atlantic water masses. In order to better understand the complex mechanisms underpinning the spatio-temporal dynamics of the production and distribution of these keystone forage species in the EGSL, we coupled in a Lagrangian framework an individual-based model (IBM) of krill physiology to a three-dimensional regional circulation model and a NPZD-type biogeochemical model. Our results show that the spatio-temporal production dynamics of both krill species was principally controlled by their food dynamics. Our numerical analyses highlighted the potential areas of krill production within the EGSL during spring and summer. We confirmed that the St. Lawrence Estuary was the most productive area, and we show that it subsidizes the central and southern Gulf during most of the growing season. The Estuary is part of a larger cyclonic circuit of krill production and transport that runs along the shores of most of the EGSL and the slope of the Laurentian Channel. SN 0079-6611 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 182 AR 102270 DI 10.1016/j.pocean.2020.102270 UT WOS:000517658400009 ER PT J AU Esmaeili, H Farhadi, M AF Esmaeili, Hanif Farhadi, Mehran TI Prognosis of access to biomass residue resources in rural areas to provide energy for villagers SO SN APPLIED SCIENCES AB The potential evaluation of available biowaste was carried out for 95 villages of Gorgan in this study. The resources studied were wastes resulting from agricultural activities, including farming, horticulture, and livestock, as well as rural waste and wastewater. A coefficient was used to access the resources by filling a questionnaire, interviewing with experts and the use of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process in order to have a theoretical estimation of resources closer to reality. This coefficient was determined based on the five factors including the suitability of warehousing, ease of transportation, quality of collection mechanism, access to production areas and no collection losses. Then, the information was geo-referenced in geographic information system. It was found that the total potential of the villages was 1,191,022 GJ, most of which were related to agricultural (9,87,986 GJ) and horticulture (94,416 GJ) waste, respectively. Regarding the per capita waste generation and the limiting factor of distance from natural gas transmission lines, southern parts of the province could be among the priority villages for biofuels development. SN 2523-3963 EI 2523-3971 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 2 IS 3 AR 430 DI 10.1007/s42452-020-2201-x UT WOS:000517978900115 ER PT J AU Kaplan, RM AF Kaplan, Ray M. TI Biology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Anthelmintic Resistance in Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Livestock SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB Gastrointestinal nematode parasites of ruminants have many biologic and genetic features that favor the development of drug resistance, which has led to the worldwide development of high levels of anthelmintic resistance. The rate of resistance development is affected by a number of controllable factors, thus there is an urgent need to change the paradigm of control in order to reduce the rate with which resistance develops. This article reviews the biology and prevalence of anthelmintic resistance, and provides recommendations for diagnosing resistance and for strategies that should be implemented to reduce the development of resistance. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 17 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.001 UT WOS:000517652100003 PM 32029182 ER PT J AU Greer, AW Van Wyk, JA Hamie, JC Byaruhanga, C Kenyon, F AF Greer, Andrew W. Van Wyk, Jan A. Hamie, Joseph C. Byaruhanga, Charles Kenyon, Fiona TI Refugia-Based Strategies for Parasite Control in Livestock SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB Refugia-based strategies are intended to help slow the development of anthelmintic resistance by providing a population of parasites that are not exposed to the treatment. Evidence from field studies is lacking. There is no single way to incorporate refugia into a parasite control program. There are many options available varying greatly in complexity and practicality, and none are suitable for all situations. Incorporating refugia into production systems typically requires a change in farmer mindset and greater input of time, labor, and/or technology, but is necessary to help preserve anthelmintic efficacy and promote sustainable animal production systems. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 31 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.003 UT WOS:000517652100004 PM 32029187 ER PT J AU Burke, JM Miller, JE AF Burke, Joan M. Miller, James E. TI Sustainable Approaches to Parasite Control in Ruminant Livestock SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB It is increasingly difficult to manage and control gastrointestinal nematode parasites in pasture-based ruminant livestock operations because of the high prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. Anthelmintics should be combined with alternative forms of control. Sustainable tools include copper oxide wire particles and condensed tannin rich plants, which target primarily Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants. Nematophagous fungi reduce larvae on pasture and target nematode larvae in feces of most livestock species. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, genetic selection focuses on parasite resistance. Producers should use as many tools as possible to minimize the need for pharmaceutical interventions and optimize animal production. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 89 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.007 UT WOS:000517652100008 PM 32029191 ER PT J AU Verocai, GG Chaudhry, UN Lejeune, M AF Verocai, Guilherme G. Chaudhry, Umer N. Lejeune, Manigandan TI Diagnostic Methods for Detecting Internal Parasites of Livestock SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB Internal parasites are a major concern in livestock production because they can impact the health and well-being of animals clinically and subclinically, and ultimately cause significant production loss. Among these internal parasites are nematodes, tapeworms, flukes, and coccidian protozoans. This review focuses on the diagnostic tests that are routinely performed by veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories, but also highlights recently developed tools that may improve diagnostic capabilities, including molecular and immunodiagnostic tests. Overall, diagnostic tests for parasites of livestock are an integral part of health management practices, and for assessing individual animal and herd health. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 125 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.003 UT WOS:000517652100010 PM 32029179 ER PT J AU de Leon, AAP Mitchell, RD Watson, DW AF Perez de Leon, Adalberto A. Mitchell, Robert D., III Watson, David W. TI Ectoparasites of Cattle SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB Diverse groups of ectoparasitic arthropods cause significant morbidity and mortality in most of the approximately 1.49 billion head of cattle worldwide. Hematophagous ectoparasites (ie, blood-feeding flies, myiasis-causing flies, lice, mites, ticks) are the most important in cattle. Intense use of synthetic ectoparasiticides to treat infestations can result in ectoparasite populations becoming resistant to this treatment method. Approaches integrating the use of different technologies are required to manage cattle ectoparasites effectively while addressing societal expectations regarding food safety and environmental health. Assessing the status of coparasitism with ectoparasites and endoparasites in cattle across agroecosystems is critical in advancing integrated parasite management. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 173 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.004 UT WOS:000517652100013 PM 32029183 ER PT J AU Bangoura, B Bardsley, KD AF Bangoura, Berit Bardsley, Katherine D. TI Ruminant Coccidiosis SO VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE AB Ruminant coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a significant and widespread enteric disease in young livestock worldwide. High morbidities and significant mortalities may be observed. For disease diagnosis, fecal samples from clinically ill animals should be analyzed for both, identity (ie, pathogenicity) of Elmeria species and excreted oocyst amount. To prevent coccidiosis-related economic losses, management measures to reduce infection pressure and improve general animal health are crucial. Anticoccidial drugs are widely used to control clinical and subclinical disease. Treatment is most efficient when applied prophylactically or metaphylactically. To avoid development of parasite drug resistance, drugs should be used sustainably. SN 0749-0720 EI 1558-4240 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 187 EP + DI 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.006 UT WOS:000517652100014 PM 32029184 ER PT J AU Voigt, AM Ciorba, P Dohla, M Exner, M Felder, C Lenz-Plet, F Sib, E Skutlarek, D Schmithausen, RM Faerber, HA AF Voigt, A. M. Ciorba, P. Doehla, M. Exner, M. Felder, C. Lenz-Plet, F. Sib, E. Skutlarek, D. Schmithausen, R. M. Faerber, H. A. TI The investigation of antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic-resistant organisms in a drinking water reservoir system in Germany SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AB Between August 2018 and June 2019, a river system in Germany that supplies a drinking water reservoir and is subject to the discharge from two sewage treatment plants was monitored for antibiotic residues via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, antibiotic resistance genes (including bla(NDM), bla(VIM), bla(OXA-48), bla(KPC), bla(GIM), bla(SME), bla(IMI), bla(IMP), bla(SPM), bla(SIM), bla(OXA-23), bla(OXA-24), bla(OXA-51), bla(OXA-58), mcr) via qualitative real-time PCR and antibiotic-resistant bacteria [belonging to the ESKAPE-group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphyhlococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter ssp.; with resistance against Carbapenemases, Cephalosporines and Colistin) and Escherichia coli] based on cultivation methods followed by a characterization via MALDI-TOF MS and susceptibility testing applying microdilution. Residues of macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin (up to 0.60 mu g/L) and residues of sulfamethoxazole (up to 0.40 mu g/L) and trimethoprim (up to 0.39 mu g/L) were detected downstream of the sewage treatment plants. In addition, no antibiotic residues were detected upstream the respective sewage treatment plants, except for anhydroerythromycin (n = 1, < LOQ). In total, bla(OXA-58) was found in 6, and mcr in one water sample throughout the whole sample period. No MRSA, extensively drug-resistant or pan-resistant bacteria, according to Magiorakos et al. (2011), could be isolated. In contrast, multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially E. coli and Enterococcus faecium were found. In conclusion, sewage treatment plant effluents are point sources for antibiotic residues (p = 0.0000 and p = 0.0001) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (p = 0.0021 and p = 0.0060) since their concentrations increased significantly after the discharge of treated wastewater into the investigated rivers. In this specific catchment area, which lacked clinical, hospitals, and intensive livestock farming, no significant bacterial or analyzed chemical (antibiotic residues) influences of the sewage treatment plants were observed in the river downstream of the drinking water reservoir during the study. Furthermore, no increased selection pressure could be expected as no measured antibiotic residues exceeded the predicted no effect concentration for antibiotic resistance selection, according to Bengtsson-Palme and Larsson (2016). OI Dohla, Manuel/0000-0001-8029-5264; Voigt, Alexander Maximilian/0000-0002-2810-574X SN 1438-4639 EI 1618-131X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 224 AR UNSP 113449 DI 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113449 UT WOS:000516764300024 PM 31978723 ER PT J AU Latimer, CE Smith, OM Taylor, JM Edworthy, AB Owen, JP Snyder, WE Kennedy, CM AF Latimer, Christopher E. Smith, Olivia M. Taylor, Joseph M. Edworthy, Amanda B. Owen, Jeb P. Snyder, William E. Kennedy, Christina M. TI Landscape context mediates the physiological stress response of birds to farmland diversification SO JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY AB Farmland diversification practices are increasingly adopted to help reverse biodiversity declines in agroecosystems. However, evidence for the effectiveness of this approach often comes from documenting the species attracted to particular farming systems or landscapes, rather than their underlying physiological states that ultimately determine population growth or decline over the longer term. Across 38 organic, mixed-produce farms spanning the US west coast, we quantified three physiological biomarkers that are widely used to capture variation in short- and long-term stress responses for nine bird species with diverse life-history traits. While controlling for other potentially confounding variables, we used multilevel models to examine the association between bird physiological conditions, landscape context and local farm management practices, including the integration of livestock, and cropland composition and configuration. Birds generally had lower stress responses on more-locally diverse farms and in landscapes with higher amounts of semi-natural cover. However, interactions between farm diversity and landscape context suggested birds were less stressed on more diverse farms in simpler landscapes, but more stressed and in poorer condition on more diverse farms embedded within complex landscapes. We found no differences in stress responses among birds in relation to their degree of human association (synanthropy), which suggests generality in our findings. Synthesis and applications. Birds were often less stressed on more diverse farms. However, these patterns were mediated by landscape context: birds were less stressed on more diverse farms in simplified landscapes, but more stressed on more diverse farms within complex landscapes. This means land managers might not see uniform effects of local diversification schemes across different landscape contexts. Our results underscore the need to consider responses related to physiological health status, in addition to species richness and abundance, to determine the effectiveness of farm management for biodiversity conservation. SN 0021-8901 EI 1365-2664 PD APR PY 2020 VL 57 IS 4 BP 671 EP 680 DI 10.1111/1365-2664.13583 EA MAR 2020 UT WOS:000517111000001 ER PT J AU Lopez-Sanchez, A Perea, R Roig, S Isselstein, J Schmitz, A AF Lopez-Sanchez, Aida Perea, Ramon Roig, Sonia Isselstein, Johannes Schmitz, Anja TI Challenges on the conservation of traditional orchards: Tree damage as an indicator of sustainable grazing SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Traditional orchard meadows are among the most valuable cultural and agricultural systems for nature conservation in Europe. They comprise scattered fruit trees over a highly diverse herbaceous layer and provide a wide range of ecosystem services. However, they are strongly endangered due to farmland intensification and abandonment. Livestock grazing is known to promote grassland diversity but it may also cause tree damage through debarking. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different grazers (cattle, horse and sheep) on fruit trees in 42 traditional orchards of the Rhenish uplands (Germany). Overall, we found that 70% of the study trees showed debarking damage, although most of them (40%) were slightly damaged (1-10% of the trunk debarked). Most debarked trees showed accumulated damage over time, and only 8% of the study trees were damaged during the last year. The probability of strong debarking (>50% of the trunk damaged) was higher in orchards grazed by cattle and horses than on those grazed by sheep (5.3 and 3.7-fold difference, respectively). Importantly, unsustainable levels of cumulative debarking caused a decay of crown development, which may strongly affect fruit production. Additionally, lower tree densities favored higher levels of debarking intensity but did not affect the probability of occurrence. Individual tree-protection was an effective practice in decreasing trunk debarking (95% reduction in tree damage occurrence). The impact of grazing animals on trees might represent a useful indicator to assess the sustainability of each grazing system and should be taken into account in future agriculture and conservation policies. RI PEREA GARCIA-CALVO, RAMON/A-9120-2017 OI PEREA GARCIA-CALVO, RAMON/0000-0002-2206-3614; Lopez-Sanchez, Aida/0000-0003-3857-2816 SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 257 AR 110010 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.110010 UT WOS:000515447200020 PM 31868636 ER PT J AU Abdallah, MAB Mata-Gonzalez, R Noller, JS Ochoa, CG AF Abdallah, Mohamed A. B. Mata-Gonzalez, Ricardo Noller, Jay S. Ochoa, Carlos G. TI Ecosystem carbon in relation to woody plant encroachment and control: Juniper systems in Oregon, USA SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB The encroachment of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) trees represents a substantial problem in Oregon rangelands because of the displacement of understory vegetation of importance to wildlife and livestock. Therefore, the control of this species is a common ecological restoration practice. However, western juniper control may also affect the carbon sequestration capacity for an area, although this effect is not well understood. Our study site was a paired watershed in central Oregon where western juniper trees were cut in one watershed (treated, 116 ha) and were left intact in another (untreated, 96 ha). Thirteen years after control, we quantified aboveground carbon stocks for western juniper trees, shrubs, grasses, and litter in both the treated and untreated watersheds. We also quantified belowground carbon stocks (roots and soil) in both watersheds at two soil depths (0-25 cm and 25-50 cm). Aboveground carbon stocks were 5.8 times greater in the untreated than in the treated watershed. On the other hand, root carbon stocks were 2.6 times greater in the treated than in the untreated watershed. Soil carbon stocks at both 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm depth were not affected by juniper control. Overall, total ecosystem carbon stocks (average 137.6 Mg C ha(-1)) were not different between watersheds. Most carbon resided belowground (soil 0-50 cm and roots); 84% and 97% of the total ecosystem carbon, respectively, was found in the untreated and treated watershed. Juniper control represents benefits such as habitat restoration for native wildlife, increased forage for livestock, and restoration of hydrological functions. Our study provides basis to suggest that the benefits of juniper control can be attained without substantially affecting the potential for ecosystem carbon sequestration. SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106762 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106762 UT WOS:000514929300008 ER PT J AU Derner, JD Raynor, EJ Reeves, JL Augustine, DJ Milchunas, DG AF Derner, Justin D. Raynor, Edward J. Reeves, Justin L. Augustine, David J. Milchunas, Daniel G. TI Climatic and management determinants of large herbivore production in semiarid grassland SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Knowledge of climatic and management influences on large herbivore production (LHP, kg ha(-1)) is needed for low productivity, semiarid grasslands to address potential consequences of both increasing climate variability and the need to increase animal protein for human consumption. Here, we evaluate the influence of climatic variability and herbivore density on LHP in semiarid grassland using a unique long-term (80 years: 1939-2018) grazing study with three grazing intensities based on forage utilization (light, moderate and heavy). Seasonal variation in precipitation, but not temperature, was the primary influence on LHP. Winter (October-March) and spring (April-June), but not summer (July-September), precipitation during the current year positively influenced LHP across the 3 grazing intensities, whereas prior growing season (prior April-September) precipitation was consistently a negative influence. Although spring precipitation was the most influential seasonal weather variable for LHP, the effect of winter precipitation closely followed under all three grazing intensities, suggesting that non-growing season precipitation is essential for soil water storage to initiate production of sufficient high-quality forage in the subsequent grazing season, resulting in a positive feedback on LHP. A key finding from our analysis was that the effect of summer precipitation is smaller than the combined effects of winter and spring precipitation. As such, much of the variation in LHP can be predicted by seasonal weather parameters that are known early in the growing season. The magnitude of seasonal precipitation effects on LHP was greatest for heavy grazing; consequently LHP with heavy grazing is more reliant on primary production produced in the current year to increase LHP as forage quantity is more limiting than forage quality. Moreover, stability of LHP across years (range: 7.5 to 34.6 kg ha(-1)) was less with heavy grazing, which results in "boom-bust" economics that threaten sustainability of operations. Management adaptations to mitigate climatic variability, therefore, will be most necessary and advantageous when land managers employ heavy grazing intensities. Despite the substantial interannual variability in precipitation that characterizes semiarid grasslands, our results show that proactive flexibility by land managers in adjusting grazing management decisions to seasonal precipitation amounts forecasted for the winter and spring seasons would reduce enterprise risk and improve confidence in decision-making, profitability, production efficiency and environmental sustainability from semiarid grasslands. RI Raynor, Edward James/J-8717-2015 OI Raynor, Edward James/0000-0003-2483-4694; Derner, Justin/0000-0001-8076-0736 SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106761 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106761 UT WOS:000514929300007 ER PT J AU Fonderflick, J Besnard, A Chardes, MC Lanuzel, L Thill, C Pointereau, P AF Fonderflick, Jocelyn Besnard, Aurelien Chardes, Marie-Claire Lanuzel, Laura Thill, Caroline Pointereau, Philippe TI Impacts of agricultural intensification on arable plants in extensive mixed crop-livestock systems SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Populations of segetal species are facing sharp declines in Europe due to agricultural intensification. To better conserve them, it is important to assess the effect of intensification in extensive mixed crop-livestock systems, which are considered hotspots for segetal species. The aim of this study was to evaluate how certain key farming practices and land-use intensity affect the composition, species richness and abundance of segetal species, taking into account spatial heterogeneity within the studied fields. To do this, we sampled 94 winter cereal fields - 41 farmed organically and 53 farmed conventionally - along a gradient of land-use intensity. At field scale, we found that both the species richness and the abundance of segetal taxa decreased with an increase in land-use intensity. The results also showed significant differences in segetal taxa composition, species richness and abundance between the edges and the inner-fields location and these differences significantly increased with land-use intensity. The species richness and abundance of both common and threatened segetal taxa were significantly higher at the edges of fields than within them. Herbicide treatments had a significant negative impact on segetal taxa species richness and abundance, while mechanical weeding had a positive impact on abundance. Nitrogen inputs had a significant detrimental effect only on the abundance of common segetal taxa. Crop seed origin and the ratio of cereal crops in the rotational cycle had no effect on segetal taxa species richness and abundance. Despite these impacts, we found that segetal species richness and abundance were better explained by farm identity (random factor) than by current management (fixed factors). Variation in segetal species richness and abundance between fields of the same farm and between farms reflect the long-term effects of farming practices and the history of seed transfer between farms more than by current management practices. In our study area, the production of cereals is destined for the consumption of the farm's sheep and the fact the cereals are not marketed makes it possible to tolerate the presence of segetal species in higher proportions than in intensive farming systems. SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106778 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106778 UT WOS:000514929300013 ER PT J AU Garzon-Vidueira, R Rial-Otero, R Garcia-Nocelo, ML Rivas-Gonzalez, E Moure-Gonzalez, D Fompedrina-Roca, D Vadillo-Santos, I Simal-Gandara, J AF Garzon-Vidueira, Raul Rial-Otero, Raquel Luz Garcia-Nocelo, Ma Rivas-Gonzalez, Erica Moure-Gonzalez, Debora Fompedrina-Roca, Diego Vadillo-Santos, Itziar Simal-Gandara, Jesus TI Identification of nitrates origin in Limia river basin and pollution-determinant factors SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB The aim of this work was to evaluate monthly the presence of pollutants, especially nitrates, in the Limia river and tributaries in order to evaluate the quality of surface water samples during 2018. An isotopic analysis (delta N-15 and delta O-18) of nitrates was also done with the order to explain the primary sources of nitrate contamination. This area is characterised by intensive use of the soil for potato production over the past 50 years, and has a high livestock load, mainly of pigs. Obtained results show that, in general, water pollution in this area is low with 81.5 % of the samples having all their physicochemical parameters within the category of very good or good quality according to the water quality thresholds. The spatial and temporal distribution of nitrates has shown high variability in the interaction between various factors, such as season and sampling area. Values exceeding 25 mg L-1 of nitrates (moderate quality) were observed in seven samples taken in the Antela lagoon area. Besides, it was observed a relationship between the accumulated rainfall and the concentration of nitrates in surface waters due to the dragging effect from the surrounding land. According to the isotopic results, the primary source of nitrates seems to be the organic inputs to the soil through livestock waste. By applying the discriminant function method, nitrates concentration was correlated positively with the conductivity and negatively with the data of alkalinity and chloride content in waters. Moreover, with principal component analysis, it was possible to separate the water samples by their content in nitrates and other measured contaminants or chemical parameters. RI Simal-Gandara, Jesus/A-9533-2009 OI Simal-Gandara, Jesus/0000-0001-9215-9737 SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106775 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106775 UT WOS:000514929300010 ER PT J AU Neilly, H Jones, H Schwarzkopf, L AF Neilly, H. Jones, H. Schwarzkopf, L. TI Ants drive invertebrate community response to cattle grazing SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Livestock grazing acts as a disturbance that alters ground-level habitat structure and can shape faunal communities. Invertebrate fauna have complex responses to grazing, driven by grazing-induced changes to vegetation structure, and may also be influenced by changes to predation pressure and prey availability. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about the effects of grazing on invertebrates, and research is rarely conducted across multiple orders, or at multiple trophic levels. We examined the ordinal-level response of a tropical savanna invertebrate assemblage to four replicated grazing treatments in two vegetation types at a long-term grazing trial in northern Australia. We used overall measures of abundance, order richness, and the assemblage composition (using the 17 orders we observed) to compare invertebrate communities among grazing treatments and between vegetation types. Responses of individual orders were modelled in relation to microhabitat variables. At the end of the dry season in October 2014 and 2015, we sampled 25,785 invertebrates from 17 orders. Ants accounted for over 80% of all individuals captured. We found that, overall, invertebrate abundance was higher in the most heavily grazed treatments, driven by the response of ants, but assemblage composition was not significantly different among grazing treatments. Araneae, Orthoptera, Scolopendromorpha and Scorpiones responded to vegetation type and were associated with % cover of Carissa ovata, bare ground, and grass. Ants, while responsive to grazing treatment, was not associated with any of the microhabitat variables, suggesting habitat structure in combination with other factors may be driving this response. Our results confirm the importance of ants as a sensitive biological indicator of disturbance. Considering their role in ecosystem function, invertebrates, and their responses to livestock grazing, need to be considered when making land management decisions on rangelands, and maintaining invertebrate diversity should be a priority for land managers. SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106742 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106742 UT WOS:000514929300004 ER PT J AU Zhao, J De Notaris, C Olesen, JE AF Zhao, Jin De Notaris, Chiara Olesen, Jorgen Eivind TI Autumn-based vegetation indices for estimating nitrate leaching during autumn and winter in arable cropping systems SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Nitrate leaching losses from arable cropping systems cause severe damage to environmental services worldwide. There is a considerable need for methods that allow rapid, easy and area covering detection of nitrate leaching to guide nitrogen (N) management. We used three years of data from the 5th cycle of a long-term crop rotation experiment in Denmark to quantify the relationships between nitrate leaching in autumn and winter and field conditions in autumn as defined by three vegetation indices [VIs; Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Ratio Red Edge (RRE)] in autumn. Following cereal crops, cover crops significantly reduced nitrate leaching in autumn and winter, whereas this was only the case for one out of the three years after faba bean. In autumn and winter, a negative relationship was found between nitrate leaching and cover crop aboveground biomass or aboveground N, and the thresholds were similar to 2 Mg ha(-1) for aboveground cover crop biomass and 60 kg N ha(-1) for aboveground cover crop N, above which nitrate leaching was low and stable. A significant positive linear relationship was found between nitrate leaching and soil water nitrate concentration in autumn and winter with a slope of 4.0 kg N ha(-1) per mg L-1 of nitrate-N in the soil. Although all three VIs showed significant negative relationships with nitrate leaching during autumn and winter, the sensitivities of RVI and NDVI to estimated nitrate leaching were lost sharply when nitrate leaching exceeded 100 kg N ha(-1) and 50 kg N ha(-1), while RRE exhibited consistent low noise equivalent values for the nitrate leaching in autumn and winter. These results provide evidence for the scope of assessing risk of nitrate leaching from agricultural soils based on newly launched satellite remote sensing platforms with NDVI and red edge bands. To maximize the application of these technologies it will be necessary to combine remote sensing with information on cropping systems and biophysical conditions. RI Olesen, Jorgen E./C-2905-2016 OI Olesen, Jorgen E./0000-0002-6639-1273; De Notaris, Chiara/0000-0002-3764-012X SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 290 AR UNSP 106786 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106786 UT WOS:000514929300021 ER PT J AU Schirpke, U Scolozzi, R Da Re, R Masiero, M Pellegrino, D Marino, D AF Schirpke, Uta Scolozzi, Rocco Da Re, Riccardo Masiero, Mauro Pellegrino, Davide Marino, Davide TI Enhancing outdoor recreation and biodiversity through payments for ecosystem services: emerging potentials from selected Natura 2000 sites in Italy SO ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AB Efforts in preserving natural and seminatural ecosystems and associated ecosystem services are affected by scarce financial resources. Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are increasingly recognised for creating additional funding, as in protected areas, and outdoor recreation is one important ecosystem service that is promising for successfully implementing PES. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate potentials for PES schemes related to recreational services in Natura 2000 sites. For 10 sites in different Italian regions, the study first assessed the ecosystem service outdoor recreation and analysed managerial and economic aspects of Natura 2000 sites. Then, various options for PES schemes were defined in a participatory process. Furthermore, we developed a dynamic model for evaluating the effects of PES on ecosystems and related recreational ES. Whereas the provision of recreational opportunities was mostly at a high level, the potential demand varied greatly among the sites, depending on the spatial distribution of potential beneficiaries. Moreover, we found great differences in visitation rates and consequently the actual recreational value. The PES schemes included small payments (euro1) via mobile phone by visitors, contributions from regional government and tourism businesses, and visitor fees or tourist taxes among others. This study highlights how economic agreements, such as PES schemes, may support funding of Natura 2000 sites for biodiversity conservation by valorising the benefits of recreational ecosystem services; however, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of PES in the long term. RI Schirpke, Uta/AAF-5256-2020 OI Schirpke, Uta/0000-0002-2075-6118; MARINO, DAVIDE/0000-0003-2471-6612; Scolozzi, Rocco/0000-0001-6368-5113 SN 1387-585X EI 1573-2975 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 22 IS 3 BP 2045 EP 2067 DI 10.1007/s10668-018-0276-y UT WOS:000515354000017 ER PT J AU Zarza-Albarran, MA Olmedo-Juarez, A Rojo-Rubio, R Mendoza-de Gives, P Gonzalez-Cortazar, M Tapia-Maruri, D Mondragon-Ancelmo, J Garcia-Hernandez, C Ble-Gonzalez, EA Zamilpa, A AF Zarza-Albarran, M. A. Olmedo-Juarez, A. Rojo-Rubio, R. Mendoza-de Gives, P. Gonzalez-Cortazar, M. Tapia-Maruri, D. Mondragon-Ancelmo, J. Garcia-Hernandez, C. Ble-Gonzalez, Ever A. Zamilpa, A. TI Galloyl flavonoids from Acacia farnesiana pods possess potent anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus eggs and infective larvae SO JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY AB Ethnopharmacology relevance: Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd is a shrub legume used as condiment, medicinal plant and bioactive herbage. This species is used in traditional medicine of several countries to relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhoea, stomach pain and typhoid as well as astringent, antidysenteric and anthelmintic. Some studies have shown that this plant displayed anthelmintic activity against several gastrointestinal nematode parasites of livestock, and also against parasites of human beings, such as malaria. Aim of the study: This work describes the isolation and chemical identification of the anthelmintic compounds of Acacia farnesiana pods against eggs and infective larvae of the sheep parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. The bio-guided chemical fractioning of A. farnesiana pods using ethyl acetate against H. contortus eggs and infective larvae allowed for the identification of naringenin 7-O-(6 ''-galloylglucoside) (fiavonol group) as the compound responsible for the anthelmintic activity against this important parasitic nematode. Materials and methods: Anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatching inhibition assay (EHI) and mortality tests. A complete hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E) at 12.5-50 mg/mL, an aqueous fraction (Aq-F) at 3.12-25 mg/mL and an ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc-F) at 3.12-25 mg/mL were analysed in the first selection phase. The purification of compounds through the chromatographic separation of the organic fraction resulted in nine less complex mixtures (C1F1, C1F2, C1F3, C1F4, C2F1, C2F2, C2F3, C2F4 and C2F5) that were assessed at 0.62-5 mg/mL concentrations. In addition, thiabendazole (0.6 mg/mL) and ivermectin (5 mg/mL) were used as positive controls. Likewise, distilled water and 4% methanol were used as negative controls. The bioactive compounds of EtOAc-F were obtained and characterised through chromatographic processes like open column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and gals chromatography-mass detection (GC-MS). Bioactive compounds were identified by spectroscopy (H-1 and C-13 NMR) and mass spectrometric analysis. Additionally, the H. contortus eggs and infective larvae exposed to the bioactive compounds were observed through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were analysed based on a completely randomised design using ANOVA through a general linear model. Results: The EtOAc-F fraction showed the highest ovicidal and larvicidal activities, at close to 100% at 3.12 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. The treatments C1F2, C1F3 and C2F3 displayed the main ovicidal activity (80-100%) at 2.5 mg/mL. The major compounds found in these sub-fractions were identified as galloyl derivatives and flavanones, including gallic acid (1), methyl gallate (2), ethyl gallate (3), naringin (4), naringenin 7-O-(4 '', 6 ''-digalloylglucoside) (5), naringenin 7-O-(6 ''-galloylglucoside) (6) and naringenin (7). Likewise, the ESEM and CLSM images showed that the assessed compounds adhered to the eggshell and the external cuticle of the larvae. Conclusion: These results indicate that A. farnesiana pods contain nematocidal compounds and might be promising natural anthelmintic agents against H. contortus. This leguminous plant could be used as a nutraceutical food source for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. RI Gonzalez-Cortazar, Manases/AAL-6644-2020; Olmedo-Juarez, A./AAC-5074-2020 OI Olmedo-Juarez, A./0000-0001-5499-7449; Gonzalez-Cortazar, Manases/0000-0002-3693-1670; Tapia-Maruri, Daniel/0000-0002-5468-5012; MONDRAGON, JAIME/0000-0002-4900-0728 SN 0378-8741 EI 1872-7573 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 249 AR 112402 DI 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112402 UT WOS:000515412700038 PM 31739102 ER PT J AU Hasani, SM Mohammadi, E Sekhavati, MH AF Mohammad Hasani, Saeideh Mohammadi, Elyas Sekhavati, Mohammad Hadi TI Region-Based Epitope Prediction, Docking and Dynamic Studies of OMP31 as a Dominant Antigen in Human and Sheep Brucella SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS AB Brucella is an important zoonotic pathogen which causes significant commercial loss in industry and considerable disease in livestock and human. Diminishing fertility and also abortion in animal and Malta fever disease in human. In spite of some successful vaccines against animal brucellosis, no satisfactory vaccine has been produced against human brucellosis. Accordingly, OMP31 as a major immunogenic and immunodominant protein in Brucella melitensis has been used to predict substantial epitopes against human and/or sheep MHCII alleles in three different continents (America, Oceania, and Europe) through bioinformatics tools. In order to validate region-based projections, the accuracy of epitopes was assessed by Vaxijen, an online server. The structure of these peptides was predicted through PEP-FOLD server. Predicted epitopes were sifted through docking studies with relevant MHCII receptors and finally, docked complexes were evaluated by molecular dynamic simulations. According to the frequency of human and sheep alleles in different regions, "FGTVRARLG" and "YIGINAGYA" epitopes can be considered for American, Eastern European, and Asian human populations and also sheep flocks of Australia and New Zealand (Corriedale breed), United States (Polypay and Rumbouillet breeds) and France (Rambouillet breed). Besides, "AINNNWTLKSE", "FLESKVNFH", "VLGAETDFQG", and YIGINAGYA can be significant in American and northern Indian human populations and also sheep of France (Suffolk and Columbia breeds), England and Scotland (Cheviot breed) and United States (Polypay breed). Eventually, "AINNNWTLKSE" and "VQAGYNWQL" might be important in American human and Britannia (Scottish Blackface breed), United States (Columbia, Rambouillet, and Polypay breeds) and French (Rambouillet breed) sheep populations. SN 1573-3149 EI 1573-3904 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 26 IS 1 BP 413 EP 421 DI 10.1007/s10989-019-09847-x UT WOS:000515007400039 ER PT J AU Novakova, S Subr, Z Kovac, A Fialova, I Beke, G Danchenko, M AF Novakova, Slavomira Subr, Zdeno Kovac, Andrej Fialova, Ivana Beke, Gabor Danchenko, Maksym TI Cucumber mosaic virus resistance: Comparative proteomics of contrasting Cucurnis sativus cultivars after long-term infection SO JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS AB Plant viruses are a significant threat to a wide range of host species, causing substantial losses in agriculture. Particularly, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) evokes severe symptoms, thus dramatically limiting yield. Activation of plant defense reactions is associated with changes in the cellular proteome to ensure virus resistance. Herein, we studied two cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) resistant host Heliana and susceptible host Vanda. Plant cotyledons were mechanically inoculated with CMV isolate PK1, and systemic leaves were harvested at 33 days post-inoculation. Proteome was profiled by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and comprehensively quantified by ion mobility enhanced mass spectrometry. From 1516 reproducibly quantified proteins using a label-free approach, 133 were differentially abundant among cultivars or treatments by strict statistic and effect size criteria. Pigments and hydrogen peroxide measurements corroborated proteomic findings. Comparison of both cultivars in the uninfected state highlighted more abundant photosynthetic and development-related proteins in resistant cucumber cultivar. Long-term CMV infection caused worse preservation of energy processes and less robust translation in the susceptible cultivar. Contrary, compatible plants had numerous more abundant stress and defense-related proteins. We proposed promising targets for functional validation in transgenic lines: A step toward durable virus resistance in cucurbits and other crops. Significance: Sustainable production of crops requires an understanding of natural mechanisms of resistance/susceptibility to ubiquitous viral infections. We report original findings of comparative analysis of plant genotypes exposed to CMV. Deep discovery proteomics of resistant and susceptible cucumber cultivars, inoculated with widespread phytovirus, allowed to suggest several novel molecular targets for functional testing in plant protection strategies. RI Danchenko, Maksym/G-7793-2015 OI Danchenko, Maksym/0000-0002-3676-0728; Subr, Zdeno/0000-0002-5812-2081 SN 1874-3919 EI 1876-7737 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 214 AR 103626 DI 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103626 UT WOS:000514253100001 PM 31881349 ER PT J AU Yu, YH Zhang, DZ Wei, N Yang, KY Gong, HM Jin, CZ Zhang, WP Huang, SJ AF Yu, Yonghua Zhang, Dazhi Wei, Ning Yang, Keyu Gong, Huimin Jin, Changzi Zhang, Weiping Huang, Shengjun TI Post-modification of desilicated MFI zeolites by phosphorous promoter SO MOLECULAR CATALYSIS AB Developments in microporous zeolites-base catalysts have evidenced the necessity of acidity tailoring in order to meet the exact requirements of specific reactions, which can be achieved by the post-modifications by various promoters. Compared to the elaborate works on the microporous counterparts, few studies have been reported for the post-modification of desilicated zeolites. In this work, the desilicated MFI zeolites with hierarchical porosities were subjected to the secondary post-modification by phosphorous promoter. It is demonstrated that both hierarchical structure and surface silanols are closely associated with the alterations of acidity and structure of phosphorous-containing moieties. Their catalytic consequences on the dehydration of glycerol to acrolein were also studied. SN 2468-8231 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 483 AR 110768 DI 10.1016/j.mcat.2020.110768 UT WOS:000514757400025 ER PT J AU Smith, BJH Usherwood, JR AF Smith, Benjamin J. H. Usherwood, James R. TI Minimalist analogue robot discovers animal-like walking gaits SO BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS AB Robots based on simplified or abstracted biomechanical concepts can be a useful tool for investigating how and why animals move the way they do. In this paper we present an extremely simple quadruped robot, which is able to walk with no form of software or controller. Instead, individual leg movements are triggered directly by switches on each leg which detect leg loading and unloading. As the robot progresses, pitching and rolling movements of its body result in a gait emerging with a consistent leg movement order, despite variations in stride and stance time. This gait has similarities to the gaits used by walking primates and grazing livestock, and is close to the gait which was recently theorised to derive from animal body geometry. As well as presenting the design and construction of the robot, we present experimental measurements of the robot's gait kinematics and ground reaction forces determined using high speed video and a pressure mat, and compare these to gait parameters of animals taken from literature. Our results support the theory that body geometry is a key determinant of animal gait at low speeds, and also demonstrate that steady state locomotion can be achieved with little to no active control. OI Usherwood, James/0000-0001-8794-4677 SN 1748-3182 EI 1748-3190 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR 026004 DI 10.1088/1748-3190/ab654e UT WOS:000514878500001 PM 31869827 ER PT J AU Karaca, N Ates, D Nemli, S Ozkuru, E Yilmaz, H Yagmur, B Kartal, C Tosun, M Ocak, OO Otles, S Kahriman, A Tanyolac, MB AF Karaca, Nur Ates, Duygu Nemli, Seda Ozkuru, Esin Yilmaz, Hasan Yagmur, Bulent Kartal, Canan Tosun, Muzaffer Ocak, Ozgul Ozdestan Otles, Semih Kahriman, Abdullah Tanyolac, Muhammed Bahattin TI Association mapping of magnesium and manganese concentrations in the seeds of C. arietinum and C. reticulatum SO GENOMICS AB Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the oldest and most important pulse crops grown and consumed all over the world, especially in developing countries. Magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) are essential plant nutrients in terms of human health and many health problems arise in their deficiencies. The objectives of this study were to characterize genetic variability in the seed Mg and Mn concentrations and identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with these traits in 107 Cicer reticulatum and 73C. arietinum genotypes, using a genome wide association study. The genotypes were grown in four environments, characterized for Mg and Mn concentrations, and genotyped with 121,841 SNP markers. The population showed three-fold and two-fold variation for the Mg and Mn concentrations, respectively. The population structure was identified using STRUCTURE software, which divided 180 genotypes into two (K = 2) groups. Principal component analysis and neighbor joining tree analysis confirmed the results of STRUCTURE. A total of 4 and 16 consistent SNPs were detected for the Mg and Mn concentrations, respectively. The identified markers can be utilized in breeding of chickpea to increase Mg and Mn levels in order to improve human and livestock nutrition. OI Ozkuru, Esin/0000-0003-0282-783X SN 0888-7543 EI 1089-8646 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 112 IS 2 BP 1633 EP 1642 DI 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.09.012 UT WOS:000514071600063 PM 31669504 ER PT J AU Cocking, JH Deberg, M Schupp, J Sahl, J Wiggins, K Porty, A Hornstra, HM Hepp, C Jardine, C Furstenau, TN Schulte-Hostedde, A Fofanov, VY Pearson, T AF Cocking, Jill Hager Deberg, Michael Schupp, Jim Sahl, Jason Wiggins, Kristin Porty, Ariel Hornstra, Heidie M. Hepp, Crystal Jardine, Claire Furstenau, Tara N. Schulte-Hostedde, Albrecht Fofanov, Viacheslav Y. Pearson, Talima TI Selective whole genome amplification and sequencing of Coxiella burnetii directly from environmental samples SO GENOMICS AB Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a widely available, inexpensive means of providing a wealth of information about an organism's diversity and evolution. However, WGS for many pathogenic bacteria remain limited because they are difficult, slow and/or dangerous to culture. To avoid culturing, metagenomic sequencing can be performed directly on samples, but the sequencing effort required to characterize low frequency organisms can be expensive. Recently developed methods for selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) can enrich target DNA to provide efficient sequencing. We amplified Coxiella burnetii (a bacterial select agent and human/livestock pathogen) from 3 three environmental samples that were overwhelmed with host DNA. The 68- to 147-fold enrichment of the bacterial sequences provided enough genome coverage for SNP analyses and phylogenetic placement. SWGA is a valuable tool for the study of difficult-to-culture organisms and has the potential to facilitate high-throughput population characterizations as well as targeted epidemiological or forensic investigations. SN 0888-7543 EI 1089-8646 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 112 IS 2 BP 1872 EP 1878 DI 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.10.022 UT WOS:000514071600090 PM 31678592 ER PT J AU Anderson, TM Ngoti, PM Nzunda, ML Griffith, DM Speed, JDM Fossoy, F Roskaft, E Graae, BJ AF Anderson, T. Michael Ngoti, Philbert M. Nzunda, Mawazo L. Griffith, Daniel M. Speed, James D. M. Fossoy, Frode Roskaft, Eivin Graae, Bente J. TI The burning question: does fire affect habitat selection and forage preference of the black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis in East African savannahs? SO ORYX AB The conservation of threatened species requires information on how management activities influence habitat quality. The Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis is restricted to savannahs representing c. 5% of its historical range. Fire is used extensively in savannahs but little is known about how rhinos respond to burning. Our aim was to understand rhino responses to fire by studying habitat selection and foraging at multiple scales. We used resource selection functions and locations of 31 rhinos during 2014-2016 to study rhino habitat use in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Rhino selectivity was quantified by comparing forage consumption to plant species availability in randomly sampled vegetation plots; rhino diets were subsequently verified through DNA metabarcoding analysis of faecal samples. Rhino habitat use was a unimodal function of fire history, with highly occupied sites having fire frequencies of < 0.6 fires/year and maximum occupancy occurring at a fire frequency of 0.1 fires/year. Foraging stations had characteristic plant communities, with 17 species associated with rhino foraging. Rhinos were associated with, and disproportionately consumed, woody plants, forbs and legumes, all of which decreased in abundance with increasing fire frequency. In contrast to common management practices, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the current fire regime in the Serengeti negatively influences rhino habitat use and foraging and that frequent fire limits access of rhinos to preferred forage. We outline a conceptual model to guide managers and conservationists in the use of fire under variable habitat conditions. OI Roskaft, Eivin/0000-0003-0262-8443 SN 0030-6053 EI 1365-3008 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 54 IS 2 BP 234 EP 243 AR PII S0030605318000388 DI 10.1017/S0030605318000388 UT WOS:000512337200011 ER PT J AU Kodzwa, JJ Gotosa, J Nyamangara, J AF Kodzwa, Jefline J. Gotosa, Jephita Nyamangara, Justice TI Mulching is the most important of the three conservation agriculture principles in increasing crop yield in the short term, under sub humid tropical conditions in Zimbabwe SO SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH AB Some smallholder farmers in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) have failed to adopt all the three principles of conservation agriculture (CA) because of various reasons including lack of alternative weed management methods (soil tillage), crop-livestock interactions (crop residue mulch used as livestock feed) and poorly developed markets for other crops (diversified cropping system). Studies have shown that smallholder farmers incorporate one or two CA principles, not all three, at a time in their cropping systems. Our study sought to disaggregate the effects of the three CA principles on crop growth with or without mineral fertilizer in order to determine which principle or combination of principles resulted in highest yield increase in the short to medium term. The research was conducted over four cropping seasons at Hunyani Farm located in Zvimba district in north western Zimbabwe characterized by sub humid tropical conditions and fine sandy loam soils. A split-split-plot design, with tillage as the main plot, mulch as the sub plot, rotation as the sub-sub plot and fertility regime as the treatments was used. Fertility treatments were control (no fertilizer added) and 120 kg N ha(-1)+ 30 kg P ha(-1) + 15 kg K ha(-1) mineral fertilizer and the experiment was replicated three times. Reduced tillage increased maize grain yield from the third season when compared with mouldboard ploughing. The positive effects of mulching were higher when fertilizer was applied (> 90 %) compared with no fertilizer application. Crop rotation (maizesoybean) had no significant effects on grain and aboveground dry matter yield. The benefits of the three CA principles on crop yield followed the order mulch > reduced tillage > crop rotation. The combined effects of the three CA principles on maize grain yield were higher than conventional tillage and any other one or two principles together indicating the importance of integrating the three principles for best results. SN 0167-1987 EI 1879-3444 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 197 AR 104515 DI 10.1016/j.still.2019.104515 UT WOS:000514003800024 ER PT J AU Alonso, RS Sitton-Candanedo, I Garcia, O Prieto, J Rodriguez-Gonzalez, S AF Alonso, Ricardo S. Sitton-Candanedo, Ines Garcia, Oscar Prieto, Javier Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Sara TI An intelligent Edge-IoT platform for monitoring livestock and crops in a dairy farming scenario SO AD HOC NETWORKS AB Today's globalized and highly competitive world market has broadened the spectrum of requirements in all the sectors of the agri-food industry. This paper focuses on the dairy industry, on its need to adapt to the current market by becoming more resource efficient, environment-friendly, transparent and secure. The Internet of Things (IoT), Edge Computing (EC) and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) are all crucial to the achievement of those improvements because they allow to digitize all parts of the value chain, providing detailed information to the consumer on the final product and ensuring its safety and quality. In Smart Farming environments, IoT and DLT enable resource monitoring and traceability in the value chain, allowing producers to optimize processes, provide the origin of the produce and guarantee its quality to consumers. In comparison to a centralized cloud, EC manages the Big Data generated by IoT devices by processing them at the network edge, allowing for the implementation of services with shorter response times, and a higher Quality of Service (QoS) and security. This work presents a platform oriented to the application of IoT, Edge Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain techniques in Smart Farming environments, by means of the novel Global Edge Computing Architecture, and designed to monitor the state of dairy cattle and feed grain in real time, as well as ensure the traceability and sustainability of the different processes involved in production. The platform is deployed and tested in a real scenario on a dairy farm, demonstrating that the implementation of EC contributes to a reduction in data traffic and an improvement in the reliability in communications between the IoT-Edge layers and the Cloud. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Prieto, Javier/AAG-9506-2020; Tejedor, Javier Prieto/H-3704-2015; Garcia, Oscar/AAK-3966-2020; Alonso Rincon, Ricardo S./W-8845-2018 OI Prieto, Javier/0000-0001-8175-2201; Tejedor, Javier Prieto/0000-0001-8175-2201; Garcia, Oscar/0000-0002-8645-055X; Alonso Rincon, Ricardo S./0000-0002-6599-0186 SN 1570-8705 EI 1570-8713 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 98 AR 102047 DI 10.1016/j.adhoc.2019.102047 UT WOS:000513987100010 ER PT J AU Zhang, L Guo, Y Wang, L Liu, X Yan, H Gao, H Hou, X Zhang, Y Guo, H Yue, J An, J Wang, L AF Zhang, L. Guo, Y. Wang, L. Liu, X. Yan, H. Gao, H. Hou, X. Zhang, Y. Guo, H. Yue, J. An, J. Wang, L. TI Genomic variants associated with the number and diameter of muscle fibers in pigs as revealed by a genome-wide association study SO ANIMAL AB Muscle fiber characteristics comprise a set of complex traits that influence the meat quality and lean meat production of livestock. However, the genetic and biological mechanisms regulating muscle fiber characteristics are largely unknown in pigs. Based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed on 421 Large White x Min pig F2 individuals presenting well-characterized phenotypes, this work aimed to detect genome variations and candidate genes for five muscle fiber characteristics: percentage of type I fibers (FIB1P), percentage of type IIA fibers (FIB2AP), percentage of type IIB fibers (FIB2BP), diameter of muscle fibers (DIAMF) and number of muscle fibers per unit area (NUMMF). The GWAS used the Illumina Porcine SNP60K genotypic data, which were analyzed by a mixed model. Seven and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with DIAMF and NUMMF, respectively (P < 1.10E-06); no SNP was significantly associated with FIB1P, FIB2AP or FIB2B. For DIAMF, the significant SNPs on chromosome 4 were located in the previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) interval. Because the significant SNPs on chromosome 6 were not mapped in the previously reported QTL interval, a putative novel QTL was suggested for this locus. None of the previously reported QTL intervals on chromosomes 6 and 14 harbored significant SNPs for NUMMF; thus, new potential QTLs on these two chromosomes are suggested in the present work. The most significant SNPs associated with DIAMF (ALGA0025682) and NUMMF (MARC0046984) explained 12.02% and 11.59% of the phenotypic variation of these traits, respectively. In addition, both SNPs were validated as associated with DIAMF and NUMMF in Beijing Black pigs (P < 0.01). Some candidate genes or non-coding RNAs, such as solute carrier family 44 member 5 and miR-124a-1 for DIAMF, and coiled-coil serine rich protein 2 for NUMMF, were identified based on their close location to the significant SNPs. This study revealed some genome-wide association variants for muscle fiber characteristics, and it provides valuable information to discover the genetic mechanisms controlling these traits in pigs. SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 IS 3 BP 475 EP 481 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002374 UT WOS:000513882200004 PM 31610816 ER PT J AU Domingues, JP Gameiro, AH Bonaudo, T Gabrielle, B Tichit, M AF Domingues, J. P. Gameiro, A. H. Bonaudo, T. Gabrielle, B. Tichit, M. TI Past intensification trajectories of livestock led to mixed social and environmental services SO ANIMAL AB Recent studies highlighted the multiple positive and negative contributions of livestock to society. Livestock production, through its direct and indirect impacts on land use, is an important driver of services provision. Although a few studies provide an account on the multiple services in different livestock systems, there is still an important knowledge gap on the drivers that contribute to the differentiation of services provisioning across areas. We investigated the hypothesis that the current level of services has derived from past intensification trajectories of livestock. The objective of this study was to understand the influences of past changes in livestock, land-use and socio-economic variables on the current provision of social, environmental and cultural services by the livestock sector in France. We combined a long-term country-wide database on livestock intensification between 1938 and 2010 and a database on services provisioning in 2010. We used a set of multivariate methods to simultaneously analyse the changes in livestock intensification from 1938 to 2010 and the current level of services provisioning. Our analysis focused on a set of 60 French departments where livestock play a significant economic role in agricultural production. Our study revealed that the provision of services was spatially structured and based on three groups of departments, characterised by different rates of change in intensification variables. In the first group, 'Intensive livestock areas', the high level of employment in the livestock sector was mainly associated with high rates of change in monogastric stocking rates (+1045%) and milk productivity (+451%). In the second group, 'Extensive livestock areas', the high levels of environmental and cultural services were mainly associated with moderate rates of change in herbivores stocking rate (+95%) and the stability of grassland area (+13%). In the third group, 'Transition areas', the low provision of all services was associated with the decline in livestock due to crop expansion. This study provides knowledge to understand how past changes determined the current contribution of livestock areas in providing differentiated bundles of services, which might help steer the development of the current livestock sector towards more sustainable trajectories. SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 IS 3 BP 598 EP 608 AR PII S1751731119001952 DI 10.1017/S1751731119001952 UT WOS:000513882200018 PM 31466546 ER PT J AU Ceacero, F Clar, MA Ny, V Kotrba, R AF Ceacero, F. Clar, M. A. Ny, V. Kotrba, R. TI Differential effects of ruminally protected amino acids on fattening of fallow deer in two culling periods SO ANIMAL AB A well-balanced amino acid profile in the feedstuffs for livestock is essential to support adequate growth. This is well studied for monogastric species but still not well understood for ruminants and especially for the most unconventional species, like cervids. This study investigated the influence of ruminally protected lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) supplementation during the fattening period, as well as two slaughter seasons (late autumn (LA) v. late winter (LW)), on the growth, carcass traits, body condition and blood plasma metabolites of fallow deer (Dama dama). Forty-five yearlings of fallow deer bucks were allocated into three groups, balanced by weight (40.2 +/- 2.7 kg). The deer were pasture-fed and supplemented with barley, free-choice mineral premix, silage during the winter period, and varying levels of ruminally protected Lys and Met: no amino acids (Control), 9 g/day of Lys, and 9 g/day of Lys plus 3 g/day of Met (Lys+Met). Animals were slaughtered in two separate seasons, LA (six animals per group), and LW (nine animals per group). Animals culled in LA had higher average daily weight gain than LW (P = 0.002), due to the reduced growth during winter typical for seasonal cervids in temperate zone, mediated by the photoperiod. Dressing percentage was significantly higher in LW and in the Lys+Met group (P = 0.002). Body condition score (P = 0.024), kidney fat index (KFI) (P = 0.005), and internal fat (P < 0.001) increased significantly with Lys+Met supplementation. During LW, KFI (P = 0.004) and kidney fat (P = 0.001) were also significantly higher than in LA. Blood creatinine concentration increased significantly for deer receiving Lys (P = 0.002) and Lys+Met (P < 0.001). Also, triglycerides level increased in Lys group (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the effects of Lys and Met supplementation on the growth and internal fat storage for winter survival, suggesting a different use of the supplemented resource according to the season. Also, the observed effects on protein and fat metabolism of fallow deer may influence the production of farmed animals, and offer interesting insights about the physiology of the species. RI Ceacero Herrador, Francisco/C-1088-2009 OI Ceacero Herrador, Francisco/0000-0001-9014-147X SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 IS 3 BP 648 EP 655 AR PII S1751731119002325 DI 10.1017/S1751731119002325 UT WOS:000513882200023 PM 31603061 ER PT J AU Selva, GV Pauli, N Kim, MK Clifton, J AF Selva, Gracie Verde Pauli, Natasha Kim, Milena Kiatkoski Clifton, Julian TI Opportunity for change or reinforcing inequality? Power, governance and equity implications of government payments for conservation in Brazil SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY AB Economic instruments for conservation are invoked as a strategy to achieve the dual goals of maintaining healthy ecosystems and improving human well-being. The outcomes of such instruments are highly variable and there has been limited analysis of their social outcomes. Economic instruments for conservation can create opportunity and political leverage for minority groups or reinforce pre-existing power relationships and reproduce socio-economic inequalities. This research examines the equity implications of a government scheme from Brazil known as an ecological fiscal transfer, looking at how institutional arrangements and local power dynamics influence the application of revenue to achieve social outcomes. A case study from the Atlantic forest explores whether the application of revenue reflects the interests of a broad community base and avoids elite capture, or if decision-making processes are engineered by local power actors to further specific interests. Results demonstrate how poor local institutional capacity limits the effective governance of the revenue, leading to limited positive social outcomes. Furthermore, incentives offered by the mechanism stimulate conservation activity which implies high costs for the rural poor. The application of a framework of good governance guides the development of recommendations for improving the social equity of ecological fiscal transfer policies. These findings reinforce the importance of the design of EFTS applied in regions of poverty, if they are to promote socially equitable conservation. RI Pauli, Natasha/H-5605-2014 OI Pauli, Natasha/0000-0002-1145-7458; Clifton, Julian/0000-0002-9795-0189; Verde Selva, Gracie/0000-0001-9760-5863; Kim, Milena/0000-0002-9462-4185 SN 1462-9011 EI 1873-6416 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 105 BP 102 EP 112 DI 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.01.001 UT WOS:000513988400009 ER PT J AU Rai, V AF Rai, Vandana TI Trade Credit Policy Between Supplier-Manufacturer-Retailer for Ameliorating/Deteriorating Items SO JOURNAL OF THE OPERATIONS RESEARCH SOCIETY OF CHINA AB This paper is related to the advancement of the inventory models for ameliorating items and focused on the real-life business situation as with the time the deterioration rate of ameliorating items is increased. In the global world, every supply chain entities as suppliers/manufacturers/retailers want to increase the consumption of their goods without any losses. For this, he/she tries to lure manufacturer/retailers by offering some discounts, i.e. credit period for settling the account. The problem states that the manufacturer purchases the ameliorating items from the supplier, where the supplier offers his/her credit period to settle the account. The manufacturer purchases ameliorating items (like pigs, fishes, ducklings, etc.) and take those items as raw material; when the livestock matures the manufacturer sells it to the retailer and offer credit time for settling the account. Reason to propose the model is when the quantities of livestock become larger, then the manufacturer faces difficulty in maintaining all the livestock. In such a situation, the traditional method (without offering credit period) fails to provide the maximum profit to the manufacturer. Therefore, in order to get maximum profit, the manufacturer needs some more realistic scientific outlook for making decisions. The proposed model provides a more realistic assumption of business markets, by offering credit policy. In the introduced model, manufacturer faces amelioration and deterioration rate simultaneously due to the growth and the death of livestock. The amelioration and deterioration rates are assumed as the Weibull distribution type. Shortages allowed only for the retailer, which is partially backlogged. The main goal of this paper is to minimize the total relevant inventory cost for both the manufacturer and the retailers, by finding the optimal replenishment policy. The mathematical formulation with optimal solutions for manufacturer and retailers are given. Convexity and existence of the proposed model via numerical examples and graphical representations are explained. Finally, the conclusions with some future research direction are discussed. SN 2194-668X EI 2194-6698 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 BP 79 EP 103 DI 10.1007/s40305-018-0203-9 UT WOS:000511998000004 ER PT J AU Yao, Y Huang, G An, CJ Chen, XJ Zhang, P Xin, XY Shen, J Agnew, J AF Yao, Yao Huang, Gordon An, Chunjiang Chen, Xiujuan Zhang, Peng Xin, Xiaying Shen, Jian Agnew, Joy TI Anaerobic digestion of livestock manure in cold regions: Technological advancements and global impacts SO RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS AB Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective process for waste management, pollution mitigation, renewable energy utilization, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. However, low temperature is one of the most limiting factors for the application of AD in many cold regions. To expand the applications of AD to larger areas in the world, many studies have been conducted to explore its potential under low-temperature conditions. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive review on recent progresses and findings in this field. The generation and management of manure in cold regions are summarized to demonstrate the potential capacity of AD. Advancements in theories and technologies that can improve the performance of anaerobic digestion in cold regions are thoroughly reviewed. The benefits of AD applications in terms of emission reduction are evaluated at global scale. RI Huang, Guohe (Gordon)/H-5306-2011 OI Huang, Guohe (Gordon)/0000-0003-4974-3019; Chen, Xiujuan/0000-0003-1040-9937 SN 1364-0321 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 119 AR 109494 DI 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109494 UT WOS:000512406900004 ER PT J AU Northup, SL Coffman, EA Strickland, LG Pohler, KG Daniel, JA Whitlock, BK AF Northup, Samantha L. Coffman, Elizabeth A. Strickland, Lew G. Pohler, Ky G. Daniel, Jay A. Whitlock, Brian K. TI Intravenous infusion of kisspeptin increased serum luteinizing hormone acutely and decreased serum follicle stimulating hormone chronically in prepubertal bull calves SO THERIOGENOLOGY AB Kisspeptin (KP) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone. To determine the acute and chronic effects of KP on serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prepubertal bull calves [12 +/- 1 (SD) weeks of age; 96.5 +/- 14.5 kg BW] were administered one of four treatments [0.0 (control; CON), 0.125 (L-KP), 0.25 (M-KP), or 0.5 (H-KP) mu g of KP/kg BW/hour] by intravenous infusion for 76 h. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for the first (acute; 1-6 h; Day 1) and last (chronic; 71-76 h; Day 4) 6 h of the intravenous infusions. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. For each day, effects of treatment, time, and interactions on LH and FSH concentrations and pulse parameters were analyzed using procedures for repeated measures with JMP Software (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was a treatment effect (P = 0.002) and a treatment x time interaction during Day 1 (P = 0.02) such that LH concentrations were greatest following administration of all doses of KP when compared to CON. However, there was no treatment effect (P = 0.57) or a treatment x time interaction during Day 4 (P = 0.20) on serum LH concentrations. There was a treatment by day interaction (P = 0.02) on mean serum FSH concentrations. Most notably, on Day 4 mean serum FSH concentrations during intravenous infusion of M-KP and H-KP doses were less than that of CON. There was a treatment by day interaction (P = 0.0054) on FSH pulse amplitude concentrations, such that intravenous infusion of all doses of KP on Day 4 decreased FSH pulse amplitudes. In conclusion, acute infusion of KP increased LH concentrations and chronic infusion of KP decreased FSH concentrations. Despite the potential suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with chronic infusion of KP, there are likely applications of KP, KP analogs, or KP receptor agonists to hasten the onset of puberty in livestock. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 0093-691X EI 1879-3231 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 144 BP 1 EP 7 DI 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.013 UT WOS:000514017900001 PM 31881476 ER PT J AU Milojevic, V Sinz, S Kreuzer, M Chiumia, D Marquardt, S Giller, K AF Milojevic, Vladimir Sinz, Susanne Kreuzer, Michael Chiumia, Daniel Marquardt, Svenja Giller, Katrin TI Partitioning of fatty acids into tissues and fluids from reproductive organs of ewes as affected by dietary phenolic extracts SO THERIOGENOLOGY AB Evaluation of dietary interventions with regard to fertility problems often observed in ruminant livestock is of global interest. Though the effects of polyphenol supplementation in ruminants on digestion and food quality are well described, the impact on reproductive tissues and fluids remains scarcely investigated. These compounds protect dietary unsaturated fatty acids (FA) from oxidation and bio-hydrogenation and thus saturation. In addition, modification of the expression of genes associated with FA metabolism may occur. Therefore, we characterized for the first time the FA profiles of reproductive tissues and fluids and investigated their potential modification by dietary polyphenols in 22 cyclic ewes. The animals were randomly divided into four groups and fed a basal diet of meadow hay and one of four concentrate types either non-supplemented (control) or supplemented with grape seed extract, Acacia mearnsii bark extract (13 g/kg dry matter (DM) each) or a combination of both (26 g/kg DM). After 10 weeks of feeding, the animals were slaughtered. Samples of reproductive (oviduct, uterus) and metabolically differently active tissues (liver, muscle, adipose) as well as of plasma and fluids from oviduct and uterus were analysed for their FA composition. In addition, the expression of lipid metabolic and antioxidant genes was analysed in all tissues except the adipose tissue. Fatty acid profiles in tissues and fluids as well as gene expression in tissues significantly differed between the different fluids and tissues. In contrast, only a few diet and matrix (fluid or tissue) x diet interactions were observed. Still, the FA profile of the uterus was the only one not at all affected by the diet. The mRNA expression was not affected by the diet for most of the genes investigated, which might in part be explained by the similar plasma polyphenol concentrations found at slaughter. Overall, our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the characteristic FA composition of reproductive tissues and fluids in sheep. In addition, the effect of polyphenols on different tissues, fluids and tissue gene expression has been confirmed as described in other animal species. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. OI Chiumia, Daniel/0000-0003-3212-3753 SN 0093-691X EI 1879-3231 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 144 BP 174 EP 184 DI 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.012 UT WOS:000514017900023 PM 31972461 ER PT J AU Han, YG Feng, G Swaney, DP Dentener, F Koeble, R Ouyang, Y Gao, W AF Han, Yuguo Feng, Gary Swaney, Dennis P. Dentener, Frank Koeble, Renate Ouyang, Ying Gao, Wei TI Global and regional estimation of net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (NANI) SO GEODERMA AB Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has greatly altered the Earth's reactive nitrogen (N) cycle, leading to widespread N pollution that can have adverse effects on human health, ecological functions, and biodiversity. Quantifying the net anthropogenic nitrogen input (NANI) has proven to be a powerful method of evaluating the extent of human alteration of the N cycle on watershed and regional scales. In this study, NANI was estimated in 98% of the land area, covering 99% of the population of countries and regions around the world during the years of 1961, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2009. The NANI estimation methodology considered atmospheric N deposition, N fertilizer consumption, the net import or export of N in agricultural commodities (human food, livestock feed, etc), and N fixation in agriculture and planted forests as its main sources. The global NANI level has increased from 1961 to 2009 (from 378 to 1226 kg N/km(2)/yr). Asia, the Caribbean region, Europe and North America yield higher-than-average NANI values. The increase in the net N inputs of Asia is the main reason for this increase in global NANI. In 1961, the main sources of NANI are net oxidized N deposition (42%) and N fixation (34%). Since 1961, the largest component of global NANI has been N fertilizer consumption (59%-64%), followed by net atmospheric N deposition (16%-23%) and N fixation (18%-20%). Globally, replacing fossil fuels with clean energy, limiting population growth, reducing the excess consumption of proteins per capita, reducing the proportion of animal product protein in the human diet, and balancing the application of N fertilizers between regions are all potential ways to reduce NANI. However, each of these practices have drawbacks. For any country or region, in addition to the above practices, NANI can also be decreased by reducing synthetic fertilizer consumption, decreasing food import, and sustainably leasing or cocultivating agricultural land in other countries or regions. In addition, the application of highly efficient organic fertilizers and high-yielding crop species, as well as the promotion of precision agriculture, can to some extent also reduce NANI. SN 0016-7061 EI 1872-6259 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 361 AR 114066 DI 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.114066 UT WOS:000510804700046 ER PT J AU Kotlar, AM van Lier, QD Brito, ED AF Kotlar, Ali Mehmandoost van Lier, Quirijn de Jong Brito, Erbesson de Souza TI Pedotransfer functions for water contents at specific pressure heads of silty soils from Amazon rainforest SO GEODERMA AB There is a lack of information and studies investigating physical and chemical properties of silty soils that occur in the western part of the Amazon region, especially in the State of Acre, Brazil. Due to their exceptional high silt contents, these soils show different physical properties than common tropical soils. No pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for prediction of water contents for these unusual soils have been developed and regional PTFs developed by data from common Brazilian soils fail to give good predictions for the silty soils from Acre. To address this shortcoming, in this study we developed PTFs for water contents at specific pressure heads based on soil samples from silty soils of Acre. Samples were collected in soils under three land uses: native forest, integrated crop livestock systems and grazing pastures. Particle size fractions, bulk density, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, aggregate stability and water contents were measured with replicates. PTFs were developed per land use and for all data together using a stepwise linear regression (SL-PTF) and a random forest algorithm (RF-PTF), which performed much better than the regional PTFs. Determining some water contents in the pressure head range between 0 and -100 cm, together with theta(15000) was enough to yield an accurate water retention curve for the entire range. PTFs developed using data from all land uses together resulted in a better prediction of water contents. The best PTFs for the prediction of water contents at specific pressure heads were developed by the random forest method. The developed PTFs using only sand, clay and organic matter contents and bulk density led to an acceptable prediction of water contents in the dry range. For the wet range, a robust performance was obtained when clay content, CEC and saturated water content were used as predictors. The predicted available water capacity in silty soils from Acre State was in the range between 5 and 10%, far below the amount required for optimum crop growth. The SL- PTF was a robust model as well but required more predictors. RI Kotlar, Ali Mehmandoost/AAJ-2545-2020 OI Kotlar, Ali Mehmandoost/0000-0002-3000-5983 SN 0016-7061 EI 1872-6259 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 361 AR 114098 DI 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.114098 UT WOS:000510804700003 ER PT J AU Shi, L Hu, ZH Simplicio, WS Qiu, SK Xiao, LW Harhen, B Zhan, XM AF Shi, Lin Hu, Zhenhu Simplicio, Walquiria Silva Qiu, Songkai Xiao, Liwen Harhen, Brendan Zhan, Xinmin TI Antibiotics in nutrient recovery from pig manure via electrodialysis reversal: Sorption and migration associated with membrane fouling SO JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE AB Nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) recovery from animal manure using membrane technologies has been well studied, but the migration and accumulation of antibiotics in membrane processes are ignored. This study examined the behaviours of sulfadiazine (SD) and tetracycline (TC) in an electmdialysis reversal (EDR) process designed for nutrient recovery from pig manure. The results showed that SD and TC, two widely used antibiotics for the livestock, were removed from the feed solution but with different mechanisms; SD removal was mainly due to electro-migration and TC removal was due to membrane sorption. SD migrated to the product solution through membranes, while TC remained on the membrane surface and had a spatial association with organic membrane foulants. Particle fouling hindered the migration of SD and TC, which was reflected by 34-67% of SD and TC remaining in the feed solution when treating real manure. After long-term operation, the fouled membranes still showed high sorption capacities to SD and TC, almost identical to the virgin membranes. The sorption and migration mechanisms associated with membrane fouling were then proposed. This study shows that antibiotics were accumulated in the product solution, posing ecological and health risks if the product is used as fertiliser. RI Hu, Zhenhu/C-1635-2013 OI Hu, Zhenhu/0000-0002-4873-1174 SN 0376-7388 EI 1873-3123 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 597 AR 117633 DI 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117633 UT WOS:000512684200019 ER PT J AU Morris, W Norris, G Dowell, D AF Morris, Wyn Norris, Gareth Dowell, David TI The business of farm crime: evaluating trust in the police and reporting of offences SO CRIME PREVENTION & COMMUNITY SAFETY AB Annual estimates of the total cost of farm crime to the UK economy amount to the region of 45 pound m (NFU in NFU Rural Crime Report 2018. , 2018). The purpose of this study was to assess the extent, effects and responses to farm crime from key stakeholders, principally the police and farming population. Survey responses were collected from farmers (n = 96) in rural Wales. Key findings suggest that the main categories of farm crime including machinery and livestock theft were similar to national patterns. Perceptions of organised crime groups from outside the local area being responsible for criminal activity were also prevalent. Satisfaction and trust in the police was generally healthy, despite awareness that the investigation and prosecution of farm and/or rural crime was often not being adequately resourced. The implications of this research propose that a broad lack of police training/experience, insight into farming issues generally, and wider organisational resource commitment, all hinder effective policing of farm business crime. OI Norris, Gareth/0000-0002-7828-5857 SN 1460-3780 EI 1743-4629 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 22 IS 1 BP 17 EP 32 DI 10.1057/s41300-019-00083-5 UT WOS:000512787200002 ER PT J AU Ingelido, AM Abballe, A Gemma, S Dellatte, E Iacovella, N De Angelis, G Marra, V Russo, F Vazzoler, M Testai, E De Felip, E AF Ingelido, Anna Maria Abballe, Annalisa Gemma, Simonetta Dellatte, Elena Iacovella, Nicola De Angelis, Giovanna Marra, Valentina Russo, Francesca Vazzoler, Marina Testai, Emanuela De Felip, Elena TI Serum concentrations of perfluorinated alkyl substances in farmers living in areas affected by water contamination in the Veneto Region (Northern Italy) SO ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL AB Human exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) is a major public health concern because in the last decades several cases of overexposure of people to PFASs, in particular through contaminated water, occurred worldwide. In 2013-2017 a PFAS drinking water contamination was discovered and investigated in northern Italy (Veneto region) and high PFAS serum levels were detected in exposed people. 629 subjects were enrolled: 257 residing in municipalities in the areas under impact, 250 residing in municipalities in areas at presumed background exposure and 122 farmers living in contaminated rural areas producing and consuming own livestock and vegetables and frequently using well water. The highest PFAS serum concentrations (median PFOA concentrations 40 ng/g) were found in the subgroup of farmers. The main factors influencing PFAS serum levels of farmers were residence area and the related extent of drinking water contamination, gender, years of residence in the municipalities, well water consumption and consumption of own produced food. PFOA serum concentrations in farmers residing in the areas of the Veneto region impacted by PFAS contamination are among the highest found worldwide. SN 0160-4120 EI 1873-6750 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 136 AR UNSP 105435 DI 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105435 UT WOS:000512533700024 PM 31935559 ER PT J AU van Kersen, W Oldenwening, M Aalders, B Bloemsma, LD Borlee, F Heederik, D Smit, LAM AF van Kersen, Warner Oldenwening, Marieke Aalders, Bernadette Bloemsma, Lizan D. Borlee, Floor Heederik, Dick Smit, Lidwien A. M. TI Acute respiratory effects of livestock-related air pollution in a panel of COPD patients SO ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL AB Living close to livestock farms has been associated with increased symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The causes of these effects are still poorly understood. This panel study attempts to assess the acute effects of livestock-related air pollution in patients with COPD living in an area with intensive livestock farming in the Netherlands. Between February 2015 and July 2016, 82 participants took spirometry measurements twice daily (morning and evening) during a 3-month period, resulting in 12,672 FEV1 and PEF records. Participants also kept a diary on respiratory symptoms as well as livestock-related odor annoyance. Daily average ammonia (NH3) (a proxy for livestock-related air pollution) and fine particulate matter (PM10) levels were collected from monitoring stations in the area. Lung function was analyzed as decrements of > 10% and > 20% from their median as well as absolute values. Self-reported odor annoyance was analyzed as a dichotomous variable. All analyses were done using generalized estimated equations. We adjusted for humidity, temperature, linear trend, and took multiple testing into account. We found an odds ratio of 1.14 95%CI [1.05; 1.25] for decrements > 20% in morning FEV1 per interquartile range (12 mu g/m(3)) increase in NH3 concentration (lag 2). Odor annoyance was negatively associated with evening PEF ( - 4.46 l/min 95%CI [-7.59; -1.33]). Sensitivity analyses showed a stronger effect in participants with worse baseline lung function. No associations with symptoms were found. Our results show acute effects of livestock-related air pollution on lung function in COPD patients living in close proximity to livestock farms. SN 0160-4120 EI 1873-6750 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 136 AR UNSP 105426 DI 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105426 UT WOS:000512533700017 PM 31881422 ER PT J AU Zhang, M He, LY Liu, YS Zhao, JL Zhang, JN Chen, J Zhang, QQ Ying, GG AF Zhang, Min He, Liang-Ying Liu, You-Sheng Zhao, Jian-Liang Zhang, Jin-Na Chen, Jun Zhang, Qian-Qian Ying, Guang-Guo TI Variation of antibiotic resistome during commercial livestock manure composting SO ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL AB Composting has been widely used to turn livestock manure into organic fertilizer. However, livestock manure contains various contaminants including antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here we investigated the variation of antibiotic resistome and its influencing factors during a commercial livestock manure composting. The results showed that composting could effectively reduce the relative abundance of ARGs and mobile genic elements (MGEs). As the dominant phylum in the composting samples, the key potential bacterial host of ARGs were Actinobacteria such as Leucobacter, Mycobacterium and Thermomonosporaceae unclassified. Meanwhile, Legionella pneumophila, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Haemophilus ducreyi and Siccibacter turicensis may be the key potential pathogenic host of ARGs because of their co-occurrence with ARG subtypes. Redundancy analysis showed that the dissipation of ARGs during composting was linked to various environmental factors such as moisture. Bacterial succession as well as profile of biocide and metal resistance genes (BMRGs) were the determinants which constructed the antibiotic resistome during manure composting. However, the residues of ARGs and pathogens in compost products may still pose risks to human and crops after fertilization. SN 0160-4120 EI 1873-6750 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 136 AR UNSP 105458 DI 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105458 UT WOS:000512533700046 PM 31926439 ER PT J AU Zhou, SYD Zhu, D Giles, M Daniell, T Neilson, R Yang, XR AF Zhou, Shu-yi-dan Zhu, Dong Giles, Madeline Daniell, Tim Neilson, Roy Yang, Xiao-ru TI Does reduced usage of antibiotics in livestock production mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in soil, earthworm guts, and the phyllosphere? SO ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL AB The overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry is widespread and believed to significantly contribute to the selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in animals. Thus, there is a global drive to reduce antibiotic use in the agricultural sector. However, it has not been established whether a reduction in the use of antibiotics in livestock production would be effective in reducing the spread of ARGs. A microcosm approach was used to determine how the addition of manure with either reduced antibiotic levels or with typical antibiotic levels could affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes between soil, earthworms and the phyllosphere. When compared to the control soil, earthworm and phyllosphere samples had the greater increase in ARG abundance in conventional manure treatments (P < 0.05). Reduced antibiotic manure also enriched the abundance of ARGs in the phyllosphere and soil but not earthworm guts when compared to the control (P < 0.05). In both soil and earthworm guts, the enrichment of ARGs was lower in reduced antibiotic manure than in conventional manure. This study has identified bacterial transfer through the soil-earthworm-phyllosphere system as a potential means to spread ARGs between habitats after fertilization with livestock derived manures. RI Daniell, Tim J/E-8482-2011 OI Daniell, Tim J/0000-0003-0435-4343 SN 0160-4120 EI 1873-6750 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 136 AR UNSP 105359 DI 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105359 UT WOS:000512533700004 PM 32036081 ER PT J AU Wu, XY Tian, ZZ Lv, ZP Chen, ZX Liu, YD Yong, XY Zhou, J Xie, XX Jia, HH Wei, P AF Wu, Xiayuan Tian, Zhenzhen Lv, Zuopeng Chen, Zixuan Liu, Yongdi Yong, Xiaoyu Zhou, Jun Xie, Xinxin Jia, Honghua Wei, Ping TI Effects of copper salts on performance, antibiotic resistance genes, and microbial community during thermophilic anaerobic digestion of swine manure SO BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY AB This study investigated methane production and ARGs reduction during thermophilic AD of swine manure with the addition of different Cu salts (cupric sulfate, cupric glycinate, and the 1:1 mixture of these two salts). Results showed methane production was increased by 28.78% through adding mixed Cu salts. The mixed Cu group effectively reduced total ARGs abundance by 26.94%, suggesting mixed Cu salts did not promote the potential ARGs risk. The positive effects of mixed Cu salts on AD performance and ARGs removal might be ascribed to the low bioavailability. Microbial community analysis indicated the highest abundances of Clostridia_MBA03 and Methanobacterium in the mixed Cu group might cause the increased methane production. Spearman's rank correlation analysis elucidated the succession in microbial community induced by environmental factors was the main driver for shaping ARGs profiles. Thus, mixed Cu salts could be an alternative to replace the inorganic Cu salt in animal feed additives. SN 0960-8524 EI 1873-2976 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 300 AR 122728 DI 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122728 UT WOS:000509985900024 PM 31926471 ER PT J AU Oliveira-Arbex, AP David, EB Tenorio, MD Cicchi, PJP Patti, M Coradi, ST Lucheis, SB Jim, J Guimaraes, S AF Oliveira-Arbex, Ana Paula David, Erica Boarato Tenorio, Michely da Silva Pyles Cicchi, Paulo Jose Patti, Mariella Coradi, Silvana Torossian Lucheis, Simone Baldini Jim, Jorge Guimaraes, Semiramis TI Diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in wild mammals from a zoo and two conservation units in southeastern Brazil SO INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION AB The enteric protist Blastocystis is one of the most commonly parasite reported in humans and a variety of animal hosts worldwide. Regarding genetic diversity, at least 17 subtypes (STs) have been identified in mammals and birds, with eight of them (ST1-8) infecting both humans and animals. Recently, isolates from wild mammalian species have been genetically characterized, however data is still scarce, mainly in Latin America. Here, we aimed to verify the occurrence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in captive wild mammals kept in one zoo and in two units of protection and conservation in southeastern Brazil. A total of 78 fecal samples (14 pooled and 64 individual samples) were recovered from 102 wild mammals of 35 species included in the following orders: Primates, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Pilosa, Rodentia and Marsupialia. Zoo and units staff were invited to participated but only 16 fecal samples could be screened. Based on the sequence analyses of SSUrDNA gene, out of 29 PCR products from animal samples, 51.7% (15/29) were successfully sequenced and five Blastocystis subtypes were identified as follows: ST1 (2/15; 13.3%), ST2 (2/15; 13.3%), ST3 (4/15; 26.6%), ST5 (2/15; 13.3%) and ST8 (5/14; 33.3%). Only four isolates from humans were sequenced and identified as ST1 (2 isolates), ST2 and ST3. It was observed that Blastocystis infecting non-human primates belong to ST1 and ST2 and mainly to ST3 and ST8, artiodactyls ST5, carnivores ST1 and ST5 and rodents ST1. In addition, this present study reports some interesting findings: (1) 63% (12/19) of Blastocystis isolates from animals and employees belonged to the potentially zoonotic subtypes ST1-ST3; (2) most of these isolates displayed high identity with publicly available DNA sequences from non-human primates and humans, including primate handlers; (3) Blastocystis ST5 was found infecting the northern tiger cat, a native South American felid and one of the species facing a high risk of extinction in Brazil. SN 1567-1348 EI 1567-7257 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 78 AR 104053 DI 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104053 UT WOS:000510876600004 PM 31683006 ER PT J AU Rodrigues, CMF Garcia, HA Rodrigues, AC Pereira, DL Pereira, CL Viola, LB Neves, L Camargo, EP Gibson, W Teixeira, MMG AF Rodrigues, Carla M. F. Garcia, Herakles A. Rodrigues, Adriana C. Pereira, Dagmar Lopes Pereira, Carlos Lopes Viola, Laerte B. Neves, Luis Camargo, Erney P. Gibson, Wendy Teixeira, Marta M. G. TI Expanding our knowledge on African trypanosomes of the subgenus Pycnomonas: A novel Trypanosoma suis-like in tsetse flies, livestock and wild ruminants sympatric with Trypanosoma suis in Mozambique SO INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION AB Among the subgenera of African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes pathogenic to livestock, the least known is the subgenus Pycnomonas, which contains a single species, Trypanosoma suis (TSU), a pathogen of domestic pigs first reported in 1905 and recently rediscovered in Tanzania and Mozambique. Analysis by Fluorescent Fragment Length Barcoding (FFLB) revealed an infection rate of 20.3% (108 out of 530 tsetse flies) in a recent study in the Gorongosa and Niassa wildlife reserves in Mozambique, and demonstrated two groups of Pycnomonas trypanosomes: one (14.1%, 75 flies) showing an FFLB profile identical to the reference TSU from Tanzania, and the other (6.2%, 33 flies) differing slightly from reference TSU and designated Trypanosoma suis-like (TSU-L). Phylogenetic analyses tightly clustered TSU and TSU-L from Mozambique with TSU from Tanzania forming the clade Pycnomonas positioned between the subgenera Trypanozoon and Nannomonas. Our preliminarily exploration of host ranges of Pycnomonas trypanosomes revealed TSU exclusively in warthogs while TSU-L was identified, for the first time for a member of the subgenus Pycnomonas, in ruminants (antelopes, Cape buffalo, and in domestic cattle and goats). The preferential blood meal sources of tsetse flies harbouring TSU and TSU-L were wild suids, and most of these flies concomitantly harboured the porcine trypanosomes T. simiae, T. simiae Tsavo, and T. godfreyi. Therefore, our findings support the link of TSU with suids while TSU-L remains to be comprehensively investigated in these hosts. Our results greatly expand our knowledge of the diversity, hosts, vectors, and epidemiology of Pycnomonas trypanosomes. Due to shortcomings of available molecular diagnostic methods, a relevant cohort of trypanosomes transmitted by tsetse flies to ungulates, especially suids, has been neglected or most likely misidentified. The method employed in the present study enables an accurate discrimination of trypanosome species and genotypes and, hence, a re-evaluation of the "lost" subgenus Pycnomonas and of porcine trypanosomes in general, the most neglected group of African trypanosomes pathogenic to ungulates. RI Teixeira, Marta M G/B-1115-2009; Perez, Herakles Antonio HA Garcia/B-8654-2016; Camargo, Erney/A-6765-2009 OI Camargo, Erney/0000-0003-0011-5871 SN 1567-1348 EI 1567-7257 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 78 AR 104143 DI 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104143 UT WOS:000510876600049 PM 31837483 ER PT J AU Gauly, M Ammer, S AF Gauly, M. Ammer, S. TI Review: Challenges for dairy cow production systems arising from climate changes SO ANIMAL CT 13th International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology (ISRP) CY SEP 03-06, 2019 CL Leipzig, GERMANY AB The so-called global change refers to changes on a planetary scale. The term encompasses various issues like resource use, energy development, population growth, land use and land cover, carbon and nitrogen cycle, pollution and health, and climate change. The paper deals with challenges for dairy cattle production systems in Europe arising from climate change as one part of global changes. Global warming is increasing, and therefore ecosystems, plant and animal biodiversity, and food security and safety are at risk. It is already accepted knowledge that the direct and indirect effects of global warming in combination with an increasing frequency of weather extremes are a serious issue for livestock production, even in moderate climate zones like Central Europe. The potential and already-measurable effects of climate change (including increase in temperature, frequency of hot days and heat waves), in particular the challenges on grassland production, fodder quality, nutrition in general, cow welfare, health as well as performance of dairy production, will be reviewed. Indirect and direct effects on animals are correlated with their performance. There are clear indications that with selection for high-yielding animals the sensitivity to climate changes increases. Cumulative effects (e.g. higher temperature plus increased pathogen and their vectors loads) do strengthen these impacts. To cope with the consequences several possible adaptation and mitigation strategies must be established on different levels. This includes changes in the production systems (e.g. management, barn, feeding), breeding strategies and health management. SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 SU 1 SI SI BP S196 EP S203 AR PII S1751731119003239 DI 10.1017/S1751731119003239 UT WOS:000511242700019 PM 32024578 ER PT J AU Knight, CH AF Knight, C. H. TI Review: Sensor techniques in ruminants: more than fitness trackers SO ANIMAL CT 13th International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology (ISRP) CY SEP 03-06, 2019 CL Leipzig, GERMANY AB In this position paper, I shall summarise the current status of sensor technologies in ruminant livestock farming with emphasis on dairy cattle, outline the case for why I believe that sensor technologies could revolutionise global dairy farming in a positive way, describe the significant barriers that exist if that goal is to be achieved and highlight the benefits to animal wellbeing, profitability and sustainability that could result if the technologies are implemented to a significant extent. I shall not provide a comprehensive review of the sensor technology literature since that has been done before, but I intend to provide a sensible amount of background information and data that will allow the reader to obtain a picture not only of today's sensor usage but, more importantly, the possible future direction of dairy animal-oriented sensor technologies, and I shall substantiate my claims and conclusions with relevant literature. SN 1751-7311 EI 1751-732X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 SU 1 SI SI BP S187 EP S195 AR PII S1751731119003276 DI 10.1017/S1751731119003276 UT WOS:000511242700018 PM 32024562 ER PT J AU van Koppenhagen, N Gourgoulianni, N Rohner, PT Roy, J Wegmann, A Blanckenhorn, WU AF van Koppenhagen, Nicola Gourgoulianni, Natalia Rohner, Patrick T. Roy, Jeannine Wegmann, Alexandra Blanckenhorn, Wolf U. TI Sublethal effects of the parasiticide ivermectin on male and female reproductive and behavioural traits in the yellow dung fly SO CHEMOSPHERE AB The veterinary pharmaceutical ivermectin is commonly used against parasites of livestock. Excreted in dung it can have lethal and sublethal effects on non-target organisms developing in and living around cattle dung. Research in this realm typically investigates the impact of pharmaceuticals on dung-feeding insects by looking at juvenile development and survival, while fitness effects of adult exposure are largely neglected. We conducted laboratory experiments to assess combined effects of ivermectin on life history and reproductive traits of juvenile and adult yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria). Two treatments (12 and 24 mu g ivermectin/kg wet dung) were used for the larvae reared in dung, and one much higher concentration (3000 mu g ivermectin/kg sugar) for the adult flies (in addition to uncontaminated controls). Juvenile ivermectin exposure lead to smaller body size of male and female flies. Adult feeding on ivermectin-contaminated dung additionally resulted in adult male flies with smaller testes (and likely fewer sperm) that experienced reduced mating durations, resulting in lower probability of producing offspring. Exposure of adult flies to ivermectin lowered offspring production and survival for both sexes. Thus, treatment of livestock with pharmaceuticals such as ivermectin appears to have even more far-reaching sublethal ecological consequences than previously assumed by affecting not only flies at their larval stage but also adult mating behaviour and reproduction. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0045-6535 EI 1879-1298 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 242 AR 125240 DI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125240 UT WOS:000509786600064 PM 31896183 ER PT J AU Wang, D Xiao, Q Zhang, WQ Wang, XS Xue, XM Zhang, XL Yu, ZJ Zhao, YN Liu, JZ Wang, H AF Wang, Duo Xiao, Qi Zhang, Weiqi Wang, Xiaoshuang Xue, Xiaomin Zhang, Xiaoli Yu, Zhijun Zhao, Yinan Liu, Jingze Wang, Hui TI Landscape of ubiquitination events that occur in host skin in response to tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) bitten SO DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY AB Ticks are major parasites of domestic livestock, wildlife, and humans. After a tick bite, diverse cutaneous manifestations initially occur in the bitten area in the host. In this study, a label-free proteomics approach was applied to identify the differentially ubiquitinated proteins (DUPs) induced by tick-bitten in the skin. In total, 113 proteins were ubiquitinated in rabbit skin during tick bitten period, among which the ubiquitination levels of 43 proteins were altered. These DUPs in skin subjected to tick-bitten were enriched in metabolic processes, immune processes, and protein degradation processes. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that tick bitten may regulate the glycolysis pathway in host skin via differential ubiquitination of GAPDH, HK1 and TPI1, while regulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system, the MHC-I and MHC-II antigen-presenting pathways, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway via differential ubiquitination of MEK1, PSMC3, PSMA6, MHC-II and PSMD1. Moreover, PSMC3, PSMA6, PSMD1 and MEK1 were demonstrated as novel targets of ubiquitination. This study provides the first overview of ubiquitination in host skin affected by tick bitten and broadens our knowledge of the molecular mechanism involved in tick bitten. SN 0145-305X EI 1879-0089 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 104 AR 103572 DI 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103572 UT WOS:000509614700029 PM 31838045 ER PT J AU Ekawaty, R Lynham, J Mous, P AF Ekawaty, Rani Lynham, John Mous, Peter TI Can demand-side management replicate a size limit in a small-scale fishery? SO FISHERIES RESEARCH AB We tested whether it is possible to replicate the effects of a size limit with a voluntary mechanism a price premium for larger fish. We randomly offered fishers in Indonesia a bonus for catching certain species of fish above certain sizes. We observe clear differences in catch as a result. Instead of inducing fishers to catch more fish of every size, the premium caused a shift in the size distribution of catch towards larger fish. The price premium worked well for a large-sized species but had no effect on the catch of a small-sized species. In particular, we find that the length of Aprion virescens increased by 15% and the average length of all fish caught increased by 8% when fishers were offered the price premium. It does not appear that fishers respond to the premium by high-grading their catch, which would only affect supply and not extraction. The changes appear to be driven by fishers going to different locations and fishing at different depths. Our experiment is the first ever proof-of-concept of Payment for Ecosystem Services in a developing country fishery. Our results also suggest that prices can alter length frequency distributions, confirming a possible source of bias in length-based stock assessment models. SN 0165-7836 EI 1872-6763 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 223 AR 105436 DI 10.1016/j.fishres.2019.105436 UT WOS:000509622800005 ER PT J AU Diaz-Sanchez, AA Meli, ML Alvarez, DO Fonseca-Rodriguez, O Cabezas-Cruz, A Hofmann-Lehmann, R Corona-Gonzalez, B AF Alberto Diaz-Sanchez, Adrian Meli, Marina L. Alvarez, Dasiel Obregon Fonseca-Rodriguez, Osvaldo Cabezas-Cruz, Alejandro Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina Corona-Gonzalez, Belkis TI Development and application of a multiplex TaqMan (R) real-time qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata and molecular characterization of Anaplasma marginale from cattle in Western Cuba. SO TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES AB Anaplasmosis and theileriosis are considered the most important tick-borne diseases for livestock production worldwide, causing significant economic losses in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study was aimed to develop a multiplex TaqMan (R) qPCR assay to simultaneously detect Anaplasma marginale and Theileria annulata and to applied it to investigate naturally infected cattle in Cuba. The assay was highly specific, sensible, and efficient; it was more sensitive than a well-established nested PCR and detected 1 DNA copy of each target. Consistent repeatability and reproducibility within and between multiplex qPCR runs was shown. A total of 223 blood samples collected in western Cuba were analyzed for haemoparasites infection in cattle. The multiplex qPCR assay detected A. marginale in 213 samples (95.5%; CI: 95%; 91.9%-97.5%), but all samples were negative for T. annulata. Additionally, the genetic diversity of A. marginale was assessed using 16S rRNA, MSP1a and MSP4 nucleotide and protein sequences. The MSP1a tandem repeats ranged from three to five, and twelve different MSP1a tandem repeats of A. marginale were found, which presented genotypes C, E, and G in the 5'UTR microsatellite region. Phylogenetic analysis using the msp4 gene showed that Cuban strains were closely related to others previously reported in Mexico, Brazil and Asian countries. The multiplex qPCR described here proved to be a rapid, specific and cost-effective mean for the simultaneous detection of A. marginale and T. annulata. Further epidemiological studies using this assay will improve the surveillance of the associated diseases in regions where they are endemic. RI Alvarez, Dasiel Obregon/E-6401-2016; Diaz-Sanchez, Adrian Alberto/AAP-9656-2020; Cabezas-Cruz, Alejandro/P-2755-2017; Fonseca-Rodriguez, Osvaldo/AAB-6416-2019 OI Alvarez, Dasiel Obregon/0000-0002-5786-1114; Cabezas-Cruz, Alejandro/0000-0002-8660-730X; Fonseca-Rodriguez, Osvaldo/0000-0002-0253-5928 SN 1877-959X EI 1877-9603 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 11 IS 2 AR 101356 DI 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101356 UT WOS:000509982500028 PM 31870635 ER PT J AU Kasi, KK Sas, MA Sauter-Louis, C von Arnim, F Gethmann, JM Schulz, A Wernike, K Groschup, MH Conraths, FJ AF Kasi, Khushal Khan Sas, Miriam Andrada Sauter-Louis, Carola von Arnim, Felicitas Gethmann, Joern Martin Schulz, Ansgar Wernike, Kerstin Groschup, Martin H. Conraths, Franz J. TI Epidemiological investigations of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection in sheep and goats in Balochistan, Pakistan SO TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES AB Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Livestock serve as a transient reservoir for CCHFV, but do not show clinical signs. In this cross-sectional study, sheep and goats in Balochistan, Pakistan, were examined to determine the CCHFV seroprevalence, spatial distribution of seropositive sheep and goats, and to identify potential risk factors for seropositivity to CCHFV in these animals. To this end, farms and animals were selected by systematic sampling, blood samples from 800 sheep and 800 goats were collected and information regarding farm management and the kept animals were retrieved using a standard questionnaire. Sera were tested for antibodies against CCHFV in two independent ELISA formats and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) following a hierarchical diagnostic decision tree. By these assays 149 (19 %, 95 %-CI: 16-21 %) out of 800 sheep serum samples and 37 (5 %, 95 %-CI: 3-6 %) out of 800 goat serum samples were positive for CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies. Interestingly, at least 8 (5 %, 95 %-CI: 2-10 %) out of 160 sera pools were from CCHFV viraemic sheep, as sera (in pools of 5) tested positive for CCHFV genome by real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Risk factor analysis revealed that the open type of housing (OR=3.76, 95 %-CI:1.57-9.56, p-value=0.003), grazing (OR=4.18, 95 %-CI:1.7910.37, p-value=0.001), presence of vegetation in or around the farm (OR=3.13, 95 %-CI: 1.07-10.15, pvalue= 0.043), lack of treatment against ticks (OR=3.31, 95 %-CI: 1.16-10.21, p-value=0.029), absence of rural poultry (OR=2.93, 95 %-CI: 1.41-6.29, p-value=0.004), animals with age >= 2 years (OR=4.15, 95 %-CI: 2.84-6.19, p-value<0.001), animals infested with ticks (OR=2.35, 95 %-CI: 1.59-3.52, p-value< 0.001), and sheep species (OR=4.72, 95 %-CI:3.24-6.86, p-value<0.001) represented statistically significant risk factors associated with seropositivity to CCHFV. Taken together this study confirms the circulation of CCHFV in livestock in Balochistan, Pakistan. The identification of risk factors might help to reduce the risk of infection in sheep and goats, which may also mitigate the risk for human infection. An interesting option for reducing the risk of CCHFV infection in small ruminants is keeping also chickens, since they pick ticks that transmit CCHFV. OI Gethmann, Jorn/0000-0001-7455-803X SN 1877-959X EI 1877-9603 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 11 IS 2 AR 101324 DI 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101324 UT WOS:000509982500007 PM 31757688 ER PT J AU Li, Y Degen, AA Sun, T Wang, WY Bai, YY Zhang, TF Long, RJ Shang, ZH AF Li, Yu Degen, A. Allan Sun, Tao Wang, Wenyin Bai, Yanfu Zhang, Tao Long, Ruijun Shang, Zhanhuan TI Three years of cultivating or fencing lands have different impacts on soil nutrients and properties of a subalpine meadow in the Tibetan plateau SO CATENA AB Tibetan subalpine meadows are being converted rapidly to cultivated lands because of the growing needs of food for humans and fodder for livestock. This land conversion could reduce the pools of C, N and P that are stored in the soil. Consequently, the assessment of the impact of land cultivation or fencing on soil nutrients and properties could improve sustainable grassland management. This study compared soil nutrients and properties of four land use types in a subalpine meadow: (1) natural pasture grazed traditionally by domestic yak and sheep; (2) fenced natural pasture which excluded grazing livestock; (3) land cultivated for oat fodder (oat land); and (4) land cultivated for barley grain (barley land). Soil measurements were done at three depth levels (0-10 cm; 10-20 cm; 20-30 cm) after three years of cultivation or fencing. Compared to the natural pasture, soil carbon and nitrogen parameters all decreased significantly in the barley land, were similar or increased in the fenced pasture and showed mixed but moderate changes in the oat land. Total phosphorus generally showed insignificant changes in all treatments. At the 0-10 cm soil layer, there was a gain in carbon in the fenced pasture (5.18 mg C.ha(-1).yr(-1)), a loss in carbon in the barley land (7.50 mg C.ha(-1).yr(-1)) and a slight loss in carbon in the oat land (0.88 mg C.ha(-1).yr(-1)). Thus, cultivation for barley reduced soil nutrients substantially in the subalpine meadow, particularly in the surface soil layer, while cultivation for oats resulted in moderate changes. We concluded that land cultivation for oats and soil nutrient recovery by short-term fencing after cultivation are preferred alternatives of land use than cultivation for grain barley in the subalpine meadows of the northeast Tibetan plateau. SN 0341-8162 EI 1872-6887 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 186 AR 104306 DI 10.1016/j.catena.2019.104306 UT WOS:000509817000013 ER PT J AU Mentes Gurler, A Sanal, S Aslim, G AF Mentes Gurler, Ayse Sanal, Sule Aslim, Gokhan TI Assessment of Regulations on Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture in Turkey from the Point of Livestock Raising and Veterinary Medicine SO KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI AB Agriculture is the second largest source of employment following the service sector in the whole world, and it is among the most dangerous sectors concerning diseases and premature death. Majority of the families working in the agriculture sector also deal with livestock raising (cattle, sheep and goat farming) or they live in the areas with a high possibility of contact with animals. There are various problems since the occupational health and safety services do not cover the ones working on their own behalf and due to problems in the delivery of health services appropriate for the rural areas. Veterinary physicians, who play an important role in animal health, public health, and environment, have also important tasks in the implementations of occupational health and safety in livestock raising in agriculture sector. The material of this study was comprised of national and international regulations concerning occupational health and safety. The implementations of regulations of the International Labor Organization (110) were evaluated in terms of livestock raising and veterinary medicine. As the conclusion, in Turkey, it was determined that the regulations about occupational health and safety in agriculture did not involve the veterinary physicians concerning both safety practice and job safety; it can be suggested that it should be updated. SN 1300-6045 PD MAR-APR PY 2020 VL 26 IS 2 BP 187 EP 192 DI 10.9775/kvfd.2019.22680 UT WOS:000508967700005 ER PT J AU Ullah, S Afshan, K Arshad, M Firasat, S AF Ullah, Sana Afshan, Kiran Arshad, Muhammad Firasat, Sabika TI Genetic Characterization of Gigantocotyle explanatum from Buffaloes in Northwestern Pakistan SO KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI AB The family Paramphistomidae including Gigantocotyle explanatum regularly infects ruminants and causes immense economic losses to the livestock industry by decreasing dairy products and growth rates. The present study was aimed to determine the novel molecular data of G. explanatum in Pakistan using ribosomal DNA (ITS1-5.8S, ITS2) regions. Adult flukes, G. explanatum, were collected from bile ducts of infected buffaloes. The most relevant sequences from the other parts of the world were downloaded from the GenBank. High intraspecific variations were obtained at 5 end region of ITS1 gene. The 3 end of ITS1 was conserved and showed 96% similarity with Paramphistomum cervi (KJ459936). The nucleotide blast search of 5.8S gene revealed that 40 sequences from trematodes had 98% to 99% identity with present sequence and found genetically identical to P. cervi (KJ459938) and Dicrocoelium chinensis (KF734784) from China. The ITS2 gene of investigated isolates showed no variation with Myanmar (AB743577), while blast search revealed 96-100% similarity with isolates from Myanmar, India, Bangladesh and China. This study demonstrates the utility of ITS2 and 3' end ITS1 sequences as a valuable tool for elucidating species phylogenetic relationship in south Asia. This sequencing data will facilitate more accurate identification of G. explanatum, enabling future work to resolve many ambiguities in the literature regarding this species. SN 1300-6045 PD MAR-APR PY 2020 VL 26 IS 2 BP 225 EP 230 DI 10.9775/kvfd.2019.22777 UT WOS:000508967700010 ER PT J AU Dai, XH Li, B Wu, ZL Nan, B Ren, Z Fan, Y Zhang, XD AF Dai, Xuhuan Li, Bo Wu, Zhilong Nan, Bo Ren, Zhen Fan, Yao Zhang, Xiaodi TI Pastoral livelihood transition via divergent pathways: A case study in northern Xinjiang, China SO JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS AB This study explored the process of pastoral livelihood transition and driving factors from 1987 to 2017 in northern Xinjiang and analyzed the internal determinants of grazing and nonfarm participation in 2017. Based on the classification tree method, livelihood strategies were classified into six types. The livelihood change rate accelerated over time, and livelihoods displayed different characteristics over the three decades: pastoralist livelihood with high mobility, mixed agro-pastoral livelihood with reduced mobility, and diversified livelihood around settlements. The transition occurred principally because of the increased support of the pastoralist sedentarization policy and the development of irrigation agriculture and secondary and tertiary industries. Contemporarily, households with rich natural capital and livestock tended to adopt grazing; a lack of these assets and higher level of Mandarin proficiency enhance the propensity for nonfarm participation. Future pastoral policy should emphasize the synergistic development of agriculture and non-agriculture to facilitate livelihood diversification. SN 0140-1963 EI 1095-922X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 174 AR 104083 DI 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2019.104083 UT WOS:000508745900010 ER PT J AU Takatsuki, S Morinaga, Y AF Takatsuki, Seiki Morinaga, Yuki TI Food habits of horses, cattle, and sheep-goats and food supply in the forest-steppe zone of Mongolia: A case study in Mogod sum (county) in Bulgan aimag (province) SO JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS AB According to the social changes in the 1990s, livestock population in Mongolia is rapidly increasing, resulting in overgrazing and subsequent degradation of the grasslands. However, little is known about the quantitative food habits of Mongolian livestock. We evaluated the food habits of horses, cattle, and sheep and goats in the forest steppe zone of northern Mongolia by fecal analysis. We compared fecal compositions at a valley (Place 1) and a riverside (Place 2). Place 1 consisted mainly of Stipa-dominated slopes (93%) while Place 2 comprised Stipa-dominated slopes (77%) and Carex-dominated alluvial flats (23%). Horse feces were dominated by graminoids (60%-70% graminoids), with a high percentage of Carex (30%-40%). Stipa accounted for about 20%-40% in the cattle feces. Sheep and goat feces contained about 30% Stipa and about 40% culms. These results suggest that the food habits of the livestock were affected more by animal characteristics than habitats. The high Carex content in the horse feces occurred because horses roamed freely and could visit Carex swards. Cattle moved near the gers (tent houses) and returned every evening, and it was difficult for them to visit far away Carex swards. Sheep-goats were herded and often grazed on steeper slopes than cattle and horses, explaining the large proportion of culms and small proportion of Carex in the feces. Quantitative food habit studies of livestock is useful for the grassland management of arid regions. SN 0140-1963 EI 1095-922X PD MAR PY 2020 VL 174 AR 104039 DI 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2019.104039 UT WOS:000508745900004 ER PT J AU Susilawati, D Kanowski, P AF Susilawati, Depi Kanowski, Peter TI Cleaner production in the Indonesian pulp and paper sector: Improving sustainability and legality compliance in the value chain SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Indonesia's internationally- and domestically-significant pulp and paper industries source their feed-stock from tree plantations. A suite of regulatory (Indonesian Sustainable Production Forest Management Certification and Timber Legality Verification) and market instruments (forest certification) have been introduced to promote sustainability and legality of production from tree plantations, and some producers have also adopted other voluntary sustainability measures. This study investigates sustainability and legality compliance by actors in an Indonesian pulp and paper value chain as a case study of environmental innovation. Results are based on primary fieldwork along segments of the value chain, and analysis of audit reports and other publicly-available information. The value chain sources fibrewood from tree plantation concessions and pallet wood from a variety of suppliers. Audit reports suggest high levels of compliance with sustainability and legality requirements, but our research suggests that these reports might not reflect some area of poor performance and non-compliance. We identify weaknesses in the design of regulatory systems, and in auditing and monitoring processes, as the principal reasons for these deficiencies. Drawing on relevant theory and on practice elsewhere, we suggest that compliance and sustainability can be improved by addressing key areas of regulatory silence, by shifting auditing to be more performance-than paper-based, by strengthening independent monitoring from civil society, by increasing the frequency of witness auditing from the National Accreditation Board, and by fostering synergies between regulatory instruments and voluntary forest certification. These changes would improve the effectiveness of regulatory and voluntary instruments to promote cleaner production in Indonesian pulp and paper value chains. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 248 AR 119259 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119259 UT WOS:000507364000025 ER PT J AU Tan, RK Zhao, XS Guo, SS Zou, XC He, Y Geng, YQ Hu, ZJ Sun, T AF Tan, Rongkai Zhao, Xuesen Guo, Shusen Zou, Xicong He, Yang Geng, Yanquan Hu, Zhenjiang Sun, Tao TI Sustainable production of dry-ultra-precision machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using PCD tool under ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is regarded as a typical hard-to-machine material owing to its small thermal conductivity and low deformation coefficient. Large amounts of cutting fluids are required and consumed in the traditional ultra-precision machining of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy to reduce the cutting temperature and inhibit tool wear. Negative effects, such as environmental pollution and hazards to operator, follow behind owing to the use of cutting fluids. Dry machining is considered as the ideal environmentally friendly machining strategy. However, traditional dry-ultra-precision cutting (TDUC) of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is not practical because of the rapid deterioration of surface integrity and tool life induced by extremely high cutting temperature. In this paper, a novel machining technology known as ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting (UEVC) was adopted for overcoming the machining difficulties in the TDUC process of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Moreover, the commercial polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tool was employed to achieve more economical and sustainable production. Thanks to the effects of UEVC technology, the cutting and friction forces were significantly reduced, and the generated cutting heat quickly dissipated, which caused a great reduction of the cutting temperature. Thus, the pressure of tool damage was relieved. The experimental results indicated that, when the UEVC technology applied in the TDUC process, the tool wear was observably suppressed, the surface integrity was significantly improved. And an undamaged ultra-precision finished surface with a roughness value less than 30 nm was produced. Besides, the shorter, regular and breakable chips were obtained, and achieving a better chip control. Conversely, the TDUC process provoked poor surface quality, severe tool wear, and long, irregular, and unbreakable chips. Therefore, the proposed machining technology minimizes the negative effects induced by the use of cutting fluids, and provides sustainable process for dry-ultra-precision machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in practical application. (c) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 248 AR 119254 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119254 UT WOS:000507364000105 ER PT J AU Vieux, F Privet, L Soler, LG Irz, X Ferrari, M Sette, S Raulio, S Tapanainen, H Hoffmann, R Surry, Y Pulkkinen, H Darmon, N AF Vieux, F. Privet, L. Soler, L. G. Irz, X. Ferrari, M. Sette, S. Raulio, S. Tapanainen, H. Hoffmann, R. Surry, Y. Pulkkinen, H. Darmon, N. TI More sustainable European diets based on self-selection do not require exclusion of entire categories of food SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Sustainable diets are nutritious, culturally acceptable and have low environmental impact. The aim of this study was to identify sustainable diets among actual self-selected diets based on five national dietary surveys (Finland, France, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom), without ex ante assumptions concerning the food content of diets. Using nutrient intakes and dietary greenhouse gas emissions as active variables, energy-adjusted multiple factor analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering were applied to identify clusters of diets. The cluster with the lowest dietary GHGE had the lowest nutritional quality. Another cluster displayed a good compromise between nutritional quality and dietary GHGE (21% lower than the average of observed diets) and was therefore considered as more sustainable than the other clusters. Compared to the rest of the sample, diets in the more sustainable cluster were characterized by a larger quantity of plant-based products and lower quantities of meats, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The average diet in this cluster contained approximately 1000 g per day (g/d) of plant-based products ( including 400 g/d of fruit and vegetables, 100 g/d of juices and 500 g/d of other plants) and 400 g/d of animal-based products (including 100 g/d of meat/fish/eggs of which livestock meat represented 20 g/d, 50 g/d of animal-based composite dishes, 30 g/d of cheese and 220 g/d of other dairy products). We concluded that exclusion of entire food categories (e.g., meat) is not necessary to improve the sustainability of European diets. (c) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 248 AR 119298 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119298 UT WOS:000507364000083 ER PT J AU Wang, YK Wang, SL Yang, B Zhu, LZ Liu, F AF Wang, Yankai Wang, Shilong Yang, Bo Zhu, Lingzi Liu, Feng TI Big data driven Hierarchical Digital Twin Predictive Remanufacturing paradigm: Architecture, control mechanism, application scenario and benefits SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Remanufacturing is deemed to be an effective method for recycling resources, achieving sustainable production. However, little importance of remanufacturing has been attached in PLM. Surely, there are many problems in implementation of the remanufacturing strategy, such as inability to effectively reduce uncertainty, lack of product multi-life-cycle remanufacturing process tracking management, lack of smart enabling technology application in the full lifecycle that focusing on multi-life-cycle remanufacturing. After analyzing the reasons, through integrating smart enabling technologies, a new PLM paradigm focusing on the multi-life-cycle remanufacturing process: Big Data driven Hierarchical Digital Twin Predictive Remanufacturing (BDHDTPREMfg) is proposed. And the definition of BDHDTPREMfg is proposed. A big data driven layered architecture and the hierarchical CPS-Digital-Twin(CPSDT) reconfiguration control mechanism of BDHDTPREMfg are respectively developed. Then, this paper presents an application scenario of BDHDTPREMfg to validate the feasibility and effectiveness. Based on the above application analysis, the benefits of penetrating BDHDTPREMfg into the entire lifecycle are demonstrated. The summary of this paper and future research work is discussed in the end. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 248 AR 119299 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119299 UT WOS:000507364000021 ER PT J AU Alomia-Hinojosa, V Groot, JCJ Speelman, EN Bettinelli, C McDonald, AJ Alvarez, S Tittonell, P AF Alomia-Hinojosa, Victoria Groot, Jeroen C. J. Speelman, Erika N. Bettinelli, Carlo McDonald, Andrew J. Alvarez, Stephanie Tittonell, Pablo TI Operationalizing the concept of robustness of nitrogen networks in mixed smallholder systems: A pilot study in the mid-hills and lowlands of Nepal SO ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS AB Nitrogen (N) is often the most limiting nutrient to productivity in smallholder mixed crop-livestock systems such as commonly found in the mid-hills and lowland (Terai) of Nepal. Identifying current bottlenecks constraining agroecosystem functioning in terms of N flows and associated improvement options in these systems is paramount. Here, we explore variations in robustness, a concept from ecological network analysis (ENA) which represents the balance of system's degree of order between organization (order/constraint) and adaptive flexibility (freedom/resilience) of N flows. Robustness can provide a detailed assessment of N flows and assist in evaluation of measures to reduce nutrient losses. In this study, the FarmDESIGN model was employed to quantify nitrogen flows, generate ENA indicators of integration, diversity and robustness, and to explore the impact of crop intensification options on N networks across farm types in the mid-hills and lowland (Terai) of Nepal. Results revealed that the farms in the different agroecosystems recycled only a small portion of the total N inputs ( < 15%), and had therefore high rates of N losses (63-1135 kg N per ha per year) and high dependency on N imports in the form of fodder (feed self-reliance 11-43%). The farm N networks were organised (high productivity) but inflexible (poorly resilient) and consequently unbalanced (low robustness). Scenarios of improved management (improved seed, intercropping, use of fertilizers, better timing of activities) resulted in improved crop production, leading to reduced fodder imports and less N losses. Consequently, the N networks increased in flexibility which resulted in greater robustness of the N flow network in the farm systems. Increasing on-farm biomass production by improved farm management could be an important element on the way to sustainably intensify smallholder farms, especially when dependency on external resources can be reduced. We conclude that a detailed analysis of nutrient flows and their robustness is a suitable instrument for targeted improvement of nutrient use in smallholder crop-livestock systems. SN 1470-160X EI 1872-7034 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 110 AR 105883 DI 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105883 UT WOS:000507381800046 ER PT J AU Mousavi, SA Ghahfarokhi, MS Koupaei, SS AF Mousavi, Seyed Alireza Ghahfarokhi, Mohsen Sarshad Koupaei, Saeed Soltani TI Negative impacts of nomadic livestock grazing on common rangelands' function in soil and water conservation SO ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS AB There is a great deal of pressure on common rangelands through excessive usage of forage resources. It brings private benefits for local communities while imposing ecological and economic damages to ecosystem services as community products. This is evident especially in arid environments where ecosystems are often in poor conditions. Khafr and Sivar rangelands were selected in central regions of Iran to calculate the external costs caused by ecosystem service loss due to nomadic utilisation system. Water and soil conservation services were considered in this study as two major ecosystem services provided by rangeland ecosystems. The impacts of nomadic livestock grazing on soil conservation service was determined by estimating soil erosion in pre and post grazing conditions using MPSIAC model and the impacts on water conservation function was evaluated by calculating the runoff volume before and after grazing through the empirical CN method. The economic value of these ecosystem services was estimated using replacement cost approach. Direct benefits of nomads from livestock grazing was studied using a questionnaire-based approach and structured questionnaires. Economic justification of this utilisation system was revised finally considering the economic damages to ecosystem services as external costs. Results showed that ecosystem service losses as hidden social costs are significant under the current utilisation system. The annual damage to water and soil conservation services was 794,839 US$, as part of the negative externalities of the nomads. Meanwhile, the annual net present value of direct benefits of nomadic livestock grazing were only 601,562 US$, and combining annual external costs with the private costs reduced the net present value of the system to - 193,276 US$ per year. As a conclusion, it should be noted that contrary to the importance of the nomadic system from cultural and social aspects, the current system is not economically justified in arid, poor and common rangelands. This highlights the need for appropriate policy to maintain both ecological and socio-cultural values. RI Mousavi, Seyed Alireza/B-3198-2018 OI Mousavi, Seyed Alireza/0000-0001-6237-6386 SN 1470-160X EI 1872-7034 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 110 AR 105946 DI 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105946 UT WOS:000507381800093 ER PT J AU Puri, M Srivathsa, A Karanth, KK Patel, I Kumar, NS AF Puri, Mahi Srivathsa, Arjun Karanth, Krithi K. Patel, Imran Kumar, N. Samba TI The balancing act: Maintaining leopard-wild prey equilibrium could offer economic benefits to people in a shared forest landscape of central India SO ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS AB Human-felid interactions impose financial burden on people through livestock loss, and on wildlife managers and conservationists through investments in conflict resolution measures. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are among the most adaptable carnivores, but their widespread occurrence in human-dominated landscapes makes them highly vulnerable to negative interactions with people. Beyond their role in maintaining ecological balance, they may also provide economic benefits through control of wild prey populations in human-use areas. We assessed leopard distribution based on indirect sign surveys, and spatial drivers of livestock/human attacks by leopards based on interview surveys of local residents, in a forest landscape shared by humans and leopards in central India. We also examined the role of wild prey in leopard diet and the extent to which they offset leopard depredation on domestic livestock. Leopards occupied 80% of the landscape, positively influenced by forest cover and relative abundance of wild prey; size of human settlements had a negative influence. Average probability of livestock/human attacks was 84%, driven mostly by size of cattle-holding by local residents and anthropogenic disturbance within forests. Nearly 90% of leopard diet was composed of primates or wild ungulate herbivores; non-wild prey (domestic livestock and free-ranging dogs) accounted for less than 3% of total biomass consumed. Under hypothetical scenarios wherein wild prey population reduced by 25%, 50% and 75%, we estimated that the contribution of domestic livestock towards leopard diet would increase to 21%, 40% and 60% respectively in order to support the current leopard population. We demonstrate that adequate forest cover and wild prey abundance allow leopards to persist in shared, human-modified landscapes. We use a novel approach for mapping spatial risk of livestock depredation and predict future scenarios under reduced wild prey populations. An ecological imbalance caused by decline in either leopard or wild prey populations could result in a concomitant increase in crop loss (to wild herbivores) or livestock depredation (by leopards), ensuing greater financial losses to local residents. An understanding of the ecological services and economic benefits conferred by carnivores could help in better valuing and conserving conflict-prone species in shared habitats. OI Kumar, N Samba/0000-0002-1226-8552; Puri, Mahi/0000-0002-4733-0141 SN 1470-160X EI 1872-7034 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 110 AR 105931 DI 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105931 UT WOS:000507381800081 ER PT J AU Choudhary, A Kumar, A Govil, T Sani, RK Gorky Kumar, S AF Choudhary, Ankur Kumar, Ashish Govil, Tanvi Sani, Rajesh Kumar Gorky Kumar, Sudhir TI Sustainable Production of Biogas in Large Bioreactor under Psychrophilic and Mesophilic Conditions SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AB This study reports the sustainability of a large semicontinuous anaerobic reactor (3,000 L) for biogas production from food wastes for a period of 324 days. The methane potential ranged from 418.3 to 13.9 mL CH4/g VSadded during the experiment. An average 54.8% reduction was observed in biogas production during the winter season compared with summer. Results showed that food wastes could be utilized in a low-temperature range (0 degrees C-15 degrees C) as well as a high-temperature range (15 degrees C-27 degrees C). The total microbial community analysis revealed mixed consortia representing acetotrophic, hydrogenotrophic, and methylotrophic archaea (e.g., Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina, and Methanospirillum), indicating a syntrophic pathway for methane production. The bacterial community was well represented by two major phyla: Proteobacteria (31.3%) and Bacteroidetes (14.92%). The highest maximum specific biogas production (Rm) and maximum biogas production potential (A) were 134.5 mL CH4/g VS/day and 34.1 L CH4/g VS for modified Gompertz and first-order equations, respectively. The methane production data were modeled, and showed substantial agreement with experimental results; however, the first-order equation had the best agreement with the experimental data (R2=0.99). OI Choudhary, Ankur/0000-0001-6202-6714 SN 0733-9372 EI 1943-7870 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 146 IS 3 AR 04019117 DI 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001645 UT WOS:000507901000009 ER PT J AU Xiang, SZ Wang, XS Ma, W Liu, XP Zhang, B Huang, FY Liu, F Guan, XY AF Xiang, Shizheng Wang, Xusheng Ma, Wen Liu, Xiaoping Zhang, Biao Huang, Fuyang Liu, Fei Guan, Xiangyu TI Response of microbial communities of karst river water to antibiotics and microbial source tracking for antibiotics SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB In southwestern China, karst river water is the main source of water for humans. As emerging pollutants, antibiotics have contaminated karst river water in some areas for a long time. Microbiota is highly susceptible to environmental changes, and can be used in tracing the source of antibiotics in complex systems such as karst water. Ten karst river water samples were collected along the river flow. The diversity and structure of the microbial community were analyzed together with environmental factors through correlation analysis, the random forest algorithm and co-occurence network analysis. At genus level, Arcobacler was significantly positively correlated with the antibiotics, indicating that Arcobacler and antibiotics probably came from the same source. Based on co-occurrence network analysis between microbes, the microbial community was divided into eight modules, and the relative abundance of three modules was significantly correlated with antibiotics. The co-occurrence networks between bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) showed that pathogenic bacteria potentially carried multiple ARGs. This could increase the disease risk to humans and disease transmission in the study area. When river water flowed underground, the concentration of antibiotics decreased for the two underground river outlet sites, but abundance of bacteria and ARGs increased. Microbial source tracking studies showed that contamination was derived from humans rather than livestock. The ranking importance of prediction for antibiotics in this study area from random forest follows: specific bacteria Arcobacter > ARGs > ecological clusters. This study will be helpful in identifying the effect of antibiotics discharge on the microbial community, improving evaluation of antibiotics' risks and contaminants source tracking. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD MAR 1 PY 2020 VL 706 AR 135730 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135730 UT WOS:000506376300109 PM 31791761 ER PT J AU Bhandari, KB West, CP Acosta-Martinez, V AF Bhandari, Krishna B. West, Charles P. Acosta-Martinez, Veronica TI Assessing the role of interseeding alfalfa into grass on improving pasture soil health in semi-arid Texas High Plains SO APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY AB The rapid decline in water supply for irrigation in the Texas High Plains is encouraging some growers to convert their irrigated cropland to production of drought-tolerant forages such as `WW-B.Dahl' cultivar of Old World bluestem [OWB, Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz) S.T. Blake]. This perennial, warm-season pasture grass protects the soil surface from erosion; however, it needs nitrogenous fertilizer from an external source or by interseeding a nitrogen (N)-fixing legume to maximize productivity and quality of the pasture. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a relatively drought-tolerant and high quality forage legume which is compatible with perennial grasses and enhances dietary protein supply for grazing cattle and improves pasture soil health. The aim of this study was to assess the value of interseeding alfalfa into established OWB grass on improving pasture soil health in relation to OWB grown in a monoculture stand. We investigated the microbial and chemical properties of soil taken at 0-10 cm in March of 2019 from OWB and OWB-alfalfa as a preliminary information for understanding the potential role of alfalfa on improving soil health. At this early assessment of the introduction of alfalfa into OWB, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) were greater (P < 0.05) in OWB-alfalfa than in OWB. There were no forage treatment effects on soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and the potential combined enzyme activity associated with C, N, P, and S transformations. The analysis of soil microbial community structure showed that forage treatments were not significant for total fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), and protozoa, but OWB-alfalfa had greater abundances. Saprophytic fungi were greater in the soil under OWB-alfalfa (P = 0.048) compared to that of under OWB. The bacterial markers for Gram + , Gram-, and actinobacteria were not significantly different. It is not clear whether the elevated soil microbial community in OWB-alfalfa in the current study was solely because of alfalfa, but enhanced soil microbial biomass and saprophytic fungal populations in OWB-alfalfa are at least partially caused by alfalfa. Results indicated that the OWB-alfalfa is a promising forage species combination for stimulating pasture soil health through enhanced soil microbial biomass and fungal populations. SN 0929-1393 EI 1873-0272 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 147 AR 103399 DI 10.1016/j.apsoil.2019.103399 UT WOS:000505575100034 ER PT J AU Moreno-Galvan, AE Cortes-Patino, S Romero-Perdomo, F Uribe-Velez, D Bashan, Y Bonilla, RR AF Eduardo Moreno-Galvan, Andres Cortes-Patino, Sandra Romero-Perdomo, Felipe Uribe-Velez, Daniel Bashan, Yoav Rebeca Bonilla, Ruth TI Proline accumulation and glutathione reductase activity induced by drought-tolerant rhizobacteria as potential mechanisms to alleviate drought stress in Guinea grass SO APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY AB Drought is one of the major worldwide causes of losses in agriculture and livestock farming, including the dry Caribbean zone in Colombia. Therefore, the objective was to determine if a synthetic community of droughttolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from the rhizosphere of Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) could improve the plant's drought tolerance. The PGPB were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to their drought tolerance and used for the inoculation of Guinea grass seeds. The treatments consisted of seven combinations of different bacterial groups with non-inoculated watered and drought controls. Fortyday-old plants were exposed to 10 days without water, after which the plant biomass, two antioxidant enzymatic activities, proline accumulation, and membrane stability were determined. The results showed that drought stress significantly decreased the total biomass and membrane stability and increased the glutathione reductase (GR) activity and proline accumulation in non-inoculated plants. Group C bacterial strains were found to be more effective in alleviating drought stress than the other PGPB groups and were identified as Bacillus spp. Group C was evaluated in a 48-h drought-stress simulation using D-sorbitol on 20-day-old plantlets in which the antioxidant responses were measured. The D-sorbitol significantly increased the GR activity and proline accumulation in the non-inoculated plants. The plantlets that were inoculated with the Bacillus spp. group showed significantly reduced GR activity and increased proline accumulation. The results of the study suggested that GR activity and proline accumulation were key mechanisms used by Guinea grass to cope with drought stress. The results also showed that the co-inoculation of Bacillus spp. has the potential to ameliorate drought stress through the modulation of these mechanisms. OI Moreno Galvan, Andres/0000-0002-9264-6663; Cortes, Sandra/0000-0002-4054-4972 SN 0929-1393 EI 1873-0272 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 147 AR 103367 DI 10.1016/j.apsoil.2019.103367 UT WOS:000505575100012 ER PT J AU Hu, ZQ Zhu, Q Liu, XR Li, Y AF Hu, Zhenqi Zhu, Qi Liu, Xueran Li, Yong TI Preparation of topsoil alternatives for open-pit coal mines in the Hulunbuir grassland area, China SO APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY AB To solve topsoil shortages caused by the thinner topsoil layer resulting from open-pit land reclamation in northwestern Chinese grassland areas, the overlying rock and soil layer of an open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia was used as a matrix, and different additives were incorporated to improve topsoil alternatives for dump reclamation. The physical and chemical properties and nutrient composition of the undisturbed matrix and the weathering substances in layers II and III of the topsoil were compared and analyzed, with local topsoil as the control. The results showed that the III layer of the matrix after weathering had higher nutrient content, pH of 7.83, EC of 83 mu S/m, and as such was more suitable as a substitute for topsoil. Given the limitations of overlying strata, such as excessive viscosity, an imbalanced nutrient content and a lack of soil microorganisms, additives composed of vermiculite, peat, livestock manure, nitrohumic acid and microbial agents in different proportions were incorporated. Field experiments showed that the optimal formula of substitute material was a ratio of m (subclay):m (peat) = 20:1 and an applied microbial agent concentration of 0.15 kg/m(2). Compared to the original topsoil, the substitute material had a higher moisture content (32% for substitute and 20% for original topsoil), significantly higher phosphorus and potassium contents, and similar or greater numbers of microorganisms. The greatest increase in alfalfa plant height was 72%, the dry weight of the aboveground part increased by 26%. SN 0929-1393 EI 1873-0272 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 147 AR 103431 DI 10.1016/j.apsoil.2019.103431 UT WOS:000505575100048 ER PT J AU Qiao, YF Miao, SJ Zhong, X Zhao, HF Pan, SQ AF Qiao, Yunfa Miao, Shujie Zhong, Xin Zhao, Hongfei Pan, Shiqiu TI The greatest potential benefit of biochar return on bacterial community structure among three maize-straw products after eight-year field experiment in Mollisols SO APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY AB Although straw return, livestock feeding and biochar return are three major effective approaches of straw utilization, the response of soil bacterial communities to the different straw products, especially after long-term addition, remains unclear. Here, we studied the effects of three types of maize-straw products on bacterial community structure in a Mollisol in northeast China. Original maize straw was fed to cattle and pyrolysed to obtain manure and biochar products, respectively. The original straw and manure were separately added to the top 20 cm of soil annually since 2010, but one-time addition for biochar in 2010, and soil samples were collected in the autumn of 2018. The bacterial a diversity and community structure were investigated based on Illumine MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that original straw return only decreased soil bulk density, while manure and biochar return significantly affected soil properties with increased pH, total C, total N and available K compared with control. In addition, manure return increased the concentrations of total and available P compared to control. Straw products did not impact the Ace and Chao indices but changed the Simpson index. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that eight-year straw addition shifted the bacterial community structure and exhibited distinct clustering according to straw products. Moreover, distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) revealed that the microbial community structure among soils was significantly associated with bulk density, pH, total C, available P, total K, NO3--N and NH4+-N. M the genus level, the abundance of 5 genera decreased and one increased in response to straw return. Manure return induced an increase in the abundance of 2 genera (Mizugakiibacter and Rhizombium) and a decrease in 10 genera. However, the 10 increased and 5 decreased genera with biochar return contributed to the considerable shift of bacterial communities. These results suggested the potential benefits of biochar return in improving bacterial community structure, which might represent a useful strategy for straw utilization. SN 0929-1393 EI 1873-0272 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 147 AR 103432 DI 10.1016/j.apsoil.2019.103432 UT WOS:000505575100049 ER PT J AU Davedow, T Narvaez-Bravo, C Zaheer, R Sanderson, H Rodas-Gonzalez, A Klima, C Booker, CW Hannon, SJ Bras, AL Gow, S McAllister, T AF Davedow, Taylor Narvaez-Bravo, Claudia Zaheer, Rahat Sanderson, Haley Rodas-Gonzalez, Argenis Klima, Cassidy Booker, Calvin W. Hannon, Sherry J. Bras, Ana L. Gow, Sheryl McAllister, Tim TI Investigation of a Reduction in Tylosin on the Prevalence of Liver Abscesses and Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterococci in Feedlot Cattle SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Recent concerns over linkages between antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens and antimicrobial use in livestock have prompted researchers to investigate management strategies that reduce the current reliance on in-feed tylosin to control liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. A total of 7,576 crossbred yearlings were allocated to the study (253 animals/pen, 10 replicate pens per treatment) and individually randomized to one of three treatments. Tylosin phosphate (11 ppm) was included in-feed (1) for the first 125 days on feed (DOF) (FIRST-78%), (2) for DOF 41 to 161 (LAST-75%), or (3) for the entire feeding period (CON; day 0-161). Fecal composites were collected from the pen floor on days 0, 81, and 160 of the finishing period. Serial dilutions were spread plated for enumeration of enterococci on Bile Esculin Azide (BEA) agar and BEA amended with 8 mu g/ml erythromycin. Results indicated that although the proportion of Ery(R) enterococci increased with DOF (P < 0.01), neither treatment (P = 0.34) or treatment x DOF (P = 0.37) affected antimicrobial resistance. Of the 538 isolates, 97% were enterococci, with mixed species isolated early in the feeding period and only Enterococcus hirae isolated at the end. Isolates were most frequently resistant to tylosin (86%), erythromycin (84%), and doxycycline (31%). Macrolide and tetracycline resistant isolates harbored erm(B), msrC, and tet(L), tet(M), tet(O) genes, respectively. Overall, the proportion of Ery(R) enterococci increased (P < 0.05) in all three treatments over the feeding period. Compared to the control cattle, FIRST-78% cattle had more severe (P < 0.05) liver abscesses, while there was a trend (P < 0.08) for this response in LAST-75% cattle. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in total liver abscesses, growth performance, carcass traits, morbidity, or mortality among treatments. These results support the potential to reduce the duration and therefore quantity of tylosin administered to feedlot cattle during the feeding period without impacting animal productivity. OI Klima, Cassidy/0000-0002-8762-2448 EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 90 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00090 UT WOS:000525131700001 PM 32185186 ER PT J AU Wang, LL Li, Q Coulter, JA Xie, JH Luo, ZZ Zhang, RZ Deng, XP Li, LL AF Wang, Linlin Li, Qiang Coulter, Jeffrey A. Xie, Junhong Luo, Zhuzhu Zhang, Renzhi Deng, Xiping Li, Linglin TI Winter wheat yield and water use efficiency response to organic fertilization in northern China: A meta-analysis SO AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT AB Nitrogen (N) application is a basic practice for increasing cereal yield and efficient utilization of N sources is key to sustainable intensification. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine how organic fertilization (i.e., livestock manure) affects yield, yield variability and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in northern China, and how this is impacted by N management and growing environment. Organic fertilization significantly increased grain yield and WUE by an average of 18 and 20 % compared to without organic fertilizer, respectively, and also reduced spatial and temporal yield variability. Compared to without organic fertilizer, change in grain yield was + 24, + 28, and -11 % for treatments of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer plus organic fertilizer with the same level of synthetic nitrogen (NOF), decreased level of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer (NROF), and a portion of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer replaced with organic nitrogen fertilizer at the same level of nitrogen (NROF), respectively. The positive effect of organic fertilizer on grain yield and WUE of winter wheat was greatest when yield levels was < 4.0 Mg ha(-1). Moreover, organic fertilization was most effective at improving grain yield and WUE in North China Plain when synthetic N application was < 150 kg N ha(-1) and in growing environments with SOM < 1.4 % and ET < 500 mm. These results demonstrate that applying organic fertilizer in combination with a decreased level of synthetic N fertilizer is an effective approach for advancing sustainable intensification of winter wheat in northern China, and that greatest benefits with organic fertilization may occur when local environmental factors (e.g., growing region and soil conditions) are appropriately considered. SN 0378-3774 EI 1873-2283 PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 229 AR 105934 DI 10.1016/j.agwat.2019.105934 UT WOS:000525280400018 ER PT J AU Gao, Y Yang, X Wang, ZY Zhong, ZF Hu, YJ Wang, YT AF Gao, Yan Yang, Xue Wang, Ziyi Zhong, Zhangfeng Hu, Yuanjia Wang, Yitao TI Supramolecular Nano-Encapsulation of Anabasine Reduced Its Developmental Toxicity in Zebrafish SO FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY AB Anabasine (ANA), a major piperidine alkaloid originally isolated from wild tobacco trees (Nicotiana glauca), has been known to induce serious developmental toxicities such as skeletal deformities in livestock and humans. In this study, we thoroughly investigated the supramolecular nano-encapsulations of ANA by an artificial nanocontainer, cucurbit[7] uril (CB[7]), and examined the influences of the nano-encapsulation on ANA's inherent developmental toxicities on a zebrafish model. We have shown that CB[7] formed 1:1 host-guest inclusion complexes with ANA via a relatively high binding strength [K-a of (7.45 +/- 0.31) x 10(4) M-1] in an aqueous solution, via UV-vis and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic titrations, as well as isothermal titration calorimetry titration. As a consequence, CB[7] significantly attenuated the developmental toxicity of ANA on zebrafish in vivo. In contrast, for a comparative purpose, beta-CD didn't exert any influence on the toxicity of ANA due to its weak binding with ANA, which was not even measurable via either spectroscopic methods or ITC titration. This is the first head-to-head comparison of this pair of nanocontainers, CB[7] and beta-CD, on their potential roles in influencing the toxicity of guest molecules and the results suggested that CB[7] could become a more promising functional excipient for reducing the inherent toxicities of active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly alkaloids that may form relatively strong host-guest binding species with the host. SN 2296-2646 PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 134 DI 10.3389/fchem.2020.00134 UT WOS:000525088400001 PM 32185162 ER PT J AU Renzi, JP Chantre, GR Smykal, P Presotto, AD Zubiaga, L Garayalde, AF Cantamutto, MA AF Renzi, Juan P. Chantre, Guillermo R. Smykal, Petr Presotto, Alejandro D. Zubiaga, Luciano Garayalde, Antonio F. Cantamutto, Miguel A. TI Diversity of Naturalized Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) Populations in Central Argentina as a Source of Potential Adaptive Traits for Breeding SO FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE AB Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa ssp. villosa Roth) is native of Europe and Western Asia and it is the second most cultivated vetch worldwide. Hairy vetch is used as forage species in semiarid environments and as a legume cover crop in sub-humid and humid regions. Being an incompletely domesticated species, hairy vetch can form spontaneous populations in a new environment. These populations might contain novel and adaptive traits valuable for breeding. Niche occupancy based on geographic occurrence and environmental data of naturalized populations in central Argentina showed that these populations were distributed mainly on disturbed areas with coarse soil texture and alkaline-type soils. Low rainfall and warm temperatures during pre- and post-seed dispersal explained the potential distribution under sub-humid and semiarid conditions from Pampa and Espinal ecoregions. Conversely, local adaptation along environmental gradients did not drive the divergence among recently established Argentinian (AR) populations. The highest genetic diversity revealed by microsatellite analysis was observed within accessions (72%) while no clear separation was detected between AR and European (EU) genotypes, although naturalized AR populations showed strong differentiation with the wild EU accessions. Common garden experiments were conducted in 2014-16 in order to evaluate populations' germination, flowering, and biomass traits. European cultivars were characterized by low physical seed dormancy (PY), while naturalized AR accessions showed higher winter biomass production. Detected variation in the quantitative assessment of populations could be useful for selection in breeding for traits that convey favorable functions within specific contexts. OI Renzi, Juan/0000-0002-1431-7776 SN 1664-462X PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 189 DI 10.3389/fpls.2020.00189 UT WOS:000524755800001 PM 32180785 ER PT J AU Al Masud, A Rousham, EK Islam, MA Mahbub-Ul Alam Rahman, M Al Mamun, A Sarker, S Asaduzzaman, M Unicomb, L AF Al Masud, Abdullah Rousham, Emily Kate Islam, Mohammad Aminul Mahbub-Ul Alam Rahman, Mahbubur Al Mamun, Abdullah Sarker, Supta Asaduzzaman, Muhammad Unicomb, Leanne TI Drivers of Antibiotic Use in Poultry Production in Bangladesh: Dependencies and Dynamics of a Patron-Client Relationship SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Background: There is increasing concern around the use of antibiotics in animal food production and the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistance within the food chain. In many low and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, the commercial poultry sector comprises small-scale producers who are dependent on credit from poultry dealers to buy day-old chicks and poultry feed. The same dealers also supply and promote antibiotics. The credit system is reliant upon informal relationships among multiple actors as part of social capital. This paper aims to describe dependencies and relationships between different actors within unregulated broiler poultry production systems to understand the social and contextual determinants of antibiotic use in low-resource settings. Methods: We used a cross-sectional qualitative design including in-depth interviews among purposefully selected commercial poultry farmers (n = 10), poultry dealers (n = 5), sales representatives of livestock pharmaceutical companies (n = 3) and the local government livestock officer as a key-informant (n = 1). We describe the food production cycle and practices relating to credit purchases and sales using social capital theory. Findings: Poultry dealers provide credit and information for small-scale poultry farmers to initiate and operate their business. In return for credit, farmers are obliged to buy poultry feed and medicine from their dealer and sell their market-ready poultry to that same dealer. All farms applied multiple antibiotics to poultry throughout the production cycle, including banned antibiotics such as colistin sulfate. The relationship between dealers and poultry farmers is reciprocal but mostly regulated by the dealers. Dealers were the main influencers of decision-making by farmers, particularly around antibiotic use as an integral part of the production cycle risk management. Our findings suggest that strategies to improve antibiotic stewardship and responsible use should exploit the patron-client relationship which provides the social and information network for small-scale farmers. Conclusion: Social capital theory can be applied to the patron-client relationship observed among poultry farmers and dealers in Bangladesh to identify influences on decision making and antibiotic use. Within unregulated food production systems, strategies to promote the prudent use of antibiotics should target commercial feed producers and livestock pharmaceutical manufacturers as a first step in developing a sustainable poultry value chain. EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 78 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00078 UT WOS:000525125600001 PM 32185184 ER PT J AU Goncalves, PHS Goncalves-Souza, T Albuquerque, UP AF Goncalves, Paulo Henrique Santos Goncalves-Souza, Thiago Albuquerque, Ulysses Paulino TI Chronic anthropogenic disturbances in ecology: a bibliometric approach SO SCIENTOMETRICS AB Chronic anthropogenic disturbances is a research topic of increasing interest for ecologists. We conducted a bibliometric assesssment about the literature on this subject in oder to identify some gaps concerning the ecological approaches, the kinds of organisms, disturbances, environments, and ecological zones studied, and to understand the factors influencing the citations and self-citations behaviours in this field. We examined the additive effect of the auhors-related variables (the hightest h-index among the authors, authors'country human development indice, and the hightest number of papers about chronic disturbances published by the authors), Journal CitiScore and the kind of the papers (original or review) on the citation rate of the papers. The additive effect of the same authors-related variables also was tested on self-citation rate. Most of the papers about chronic disturbances are about the effects of livestock grazing or forest products collect activities over plant communities, or the effects of pollution or fishery related activities over benthic invertebrates. The most important determinant of citation rate of the papers about chronic disturbances is the Journal CiteScore, followed by writing reviews papers. The authors who are building this research line are who most use self-citations, and the h-index also affected positively the self-citation rate. Authors from low human development indice countries undertake more self-citations Latin American researches are builindg a research line about chronic disturbance, but it seems they face dificulty in get acknowledege through citations. Therefore we propoused some ways to overcome it, such as to publish in high impact journals or expand their research lines. RI Albuquerque, Ulysses Paulino/I-5037-2012 OI Albuquerque, Ulysses Paulino/0000-0002-8131-8429 SN 0138-9130 EI 1588-2861 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 123 IS 2 BP 1103 EP 1117 DI 10.1007/s11192-020-03403-x EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516941800005 ER PT J AU Harmon, JR Barbeau, DJ Nichol, ST Spiropoulou, CF McElroy, AK AF Harmon, Jessica R. Barbeau, Dominique J. Nichol, Stuart T. Spiropoulou, Christina F. McElroy, Anita K. TI Rift Valley fever virus vaccination induces long-lived, antigen-specific human T cell responses SO NPJ VACCINES AB Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of clinical significance in both livestock and humans. A formalin-inactivated virus preparation was initially developed for human use and tested in laboratory workers in the 1960s. Vaccination resulted in generation of neutralizing antibody titers in most recipients, but neutralization titers waned over time, necessitating frequent booster doses. In this study, T cell-based immune responses to the formalin-inactivated vaccine were examined in a cohort of seven individuals who received between 1 and 6 doses of the vaccine. RVFV-specific T cell responses were detectable up to 24 years post vaccination. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from this cohort of individuals were used to map out the viral epitopes targeted by T cells in humans. These data provide tools for assessing human RVFV-specific T cell responses and are thus a valuable resource for future human RVFV vaccine efforts. EI 2059-0105 PD FEB 28 PY 2020 VL 5 IS 1 AR 17 DI 10.1038/s41541-020-0166-9 UT WOS:000517060500001 PM 32140261 ER PT J AU Rubalcaba, JG Olalla-Tarraga, MA AF Rubalcaba, Juan G. Olalla-Tarraga, Miguel A. TI The biogeography of thermal risk for terrestrial ectotherms: Scaling of thermal tolerance with body size and latitude SO JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY AB Many organisms are shrinking in size in response to global warming. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms linking body size and temperature of organisms across their geographical ranges. Here we investigate the biophysical mechanisms determining the scaling of body temperature with size across latitudes in terrestrial ectotherms. Using biophysical models, we simulated operative temperatures experienced by lizard-like ectotherms as a function of microclimatic variables, body mass and latitude and used them to generate null predictions for the effect of size on temperature across geographical gradients. We then compared model predictions against empirical data on lizards' field body temperature (T-b) and thermal tolerance limits (CTmax and CTmin). Our biophysical models predict that the allometric scaling of operative temperatures with body size varies with latitude, with a positive relationship at low latitudes that vanishes with increasing latitude. The analyses of thermal traits of lizards show a significant interaction of body size and latitude on T-b and CTmax and no effect of body mass on CTmin, consistent with model's predictions. The estimated scaling coefficients are within the ranges predicted by the biophysical model. The effect of body mass, however, becomes non-significant after controlling for the phylogenetic relatedness between species. We propose that large-bodied terrestrial ectotherms exhibit higher risk of overheating at low latitudes, while size differences in thermal sensitivity vanish towards higher latitudes. Our work highlights the potential of combining mechanistic models with empirical data to investigate the mechanisms underpinning broad-scale patterns and ultimately provide a null model to develop baseline expectations for further empirical research. OI Rubalcaba, Juan/0000-0003-4646-070X SN 0021-8790 EI 1365-2656 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 89 IS 5 BP 1277 EP 1285 DI 10.1111/1365-2656.13181 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516861000001 PM 31990044 ER PT J AU Janke, C Gaida, S Jennewein, S AF Janke, Christian Gaida, Stefan Jennewein, Stefan TI The production of isoprene from cellulose using recombinant Clostridium cellulolyticum strains expressing isoprene synthase SO MICROBIOLOGYOPEN AB Isoprene is an important bulk chemical which is mostly derived from fossil fuels. It is used primarily for the production of synthetic rubber. Sustainable, biotechnology-based alternatives for the production of isoprene rely on the fermentation of sugars from food and feed crops, creating an ethical dilemma due to the competition for agricultural land. This issue could be addressed by developing new approaches based on the production of isoprene from abundant renewable waste streams. Here, we describe a proof-of-principle approach for the production of isoprene from cellulosic biomass, the most abundant polymer on earth. We engineered the mesophilic prokaryote Clostridium cellulolyticum, which can degrade cellulosic biomass, to utilize the resulting glucose monomers as a feedstock for the production of isoprene. This was achieved by integrating the poplar gene encoding isoprene synthase. The presence of the enzyme was confirmed by targeted proteomics, and the accumulation of isoprene was confirmed by GC-MS/MS. We have shown for the first time that engineered C. cellulolyticum can be used as a metabolic chassis for the sustainable production of isoprene. SN 2045-8827 PD APR PY 2020 VL 9 IS 4 AR e1008 DI 10.1002/mbo3.1008 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516880100001 PM 32109003 ER PT J AU Bateman, CJ Fourie, J Hsiao, J Irie, K Heslop, A Hilditch, A Hagedorn, M Jessep, B Gebbie, S Ghamkhar, K AF Bateman, Christopher J. Fourie, Jaco Hsiao, Jeffrey Irie, Kenji Heslop, Angus Hilditch, Anthony Hagedorn, Michael Jessep, Bruce Gebbie, Steve Ghamkhar, Kioumars TI Assessment of Mixed Sward Using Context Sensitive Convolutional Neural Networks SO FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE AB Breeding higher yielding forage species is limited by current manual harvesting and visual scoring techniques used for measuring or estimation of biomass. Automation and remote sensing for high throughput phenotyping has been used in recent years as a viable solution to this bottleneck. Here, we focus on using RGB imaging and deep learning for white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) yield estimation in a mixed sward. We present a new convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture designed for semantic segmentation of dense pasture and canopies with high occlusion to which we have named the local context network (LC-Net). On our testing data set we obtain a mean accuracy of 95.4% and a mean intersection over union of 81.3%, outperforming other methods we have found in the literature for segmenting clover from ryegrass. Comparing the clover/vegetation fraction for visual coverage and harvested dry-matter however showed little improvement from the segmentation accuracy gains. Further gains in biomass estimation accuracy may be achievable through combining RGB with complimentary information such as volumetric data from other sensors, which will form the basis of our future work. SN 1664-462X PD FEB 27 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 159 DI 10.3389/fpls.2020.00159 UT WOS:000524738900001 PM 32174941 ER PT J AU Liu, TF Luo, CL Ma, J Wang, Y Shu, DM Su, GS Qu, H AF Liu, Tianfei Luo, Chenglong Ma, Jie Wang, Yan Shu, Dingming Su, Guosheng Qu, Hao TI High-Throughput Sequencing With the Preselection of Markers Is a Good Alternative to SNP Chips for Genomic Prediction in Broilers SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB The choice of a genetic marker genotyping platform is important for genomic prediction in livestock and poultry. High-throughput sequencing can produce more genetic markers, but the genotype quality is lower than that obtained with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of genomic prediction between high-throughput sequencing and SNP chips in broilers. In this study, we developed a new SNP marker screening method, the pre-marker-selection (PMS) method, to determine whether an SNP marker can be used for genomic prediction. We also compared a method which preselection marker based results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). With the two methods, we analysed body weight at the12(th) week (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in a local broiler population. A total of 395 birds were selected from the F2 generation of the population, and 10X specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) and the Illumina Chicken 60K SNP Beadchip were used for genotyping. The genomic best linear unbiased prediction method (GBLUP) was used to predict the genomic breeding values. The accuracy of genomic prediction was validated by the leave-one-out cross-validation method. Without SNP marker screening, the accuracies of the genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) of BW and FCR were 0.509 and 0.249, respectively, when using SLAF-seq, and the accuracies were 0.516 and 0.232, respectively, when using the SNP chip. With SNP marker screening by the PMS method, the accuracies of GEBV of the two traits were 0.671 and 0.499, respectively, when using SLAF-seq, and 0.605 and 0.422, respectively, when using the SNP chip. Our SNP marker screening method led to an increase of prediction accuracy by 0.089-0.250. With SNP marker screening by the GWAS method, the accuracies of genomic prediction for the two traits were also improved, but the gains of accuracy were less than the gains with PMS method for all traits. The results from this study indicate that our PMS method can improve the accuracy of GEBV, and that more accurate genomic prediction can be obtained from an increased number of genomic markers when using high-throughput sequencing in local broiler populations. Due to its lower genotyping cost, high-throughput sequencing could be a good alternative to SNP chips for genomic prediction in breeding programmes of local broiler populations. EI 1664-8021 PD FEB 27 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 108 DI 10.3389/fgene.2020.00108 UT WOS:000525020400001 PM 32174971 ER PT J AU dos Santos, JS Teixeira, JVD Guanaes, DHA da Rocha, WD Schiavetti, A AF dos Santos, Jade Silva dos Santos Teixeira, Joanison Vicente Areas Guanaes, Deyna Hulda da Rocha, Wesley Duarte Schiavetti, Alexandre TI Conflicts between humans and wild animals in and surrounding protected area (Bahia, Brazil): an ethnozoological approach SO ETHNOBIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION AB Conflicts between humans and wildlife have been considered a huge obstacle to the management and conservation of fauna, and also lead to negative impacts for local populations. For this reason, from an ethnozoological perspective, the present work aimed to identify and analyze conflicts between farmers and the wild fauna in four communities of the Costa de Itacare-Serra Grande Environmental Protection Area, Bahia, Brazil, as well as diagnose the control measures used. The participants were selected using the snowball technique and data were collected using semi-structured interviews, complemented by free listing techniques, nonspecific prompting, and reading back. Thirty-eight farmers were interviewed and they reported 45 species of wild animals, among which 23 were mammals, 17 were birds and 5 were reptiles. Conflicts were classified into five categories. Of these categories, animal-cultivation and animal-livestock interactions had the highest number of reported species. The farmers applied different control measures, including defensive methods, which are the most frequently used in the communities, offensive methods, and superstitious rituals. Positive interactions were also identified, in which some species are considered charismatic or recognized for their ecological role. Conflicts with wild fauna are recurrent in these communities; thus, it is necessary to guarantee social participation in the construction of effective strategies for conflict mitigation and fauna conservation. RI Schiavetti, Alexandre/AAJ-9809-2020 SN 2238-4782 PD FEB 27 PY 2020 VL 9 AR 5 DI 10.15451/ec2020-02-9.05-1-22 UT WOS:000520407300001 ER PT J AU Prentice, PM Houslay, TM Martin, JGA Wilson, AJ AF Prentice, Pamela M. Houslay, Thomas M. Martin, Julien G. A. Wilson, Alastair J. TI Genetic variance for behavioural 'predictability' of stress response SO JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AB Genetic factors underpinning phenotypic variation are required if natural selection is to result in adaptive evolution. However, evolutionary and behavioural ecologists typically focus on variation among individuals in their average trait values and seek to characterize genetic contributions to this. As a result, less attention has been paid to if and how genes could contribute towards within-individual variance or trait 'predictability'. In fact, phenotypic 'predictability' can vary among individuals, and emerging evidence from livestock genetics suggests this can be due to genetic factors. Here, we test this empirically using repeated measures of a behavioural stress response trait in a pedigreed population of wild-type guppies.& x202f;We ask (a) whether individuals differ in behavioural predictability and (b) whether this variation is heritable and so evolvable under selection. Using statistical methodology from the field of quantitative genetics, we find support for both hypotheses and also show evidence of a genetic correlation structure between the behavioural trait mean and individual predictability. We show that investigating sources of variability in trait predictability is statistically tractable and can yield useful biological interpretation. We conclude that, if widespread, genetic variance for 'predictability' will have major implications for the evolutionary causes and consequences of phenotypic variation. OI Prentice, Pamela/0000-0002-6290-9581 SN 1010-061X EI 1420-9101 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 33 IS 5 BP 642 EP 652 DI 10.1111/jeb.13601 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000518150300001 PM 32022966 ER PT J AU Cooke, AS Watt, KA Albery, GF Morgan, ER Dungait, JAJ AF Cooke, Andrew S. Watt, Kathryn A. Albery, Greg F. Morgan, Eric R. Dungait, Jennifer A. J. TI Lactoferrin quantification in cattle faeces by ELISA SO PEERJ AB Background: Promoting and maintaining health is critical to ruminant welfare and productivity. Within human medicine, faecal lactoferrin is quantified for routine assessment of various gastrointestinal illnesses avoiding the need for blood sampling. This approach might also be adapted and applied for non-invasive health assessments in animals. Methods: In this proof-of-concept study, a bovine lactoferrin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), designed for serum and milk, was applied to a faecal supernatant to assess its potential for quantifying lactoferrin in the faeces of cattle. Faecal lactoferrin concentrations were compared to background levels to assess the viability of the technique. A comparison was then made against serum lactoferrin levels to determine if they were or were not reflective of one another. Results: The optical densities of faecal samples were significantly greater than background readings, supporting the hypothesis that the assay was effective in quantifying faecal lactoferrin (T-13,T- 115 = 11.99, p < 0.0005). The mean faecal lactoferrin concentration was 0.269 mu g mL(-1) (S.E. 0.031) and the mean serum concentration 0.074 mu g mL(-1) (S.E. 0.005). Lactoferrin concentrations of faecal and serum samples, taken from the same animals on the same day, were significantly different (T-21 = 2.20, p = 0.039) and did not correlate (r = 0.2699, p = 0.238). Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis that lactoferrin can be quantified in cattle faeces by ELISA. Whilst further research is required to determine the physiological source of the lactoferrin, this highlights the potential of the method for non-invasive assessment of cattle immunology and pathology. RI Dungait, Jennifer/F-1110-2013 OI Dungait, Jennifer/0000-0001-9074-4174; Albery, Gregory/0000-0001-6260-2662 SN 2167-8359 PD FEB 27 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8631 DI 10.7717/peerj.8631 UT WOS:000517196000006 PM 32368415 ER PT J AU Pauler, CM Isselstein, J Suter, M Berard, J Braunbeck, T Schneider, MK AF Pauler, Caren M. Isselstein, Johannes Suter, Matthias Berard, Joel Braunbeck, Thomas Schneider, Manuel K. TI Choosy grazers: Influence of plant traits on forage selection by three cattle breeds SO FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY AB Forage selection by herbivores is a major driver of plant diversity in pasture vegetation. Yet, we know relatively little about how plant traits influence decisions of different herbivore species and breeds to select or avoid a certain plant species on semi-natural pastures. We quantified the influence of the traits leaf N and P content, leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA) and physical defence mechanisms on plant species selection for three cattle breeds: high-yielding Angus x Holstein crossbreed, dual-purpose Original Braunvieh and undemanding Highland Cattle. The cattle grazed a series of adjacent paddocks in different alpine pastures. Plant species selection was quantified by assessing the difference in biomass proportions of all plant species in 66 vegetation subplots per breed before and after grazing. Plant traits and indicator values were extracted from the TRY database. Data on 152 plant species were analysed using a local mixed-effects model and a global multivariate hierarchical regression model. Plant traits had a clear impact on forage behaviour. Plants with high SLA, leaf N and P contents were significantly selected, whereas plants with high LDMC (e.g. woody plants) and defence mechanisms (e.g. thistles) were generally avoided. Species with high forage quality indicator values as defined by Briemle et al. (2002) were significantly preferred. More importantly, significant differences between forage behaviour of cattle breeds were detected. Selection by less-productive Highland Cattle was much less influenced by plant traits than the selection by the two higher-yielding breeds. Results indicate a clear impact of plant traits on forage selection and demonstrate breed-specific influences. Highland Cattle (and possibly other robust breeds) graze less selectively and impose less selective exclusion on plants. Thereby, they likely influence plant species composition of pastures in a different way than high-yielding breeds, thereby creating a distinct habitat. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. RI Berard, Joel/M-6496-2014; Braunbeck, Thomas/D-7903-2019; Schneider, Manuel K./O-2308-2015 OI Berard, Joel/0000-0002-7222-632X; Braunbeck, Thomas/0000-0002-1785-6759; Schneider, Manuel K./0000-0002-3842-2618; Pauler, Caren/0000-0002-7872-2711 SN 0269-8463 EI 1365-2435 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 34 IS 5 BP 980 EP 992 DI 10.1111/1365-2435.13542 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516770200001 ER PT J AU Milhau, N Almouazen, E Bouteille, S Hellel-Bourtal, I Azzouz-Maache, S Benavides, U Petavy, AF Marchal, T AF Milhau, Nadege Almouazen, Eyad Bouteille, Sylvie Hellel-Bourtal, Imene Azzouz-Maache, Samira Benavides, Uruguaysito Petavy, Anne-Francoise Marchal, Thierry TI In vitro evaluations on canine monocyte-derived dendritic cells of a nanoparticles delivery system for vaccine antigen against Echinococcus granulosus SO PLOS ONE AB Since dogs play a central role in the contamination of humans and livestock with Echinococcus granulosus, the development of an effective vaccine for dogs is essential to control the disease caused by this parasite. For this purpose, a formulation based on biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery system of recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen (tropomyosin EgTrp) adjuved with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) has been developed. The obtained nanoparticles had a size of approximately 200 nm in diameter into which the antigen was correctly preserved and encapsulated. The efficiency of this system to deliver the antigen was evaluated in vitro on canine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (cMoDCs) generated from peripheral blood monocytes. After 48 h of contact between the formulations and cMoDCs, we observed no toxic effect on the cells but a strong internalization of the NPs, probably through different pathways depending on the presence or not of MPLA. An evaluation of cMoDCs activation by flow cytometry showed a stronger expression of CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHCII by cells treated with any of the tested formulations or with LPS (positive control) in comparison to cells treated with PBS (negative control). A higher activation was observed for cells challenged with EgTrp-NPs-MPLA compared to EgTrp alone. Formulations with MPLA, even at low ratio of MPLA, give better results than formulations without MPLA, proving the importance of the adjuvant in the nanoparticles structure. Moreover, autologous T CD4+ cell proliferation observed in presence of cMoDCs challenged with EgTrp-NPs-MPLA was higher than those observed after challenged with EgTrp alone (p<0.05). These first results suggest that our formulation could be used as an antigen delivery system to targeting canine dendritic cells in the course of Echinococcus granulosus vaccine development. SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 26 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0229121 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0229121 UT WOS:000535233700016 PM 32101539 ER PT J AU Gemeda, BA Amenu, K Magnusson, U Dohoo, I Hallenberg, GS Alemayehu, G Desta, H Wieland, B AF Gemeda, Biruk Alemu Amenu, Kebede Magnusson, Ulf Dohoo, Ian Hallenberg, Gunilla Strom Alemayehu, Gezahegn Desta, Hiwot Wieland, Barbara TI Antimicrobial Use in Extensive Smallholder Livestock Farming Systems in Ethiopia: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Livestock Keepers SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat, and inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animal production can contribute to the global burden of AMR in humans. This study was conducted to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of smallholder livestock owners regarding antimicrobial use, residue, and resistance in three agro-ecological zones and production systems in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study based on structured interviews was conducted. Twenty-one items were used to assess farmers' KAP. Item response theory (IRT) model and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess the KAP measurement scales. Inferential analyses were used to compare the differences in the practices in terms of the farm and socio-economic characteristics. There was a difference in the type of antimicrobials reported use between agro-ecological zones and production systems. Pastoralists most commonly used antibiotics (86.7%) followed by anthelminthics (70.8%). Overall, tetracyclines (36.4%), aminoglycosides (31.3%), and trimethoprim-sulfonamides (6.2%) were the most frequently used classes of antibiotics across the study sites. Human preparation antibiotics (tetracyclines) were also being used for veterinary purposes by 18.5% of pastoralist households. About 81.6% of livestock owners surveyed reported to have access to veterinary drugs although access varied between agro-ecological zones and production system. About 72.3% of pastoralists administered antibiotics by not following through the full treatment course. Moreover, 70% of respondents were not aware of the recommended withdrawal periods of milk and meat after antibiotic treatment. It was noticed that around 80 and 70% of respondents had a tendency to give doses higher or lower than recommended of antimicrobials, respectively. The study confirms the need for interventions to increase knowledge among smallholder farmers to improve the way antimicrobials in general and antibiotics in particular are used in these settings. In addition, professional involvement, supervision, and guidance can also lead to more efficient antimicrobial use by smallholder livestock owners. The study also highlights the need for research into the development of usable tools that measure antibiotic knowledge and attitudes. EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 26 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 55 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00055 UT WOS:000525117900001 PM 32175334 ER PT J AU Perakis, K Lampathaki, F Nikas, K Georgiou, Y Marko, O Maselyne, J AF Perakis, Konstantinos Lampathaki, Fenareti Nikas, Konstantinos Georgiou, Yiannis Marko, Oskar Maselyne, Jarissa TI CYBELE - Fostering precision agriculture & livestock farming through secure access to large-scale HPC enabled virtual industrial experimentation environments fostering scalable big data analytics SO COMPUTER NETWORKS AB According to McKinsey & Company, about a third of food produced is lost or wasted every year, amounting to a $940 billion economic hit. Inefficiencies in planting, harvesting, water use, reduced animal contributions, as well as uncertainty about weather, pests, consumer demand and other intangibles contribute to the loss. Precision Agriculture (PA) and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) come to assist in optimizing agricultural and livestock production and minimizing the wastes and costs aforementioned. PA is a technology-enabled, data-driven approach to farming management that observes, measures, and analyzes the needs of individual fields and crops. PLF is also a technology-enabled, data-driven approach to livestock production management, which exploits technology to quantitatively measure the behavior, health and performance of animals. Big data delivered by a plethora of data sources related to these domains, has a multitude of payoffs including precision monitoring of fertilizer and fungicide levels to optimize crop yields, risk mitigation that results from monitoring when temperature and humidity levels reach dangerous levels for crops, increasing livestock production while minimizing the environmental footprint of livestock farming, ensuring high levels of welfare and health for animals, and more. By adding analytics to these sensor and image data, opportunities also exist to further optimize PA and PLF by having continuous data on how a field or the livestock is responding to a protocol. For these domains, two main challenges exist: 1) to exploit this multitude of data facilitating dedicated improvements in performance, and 2) to make available advanced infrastructure so as to harness the power of this information in order to benefit from the new insights, practices and products, efficiently time-wise, lowering responsiveness down to seconds so as to cater for time-critical decisions. The current paper aims to introduce CYBELE, a platform aspiring to safeguard that the stakeholders involved in the agri-food value chain (research community, SMEs, entrepreneurs, etc.) have integrated, unmediated access to a vast amount of very large scale datasets of diverse types and coming from a variety of sources, and that they are capable of actually generating value and extracting insights out of these data, by providing secure and unmediated access to large-scale High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructures supporting advanced data discovery, processing, combination and visualization services, solving computationally-intensive challenges modelled as mathematical algorithms requiring very high computing power and capability. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. OI NIKAS, KONSTANTINOS/0000-0003-4424-9951 SN 1389-1286 EI 1872-7069 PD FEB 26 PY 2020 VL 168 AR 107035 DI 10.1016/j.comnet.2019.107035 UT WOS:000514230900017 ER PT J AU Wang, S Liu, SY Mei, DH Zhou, RS Jiang, CC Zhang, XH Fang, Z Ostrikov, K AF Wang, Sen Liu, Shiyun Mei, Danhua Zhou, Rusen Jiang, Congcong Zhang, Xianhui Fang, Zhi Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken) TI Liquid discharge plasma for fast biomass liquefaction at mild conditions: The effects of homogeneous catalysts SO FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AB Non-thermal plasma exhibits unique advantages in biomass conversion for the sustainable production of higher-value energy carriers. Different homogeneous catalysts are usually required for plasma-enabled biomass liquefaction to achieve time-and energy-efficient conversions. However, the effects of such catalysts on the plasma-assisted liquefaction process and of the plasma on those catalysts have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, an electrical discharge plasma is employed to promote the direct liquefaction of sawdust in a mixture of polyethylene glycol 200 and glycerol. Three commonly used chemicals, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and sodium p-toluene sulfate, were selected as catalysts. The effects of the type of catalyst and concentration on the liquefaction yield were examined; further, the roles of the catalysts in the plasma liquefaction process have been discussed. The results showed that the liquefaction yield attains a value of 90% within 5 min when 1% sulfuric acid was employed as the catalyst. Compared with the other catalysts, sulfuric acid presents the highest efficiency for the liquefaction of sawdust. It was observed that hydrogen ions from the catalyst were primarily responsible for the significant thermal effects on the liquefaction system and the generation of large quantities of active species; these effects directly contributed to a higher efficacy of the plasma-enabled liquefaction process. SN 2095-0179 EI 2095-0187 DI 10.1007/s11705-019-1896-y EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516797100001 ER PT J AU Paul, BK Groot, JCJ Maass, BL Notenbaert, AMO Herrero, M Tittonell, PA AF Paul, Birthe K. Groot, Jeroen C. J. Maass, Brigitte L. Notenbaert, An M. O. Herrero, Mario Tittonell, Pablo A. TI Improved feeding and forages at a crossroads: Farming systems approaches for sustainable livestock development in East Africa SO OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE AB Dairy development provides substantial potential economic opportunities for smallholder farmers in East Africa, but productivity is constrained by the scarcity of quantity and quality feed. Ruminant livestock production is also associated with negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollution, high water consumption, land-use change, and loss of biodiversity. Improved livestock feeding and forages have been highlighted as key entry point to sustainable intensification, increasing food security, and decreasing environmental trade-offs including GHG emission intensities. In this perspective article, we argue that farming systems approaches are essential to understand the multiple roles and impacts of forages in smallholder livelihoods. First, we outline the unique position of forages in crop-livestock systems and systemic obstacles to adoption that call for multidisciplinary thinking. Second, we discuss the importance of matching forage technologies with agroecological and socioeconomic contexts and niches, and systems agronomy that is required. Third, we demonstrate the usefulness of farming systems modeling to estimate multidimensional impacts of forages and for reducing agro-environmental trade-offs. We conclude that improved forages in East Africa are at a crossroads: if adopted by farmers at scale, they can be a cornerstone of pathways toward sustainable livestock systems in East Africa. RI Paul, Birthe/AAI-8816-2020 OI Paul, Birthe/0000-0002-5994-5354 SN 0030-7270 EI 2043-6866 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 49 IS 1 BP 13 EP 20 AR UNSP 0030727020906170 DI 10.1177/0030727020906170 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516901800001 ER PT J AU Getachew, T Haile, A Tessema, T Dea, D Edea, Z Rischkowsky, B AF Getachew, T. Haile, A. Tessema, T. Dea, D. Edea, Z. Rischkowsky, B. TI Participatory identification of breeding objective traits and selection criteria for indigenous goat of the pastoral communities in Ethiopia SO TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION AB A structured questionnaire, own-flock ranking experiment, and group discussions were undertaken to assess goat breeding practices and to identify traits of interest for genetic improvement of indigenous goats. Four pastoral villages in Ethiopia, namely, Jarso, Mesoya, Eleweya, and Dharito were selected based on their goat production potential, accessibility, and suitability to implement community-based breeding programs. A survey and flock ranking experiment involving 70 households and 199 goats were used. In flock ranking experiment, goat owners were asked to choose the first three superior and the worst doe within their own flock. They were also asked to provide their reason for ranking the animals. In addition, data on size traits, kid growth, kid survival, reproduction traits, and milk yield were recorded for each doe. Data obtained from questionnaire, flock ranking, and measurements were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Large variation was observed between top and last ranked does in most of the traits and price, for example, in body weight (33.6 +/- 0.88 vs. 25.2 +/- 0.93 kg), doe's kid survival (92.1 +/- 4.01 vs. 59.6 +/- 4.48%) and doe's price (1367 +/- 46.5 vs. 833 +/- 46.9 (US$1 = 28.4 Ethiopian Birr) Ethiopian Birr). Mobility is practiced with a defined and known pattern; therefore, recruitment of mobile enumerators for data recording would assist in implementation of breeding programs. Breeding objective should emphasize mothering ability (kid growth and survival), milk yield of does, and coat color in all areas. Due to its good correlation with other traits like kid growth and pre-weaning kid survival, considering milk yield alone as selection criteria or giving more weight for milk yield in the breeding program could generate better genetic benefit. Setting-up breeding program should be based on full participation and context of pastoralists. SN 0049-4747 EI 1573-7438 DI 10.1007/s11250-020-02243-4 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516782800001 PM 32103385 ER PT J AU Kihwele, ES Mchomvu, V Owen-Smith, N Hetem, RS Hutchinson, MC Potter, AB Olff, H Veldhuis, MP AF Kihwele, Emilian S. Mchomvu, Victor Owen-Smith, Norman Hetem, Robyn S. Hutchinson, Matthew C. Potter, Arjun B. Olff, Han Veldhuis, Michiel P. TI Quantifying water requirements of African ungulates through a combination of functional traits SO ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS AB Climate and land use change modify surface water availability in African savannas. Surface water is a key resource for both wildlife and livestock and its spatial and temporal distribution is important for understanding the composition of large herbivore assemblages in savannas. Yet, the extent to which ungulate species differ in their water requirements remains poorly quantified. Here, we infer the water requirements of 48 African ungulates by combining six different functional traits related to physiological adaptations to reduce water loss, namely minimum dung moisture, relative dung pellet size, relative surface area of the distal colon, urine osmolality, relative medullary thickness, and evaporation rate. In addition, we investigated how these differences in water requirements relate to differences in dietary water intake. We observed strong correlations between traits related to water loss through dung, urine and evaporation, suggesting that ungulates minimize water loss through multiple pathways simultaneously, which suggests that each trait can thus be used independently to predict water requirements. Furthermore, we found that browsers and grazers had similar water requirements, but browsers are expected to be less dependent on surface water because they acquire more water through their diet. We conclude that these key functional traits are a useful way to determine differences in water requirements and an important tool for predicting changes in herbivore community assembly resulting from changes in surface water availability. OI Hetem, Robyn/0000-0003-1953-3520 SN 0012-9615 EI 1557-7015 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 90 IS 2 DI 10.1002/ecm.1404 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516361000001 ER PT J AU Gong, K Lin, TJ An, YL Wang, XX Yu, F Wu, B Li, X Li, SG Lu, YW Zhong, LS Sun, YH AF Gong, Kun Lin, Tiejun An, Yunlei Wang, Xinxing Yu, Fei Wu, Bo Li, Xiao Li, Shenggang Lu, Yongwu Zhong, Liangshu Sun, Yuhan TI Fischer-Tropsch to olefins over CoMn-based catalysts: Effect of preparation methods SO APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL AB The effects of preparation methods for CoMn-based catalysts on the precursor phase of Co species, the morphology of Co2C nanostructures as well as the catalytic performance for Fischer-Tropsch to olefins were investigated. Five catalysts prepared by precipitation and impregnation methods were compared in detail. CoMn spinel oxide was found in the calcined catalysts prepared by co-precipitation or sequential precipitation starting from the Co salt. However, Co3O4 and MnO2 were the major phases for the calcined catalysts prepared by sequential precipitation starting from the Mn salt or impregnation methods. During the syngas conversion process, Co2C nanoprisms with exposed facets of (101) and (020) were generated from CoMn spinel phase, and exhibited high CO conversion, low methane selectivity and high olefins selectivity. In contrast, Co2C nanospheres carburized from metallic Co or CoO were observed for the other samples with poorer FTO catalytic performance. SN 0926-860X EI 1873-3875 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 592 AR 117414 DI 10.1016/j.apcata.2020.117414 UT WOS:000518491000003 ER PT J AU Kim, GD Lee, JH Song, SM Kim, SW Han, JS Shin, SP Park, BC Park, TS AF Kim, Gap-Don Lee, Jeong Hyo Song, Sumin Kim, Seo Woo Han, Ji Seon Shin, Seung Pyo Park, Byung-Chul Park, Tae Sub TI Generation of myostatin-knockout chickens mediated by D10A-Cas9 nickase SO FASEB JOURNAL AB Many studies have been conducted to improve economically important livestock traits such as feed efficiency and muscle growth. Genome editing technologies represent a major advancement for both basic research and agronomic biotechnology development. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technical platform is a powerful tool used to engineer specific targeted loci. However, the potential occurrence of off-target effects, including the cleavage of unintended targets, limits the practical applications of Cas9-mediated genome editing. In this study, to minimize the off-target effects of this technology, we utilized D10A-Cas9 nickase to generate myostatin-knockout (MSTN KO) chickens via primordial germ cells. D10A-Cas9 nickase (Cas9n)-mediated MSTN KO chickens exhibited significantly larger skeletal muscles in the breast and leg. Degrees of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia induced by myostatin deletion differed by sex and muscle type. The abdominal fat deposition was dramatically lower in MSTN KO chickens than in wild-type chickens. Our results demonstrate that the D10A-Cas9 technical platform can facilitate precise and efficient targeted genome engineering and may broaden the range of applications for genome-edited chickens in practical industrialization and as animal models of human diseases. OI Lee, Jeong Hyo/0000-0002-1848-5347 SN 0892-6638 EI 1530-6860 PD APR PY 2020 VL 34 IS 4 BP 5688 EP 5696 DI 10.1096/fj.201903035R EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000517898700001 PM 32100378 ER PT J AU Easterday, WR Ponciano, JM Gomez, JP van Ert, MN Hadfield, T Bagamian, K Blackburn, JK Stenseth, NC Turner, WC AF Easterday, W. Ryan Ponciano, Jose Miguel Pablo Gomez, Juan van Ert, Matthew N. Hadfield, Ted Bagamian, Karoun Blackburn, Jason K. Stenseth, Nils Chr. Turner, Wendy C. TI Coalescence modeling of intrainfection Bacillus anthracis populations allows estimation of infection parameters in wild populations SO PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AB Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, is a well-established model organism. For B. anthracis and most other infectious diseases, knowledge regarding transmission and infection parameters in natural systems, in large part, comprises data gathered from closely controlled laboratory experiments. Fatal, natural anthrax infections transmit the bacterium through new host-pathogen contacts at carcass sites, which can occur years after death of the previous host. For the period between contact and death, all of our knowledge is based upon experimental data from domestic livestock and laboratory animals. Here we use a noninvasive method to explore the dynamics of anthrax infections, by evaluating the terminal diversity of B. anthracis in anthrax carcasses. We present an application of population genetics theory, specifically, coalescence modeling, to intrainfection populations of B. anthracis to derive estimates for the duration of the acute phase of the infection and effective population size converted to the number of colony-forming units establishing infection in wild plains zebra (Equus quagga). Founding populations are small, a few colony-forming units, and infections are rapid, lasting roughly between 1 d and 3 d in the wild. Our results closely reflect experimental data, showing that small founding populations progress acutely, killing the host within days. We believe this method is amendable to other bacterial diseases from wild, domestic, and human systems. RI Ponciano, Jose/AAQ-1038-2020 OI Ponciano, Jose/0000-0001-8457-7840; Gomez, Juan Pablo/0000-0002-4128-8739; Blackburn, Jason/0000-0003-0928-4831 SN 0027-8424 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 117 IS 8 BP 4273 EP 4280 DI 10.1073/pnas.1920790117 UT WOS:000516771500053 PM 32054783 ER PT J AU Kasi, KK von Arnim, F Schulz, A Rehman, A Chudhary, A Oneeb, M Sas, MA Jamil, T Maksimov, P Sauter-Louis, C Conraths, FJ Groschup, MH AF Kasi, Khushal Khan von Arnim, Felicitas Schulz, Ansgar Rehman, Abdul Chudhary, Amna Oneeb, Muhammad Sas, Miriam Andrada Jamil, Tariq Maksimov, Pavlo Sauter-Louis, Carola Conraths, Franz J. Groschup, Martin H. TI Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in ticks collected from livestock in Balochistan, Pakistan SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Background Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen. It causes a fatal haemorrhagic disease in humans. Hard ticks, in particular Hyalomma spp., are considered to function as reservoir as well as vector for CCHFV. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the province of Balochistan, Pakistan, from September to November 2017. Ticks were collected from cattle, sheep and goats in livestock farms. The ticks were morphologically identified, followed by confirmation with molecular methods (PCR and sequencing). Furthermore, ticks were examined for CCHFV genomes (S segment) by a one-step multiplex real-time RT-qPCR and positive samples were sequenced to determine the CCHFV genotype. Results In total, 525 of 529 livestock infesting adult ticks belonged to the genus Hyalomma, and 4 ticks to the genus Rhipicephalus (R. microplus 3x, R. turanicus 1x). In the genus Hyalomma, H. marginatum (28%), H. excavatum (26%), H. dromedarii (22%), H. anatolicum (16%) and H. scupense (8%) ticks were identified. Tick infestations were as follows: sheep 58%, goats 28% and cattle 14%. Four per cent (20/525) of ticks were CCHFV genome-positive, and all genomes clustered in CCHFV genotype Asia 1. Among CCHFV-positive ticks, 75% (15/20) were female and 25% (5/20) male. CCHFV genomes were most frequently detected in H. marginatum (30%, 6/20), followed by H. dromedarii (25%, 5/20), H. excavatum (20%, 4/20), H. anatolicum (20%, 4/20) and H. scupense (5%, 1/20). All CCHFV-positive ticks were found on sheep. The largest number of CCHFV-positive ticks were detected in the district of Kalat (60%, 12/20), followed by the districts of Quetta (30%, 6/20) and Killa Abdullah (10%, 2/20). Conclusions This study confirms the circulation of CCHFV in ticks in Balochistan, south-western Pakistan. It is imperative to take effective tick control measures in this area, especially to control livestock tick infestations to prevent CCHF infections in humans. SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13488 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515667100001 PM 31961043 ER PT J AU Ulloa-Stanojlovic, FM Dias, RA AF Ulloa-Stanojlovic, Francisco Miroslav Dias, Ricardo Augusto TI Spatio-temporal description of bovine rabies cases in Peru, 2003-2017 SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Vampire bats became the main reservoir of rabies in Latin America, where the disease remains one of the most important viral zoonoses affecting humans and livestock. In Peru, the most affected livestock are cattle. The official data of 1,729 cases of bovine rabies were evaluated between 2003 and 2017 through a descriptive analysis, decomposition of the time-series and spatio-temporal analyses. Although the cases did not present a defined seasonality, the trend seemed to increase for several years. The bovine rabies cases are more frequent in the inter-Andean valleys than in other regions of the Amazon plains. The highest case density was observed in the regions of Ayacucho, Cuzco and Apurimac, all located in the Andes. It is necessary to review the current national program for the prevention and control of rabies in livestock, incorporating concepts of the ecology of vampire bats, as well as the prediction of the infection waves geographic and temporal spread. These approaches could improve the efficiency of other current prevention measures that have not shown the expected control effects, such as indiscriminate culling of vampire bats. RI Dias, Ricardo Augusto/AAI-8371-2020 OI Dias, Ricardo Augusto/0000-0002-8241-7699 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13512 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515673900001 PM 32053252 ER PT J AU Chukalla, AD Reidsma, P van Vliet, MTH Silva, JV van Ittersum, MK Jomaa, S Rode, M Merbach, I van Oel, PR AF Chukalla, Abebe Demissie Reidsma, Pytrik van Vliet, Michelle T. H. Silva, Joao Vasco van Ittersum, Martin K. Jomaa, Seifeddine Rode, Michael Merbach, Ines van Oel, Pieter R. TI Balancing indicators for sustainable intensification of crop production at field and river basin levels SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Adequate tools for evaluating sustainable intensification (SI) of crop production for agro-hydrological system are not readily available. Building on existing concepts, we propose a framework for evaluating SI at the field and river basin levels. The framework serves as a means to assess and visualise SI indicator values, including yield, water-use efficiency and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE), alongside water and nitrogen surpluses and their effects on water quantity and quality. To demonstrate the SI assessment framework, we used empirical data for both the field level (the Static Fertilization Experiment at Bad Lauchstadt) and the river basin level (the Selke basin, 463 km(2)) in central Germany. Crop yield and resource use efficiency varied considerably from 1980 to 2014, but without clear trends. NUE frequently fell below the desirable range (<50%), exposing the environment to a large N surplus (>80 kg N ha(-1)). For the catchment as a whole, the average nitrate-N concentration (3.6 mg L-1) was slightly higher than the threshold of 2.5 mg L-1 nitrate-N in surface water. However, weather and climate-related patterns, due to their effects on transport capacity and dilution, influenced water quantity and quality indicators more than agronomic practices. To achieve SI of crop production in the Selke basin, irrigation and soil moisture management are required to reduce yield variability and reduce N surpluses at field level. In addition, optimum application of fertiliser and manure could help to reduce the nitrate-N concentration below the set water quality standards in the Selke basin. In this way, there is scope for increase in yields and resource use efficiencies, and thus potential reduction of environmental impacts at basin level. We conclude that the framework is useful for assessing sustainable production, by simultaneously considering objectives related to crop production, resource-use efficiency and environmental quality, at both field and river basin levels. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Jomaa, Seifeddine/P-7534-2017 OI Jomaa, Seifeddine/0000-0003-4782-9468; Silva, Joao Vasco/0000-0002-3019-5895 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135925 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135925 UT WOS:000508129700135 PM 31841921 ER PT J AU Fernandez-Martinez, M Corbera, J Domene, X Sayol, F Sabater, F Preece, C AF Fernandez-Martinez, M. Corbera, J. Domene, X. Sayol, F. Sabater, F. Preece, C. TI Nitrate pollution reduces bryophyte diversity in Mediterranean springs SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Anthropogenic activities and intensive farming arc causing nitrate pollution in groundwater bodies. These aquifers are drained by springs which, in the Mediterranean region, act as refugia for preserving biodiversity of species that need continuous water. Some springs are also used for drinking water for wild animals, livestock and humans, so if their water quality is compromised it can become a threat to public health. However, the impact of nitrate pollution on these biotic communities remains unknown. We sampled 338 assemblages of aquatic and semi-aquatic bryophytes (i.e., hygrophytic mosses and liverworts) growing in springs in a gradient of water conductivity, nitrate concentration and climate and distributed across the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula to investigate the impact of nitrate pollution on the diversity of bryophytes and moss functional traits in Mediterranean springs. Based on previous literature suggesting that increased nitrogen load decreases biodiversity in grasslands and freshwater ecosystems, we hypothesised that water nitrate pollution in springs decreases bryophyte diversity at the local and regional scales. Our results indicated that, at the local scale (spring), nitrate pollution reduced the number and the likelihood of finding a rare species in springs. Rare species were found in 4% of the springs with nitrate above 50 mg but in 32% of the springs with nitrate below 50 mg L-1. Moss, liv- erwort and overall bryophyte diversity were not directly affected by nitrate at the local scale but nitrate consistently decreased diversity of mosses, liverworts and rare bryophyte species at the regional scale. We also found that warmer and drier springs presented fewer bryophyte species. Our results show that the combination of nitrate pollution, increasing temperature and drought could severely threaten bryophyte diversity Mediterranean springs. Our results indicate that the absence of rare bryophytes could be used as a bioindicator of nitrate pollution in springs. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Martinez, Marcos Fernandez/I-7240-2012; Corbera, Jordi/AAI-3207-2020; Preece, Catherine/A-9712-2018; Domene, Xavier/L-5611-2014 OI Martinez, Marcos Fernandez/0000-0002-5661-3610; Corbera, Jordi/0000-0003-3583-3929; Preece, Catherine/0000-0001-6584-3541; Sayol, Ferran/0000-0003-3540-7487; Domene, Xavier/0000-0002-2951-1491 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135823 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135823 UT WOS:000508129700074 PM 31972951 ER PT J AU Hamel, P Bremer, LL Ponette-Gonzalez, AG Acosta, E Fisher, JRB Steele, B Cavassani, AT Klemz, C Blainski, E Brauman, KA AF Hamel, Perrine Bremer, Leah L. Ponette-Gonzalez, Alexandra G. Acosta, Eileen Fisher, Jonathan R. B. Steele, Bethel Cavassani, Andre Targa Klemz, Claudio Blainski, Everton Brauman, Kate A. TI The value of hydrologic information for watershed management programs: The case of Camboriu, Brazil SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Investments in watershed services programs hold the promise to protect and restore ecosystems and water resources. The design and implementation of such programs is often accompanied by hydrologic modeling and monitoring, although the role of hydrologic information in meeting the needs of program managers remains undear. In the Camboriit watershed, Brazil, we explored the value of hydrologic modeling and monitoring with respect to two dimensions: scientific credibility and use of generated knowledge in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the watershed management program. We used a combination of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and hydrologic modeling under various levels of data availability to examine when improved models and data availability might build credibility and provide more useful information for decision makers. We found that hydrologic information was not actually used for the detailed design, but rather contributed to broad-scale support of the program by increasing scientific credibility. Model sophistication and data availability improved the credibility of hydrologic information but did not affect actual decisions related to program design. Hydrologic monitoring data were critical for model calibration, and high-resolution land use and land cover data, obtained via remote sensing, affected some model outputs which were not used to design the program. Our study suggests that identifying how hydrologic data will inform decision making should guide the level of effort used in hydrologic modeling and monitoring. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. OI Steele, Bethel/0000-0003-4365-4103; Hamel, Perrine/0000-0002-3083-8205 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135871 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135871 UT WOS:000508129700106 PM 31836212 ER PT J AU Hansen, S Messer, T Mittelstet, A Berry, ED Bartelt-Hunt, S Abimbola, O AF Hansen, Samuel Messer, Tiffany Mittelstet, Aaron Berry, Elaine D. Bartelt-Hunt, Shannon Abimbola, Olufemi TI Escherichia coli concentrations in waters of a reservoir system impacted by cattle and migratory waterfowl SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Recent pathogenic Escherichia coli contamination of fresh vegetables that originated from irrigation water has increased awareness and importance of identifying sources of E. coli entering agroecosystems. However, inadequate methods for accurately predicting E. coli occurrence and sources in waterways continue to limit the identification of appropriate and effective prevention and treatment practices. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to: (1) Determine the concentration of E. coli during storm events in a hydrologic controlled stream situated in a livestock research operation that is located in the Central Flyway for avian migration in the United States. Great Plains; and (2) Identify trends between E. coli concentrations, grazing rotations, and avian migration patterns. The study sampled five rainfall events ( three summer and two fall) to measure E. coli concentrations throughout storm events. A combination of cattle density and waterfowl migration patterns were found to significantly impact E. coli concentrations in the stream. Cattle density had a significant impact during the summer season (p < .0001). while waterfowl density had a significant impact on E coli concentrations during the fall (p = .0422). The downstream reservoir had exceedance probabilities above the Environmental Protection Agency freshwater criteria > 85% of the growing season following rainfall events. Based on these findings, implementation of best management practices for reducing E. coli concentrations during the growing season and testing of irrigation water prior to application are recommended. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Abimbola, Olufemi/AAH-9114-2020 OI Abimbola, Olufemi/0000-0002-6700-6015; Messer, Tiffany/0000-0001-7772-9842 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135607 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135607 UT WOS:000508129700020 PM 31862534 ER PT J AU Ibanez, J Martinez-Valderrama, J Contador, JFL Fernandez, MP AF Ibanez, Javier Martinez-Valderrama, Jaime Lavado Contador, Joaquin Francisco Pulido Fernandez, Manuel TI Exploring the economic, social and environmental prospects for commercial natural annual grasslands by performing a sensitivity analysis on a multidisciplinary integrated model SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB This paper presents an integrated modelling study aimed at exploring the possible effects of drivers of change in commercial natural annual grasslands. We consider drivers as factors that affect the rangeland but are not affected by it. Thus, the stocking rate is not treated as a driver, but as an endogenous factor ultimately determined by drivers. This approach, which call for integrated multidisciplinary studies, is rare in the rangeland literature. We try to alleviate this lack by presenting and utilizing a novel multidisciplinary integrated system-dynamics model (108 equations) which represents an area of privately owned extensive farms, its farmers (their numbers and decisions), herds or flocks, herbage production, soil erosion and the linked local markets. By means of a global sensitivity analysis of this model we evaluated the sensitivities of key endogenous factors to the same percentage variation in 70 factors, including economic and climate drivers. The analysis considered the behaviours of 288,000 variants of the modelled system, each under a different 300-year driver scenario. We found that the environmental component of the model was almost exclusively sensitive to biophysical factors, whereas the socio-economic component was almost exclusively sensitive to socio-economic factors, despite the model takes account of key feedbacks connecting both components. Our results suggest that cautiously-managed commercial natural grasslands could socially and economically cope with climate change, especially in a scenario of rising prices of animal products, and also that, even though stocking rates would increase due to an increase in the demand for livestock products, the main threat to the provision of ecosystem services in the studied system would be climate change. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Contador, J. Francisco Lavado/L-8265-2018; Martinez-Valderrama, Jaime/L-1891-2015 OI Contador, J. Francisco Lavado/0000-0001-5736-1753; Martinez-Valderrama, Jaime/0000-0001-5859-5674; IBANEZ PUERTA, FCO.JAVIER/0000-0002-2141-6473 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135860 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135860 UT WOS:000508129700099 PM 31972922 ER PT J AU Nowakiewicz, A Zieba, P Gnat, S Troscianczyk, A Osinska, M Lagowski, D Kosior-Korzecka, U Puzio, I AF Nowakiewicz, Aneta Zieba, Przemyslaw Gnat, Sebastian Troscianczyk, Aleksandra Osinska, Marcelina Lagowski, Dominik Kosior-Korzecka, Urszula Puzio, Iwona TI A significant number of multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecalis in wildlife animals; long-term consequences and new or known reservoirs of resistance? SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB As the last link in the food chain in a complex ecosystem covering at least three different environmental spheres, species of wildlife carnivorous mammals constitute a group accumulating potential pathogens and factors resulting from human activity, including the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the level and range of resistance in commensal E. faecalis isolated from wildlife carnivorous mammals and genetic relationships in terms of the source of these strains as well as resistance and virulence genes. Differentiation between strains was performed based on ADSRRS-fingerprinting method. The results showed that almost half of the tested animals (48%) were carriers of at least one multidrug resistant E. faecalis strain. Moreover, 44% of MDR-positive animals showed two or three strains differing in both the genotype and the resistance phenotype. A significant percentage of strains were resistant to high-level aminoglycosides (from 20% to even 575%). The resistance and virulence gene profiles showed a rich panel of genes closely related to isolates from nosocomial infection and from livestock animals. The presence of the same genotypes in different hosts reflects not only a possible transfer of genes between E. faecalis strains but also exchange of strains between animals. The obtained results reflect a very high level of contamination of animals that are not subjected to targeted antibiotic therapy, which may suggest the degree of pollution of the environment. and their environment can be a link closing the circulation cycle of genes and even epidemiologically important strains; therefore, there is a high risk that this pool will never run out and will be maintained at a high level. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Gnat, Sebastian/J-4340-2019; Nowakiewicz, Aneta/J-6308-2019 OI Gnat, Sebastian/0000-0001-9872-0046; Nowakiewicz, Aneta/0000-0003-3961-5291; Kosior-Korzecka, Urszula/0000-0002-9894-5103 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135830 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135830 UT WOS:000508129700080 PM 31818604 ER PT J AU Pascual-Rico, R Martin-Lopez, B Sanchez-Zapata, JA Morales-Reyes, Z AF Pascual-Rico, Roberto Martin-Lopez, Berta Sanchez-Zapata, Jose Antonio Morales-Reyes, Zebensui TI Scientific priorities and shepherds' perceptions of ungulate's contributions to people in rewilding landscapes SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Nature's contributions to people (NCP) are all the contributions of living nature, both beneficial and detrimental, to the societies' life's quality. Ungulates play this dual role of providers of beneficial and detrimental NCP, as they are responsible of the supply of benefits (e.g. extractive experiences, habitat maintenance) and detriments (e.g. crops damage, traffic collisions). Our aim was to analyze the NCP provided by wild ungulates through examining the scientific priorities and the shepherds' perceptions in peninsular Spain. We reviewed scientific articles of NCP provided by ungulates in Spain and conducted questionnaires regarding NCP to shepherds in farming systems where domestic and wild ungulates cohabit. Then, we compared whether the scientific priorities match with those perceived by shepherds. Both stakeholders highlight more detrimental than beneficial NCP, although there are some mismatches between scientific priorities and shepherds' perceptions. Regarding detrimental NCP, soil alteration, silvicultural damage, human safety or traffic collision were included in scientific literature but not mentioned by shepherds. Contrarywise, shepherds mainly considered grazing competence and damage to animals (i.e. game species and livestock) as important detrimental NCP. Concerning beneficial NCP, whilst hunting was prominent in the publications, shepherds did not conceived it as an important beneficial contribution and considered the regulation of organisms (i.e. scavenging alternative prey) important benefits. These results can have twofold implications. The emphasis on detrimental NCP (studied and perceived) can reinforce the idea that ungulates can threaten humans rather than contribute to societies' wellbeing. The fact that research does not address the interests of shepherds can affect the social tolerance towards ungulates as the damages experienced or perceived by shepherds are not studied. Our results show the relevance of considering local knowledge held by shepherds and their perceptions, something highlighted by the NCP approach. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Morales-Reyes, Zebensui/A-4134-2018 OI Morales-Reyes, Zebensui/0000-0002-4529-8651; Pascual-Rico, Roberto/0000-0002-7340-1230 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135876 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135876 UT WOS:000508129700108 PM 31837862 ER PT J AU Villamor, GB Kliskey, AD Griffith, DL de Haro-Marti, ME Martinez, AM Alfaro, M Alessa, L AF Villamor, Grace B. Kliskey, Andrew D. Griffith, David L. de Haro-Marti, Mario E. Martinez, Audrey M. Alfaro, Maribel Alessa, Lilian TI Landscape social-metabolism in food-energy-water systems: Agricultural transformation of the Upper Snake River Basin SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB This paper applies a social metabolism framework and energy flow analysis for evaluating agroecosystem and land use transitions in food-energy-water systems using the Upper Snake River Basin (USBR). Idaho, USA as a case-study. The study area is one of the primary agricultural regions of the State of Idaho. Dairy products are the primary agricultural outputs of the region; therefore, we modified a biomass accounting framework to explicitly incorporate the role of manure in the agroecosystem. Despite the increase of cropland between 2002 and 2012 in the basin, a decrease in energy input was observed for crop production. An increase in the industrial energy inputs for dairy production, on the other hand, showed that the basin is a clear example of a metabolic industrialized farm system - an example of land use intensification. We compare the energy return on investments (EROIs) as an indicator of agroecosystem transition for both crop and daily production during the period 2002 to 2012. Contrary to our expectations, the analysis suggests that livestock production is a relatively energy efficient process in land management in the basin. This is due to the reuse of nutrient by-products from livestock as well as the refuse and residues from crop farming. At the same time, the findings provide insights on the percentage of manure to be reinvested as compost that would improve energy production efficiency. However, the reuse of manure, as it is managed in the basin, may have a negative implication on the nutrient balance of the agroecosystem that needs further investigation. Nonetheless, there is market potential for the reuse and reinvestment of biomass to make energy production in the basin more efficient. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 25 PY 2020 VL 705 AR 135817 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135817 UT WOS:000508129700069 PM 31841925 ER PT J AU Cloeckaert, A Vergnaud, G Zygmunt, MS AF Cloeckaert, Axel Vergnaud, Gilles Zygmunt, Michel S. TI Omp2b Porin Alteration in the Course of Evolution of Brucella spp. SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB The genus Brucella comprises major pathogenic species causing disease in livestock and humans, e.g. B. melitensis. In the past few years, the genus has been significantly expanded by the discovery of phylogenetically more distant lineages comprising strains from diverse wildlife animal species, including amphibians and fish. The strains represent several potential new species, with B. inopinata as solely named representative. Being genetically more distant between each other, relative to the "classical" Brucella species, they present distinct atypical phenotypes and surface antigens. Among surface protein antigens, the Omp2a and Omp2b porins display the highest diversity in the classical Brucella species. The genes coding for these proteins are closely linked in the Brucella genome and oriented in opposite directions. They share between 85 and 100% sequence identity depending on the Brucella species, biovar, or genotype. Only the omp2b gene copy has been shown to be expressed and genetic variation is extensively generated by gene conversion between the two copies. In this study, we analyzed the omp2 loci of the non-classical Brucella spp. Starting from two distinct ancestral genes, represented by Australian rodent strains and B. inopinata, a stepwise nucleotide reduction was observed in the omp2b gene copy. It consisted of a first reduction affecting the region encoding the surface L5 loop of the porin, previously shown to be critical in sugar permeability, followed by a nucleotide reduction in the surface L8 loop-encoding region. It resulted in a final omp2b gene size shared between two distinct clades of non-classical Brucella spp. (African bullfrog isolates) and the group of classical Brucella species. Further evolution led to complete homogenization of both omp2 gene copies in some Brucella species such as B. vulpis or B. papionis. The stepwise omp2b deletions seemed to be generated through recombination with the respective omp2a gene copy, presenting a conserved size among Brucella spp., and may involve short direct DNA repeats. Successive Omp2b porin alteration correlated with increasing porin permeability in the course of evolution of Brucella spp. They possibly have adapted their porin to survive environmental conditions encountered and to reach their final status as intracellular pathogen. RI Vergnaud, Gilles/P-1304-2015 OI Vergnaud, Gilles/0000-0003-0913-194X SN 1664-302X PD FEB 24 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 284 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00284 UT WOS:000524622900001 PM 32153552 ER PT J AU Njenga, MK Ogolla, E Thumbi, SM Ngere, I Omulo, S Muturi, M Marwanga, D Bitek, A Bett, B Widdowson, MA Munyua, P Osoro, EM AF Njenga, M. Kariuki Ogolla, Eric Thumbi, Samuel Mwangi Ngere, Isaac Omulo, Sylvia Muturi, Mathew Marwanga, Doris Bitek, Austine Bett, Bernard Widdowson, Marc-Alain Munyua, Peninah Osoro, Eric Mogaka TI Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices of animal and human brucellosis between nomadic pastoralists and non-pastoralists in Kenya SO BMC PUBLIC HEALTH AB Background The seroprevalence of brucellosis among nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in arid lands is reported to be over10-fold higher than non-pastoralists farmers and their livestock in Kenya. Here, we compared the seroprevalence of nomadic pastoralists and mixed farming with their knowledge of the disease and high-risk practices associated with brucellosis infection. Methods Across-sectional study was conducted in two counties - Kiambu County where farmers primarily practice smallholder livestock production and crop farming, and Marsabit County where farmers practice nomadic pastoral livestock production. Stratified random sampling was applied, in which sublocations were initially selected based on predominant livestock production system, before selecting households using randomly generated geographical coordinates. In each household, up to three persons aged 5 years and above were randomly selected, consented, and tested for Brucella spp IgG antibodies. A structured questionnaire was administered to the household head and selected individuals on disease knowledge and risky practices among the pastoralists and mixed farmers compared. Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model was used to assess independent practices associated with human Brucella spp. IgG seropositivity. Results While the majority (74%) of pastoralist households had little to no formal education when compared to mixed (8%), over 70% of all households (pastoralists and mixed farmers) had heard of brucellosis and mentioned its clinical presentation in humans. However, fewer than 30% of all participants (pastoralists and mixed farmers) knew how brucellosis is transmitted between animals and humans or how its transmission can be prevented. Despite their comparable knowledge, significantly more seropositive pastoralists compared to mixed farmers engaged in risky practices including consuming unboiled milk (79.5% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001) and raw blood (28.3% vs 0.4%, p < 0.001), assisting in animal birth (43.0% vs 9.3%, p < 0.001), and handling raw hides (30.6% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001)., Conclusion Nomadic pastoralists are more likely to engage in risky practices that promote Brucella Infection, probably because of their occupation and culture, despite having significant knowledge of the disease. EI 1471-2458 PD FEB 24 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR 269 DI 10.1186/s12889-020-8362-0 UT WOS:000519933900002 PM 32093689 ER PT J AU Gupta, AK Kumar, A Rajput, A Kaur, K Dar, SA Thakur, A Megha, K Kumar, M AF Gupta, Amit Kumar Kumar, Archit Rajput, Akanksha Kaur, Karambir Dar, Showkat Ahmet Thakur, Anamika Megha, Kirti Kumar, Manoj TI NipahVR: a resource of multi-targeted putative therapeutics and epitopes for the Nipah virus SO DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION AB Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging and priority pathogen from the Paramyxoviridae family with a high fatality rate. It causes various diseases such as respiratory ailments and encephalitis and poses a great threat to humans and livestock. Despite various efforts, there is no approved antiviral treatment available. Therefore, to expedite and assist the research, we have developed an integrative resource NipahVR (http://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/manojk/nipahvr/) for the multi-targeted putative therapeutics and epitopes for NiV. It is structured into different sections, i.e. genomes, codon usage, phylogenomics, molecular diagnostic primers, therapeutics (siRNAs, sgRNAs, miRNAs) and vaccine epitopes (Bcell, CTL, MHC-I and -II binders). Most decisively, potentially efficient therapeutic regimens targeting different NiV proteins and genes were anticipated and projected. We hope this computational resource would be helpful in developing combating strategies against this deadly pathogen. Database URL: http://bioinfo.imtech.res.in/manojk/nipahvr/ OI Kumar, Archit/0000-0001-9045-7925 SN 1758-0463 PD FEB 24 PY 2020 AR baz159 DI 10.1093/database/baz159 UT WOS:000519579300001 PM 32090261 ER PT J AU Ijaz, M Goheer, MA AF Ijaz, Muhammad Goheer, Muhammad Arif TI Emission profile of Pakistan's agriculture: past trends and future projections SO ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AB Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a global concern after Paris Agreement (PA). Identification of GHG emission sources and accurate and precise estimation of the corresponding emissions is the first step to meet reduction targets under PA. Increasing share of agricultural emissions in the global concentration has raised concerns on this sector. Now, reducing agricultural emissions without compromising food security is a real challenge. The present study was aimed to provide the current emission profile of Pakistan's agriculture, historical emission trends and future projections under agricultural growth scenarios according to prescribed guidelines of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for national GHGs inventory development. In this study, GHG emissions were estimated using United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Non-Annex-I Inventory Software (NAIIS), version 1.3.2 as per prescribed Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines. In these emission estimations, tier-1 approach (which employs default emission factors) was used in accordance with national circumstances and data availability in the country. The emissions baseline was projected for 2030 under business as usual (BAU), food security (FS) and enhanced consumption pattern (ECP) scenarios. Agriculture sector emitted 174.6 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-equivalent) emissions, of which 89.8 Mt is methane (CH4) and 83.7 Mt is nitrous oxide (N2O). Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were found to be 1.07 Mt of CO2-equivalent. Emission from agricultural soils constituted 45.5% of the total agricultural emissions followed by 45.1% from enteric fermentation and 6.5% from livestock manure management. The rest of 1.7% of the emissions were from rice cultivation followed by 1.1% from burning of crop residue. Historical emission trends showed that the agricultural emissions grew from 71.6 to 174.6 Mt of CO2-equivalent from 1994 to 2015, a 143.8% increase over the period of 21 years. Emissions baseline projections were found to be 271.9, 314.3 and 362.9 Mt tons of CO2-equivalent under BAU, FS and ECP scenarios, respectively. SN 1387-585X EI 1573-2975 DI 10.1007/s10668-020-00645-w EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516419400002 ER PT J AU Zakeri, E Mousavi, SA Karimzadeh, H AF Zakeri, Emad Mousavi, Seyed Alireza Karimzadeh, Hamidreza TI Scenario-based modelling of soil conservation function by rangeland vegetation cover in northeastern Iran SO ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES AB Soil conservation is one of the most important regulative functions of natural ecosystems. Vegetation cover significantly contributes to soil conservation. This study aims at investigating changes in erosion and sedimentation and the annual economic value of soil conservation by vegetation cover in northeastern Iran, by application of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Sediment Delivery Distributed models (SEDD) and replacement cost method. The results demonstrated that the topography factor (LS-factor) was the most important factor contributing to soil erosion in the region. Also the mean soil erosion and the Specific Sediment Yield (SSY) were 14.84 and 2.82 ton ha(-1) yr(-1) in rangeland areas. More than half of the basin's area (62%) was characterised as negligible and slight soil erosion class (0-10 ton ha(-1) yr(-1)), and 18% as severe and very severe (25-100 ton ha(-1) yr(-1)). Soil conservation function by vegetation cover was equal to 356,893 m(3) yr(-1), with the economic value of US$ 55,335 yr(-1). According to the SEDD results, the amount of sediment trapped by the rangeland vegetation cover was 200,763 ton yr(-1), with annual economic value of US$ 5,347,500 yr(-1) By increasing vegetation cover, the annual soil erosion and sedimentation will extremely decrease and a larger part of the study area would experience slight to moderate erosion. Our findings showed that RUSLE/SEDD model provides a robust spatially-explicit platform to quantify the amount and distribution pattern of soil erosion and sedimentation to management and conservation practices, if the calibration and localization of the model are accomplished. SN 1866-6280 EI 1866-6299 PD FEB 24 PY 2020 VL 79 IS 5 DI 10.1007/s12665-020-8846-3 UT WOS:000517988100007 ER PT J AU Aguilar-Tipacamu, G Carvajal-Gamez, BI Garcia-Rejon, J Machain-Willians, C Mosqueda, J AF Aguilar-Tipacamu, Gabriela Carvajal-Gamez, Bertha I. Garcia-Rejon, Julian Machain-Willians, Carlos Mosqueda, Juan TI Immuno-molecular prospecting for vector-borne diseases in central Mexico SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Climatic changes have influenced the temporal and spatial distribution of diseases. In livestock-grazing areas, rodents are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens; therefore, they play an important role in the transmission of diseases affecting domestic animals and humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of the zoonotic agents: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii, as well as the presence of viral RNA from the Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families, in wild rodents from animal production units in central Mexico. The samples were obtained from wild rodents that had access and contact with animal production units. A total of 92 rodents were captured, and samples of blood, serum and organs, such as spleen, kidney, heart and liver, were obtained. The serum was used to detect antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia rickettsii by an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT); the blood was used for PCR analysis; and the organs were used to obtain RNA (cDNA) to perform RT-PCR. By IFAT, all samples were positive to A. phagocytophilum and E. canis, and negative to B. burgdorferi and R. rickettsii. The samples that were positive to IFAT were used to confirm the presence of pathogen by PCR analysis. The results from the PCR were as follows: 34 samples were positive to A. phagocytophilum, and 59 to E. canis. There was no amplification of genetic material from the Bunyaviridae, Flaviviridae and Togaviridae virus families from the organs that were sampled, which suggests that the samples obtained did not contain RNA specific to these families. This is the first immuno-molecular prospecting study on vector-borne diseases in central Mexico demonstrating the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in wild rodents living in cattle grazing areas. SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13504 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000518159600001 PM 32090486 ER PT J AU Li, C Cai, WT Liu, SL Zhou, CH Yin, HW Sun, DX Zhang, SL AF Li, Cong Cai, Wentao Liu, Shuli Zhou, Chenghao Yin, Hongwei Sun, Dongxiao Zhang, Shengli TI SERPINA1 gene identified in RNA-Seq showed strong association with milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cows SO PEERJ AB The detection of candidate genes and mutations associated with phenotypic traits is important for livestock animals. A previous RNA-Seq study revealed that SERPINA1 gene was a functional candidate that may affect milk protein concentration in dairy cows. To further confirm the genetic effect of SERPINA1 on milk protein traits, genetic polymorphisms were identified and genotype-phenotype associations were performed in a large Chinese Holstein cattle population. The entire coding region and the 5'-regulatory region (5'--UTR) of SERPINA1 was sequenced using pooled DNA of 17 unrelated sires. Association studies for five milk production traits were performed using a mixed model with a population encompassing 1,027 Chinese Holstein cows. A total of four SNPs were identified in SERPINA1, among which rs210222822 and rs41257068 presented in exons, rs207601878 presented in an intron, and rs208607693 was in the 50-UTR. Analyses of pairwise D' measures of linkage disequilibrium (LD) showed strong linkage among these four SNPs (D' = 0.99-1.00), and a 9 Kb haplotype block involving three main haplotypes with GTGT,CCCC and CCGT was inferred. An association study revealed that all four single SNPs and their haplotypes had significant genetic effects on milk protein percentage, milk protein yield and milk yield (P = 0.0458- < 0.0001). The phenotypic variance ratio for all 11 significant SNP-trait pairs ranged from 1.01% to 7.54%. The candidate gene of SERPINA1 revealed by our previous RNA-Seq study was confirmed to have pronounced effect on milk protein traits on a genome level. Two SNPs (rs208607693 and rs210222822) presented phenotypic variances of approximately 7% and may be used as key or potential markers to assist selection for new lines of cows with high protein concentration. OI Li, Cong/0000-0003-2588-4781 SN 2167-8359 PD FEB 24 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8460 DI 10.7717/peerj.8460 UT WOS:000515575000001 PM 32140298 ER PT J AU Eklund, A Johansson, M Flykt, A Andren, H Frank, J AF Eklund, Ann Johansson, Maria Flykt, Anders Andren, Henrik Frank, Jens TI Drivers of intervention use to protect domestic animals from large carnivore attacks SO HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE AB Large carnivores are prioritized in conservation, but their co-occurrence with humans and domestic animals can generate conflict. Interventions preventing carnivore attacks are central to carnivore conservation, but are only effective if implemented. This study investigates drivers of the intention to use interventions among animal owners in Sweden based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, extended with the emotion construct Worry. Additionally, the study includes an explorative analysis investigating the processes behind this worry based on the Appraisal Theory of Emotion. In a survey comprising 1,163 animal owners, the subjective norm is identified as an important driver in the regression model of intended intervention use. Adding Worry to the model increased the amount of explained variance. Worry, in turn was mainly explained by experienced vulnerability among animal owners. This study illustrates how emotion theory can extend TPB to enhance understanding of human behavior, important for future coexistence between humans and wildlife. SN 1087-1209 EI 1533-158X DI 10.1080/10871209.2020.1731633 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515695300001 ER PT J AU Sheil, ML Chambers, M Sharpe, B AF Sheil, M. L. Chambers, M. Sharpe, B. TI Topical wound anaesthesia: efficacy to mitigate piglet castration pain SO AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL AB Objective There is a critical need for safe and effective analgesic treatments to address pain resulting from surgical husbandry procedures in livestock. Piglet castration results in acute pain and stress to the animal; however, it is performed globally on millions of piglets annually, often without any analgesia what-so-ever. Tri-Solfen (R) (Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia) is a combination local anaesthetic and antiseptic formulation which, applied topically to wounds, has proven effective, and is registered for use to alleviate pain associated with castration (and other wounds) in lambs and calves in Australia and New Zealand. It is also reported to be effective to reduce pain in piglets following castration. Design This randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled study examined the safety and efficacy of the formulation, administered via an adapted wound instillation method, to control pain both during and following piglet castration. Method Piglets received Tri-Solfen or placebo, instilled to the wound immediately following skin incision. A 30 s wait period was then observed prior to completing castration. Pain mitigation was assessed by grading nociceptive resistance movements and piglet vocal response during castration, as well as by grading response to mechanical sensory stimulation of the wound (von Frey and needlestick) following castration. Results There was a significant reduction in nociceptive motor and vocal response during castration and in response to mechanical sensory wound stimulation up to and including 2 h following castration. There were no adverse events. Conclusion Administered via this method, Tri-Solfen is effective to mitigate acute peri-operative castration pain in piglets. OI Sheil, Meredith/0000-0002-6596-2265 SN 0005-0423 EI 1751-0813 DI 10.1111/avj.12930 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515325300001 PM 32096229 ER PT J AU Colley, TA Olsen, SI Birkved, M Hauschild, MZ AF Colley, Tracey A. Olsen, Stig, I Birkved, Morten Hauschild, Michael Z. TI Delta Life Cycle Assessment of Regenerative Agriculture in a Sheep Farming System SO INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT AB Regenerative agriculture is being used by a small number of innovative farmers in Australia and elsewhere, using a range of holistic methods that work with the land and climate, such as short duration time of controlled grazing with long rest periods for the paddock and higher proportions of aboveground biomass, to improve soil health and farm profitability. This paper uses a delta life cycle assessment, focusing only on the differences between regenerative and conventional production systems to assess the potential impact of regenerative agriculture on a full range of midpoint impact categories and end-point areas of protection for an extensive sheep system in Australia. We assess the potential improvement to the water, carbon, and biodiversity footprints of sheep production, and find that regenerative agriculture has the potential to improve environmental performance compared with current industrial agricultural practices. In particular, there seems to be considerable potential to offset a significant proportion of the on-farm climate change impacts through a combination of biosequestration in soils and aboveground biomass and using harvested biomass to offset fossil fuel use. The assessment highlights the need for additional data to confirm the findings and the potential contribution that regenerative agriculture can make to sustainability of ruminant livestock production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;00:1-9. (c) 2019 SETAC RI Olsen, Stig Irving/K-6423-2015; Hauschild, Michael Zwicky/L-6059-2015; Birkved, Morten/O-8585-2018 OI Olsen, Stig Irving/0000-0003-4599-7660; Hauschild, Michael Zwicky/0000-0002-8331-7390; Colley, Tracey/0000-0002-9285-2512; Birkved, Morten/0000-0001-6989-1647 SN 1551-3777 EI 1551-3793 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 16 IS 2 BP 282 EP 290 DI 10.1002/ieam.4238 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515177800001 PM 31850670 ER PT J AU Raab, C Riesch, F Tonn, B Barrett, B Meissner, M Balkenhol, N Isselstein, J AF Raab, Christoph Riesch, Friederike Tonn, Bettina Barrett, Brian Meissner, Marcus Balkenhol, Niko Isselstein, Johannes TI Target-oriented habitat and wildlife management: estimating forage quantity and quality of semi-natural grasslands with Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data SO REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION AB Semi-natural grasslands represent ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their conservation depends on the removal of biomass, for example, through grazing by livestock or wildlife. For this, spatially explicit information about grassland forage quantity and quality is a prerequisite for efficient management. The recent advancements of the Sentinel satellite mission offer new possibilities to support the conservation of semi-natural grasslands. In this study, the combined use of radar (Sentinel-1) and multispectral (Sentinel-2) data to predict forage quantity and quality indicators of semi-natural grassland in Germany was investigated. Field data for organic acid detergent fibre concentration (oADF), crude protein concentration (CP), compressed sward height (CSH) and standing biomass dry weight (DM) collected between 2015 and 2017 were related to remote sensing data using the random forest regression algorithm. In total, 102 optical- and radar-based predictor variables were used to derive an optimized dataset, maximizing the predictive power of the respective model. High R-2 values were obtained for the grassland quality indicators oADF (R-2 = 0.79, RMSE = 2.29%) and CP (R-2 = 0.72, RMSE = 1.70%) using 15 and 8 predictor variables respectively. Lower R-2 values were achieved for the quantity indicators CSH (R-2 = 0.60, RMSE = 2.77 cm) and DM (R-2 = 0.45, RMSE = 90.84 g/m(2)). A permutation-based variable importance measure indicated a strong contribution of simple ratio-based optical indices to the model performance. In particular, the ratios between the narrow near-infrared and red-edge region were among the most important variables. The model performance for oADF, CP and CSH was only marginally increased by adding Sentinel-1 data. For DM, no positive effect on the model performance was observed by combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data. Thus, optical Sentinel-2 data might be sufficient to accurately predict forage quality, and to some extent also quantity indicators of semi-natural grassland. RI Tonn, Bettina/AAH-5302-2019 OI Barrett, Brian/0000-0002-4380-4020; Raab, Christoph/0000-0002-3044-6826; Tonn, Bettina/0000-0003-1086-1990 EI 2056-3485 DI 10.1002/rse2.149 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515186100001 ER PT J AU Martin, SJ AF Martin, Sarah J. TI The political economy of distillers' grains and the frictions of consumption SO ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AB Global political economists have highlighted how states and corporations enact environmentally destructive practices and create commodities that legitimate those same activities. Linking macroeconomic systems to situated micropractices, how a by-product of US ethanol production, distillers' grains, has been transformed into a global animal feed commodity is explored in this study. The effect of this transformation is to legitimate both biofuel production and intensive livestock operations, while delegitimating the resistant 'food vs. fuel' argument proposed by critics of biofuel production. Yet the process of creating an animal feed commodity from industrial waste is also problematic, characterized by the creation of multiple 'frictions of consumption', concerning the product's storability, flowability and digestibility. Bioscience experts work to overcome these frictions; yet these frictions may also offer opportunities for those seeking to resist these environmentally destructive industries. OI Martin, Sarah J./0000-0002-9954-4213 SN 0964-4016 EI 1743-8934 PD FEB 23 PY 2020 VL 29 IS 2 BP 297 EP 316 DI 10.1080/09644016.2019.1565461 UT WOS:000515530800006 ER PT J AU Greenleaf, M AF Greenleaf, Maron TI The value of the untenured forest: land rights, green labor, and forest carbon in the Brazilian Amazon SO JOURNAL OF PEASANT STUDIES AB Tropical forests are newly valuable because of the carbon they sequester. Yet it is not clear who will benefit as a result. This article examines forest carbon's new value in Acre, Brazil. It argues that a state program (the System of Incentives for Environmental Services - SISA) shifts forest carbon's value from land to certain forms of labor. This approach allows the government to allocate it to poorer people without access to formal land tenure, a form of environmentally-premised redistribution. It also increases governmental power, favors intensive land use, and threatens to unmoor forest carbon from struggles for rights. SN 0306-6150 EI 1743-9361 PD FEB 23 PY 2020 VL 47 IS 2 BP 286 EP 305 DI 10.1080/03066150.2019.1579197 UT WOS:000511230400003 ER PT J AU Dominguez-Hernandez, ME Zepeda-Bautista, R Dominguez-Hernandez, E Valderrama-Bravo, MD Hern?ndez-Sim?n, LM AF Elena Dominguez-Hernandez, Martha Zepeda-Bautista, Rosalba Dominguez-Hernandez, Elisa del Carmen Valderrama-Bravo, Maria Manuel Hernandez-Simon, Luis TI Effect of lime water - manure organic fertilizers on the productivity, energy efficiency and profitability of rainfed maize production SO ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE AB Agro-industrial activities such as livestock production and maize processing generate large amounts of waste that can pollute the environment if not treated. To reduce the environmental impact of such wastes, the use of nejayote and ovine manure as fertilizers in maize production was evaluated in terms of yield (GY), energy efficiency (EE) and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR), during 2015 and 2016. A factorial experiment was designed combining nejayote (0, 75 and 150 m(3) ha(-1)) with manure (0, 25 and 50 Mg ha(-1)), those treatments were compared with a chemical fertilizer treatment (120N-60P-30K); treatments were done in three replicates. Nejayote-manure fertilizers were characterized physical and chemically. Inputs and outputs used/obtained during the production cycle were registered in terms of their energy equivalents and economic value. At the end of each cycle GY, EE and BCR were calculated. Results showed that nejayote-manure mixtures were 19% more energy efficient and produced a yield 12% greater than chemical fertilization (P = 0.001), thus generating a BCR of 6.3 (P = 0.023). Organic fertilizers were useful as waste treatments and produced greater benefits than chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the water recovered from nejayote was enough to provide a 7.5 or 15 mm of gross irrigation during the crop cycle. OI Dominguez-Hernandez, Elisa/0000-0002-7879-1944; Dominguez-Hernandez, Martha Elena/0000-0001-7924-5171 SN 0365-0340 EI 1476-3567 PD FEB 23 PY 2020 VL 66 IS 3 BP 370 EP 385 DI 10.1080/03650340.2019.1616287 UT WOS:000508862400007 ER PT J AU Hanley, J Garcia-Ara, A Wapenaar, W AF Hanley, James Garcia-Ara, Amelia Wapenaar, Wendela TI Cattle and sheep farmers' opinions on the provision and use of abattoir rejection data in the United Kingdom SO VETERINARY RECORD AB Background Communication between farmers and veterinary surgeons is reported to differ when involving abattoir rejection data on cattle or sheep. Methods Using surveys, distributed online and on paper at livestock markets, this study describes the interest and positive opinion of a sample of UK cattle and sheep farmers in receiving abattoir data. Results Forty-nine per cent of respondents always received abattoir data (n=37/76). Over 80 per cent of respondents were interested in all suggested rejection conditions and particularly liver fluke and respiratory conditions. Eighty-two per cent of farmers were willing to share data with their veterinary surgeon as the information could be used to inform health plans. Conclusion The study findings indicate that having an accurate and consistent data system, which is easily accessible to farmers and veterinary surgeons, appears an essential next step to improve the use of existing abattoir data and enhance animal health, welfare and production. SN 0042-4900 EI 2042-7670 PD FEB 22 PY 2020 VL 186 IS 7 DI 10.1136/vetrec-2018-105162 UT WOS:000517988600020 ER PT J AU Le Velly, R Moraine, M AF Le Velly, Ronan Moraine, Marc TI Agencing an innovative territorial trade scheme between crop and livestock farming: the contributions of the sociology of market agencements to alternative agri-food network analysis SO AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES AB The aim of this article is to show the relevance of the sociology of market agencements (an offshoot of actor-network theory) for studying the creation of alternative agri-food networks. The authors start with their finding that most research into alternative agri-food networks takes a strictly informative, cursory look at the conditions under which these networks are gradually created. They then explain how the sociology of market agencements analyzes the construction of innovative markets and how it can be used in agri-food studies. The relevance of this theoretical frame is shown based on an experiment aimed at creating a local trade scheme between manure from livestock farms and alfalfa grown by grain farmers. By using the concepts of the sociology of market agencements, the authors reveal the operations that are required to create an alternative agri-food network and underscore the difficulties that attend each one of these operations. This enables them to see the phenomena of lock-ins and sociotechnical transition in a new light. OI Le Velly, Ronan/0000-0002-7334-3157 SN 0889-048X EI 1572-8366 DI 10.1007/s10460-020-10026-8 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516339000001 ER PT J AU Sarli, M Novoa, MB Mazzucco, MN Signorini, ML Echaide, IE de Echaide, ST Primo, ME AF Sarli, Macarena Novoa, Maria B. Mazzucco, Matilde N. Signorini, Marcelo L. Echaide, Ignacio E. de Echaide, Susana T. Primo, Maria E. TI A vaccine using Anaplasma marginale subdominant type IV secretion system recombinant proteins was not protective against a virulent challenge SO PLOS ONE AB Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne livestock pathogen with worldwide distribution. Bovine anaplasmosis is a significant threat to cattle industry. Anaplasmosis outbreaks in endemic areas are prevented via vaccination with live A. centrale produced in splenectomized calves. Since A. centrale live vaccine can carry other pathogens and cause disease in adult cattle, research efforts are directed to develop safe recombinant subunit vaccines. Previous work found that the subdominant proteins of A. marginale type IV secretion system (T4SS) and the subdominant elongation factor-Tu (Ef-Tu) were involved in the protective immunity against the experimental challenge in cattle immunized with the A. marginale outer membrane (OM). This study evaluated the immunogenicity and protection conferred by recombinant VirB9.1, VirB9.2, VirB10, VirB11, and Ef-Tu proteins cloned and expressed in E. coli. Twenty steers were randomly clustered into four groups (G) of five animals each. Cattle from G1 and G2 were immunized with a mixture of 50 mu g of each recombinant protein with Quil A (R) or Montanide (TM) adjuvants, respectively. Cattle from G3 and G4 (controls) were immunized with Quil A and Montanide adjuvants, respectively. Cattle received four immunizations at three-week intervals and were challenged with 107 A. marginale-parasitized erythrocytes 42 days after the fourth immunization. After challenge, all cattle showed clinical signs, with a significant drop of packed cell volume and a significant increase of parasitized erythrocytes (p<0.05), requiring treatment with oxytetracycline to prevent death. The levels of IgG2 induced in the immunized groups did not correlate with the observed lack of protection. Additional strategies are required to evaluate the role of these proteins and their potential utility in the development of effective vaccines. OI Novoa, Maria Belen/0000-0001-6726-5239 SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0229301 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0229301 UT WOS:000535227900086 PM 32084216 ER PT J AU Wunder, S Duchelle, AE Sassi, CD Sills, EO Simonet, G Sunderlin, WD AF Wunder, Sven Duchelle, Amy E. de Sassi, Claudio Sills, Erin O. Simonet, Gabriela Sunderlin, William D. TI REDD+ in Theory and Practice: How Lessons From Local Projects Can Inform Jurisdictional Approaches SO FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE AB Local projects for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) were frequently designed as pilot actions to inform future upscaled initiatives. Drawing lessons from these project experiences may thus help improve the design of jurisdictional programs, which is the focus of REDD+ implementation in the Paris Agreement. Here we first scrutinize how REDD+ was historically conceptualized, the most prominent model being that of a multitier payments for environmental services (PES) scheme of "passing on" carbon mitigation responsibilities and credits across scales, from international buyers to forestland owners. Then we analyze two REDD+ project databases, ID-RECCO and GCS-REDD, using principal component and regression analysis. Among 226 conservation-oriented REDD+ projects, only 88 had planned conditional incentives to landowners-the key feature of PES. Intentions to apply PES rose after 2007, and correlate strongly with efforts to seek certification, including as a benefit-sharing strategy, and with carbon sales. Zooming closer into a portfolio of 23 local REDD+ projects that were actually implemented on the ground, we found project implementers reported conditional incentives as potentially being both the most promising and effective intervention. Likewise, treated households identified conditional incentives as comparatively effective in changing their land-use plans, while also providing above-average welfare returns. Still, these conditional incentives remained underutilized in implementation, with only one-third of the treatment intensity compared to non-conditional incentives. Project implementers cited insecure land tenure and uncertain REDD+ financial flows as key impediments to using conditional incentives. The original vision of a multitier PES model for REDD+ thus ran into both supply and demand side problems, jointly explaining the discrepancy between REDD+ theory and practice. Since jurisdictional approaches to REDD+ so far also receive only hesitant and slow climate financing flows, coming mostly in non-conditional form, and operate under forest-frontier governance with similar tenure restrictions, jurisdictions would seem well-advised to plan for conditional landowner incentives only in scenarios where the preconditions for PES are met. Implementers of jurisidictional approaches may also want to avoid conceptualizing their new model too narrowly and prescriptively, as was arguably the case with the conceptualization of REDD+ as a multitier PES scheme. OI Sills, Erin/0000-0001-8289-0489; Duchelle, Amy Eleanor/0000-0002-8810-1054 EI 2624-893X PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 3 AR UNSP 11 DI 10.3389/ffgc.2020.00011 UT WOS:000523497200001 ER PT J AU Zhu, HM Jia, XC Ren, ML Yang, LG Chen, JG Han, L Ding, Y Ding, MX AF Zhu, Hongmei Jia, Xuchen Ren, Mingli Yang, Liguo Chen, Jianguo Han, Li Ding, Yi Ding, Mingxing TI Mifepristone Treatment in Pregnant Murine Model Induced Mammary Gland Dysplasia and Postpartum Hypogalactia SO FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY AB Mammary gland dysplasia and postpartum hypogalactia often occur in humans and in the livestock breeding industry. However, their underlying mechanisms are not clear yet. Mifepristone, which has a high affinity for progesterone (P-4) and glucocorticoid receptors, was exploited here to induce the disorders of mammary gland development and lactation. Four strategies were devised for treating pregnant mice with mifepristone. In the first strategy, mice were administered 1.20 mg mifepristone/kg body weight (BW) on pregnancy day 4 (Pd4). In the second strategy, mifepristone was administered to mice twice, with 1.20 mg/kg BW on Pd4 and 0.40 mg/kg BW on Pd8. In the third strategy, mice were treated with a single dose of 0.40 mg mifepristone/kg BW on Pd8. In the fourth strategy, mice were administered 0.40 mg mifepristone/kg BW on Pd8 and 0.20 mg mifepristone/kg BW on Pd12. The results suggested that mifepristone administration at the dose of 1.20 mg/kg BW on Pd4 caused significant reduction in milk production on lactation day 1 (Ld1), Ld2, and Ld3, as assessed using a weigh-suckle-weigh assay. Mammary beta-casein expression, milk yields, litter growth rates, gland structure, and serum concentrations of 17-beta estrogen (E-2), P-4, prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), corticosterone (CORT) and oxytocin (OT) as well as the receptors of these hormones were determined during pregnancy or lactation after performing the first (Pd4) strategy. The results demonstrated that mifepristone administration during early pregnancy decreased beta-casein expression, milk yields and litter growth rates, induced fewer alveoli, enlarged alveolar lumina, and altered the levels of E-2, P-4, PRL, GH, CORT, and OT as well as the mRNA expression of these hormonal receptors during pregnancy or early lactation. The present study on pregnant mice treated with mifepristone offers an innovative murine model to study the mechanism underlying mammary gland dysplasia and postpartum hypogalactia. SN 2296-634X PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 102 DI 10.3389/fcell.2020.00102 UT WOS:000523493000001 PM 32154252 ER PT J AU Sun, LK Han, XM Li, JS Zhao, ZD Liu, YZ Xi, QM Guo, XY Gun, SB AF Sun, Likun Han, Xiangmin Li, Jianshu Zhao, Zhidong Liu, Yuzhen Xi, Qiming Guo, Xinyu Gun, Shuangbao TI Microbial Community and Its Association With Physicochemical Factors During Compost Bedding for Dairy Cows SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB Overproduction of livestock manure can cause significant environmental challenges. Compost bedding (CB) is considered an effective approach for recycling the agricultural byproducts and improving the welfare of dairy cattle. During the CB preparing, the composition of microbial communities is usually altered; however, the patterns and drivers of CB microbial communities remains to be investigated. The current study aimed to explore the dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities during the various padded stages, using high throughput sequencing technology and qPCR. The relationships across physicochemical parameters, microbial community composition, and abundance were also evaluated. Sequencing results revealed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes of bacteria, and Ascomycota of fungi as the major phyla found in CB. qPCR results showed a significant increase in the number of bacterial genome copies from 1.20 x 10(7) to 3.35 x 10(7) copies/gram of dry soil, while the number of fungal genome copies significantly increased from 8.43 x 10(4) to 7.02 x 10(6) copies/gram of dry soil. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that Actinobacteria was the primary indicator in raw materials while the phylum Bacteroidetes was in the other padded stages. Dothideomycetes was significantly enriched in the initial stage of fungi, whereas Sordariomycetes, including a pathogen Scedosporium prolificans, was the major indicator in CB after 9 days of padding. Mantel test showed that pH significantly influenced bacterial community composition while temperature and total organic carbon (TOC) had a significant effect on fungal community structure. Redundancy analysis indicated that TOC, temperature, and water content had a significant effect on bacterial abundance while total nitrogen, water content, and pH significantly affected fungal abundance. Our finding contributed to the understanding of microbial community succession in CB across different padded stages, and suggests CB management by changing the bedding material every 7 days. SN 1664-302X PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 254 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00254 UT WOS:000523642800001 PM 32153538 ER PT J AU Rocha, F Ulloa-Stanojlovic, FM Rabaquim, VCV Fadil, P Pompei, JC Brandao, PE Dias, RA AF Rocha, Felipe Ulloa-Stanojlovic, Francisco Miroslav Victor Rabaquim, Vanessa Cristina Fadil, Paulo Pompei, Julio Cesar Brandao, Paulo Eduardo Dias, Ricardo Augusto TI Relations between topography, feeding sites, and foraging behavior of the vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus SO JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY AB The vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) plays a crucial role in the maintenance and transmission of the rabies virus to humans and livestock, impacting public health and economic production. Its importance lies not only in its capacity to transmit the virus but also in its ability to adapt to anthropic changes, as expressed in its wide geographic distribution in Latin America. Deforestation, livestock intensification, and other human activities have reduced the abundance of its wild prey but have also provided new and abundant shelter and foraging resources for the vampire bats. We used radiotelemetry to evaluate relations between topography, feeding site choice, and foraging behavior in southeastern Brazil, where three occupied D. rotundus roosts, out of 11 possible, were systematically monitored throughout a 1-year period once every 2 months. Sixty-two vampire bats were captured; biometric data were collected and 44 radiotransmitters were installed in adult individuals, producing telemetry data that were recorded in VHF receptors installed in the farms. Elevation of the roosts was related to the farms attacked by the vampire bats. Understanding the use of the environment and resources by vampire bats is critical to improving rabies control aiming at the reduction of disease impacts. From the perspective of the official veterinary service, telemetry would be ineffective as a rabies surveillance system due to the costs and limitations of the available technology. However, livestock rabies control measures would be greatly improved if ecological characteristics of the vampire bat were considered. OI Dias, Ricardo Augusto/0000-0002-8241-7699 SN 0022-2372 EI 1545-1542 PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 101 IS 1 BP 164 EP 171 DI 10.1093/jmammal/gyz177 UT WOS:000518554900017 ER PT J AU Piaggio, AJ Shriner, SA Young, JK Griffin, DL Callahan, P Wostenberg, DJ Gese, EM Hopken, MW AF Piaggio, Antoinette J. Shriner, Susan A. Young, Julie K. Griffin, Doreen L. Callahan, Peggy Wostenberg, Darren J. Gese, Eric M. Hopken, Matthew W. TI DNA persistence in predator saliva from multiple species and methods for optimal recovery from depredated carcasses SO JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY AB Molecular forensics is an important component of wildlife research and management. Using DNA from noninvasive samples collected at predation sites, we can identify predator species and obtain individual genotypes, improving our understanding of predator-prey dynamics and impacts of predators on livestock and endangered species. To improve sample collection strategies, we tested two sample collection methods and estimated degradation rates of predator DNA on the carcasses of multiple prey species. We fed carcasses of calves (Bos taurus) and lambs (Ovis aires) to three captive predator species: wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (C. latrans), and mountain lions (Puma concolor). We swabbed the carcass in the field, as well as removed a piece of hide from the carcasses and then swabbed it in the laboratory. We swabbed all tissue samples through time and attempted to identify the predator involved in the depredation using salivary DNA. We found the most successful approach for yielding viable salivary DNA was removing hide from the prey and swabbing it in the laboratory. As expected, genotyping error increased through time and our ability to obtain complete genotypes decreased over time, the latter falling below 50% after 24 h. We provide guidelines for sampling salivary DNA from tissues of depredated carcasses for maximum probability of detection. SN 0022-2372 EI 1545-1542 PD FEB 21 PY 2020 VL 101 IS 1 BP 298 EP 306 DI 10.1093/jmammal/gyz156 UT WOS:000518554900031 ER PT J AU Ayele, L Degefa, T AF Ayele, Linger Degefa, Terefe TI Temporary rural-rural labor migration from Quarit District, Northwest Ethiopia: a search for the determinants SO AFRICAN GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW AB This article attempts to identify the determinants of migration based on a survey of 398 households, and binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses. The results show that households' migration decisions increase with the size of adult labor and access to migration networks, but decrease with an increase in the size of land and livestock, and access to irrigation water and financial transfers. However, the effects of the determinants vary among types of migrant households implying that migration is not a homogeneous activity and that migration studies need to consider the types of migration disaggregated analyses to better inform policy formulation. SN 1937-6812 EI 2163-2642 DI 10.1080/19376812.2020.1728561 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515364100001 ER PT J AU Jin, ET Cao, LP Xiang, SY Zhou, WG Ruan, RE Liu, YH AF Jin, Entao Cao, Leipeng Xiang, Shuyu Zhou, Wenguang Ruan, Roger Liu, Yuhuan TI Feasibility of using pretreated swine wastewater for production of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic Forsk.) in a hydroponic system SO AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT AB Based on sufficient pollutants in pretreated swine wastewater (PSW), this study aimed to explore feasibility of growing water spinach (WS) in a hydroponic system using PSW as a liquid fertilizers in a hydroponic system. The tolerance values of WS to Cu(II), Zn(II), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonium-N (NH4+-N) in culture solution were found to be 0.5, 2.0, 150, and 300 mg.L-1, respectively, in the hydroponic systems. The fresh stem-leaf production of WS in undiluted PSW increased by 38.9% compared to the control group (Formula B of leafy vegetable solution culture in South China Agricultural University), and the concentration of nutrients (chlorophyll alpha, chlorophyll b, beta-carotene, and sugar) of WS was also higher than the control group. The concentration of Pb(III), Hg(II), As(V), and Cr(II) in WS was all below the safety standard content for agriculture production in China. After 20 d hydroponic culture, the NH4+-N, TP, Cu(II), and Zn(II) concentration in PSW significantly decreased to 19.77 (<80), 3.32 (<8.0), 0.15(<2.0), and 0.54 (<5.0) mg.L-1, corresponding to removal rate of 87.91%, 92.38%, 64.29%, and 49.53%, respectively, which met the national discharge standard of livestock wastewater in China. SN 0378-3774 EI 1873-2283 PD FEB 20 PY 2020 VL 228 AR 105856 DI 10.1016/j.agwat.2019.105856 UT WOS:000525279000007 ER PT J AU Greenfield, HJ Lawson, KS AF Greenfield, Haskel J. Lawson, Kathryn Sahara TI Defining activity areas in the Early Neolithic (Starcevo-Cris) of southeastern Europe: A spatial analytic approach with ArcGIS at Foeni-Salas (southwest Romania) SO QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL AB Through the years, there has been a great deal of archaeological research focused on the earliest farming cultures of Europe (i.e. Early Neolithic). However, little effort has been expended to uncover the type and nature of daily activities performed within Early Neolithic pit house dwellings in the northern Balkans. In this paper, we conduct a spatial analysis of the Early Neolithic (Starcevo-Cris culture) pit house levels of the Foeni-Salas site in Romania to determine the kinds and locations of activities that occurred in these pit houses. Artefacts were piece-point plotted in the field to allow for their precise distributions to be identified within and between pit houses. Given the low frequencies of most artefact types, visual techniques are used to identify patterns. Such precise spatial data distribution yields a fuller understanding of how space was used at Foeni-Salas. The results show that different types of activity areas are present within each of the pit houses. Comparison of interior to exterior artefact distributions demonstrates that most activities take place within pit house. Some of the activities present include weaving, food preparation, butchering, hide processing, pottery making, ritual, and other activities related to the running of households, and that each pit house was probably occupied by a small family unit. OI Greenfield, Haskel/0000-0001-6703-932X SN 1040-6182 EI 1873-4553 PD FEB 20 PY 2020 VL 539 SI SI BP 4 EP 28 DI 10.1016/j.quaint.2018.09.042 UT WOS:000522974500002 ER PT J AU Bernaschini, ML Valladares, G Salvo, A AF Laura Bernaschini, Maria Valladares, Graciela Salvo, Adriana TI Edge effects on insect-plant food webs: assessing the influence of geographical orientation and microclimatic conditions SO ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY AB 1. Geographical orientation affects the magnitude of microclimatic edge effects, mainly by altering the exposure to solar radiation. There is considerable evidence available concerning the influence of microclimatic edge effects on organisms at the population level, although little is known about effects at the community level, and variations with edge geographical orientation have barely been addressed. The present study investigated the influence of microclimatic conditions at the forest interior and edges with different geographical orientation on plant-leafminer-parasitoid food webs in the fragmented Chaco Serrano forest located in Central Argentina. 2. Microclimatic variables were measured in three locations: interior, north, and south-facing edges of six forest fragments. In each location, plant resource availability was assessed and mined leaves were collected to investigate plant-leafminer-parasitoid communities by rearing leafminer and parasitoid adults. 3. The results obtained revealed changes in the specific composition of plant, leafminer and parasitoid communities among locations, although they failed to detect location influences on most variables linked to abundance (except for leafminers), richness or food web structure. Leafminer abundance was negatively related to temperature, whereas their richness was related, also negatively, to moisture. Instead, parasitoids were favoured by higher temperatures and light levels, stronger winds, and lower humidity. 4. The results of the present study indicate that the effects of microclimatic conditions may depend on the trophic level considered. Moreover, the findings suggest that possible trade-offs between direct and indirect effects (such as plant quality, floral resources, etc.) of microclimatic conditions could influence plant and insect responses to location. SN 0307-6946 EI 1365-2311 DI 10.1111/een.12854 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000514607600001 ER PT J AU Wang, T Ma, GX Ang, CS Korhonen, PK Stroehlein, AJ Young, ND Hofmann, A Chang, BCH Williamson, NA Gasser, RB AF Wang, Tao Ma, Guangxu Ang, Ching-Seng Korhonen, Pasi K. Stroehlein, Andreas J. Young, Neil D. Hofmann, Andreas Chang, Bill C. H. Williamson, Nicholas A. Gasser, Robin B. TI The developmental phosphoproteome of Haemonchus contortus SO JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS AB Protein phosphorylation plays essential roles in many cellular processes. Despite recent progress in the genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes, there is scant phosphoproteomic data to underpin molecular biological discovery. Here, using the phosphopeptide enrichment-based LC-MS/MS and data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitation, we characterised the first developmental phosphoproteome of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus - one of the most pathogenic parasites of ruminant livestock. Totally, 1804 phosphorylated proteins with 4406 phosphorylation sites (`phosphosites') from different developmental stages/sexes were identified. Bioinformatic analyses of quantified `phosphosites' exhibited distinctive stage- and sex-specific patterns during development, and identified a subset of phosphoproteins proposed to play crucial roles in processes such as spindle positioning, signal transduction and kinase activity. A sequence-based comparison of the phosphoproteome of H. contortus with those of two free-living nematode species (Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus) suggested a limited number of common protein phosphorylation events among these species. Our findings infer active roles for protein phosphorylation in the adaptation of a parasitic nematode to a constantly changing external environment. The phosphoproteomic data set for H. contortus provides a basis to better understand phosphorylation and associated biological processes (e.g., regulation of signal transduction), and might enable the discovery of novel anthelmintic targets. Significance: Here, we report the first phosphoproteome for a socioeconomically parasitic nematode (Haemonchus contortus). This phosphoproteome exhibits distinctive patterns during development, suggesting active roles of post-translational modification in the parasites adaptation to changing environments within and outside of the host animal. This work sheds a light on the developmental phosphorylation in a parasitic nematode, and could enable the discovery of novel interventions against major pathogens. RI ; Ang, Ching-Seng/O-9811-2016 OI Stroehlein, Andreas/0000-0001-9432-9816; Wang, Tao/0000-0003-1359-8913; Korhonen, Pasi/0000-0002-9957-4674; Young, Neil/0000-0001-8756-229X; Hofmann, Andreas/0000-0003-4408-5467; Ang, Ching-Seng/0000-0001-7861-6719 SN 1874-3919 EI 1876-7737 PD FEB 20 PY 2020 VL 213 AR 103615 DI 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103615 UT WOS:000510957000011 PM 31846766 ER PT J AU Freudenreich, B Schaltegger, S AF Freudenreich, Birte Schaltegger, Stefan TI Developing sufficiency-oriented offerings for clothing users: Business approaches to support consumption reduction SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB The clothing industry's negative social and ecological impacts have been discussed for decades, both in academia and in mainstream media. As solutions, the existing management and supply chain research literature has emphasized eco-efficiency in production, recycling, and the use of sustainable materials. However, against the backdrop of rising consumption levels, these approaches have not achieved an overall reduction in the undesired social and environmental impacts. The sufficiency approach addresses this issue and aims to reduce the total amount of clothing that is produced, used and discarded. This consumer perspective is discussed as a potentially very effective sustainability approach, but has been neglected in the management literature relating to the clothing sector. Although the sufficiency approach is often seen to contradict business goals, recent developments of service- and sharing-oriented businesses indicate that sufficiency may actually inspire the development of new business opportunities. To address this research gap, this conceptual paper builds on a generic sufficiency management concept and incorporates ideas from the clothing-specific 'slow fashion' literature. It proposes a framework for sufficiency-oriented business offerings and investigates related management approaches for companies aiming to reduce social and environmental problems in the clothing sector. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD FEB 20 PY 2020 VL 247 AR 119589 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119589 UT WOS:000505696700110 ER PT J AU Sun, M Guan, GQ Liu, ZJ Wang, JM Wang, DQ Wang, SF Ma, C Cheng, SZ Yin, H Luo, JX AF Sun, Ming Guan, Guiquan Liu, Zhijie Wang, Jinming Wang, Duoquan Wang, Shufang Ma, Chao Cheng, Shengzhong Yin, Hong Luo, Jianxun TI Molecular Survey and Genetic Diversity of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Cattle in Gansu Province, China SO ACTA PARASITOLOGICA AB Purpose Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. are tick-borne pathogens of livestock globally. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of these pathogens in cattle from 20 locations in 4 Counties of Wuwei City. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the spread of piroplasms, so as to provide the epidemiological information for control piroplasmosis in the region. Methods The authors provided the molecular data for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. and analyzed the obtained sequences of the 18S rRNA gene, Tams1 gene and MPSP gene by using the ClustalW program in MEGA version 6.06 software and BLASTn tool of NCBI GenBank database. Results The total infection rates were detected by nPCR with 1.8% for T. orientalis, 3% for T. sinensis, 0.6% for T. annulata, 1.8% for B. motasi and 0.6% for B. bigemina. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating T. sinensis from cattle by PCR in Wuwei City. In particular, ovine B. motasi has been for the first time detected in cattle in our study and its impact is worth discussing to figure out the potential reasons. SN 1230-2821 EI 1896-1851 PD JUN PY 2020 VL 65 IS 2 BP 422 EP 429 DI 10.2478/s11686-020-00179-1 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516272600001 PM 32077037 ER PT J AU Nave, J Knapp, CN McNeeley, S AF Nave, Julia Knapp, Corrine Noel McNeeley, Shannon TI Planning for change? Assessing the integration of climate change and land-based livelihoods in Colorado BLM planning documents SO REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AB Many western communities are surrounded by public lands that support land-based and local economies. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision-making affects the vulnerability of those land-based livelihoods, especially in the context of climate change. We analyzed Colorado BLM planning documents to evaluate how they are considering climate change, sensitive resources, impacts, and land-based livelihoods in their planning processes using both quantitative word counts and qualitative coding. Documents published in recent years (2011-2015) include more mentions of climate change than older documents (1985-1997). However, the review showed that while climate change is discussed within the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning documents, the final Resource Management Plans contain few mentions of climate change. Further, there is minimal consideration of how climate change may impact land-based livelihoods. These results prompt questions about the planning process, how climate change considerations are integrated into the final documents, and how that impacts on-the-ground management. The review suggests a need for increased consideration of climate change throughout the BLM's planning process so that landscapes can be managed with more attention and awareness to climate change and the associated impacts to resources and dependent communities. OI Nave, Julia/0000-0002-0570-1610 SN 1436-3798 EI 1436-378X PD FEB 19 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR UNSP 29 DI 10.1007/s10113-020-01590-0 UT WOS:000517205900002 ER PT J AU Moschetti, M Besnard, A Couturier, T Fonderflick, J AF Moschetti, Maily Besnard, Aurelien Couturier, Thibaut Fonderflick, Jocelyn TI Grazing intensity negatively affects the maintenance of Gentiana pneumonanthe and the survival of Phengaris alcon egg-laying SO JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION AB Phengaris alcon is an endangered butterfly that is subject to several conservation programs in Europe. Our study aims at evaluating how grazing pressure by domestic animals affects the maintenance of Gentiana pneumonanthe stems, larval plant host of Phengaris alcon and the survival of Phengaris alcon's eggs. We selected 304 stems of G. pneumonanthe (including 125 with P. alcon eggs) that were distributed over 4 ungrazed plots and 18 plots grazed by cattle or horses, for which we collected a grazing pressure index (Livestock Units days grazed ha(-1)). We monitored each stem over seven sampling sessions at 10 days intervals during the summer (from 02 July to 12 September 2018). We demonstrated that the G. pneumonanthe stems browsing probability was two times higher in the grazed plots than in the ungrazed plots. The number of eggs sharply decreased in the grazed plots, whereas it remained constant in the ungrazed plots during successive sampling sessions. Grazing, even at low intensity (10 LU days grazed ha(-1)), induced defoliation of G. pneumonanthe stems. The probability of the maintenance of G. pneumonanthe stems and the probability of survival of P. alcon eggs is close to zero above 20 LU days grazed ha(-1). In order to protect the P. alcon population, we recommend extensive and early grazing (before mid-July) before the growth of G. pneumonanthe stems, or late grazing (after early September) avoiding the development period of G. pneumonanthe, the oviposition period and the early caterpillar development of P. alcon. Alternatively, we suggest the establishment of temporary exclosures on high densities areas of G. pneumonanthe between mid-July to early September. SN 1366-638X EI 1572-9753 PD APR PY 2020 VL 24 IS 2 BP 343 EP 351 DI 10.1007/s10841-020-00220-8 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516243600001 ER PT J AU van der Hagen, HGJM Assendorp, D Calame, W van der Meulen, F Sykora, KV Schaminee, JHJ AF van der Hagen, Harrie G. J. M. Assendorp, Dan Calame, Wim van der Meulen, Frank Sykora, Karle V. Schaminee, Joop H. J. TI Is livestock grazing a key factor for changing vegetation patterns in lime rich coastal dunes in the Netherlands? SO JOURNAL OF COASTAL CONSERVATION AB In 1990, livestock grazing was introduced in Meijendel, a 1800 ha lime-rich coastal dune area, at a density of 0.06-0.07 LLU(.)ha(-1.)year(-1) (1:12-18 ha) to counteract encroachment of tall grasses and shrubland on dune grassland and increase the bare sand area. Monitoring was based on four digital orthophotos (1975-1990-2001-2009) with a high spatial resolution (pixel size 25 x 25 cm). The changes were tested using Generalized Estimating Equations. Habitat changes occurred, but contradicting our hypothesis, there was no significant impact from the grazing on bare sand, grassland or shrubland within 11 and 19 years post livestock introduction. (1) After several decennia of decreasing bare sand, there was a significant increase between 2001 and 2009, irrespective of livestock presence. (2) The changes in grasslands and shrublands are independent of the livestock, but dependent on distance to the coast. (3) Bare sand and shrub cover determine the space left for the dune grasslands. It appears other factors than livestock grazing must have induced the changes. Changes in climate conditions and nitrogen load might have stimulated bare sand. An interaction with the end of Marram planting in 1990 cannot be concluded from available data. The disease-led reduction of rabbit grazing from the mid-1950s led to an expansion of the dominant shrub Hippophae rhamnoides. However, Hippophae shrubland typically regresses to grasslands on its collapse after 25-40 years. Tree species like Crataegus, Betula and Quercus will gradually dominate the landscape for far longer. Active removal of these indigenous species is necessary to prevent future loss of dune grasslands. SN 1400-0350 EI 1874-7841 PD FEB 19 PY 2020 VL 24 IS 2 AR 15 DI 10.1007/s11852-020-00733-z UT WOS:000515001200001 ER PT J AU Belay, G Ketema, M Hasen, M AF Belay, Getachew Ketema, Mengistu Hasen, Musa TI Households' willingness to pay for soil conservation on communal lands: application of the contingent valuation method in north eastern Ethiopia SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT AB Currently, soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental problems in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was initiated with the objective of examining the determinants of households' willingness to pay (WTP) for soil conservation practice on communal lands and to estimate the aggregate welfare gain of the proposed conservation program in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the target respondents. A double bounded contingent valuation survey with an open-ended follow-up question was conducted on 245 randomly selected rural households. A Bivariate probit model was used. The results show that factors such as the size of total livestock holding, perception, credit, extension contact and farm size near to communal land have a positive and statistically significant effect on households' WTP, while dependency ratio, migration, and initial starting bid have a negative and significant effect. The aggregate benefit was estimated to be 2,262,386.83 labor days (135,743,209.8 Birr) per annum. RI Ahmed, Musa Hasen/AAM-1042-2020; Ahmed, Musa/K-1502-2016 OI Ahmed, Musa/0000-0002-8880-9933 SN 0964-0568 EI 1360-0559 DI 10.1080/09640568.2020.1717933 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000514880100001 ER PT J AU Liu, RF Gao, ZF Nayga, RM Shi, LJ Oxley, L Ma, HY AF Liu, Ruifeng Gao, Zhifeng Nayga, Rodolfo M. Shi, Lijia Oxley, Les Ma, Hengyun TI Can "green food" certification achieve both sustainable practices and economic benefits in a transitional economy? The case of kiwifruit growers in Henan Province, China SO AGRIBUSINESS AB The unique "green food" certification scheme in China, which is aimed to ensure environmental and product safety, has attracted increasing attention. In this study, using 398 household-level survey data from kiwifruit growers in Xixia county of Henan Province, China, alongside a propensity score matching method, we examined the impact of "green food" certification scheme on economic and environmental effects. Our results showed that: (a) the "green food" certification program did not have significant environmental effect of sustainable production practices because kiwifruit growers did not significantly increase farmyard manure, reduce pesticide and chemical material inputs, except for employed labor inputs; (b) the certification did have significantly economic effect because certified growers received higher sale prices and had reasonable and even higher economic benefits. These findings suggest that the "green food" certification program did not significantly reduce the chemical material inputs, but it helped kiwifruit growers receive higher economic benefits. The "green food" certification program has not achieved its two major goals for kiwifruit production in China [EconLit citations: O13, O44, Q01]. OI Ma, Hengyun/0000-0003-4405-3078 SN 0742-4477 EI 1520-6297 DI 10.1002/agr.21641 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000514468800001 ER PT J AU Ditlevsen, K Glerup, C Sandoe, P Lassen, J AF Ditlevsen, Kia Glerup, Cecilie Sandoe, Peter Lassen, Jesper TI Synthetic livestock vaccines as risky interference with nature? Lay and expert arguments and understandings of "naturalness" SO PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE AB The article describes how the idea of "naturalness" was used by three different groups in arguments over the risk of livestock vaccines developed in synthetic biology. Based on interviews with two groups of scientific experts and focus groups with lay people in five European countries, and using Toulmin's argument analysis as the analytical tool, the article maps and compares the different ways in which "naturalness" was used as a warrant. Several notions of "naturalness" are involved in lay people's reasoning and several lay people's understandings of risk relied on their perceptions of the "unnaturalness" of the synthetic vaccines. The notion of "naturalness" was used less by synthetic biology experts and not at all by vaccine experts. Lay people see the vaccine as less natural than other vaccines and therefore as a greater risk. In contrast, synthetic biology experts understand synthetic biology as natural, and relate naturalness, unpredictability and risk. RI Ditlevsen, Kia/D-3948-2015; Sandoe, Peter/E-8758-2015 OI Ditlevsen, Kia/0000-0002-0405-4431; Sandoe, Peter/0000-0003-0397-3273 SN 0963-6625 EI 1361-6609 PD APR PY 2020 VL 29 IS 3 BP 289 EP 305 AR 0963662520906083 DI 10.1177/0963662520906083 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000514521600001 PM 32072864 ER PT J AU Baloba, EB Seidu, B Bornaa, CS AF Baloba, Elijah B. Seidu, Baba Bornaa, Christopher Saaha TI Mathematical Analysis of the Effects of Controls on the Transmission Dynamics of Anthrax in Both Animal and Human Populations SO COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE AB A nonlinear differential equation model is proposed to study the impact of vaccination on the transmission dynamics of anthrax in both livestock and human populations. The model is shown to exhibit only two equilibria, namely, the disease-free and the endemic equilibrium points, which are proven to be locally stable if the basic reproduction number (Script capital R0) is less than unity and greater than unity, respectively. Local sensitivity analysis shows that the infection rate, pathogen-shedding rate, and rate of vaccination of livestock are parameters with the most positive impact on disease spread, whereas the rate of disinfection followed by the rate of vaccination are the parameters with the most negative impact on disease spread. Numerical simulation shows that implementing all control measures (i.e., vaccination, education, disinfection, and treatment) is a most effective strategy to curb disease spread. OI Seidu, Baba/0000-0001-5652-2690 SN 1748-670X EI 1748-6718 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 2020 AR 1581358 DI 10.1155/2020/1581358 UT WOS:000518592300001 ER PT J AU Vizcaino-Monroy, LJ Lefebvre, K Urquijo-Torres, PS AF Vizcaino-Monroy, Liliana J. Lefebvre, Karine Urquijo-Torres, Pedro S. TI Territory and territorial transformation: the rural properties of the Davalos-Bracamontes family in the Compostela region (Seventeenth Century) SO GEOJOURNAL AB This investigation seeks to analyse the territorial transformations, land uses, and land tenures in the region of Compostela, Nueva Galicia during the seventeenth century, using land grants for sites of cattle and sheep husbandry and farmland granted as the rural properties to the Davalos-Bracamontes family, who in 1690 obtained the title of the Counts of Miravalle. The novohispanas haciendas served as territorial control mechanisms of the use and incorporation of new forms of exploitation of the area's natural resources. The methodology is based on the analysis of the archival data, historical cartography, supplemented by information collected in fieldwork and use of historical modality of geographic information systems. The haciendas of La Lagunilla, Miravalle and San Jose were located and together represented 33,736.60 ha of land for livestock and agriculture. The territorial extension was possible due to the disappearance of villages, parse indigenous populations in the surroundings and commitments made by the Spanish Crown to the Davalos-Bracamontes family. OI Vizcaino-Monroy, Liliana J./0000-0002-0748-1973; Urquijo, Pedro/0000-0001-9626-0322 SN 0343-2521 EI 1572-9893 DI 10.1007/s10708-020-10164-w EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516247800001 ER PT J AU Makala, R Majigo, MV Bwire, GM Kibwana, U Mirambo, MM Joachim, A AF Makala, Robert Majigo, Mtebe V. Bwire, George M. Kibwana, Upendo Mirambo, Mariam M. Joachim, Agricola TI Seroprevalence of Brucella infection and associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care around human, wildlife and livestock interface in Ngorongoro ecosystem, Northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study SO BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES AB BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, animal products or consumption of infected dairy products. Brucella infection during pregnancy is of special interest due to association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study determined the seroprevalence and factors associated with Brucella infection among pregnant women around the human-wildlife-livestock interface area in Ngorongoro ecosystem, Northern Tanzania.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2018 at six health facilities that provide antenatal services. Pregnant women receiving antenatal care were invited to participate. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics in addition to behavior and practices related to the occurrence of human brucellosis. The presence of serum immunoglobulin against Brucella was determined using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). The positive samples were further assayed for the presence of IgG and IgM using The enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay. Bivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables associated with Brucella seropositivity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors independently associations with Brucella seropositivity after adjustment for other explanatory variables.ResultsA total of 313 participants were enrolled in the study. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella infection was 10.9% (34/313) determined by Rose Bengal plate test. Of 34 positive individuals, 27(79.4%) and 8(23.5%) were positive in the ELISA specific for IgG and IgM Brucella antibodies respectively. Regular contact with manure (AOR 3.16, 95%CI 1.27-7.83) and preference for animal fresh milk (AOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.23-11.69), raw meat (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.14-5.81) and raw animal blood (AOR 2.71, 95% CI 1.15-6.35) increased the odds of being Brucella seropositive. Contact with the animal placenta were not associated with Brucella seropositivity after adjustment.ConclusionThis study has found that brucellosis is an important public health problem among pregnant women in areas with interactions of humans; livestock and wildlife. The risk of infection increased with the regular contact with manure and preference of raw foodstuffs like animal blood, meat, and milk. We emphasize the need for interventional strategies to reduce the risk of exposure. OI Majigo, Mtebe/0000-0003-3726-2816 EI 1471-2334 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 DI 10.1186/s12879-020-4873-7 UT WOS:000517981900005 PM 32070308 ER PT J AU de Vos, CJ Taylor, RA Simons, RRL Roberts, H Hulten, C de Koeijer, AA Lyytikainen, T Napp, S Boklund, A Petie, R Soren, K Swanenburg, M Comin, A Seppa-Lassila, L Cabral, M Snary, EL AF de Vos, Clazien J. Taylor, Rachel A. Simons, Robin R. L. Roberts, Helen Hulten, Cecilia de Koeijer, Aline A. Lyytikainen, Tapani Napp, Sebastian Boklund, Anette Petie, Ronald Soren, Kaisa Swanenburg, Manon Comin, Arianna Seppa-Lassila, Leena Cabral, Maria Snary, Emma L. TI Cross-Validation of Generic Risk Assessment Tools for Animal Disease Incursion Based on a Case Study for African Swine Fever SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB In recent years, several generic risk assessment (RA) tools have been developed that can be applied to assess the incursion risk of multiple infectious animal diseases allowing for a rapid response to a variety of newly emerging or re-emerging diseases. Although these tools were originally developed for different purposes, they can be used to answer similar or even identical risk questions. To explore the opportunities for cross-validation, seven generic RA tools were used to assess the incursion risk of African swine fever (ASF) to the Netherlands and Finland for the 2017 situation and for two hypothetical scenarios in which ASF cases were reported in wild boar and/or domestic pigs in Germany. The generic tools ranged from qualitative risk assessment tools to stochastic spatial risk models but were all parameterized using the same global databases for disease occurrence and trade in live animals and animal products. A comparison of absolute results was not possible, because output parameters represented different endpoints, varied from qualitative probability levels to quantitative numbers, and were expressed in different units. Therefore, relative risks across countries and scenarios were calculated for each tool, for the three pathways most in common (trade in live animals, trade in animal products, and wild boar movements) and compared. For the 2017 situation, all tools evaluated the risk to the Netherlands to be higher than Finland for the live animal trade pathway, the risk to Finland the same or higher as the Netherlands for the wild boar pathway, while the tools were inconclusive on the animal products pathway. All tools agreed that the hypothetical presence of ASF in Germany increased the risk to the Netherlands, but not to Finland. The ultimate aim of generic RA tools is to provide risk-based evidence to support risk managers in making informed decisions to mitigate the incursion risk of infectious animal diseases. The case study illustrated that conclusions on the ASF risk were similar across the generic RA tools, despite differences observed in calculated risks. Hence, it was concluded that the cross-validation contributed to the credibility of their results. OI Cabral, Maria/0000-0002-2876-1456 EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 56 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00056 UT WOS:000518693400001 PM 32133376 ER PT J AU Lopes, LB Pedreira, BC Eckstein, C dos Santos, LL Peruffo, RG AF Lopes, Luciano Bastos Pedreira, Bruno Carneiro Eckstein, Camila dos Santos, Livia Loiola Peruffo, Raiane Gosenheimer TI Gastrointestinal nematode egg counts and performance of beef cattle raised on open pastures and silvopastoral systems in Brazil SO AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AB Compared to conventional cattle ranching that can be characterized by low biodiversity level and grass monoculture adoption, integrated systems have great potential to improve not only animal welfare but also livestock performance. Among several strategies combining crops, livestock and forestry, silvopastoral systems must be highlighted due to the microclimatic conditions, mainly in tropical countries such as Brazil, where cattle are frequently submitted to unfavorable thermal conditions. However, according to previous studies, shading can potentially worsen parasitism in herds raised in these systems due to more favorable microenvironmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate daily weight gain in Nellore steers in open pasture and in silvopastoral system and its relationship with microclimatic conditions and faecal egg count. A negative correlation (- 0.42677) between nematode egg counts and daily weight gain was found in both systems. Besides, the mean egg counts were equal in the silvopastoral system and in the open pasture. Regarding the effect of seasons over the year, there was an environmental influence on the egg counts, with higher averages during the dry seasons. Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum were the genera identified in both systems. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the silvopastoral system was not able to influence the nematode egg counts and daily weight gain in Nellore steers raised in Mato Grosso. OI Lopes, Luciano/0000-0002-9433-521X SN 0167-4366 EI 1572-9680 DI 10.1007/s10457-020-00486-6 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000517400000001 ER PT J AU Lokamar, PN Kutwah, MA Atieli, H Gumo, S Ouma, C AF Lokamar, Peter N. Kutwah, Moses A. Atieli, Harrysone Gumo, Sussy Ouma, Collins TI Socio-economic impacts of brucellosis on livestock production and reproduction performance in Koibatek and Marigat regions, Baringo County, Kenya SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background Brucellosis in Africa is caused by Brucella species transmitted through contaminated or contacts with infected animals or their carcasses. The disease reduces livestock production and reproduction performance evident by frequent episodes of abortion, still births, swollen testes, weak calves/lambs and swollen joints. However, the socio-economic impacts of these brucellosis-associated symptoms on milk, fat, meat and blood production, infertility, sale value, dowry and costs of treatment has not been evaluated extensively in developing countries. In Baringo County, Kenya, there is a continuous movement of cattle as a result of trade and grazing, which predisposes many herds to brucellosis infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the socio-economic impacts of Brucella infection on production systems for sheep, goats, cattle and camels and explore the impact of brucellosis on livestock production and reproduction performance among livestock keeping communities in Baringo County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collection methods. Results Results demonstrated an impact on milk production in suspected brucellosis cases resulting from abortions (OR = 0.151, P < 0.0001) and swollen joints (OR = 2.881, P < 0.0001). In terms of infertility, abortion as a symptom of brucellosis (OR = 0.440, P = 0.002), still birth (OR = 0.628, P = 0.042), and weak calf or lamb (OR = 0.525, P = 0.005) had an impact on infertility. In terms of sale value, abortion (OR = 0.385, P = 0.008), weak calf/lamb (OR = 2.963, P = 0.013) had an impact on sale value. Other analyses demonstrated that for dowry, swollen testes (OR = 5.351, P = 0.032), weak calf and lambs (OR = 0.364, P = 0.019) had a likelihood of reduction of dowry value. Finally, in terms of cost of treatment, abortion (OR = 0.449, P = 0.001), still births (OR = 0.208, P = 0.015), swollen testes (OR = 0.78, P = 0.014), weak calf/lambs (OR = 0.178, P = 0.007) and swollen joints (OR = 0.217, P = 0.003) significantly increased the costs of treatments. There was no impact on fat and meat and blood production. Conclusion Even though there was a huge socio-economic impact on milk production, infertility, sale value, and dowry, it was the costs of treatment that was significantly impacted on all symptoms associated with brucellosis on this community. A 'One Health' approach in tackling the brucellosis menace as a holistic approach is recommended for both humans and their livestock. OI Ouma, Collins/0000-0001-8205-8887 EI 1746-6148 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 61 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-02283-w UT WOS:000517221600001 PM 32070337 ER PT J AU Deng, JB Li, JQ Ma, MP Zhao, PJ Ming, FP Lu, ZP Shi, JQ Fan, Q Liang, QY Jia, JH Li, JY Zhang, SX Zhang, LH AF Deng, Jinbo Li, Jiaoqing Ma, Miaopeng Zhao, Peijing Ming, Feiping Lu, Zhipeng Shi, Juqing Fan, Qin Liang, Qianyi Jia, Junhao Li, Jiayi Zhang, Shuxia Zhang, Linghua TI Co-expressing GroEL-GroES, Ssa1-Sis1 and Bip-PDI chaperones for enhanced intracellular production and partial-wall breaking improved stability of porcine growth hormone SO MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES AB Porcine growth hormone (pGH) is a class of peptide hormones secreted from the pituitary gland, which can significantly improve growth and feed utilization of pigs. However, it is unstable and volatile in vitro. It needs to be encapsulated in liposomes when feeding livestock, whose high cost greatly limits its application in pig industry. Therefore we attempted to express pGH as intracellular soluble protein in Pichia pastoris and feed these yeasts with partial wall-breaking for swine, which could release directly pGH in intestine tract in case of being degraded in intestinal tract with low cost. In order to improve the intracellular soluble expression of pGH protein in Pichia pastoris and stability in vitro, we optimized the pGH gene, and screened molecular chaperones from E. coli and Pichia pastoris respectively for co-expressing with pGH. In addition, we had also explored conditions of mechanical crushing and fermentation. The results showed that the expression of intracellular soluble pGH protein was significantly increased after gene optimized and co-expressed with Ssa1-Sis1 chaperone from Pichia pastoris. Meanwhile, the optimal conditions of partial wall-breaking and fermentation of Pichia pastoris were confirmed, the data showed that the intracellular expression of the optimized pGH protein co-expressed with Ssa1-Sis1 could reach 340 mg/L with optimal conditions of partial wall-breaking and fermentation. Animal experiments verified that the optimized pGH protein co-expression with Ssa1-Sis1 had the best promoting effects on the growth of piglets. Our study demonstrated that Ssa1-Sis1 could enhance the intracellular soluble expression of pGH protein in Pichia pastoris and that partial wall-breaking of yeast could prevent pGH from degradation in vitro, release targetedly in the intestine and play its biological function effectively. Our study could provide a new idea to cut the cost effectively, establishing a theoretical basis for the clinic application of unstable substances in vitro. EI 1475-2859 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 19 IS 1 AR 35 DI 10.1186/s12934-020-01304-5 UT WOS:000517325400001 PM 32070347 ER PT J AU Sumruayphol, S Siribat, P Dujardin, JP Dujardin, S Komalamisra, C Thaenkham, U AF Sumruayphol, Suchada Siribat, Praphaiphat Dujardin, Jean-Pierre Dujardin, Sebastien Komalamisra, Chalit Thaenkham, Urusa TI Fasciola gigantica, F. hepatica and Fasciola intermediate forms: geometric morphometrics and an artificial neural network to help morphological identification SO PEERJ AB Background. Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica cause fascioliasis in both humans and livestock. Some adult specimens of Fasciola sp. referred to as "intermediate forms" based on their genetic traits, are also frequently reported. Simple morphological criteria are unreliable for their specific identification. In previous studies, promising phenotypic identification scores were obtained using morphometrics based on linear measurements (distances, angles, curves) between anatomical features. Such an approach is commonly termed "traditional" morphometrics, as opposed to "modem" morphometrics, which is based on the coordinates of anatomical points. Methods. Here, we explored the possible improvements that modern methods of morphometrics, including landmark-based and outline-based approaches, could bring to solving the problem of the non-molecular identification of these parasites. F. gigantica and Fasciola intermediate forms suitable for morphometric characterization were selected from Thai strains following their molecular identification. Specimens of F. hepatica were obtained from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK). Using these three taxa, we tested the taxonomic signal embedded in traditional linear measurements versus the coordinates of anatomical points (landmark- and outline-based approaches). Various statistical techniques of validated reclassification were used, based on either the shortest Mahalanobis distance, the maximum likelihood, or the artificial neural network method. Results. Our results revealed that both traditional and modern morphometric approaches can help in the morphological identification of Fasciola sp. We showed that the accuracy of the traditional approach could be improved by selecting a subset of characters among the most contributive ones. The influence of size on discrimination by shape was much more important in traditional than in modern analyses. In our study, the modern approach provided different results according to the type of data: satisfactory when using pseudolandmarks (outlines), less satisfactory when using landmarks. The different reclassification methods provided approximately similar scores, with a special mention to the neural network, which allowed improvements in accuracy by combining data from both morphometric approaches. Conclusion. We conclude that morphometrics, whether traditional or modern, represent a valuable tool to assist in Fasciola species recognition. The general level of accuracy is comparable among the various methods, but their demands on skills and time differ. Based on the outline method, our study could provide the first description of the shape differences between species, highlighting the more globular contours of the intermediate forms. SN 2167-8359 PD FEB 18 PY 2020 VL 8 AR e8597 DI 10.7717/peerj.8597 UT WOS:000514173100012 PM 32117632 ER PT J AU Sengupta, A Binoy, VV Radhakrishna, S AF Sengupta, Asmita Binoy, V. V. Radhakrishna, Sindhu TI Human-Elephant Conflict in Kerala, India: a Rapid Appraisal Using Compensation Records SO HUMAN ECOLOGY AB Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major challenge for conservation biologists worldwide. To counter negative attitudes of people towards wildlife species, government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) frequently provide monetary compensation for losses due to crop damage or livestock depredation by wildlife. While much has been written about the challenges of using compensation schemes as a wildlife conservation tool, there has been little investigation into alternative potential benefits of compensation records. We suggest that compensation records can be used to obtain a summary overview of wildlife conflict instances that occur in a region and thereby provide an understanding of the distribution of HWC across a landscape. Further, these records provide insights on the economic prioritization given to each of the species involved in HWC and the kind of damage they cause. We tested this premise through a case study of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in districts of Kerala in southern India using state government-maintained compensation records. To this end, we constructed a conflict index and found Wayanad, Palakkad, and Kannur to be the districts most affected by HEC. An overall distribution map of HEC in any region is crucial to formulating mitigation policies for conflict management. Findings from our study, based on the compensation records, present a holistic view of conflict occurrences in Kerala and thus provide data that can be used to develop basic management strategies for HEC in the state. SN 0300-7839 EI 1572-9915 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 48 IS 1 BP 101 EP 109 DI 10.1007/s10745-020-00128-6 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516200500001 ER PT J AU Ibeto, CN Obiefuna, CJ Ugwu, KE AF Ibeto, C. N. Obiefuna, C. J. Ugwu, K. E. TI Environmental effects of concretes produced from partial replacement of cement and sand with coal ash SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AB Environmental effects of concretes produced from partial replacement of cement and sand with coal ash were investigated. Oxide composition of coal ash and cement was determined with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, while particle size and shape were determined using scanning electron microscope. Concrete mixtures were produced by replacing cement and sand with coal ash at 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Their workability, setting times and compressive strengths were obtained using iron cube mold, Vicat apparatus and compression testing machine, respectively. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and pH of curing water were analyzed. Pollution potential of the cement and concretes produced by partially replacing cement with coal ash was evaluated using CO2 emission simulation. Concretes in which sand was replaced with coal ash (CAS) had better slumps and compressive strengths than those in which cement was replaced with coal ash (CAC). Setting times increased as more coal ash was added but were lower for CAS. BOD analysis of curing water showed it was safe for livestock consumption and body contact during recreational use. CO2 emissions and concrete carbonation analysis showed blending of cement with coal ash reduced emissions which ranged from 0.22 to 0.33 kg but was 0.37 kg in conventional concrete. CAC-40:60 had the lowest emission of CO2 from cement. CO2 uptake after 50-year service life showed that CAC-30:70 had the highest absorption-to-emission ratio of 38.5%. Secondary application of coal ash in concrete production should be encouraged as concretes of similar strengths were obtained with reduction in environmental pollution. SN 1735-1472 EI 1735-2630 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 17 IS 5 BP 2967 EP 2976 DI 10.1007/s13762-020-02682-4 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516323400002 ER PT J AU Tessema, I Simane, B AF Tessema, Israel Simane, Belay TI Smallholder Farmers' perception and adaptation to climate variability and change in Fincha sub-basin of the Upper Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia SO GEOJOURNAL AB Climate variability and change make agricultural sector a risky venture for smallholders' farmers. This paper presents an assessment of smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate variability and change, associated impacts on agricultural sector and the adaptive responses given in Fincha'a sub-basin of the Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia. We interviewed 380 head of households selected through systematic random sampling from eight Kebeles, two each from highland, midland, wetland, and lowland agro-ecosystems. Furthermore, focus group discussion and key informant interviews also performed to supplement and substantiate the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics used to summarize quantitative data and chi(2) tests used to measure significance. The result revealed that increased temperature, frequency and severity of extreme weather events (drought and flood), and overall change in seasonality of rainfall over the last 20 years is a widely held perception. The associated impacts on agriculture include decline in length of growing period, the decreased and variability of water availability, increased crop damage by insects, pests, disease and weeds. In response, farmers practiced different adaptation measures like modification in crop and livestock production practices, and investment in land and water management activities at household and community level. The study also revealed the presence of multiple barriers that hindered the adoption of adaptation measures. To meet the impending challenges, situate by climate variability and change the adaptation measures implemented until now is not adequate. There is also extrication between farmers' perceptions of climate variability and change, and actual adaptation level. Despite significant number of farmers' perceived changes in temperature (about 93%) and rainfall (about 88%), the number of farmers adopted certain adaptation measures are below average. These necessitate the need for planned interventions to identify and support effective adaptation measures. OI Tessema, Israel/0000-0003-2061-4360 SN 0343-2521 EI 1572-9893 DI 10.1007/s10708-020-10159-7 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516262600001 ER PT J AU Piwowar, A AF Piwowar, Arkadiusz TI Attitudes and opinions of farmers in the context of environmental protection in rural areas in Poland SO ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT AB This paper presents results of questionnaire surveys regarding the state of the natural environment in rural areas. The research was conducted on a sample of 1101 agricultural holdings in Poland. According to the analyses, agricultural producers are aware of environmental threats posed by irrational agricultural economy. Most respondents indicated the responsibility of farmers and other residents of rural areas as a basic condition for broadly understood environmental safety in rural areas in Poland. In the opinion of respondents, systems and programs for funding the replacement of heating boilers, thermomodernization of buildings, etc., are also important. There were significant differences in farmers' declarations, taking into account the age and level of education of the respondents, as well as features of agricultural holdings (area and economic size of the agricultural holding). RI Piwowar, Arkadiusz/I-7282-2012 OI Piwowar, Arkadiusz/0000-0001-5676-9431 SN 0167-6369 EI 1573-2959 PD FEB 17 PY 2020 VL 192 IS 3 DI 10.1007/s10661-020-8133-5 UT WOS:000517206000001 PM 32065288 ER PT J AU Lenaiyasa, ML Bruyere, BL Salerno, J Pickering, T AF Lenaiyasa, Michael Lugard Bruyere, Brett L. Salerno, Jonathan Pickering, Tomas TI Pastoralists' use of income diversification as a strategy for adapting to social-ecological change in Samburu, Kenya SO REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AB Pastoralists in the Samburu region of Kenya, like many pastoralists around the world, have endured significant effects of social-ecological change. Improvements in infrastructure, access to education, roads, and cellular networks, combined with changing land tenure systems and impacts from more frequent extreme weather events place Samburu herders squarely in the middle of substantial change. In our study, we interviewed 100 pastoralists to determine how income sources changed over the past 20 years, following an extreme drought in 1998, as a measure of adapting to change. Questions about livestock holdings, income sources, and household demographics were used to conduct a cluster analysis and group comparisons that indicated Samburu pastoralists have chosen one of three primary paths in the past 20 years: increased herd size and retained pastoralism as a primary income source; reduced herd size but retained livestock herding as the primary income source, while adding other modest sources of income; and substantially reduced herd size and pursued non-herding options as a primary income source. Our results show a number of differences among Samburu pastoralists, and the extent to which paths were chosen primarily to alleviate adverse impacts from social-ecological change is unclear, as community members provided numerous explanations for changing herd size. SN 1436-3798 EI 1436-378X PD FEB 17 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR UNSP 21 DI 10.1007/s10113-020-01612-x UT WOS:000517129100003 ER PT J AU Wahab, MMS Akkareddy, S Shanthi, P Latha, P AF Wahab, Mustaq Mohammed S. Akkareddy, Srividhya Shanthi, P. Latha, P. TI Identification of differentially expressed genes under heat stress conditions in rice (Oryza sativa L.) SO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS AB Rice production in recent years is highly affected by rapidly increasing temperatures in the tropical and sub-tropical countries, which threatens the sustainable production in near future. Hence, understanding the heat tolerance mechanism and evolving tolerant varieties is an immense need in the staple crop rice. An experiment has been conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in rice under heat stress conditions by employing a diverse set of 32 rice genotypes that includes reported heat tolerant genotypes Nagina 22 (N22) and Dular. Screening of the genotypes at field conditions during Summer-2018 for reproductive stage heat tolerance (wherein the mean minimum (29.8 degrees C) and maximum (38.4 degrees C) temperatures surpassed optimum temperatures (25 degrees C night/30 degrees C day) required for rice flowering and grain filling stages) and lab conditions employing thermal induction response (TIR) technique to know the genotype's acquired thermal tolerance revealed that the genotype FR13A (indica landrace) showed highest overall performance for multitude of traits viz., 95.29% of spikelet fertility (SF-%) at field level and 100% seedling survival percentage (SSP) at sub-lethal temperatures under laboratory conditions. The relative performance (under TIR) across all the three traits viz., relative shoot length (RSL) (4.91), relative root length (RRL) (equal to the control) and relative seedling dry weight (RSDW) (6.94) over control is high when compared to the other genotypes under study. However, the highly susceptible genotype PUSA1121 performed with 43.59 of SF%, 73.33% SSP, - 43.59 of RSL, - 36.02 of RRL over control. Hence, these contrasting genotypes were used for molecular analysis for identification of differentially expressed genes by employing 29 heat related gene specific primers. Five genes viz., OsGSK1, TT1, HSP70-OsEnS-45, OsHSP74.8 and OsHSP70 have shown differential expression between the two genotypes. Hence, the genotype FR13A, an 'indica' genotype, can be utilized in heat tolerance breeding programmes as donor parent in addition to the reported 'aus' genotypes, N22 and Dular. To our knowledge this is the first indica genotype identified for heat tolerance. The HSP70s, TT1 and OsGSK1 that proved with differential expression might be used for identification of gene specific InDels and thereby to develop functional markers that help in the marker assisted introgression breeding to develop heat tolerant varieties that can sustain production under dramatically changing climatic conditions. SN 0301-4851 EI 1573-4978 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 47 IS 3 BP 1935 EP 1948 DI 10.1007/s11033-020-05291-z EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516175400003 PM 32067160 ER PT J AU Gupta, D Kashyap, G Ashutosh, M Punetha, M Ashutosh Para, I Jalmeria, N AF Gupta, Deepanshu Kashyap, Gayatri Ashutosh, Manju Punetha, Meeti Ashutosh Para, Irshad Jalmeria, Nitika TI Comparative ameliorative effect of vitamin C, electrolyte and jaggery on transportation stress at different flocking densities in hot humid and winter seasons on erythrocytes of goats SO BIOLOGICAL RHYTHM RESEARCH AB Comparative study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine x Beetle) at different flocking densities, supplemented with vitamin C in group I, vitamin C + electrolyte in group II and jaggery in group III, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot humid (HH) seasons. Goats of 10-12 months old were selected from Livestock Research Centre (LRC), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, India, consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high flocking density (hfd; 15) and low flocking density (lfd; 10), transported for 8 h with average speed of 25 km/h. All the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water during the transportation period. Blood samples were taken just before transportation, immediately after transportation, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 2 days post-transportation from all the three groups. The blood samples were further analysed for estimation of different haematological parameters (haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC)). Maximum values (P < 0.05) of Hb, PCV and RBC were observed just after unloading which then returned to normal values within 6-12 h post-transportation at lfd and hfd in both the seasons. Supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin C + electrolyte, and jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but vitamin C + electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats. SN 0929-1016 EI 1744-4179 PD FEB 17 PY 2020 VL 51 IS 2 BP 174 EP 183 DI 10.1080/09291016.2018.1525145 UT WOS:000515534100002 ER PT J AU Jones, KW Etchart, N Holland, M Naughton-Treves, L Arriagada, R AF Jones, Kelly W. Etchart, Nicolle Holland, Margaret Naughton-Treves, Lisa Arriagada, Rodrigo TI The impact of paying for forest conservation on perceived tenure security in Ecuador SO CONSERVATION LETTERS AB We study the impact of Ecuador's national forest conservation incentives program on reported land conflicts. Data come from a survey of >900 households located within 49 indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities holding communal conservation contracts. We use quasi-experimental methods to test for relationships between program participation and changes in land conflicts. Respondents reported that the program reduced land conflicts when households resided in communities with de facto communal tenure arrangements (vs. de facto semiprivate arrangements). We find no evidence that the conservation incentive program increased land conflicts. These results counter concerns that conservation payments undermine land tenure security; in some cases perceived tenure security is improved. OI Jones, Kelly/0000-0001-9664-7615 SN 1755-263X AR e12710 DI 10.1111/conl.12710 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513606900001 ER PT J AU Zhu, HJ Zheng, LM Wang, L Tang, FR Arisha, AH Zhou, HC Hua, JL AF Zhu, Haijing Zheng, Liming Wang, Long Tang, Furong Arisha, Ahmed H. Zhou, Hongchao Hua, Jinlian TI p53 inhibits the proliferation of male germline stem cells from dairy goat cultured on poly-L-lysine SO REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS AB Male germline stem cells (mGSCs) can transmit genetic materials to the next generation and dedifferentiate into pluripotent stem cells. However, in livestock, mGSC lines are difficult to establish, because of the factors that affect their isolation and culture. The extracellular matrix serves as a substrate for attachment and affects the fate of these stem cells. Poly-L-lysine (PL), an extracellular matrix of choice, inhibits and/or kills cancer cells, and promotes the attachment of stem cells in culture. However, how it affects the characteristics and potentials of these stem cells in culture needs to be elucidated. Here, we isolated, enriched and cultured dairy goat mGSCs on five types of extracellular matrices. To explore the best extracellular matrix to use for culturing them, the characteristics and proliferation ability of the cells were determined. Results showed that the cells shared several characteristics with previously reported mGSCs, including the poor effect of PL on their proliferative and colony-forming abilities. Further examination showed upregulation of p53 expression in these cells, which could be inhibiting their proliferation. When a p53 inhibitor was included in the culture medium, it was confirmed to be responsible for the inhibition of proliferation in mGSCs. Optimal concentration of the inhibitor in the culture of these cells was 5 mu M. Furthermore, addition of the p53 inhibitor increased the expression of the markers of self-renewal and cell cycle in goat mGSCs. In summary, suppressing p53 is beneficial for the proliferation of dairy goat mGSCs, cultured on PL. OI Hua, Jinlian/0000-0001-9788-8592 SN 0936-6768 EI 1439-0531 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 55 IS 3 BP 405 EP 417 DI 10.1111/rda.13645 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513813600001 PM 31985843 ER PT J AU de Oliveira, EF Carneiro, IO Ribas, JRL Fischer, C Marklewitz, M Junglen, S Netto, EM Franke, CR Drexler, JF AF de Oliveira Filho, Edmilson F. Carneiro, Ianei O. Ribas, Jorge R. L. Fischer, Carlo Marklewitz, Marco Junglen, Sandra Netto, Eduardo Martins Franke, Carlos Roberto Drexler, Jan Felix TI Identification of animal hosts of Fort Sherman virus, a New World zoonotic orthobunyavirus SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB An orthobunyavirus termed Fort Sherman virus (FSV) was isolated in 1985 from a febrile US soldier in Panama, yet potential animal reservoirs remained unknown. We investigated sera from 192 clinically healthy peri-domestic animals sampled in northeastern Brazil during 2014-2018 by broadly reactive RT-PCR for orthobunyavirus RNA, including 50 cattle, 57 sheep, 35 goats and 50 horses. One horse sampled in 2018 was positive (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.01-3.2) at 6.2 x 10(3) viral RNA copies/mL. Genomic comparisons following virus isolation in Vero cells and deep sequencing revealed high identity of translated amino acid sequences between the new orthobunyavirus and the Panamanian FSV prototype (genes: L, 98.8%; M, 83.5%; S, 100%), suggesting these viruses are conspecific. Database comparisons revealed even higher genomic identity between the Brazilian FSV and taxonomically unassigned Argentinian mosquito- and horse-derived viruses sampled in 1965, 1982 and 2013 with only 1.1% maximum translated amino acid distances across viral genes, suggesting the Argentinian viruses were also distinct FSV strains. The Panamanian FSV strain was an M gene reassortant relative to all Southern American FSV strains, clustering phylogenetically with Cache Valley virus (CVV). Mean dN/dS ratios among FSV genes ranged from 0.03 to 0.07, compatible with strong purifying selection. FSV-specific neutralizing antibodies occurred at relatively high end-point titres in the range of 1:300 in 22.0% of horses (11 out of 50 animals), 8.0% of cattle (4/50 animals), 7.0% of sheep (4/57 animals) and 2.9% of goats (1/35 animals). High specificity of serologic testing was suggested by significantly higher overall FSV-specific compared to CVV- and Bunyamwera virus-specific end-point titres (p = .009), corroborating a broad vertebrate host range within peri-domestic animals. Growth kinetics using mosquito-, midge- and sandfly-derived cell lines suggested Aedes mosquitos as potential vectors. Our findings highlight the occurrence of FSV across a geographic range exceeding 7,000 km, surprising genomic conservation across a time span exceeding 50 years, M gene-based reassortment events, and the existence of multiple animal hosts of FSV. RI Oliveira-Filho, Edmilson/A-6305-2012 OI Oliveira-Filho, Edmilson/0000-0002-3771-1565; Drexler, Jan Felix/0000-0002-3509-0232; Fischer, Carlo/0000-0001-9163-2406; Raimundo Lins Ribas, Jorge/0000-0001-6142-4059; Marklewitz, Marco/0000-0003-1828-8770 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13499 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513575100001 PM 32009301 ER PT J AU Wan, YN Huang, QQ Wang, Q Yu, Y Su, DC Qiao, YH Li, HF AF Wan, Yanan Huang, Qingqing Wang, Qi Yu, Yao Su, Dechun Qiao, Yuhui Li, Huafen TI Accumulation and bioavailability of heavy metals in an acid soil and their uptake by paddy rice under continuous application of chicken and swine manure SO JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AB Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils is a global concern, as it can cause the accumulation of heavy metals in food. In this study, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of the continuous application of chicken or swine manure on the Pb, Cd, Cr and As bioavailability, fractionation, and accumulation in soil and uptake by rice plants. Results showed that chicken or swine manure significantly reduced the Cd and Pb contents in rice grain by 7.8-79.3% and 7.2-59.4%, respectively, with increasing application rates and number of years; the exchangeable Cd and Pb fractions, and the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd and Pb in the soil were also decreased. Furthermore, the application of chicken or swine manure substantially increased the DTPA-extractable As and exchangeable As fractions in the soil but had limited effect on As accumulation in rice grain. No significant differences in the bioavailability in soil nor accumulation in the rice grain were found for Cr between the treatments. Therefore, livestock manure can be used as soil amendments to decrease Cd and Pb accumulation in rice grains, nevertheless, the potential risk of metal accumulation in soils caused by livestock manure application should be considered. SN 0304-3894 EI 1873-3336 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 384 AR 121293 DI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121293 UT WOS:000535561100075 PM 31606704 ER PT J AU Hameed, M Ahmadalipour, A Moradkhani, H AF Hameed, Maysoun Ahmadalipour, Ali Moradkhani, Hamid TI Drought and food security in the middle east: An analytical framework SO AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY AB Natural disasters may act as harmful causes of food insecurity in the Middle East. Frequent drought events, water scarcity, and unsustainable intensive agricultural practices may impact food security in the region. This paper investigates a causal relationship between drought and food security across the Middle East. Meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts are analyzed at multiple timescales over the region for seven decades during the period of 1948-2017. We simulate food security in the Middle East as a function of drought (representing a water stress factor) as well as several other socio-economic drivers. A Bayesian approach is implemented to integrate these drivers in order to accurately predict food security in the region. Results reveal that hydrological drought is the most intensified drought type over the region, especially in Egypt, during the study period. Moreover, the results demonstrate the significant impacts of livestock, population growth, agricultural products, and drought on food security in the Middle East. Our findings further indicate that the agricultural products decreased in the Middle East following the recent drought event that happened in 2010. RI ; Moradkhani, Hamid/B-1571-2012 OI Ahmadalipour, Ali/0000-0002-2751-4891; Moradkhani, Hamid/0000-0002-2889-999X SN 0168-1923 EI 1873-2240 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 281 AR 107816 DI 10.1016/j.agrformet.2019.107816 UT WOS:000525808600003 ER PT J AU Puliafito, SE Bolano-Ortiz, TR Berna, L Pascual-Flores, RM AF Enrique Puliafito, Salvador Rafael Bolano-Ortiz, Tomas Berna, Lucas Maria Pascual-Flores, Romina TI High resolution inventory of atmospheric emissions from livestock production, agriculture, and biomass burning sectors of Argentina SO ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT OI Bolano-Ortiz, Tomas Rafael/0000-0002-0033-6001 SN 1352-2310 EI 1873-2844 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 223 AR 117248 DI 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117248 UT WOS:000517660200082 ER PT J AU Nie, EQ Zheng, GD Ma, C AF Nie, Erqi Zheng, Guodi Ma, Chuang TI Characterization of odorous pollution and health risk assessment of volatile organic compound emissions in swine facilities SO ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT AB The odor pollution and health risk caused by intensive livestock buildings are a public concern. In this study, the concentration, odor pollution, and health risk from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from different locations on a swine farm (swine nursery house, fattening swine house, manure storage, plant boundary and upwind locations) in different seasons (spring, summer, and fall) were evaluated quantitatively. The average VOC concentrations were 125.5, 1504.7, and 1698.5 g/m3 in spring, summer, and winter, respectively. The total odor activity value (OA Vsum) of manure storage was the highest, with methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and H2S as the major contributors. Cumulative noncarcinogenic emissions exceeded the threshold in summer at all locations, except at the plant boundary and upwind locations. Furthermore, the cumulative carcinogenic risk threshold was also exceeded at the fattening swine house and manure storage area during the summer. Therefore, to protect farm staff working near the animal housing facilities, special attention should be paid to minimize the odorous nuisance and noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. SN 1352-2310 EI 1873-2844 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 223 AR 117233 DI 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117233 UT WOS:000517660200071 ER PT J AU Xu, W Wen, Z Shang, B Dore, AJ Tang, AH Xia, XP Zheng, AH Han, MJ Zhang, L Zhao, YH Zhang, GZ Feng, ZZ Liu, XJ Zhang, FS AF Xu, Wen Wen, Zhang Shang, Bo Dore, Anthony J. Tang, Aohan Xia, Xiaoping Zheng, Aihua Han, Mengjuan Zhang, Lin Zhao, Yuanhong Zhang, Guozhong Feng, Zhaozhong Liu, Xuejun Zhang, Fusuo TI Precipitation chemistry and atmospheric nitrogen deposition at a rural site in Beijing, China SO ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT AB Precipitation chemistry and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition are of great concern worldwide due to their close relationships with air quality and impacts on ecosystems. However, evaluation of the chemical composition of precipitation and N deposition flux in rural areas of Beijing has received little attention to date. This paper presents the chemical constituents, possible sources and wet deposition fluxes of water-soluble ions (NH4+, NO3- SO42-, Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) in precipitation samples collected during 2017-2018 at a rural site located at northwest of Beijing city; meanwhile, dry deposition of reactive N species (gaseous ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, and particulate (p) NH4+ and NO3-) were also quantified. During this 2-year period, the volume-weighted mean (VWM) pH of precipitation was 6.73, and all samples had pH values above 6.0. The VWM electric conductivity of precipitation and the mean sum of all measured ions was 43.8 mu S cm(-1) and 591.9 mu eq L-1, respectively, indicating a significant impact of atmospheric pollution. Ca2+ and NH4+ were the dominant neutralizing species for precipitation acidity. Positive matrix factorization analysis further confirmed five sources for water-soluble ions, including sea salt aging, secondary formation, agriculture, crust, and biomass burning. The annual mean wet N deposition was 4.6, 3.4 and 8.0 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) for NH4+, NO3- and total inorganic N, respectively. The total dry N deposition was dominated by gaseous ammonia (11.5 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)). The total N deposition (wet plus dry) was 27.7 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1), where dry deposition contributed to 75% and wet deposition 25% of the total. The simulations from the GEOS-Chem model indicate that agricultural (fertilizer use and livestock) and nonagricultural sources (industry, power plant, and transportation) are both important contributors to total N deposition. These results could be useful in evaluating/developing emission control policies to protect the eco-environment in Beijing. SN 1352-2310 EI 1873-2844 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 223 AR 117253 DI 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117253 UT WOS:000517660200085 ER PT J AU Surup, GR Hunt, AJ Attard, T Budarin, VL Forsberg, F Arshadi, M Abdelsayed, V Shekhawat, D Trubetskaya, A AF Surup, Gerrit Ralf Hunt, Andrew J. Attard, Thomas Budarin, Vitaliy L. Forsberg, Fredrik Arshadi, Mehrdad Abdelsayed, Victor Shekhawat, Dushyant Trubetskaya, Anna TI The effect of wood composition and supercritical CO2 extraction on charcoal production in ferroalloy industries SO ENERGY AB This work demonstrates that the integration of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction with slow pyrolysis is an effective method for the production of value-added chemicals and charcoal that is an attractive alternative to coke for industry. Integration of technologies is key for the development of holistic biorefineries that exploit all parts of the biomass feedstock and generate little or ideally no waste. In fact, the use of waste or low valued wood fractions is attractive due to their plentiful abundance and lack of exploitation. Supercritical carbon dioxide has been demonstrated to be effective at the removal of over half of extractives from low quality wood and forestry wastes, which can account for up to 11 wt %, of the dried biomass in waste needles. High extractive yields by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction illustrates the potential of utilizing low quality wood as an alternative feedstock for the sustainable production of value-added chemicals. High yields of steroids and derivatives, terpenes and other plant metabolites were obtained in the extracts of needles, branches and bark. Importantly, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction had little impact neither on the physical properties of original wood nor on the yield of solid charcoal. This indicates that extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide can be used as a method for adding further value to the process by removal of bio-based chemicals, whilst still maintaining the yield of the solid fuel product. Moreover, the heat treatment temperature and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction had a significant impact on the tar yields during pyrolysis, leading to an increase in naphthalene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic and phenolic fractions with greater temperature. These results are promising as they show that the charcoal obtained from this renewable feedstock could be used as an alternative to fossil-based coke in applications including ferroalloy industries. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Budarin, Vitaly/J-9212-2019 OI Budarin, Vitaly/0000-0001-5571-8536; Trubetskaya, Anna/0000-0002-6571-3277; Arshadi, Mehrdad/0000-0002-3357-2799 SN 0360-5442 EI 1873-6785 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 193 BP 154 EP 167 AR 116696 DI 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116696 UT WOS:000518699000013 ER PT J AU Gaballah, ES Abdelkader, TK Luo, S Yuan, QX Abomohra, AEF AF Gaballah, Eid S. Abdelkader, Tarek Kh Luo, Shuai Yuan, Qiaoxia Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah TI Enhancement of biogas production by integrated solar heating system: A pilot study using tubular digester SO ENERGY AB In rural areas of China, household digesters play a significant role to improve the rural production and living conditions, leading to energy conservation and reduction of emissions. However, the cold temperature of digesters results in relatively low digestion efficiency and reduction of biogas yield. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of integrated solar heating techniques to raise the slurry temperature within a low-cost tubular digester and its impact on the biogas yield. Two similar digesters were used, the first one (D1) was heated by the solar greenhouse integrated with a solar water heating system and a capillary heat exchanger, while the second (D2) was heated by only solar greenhouse, and both digesters were above ground and were fed with cattle manure. The results showed average slurry temperature of 9.5 and 4.9 degrees C above the mean ambient temperature for D1 and D2, respectively. Furthermore, the mean specific biogas production of D1 and D2 were 247 and 181 L/kg VS, respectively, with no significant variations in the methane content (approximate to 62.7%). The study indicated that using of integrated solar energy is efficient to achieve the optimum temperature for the process of biogas production roughly the most of the year. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah/J-1006-2016; Abdelkader, Tarek Kh/AAL-6842-2020 OI Abomohra, Abd El-Fatah/0000-0003-2784-3297; SN 0360-5442 EI 1873-6785 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 193 BP 325 EP 335 AR 116758 DI 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116758 UT WOS:000518699000027 ER PT J AU Byun, J Han, J AF Byun, Jaewon Han, Jeehoon TI Economic feasible strategy of cellulosic biofuels: Co-production of pentanediols SO ENERGY AB A co-production strategy to improve economics of cellulosic biofuels is presented in this study, which produces biofuel (jet fuel range alkenes (JFA)) and biochemicals (1,2-pentanediol and 1,5-pentanediol (PeDs)) from cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of lignocellulosic biomass, respectively. Based on the laboratory scale experimental data, a large-scale process is developed to identify the economic feasibility. The minimum JFA selling price (MJSP) for the JFA and PeDs co-production strategy (JFA + PeDs) is US$ 2.90 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), which is below the average biofuel price (US$ 3.29/GGE). Significant revenues of PeD lead the improvement of economics in JFA + PeDs compared to the JFA-only production strategy. The sensitivity analysis shows that JFA + PeDs is mostly economic feasible regardless of the varying key cost parameters (corn stover, catalyst, steam and H-2) while the revenue parameters (the prices of 1,2-PeD, and 1,5-PeD) have large impact on the economic feasibility. This study shows that co-production of biochemicals with biofuels improves overall process economics and facilitates the sustainable production of bioproducts. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Byun, Jaewon/0000-0002-3131-0920 SN 0360-5442 EI 1873-6785 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 193 BP 935 EP 944 AR 116797 DI 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116797 UT WOS:000518699000074 ER PT J AU Nkuba, MR Chanda, R Mmopelwa, G Kato, E Mangheni, MN Lesolle, D AF Nkuba, Michael Robert Chanda, Raban Mmopelwa, Gagoitseope Kato, Edward Mangheni, Margaret N. Lesolle, David TI Influence of Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Climate Forecasts on Arable Farmers' Climate Adaptation Methods in the Rwenzori region, Western Uganda SO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB This paper investigates the influence of using indigenous forecasts (IF) and scientific forecasts (SF) on arable farmers' adaptation methods in the Rwenzori region, Western Uganda. Despite the dissemination of scientific forecasts (SF) from national meteorological systems, arable farmers in rural areas are still very vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and change. Using mixed methods approach, the study adopted random and stratified sampling in the selection of 580 arable farmers to investigate the problem under this study. Data were collected using a household survey and focus group discussions, and the multivariate probit model was used in the analysis. The findings indicated that use of IF only positively influenced crop diversification, soil and water conservation. Using both SF and IF positively influenced livestock diversification. Use of either IF only or both SF and IF positively influenced tree-planting and tree crop production as an adaptive strategy. The study recommends that although forecasts are important drivers of adaptation, other factors could also help efforts to enhance climate-change adaptation, such as improving land rights through more recognition of formal customary rights and land tenure and capacity building of farmer-to-farmer networks with climate-change information. Increasing the spread of weather stations in the different agro-ecological zones by national governments and development partners would improve the predictive accuracy and local specificity of scientific forecasts, resulting in improved climate-change adaptation. SN 0364-152X EI 1432-1009 PD APR PY 2020 VL 65 IS 4 BP 500 EP 516 DI 10.1007/s00267-020-01264-x EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516117800001 PM 32062777 ER PT J AU Eisen, K Eifert, T Herwig, C Maiwald, M AF Eisen, Kristina Eifert, Tobias Herwig, Christoph Maiwald, Michael TI Current and future requirements to industrial analytical infrastructure-part 1: process analytical laboratories SO ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AB The competitiveness of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry is based on ensuring the required product quality while making optimum use of plants, raw materials, and energy. In this context, effective process control using reliable chemical process analytics secures global competitiveness. The setup of those control strategies often originate in process development but need to be transferable along the whole product life cycle. In this series of two contributions, we want to present a combined view on the future of PAT (process analytical technology), which is projected in smart labs (part 1) and smart sensors (part 2). In laboratories and pilot plants, offline chemical analytical methods are frequently used, where inline methods are also used in production. Here, a transferability from process development to the process in operation would be desirable. This can be obtained by establishing PAT methods for production already during process development or scale-up. However, the current PAT (Bakeev 2005, Org Process Res 19:3-62; Simon et al. 2015, Org Process Res Dev 19:3-62) must become more flexible and smarter. This can be achieved by introducing digitalization-based knowledge management, so that knowledge from product development enables and accelerates the integration of PAT. Conversely, knowledge from the production process will also contribute to product and process development. This contribution describes the future role of the laboratory and develops requirements therefrom. In part 2, we examine the future functionality as well as the ingredients of a smart sensor aiming to eventually fuel full PAT functionality-also within process development or scale-up facilities (Eifert et al. 2020, Anal Bioanal Chem). OI Maiwald, Michael/0000-0003-4309-728X SN 1618-2642 EI 1618-2650 PD APR PY 2020 VL 412 IS 9 SI SI BP 2027 EP 2035 DI 10.1007/s00216-020-02420-2 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516125000001 PM 32060581 ER PT J AU Ahmed, AS Diab, HM Alkahtani, MA Alshehri, MA Saber, H Badr, H Dandrawy, MK El-Mansi, AA Shati, AA Ahmed, AE AF Ahmed, Ahmed S. Diab, Hassan M. Alkahtani, Mohammed A. Alshehri, Mohammed A. Saber, Hani Badr, Heba Dandrawy, Mohamed K. El-Mansi, Ahmed A. Shati, Ali A. Ahmed, Ahmed Ezzat TI Molecular epidemiology of virulent E. coli among rural small scale dairy herds and shops: Efficacy of selected marine algal extracts and disinfectants SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH AB Virulent pathotypes of E. coli seriously affect the livestock regarding the misuse of antibiotics. All 180 samples collected from cow's environment and dairy shops in Qena, Egypt were serologically and molecularly positive for coliforms. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathotypes were isolated from water and milk-related samples. STEC serogroups O26, O55, O111, O113, O145 were also recovered. The non-O157 STEC serotypes were recovered from human diarrheagenic patients contacting cattle or consuming contaminated water/milk products. Bla(CTX-M) and bla(TEM) genes were detected in 25.5% and 100%, respectively. Disinfectants and algal extracts, identified by GC-MS, were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial activities. TH4+(R) disinfectant and methanol extract of Turbinaria decurrens reduced E. coli at 13 log10 at 1.5% and 3 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. Ag-NPs/T. decurrens showed 8-9 log10 reduction at concentration of 1.6 x 10(5) NPs/ml. Examined water sources, milk and milk products were potential reservoirs for virulent antibiotic-resistant E.coli which may impose animal and public health threats. OI Saber, Hani/0000-0002-3466-6551; Ahmed, Abdelrahman/0000-0003-1569-612X; Ezzat, Ahmed/0000-0002-4532-0636; Ben Abdallah, Abderazek/0000-0003-3432-0718; Shaban Ahmed Mohammed, Ahmed/0000-0003-3794-8295 SN 0960-3123 EI 1369-1619 DI 10.1080/09603123.2020.1727422 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513805700001 PM 32053006 ER PT J AU Yang, XJ Lin, H Dai, X Zhang, Z Gong, BN Hu, Z Jiang, XP Li, YT AF Yang, Xingjian Lin, Hang Dai, Xiong Zhang, Zhen Gong, Beini Hu, Zheng Jiang, Xiuping Li, Yongtao TI Sorption, transport, and transformation of natural and synthetic progestins in soil-water systems SO JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AB Natural and synthetic progestins are emerging endocrine disruptors that can be transported from livestock farms and agricultural fields to receiving waters via surface runoff. The transformation of progestins during transport is expected to affect the efficiencies of runoff management systems. Therefore, this study explored the sorption, transport, and transformation of progesterone, norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, cyproterone acetate, dydrogesterone, and norethisterone in agricultural soil-water systems. The sorption coefficients and retardation factors (R) were positively correlated with the progestin hydrophobicities, indicating that hydrophobic interactions dominated the sorption and transport processes. During transport, dydrogesterone and progesterone were transformed into 9-10 products. The breakthrough curves of the parents and products exhibited periodical patterns over extended times. Specifically, the R values of the parents and products were positively correlated with chromatographic retention times (hydrophobicities) when the products were generated before transport. In contrast, a negative correlation (R-2 = 0.75-0.88) was observed when products were successively generated during transport, indicating that the transformation kinetics changed the retardation of these solutes in the columns. These observations also demonstrated that the transport potential estimates based on traditional metrics of steroid hydrophobicity are not always accurate and that runoff management measures are less effective for metastable progestins. OI ZHANG, Zhen/0000-0003-1068-9932; Yang, Xingjian/0000-0003-1809-719X SN 0304-3894 EI 1873-3336 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 384 AR 121482 DI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121482 UT WOS:000508742700103 PM 31668762 ER PT J AU Mondal, T Yadav, RP Meena, VS Choudhury, M Nath, S Bisht, JK Mishra, PK Arya, SK Pattanayak, A AF Mondal, Tilak Yadav, R. P. Meena, Vijay Singh Choudhury, M. Nath, Shyam Bisht, J. K. Mishra, P. K. Arya, S. K. Pattanayak, A. TI Biomass yield and nutrient content of dual purpose wheat in the fruit based cropping system in the North-Western mid-Himalaya ecosystem, India SO FIELD CROPS RESEARCH AB Livestock is an integral part of the hill ecosystem but due to the acute shortage of good sources of nutritious fodder during winter season, farmers face serious problems for livestock farming. The agri-horticulture system is an important agricultural practice where crops are grown under different fruit trees. It is widely practiced in the hilly ecosystem. The dual purpose wheat crop is capable of providing nutritious green fodder during the lean period mainly during the month of December-January, when it is most needed, with no detrimental impact on the eventual grain and straw yields. The VL Gehun 829 is one of the potential dual purpose wheat variety developed by the ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan which yielded 2.30 to 4.17 t ha(-1) grain, 2.63 to 3.77 t ha(-1) green fodder and 4.80 to 7.88 t ha(-1) dry fodder under different fruit trees. Proximate composition of green fodder varied significantly under different fruit trees. Nutrient content of wheat green forage varied in dry matter (73.67-76.10%), crude protein (21.85-26.47%), crude ash (3.0-4.5%), crude fat (4.83-6.57%), crude fiber (13.10-15.87%), nitrogen free extractants (24.8-28.6%), total carbohydrate (38.37-43.21%) and total digestible nutrient (56.25-65.26%). Thus, this wheat cultivar (VL Gehun 829) can increase availability of nutritious green fodder for livestock rearing, which in turn can improve the prosperity of the hill farmers. SN 0378-4290 EI 1872-6852 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 247 AR UNSP 107700 DI 10.1016/j.fcr.2019.107700 UT WOS:000510528600003 ER PT J AU Chen, JH Yu, XL Li, C Tang, X Sun, Y AF Chen, Junhao Yu, Xiaolu Li, Cheng Tang, Xin Sun, Ying TI Removal of tetracycline via the synergistic effect of biochar adsorption and enhanced activation of persulfate SO CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL AB We developed a simple in-situ system to remove model antibiotic tetracycline (TC) using biochar (BC) adsorption and persulfate (PS) oxidation (Cu/BC/PS). The biochar produced by pyrolysis of corn stalks at 700 degrees C exhibited a much higher Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area (431 m(2)/g), absorption capacity of Cu2+ (8.37 mg/g) and tetracycline (18.80 mg/g) than that of other temperature-prepared biochar. The removal efficiency of TC with the Cu/BC700/PS system reached 55.4%-72.6% with solution conditions of pH 4-9, 120 mg/L TC, 300 mg/L PS and 0.5 g/L BC. Under 619 +/- 5 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD) condition, the TC removal efficiency of the Cu/BC700/PS system was about 5 times more than that of the Cu/PS system. The results of characterization methods such as Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and radical quenching experiments suggested that the reduced Cu(I) on biochar was a catalytic center in the degradation process and the SO4 center dot- and center dot OH were the dominant radicals. The reaction kinetics showed that the BC adsorption of Cu2+ and TC were the limiting steps of the entire reaction. A proposed system mechanism is that Cu is absorbed by the biochar and helps further enhance the activation of PS. In the practical application to biogas slurry (2383 +/- 47 mg/L COD), the total removal efficiencies of 5 heavy metals and 15 antibiotics were 57.4% and 42.3%, respectively. Moreover, the germination index (GI) of the biogas slurry increased from 8.50% to 43.48% after treatment. Thus, the Cu/BC/PS system has a great prospect in the harmless treatment and recycling of livestock wastewater. SN 1385-8947 EI 1873-3212 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 382 AR 122916 DI 10.1016/j.cej.2019.122916 UT WOS:000503381200227 ER PT J AU Zhou, RS Zhou, RW Xian, YB Fang, Z Lu, XP Bazaka, K Bogaerts, A Ostrikov, K AF Zhou, Rusen Zhou, Renwu Xian, Yubin Fang, Zhi Lu, Xinpei Bazaka, Kateryna Bogaerts, Annemie Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken) TI Plasma-enabled catalyst-free conversion of ethanol to hydrogen gas and carbon dots near room temperature SO CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL AB Selective conversion of bio-renewable ethanol under mild conditions especially at room temperature remains a major challenge for sustainable production of hydrogen and valuable carbon-based materials. In this study, adaptive non-thermal plasma is applied to deliver pulsed energy to rapidly and selectively reform ethanol in the absence of a catalyst. Importantly, the carbon atoms in ethanol that would otherwise be released into the environment in the form of CO or CO2 are effectively captured in the form of carbon dots (CDs). Three modes of non-thermal spark plasma discharges, i.e. single spark mode (SSM), multiple spark mode (MSM) and gliding spark mode (GSM), provide additional flexibility in ethanol reforming by controlling the processes of energy transfer and distribution, thereby affecting the flow rate, gas content, and energy consumption in H-2 production. A favourable combination of low temperature (< 40 degrees C), attractive conversion rate (gas flow rate of similar to 120 mL/min), high hydrogen yield (H-2 content > 90%), low energy consumption (similar to 0.96 kWh/m(3) H-2) and the effective generation of photoluminescent CDs (which are applicable for bioimaging or biolabelling) in the MSM indicate that the proposed strategy may offer a new carbon-negative avenue for comprehensive utilization of alcohols and mitigating the increasingly severe energy and environmental issues. RI Bogaerts, Annemie/L-8338-2016; Zhou, Renwu/AAM-1148-2020 OI Bogaerts, Annemie/0000-0001-9875-6460; Zhou, Renwu/0000-0003-1773-7095; Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken)/0000-0001-8672-9297 SN 1385-8947 EI 1873-3212 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 382 AR 122745 DI 10.1016/j.cej.2019.122745 UT WOS:000503381200200 ER PT J AU Perzon, A Jorgensen, B Ulvskov, P AF Perzon, Alixander Jorgensen, Bodil Ulvskov, Peter TI Sustainable production of cellulose nanofiber gels and paper from sugar beet waste using enzymatic pre-treatment SO CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS AB Removal of non-cellulosic polymers from vegetable pulp to obtain cellulose nanofibers (CNF) is normally achieved by chemical pre-treatments which requires several washing steps. In the present study, it is demonstrated how incubation of sugar beet pulp at pH 9, followed by treatment with polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and subsequent bleaching can be done in a one-pot procedure to make CNF. The new method consumes 67% less water and removes non-cellulosic polysaccharides with similar efficiency as a chemical method. In addition, CNF produced by the new method contained slightly more pectin and formed gels with 2.7 times higher storage modulus. Nanopapers cast from chemically- and enzymatically produced CNF showed similar mechanical properties. However, without the pH 9 incubation step, the enzymes accessibility to cell-wall polymers was limited resulting in lower gel and paper strengths. In conclusion, the new method offers a sustainable route for producing high quality CNF from sugar beet waste. RI ; Ulvskov, Peter/I-1228-2014 OI Perzon, Alixander/0000-0002-1430-2961; Ulvskov, Peter/0000-0003-3776-818X SN 0144-8617 EI 1879-1344 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 230 AR 115581 DI 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115581 UT WOS:000504402300086 PM 31887882 ER PT J AU Weber, JL Krans, NA Hofmann, JP Hensen, EJM Zecevic, J de Jongh, PE de Jong, KP AF Weber, J. L. Krans, N. A. Hofmann, J. P. Hensen, E. J. M. Zecevic, J. de Jongh, P. E. de Jong, K. P. TI Effect of proximity and support material on deactivation of bifunctional catalysts for the conversion of synthesis gas to olefins and aromatics SO CATALYSIS TODAY AB Synthesis gas conversion to short olefins and aromatics using bifunctional catalysts has gained much attention in recent years. Here, we study the interaction between the components of bifunctional catalysts to design a more stable catalyst system. Mixing alpha-alumina supported iron (-carbide) promoted with sodium and sulfur with an HZSM-5 zeolite to convert synthesis gas to aromatics and short olefins we observed selectivity loss of the iron (-carbide) catalyst as well as the acid function. This was displayed by increasing methane and decreasing aromatics selectivity when the two individual catalysts were mixed in close proximity. We introduced different approaches to understand this selectivity related deactivation. Larger spatial separation of the iron and zeolite allowed a more stable system with constant methane and aromatics selectivity. Alternatively, iron supported on carbon nano tubes mixed with the zeolite in close proximity did not display selectivity related deactivation. We conclude that the selectivity loss was caused by migration of sodium ions that were used next to sulfur as promoters on the iron catalyst over the a-alumina support to the zeolite, which was supported by XPS model experiments. This migration seems hindered on carbon supported iron catalysts. RI Hofmann, Jan Philipp/D-2022-2010; de Jongh, Petra E/A-4761-2009; Hensen, Emiel/B-4973-2013; de Jong, Krijn P/C-5319-2009 OI Hofmann, Jan Philipp/0000-0002-5765-1096; de Jongh, Petra E/0000-0002-2216-2620; Hensen, Emiel/0000-0002-9754-2417; SN 0920-5861 EI 1873-4308 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 342 SI SI BP 161 EP 166 DI 10.1016/j.cattod.2019.02.002 UT WOS:000502327000018 ER PT J AU Hu, W Beare, M Tregurtha, C Gillespie, R Lehto, K Tregurtha, R Gosden, P Glasson, S Dellow, S George, M Tabley, F Qiu, WW Baird, D AF Hu, Wei Beare, Mike Tregurtha, Craig Gillespie, Richard Lehto, Kathryn Tregurtha, Rebekah Gosden, Peg Glasson, Sarah Dellow, Steven George, Mike Tabley, Frank Qiu, Weiwen Baird, David TI Effects of tillage, compaction and nitrogen inputs on crop production and nitrogen losses following simulated forage crop grazing SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Soil compaction from livestock treading during winter grazing of forage crops on cultivated soils may be harmful to subsequent crop production and nitrogen (N) loss. This study focussed on determining: (1) how compaction and high inputs of N from livestock urine (urea) during winter grazing affect subsequent crop production and N loss and (2) whether establishing winter-grazed forage crops with no-tillage (NT) can mitigate potential adverse effects on subsequent crop production and N loss. A field trial was conducted on a Templeton silt loam soil in Canterbury, New Zealand from April 2016 to February 2017, comprising of forage crop (oat), grazing, and subsequent crop (barley) phases. The forage crop phase represented the production of forage oat crops established using NT or intensive tillage (IT) in autumn. The grazing phase was simulated by removal of the forage crop, followed by simulated grazing that comprised five compaction levels (0-261 kPa) and two urea-N treatments (0 versus 400 kg N ha(-1)). A subsequent barley crop was sown following shallow ( < 15 cm) cultivation of soil in spring. Results indicated relatively little net effect of compaction on crop yield and total N losses over the combined grazing and barley phases. However, moderate compaction (180-220 kPa) increased the water use efficiency and grain yield of the subsequent barley crop. Simulated urinary-N (urea) inputs during grazing promoted vegetative growth of barley, but restricted its reproductive growth (i.e. grain yield) and increased N loss during the barley phase. The use of NT amplified the adverse effect of simulated urinary-N (urea) inputs on yield and N loss. This suggests that variations in urinary-N inputs should be taken into account when applying fertiliser for subsequent crops. Adoption of NT during forage crop establishment did little to mitigate the effects of compaction on subsequent crop production, but it enhanced crop growth and water use efficiency in the early stages of the subsequent barley crop without sacrificing the final grain yield. In addition, NT crop had a significantly lower screenings than IT at final harvest. Compared with IT, NT increased N loss during the grazing phase but reduced N loss during the barley phase, resulting in no significant net effect of tillage on total N losses over the two phases. However, the lower cost of NT crop establishment and greater marketable grain yield as well as the reduced risk of soil compaction and N2O emissions reported in previous studies provide agronomic and environmental incentives to adopt NT in forage cropping systems. Our study also highlighted important temporal differences in the effects of agricultural management factors (i.e. tillage, compaction, and urinary-N inputs) on crop production and N losses to the environment. OI Hu, Wei/0000-0002-5911-178X; qiu, weiwen/0000-0003-4924-7365 SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 289 AR UNSP 106733 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106733 UT WOS:000500218500005 ER PT J AU Perrin, W Moretti, M Vergnes, A Borcard, D Jay-Robert, P AF Perrin, William Moretti, Marco Vergnes, Alan Borcard, Daniel Jay-Robert, Pierre TI Response of dung beetle assemblages to grazing intensity in two distinct bioclimatic contexts SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Given the impact of livestock on ecosystems worldwide, it is necessary to understand the effects of grazing practices on biodiversity in order to improve the sustainability of pasture management practices. In a pasture, spatio-temporal variability in livestock activity results in a heterogeneous distribution of defoliation, trampling and excreta. To date, fine-scale analyses of grazing intensity have been rare, and the geographical extent of the studies often limited. In this study, we addressed this gap by analysing the influence of contrasting intra-pasture grazing intensity on the structure and composition of dung beetle assemblages. To do this, we studied a three-level grazing intensity gradient in two distinct bioclimatic contexts, a Mediterranean steppe and the Alps, which also allowed us to determine if dung beetle responses to grazing intensity are related to bioclimatic conditions. The observed dung beetle responses showed an imprint of the bioclimatic context and the local pasture conditions, and species composition and relative abundance showed strong variations along the grazing intensity gradient in both study areas. Species assemblages from the most and least grazed parts of pastures differed strongly. By altering habitat conditions, changing dung availability and modifying competitive interactions, fine-scale heterogeneity in grazing intensity led to substantial variations in the abundance of dung beetle nesting guilds. In both study areas an increase in grazing intensity was detrimental to the largest species and the soil-digging species (which bury dung in underground nests), whereas dung-dwelling species (which reproduce inside dung pads) were favoured. We discuss the combined use of nesting guilds and body mass as potential features to generalize the application of dung beetles as indicators of grazing practices. OI Moretti, Marco/0000-0002-5845-3198; Perrin, William/0000-0001-7672-1267 SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 289 AR UNSP 106740 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106740 UT WOS:000500218500011 ER PT J AU Wang, HL Long, WT Chadwick, D Velthof, GL Oenema, O Ma, WQ Wang, JJ Qin, W Hou, Y Zhang, FS AF Wang, Hongliang Long, Weitong Chadwick, Dave Velthof, Gerard L. Oenema, Oene Ma, Wenqi Wang, Junjun Qin, Wei Hou, Yong Zhang, Fusuo TI Can dietary manipulations improve the productivity of pigs with lower environmental and economic cost? A global meta-analysis SO AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT AB Inappropriate management of pig manure contributes considerably to pollution of waterbodies by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and to air pollution by ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions. Dietary manipulation is recognized as a possible pollution mitigation measure, but it may affect pig growth and thereby production costs. Here we present a global meta-analysis of the effects of dietary manipulation on nutrient (N and P) excretion, gaseous (NH3 and H2S) emissions from manure, and growth performance of pigs, using data from 245 published studies. Four groups of dietary manipulation were distinguished, namely i) lowering dietary crude protein (CP) content, (ii) supplementing exogenous enzymes, (iii) supplementing fermented feed ingredients, and (iv) supplementing other additives (e.g. fermentable carbohydrates, acidifying agent/salts and probiotics) in feed. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of dietary manipulations was evaluated, expressed as US $ per kg N excretion abated. Results show that lowering CP content significantly reduced both total N excretion (28.5%) and NH3 emissions (34.4%). Addition of protease reduced N excretion (18.2%) but did not affect NH3 emissions. Supplementing other additives simultaneously reduced NH3 emissions (21.5%) and H2S emissions (23.2%). Adding phytase to feed significantly decreased total P excretion by 31.4%. Diets with fermented feed ingredients tended to decrease N excretion and emissions, but this effect was not statistically significant. All dietary manipulations significantly improved the growth performance regarding the weight gain and feed efficiency, except for lowering CP content. But lowering dietary CP content within a moderate level in combination with adding additional amino acids did not impair pig growth. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that various diary manipulation measures were economically beneficial to farmers through improved feed-to-meat conversion efficiency. Our results can support to the design of proper dietary formulations so as to simultaneously reduce N and P excretion and associated emissions, meanwhile enhance the growth performance of pigs with lower economic cost. RI ; Qin, Wei/F-1044-2010 OI Ma, Wenqi/0000-0003-1656-0953; Qin, Wei/0000-0002-0860-121X SN 0167-8809 EI 1873-2305 PD FEB 15 PY 2020 VL 289 AR UNSP 106748 DI 10.1016/j.agee.2019.106748 UT WOS:000500218500016 ER PT J AU Lushasi, K Steenson, R Bernard, J Changalucha, JJ Govella, NJ Haydon, DT Hoffu, H Lankester, F Magoti, F Mpolya, EA Mtema, Z Nonga, H Hampson, K AF Lushasi, Kennedy Steenson, Rachel Bernard, Jubilate Changalucha, Joel Jackson Govella, Nicodem James Haydon, Daniel T. Hoffu, Husna Lankester, Felix Magoti, Frank Mpolya, Emmanuel Abraham Mtema, Zacharia Nonga, Hesron Hampson, Katie TI One Health in Practice: Using Integrated Bite Case Management to Increase Detection of Rabid Animals in Tanzania SO FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH AB Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths worldwide annually, mostly in Africa and Asia. A target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies has been set for 2030, and large-scale control programs are now advocated. However, in most low-income endemic countries surveillance to guide rabies control is weak and few cases of rabies are recorded. There is an urgent need to enhance surveillance to improve timely case detection and inform rabies control and prevention, by operationalizing a "One Health" approach. Here we present data from a study piloting Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) to support intersectoral collaboration between health and veterinary workers in Tanzania. We trained government staff to implement IBCM, comprising risk assessments of bite patients by health workers, investigations by livestock field officers to diagnose rabid animals, and use of a mobile phone application to support integration. IBCM was introduced across 20 districts in four regions of Tanzania and results reported after 1 year of implementation. Numbers of bite patient presentations to health facilities varied across regions, but following the introduction of IBCM reporting of bite patients at high-risk for rabies more than doubled in all regions. Over 800 high-risk investigations were carried out, with 49% assessed as probable dog rabies cases on the basis of clinical signs, animal outcome, and rapid diagnostic testing. The status of a further 20% of biting animals could not be determined but rabies could not be ruled out. Livestock field officers reported that use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were useful for confirming rabies occurrence. Overall, our study provides further evidence that IBCM is a practical approach that can improve rabies detection in endemic countries, and be used to monitor the impact of mass dog vaccinations, including potential to verify rabies freedom. However, the main challenges to implementation are limited training of health workers in rabies, perceived burden of real-time recording and limited resources for livestock field officers to undertake investigations. Nonetheless, IBCM dramatically improved case detection and communication between sectors and we recommend further implementation research to establish best practice and applicability to other settings. OI Mpolya, Emmanuel/0000-0002-6210-9445; Steenson, Rachel/0000-0002-1579-6596 EI 2296-2565 PD FEB 14 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 13 DI 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00013 UT WOS:000517536400001 PM 32117850 ER PT J AU Geisenberger, D Giorgetti, A Glardon, M Perdekamp, MG Pollak, S Pircher, R AF Geisenberger, Dorothee Giorgetti, Arianna Glardon, Matthieu Grosse Perdekamp, Markus Pollak, Stefan Pircher, Rebecca TI The punched-out tissue complex (skin-bone "imprimatum") in shots from captive-bolt guns: does it act as a secondary projectile? SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE AB From the first half of the twentieth century to the present day, injuries and fatalities from captive-bolt livestock stunners are a major topic in forensic medicine. The vast majority of cases account for suicides with the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital regions being the most common sites of entrance (in descending order of frequency). Due to the limited length of the bolt, the corresponding wound channel within the braincase is only several centimeters long. It has been a controversial subject for a long time, whether the skin-bone complex punched out by the conically grooved end of the steel rod may act as a "secondary projectile" being propelled beyond the actual path of the bolt. To answer this question, experimental shots from various types of captive bolt-guns were fired to simulants. Video-documentation employing a high-speed motion camera showed that the punched-out pieces of skin and bone did not move further than the bolt. Thus, a secondary extension of the total wound channel could not be observed. However, the suction effect caused by the bolt's rearward movement may induce a slight retrograde displacement of the skin-bone complex. RI giorgetti, arianna/AAO-9540-2020 SN 0937-9827 EI 1437-1596 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 134 IS 3 BP 1095 EP 1102 DI 10.1007/s00414-020-02262-8 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516088400001 PM 32060624 ER PT J AU Summers, KM Bush, SJ Wu, CL Su, AI Muriuki, C Clark, EL Finlayson, HA Eory, L Waddell, LA Talbot, R Archibald, AL Hume, DA AF Summers, Kim M. Bush, Stephen J. Wu, Chunlei Su, Andrew I. Muriuki, Charity Clark, Emily L. Finlayson, Heather A. Eory, Lel Waddell, Lindsey A. Talbot, Richard Archibald, Alan L. Hume, David A. TI Functional Annotation of the Transcriptome of the Pig, Sus scrofa, Based Upon Network Analysis of an RNAseq Transcriptional Atlas SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB The domestic pig (Sus scrofa) is both an economically important livestock species and a model for biomedical research. Two highly contiguous pig reference genomes have recently been released. To support functional annotation of the pig genomes and comparative analysis with large human transcriptomic data sets, we aimed to create a pig gene expression atlas. To achieve this objective, we extended a previous approach developed for the chicken. We downloaded RNAseq data sets from public repositories, down-sampled to a common depth, and quantified expression against a reference transcriptome using the mRNA quantitation tool, Kallisto. We then used the network analysis tool Graphia to identify clusters of transcripts that were coexpressed across the merged data set. Consistent with the principle of guilt-by-association, we identified coexpression clusters that were highly tissue or cell-type restricted and contained transcription factors that have previously been implicated in lineage determination. Other clusters were enriched for transcripts associated with biological processes, such as the cell cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The same approach was used to identify coexpression clusters within RNAseq data from multiple individual liver and brain samples, highlighting cell type, process, and region-specific gene expression. Evidence of conserved expression can add confidence to assignment of orthology between pig and human genes. Many transcripts currently identified as novel genes with ENSSSCG or LOC IDs were found to be coexpressed with annotated neighbouring transcripts in the same orientation, indicating they may be products of the same transcriptional unit. The meta-analytic approach to utilising public RNAseq data is extendable to include new data sets and new species and provides a framework to support the Functional Annotation of Animals Genomes (FAANG) initiative. RI Summers, Kim M/M-4086-2015 OI Summers, Kim M/0000-0002-7084-4386; Eory, Lel/0000-0001-9358-6239 EI 1664-8021 PD FEB 14 PY 2020 VL 10 AR 1355 DI 10.3389/fgene.2019.01355 UT WOS:000517456700001 PM 32117413 ER PT J AU Zhang, EM Zhang, HJ He, JR Li, W Wei, JC AF Zhang, Enmin Zhang, Huijuan He, Jinrong Li, Wei Wei, Jianchun TI Genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis Ames lineage strains in China SO BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES AB Background Anthrax is an endemic disease that persists in the rural regions of China. The global genetic population structure of B.anthracis has also been defined by the canonical single-nucleotide polymorphisms (canSNP) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Five canSNP lineages were found in China, and the A.Br.Ames lineage has been the second predominant group in recent years in China. The objective of this study was to reveal genetic diversity of the Ames lineage strains by MLVA. Methods Two molecular typing methods, canSNP and MLVA with 15markers were used to study the genetic relationship among the Ames lineage strains. The outbreak information associated with these strains was also collected and investigated. Results From 2007 to 2018, a total of 21 human anthrax infection outbreaks (68 patients) associated with B. anthracis Ames lineage strains were reported in China. Ames lineage strain-associated human anthrax is mainly distributed in the northern part of China, including the provinces of Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Gansu, and Xinjiang. In the study, a total of 30 Ames lineage strains were included and 10 MLVA15 genotypes were identified. These strains were mainly found in northeast China, Inner Mongolia and Liaoning. In recent years, the Ames lineage strains were isolated in the two provinces every year. The 18 Ames lineage strains isolated from Inner Mongolia were divided into eight MLVA15 genotypes. From 2010 to 2015, there were continuous reports of outbreaks in Keyouzhongqi County, Inner Mongolia, and the strains that were isolated annually in succession belonged to the MLVA15-30 genotype. Conclusions The Ames lineage strains are widely distributed in northern China. Their genetic diversity can be illustrated by the results of the MLVA. The genetic characteristics of the Ames lineage strains from outbreaks in different provinces varied. In some areas, human anthrax outbreaks occurred annually in succession, and these related strains grouped together. These observations indicate that the local environment was persistently contaminated with B. anthracis spores, vaccination of livestock should become the fundamental control measure in the areas. EI 1471-2334 PD FEB 14 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR 140 DI 10.1186/s12879-020-4867-5 UT WOS:000515637500002 PM 32059712 ER PT J AU Thanos, D Maragkaki, A Venieri, D Fountoulakis, M Manios, T AF Thanos, D. Maragkaki, A. Venieri, D. Fountoulakis, M. Manios, T. TI Enhanced Biogas Production in Pilot Digesters Treating a Mixture of Olive Mill Wastewater and Agro-industrial or Agro-livestock By-Products in Greece SO WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION AB The selection of appropriate co-substrates is very important to the feasibility of an anaerobic co-digestion process. A proper choice of co-substrate compositions leads to system balance and increased methane generation. To valorize agricultural wastes and byproducts in southern Greece, anaerobic co-digestion of four feedstocks (olive mill wastewater-OMW, poultry manure-PM, liquid pig manure-LPM, and cheese whey-CW) was studied to produce biogas for renewable energy generation. Pilot- scale continuous co-digestion approaches were adopted to carry out the investigation under mesophilic temperatures (35 +/- 2 degrees C) for 30 days. The feedstocks were mixed at different percentages according to their availabilities in southern Greece with a total solids (TS) ratio of approximately 10% and an OLR of 2.2 kg VS m(-3) day(-1). The main agro-industrial feedstock of this study is OMW. Two types of influent feedstock were utilized: a mixture of 30% v/v OMW and 70% PM and LPM, and a mixture of 40% v/v of OMW and 60% PM and CW. Therefore, optimization of biogas production from OMW was attempted by co-digesting with PM and LPM or CW. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different liquid feedstocks in order to have a total solids (TS) ratio of approximately 10%. Reduction in the volatile solids ranged between 50 and 57%. The average removal of dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 50% and 58% for the two examined scenarios, while the biogas production rate at the steady state reached 0.7 +/- 0.4 and 1.2 +/- 0.3 L/L-reactor/day respectively. Graphic SN 1877-2641 EI 1877-265X DI 10.1007/s12649-020-00963-0 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516251100001 ER PT J AU Kang, X Wu, XW Han, X Yuan, C Liu, Y Cui, Y AF Kang, Xing Wu, Xiaowei Han, Xing Yuan, Chen Liu, Yan Cui, Yong TI Rational synthesis of interpenetrated 3D covalent organic frameworks for asymmetric photocatalysis SO CHEMICAL SCIENCE AB Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show great promise as heterogeneous photocatalysts, but they have not yet been explored for asymmetric photocatalysis, which is important for the sustainable production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. We report here a pair of twofold interpenetrated 3D COFs adopting a rare (3,4)-connected ffc topology for photocatalytic asymmetric reactions by imine condensation of rectangular and trigonal building blocks. Both COFs containing a photoredox triphenylamine moiety are efficient photocatalysts for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions and asymmetric alpha-alkylation of aldehydes integrated with a chiral imidazolidinone catalyst. Under visible-light irradiation, the targeted chiral products are produced in satisfactory yields with up to 94% enantiomeric excess, which are comparable to those of reported reactions using molecular metal complexes or organic dyes as photosensitizers. Whereas the COFs became amorphous after catalysis, they can be recrystallized through solvent-assisted linker exchange and reused without performance loss. This is the first report utilizing COFs as photocatalysts to promote enantioselective photochemical reactions. RI Wu, Xiaowei/G-3899-2014; Han, Xing/AAI-1955-2020 OI Wu, Xiaowei/0000-0003-2141-3448; SN 2041-6520 EI 2041-6539 PD FEB 14 PY 2020 VL 11 IS 6 BP 1494 EP 1502 DI 10.1039/c9sc04882k UT WOS:000514452400002 ER PT J AU von Cossel, M Amarysti, C Wilhelm, H Priya, N Winkler, B Hoerner, L AF von Cossel, Moritz Amarysti, Canesia Wilhelm, Hanna Priya, Nishu Winkler, Bastian Hoerner, Lucia TI The replacement of maize (Zea mays L.) by cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) as biogas substrate and its implications for the energy and material flows of a large biogas plant SO BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR AB Excessive cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) as a biogas substrate has fired debate about potential land-use change effects of bioenergy cropping systems. Cup plant ( Silphium perfoliatum L.) is a perennial biogas crop that provides more environmental services than maize. This study investigated (i) how to replace maize with cup plant as a biogas substrate in a large-scale biogas plant located in southwest Germany, and (ii) how to optimize the energy and material cycles of such a biogas plant given the new feedstock. The biogas plant produces 1000 m(3) biogas per hour with plans for it to be combined with a large dairy farm (1000 dairy units). It was found that the substitution of maize with cup plant as a biogas substrate results in a methane yield reduction of 10% to 20% due to lower biomass yields. However, there exists a strong potential to increase both biomass yields and biogas substrate quality of cup plant by optimizing establishment procedures and better genotypes. Furthermore, cup plant provides food and shelter for open land animals, including birds and insects, and could hence be a suitable alternative to maize for large biogas plants, being more environmentally beneficial. Extracting proteins from cup-plant biomass could also help replace soy with locally produced protein for feeding cattle. Hydrothermal carbonization is a promising tool for closing nutrient cycles and for extracting phosphate from digestate, but more research is needed before it can be put into practice. (c) 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. OI Winkler, Bastian/0000-0003-1496-3740; Von Cossel, Moritz/0000-0002-1132-3281 SN 1932-104X EI 1932-1031 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 BP 152 EP 179 DI 10.1002/bbb.2084 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513286600001 ER PT J AU Jensen, BB Qviller, L Toft, N AF Jensen, Britt Bang Qviller, Lars Toft, Nils TI Spatio-temporal variations in mortality during the seawater production phase of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Norway SO JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES AB In a sustainable production of animals, monitoring and minimizing mortality must be a top priority. Systematic measuring of mortality over time can be used to evaluate the impact of changes in management and production strategies in Norway. To aid understanding of the potential for reducing mortality, we have used data from 2014 to 2018 to investigate the spatio-temporal patterns of mortality, by descriptive analyses and statistical modelling of possible determinants of mortality. The results show large differences in mortality across different production zones and between years. The areas with the highest density of farmed salmon are also the ones with highest mortality. The total cumulated mortality of farmed salmon increased from 32.3 million in 2014 to 35.2 million in 2018, corresponding to 14.3% and 15.8% of the standing stock. An initial higher mortality was observed during the first 3 months after stocking (mean: 1.5% [0.9%-8.6%] mortality/month). This was followed by a period of stability and lower mortality (mean: 0.8% [0.9%-3.1%] mortality/month), until month 10, when mortality started to increase again. The month of first stocking, the year of slaughter, production zone and number of months at sea were all found to be statistically significant determinants for mortality, with p-values < 1e-15. OI Bang Jensen, Britt/0000-0001-9536-9078; Toft, Nils/0000-0002-0265-3764 SN 0140-7775 EI 1365-2761 PD APR PY 2020 VL 43 IS 4 BP 445 EP 457 DI 10.1111/jfd.13142 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513266300001 PM 32057123 ER PT J AU Fernandes, ACF Martins, IM Moreira, DKT Macedo, GA AF Ferreira Fernandes, Annayara Celestina Martins, Isabela Mateus Taketa Moreira, Debora Kono Macedo, Gabriela Alves TI Use of agro-industrial residues as potent antioxidant, antiglycation agents, and alpha-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity SO JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION AB Agro-industrial residues are a potential source of bioactive compounds. This research is focused on the extraction of phenolic compounds from agro-industrial residues produced in large scale in Brazil (peanut and grape marc), as well as to evaluate their antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit glycation reactions and digestive enzymes. As glycation is the main spontaneous cause of protein damage and is involved in the progression of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The results showed that the major polyphenolics found in the residues were catechin and procyanidin B2. All extracts significantly inhibited the in vitro formation of advanced glycation end products and digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase and lipase). This is the first study that compares the effects of peanut skin and grape pomace extracts against glycation. The results corroborate the understanding that using these phenolic extracts may have beneficial effects on preventing diseases related to glycation and suggest their use as a high value-added agro-industrial residue. Practical applications The glycation process causes oxidative stress, inflammatory responses in the human body, and is related to the progression of diabetes mellitus and obesity. This study showed that the selected industrial residues presented new results in their biological activities, mainly in relation to the high capacity to inhibit glycation and their high activity against alpha-amylase and lipase enzymes. These residues can then be used for sustainable production of high added value products for both the food industry and the pharmaceutical industry. OI Fernandes, Annayara/0000-0001-5456-2998 SN 0145-8892 EI 1745-4549 PD APR PY 2020 VL 44 IS 4 AR e14397 DI 10.1111/jfpp.14397 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513209800001 ER PT J AU Laundre, JW Papouchis, C AF Laundre, John W. Papouchis, Christopher TI The Elephant in the room: What can we learn from California regarding the use of sport hunting of pumas (Puma concolor) as a management tool? SO PLOS ONE AB Puma (Puma concolor) management in the western United States is highly contentious, particularly with regard to the use of sport hunting as a management tool. Since the 1970s, puma in ten western states have been managed by state fish and game agencies through the use of a sport hunt. The rationale presented by wildlife managers is that sport hunting, in addition to providing recreational hunting opportunities, also reduces threats to human safety and livestock safety, and increases populations of the puma's ungulate prey, namely deer (Odocoileus sp.) and elk (Cervus elepus). We evaluated these claims using the state of California as a control, which has prohibited sport hunting since 1972, and employing data obtained from state and federal agencies with authority and control over puma management. Specifically, we tested four hypotheses: 1) sport hunting will suppress puma populations, 2) sport hunting will reduce the number of problematic puma-human encounters; 3) sport hunting will reduce puma predation on domestic livestock, and 4) sport hunting will reduce the impact of puma predation on wild ungulate numbers, resulting in increased hunting opportunities for the sport hunt of ungulates. Our results indicated, respectively, that relative to the 10 states where puma are hunted, California had 1) similar puma densities, 2) the 3rd lowest per capita problematic puma-human encounters, 3) similar per capita loss of cattle (P = 0.13) and a significantly lower (t = 5.7, P < 0.001) per capita loss of sheep, and 4) similar average deer densities while changes in annual deer populations correlated with changes in other states (F = 95.4, P < 0.001, R-2 = 0.68). In sum, our analysis of the records obtained from state and federal wildlife agencies found no evidence that sport hunting of pumas has produced the management outcomes sought by wildlife managers aside from providing a sport hunting opportunity. Consequently, and particularly because other research suggests that sport hunting actually exacerbate conflicts between pumas and humans, we recommend that state agencies re-assess the use of sport hunting as a management tool for pumas. SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 13 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0224638 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0224638 UT WOS:000535198700008 PM 32053602 ER PT J AU Fernandez, PD Kuemmerle, T Baumann, M Grau, HR Nasca, JA Radrizzani, A Gasparri, NI AF Fernandez, Pedro D. Kuemmerle, Tobias Baumann, Matthias Grau, H. Ricardo Nasca, Jose A. Radrizzani, Alejandro Gasparri, N. Ignacio TI Understanding the distribution of cattle production systems in the South American Chaco SO JOURNAL OF LAND USE SCIENCE AB Impacts of cattle production vary among different production systems, but data on their distribution is scarce for most world regions. In this work, we combine datasets on cattle vaccination locations and land cover in a regression framework to define and map major cattle production systems in the Argentinean Dry Chaco. We also explore how cattle occurrence relates to spatial determinants. Results indicate that the region harbors about 5.5 million heads. Cattle density was mainly described by the share of pasture (69.9%), cropland (28.1%) and aridity (23.8%). We identified 12-major cattle production systems: six cow-calf, three whole-cycle, and three fattening systems. Of these, four systems had high woodland cover (>85%). Data generated is available in a website. Understanding the distribution of cattle production systems is important to assess the environmental impacts of beef production at broad scales. Integrating vaccination data with land-cover information provides a promising avenue to identify livestock systems. RI Baumann, Matthias/K-4757-2014 OI Baumann, Matthias/0000-0003-2375-3622 SN 1747-423X EI 1747-4248 PD JAN 2 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 1 BP 52 EP 68 DI 10.1080/1747423X.2020.1720843 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515426500001 ER PT J AU Penades, M Viana, D Garcia-Quiros, A Munoz-Silvestre, A Moreno-Grua, E Perez-Fuentes, S Pascual, JJ Corpa, JM Selva, L AF Penades, Mariola Viana, David Garcia-Quiros, Ana Munoz-Silvestre, Asuncion Moreno-Grua, Elena Perez-Fuentes, Sara Jose Pascual, Juan Corpa, Juan M. Selva, Laura TI Differences in virulence between the two more prevalent Staphylococcus aureus clonal complexes in rabbitries (CC121 and CC96) using an experimental model of mammary gland infection SO VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Staphylococcal mastitis is a major health problem in humans and livestock that leads to economic loss running in millions. This process is currently one of the main reasons for culling adult rabbit does. Surprisingly, the two most prevalent S. aureus lineages isolated from non-differentiable natural clinical mastitis in rabbits (ST121 and ST96) generate different immune responses. This study aimed to genetically compare both types of strains to search for possible dissimilarities to explain differences in immune response, and to check whether they showed similar virulence in in vitro tests as in experimental intramammary in vivo infection. The main differences were observed in the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) and the immune-evasion-cluster (IEC) genes. While isolate ST121 harboured all six egc cluster members (seg, sei, selm, seln, selo, selu), isolate ST96 lacked the egc cluster. Strain ST96 carried a phage integrase Sa3 (Sa3int), compatible with a phage integrated into the hlb gene (beta-haemolysin-converting bacteriophages) with IEC type F, while isolate ST121 lacked IEC genes and the hlb gene was intact. Moreover, the in vitro tests confirmed a different virulence capacity between strains as ST121 showed greater cytotoxicity for erythrocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages than strain ST96. Differences were also found 7 days after experimental intramammary infection with 100 colony-forming units. The animals inoculated with strain ST121 developed more severe gross and histological mastitis, higher counts of macrophages in tissue and of all the cell populations in peripheral blood, and a significantly larger total number of bacteria than those infected by strain ST96. RI Viana, David/L-3701-2014; Corpa Arenas, Juan Manuel/L-1164-2014 OI Viana, David/0000-0002-5813-0356; Corpa Arenas, Juan Manuel/0000-0002-2690-3828 SN 0928-4249 EI 1297-9716 PD FEB 13 PY 2020 VL 51 IS 1 AR 11 DI 10.1186/s13567-020-0740-1 UT WOS:000514683100001 PM 32054530 ER PT J AU Donnelly, JP King, SL Silverman, NL Collins, DP Carrera-Gonzalez, EM Lafon-Terrazas, A Moore, JN AF Donnelly, J. Patrick King, Sammy L. Silverman, Nicholas L. Collins, Daniel P. Carrera-Gonzalez, Eduardo M. Lafon-Terrazas, Alberto Moore, Johnnie N. TI Climate and human water use diminish wetland networks supporting continental waterbird migration SO GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY AB Migrating waterbirds moving between upper and lower latitudinal breeding and wintering grounds rely on a limited network of endorheic lakes and wetlands when crossing arid continental interiors. Recent drying of global endorheic water stores raises concerns over deteriorating migratory pathways, yet few studies have considered these effects at the scale of continental flyways. Here, we investigate the resiliency of waterbird migration networks across western North America by reconstructing long-term patterns (1984-2018) of terminal lake and wetland surface water area in 26 endorheic watersheds. Findings were partitioned regionally by snowmelt- and monsoon-driven hydrologies and combined with climate and human water-use data to determine their importance in predicting surface water trends. Nonlinear patterns of lake and wetland drying were apparent along latitudinal flyway gradients. Pervasive surface water declines were prevalent in northern snowmelt watersheds (lakes -27%, wetlands -47%) while largely stable in monsoonal watersheds to the south (lakes -13%, wetlands +8%). Monsoonal watersheds represented a smaller proportion of total lake and wetland area, but their distribution and frequency of change within highly arid regions of the continental flyway increased their value to migratory waterbirds. Irrigated agriculture and increasing evaporative demands were the most important drivers of surface water declines. Underlying agricultural and wetland relationships however were more complex. Approximately 7% of irrigated lands linked to flood irrigation and water storage practices supported 61% of all wetland inundation in snowmelt watersheds. In monsoonal watersheds, small earthen dams, meant to capture surface runoff for livestock watering, were a major component of wetland resources (67%) that supported networks of isolated wetlands surrounding endorheic lakes. Ecological trends and human impacts identified herein underscore the importance of assessing flyway-scale change as our model depictions likely reflect new and emerging bottlenecks to continental migration. OI Donnelly, Patrick/0000-0002-9910-0794; Silverman, Nick/0000-0003-0231-8605 SN 1354-1013 EI 1365-2486 DI 10.1111/gcb.15010 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513172700001 PM 31967369 ER PT J AU Halasa, T Ward, MP Boklund, A AF Halasa, Tariq Ward, Michael P. Boklund, Anette TI The impact of changing farm structure on foot-and-mouth disease spread and control: A simulation study SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects ruminants and pigs. Countries with large exports of livestock products are highly vulnerable to economic damage following an FMD incursion. The faster disease spread is controlled, the lower the economic damage. During the past decades, the structure of livestock production has dramatically changed. To maintain the relevance of contingency plans, it is important to understand the effects of changes in herd structure on the spread and control of infectious diseases. In this study, we compare the spread and control of FMD based on 2006/2007 and 2018 livestock data. Spread of FMD in Denmark was simulated using the DTU-DADS model, applying different control measures. The number of cattle, swine and sheep/goat herds reduced from about 50,000 in total in 2006/2007 to about 33,000 in 2018. During this period, the average number of outgoing animal movements and the exports of swine and swine products increased by about 35% and 22%, respectively. This coincided with an overall increase in herd size of 14%. Using the EU and national control measures (Basic: 3 days standstill, depopulation of detected herds followed by cleaning and disinfection and establishment of control zones, where tracing, surveillance and contact restrictions are implemented), we found that the simulated epidemics in 2018 would be about 50% shorter in duration, affect about 50% fewer herds but cause more economic damage, compared to epidemics using 2006/2007 data. When 2006/2007 data were used, Basic + pre-emptive depopulation (Depop) overall was the optimal control strategy. When 2018 data were used, this was the case only when epidemics were initiated in cattle herds, whereas when epidemics were initiated in sow or sheep/goats herds, basic performed as well as Depop. The results demonstrate that regular assessment of measures to control the spread of infectious diseases is necessary for contingency planning. RI Ward, Michael/W-1897-2019 OI Ward, Michael/0000-0002-9921-4986 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13500 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512955200001 PM 32012445 ER PT J AU Lawal, RA Martin, SH Vanmechelen, K Vereijken, A Silva, P Al-Atiyat, RM Aljumaah, RS Mwacharo, JM Wu, DD Zhang, YP Hocking, PM Smith, J Wragg, D Hanotte, O AF Lawal, Raman Akinyanju Martin, Simon H. Vanmechelen, Koen Vereijken, Addie Silva, Pradeepa Al-Atiyat, Raed Mahmoud Aljumaah, Riyadh Salah Mwacharo, Joram M. Wu, Dong-Dong Zhang, Ya-Ping Hocking, Paul M. Smith, Jacqueline Wragg, David Hanotte, Olivier TI The wild species genome ancestry of domestic chickens SO BMC BIOLOGY AB Background Hybridisation and introgression play key roles in the evolutionary history of animal species. They are commonly observed within several orders in wild birds. The domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus is the most common livestock species. More than 65 billion chickens are raised annually to produce meat and 80 million metric tons of egg for global human consumption by the commercial sector. Unravelling the origin of its genetic diversity has major application for sustainable breeding improvement programmes. Results In this study, we report genome-wide analyses for signatures of introgression between indigenous domestic village chicken and the four wild Gallus species. We first assess the genome-wide phylogeny and divergence time across the genus Gallus. Genome-wide sequence divergence analysis supports a sister relationship between the Grey junglefowl G. sonneratii and Ceylon junglefowl G. lafayettii. Both species form a clade that is sister to the Red junglefowl G. gallus, with the Green junglefowl G. varius the most ancient lineage within the genus. We reveal extensive bidirectional introgression between the Grey junglefowl and the domestic chicken and to a much lesser extent with the Ceylon junglefowl. We identify a single case of Green junglefowl introgression. These introgressed regions include genes with biological functions related to development and immune system. Conclusions Our study shows that while the Red junglefowl is the main ancestral species, introgressive hybridisation episodes have impacted the genome and contributed to the diversity of the domestic chicken, although likely at different levels across its geographic range. OI Lawal, Raman/0000-0001-8908-7664; Al-Atiyat, Raed/0000-0003-1182-6150 EI 1741-7007 PD FEB 12 PY 2020 VL 18 IS 1 AR 13 DI 10.1186/s12915-020-0738-1 UT WOS:000515410400001 PM 32050971 ER PT J AU Pereira, SS Neto, KJGDC Duffy, CW Richards, P Noyes, H Ogugo, M Andre, MR Bengaly, Z Kemp, S Teixeira, MMG Machado, RZ Jackson, AP AF Pereira, Sara Silva de Almeida Castilho Neto, Kayo J. G. Duffy, Craig W. Richards, Peter Noyes, Harry Ogugo, Moses Andre, Marcos Rogerio Bengaly, Zakaria Kemp, Steve Teixeira, Marta M. G. Machado, Rosangela Z. Jackson, Andrew P. TI Variant antigen diversity in Trypanosoma vivax is not driven by recombination SO NATURE COMMUNICATIONS AB African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma) are vector-borne haemoparasites that survive in the vertebrate bloodstream through antigenic variation of their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG). Recombination, or rather segmented gene conversion, is fundamental in Trypanosoma brucei for both VSG gene switching and for generating antigenic diversity during infections. Trypanosoma vivax is a related, livestock pathogen whose VSG lack structures that facilitate gene conversion in T. brucei and mechanisms underlying its antigenic diversity are poorly understood. Here we show that species-wide VSG repertoire is broadly conserved across diverse T. vivax clinical strains and has limited antigenic repertoire. We use variant antigen profiling, coalescent approaches and experimental infections to show that recombination plays little role in diversifying T. vivax VSG sequences. These results have immediate consequences for both the current mechanistic model of antigenic variation in African trypanosomes and species differences in virulence and transmission, requiring reconsideration of the wider epidemiology of animal African trypanosomiasis. Trypanosoma rely on variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) to escape host immunity, but mechanisms generating antigenic diversity of VSG are poorly understood. Here, Silva-Pereira et al. show that T. vivax has a limited antigenic repertoire compared to T. brucei and that recombination plays little role in diversifying T. vivax VSG sequences. RI Teixeira, Marta M G/B-1115-2009 OI Silva Pereira, Sara/0000-0002-6590-6626 SN 2041-1723 PD FEB 12 PY 2020 VL 11 IS 1 AR 844 DI 10.1038/s41467-020-14575-8 UT WOS:000514686900001 PM 32051413 ER PT J AU Diallo, SM Bogreau, H Mze, NP Salem, MSOA Khairy, MLO Parola, P Basco, L Boukhary, AOMS AF Diallo, Sileye Mamadou Bogreau, Herv Mze, Nasserdine Papa Salem, Mohamed Salem Ould Ahmedou Khairy, Mohamed Lemine Ould Parola, Philippe Basco, Leonardo Boukhary, Ali Ould Mohamed Salem TI Malaria epidemiology in Kobeni department, southeastern Mauritania from 2015 to 2017 SO INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY AB Background Plasmodium falciparum malaria is endemic in the southern sahelian zone of Mauritania where intense internal and trans-border human and livestock movement occurs. The risk of importation and spread of drug-resistant parasites need to be regularly assessed in this region. The objective of the study was to assess the recent malaria situation near the Mauritania-Mali border. Methods Between February 2015 and December 2017, patients with fever or history of fever during the previous 48 h, presenting at the health centre of Kobeni city, were screened for malaria using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopic examination of blood smears. The diagnosis was later confirmed by PCR. Cohen's kappa statistics was used to estimate the degree of agreement between diagnostic methods. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the use of bed nets and malaria infection. Results A total of 2326 febrile patients (mean age, 20.2 years) were screened for malaria. The presence of malaria parasites was detected by RDT and microscopy in 53.0% and 49.3% of febrile patients, respectively, and was confirmed by PCR in 59.7% (45 missing data). Of 1361 PCR-positive samples, 1205 (88.5%) were P. falciparum, 47 (3.5%) P. vivax, and 99 (7.3%) P. falciparum-P. vivax mixed infection. Malaria transmission occurred mostly during and shortly after the rainy season. The annual rainfall was relatively low in 2016 (267 mm) and 2017 (274 mm), compared to 2015 (448 mm), and coincided with a decline in malaria prevalence in 2016-2017. Although 71.8% of febrile patients reported to possess at least one bed net in the household in our questionnaire, its reported use was not protective against malaria infection (odds ratio: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.91-1.32). Conclusions Our study confirmed that P. falciparum is the dominant species in the sahelian zone and that malaria transmission is seasonal and associated with rainfall in this zone. The application of the current national policy based on rapid and reliable malaria diagnosis, case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, distribution and use of long-lasting insecticide impregnated bed nets, and the planned introduction of seasonal malaria chemoprevention for all children under 6 years old is expected to sustainably reduce malaria transmission in this zone. SN 2095-5162 EI 2049-9957 PD FEB 12 PY 2020 VL 9 IS 1 AR 21 DI 10.1186/s40249-020-0634-5 UT WOS:000514367500001 PM 32046780 ER PT J AU Knoke, T Paul, C Rammig, A Gosling, E Hildebrandt, P Hartl, F Peters, T Richter, M Diertl, KH Castro, LM Calvas, B Ochoa, S Valle-Carrion, LA Hamer, U Tischer, A Potthast, K Windhorst, D Homeier, J Wilcke, W Velescu, A Gerique, A Pohle, P Adams, J Breuer, L Mosandl, R Beck, E Weber, M Stimm, B Silva, B Verburg, PH Bendix, J AF Knoke, Thomas Paul, Carola Rammig, Anja Gosling, Elizabeth Hildebrandt, Patrick Haertl, Fabian Peters, Thorsten Richter, Michael Diertl, Karl-Heinz Maria Castro, Luz Calvas, Baltazar Ochoa, Santiago Anabelle Valle-Carrion, Liz Hamer, Ute Tischer, Alexander Potthast, Karin Windhorst, David Homeier, Juergen Wilcke, Wolfgang Velescu, Andre Gerique, Andres Pohle, Perdita Adams, Julia Breuer, Lutz Mosandl, Reinhard Beck, Erwin Weber, Michael Stimm, Bernd Silva, Brenner Verburg, Peter H. Bendix, Joerg TI Accounting for multiple ecosystem services in a simulation of land-use decisions: Does it reduce tropical deforestation? SO GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY AB Conversion of tropical forests is among the primary causes of global environmental change. The loss of their important environmental services has prompted calls to integrate ecosystem services (ES) in addition to socio-economic objectives in decision-making. To test the effect of accounting for both ES and socio-economic objectives in land-use decisions, we develop a new dynamic approach to model deforestation scenarios for tropical mountain forests. We integrate multi-objective optimization of land allocation with an innovative approach to consider uncertainty spaces for each objective. These uncertainty spaces account for potential variability among decision-makers, who may have different expectations about the future. When optimizing only socio-economic objectives, the model continues the past trend in deforestation (1975-2015) in the projected land-use allocation (2015-2070). Based on indicators for biomass production, carbon storage, climate and water regulation, and soil quality, we show that considering multiple ES in addition to the socio-economic objectives has heterogeneous effects on land-use allocation. It saves some natural forest if the natural forest share is below 38%, and can stop deforestation once the natural forest share drops below 10%. For landscapes with high shares of forest (38%-80% in our study), accounting for multiple ES under high uncertainty of their indicators may, however, accelerate deforestation. For such multifunctional landscapes, two main effects prevail: (a) accelerated expansion of diversified non-natural areas to elevate the levels of the indicators and (b) increased landscape diversification to maintain multiple ES, reducing the proportion of natural forest. Only when accounting for vascular plant species richness as an explicit objective in the optimization, deforestation was consistently reduced. Aiming for multifunctional landscapes may therefore conflict with the aim of reducing deforestation, which we can quantify here for the first time. Our findings are relevant for identifying types of landscapes where this conflict may arise and to better align respective policies. RI Paul, Carola/I-6711-2019; hernandez, andres/AAF-9086-2020; Tischer, Alexander/W-7903-2019; Breuer, Lutz/C-6652-2013; Knoke, Thomas/B-2617-2009 OI Paul, Carola/0000-0002-6257-2026; Tischer, Alexander/0000-0003-2923-8330; Breuer, Lutz/0000-0001-9720-1076; Knoke, Thomas/0000-0003-0535-5946 SN 1354-1013 EI 1365-2486 DI 10.1111/gcb.15003 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512812300001 PM 31957121 ER PT J AU Blignaut, B van Heerden, J Reininghaus, B Fosgate, GT Heath, L AF Blignaut, Belinda van Heerden, Juanita Reininghaus, Bjorn Fosgate, Geoffrey T. Heath, Livio TI Characterization of SAT2 foot-and-mouth disease 2013/2014 outbreak viruses at the wildlife-livestock interface in South Africa SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB The Southern African Territories (SAT)-type foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV) are endemic to the greater Kruger National Park (KNP) area in South Africa, where they are maintained through persistent infections in African buffalo. The occurrence of FMDV within the Greater KNP area constitutes a continual threat to the livestock industry. To expand on knowledge of FMDV diversity, the genetic and anti-genic relatedness of SAT2-type viruses isolated from cattle during a FMD outbreak in Mpumalanga Province in 2013 and 2014 were investigated. Cattle from twelve diptanks tested positive on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and molecular epidemiological relationships of the viruses were determined by VP1 sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the SAT2 viruses from the FMD outbreak in Mpumalanga in 2013/2014 revealed their genetic relatedness to other SAT2 isolates from topotype I (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique), albeit genetically distinct from previous South African outbreak viruses (2011 and 2012) from the same topotype. The fifteen SAT2 field isolates clustered into a novel genotype with >= 98.7% nucleotide identity. High neutralization antibody titres were observed for four 2013/2014 outbreak viruses tested against the SAT2 reference anti-sera representative of viruses isolated from cattle and buffalo from South Africa (topotype I) and Zimbabwe (topotype II). Comparison of the anti-genic relationship (r(1) values) of the outbreak viruses with reference anti-sera indicated a good vaccine match with 90% of r(1) values > 0.3. The r(1) values for the 2013/2014 outbreak viruses were 0.4 and above for the three South African vaccine/reference strains. These results confirm the presence of genetic and anti-genic variability in SAT2 viruses and suggest the emergence of new variants at the wildlife-livestock interface in South Africa. Continuous characterization of field viruses should be performed to identify new virus strains as epidemiological surveillance to improve vaccination efforts. SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13493 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512711800001 PM 31984622 ER PT J AU Canas-Arranz, R Forner, M Defaus, S Rodriguez-Pulido, M de Leon, P Torres, E Bustos, MJ Borrego, B Saiz, M Blanco, E Andreu, D Sobrino, F AF Canas-Arranz, Rodrigo Forner, Mar Defaus, Sira Rodriguez-Pulido, Miguel de Leon, Patricia Torres, Elisa Bustos, Maria J. Borrego, Belen Saiz, Margarita Blanco, Esther Andreu, David Sobrino, Francisco TI A bivalent B-cell epitope dendrimer peptide can confer long-lasting immunity in swine against foot-and-mouth disease SO TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES AB Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a widely extended contagious disease of livestock. We have previously reported that a synthetic dendrimeric peptide, termed B2T(mal), consisting of two copies of a B-cell epitope [VP1(140-158)] linked through maleimide groups to a T-cell epitope [3A(21-35)] of FMDV, elicits potent B- and T-cell-specific responses and confers solid protection in pigs to type O FMDV challenge. Longer duration of the protective response and the possibility of inducing protection after a single dose are important requirements for an efficient FMD vaccine. Herein, we show that administration of two doses of B2T(mal) elicited high levels of specific total IgGs and neutralizing antibodies that lasted 4-5 months after the peptide boost. Additionally, concomitant levels of IFN-gamma-producing specific T cells were observed. Immunization with two doses of B2T(mal) conferred a long-lasting reduced susceptibility to FMDV infection, up to 136 days (19/20 weeks) post-boost. Remarkably, a similar duration of the protective response was achieved by a single dose of B2T(mal). The effect on the B2T(mal) vaccine of RNA transcripts derived from non-coding regions in the FMDV genome, known to enhance the immune response and protection induced by a conventional inactivated vaccine, was also analysed. The contribution of our results to the development of FMD dendrimeric vaccines is discussed. RI Pulido, Miguel Rodriguez/L-7644-2014; Borrego, Belen/K-2179-2014; Blanco, Esther/C-1245-2013; Saiz, Margarita/F-2604-2015 OI Pulido, Miguel Rodriguez/0000-0003-2101-8974; Borrego, Belen/0000-0002-0801-9166; Blanco, Esther/0000-0001-8413-4222; Sobrino, Francisco/0000-0003-4968-8291; Saiz, Margarita/0000-0003-3893-7926; de Leon, Patricia/0000-0003-2518-2245; Forner, Mar/0000-0002-8547-2394 SN 1865-1674 EI 1865-1682 DI 10.1111/tbed.13497 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512737000001 PM 31994334 ER PT J AU van Wijk, M Hammond, J Gorman, L Adams, S Ayantunde, A Baines, D Bolliger, A Bosire, C Carpena, P Chesterman, S Chinyophiro, A Daudi, H Dontsop, P Douxchamps, S Emera, WD Fraval, S Fonte, S Hok, L Kiara, H Kihoro, E Korir, L Lamanna, C Long, CTM Manyawu, G Mehrabi, Z Mengistu, DK Mercado, L Meza, K Mora, V Mutemi, J Ng'endo, M Njingulula, P Okafor, C Pagella, T Phengsavanh, P Rao, JM Ritzema, R Rosenstock, TS Skirrow, T Steinke, J Stirling, C Suchini, JG Teufel, N Thorne, P Vanek, S van Etten, J Vanlauwe, B Wichern, J Yameogo, V AF van Wijk, Mark Hammond, James Gorman, Leo Adams, Sam Ayantunde, Augustine Baines, David Bolliger, Adrian Bosire, Caroline Carpena, Pietro Chesterman, Sabrina Chinyophiro, Amon Daudi, Happy Dontsop, Paul Douxchamps, Sabine Emera, Willy Desire Fraval, Simon Fonte, Steven Hok, Lyda Kiara, Henry Kihoro, Esther Korir, Luke Lamanna, Christine Long, Chau T. M. Manyawu, Godfrey Mehrabi, Zia Mengistu, Dejene K. Mercado, Leida Meza, Katherin Mora, Vesalio Mutemi, Jacob Ng'endo, Mary Njingulula, Paulin Okafor, Chris Pagella, Tim Phengsavanh, Phonepaseuth Rao, James Ritzema, Randall Rosenstock, Todd S. Skirrow, Tom Steinke, Jonathan Stirling, Clare Gabriel Suchini, Jose Teufel, Nils Thorne, Peter Vanek, Steven van Etten, Jacob Vanlauwe, Bernard Wichern, Jannike Yameogo, Viviane TI The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey, data from 13,310 farm households in 21 countries SO SCIENTIFIC DATA AB The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) is a standardized farm household survey approach which collects information on 758 variables covering household demographics, farm area, crops grown and their production, livestock holdings and their production, agricultural product use and variables underlying standard socio-economic and food security indicators such as the Probability of Poverty Index, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and household dietary diversity. These variables are used to quantify more than 40 different indicators on farm and household characteristics, welfare, productivity, and economic performance. Between 2015 and the beginning of 2018, the survey instrument was applied in 21 countries in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The data presented here include the raw survey response data, the indicator calculation code, and the resulting indicator values. These data can be used to quantify on- and off-farm pathways to food security, diverse diets, and changes in poverty for rural smallholder farm households. OI Steinke, Jonathan/0000-0001-5742-702X; Fonte, Steven/0000-0002-3727-2304; Gorman, Leo/0000-0003-2279-6487 EI 2052-4463 PD FEB 11 PY 2020 VL 7 IS 1 AR 46 DI 10.1038/s41597-020-0388-8 UT WOS:000514597400003 PM 32047158 ER PT J AU Fan, R Li, CC Duan, R Qin, S Liang, JR Xiao, M Lv, DY Jing, HQ Wang, X AF Fan, Rong Li, Chuchu Duan, Ran Qin, Shuai Liang, Junrong Xiao, Meng Lv, Dongyue Jing, Huaiqi Wang, Xin TI Retrospective Screening and Analysis of mcr-1 and bla(NDM) in Gram-Negative Bacteria in China, 2010-2019 SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB Currently, Gram-negative bacteria have developed multidrug and broad-spectrum drug resistance, and the numbers of species and strains carrying mcr or bla(NDM) genes are increasing. In this study, mcr-1 and bla(NDM) distribution of 12,858 Gram-negative bacteria isolated from wildlife, patients, livestock, poultry and environment in 14 provinces of China from 2010 to 2019 and the antibiotics resistance in regard to polymyxins (polymyxin B and colistin) and carbapenems of positive strains were investigated. A total of 70 strains of 10 species carried the mcr-1 gene, positive rates of patients, livestock and poultry, and environmental strains were 0.62% (36/5,828), 4.07% (29/712), 5.43% (5/92), respectively. Six strains of 3 species carrying the bla(NDM) gene all came from patients 0.10% (6/5,828). Two new mcr-1 gene variants (GenBank: MK965883, MK965884) were identified, one of which contains premature stop codon. The drug susceptibility results showed that all mcr-1 carriers were sensitive to carbapenems, among which, 66 strains were resistant and 4 were sensitive to polymyxins. The strains with the bla(NDM) gene had different degrees of resistance to carbapenems and were sensitive to polymyxins. The findings that species carrying mcr-1 or bla(NDM) genes were limited and mostly normal flora of opportunistic or low pathogenic organisms indicated that transfer of mcr-1 and bla(NDM) genes between bacteria was relatively limited in China. The none detection among wildlife compared with other sources supports the speculation that the emergence of and increase in polymyxins and carbapenem-resistant strains was mainly related to the selective pressure of antibiotics. SN 1664-302X PD FEB 11 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 121 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00121 UT WOS:000517629700001 PM 32117144 ER PT J AU Ulziibat, G Maygmarsuren, O Khishgee, B Basan, G Sandag, B Ruuragc, S Limon, G Wilsden, G Browning, C King, DP Ludi, AB Lyons, NA AF Ulziibat, Gerelmaa Maygmarsuren, Odonchimeg Khishgee, Bodisaikhan Basan, Ganzorig Sandag, Batkhuyag Ruuragc, Sodnomdarjaa Limon, Georgina Wilsden, Ginette Browning, Clare King, Donald P. Ludi, Anna B. Lyons, Nicholas A. TI Immunogenicity of imported foot-and-mouth vaccines in different species in Mongolia SO VACCINE AB Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a high impact viral disease of livestock for which vaccines are extensively used in control. Mongolia has regular incursions of FMD virus that are typically limited to the eastern region although large epidemics are occasionally reported in the normally disease-free western areas. Vaccines are imported and form an important component of the control strategy. In 2015, post-vaccination monitoring guidelines were published by the FAO-OIE recommending approaches for assessing the appropriateness of imported vaccines including small-scale immunogenicity studies. This study used these recommended approaches to guide the use of vaccine adjuvant type and the need for a one or two dose primary course in the national control programme considering cattle, sheep and Bactrian camels and also whether these vaccines were appropriate for the FMD virus lineages considered high risk to Mongolia (A/ASIA/Sea-97; O/SEA/Mya-98; O/ME-SA/PanAsia; O/ME-SA/Ind-2001). The results of these immunogenicity studies indicated that in cattle and sheep, oil-adjuvanted vaccines led to higher and more persistent neutralisation titres that were satisfactory against the target lineages if a two-dose primary course was utilised. In contrast, aqueous-adjuvanted vaccines were associated with lower titres that likely required a booster after 3 months. Levels of antibodies in Bactrian camels were significantly lower although it is unknown how these may correlate with protection under experimental or field exposure conditions. The results of this study have implications for vaccine policy in Mongolia and suggest further studies on the role of Bactrian camels in the epidemiology of FMD are necessary to indicate if further research on FMD vaccines are needed in this species. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. OI Limon, Georgina/0000-0001-6230-2475; King, Donald/0000-0002-6959-2708 SN 0264-410X EI 1873-2518 PD FEB 11 PY 2020 VL 38 IS 7 BP 1708 EP 1714 DI 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.12.053 UT WOS:000515209900018 PM 31926753 ER PT J AU Espinoza, DO Molina-Freaner, F Tinoco-Ojanguren, C AF Espinoza, Dulce O. Molina-Freaner, Francisco Tinoco-Ojanguren, Clara TI Response of four species of Sonoran Desert trees to buffel grass removal treatments SO PLANT ECOLOGY AB Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is an African grass used as forage for livestock that is also invasive. Several methods have been evaluated to remove invasive buffel grass, but the effect of removal on establishment of native plants is poorly understood. We explore the effect of buffel grass removal treatments on the germination and establishment of four Sonoran Desert tree species. We used three removal treatments and a control; after treatments were applied, we sowed seeds of Mariosousa willardiana, Parkinsonia microphylla, Olneya tesota, and Parkinsonia florida. For each treatment, we evaluated germination, plant survival and measured soil moisture, soil temperature, and light quantity. In a second experiment, we tested whether glyphosate, an herbicide used in removal treatments, had significant effects on the same native species. Additionally, in a third experiment, we evaluated the effect of glyphosate on a native annual species. Results showed that the herbicide treatment was effective killing buffel grass and promoting the regeneration of native species. Germination and survival rates for the four study species were greatest under the herbicide treatment and lower after manual removal treatments of buffel grass. However, the herbicide glyphosate significantly suppressed the survival and growth of seedlings of the studied tree species and the annual species. Given the effect of glyphosate on native seedlings and other known side effects, we suggest that it is used only to target buffel plants, avoiding contact with native vegetation. SN 1385-0237 EI 1573-5052 PD APR PY 2020 VL 221 IS 4 BP 255 EP 264 DI 10.1007/s11258-020-01008-1 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516027200001 ER PT J AU Haslinger, K Prather, KLJ AF Haslinger, Kristina Prather, Kristala L. J. TI Heterologous caffeic acid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli is affected by choice of tyrosine ammonia lyase and redox partners for bacterial Cytochrome P450 SO MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES AB Background Caffeic acid is industrially recognized for its antioxidant activity and therefore its potential to be used as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic and antidepressive agent. It is traditionally isolated from lignified plant material under energy-intensive and harsh chemical extraction conditions. However, over the last decade bottom-up biosynthesis approaches in microbial cell factories have been established, that have the potential to allow for a more tailored and sustainable production. One of these approaches has been implemented in Escherichia coli and only requires a two-step conversion of supplemented l-tyrosine by the actions of a tyrosine ammonia lyase and a bacterial Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. Although the feeding of intermediates demonstrated the great potential of this combination of heterologous enzymes compared to others, no de novo synthesis of caffeic acid from glucose has been achieved utilizing the bacterial Cytochrome P450 thus far. Results The herein described work aimed at improving the efficiency of this two-step conversion in order to establish de novo caffeic acid formation from glucose. We implemented alternative tyrosine ammonia lyases that were reported to display superior substrate binding affinity and selectivity, and increased the efficiency of the Cytochrome P450 by altering the electron-donating redox system. With this strategy we were able to achieve final titers of more than 300 mu M or 47 mg/L caffeic acid over 96 h in an otherwise wild type E. coli MG1655(DE3) strain with glucose as the only carbon source. We observed that the choice and gene dose of the redox system strongly influenced the Cytochrome P450 catalysis. In addition, we were successful in applying a tethering strategy that rendered even a virtually unproductive Cytochrome P450/redox system combination productive. Conclusions The caffeic acid titer achieved in this study is about 10% higher than titers reported for other heterologous caffeic acid pathways in wildtype E. coli without l-tyrosine supplementation. The tethering strategy applied to the Cytochrome P450 appears to be particularly useful for non-natural Cytochrome P450/redox partner combinations and could be useful for other recombinant pathways utilizing bacterial Cytochromes P450. OI Prather, Kristala/0000-0003-0437-3157; Haslinger, Kristina/0000-0003-1361-1508 EI 1475-2859 PD FEB 11 PY 2020 VL 19 IS 1 AR 26 DI 10.1186/s12934-020-01300-9 UT WOS:000514350100001 PM 32046741 ER PT J AU Mutyasira, V AF Mutyasira, Vine TI Prospects of sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems: A farmer typology approach SO AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT AB Smallholder farming systems are highly diverse, owing to differences in farmers' resource endowments, levels of technology use, degree of market access and agro-ecological factors. Consequently, the prospects of achieving sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems need to be examined vis-a-vis the dominant farmer typologies, so as to help craft effective and tailored interventions. The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology to establish farm typologies prevalent within the smallholder farming systems and infer their implications for the drive to achieve sustainable intensification of agriculture. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, covering 600 households in four regions of Ethiopia's Highlands. Multivariate statistical techniques of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to group farmers into four distinct clusters. The study then compared relative levels of agricultural intensification and sustainability across the different typology clusters. The study found that households who are more commercially oriented and have larger landholdings, higher levels of productive assets and livestock ownership, exhibit higher levels of both agricultural intensification and relative sustainability. The study concludes that the farm typology approach has important policy application as it helps identify the set of socioeconomic characteristics of farmers that influence their propensity to achieve sustainable intensification. OI Mutyasira, Vine/0000-0001-7144-4213 SN 2042-1338 EI 2042-1346 DI 10.1080/20421338.2019.1711319 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000513334800001 ER PT J AU Martin, JL Chamaille-Jammes, S Waller, DM AF Martin, Jean-Louis Chamaille-Jammes, Simon Waller, Donald M. TI Deer, wolves, and people: costs, benefits and challenges of living together SO BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS AB Human-driven species annihilations loom as a major crisis. However the recovery of deer and wolf populations in many parts of the northern hemisphere has resulted in conflicts and controversies rather than in relief. Both species interact in complex ways with their environment, each other, and humans. We review these interactions in the context of the ecological and human costs and benefits associated with these species. We integrate scattered information to widen our perspective on the nature and perception of these costs and benefits and how they link to each other and ongoing controversies regarding how we manage deer and wolf populations. After revisiting the ecological roles deer and wolves play in contemporary ecosystems, we explore how they interact, directly and indirectly, with human groups including farmers, foresters, shepherds, and hunters. Interactions with deer and wolves generate various axes of tension, posing both ecological and sociological challenges. Resolving these tensions and conflicts requires that we address key questions using integrative approaches: what are the ecological consequences of deer and wolf recovery? How do they influence each other? What are the social and socio-ecological consequences of large deer populations and wolf presence? Finally, what key obstacles must be overcome to allow deer, wolves and people to coexist? Reviewing contemporary ecological and sociological results suggests insights and ways to improve our understanding and resolve long-standing challenges to coexistence. We should begin by agreeing to enhance aggregate benefits while minimizing the collective costs we incur by interacting with deer and wolves. We should also view these species, and ourselves, as parts of integrated ecosystems subject to long-term dynamics. If co-existence is our goal, we need deer and wolves to persevere in ways that are compatible with human interests. Our human interests, however, should be inclusive and fairly value all the costs and benefits deer and wolves entail including their intrinsic value. Shifts in human attitudes and cultural learning that are already occurring will reshape our ecological interactions with deer and wolves. RI Martin, Jean-Louis/E-5059-2010 SN 1464-7931 EI 1469-185X PD JUN PY 2020 VL 95 IS 3 BP 782 EP 801 DI 10.1111/brv.12587 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512447000001 PM 32043747 ER PT J AU Simson, D Boehm, M Backert, S AF Simson, D. Boehm, M. Backert, S. TI HtrA-dependent adherence and invasion of Campylobacter jejuni in human vs avian cells SO LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AB The aim of this study was to investigate whether HtrA is responsible for differences in adherence and invasion of Campylobacter jejuni towards human and chicken cell lines. Gentamicin protection assays were performed with either human Caco-2 or chicken 2G4 cells using C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 to compare the adhesion and invasion rates towards these two cell types. The results revealed significant differences in the adhesion and invasion rates between the human and avian cells. Deletion of the Campylobacter htrA gene, coding for the dual function of serine protease and chaperonin with a role in pathogenesis, led to a reduction of the rates in both cell lines. Using a single-amino acid substitution mutant (Delta htrA/htrA(S197A)) that lacked protease activity, but retained chaperonin activity, we show that the first is involved in the invasion of human Caco-2 and chicken 2G4 cells, whereas the latter mutant invaded at lower levels. Adherence towards the chicken cells is higher than towards Caco-2 cells and this is also dependent on HtrA. Together, these data suggest that the proteolytic activity of HtrA is involved in the difference in host response of C. jejuni towards human and chicken-derived cells. Significance and Impact of the Study Campylobacter jejuni is the main cause for bacterial foodborne enterocolitis worldwide. While colonization of the human intestine can lead to severe problems, avian hosts - as the major source of infection - remain unaffected by the bacteria. We showed that the bacterial serine protease and chaperonin HtrA are involved in adhesion and invasion in both species and not responsible for the discrepancy of virulence between the different hosts. In future, HtrA might act as a target for inhibitors to avoid or eradicate colonization in chickens as a less problematic alternative to antibiotics in commercial livestock breeding. SN 0266-8254 EI 1472-765X PD APR PY 2020 VL 70 IS 4 BP 326 EP 330 DI 10.1111/lam.13277 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512502800001 PM 31981418 ER PT J AU Collinson, NP Mann, RC Giri, K Malipatil, M Kaur, J Spangenberg, G Valenzuela, I AF Collinson, Nicholas Paul Mann, Ross Cameron Giri, Khageswor Malipatil, Mallik Kaur, Jatinder Spangenberg, German Valenzuela, Isabel TI Novel bioassay to assess antibiotic effects of fungal endophytes on aphids SO PLOS ONE AB Perennial ryegrass is an important feed base for the dairy and livestock industries around the world. It is often infected with mutualistic fungal endophytes that confer protection to the plant against biotic and abiotic stresses. Bioassays that test their antibiotic effect on invertebrates are varied and range from excised leaves to whole plants. The aim of this study was to design and validate a "high-throughput" in-planta bioassay using 7-day-old seedlings confined in small cups, allowing for rapid assessments of aphid life history to be made while maintaining high replication and treatment numbers. Antibiosis was evaluated on the foliar and the root aphid species; Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) and Aploneura lentisci (Passerini) feeding on a range of perennial ryegrass-Epichloe festucae var. Lolii endophyte symbiota. As expected, both D. noxia and A. lentisci reared on endophyte-infected plants showed negatively affected life history traits by comparison to non-infected plants. Both species exhibited the highest mortality at the nymphal stage with an average total mortality across all endophyte treatments of 91% and 89% for D. noxia and A. lentisci respectively. Fecundity decreased significantly on all endophyte treatments with an average total reduction of 18% and 16% for D. noxia and A. lentisci respectively by comparison to non-infected plants. Overall, the bioassay proved to be a rapid method of evaluating the insecticidal activity of perennial ryegrass-endophyte symbiota on aphids (nymph mortality could be assessed in as little as 24 and 48 hours for D. noxia and A. lentisci respectively). This rapid and simple approach can be used to benchmark novel grass-endophyte symbiota on a range of aphid species that feed on leaves of plants, however we would caution that it may not be suitable for the assessment of root-feeding aphids, as this species exhibited relatively high mortality on the control as well. SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0228813 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0228813 UT WOS:000534629400044 PM 32040957 ER PT J AU De Kumar, A George, Z Mondal, S Perumal, P Muniswamy, K Kundu, A Sunder, J Muthiyan, R Ahmed, SKZ Chakraborty, G Sujatha, T Bhattacharya, D AF De Kumar, Arun George, Zachariah Mondal, Samiran Perumal, P. Muniswamy, K. Kundu, A. Sunder, Jai Muthiyan, Ramachandran Ahmed, S. K. Zamir Chakraborty, Gayatri Sujatha, T. Bhattacharya, D. TI Tracing the genetic root of Trinket cattle: an endangered cattle population of a small isolated island of Nicobar group of islands SO JOURNAL OF GENETICS AB Trinket cattle are the inhabitant of a small island called Trinket, which is one of the picturesque islands of Andaman. This herd is thought to be of Danish leftover during their dynasty in Nicobar archipelago. When the island was abandoned by foreign invaders, indigenes utilized the animals for the purpose of meat. As a result, the cattle became semi-feral in nature. After the Great Sumatra earthquake and tsunami of Indian Ocean in 2004, Trinket island was left abandoned by indigenes and the cattle became totally feral in nature. To trace the genetic root of the cattle, this study has been undertaken based on the sequence information of the mitochondrial D-loop and cytochrome b gene. The genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of the Trinket cattle and was used for amplification of mitochondrial markers, and the sequence information was generated by Sanger sequencing. The analysis of sequence information revealed that the Trinket cattle belongs to Bos indicus (I) haplotype, sub-haplotype I2. The presence of I2 sub-haplotype in Trinket cattle may be due to the expansion of this I2 haplotype towards Southeast Asian countries. This is a novel input for the formulation of breeding strategy towards conservation of eco-friendly sustainable livestock in the isolated island ecosystem. SN 0022-1333 EI 0973-7731 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 99 IS 1 AR 16 DI 10.1007/s12041-020-1178-y UT WOS:000519247600001 ER PT J AU Colominas, L Palet, JM Garcia-Molsosa, A AF Colominas, Lidia Maria Palet, Josep Garcia-Molsosa, Arnau TI What happened in the highlands? Characterising Pyrenean livestock practices during the transition from the Iron Age to the Roman period SO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES AB Abundant literature shows that on Western European lowlands, the transition from the Middle Iron Age to the early Roman period involved major changes in livestock practices, with the emergence of specialised and selective animal husbandry. Very little information is available about how the Roman conquest affected mountain livestock practices, despite them being of crucial importance for understanding the integration of mountain regions in the economy of the Roman Empire. To characterise this activity and evaluate its economic importance, we applied a combined archaeozoological and field survey approach to the eastern Pyrenees as a study case. The interrelation of these data was also contextualised with the available palaeoenvironmental record. This interdisciplinary approach allowed us to document an intensive and specialised animal husbandry in the mountains, probably focused on sheep, that would have involved a more intensive use of the highlands and the creation and maintenance of pastoral grasslands. We propose that these changes should be linked to greater pressure on the lowland pastures and an increased demand for wool as a result of the incorporation of eastern Pyrenees into the Roman market economy. RI Colominas, Lidia/S-1998-2019; Colominas, Lidia/B-1905-2017 OI Colominas, Lidia/0000-0001-6838-5814 SN 1866-9557 EI 1866-9565 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR UNSP 69 DI 10.1007/s12520-020-01023-3 UT WOS:000519247900001 ER PT J AU Albert, JS Destouni, G Duke-Sylvester, SM Magurran, AE Oberdorff, T Reis, RE Winemiller, KO Ripple, WJ AF Albert, James S. Destouni, Georgia Duke-Sylvester, Scott M. Magurran, Anne E. Oberdorff, Thierry Reis, Roberto E. Winemiller, Kirk O. Ripple, William J. TI Scientists' warning to humanity on the freshwater biodiversity crisis SO AMBIO AB Freshwater ecosystems provide irreplaceable services for both nature and society. The quality and quantity of freshwater affect biogeochemical processes and ecological dynamics that determine biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, and human health and welfare at local, regional and global scales. Freshwater ecosystems and their associated riparian habitats are amongst the most biologically diverse on Earth, and have inestimable economic, health, cultural, scientific and educational values. Yet human impacts to lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater are dramatically reducing biodiversity and robbing critical natural resources and services from current and future generations. Freshwater biodiversity is declining rapidly on every continent and in every major river basin on Earth, and this degradation is occurring more rapidly than in terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, about one third of all global freshwater discharges pass through human agricultural, industrial or urban infrastructure. About one fifth of the Earth's arable land is now already equipped for irrigation, including all the most productive lands, and this proportion is projected to surpass one third by midcentury to feed the rapidly expanding populations of humans and commensal species, especially poultry and ruminant livestock. Less than one fifth of the world's preindustrial freshwater wetlands remain, and this proportion is projected to decline to under one tenth by midcentury, with imminent threats from water transfer megaprojects in Brazil and India, and coastal wetland drainage megaprojects in China. The Living Planet Index for freshwater vertebrate populations has declined to just one third that of 1970, and is projected to sink below one fifth by midcentury. A linear model of global economic expansion yields the chilling prediction that human utilization of critical freshwater resources will approach one half of the Earth's total capacity by midcentury. Although the magnitude and growth of the human freshwater footprint are greater than is generally understood by policy makers, the news media, or the general public, slowing and reversing dramatic losses of freshwater species and ecosystems is still possible. We recommend a set of urgent policy actions that promote clean water, conserve watershed services, and restore freshwater ecosystems and their vital services. Effective management of freshwater resources and ecosystems must be ranked amongst humanity's highest priorities. RI ; Destouni, Georgia/M-9662-2016; Oberdorff, Thierry/I-3109-2016 OI Albert, James/0000-0001-5477-1749; Destouni, Georgia/0000-0001-9408-4425; Magurran, Anne/0000-0002-0036-2795; Oberdorff, Thierry/0000-0001-7323-2599 SN 0044-7447 EI 1654-7209 DI 10.1007/s13280-020-01318-8 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000518126900001 PM 32040746 ER PT J AU Li, XH Zhu, WG Meng, GJ Guo, RC Wang, YL AF Li, Xuhui Zhu, Weigang Meng, Gengjian Guo, Ruichao Wang, Yulong TI Phytoremediation of alkaline soils co-contaminated with cadmium and tetracycline antibiotics using the ornamental hyperaccumulators Mirabilis jalapa L. and Tagetes patula L. SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB The co-contamination of farmland soils with heavy metals and antibiotics from the application of livestock and poultry manures poses great threats to human health. Phytoremediation might be a good solution to this problem. A pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the remediation capacity of two ornamental hyperaccumulators, namely, Mirabilis jalapa L. and Tagetes patula L., in alkaline soils co-contaminated with cadmium (Cd) and tetracycline antibiotics (TCs). The growth of M. jalapa and T. patula was significantly influenced by the co-contaminated soil. In treatments with TCs alone, the growth of T. patula was promoted (p < 0.05), while that of M. jalapa was inhibited. In the C2T3 treatment with TCs and Cd combined, the biomass of T. patula and M. jalapa decreased by 42.27% and 56.15% in roots and by 22.24% and 32.27% for in shoots, respectively, compared with those in the same treatment without TCs. The addition of TCs increased the accumulation of Cd in treatments with less than 15.0 mg/kg Cd. In M. jalapa, the concentration of Cd increased by 4.64% and 39.69% in roots and by 30.33% and 71.71% in shoots, and that in T. patula increased by 74.66% and 11.03% in roots and by 15.36% and 17.58% in shoots, respectively, in two treatments with TCs compared with those in the treatments with Cd alone. However, the accumulated Cd amounts decreased from 36.25 to 31.91 mu g/pot and increased from 201.33 to 229.26 mu g/pot in C2T2 for M. jalapa and T. patula, respectively, compared with those in the treatments without TCs. The TC removal efficiencies of all treatments were above 99%, and the residual amounts of TC and OTC were higher than that of CTC. M. jalapa and T. patula are promising hyperaccumulators that can be used for the remediation of alkaline soil co-contaminated with Cd and TCs. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD APR PY 2020 VL 27 IS 12 SI SI BP 14175 EP 14183 DI 10.1007/s11356-020-07975-2 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516123100001 PM 32037495 ER PT J AU Choi, Y Kim, J Lee, H Park, K Kwon, H Na, Y Lee, SR AF Choi, Yongjun Kim, Jinju Lee, Honggu Park, Keunkyu Kwon, Hyounchul Na, Youngjun Lee, Sangrak TI Modeling methane potential yield and chemical composition of bedded pack barn cattle manure: Influence of cattle, season, growth stage, its retention time and particle distribution SO JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT AB The livestock manure is being recycled using various technologies such as composting, bio-gasification, and solid fuel. The various characteristics of the feedstock are very important to develop biomass recycling technology. However, the information is not enough about livestock manure in South Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical characteristics of bedded pack barn cattle manure according to various conditions. The moisture and total solids contents were shown as 71.8 and 28.5% in the bedded pack barn cattle manure (CM), respectively. As the retention time of beef (BCM) and dairy cattle manure (DCM) in the bedded pack barn increases, the volatile solids content got close to 84.2 +/- 2.5% on a dry basis. (P < 0.05). The C/N ratio decreased quadratically until 90 days in the BCM and DCM (P < 0.05). The particle size distribution of 0.25 to < 3.25 mm accounted for 91.9% of the total particles. In the methane yield prediction model, the model with the lignin component showed the greatest correlation coefficient (R-2). Comprehensively, the chemical characteristics of the CM based on its retention time and particle size distribution might be useful as the basic data in various biomass recycling techniques. SN 1438-4957 EI 1611-8227 DI 10.1007/s10163-020-00993-9 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000516004600002 ER PT J AU Li, L Zou, D Ji, AY He, YX Liu, YL Deng, Y Chen, SW Wei, XT AF Li, Lu Zou, Dian Ji, Anying He, Yuxuan Liu, Yingli Deng, Yu Chen, Shouwen Wei, Xuetuan TI Multilevel Metabolic Engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for Production of the Platform Chemical Putrescine from Sustainable Biomass Hydrolysates SO ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING AB Putrescine is an important C4 platform chemical with extensive applications in bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. In this study, multilevel metabolic engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was performed to achieve the sustainable production of putrescine from biomass hydrolysates rich in glucose and xylose. First, the ornithine decarboxylase pathway was reconstructed in B. amyloliquefaciens by introducing an ornithine decarboxylase from Escherichia coli, resulting in the efficient transformation of ornithine to putrescine. The overall putrescine synthesis process was then recast into three modules including ornithine synthesis module, NADPH synthesis module, and ATP supply module. In the ornithine synthesis module, deletion of ornithine carbamoyltransferase gene argF and arginine repressor gene ahrC, and overexpression of N-acetylglutamate synthase gene argA significantly enhanced putrescine production. Using a cofactor engineering strategy, overexpression of glucose-6P dehydrogenase gene zwf and pyruvate kinase gene pyK proved optimal for putrescine production through NADPH synthesis and ATP supply modules, respectively. Finally, all beneficial genetic manipulations were combined in recombinant strain HZ/CFK Delta FC/pHY-argA, and its putrescine titer (5.51 g/L), productivity (0.11 g/(L h)) and yield (0.14 g/g) from xylose were much higher than that previously reported using xylose substrate. Using hydrolysates of Miscanthus floridulus, higher putrescine titer (6.76 g/L), productivity (0.14 g/ (L h)) and carbohydrate yield (0.17 g/g) were achieved. Thus, multilevel metabolic engineering strategies, including pathway reconstruction, modular engineering, and cofactor engineering, were effective for improving putrescine production. This study describes a proof of concept demonstration of multilevel metabolic engineering of B. amyloliquefaciens for putrescine production from sustainable biomass hydrolysates. OI Wei, Xuetuan/0000-0001-5731-7824 SN 2168-0485 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 8 IS 5 BP 2147 EP 2157 DI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b05484 UT WOS:000513089500005 ER PT J AU Alemayehu, M Jemberie, M Yeshiwas, T Aklile, M AF Alemayehu, Melkamu Jemberie, Minwyelet Yeshiwas, Tadele Aklile, Masho TI Integrated application of compound NPS fertilizer and farmyard manure for economical production of irrigated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in highlands of Ethiopia SO COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE AB Application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is essential for sustainable production of crops including potato. This study was therefore initiated to identify the optimum rate of farmyard manure (FYM) and blended compound NPS fertilizer for profitable production of potato in Koga Irrigation Scheme, Northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Four rates of FYM (0, 4.5, 9, and 13.5 t ha(-1)) and NPS fertilizer (0, 81.7, 163.4, and 245.1 kg ha(-1)) were laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that FYM and blended NPS fertilizer as well as their combination influenced most of the tested growth and yield parameters of potato including plant height, main stem number, and tuber weight. Application of 245.1 kg ha(-1) NPS combined with 13.5 t ha(-1) FYM recorded the highest marketable and total tuber yields of 43.52 and 47.04 t ha(-1), respectively. Although, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from plants supplied with the combination of 4.5 t ha(-1) FYM and 163.4 kg ha(-1) NPS fertilizer, combined application of 245.1 kg ha(-1) NPS and 13.5 t ha(-1) FYM is recommended for economical production of potato in the study area as it recorded the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return. RI Workie, Melkamu Alemayehu/N-8118-2019 OI Workie, Melkamu Alemayehu/0000-0003-1080-2245 SN 2331-1932 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 6 IS 1 AR UNSP 1724385 DI 10.1080/23311932.2020.1724385 UT WOS:000514434300001 ER PT J AU Bertram, MG Tomkins, P Saaristo, M Martin, JM Michelangeli, M Tomkins, RB Wong, BBM AF Bertram, Michael G. Tomkins, Patrick Saaristo, Minna Martin, Jake M. Michelangeli, Marcus Tomkins, Raymond B. Wong, Bob B. M. TI Disruption of male mating strategies in a chemically compromised environment SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB A leading source of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment is run-off of veterinary pharmaceuticals used in agriculture, including hormonal growth promotants (HGPs). Despite being banned in various countries, HGP use is still common in beef production around the world. The androgenic steroid 17 beta-trenbolone (17 beta-TB) is a HGP that commonly enters surface waters via livestock effluent run-off. Here, we used a flow-through system to expose wild-caught adult male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to an environmentally realistic level of 17 beta-TB (average measured concentration = 2 ng/L) for 21 days. We then compared the response of exposed and unexposed males to sequentially presented large and small stimulus (unexposed) females. Due to a positive size-fecundity relationship, larger females are generally expected to be preferred by males. While we found no evidence that the size of a previously encountered female affected the amount of courtship or coercive 'sneak mating behaviour performed by males during the second presentation, males from both exposure treatments conducted more frequent courting events towards larger females during both presentations, suggesting an absolute preference for greater female size. Further, across both presentations, 17 beta-TB exposure caused a shift in male mating strategy towards increased coercive sneaking behaviour, although male sequential investment into mating effort was not impacted at the tested dosage. In combination, our findings demonstrate that exposure to a field-realistic level of a widespread agricultural pollutant alters male mating strategies in fish, and contribute to a growing understanding of sub-lethal impacts of chemical contaminants on complex behaviours in wildlife. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Martin, Jake/AAP-4250-2020; Michelangeli, Marcus/AAN-2412-2020 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 703 AR 134991 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134991 UT WOS:000505924300049 PM 31757546 ER PT J AU Chen, C Wen, ZG Wang, YH AF Chen, Chen Wen, Zongguo Wang, Yihan TI Nitrogen flow patterns in the food system among cities within urban agglomeration: A case study of the Pearl River Delta region SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Human activities along the entire food supply-consumption-waste treatment-recycling chain have an essential influence on Nitrogen (N) metabolic features, especially for densely-populated urban agglomeration. A few studies carried out research on detailed analysis and comparison of N flow patterns along the entire food chain among cities, to recognize these influences and accordingly explore effective measures for improving N use efficiencies. In this study, we developed an integrated N flow analysis model to quantify N flows in the food system illustrated by production, processing, consumption, and waste management sectors. Influence of anthropogenic activities on N flow patterns is recognized through comparison among cities and predictions of future scenarios. Using the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region as a case study, we find that (1) in 2016, the annual N import into the production sector in the food system in the PRD region was about 714.5 Gg, among which only 241.6 Gg entered food products. The removal rate of N pollution in all waste stream was about 62.3%, and only 9% of N became resources through reclamation. (2) Among the nine cities in the PRD region, the average amounts of N pollution emission to the air, water, and soil all range from 0.57-5.38 kg cap(-1) yr(-1), showing significant discrepancy among cities. Cities with relatively lower economic development undertake substantial N pollution embedded in their exported agricultural products. (3) Recycling of agricultural waste is the prior N management measure for Zhaoqing, Jiangmen, and Huizhou, while highly urbanized cities should mainly concentrate on recycling of food waste and sewage sludge. We further put forward suggestions such as cross-city resource recycling to realize better N resource recycling and pollution reduction on the whole urban agglomeration scale. This study provides an in-depth example of depicting N flow patterns and identifying proper N management measures for urban agglomerations. (c) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 703 AR 135506 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135506 UT WOS:000505924300120 PM 31759702 ER PT J AU Damian, JM Firmano, RF Cherubin, MR Pavinato, PS Soares, TD Paustian, K Cerri, CEP AF Damian, Junior Melo Firmano, Ruan Francisco Cherubin, Mauricio Roberto Pavinato, Paulo Sergio Soares, Thais de Marchi Paustian, Keith Pellegrino Cerri, Carlos Eduardo TI Changes in soil phosphorus pool induced by pastureland intensification and diversification in Brazil SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB The adoption of more intensive and diversified pasture systems is a promising alternative to improve sustainability of grazing lands in Brazil. Phosphorus (P) is one of the main determinants of ecosystem function in these management systems; therefore, we assessed the effects of adopting more intensive and diversified pasture management systems on soil P dynamics in a set of field experiments. Treatments included fertilized pasture (FP), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), integrated livestock-forest (ILF), compared to conventional management systems (CS) under contrasting climatic conditions (tropical humid, tropical mesic and subtropical). P fractions and total P were determined by soil layer to 1 m depth. Size and distribution of P stocks were related to soil organic matter (SOM) fractions and to clay type and content. Based on the results, P biological fraction represented 9% of P in the soil, on average, in CS under the three assessed climatic conditions. Management systems with FP and the ones with ICL and ILF mainly influenced labile (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 Mg ha(-1) yr(-1), respectively), moderately labile (0.03, 0.01 and 0.07 Mg ha(-1) yr(-1), respectively) and total soil P fractions (0.21, 0.08 and 0.20 Mg ha(-1) yr(-1), respectively). Clay content and pH were the soil properties mostly related to P fractions; besides, P fractions presented close relationship with these fractions and with total soil C and N, as well as with different SOM fractions. These results can be the scientific basis for governmental initiatives focused on recovering degraded pasture sites in Brazil. The establishment of management practices that favor efficient P use are essential to improve the sustainability of production systems. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Cerri, Carlos Eduardo p/C-5039-2012; Pavinato, Paulo/B-9513-2012; Cherubin, Mauricio/A-6896-2016 OI Cerri, Carlos Eduardo p/0000-0002-4374-4056; Pavinato, Paulo/0000-0003-3244-2666; Cherubin, Mauricio/0000-0001-7920-8362; Melo Damian, Junior/0000-0002-1692-6751; de Marchi Soares, Thais/0000-0002-3271-365X SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 703 AR 135463 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135463 UT WOS:000505924300025 PM 31757547 ER PT J AU Ferrando, L Matamoros, V AF Ferrando, Laura Matamoros, Victor TI Attenuation of nitrates, antibiotics and pesticides from groundwater using immobilised microalgae-based systems SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB Groundwater pollution by nitrates and organic microcontaminants (OMCs) such as pesticides and antibiotics has increased in recent years due to the intensification of agriculture and livestock activities. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the suitability of using microalgae immobilised in different materials (luffa sponge and polyurethane foam) to attenuate nitrates, antibiotics (sulfacetamide, sulfamethazine, and sulfamethoxazole), pesticides (bromacil, atrazine, diuron, bentazone, and mecoprop) from groundwater in two operational modes (batch and continuous-feeding). The results from the batch experiments show that OMC kinetic removal rates ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 d(-1), with half-lives from 4 to 69 days. Immobilised microalgae in luffa and foam materials in the batch study was found to enhance the attenuation of selected OMCs from 36% to 51%, on average, after 10 operational days. Microalgae reactors in continuous-feeding operational mode out performed batch mode in terms of OMC removal (65% vs. 50%, on average) at a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 8 days, whereas nitrate removal was greater in the batch experiments (81 vs. 48%, on average). OMC attenuation showed a high HRT dependence, but immobilised reactors were more resilient to the decrease in HRT. Further studies are needed, including the assessment of transformation products as well as the scale-up of the system to check the feasibility of the technology. Nevertheless, we expect our assay to be the starting point for the applicability of immobilised-microalgae-based systems for the treatment of polluted groundwater. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. OI MATAMOROS, VICTOR/0000-0001-9701-4908 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 703 AR 134740 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134740 UT WOS:000505924300016 PM 31726302 ER PT J AU Guo, XF Cui, XY Li, HS AF Guo, Xiongfei Cui, Xingyi Li, Huashou TI Effects of fillers combined with biosorbents on nutrient and heavy metal removal from biogas slurry in constructed wetlands SO SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT AB The performance of fillers (biochar and zeolite) and their combinations with biosorbents (compound microbial agent and chlorella) in nutrients and heavy metals removal from biogas slurry in constructed wetlands (CWs) planted water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and plant uptake of heavy metals was investigated. The results demonstrated that the removal rate of nutrients in CWs was all above 60%. COD removal efficiencies were not significantly affected by fillers and biosorbents, all above 80%. The removal rates of TN and NF4+-N were the highest when the two fillers and two biosorbents were added, and the combination of biochar and chlorella presented the optimal removal effect on TP. The efficiency of removing heavy metals from biogas slurry in CWs was As > Zn > Cu, and their removal rates were 35.38%-83.89%, 8.15%-23.69% and 0.32%-0.88%, respectively. The removal efficiency of As by the combination of biochar and composite microbial agent was high. The combination of the two fillers and two biosorbents had the best effect on reducing Cu and Zn enrichment in the aboveground part of water spinach in each treatment, while biochar alone had the best effect on reducing As enrichment in the aboveground and underground parts of water spinach. This study can provide a basis for the application of fillers and biosorbents in the treatment of biogas slurry in livestock and poultry farms in wetlands. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. RI Li, Huashou/AAK-8954-2020 SN 0048-9697 EI 1879-1026 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 703 AR 134788 DI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134788 UT WOS:000505924300062 PM 31733500 ER PT J AU Corrado, S Rydberg, T Oliveira, F Cerutti, A Sala, S AF Corrado, Sara Rydberg, Tomas Oliveira, Felipe Cerutti, Alessandro Sala, Serenella TI Out of sight out of mind? A life cycle-based environmental assessment of goods traded by the European Union SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Ensuring responsible production and consumption is one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which the European Union (EU) has committed. An increasing body of literature has demonstrated that global trade flows are key contributors to the environmental impacts of consumption. Indeed, very often developed countries import fuels and other resources from developing ones, displacing a large share of environmental burdens related to consumption of goods outside their boundaries. This paper has a triple goal. Firstly, it assesses the environmental impacts of traded goods with a bottom-up approach, adopting life cycle assessment (LCA) and identifying hotspots related to EU consumption. Secondly, it analyses the extent to which the trade of goods is contributing to the environmental impacts of EU apparent consumption. Finally, it compares the contribution of environmental impact of EU traded goods against overall global impacts. Forty representative products imported or exported by the EU were selected based on their relevance in mass and economic value according to official trade statistics. LCA was applied to these products using the EU Environmental Footprint method. The results were then upscaled in order to be representative of the entire impact of traded goods in the EU. Overall, consumption in the EU resulted to cause considerable environmental impacts outside EU boundaries and impacts of imports and exports were mostly associated with few products groups, which either were traded in large quantities (e.g. "Fuels and mineral oils") or had a high impact intensity compared to the others (e.g. "Pulp of wood and other cellulosic material" for land use). (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. RI Oliveira, Felipe/AAK-8450-2020 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 246 AR 118954 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118954 UT WOS:000504632600012 PM 32051670 ER PT J AU Le Hesran, C Ladier, AL Botta-Genoulaz, V Laforest, V AF Le Hesran, Corentin Ladier, Anne-Laure Botta-Genoulaz, Valerie Laforest, Valerie TI A methodology for the identification of waste-minimizing scheduling problems SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Sustainability in manufacturing operations has become the subject of increasing attention in the recent years. At the operational level, knowledge about material and energy flows circulating in the production system provides information regarding costs, efficiency and environmental impact, as well as opportunities for improvements. Several methods have been proposed for flow assessment and flow cartography, but work combining production scheduling and flow assessment remains scarce. To address this issue, we propose comprehensive guidelines in order to identify waste reduction opportunities and integrate them in a scheduling problem. This work combines sustainable production principles with environmental and material flow assessment to promote waste prevention at the operational level of production, by identifying the main waste-generating activities that can be improved through scheduling. From a decision-maker's point of view, more informed choices can be made regarding the production scheduling and the opportunities for operational improvement. From a research perspective, a framework for the identification and integration of waste-minimizing opportunities in scheduling problems is proposed. Four steps permit the product system definition, flow inventory, economic and environmental impact assessment and scheduling problem identification. An application to a hub-cap production system serves to highlight the benefits of this methodology, showing that hazardous waste generation could be reduced by 10% using adequate scheduling. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Botta-Genoulaz, Valerie/0000-0003-2565-6690 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 246 AR 119023 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119023 UT WOS:000504632600078 ER PT J AU Tallaksen, J Johnston, L Sharpe, K Reese, M Buchanan, E AF Tallaksen, Joel Johnston, Lee Sharpe, Kirsten Reese, Michael Buchanan, Eric TI Reducing life cycle fossil energy and greenhouse gas emissions for Midwest swine production systems SO JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION AB Over the last 30 years, the US swine industry has concentrated more animals on fewer farms in the Midwest US corn-belt region to more efficiently produce pork. At the same time, the food industry is beginning to be called upon by consumers to supply products with lower environmental footprints. Swine producers have opportunities to decrease the environmental impacts of their products, but need to know where the most beneficial changes can be incorporated. This study examined the fossil energy consumption and global warming potential (GWP) emissions at Midwestern swine farms using life cycle assessment methodology. Cradle-to-gate swine production scenarios were modeled using a combination of farm productivity survey data and on-farm energy monitoring, with an emphasis on activities related to swine production facilities and their operations. Fossil energy use totaled 10.6 MJ per kg of hog live weight (LW) in the average commercial scenario, 67% of which was used in the grow-finish stage, 11% in the farrowing stage, 12% in the nursery stage, 6% in gestation and 4% in gilt development. Average commercial scenario GWP emissions were 2.41 kg CO2 equiv. per kg hog LW, with 75% emitted during the grow-finish phase, 6% in farrowing, 9% in the nursery phase, 7% in gestation, and 2% in gilt development. Fossil energy required and GWP emissions for facilities and operations were 3.36 MJ and 0.15 kg CO2 per kg hog LW, respectively, and accounted for 32% of the system fossil energy and 6% of emissions in the average commercial scenario. Though fossil energy and GWP impacts resulting from swine production facilities and operations are smaller than those for feed ingredients and manure management, swine producers can directly influence these impacts through management. Heating, cooling, and ventilation are prime areas in facilities and operations where energy efficiency technology could reduce impacts. Lowering facility and operation energy inputs by 30% would decrease fossil fuel use in the system by 10% and slightly decrease GWP emissions. In the future, substituting renewable energy for fossil-based energy and using other efficiency technologies for current electricity and heating fuel needs may be able to eliminate the fossil energy needed for swine facilities and production operations. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Sharpe, Kirsten/0000-0002-3955-6562 SN 0959-6526 EI 1879-1786 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 246 AR 118998 DI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118998 UT WOS:000504632600055 ER PT J AU Imani-Baran, A Abdollahi, J Akbari, H Jafarirad, S Moharramnejad, S AF Imani-Baran, Abbas Abdollahi, Jalal Akbari, Hamid Jafarirad, Saeed Moharramnejad, Sajjad TI Anthelmintic activity of crude powder and crude aqueous extract of Trachyspermum ammi on gastrointestinal nematodes in donkey (Equus asinus): An in vivo study SO JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY AB Ethnopharmacological relevance: Trachyspermum ammi has been used traditionally as a popular ethnobotanical plant in human and animal parasitic infestations. Few scientific studies have been conducted on in vitro anthelmintic activity of T. ammi against various helminths and there is no study on its in vivo/in vitro anthelmintic properties against equine helminths. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to evaluate in vivo anthelmintic activity of crude powder (CP) and crude aqueous extract (CAE) of T. ammi seeds against gastrointestinal nematodes in the donkey. Materials and methods: Thirty donkeys, naturally and severely infected with Strongyle-type nematodes, were randomly divided into six groups and administered orally with graded doses of CP and CAE at single dose as follow: Two groups were treated with 1 and 3 gkg(-1) body weight of CP, two groups were treated with CAE at the equivalent dose rate 1 and 3 gkg(-1) bw of CP and one group was treated with 200 mu gkg(-1) bw of Ivermectin 0.2% (Positive Control). One group received no medication (Negative Control). Efficacy was determined by faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test. The faecal samples were taken from the donkeys on days 7, 14 and 28 post-treatments (PT) and the egg per gram (EPG) of faeces was determined for each animal. FECR for donkeys treated with CP, CAE, and Ivermectin 0.2% was calculated on days 7, 14, and 28 PT. In the present study, CAE was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine CAE chemical components. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a marker (thymol) was applied to confirm the existence of thymol as an active principle. Results: Based on the FECR findings, the maximum FECR (71.2%) was observed in the group treated with CAE(3) on day 14 PT, while it was 66.2% for CP3 on the same day. The effects of different treatments (P < 0.001), time (P < 0.001) and their interactions (P < 0.05) on EPG showed a significant difference. A dose-dependent response in the anthelmintic activity of CP and CAE was observed. GC-MS analysis indicated that thymol was the major component of CAE (Area = 45.01%) with the respective peak at retention times (Rt) 10.41 min. On HPLC analysis of CAE, thymol was found to be the major constituent of CAE (Area = 58.76%) with the same Rt at 13.233 min. Conclusion: The present study indicated that both CP and CAE of T. ammi had the dose-dependent anthelmintic effects. Due to the development of drug resistance against synthetic anti-helminthics, T. ammi seems to be a promising alternative for the treatment and prevention of helminths in livestock. OI Imani Baran, Abbas/0000-0003-1207-1837 SN 0378-8741 EI 1872-7573 PD FEB 10 PY 2020 VL 248 AR 112249 DI 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112249 UT WOS:000503312800028 PM 31557509 ER PT J AU Porter, S Strain, SAJ Bagdonaite, G McDowell, SW Bronckaers, T Sherrey, M Devine, P Pascual-Linaza, AV Spence, N Porter, R Guelbenzu-Gonzalo, M Davies, RH Lahuerta-Marin, A AF Porter, Siobhan Strain, Sam A. J. Bagdonaite, Gintare McDowell, Stanley W. Bronckaers, Tamara Sherrey, Michael Devine, Paul Pascual-Linaza, Ana V. Spence, Nessie Porter, Richard Guelbenzu-Gonzalo, Maria Davies, Robert H. Lahuerta-Marin, Angela TI Trends in Salmonella serovars and antimicrobial resistance in pigs and poultry in Northern Ireland between 1997 and 2016 SO VETERINARY RECORD AB Background In the EU, salmonellosis is the second most commonly reported zoonosis. This pattern is reflected in Northern Ireland. Historically, foodborne salmonellosis has largely been attributed to the consumption of poultry products, and as such a number of legislative measures have been introduced by the EC. These policies focus mainly on five target Salmonella serovars. Methods Here the authors present a descriptive analysis of 20 years of data from the Northern Ireland National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella. Results The study's results show, for poultry submissions, a large decrease in the detection of four of the five targeted Salmonella serovars over the study period, with the fifth serovar undetected throughout the study. Additionally, there was an increase in the detection of a number of other non--regulated serovars. In pigs, S Typhimurium, which is among the most common causes of human salmonellosis, was the most commonly isolated serovar. When comparing levels of antimicrobial resistance in S Typhimurium between livestock groups, the authors found a decrease over time in poultry, but an increase in pigs, highlighting the potential significance of pigs in addressing public health concerns. Conclusion The authors conclude that continued surveillance is important in the assessment of control measures at a national and transnational scale. SN 0042-4900 EI 2042-7670 PD FEB 8 PY 2020 VL 186 IS 5 DI 10.1136/vetrec-2019-105640 UT WOS:000517113500019 ER PT J AU Masud, MH Nuruzzaman, M Ahamed, R Ananno, AA Tomal, ANMA AF Masud, Mahadi Hasan Nuruzzaman, Md Ahamed, Raju Ananno, Anan Ashrabi Tomal, A. N. M. Amanullah TI Renewable energy in Bangladesh: current situation and future prospect SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AB Energy insufficiency is obstructing the socio-economic and industrial improvement of Bangladesh. Renewable energy contributes about 560 Megawatt (MW) of the total electricity production of 20,430 MW, which can be a sustainable solution to the demand-supply crisis. This paper, summarises the current energy situation of Bangladesh and examines the available renewable energy resources and their future prospect. It has been revealed that Bangladesh is heavily (62%) relying on natural gas although government has already taken steps to generate electricity from renewable energy sources. Current policies and legislations related to generation of renewable energy in Bangladesh have been discussed explicitly. Finally, some suggestions have been made to tackle the ongoing energy crisis in the country, in addition to the renewable energy.Abbreviations: GDP: Gross domestic product; RNPP: Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant; Tcf: Trillion cubic feet; IDCOL: Infrastructure development company limited; BPDB: Bangladesh Power Development Board: GS: Grameen Shakti; BWDB: Bangladesh Water Development Board: USD: United States Dollar; IPP: Independent power producer: BCAS: Bangladesh center for advanced studies; NWPGCL: North West Power Generation Company Limited: BCSIR: Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; EGCB: Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh: WRA: Wind Resource Assessment; REB: Rural Electrification Board: BRAC: Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee; kW: Kilowatt: PJ: Petajoules; MW: Megawatt: IFRAD: Institute for fuel research and Development; GWh: Gigawatt hours: ICS: Improved Cooking Stoves; MWh: Megawatt hours: DoE: Department of Environment; TWh: Trillion-watt hour: DLS: Department of Livestock Services; RPCL: Rural Power Company Limited: mmcfd: million cubic feet per day; APSCL: Ashugang Power Station Company Limited: BSCIC: Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC); GOB: Government of Bangladesh: BADC: Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation; SREDA: Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority: DIDA: Danish International Development Agency; LGED: Local Government Engineering Directorate: BAU: Bangladesh Agricultural University; NGO: Non-Governmental Organization: HBRI: Housing & Building Research Institute; IRENA: International Renewable energy Agency: : BARD: Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development; ETP: Electronic Traffic Pricing: BCCD: Bangladesh Commission for Christian Development; PV: Photovoltaic: BRRI: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute; SHS: Solar Home Systems: NDBMP: National Domestic Biogas and Manure Program; TOE: Tonne of oil equivalent: K/km: Kelvin/kilometer; LEAP: Long range Energy Alternative Planning RI ; Nuruzzaman, Md/C-8910-2017 OI Ananno, Anan Ashrabi/0000-0001-7148-037X; Nuruzzaman, Md/0000-0002-2547-3838 SN 1478-6451 EI 1478-646X PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 39 IS 2 BP 132 EP 175 DI 10.1080/14786451.2019.1659270 UT WOS:000533671800003 ER PT J AU Kostyniuk, A Bajec, D Likozar, B AF Kostyniuk, Andrii Bajec, David Likozar, Blaz TI One-step synthesis of ethanol from glycerol in a gas phase packed bed reactor over hierarchical alkali-treated zeolite catalyst materials SO GREEN CHEMISTRY AB The gas-phase conversion of glycerol into ethanol in a "green" one-step synthesis over a cesium metal-promoted zeolite catalyst has been reported for the first time. To our knowledge, the CsZSM-5 based catalyst presented in this work showed one of the best yields of ethanol in the gas-phase glycerol conversion. The catalyst sample's structure, texture, and acid-base properties were characterized using numerous materials characterization techniques. The catalytic evaluation was carried out in a packed-bed continuous flow reactor. The highest ethanol yield achieved was 99.6 mol% over a 20 wt% CsZSM-5 catalyst with SiO2/Al2O3 = 1500, 10 wt% glycerol feed concentration, 350 degrees C reaction temperature, and GHSV(total) = 625 h(-1). It was demonstrated that the best catalytic performance was related to the ample amount of surface basic sites, synergistic interaction between Cs species and the HZSM-5 zeolite and to its smaller crystallite size obtained from XRD analysis. The achieved results exhibit great potential of utilizing the alkali-treated CsZSM-5 catalyst for the gas-phase conversion of glycerol into bio-based ethanol. The possible reaction route from glycerol to renewable ethanol was proposed based on direct glycerol conversion to ethanol via the thermal monodehydration, radical fragmentation, methylation and transfer hydrogenation reactions. Finally, for the first time, methanol was directly converted into ethanol in the gas-phase continuous flow packed-bed reactor over a 20 wt% CsZSM-5 catalyst. OI Kostyniuk, Andrii/0000-0003-0258-4313 SN 1463-9262 EI 1463-9270 PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 22 IS 3 BP 753 EP 765 DI 10.1039/c9gc03262b UT WOS:000523465000014 ER PT J AU Qin, W Song, PF Lin, GH Huang, YG Wang, L Zhou, XW Li, SQ Zhang, TZ AF Qin, Wen Song, Pengfei Lin, Gonghua Huang, YanGan Wang, Lei Zhou, Xiaowen Li, Shengqing Zhang, Tongzuo TI Gut Microbiota Plasticity Influences the Adaptability of Wild and Domestic Animals in Co-inhabited Areas SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB Due to the increased economic demand for livestock, the number of livestock is increasing. Because of human interference, the survival of wild animals is threatened in the face of competition, particularly in co-inhabited grazing pastures. This may lead to differences in the adaptability between wild and domestic animals, as well as nutritional deficiencies in wild animals. The gut microbiota is closely associated with host health, nutrition, and adaptability. However, the gut microbiota diversity and functions in domestic and wild animals in co-inhabited areas are unclear. To reveal the adaptability of wild and domestic animals in co-inhabited areas based on gut microbiota, we assessed the gut microbiota diversity. This study was based on the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA and gut microbiota functions according to the metagenome analysis of fresh fecal samples in wild goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in the Qaidam Basin. The wild and domestic species showed significant differences in alpha- and beta-diversities. Specifically, the alpha-diversity was lower in goitered gazelles. We speculated that the nutritional and habitat status of the goitered gazelles were worse. The gut microbiota functions in the gazelles were enriched in metabolism and cellular processes based on the KEGG database. In summary, we reasoned that gut microbiota can improve the adaptability of goitered gazelles through energy maintenance by the functions of gut microbiota in the face of nutritional deficiencies. These findings highlight the importance of gut microbiota diversity to improve the adaptability of goitered gazelles, laying a foundation for the conservation of wild goitered gazelles. In addition, we further provide management suggestions for domestic sheep in co-inhabited grazing pastures. SN 1664-302X PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 125 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00125 UT WOS:000517601400001 PM 32117147 ER PT J AU Bertelloni, F Mazzei, M Cilia, G Forzan, M Felicioli, A Sagona, S Bandecchi, P Turchi, B Cerri, D Fratini, F AF Bertelloni, Fabrizio Mazzei, Maurizio Cilia, Giovanni Forzan, Mario Felicioli, Antonio Sagona, Simona Bandecchi, Patrizia Turchi, Barbara Cerri, Domenico Fratini, Filippo TI Serological Survey on Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Wild Boars Hunted in Tuscany SO ECOHEALTH AB Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the large mammals most spread worldwide, including Italy. This animal is highly adaptable, and its population has rapidly increased in many areas in Europe. Central Italy, as well as Tuscany region, is an area particularly suitable for wild boar. In order to verify the role of this animal species in the epidemiology of some important infectious diseases for livestock and humans, a seroepidemiological survey on Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pseudorabies virus (PrV), and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been performed on 374 sera collected from wild boar during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 hunting seasons. Overall, 2 out of 374 sera (0.53%) tested positive to Brucella spp., 33 out of 374 sera (8.82%) tested positive for Leptospira spp., while 79 out of 374 (21.12%) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae. Considering viral pathogens, serology indicated that 107 out of 374 (28.60%) samples scored positive for PrV, while 186 out of 374 (49.73%) for HEV. This investigation indicated that wild boar free ranging in the study area are potential hosts for different etiological agents. This animal could contribute to maintaining and/or disseminating some bacterial or viral pathogens to humans (especially hunters) and domestic animals, especially in free range farms. RI Bertelloni, Fabrizio/L-5052-2019 OI Bertelloni, Fabrizio/0000-0002-5292-0613; Cilia, Giovannni/0000-0002-5234-1240 SN 1612-9202 EI 1612-9210 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 17 IS 1 BP 85 EP 93 DI 10.1007/s10393-020-01475-y EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515959800001 PM 32034585 ER PT J AU Schroeter, N Lauterbach, S Stebich, M Kalanke, J Mingram, J Yildiz, C Schouten, S Gleixner, G AF Schroeter, Natalie Lauterbach, Stefan Stebich, Martina Kalanke, Julia Mingram, Jens Yildiz, Caglar Schouten, Stefan Gleixner, Gerd TI Biomolecular Evidence of Early Human Occupation of a High-Altitude Site in Western Central Asia During the Holocene SO FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE AB Reconstructions of early human occupation of high-altitude sites in Central Asia and possible migration routes during the Holocene are limited due to restricted archeological sample material. Consequently, there is a growing interest in alternative approaches to investigate past anthropogenic activity in this area. In this study, fecal biomarkers preserved in lake sediments from Lake Chatyr Kol (Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan) were analyzed to reconstruct the local presence of humans and pastoral animals in this low-human-impact area in the past. Spanning the last similar to 11,700 years, this high-altitude site (similar to 3,500 m above sea level) provides a continuous record of human occupancy in Western Central Asia. An early increase of human presence in the area during the mid-Holocene is marked by a sharp peak of the human fecal sterol coprostanol and its epimer epicoprostanol in the sediments. An associated increase in 5 beta-stigmastanol, a fecal biomarker deriving from herbivores indicates a human occupancy that most probably largely depended upon livestock. However, sterol profiles show that grazing animals had already occupied the catchment area of Lake Chatyr Kol before and also after a significant presence of humans. The biomarker evidence in this study demonstrates an early presence of humans in a high-altitude site in Central Asia at similar to 5,900-4,000 a BP. Dry environmental conditions during this period likely made high altitude regions more accessible. Moreover, our results help to understand human migration in Western Central Asia during the early and mid-Holocene as part of a prehistoric Silk Road territory. EI 2296-6463 PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 8 AR 20 DI 10.3389/feart.2020.00020 UT WOS:000517218900001 ER PT J AU Ragkos, A Koutsou, S Karatassiou, M Parissi, ZM AF Ragkos, Athanasios Koutsou, Stavriani Karatassiou, Maria Parissi, Zoi M. TI Scenarios of optimal organization of sheep and goat transhumance SO REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AB Sheep and goat transhumance is still practiced in all parts of Greece, as it is suitable for the particular conditions of the country's mountainous areas. The purpose of this study was to present a set of alternative plans of development of the sector under the scenarios of extensification and premium product pricing. Alternative patterns of optimal organization were elaborated by means of mathematical programming, which is an established optimization method for problems including various activities under a set of constraints. The analysis used farm management data from a survey of transhumant farms in an area typical for transhumance, which was divided to three sub-areas according to the dynamics of vegetation succession. Farms in the three sub-areas were found to differ significantly in terms of economic performance, yields and labour use. The results of the analysis demonstrated how the valorization of labour combined with the availability of hired workers led to two different trajectories in the area. In addition, it showed that premium pricing of high-quality milk can have significant impact on the structure of the system. These findings yield important considerations regarding the organization of multifunctional production systems, which play important sociocultural and environmental roles in fragile territories. SN 1436-3798 EI 1436-378X PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR UNSP 13 DI 10.1007/s10113-020-01598-6 UT WOS:000513539400001 ER PT J AU Yu, SB Zhang, GY Liu, ZB Wu, P Yu, ZT Wang, JK AF Yu, Shaobo Zhang, Guangyu Liu, Zhibo Wu, Peng Yu, Zhongtang Wang, Jiakun TI Repeated inoculation with fresh rumen fluid before or during weaning modulates the microbiota composition and co-occurrence of the rumen and colon of lambs SO BMC MICROBIOLOGY AB Background Many recent studies have gravitated towards manipulating the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of livestock to improve host nutrition and health using dietary interventions. Few studies, however, have evaluated if inoculation with rumen fluid could effectively reprogram the development of GI microbiota. We hypothesized that inoculation with rumen fluid at an early age could modulate the development of GI microbiota because of its low colonization resistance. Results In this study, we tested the above hypothesis using young lambs as a model. Young lambs were orally inoculated repeatedly (four times before or twice during gradual weaning) with the rumen fluid collected from adult sheep. The oral inoculation did not significantly affect starter intake, growth performance, or ruminal fermentation. Based on sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, however, the inoculation (both before and during weaning) affected the assemblage of the rumen microbiota, increasing or enabling some bacterial taxa to colonize the rumen. These included operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to Moryella, Acetitomaculum, Tyzzerella 4, Succiniclasticum, Prevotella 1, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Family XIII AD3011, and Bacteroidales S24-7 corresponding to inoculation before weaning; and OTUs belonging to Succiniclasticum, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-004, Prevotella 1, Bacteroidales S24-7 gut group uncultured bacterium, and candidate Family XIII AD3011 corresponding to inoculation during weaning. Compared to the inoculation during weaning, the inoculation before weaning resulted in more co-occurrences of OTUs that were exclusively predominant in the inoculum. However, inoculation during weaning appeared to have more impacts on the colonic microbiota than the inoculation before weaning. Considerable successions in the microbial colonization of the GI tracts accompanied the transition from liquid feed to solid feed during weaning. Conclusions Repeated rumen fluid inoculation during early life can modulate the establishment of the microbiota in both the rumen and the colon and co-occurrence of some bacteria. Oral inoculation with rumen microbiota may be a useful approach to redirect the development of the microbiota in both the rumen and colon. OI Wang, Jiakun/0000-0002-7213-3721 SN 1471-2180 PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 AR 29 DI 10.1186/s12866-020-1716-z UT WOS:000513232900001 PM 32028889 ER PT J AU Zhu, Y Veen, GF Wang, DL Wang, L Zhong, ZW Ma, QH Li, H Li, XC Pan, DF Bakker, ES AF Zhu, Yu Veen, G. F. (Ciska) Wang, Deli Wang, Ling Zhong, Zhiwei Ma, Quanhui Li, Heng Li, Xincheng Pan, Duofeng Bakker, Elisabeth S. TI Herbivore phenology can predict response to changes in plant quality by livestock grazing SO OIKOS AB Livestock grazing can have a strong impact on herbivore abundance, distribution and community. However, not all species of herbivores respond the same way to livestock grazing, and we still have a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these differential responses. Here, we investigate the effect of light intensity cattle grazing on the abundance of two grasshoppers (Euchorthippus cheui and E. unicolor) that co-occur in the same grasslands and feed on the same food plant (the dominant grass Leymus chinensis). The two grasshopper species differ in phenology so that their peak abundances are separated into early- and late-growing seasons. We used an exclosure experiment to monitor grasshopper abundance and food quality in the field under grazed and ungrazed conditions, and performed feeding trials to examine grasshopper preference for grazed or ungrazed food plants in the laboratory. We found that the nitrogen content of L. chinensis leaves continuously declined in the ungrazed areas, but was significantly enhanced by cattle grazing over the growing season. Cattle grazing facilitated the early-season grasshopper E. cheui, whereas it suppressed the late-season grasshopper E. unicolor. Moreover, feeding trials showed that E. cheui preferred L. chinensis from grazed plots, while E. unicolor preferred the leaves from ungrazed plots. We conclude that livestock grazing has opposite effects on the two grasshopper species, and that these effects may be driven by grazing-induced changes in plant nutrient content and the unique nutritional niches of the grasshoppers. These results suggest that insects that belong to the same guild can have opposite nutrient requirements, related to their distinct phenologies, and that this can ultimately affect their response to cattle grazing. Our results show that phenology may link insect physiological needs to local resource availabilities, and should be given more attention in future work on interactions between large herbivores and insects. SN 0030-1299 EI 1600-0706 PD JUN PY 2020 VL 129 IS 6 BP 811 EP 819 DI 10.1111/oik.07008 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512814500001 ER PT J AU Mayanja, MN Rubaire-Akiiki, C Morton, J Kabasa, JD AF Mayanja, Maureen Nanziri Rubaire-Akiiki, Chris Morton, John Kabasa, John David TI Pastoral community coping and adaptation strategies to manage household food insecurity consequent to climatic hazards in the cattle corridor of Uganda SO CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT AB Establishing short and long term measures that pastoral and agropastoral households use to ensure they have access to food in periods of climate extremes could provide insights into ways to support households in similar conditions. Using semi-structured elicitation, 15 purposively selected participants from case households and 13 community leaders, in the central cattle corridor of Uganda were interviewed in January to February 2013. Thematic analysis revealed four coping strategies: harvesting immature food crops, selling off cattle, searching for alternative water sources and using alternative non-production-based means to access food. Three adaptation strategies identified were: diversifying livelihood activities, changing agricultural practices and investing in alternative water sources. Several strategies were related to incremental crop system changes, to maintain the existing way of practice. However, some were transformational, like formerly specialized livestock keepers taking on crop farming. Some strategies presented environmentally erosive effects; which could be curbed by evaluating the opportunity cost of diversification and transformative practices in relation to incremental adaptation. Insights gleaned could assist researchers to consider aspects for in-depth adaptation analysis and inform on how policies and institutions in Uganda could be used to facilitate, rather than undermine, pastoralists' coping and adaptation; and thus guide interventions to strengthen food security. SN 1756-5529 EI 1756-5537 PD FEB 7 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 BP 110 EP 119 DI 10.1080/17565529.2019.1605283 UT WOS:000508945700002 ER PT J AU Phares, CA Danquah, A Atiah, K Agyei, FK Michael, OT AF Phares, Christian Adler Danquah, Andrews Atiah, Kofi Agyei, Frimpong Kwame Michael, Osei-Tutu TI Antibiotics utilization and farmers' knowledge of its effects on soil ecosystem in the coastal drylands of Ghana SO PLOS ONE AB Background There is paucity of information on antibiotics utilization amongst farmers, factors associated with administration of antibiotics and farmers' knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on the soil ecosystem in Ghana. Methods A cross sectional quantitative survey across three coastal regions of Ghana was undertaken amongst poultry and livestock farmers. Six hundred respondents were selected from five districts each across the three regions. Pretested and structured questionnaire were used to collect data through face to face interview. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Factors associated with antibiotic administration were determined using binary multiple logistic regression at p <= 0.05. Results Out of the 600 farmers, 95% administered antibiotics and 84% bought antibiotics over-the-counter without prescription. Approximately 9% of antibiotic administration was carried out by veterinary officers, and the remaining, 91% based on farmer's experience. Approximately 93% had access to antibiotics without any difficulty. Withdrawal period was always observed by only 16% of farmers. Majority (74%) of farmers never had education on antibiotics and none of the farmers screened manure for the antibiotic residuals. Years of farming, income status, level of education of farmers, type of animal kept, access to extension services, registration with farmers' association, employing veterinary services, location of farm, system of production, education on antibiotics and access to antibiotics positively and significantly predicted the administration of antibiotics by farmers. Majority of farmers had inadequate knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on soil ecosystem with mean score ranging between 2.87 +/- 0.60 and 2.98 +/- 0.7 on a scale of 5.0. Conclusion The study exposed the poor practices regarding antibiotic use and also inadequate knowledge on its effect on the soil ecosystem amongst farmers in Ghana. This calls for development of strategies to increase awareness on antibiotics because its misuse can negatively impact human, animals, environment and impact food security. OI Danquah, Andrews/0000-0002-5542-5968; Phares, Christian Adler/0000-0001-8602-9776 SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 6 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0228777 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0228777 UT WOS:000534623800073 PM 32027735 ER PT J AU Wu, XY Zhou, XL Ding, XZ Chu, M Liang, CN Pei, J Xiong, L Bao, PJ Guo, X Yan, P AF Wu, Xiaoyun Zhou, Xuelan Ding, Xuezhi Chu, Min Liang, Chunnian Pei, Jie Xiong, Lin Bao, Pengjia Guo, Xian Yan, Ping TI Reference gene selection and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression in muscle tissues of domestic yak (Bos grunniens) SO PLOS ONE AB Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is the most crucial livestock in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, providing meat and other necessities for local people. The skeletal muscle of adult livestock is composed of muscle fibers, and fiber composition in muscle has influence on meat qualities, such as tenderness, pH, and color. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a powerful tool to evaluate the gene expression of muscle fiber, but the normalization of the data depends on the stability of expressed reference genes. Unfortunately, there is no consensus for an ideal reference gene for data normalization in muscle tissues of yak. In this study, we aimed to assess the stability of 14 commonly used candidate reference genes by using five algorithms (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delat Ct and Refinder). Our results suggested UXT and PRL13A were the most stable reference genes, while the most commonly used reference gene, GAPDH, was most variably expressed across different muscle tissues. We also found that the extensor digitorum lateralis (EDL), trapezius pars thoracica (TPT), and psoas major (PM) muscle had the higher content of type I muscle fibers and the lowest content of type IIB muscle fibers, while gluteobiceps (GB) muscle had the highest content of type IIB muscle fibers. Our study provides the suitable reference genes for accurate analysis of yak muscle fiber composition. SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 6 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0228493 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0228493 UT WOS:000534623800043 PM 32027673 ER PT J AU Zhang, BB Zhang, H Jing, Q Wu, YX Ma, SQ AF Zhang, Beibei Zhang, Hui Jing, Qi Wu, Yuexuan Ma, Shuqin TI Differences in species diversity, biomass, and soil properties of five types of alpine grasslands in the Northern Tibetan Plateau SO PLOS ONE AB Approximately 94% of the land area of the Northern Tibetan Plateau is covered by grasslands, which comprise one of five key livestock producing regions in China. In contrast to most other regions worldwide, these alpine grasslands are much more sensitive to global climate change, thus they are under intense study. The differences in species diversity, plant biomass, and soil properties of five representative's alpine grassland types in the Northern Tibetan Plateau were investigated in this research. The results revealed that 11 community types were identified according to the importance of dominant species and constructive species. There were significant differences in the Margalef index (H), Simpson diversity index (D), Shannon-wiener diversity index (H'), and Pielou evenness index (J) indices between these five alpine grasslands. Further, the above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB), total biomass (TB), root:shoot (R/S) ratio, and coverage showed significant differences in 5 alpine grasslands. There were also considerable variations in the pH, total nitrogen concentration (TN), total phosphorus concentration (TP), soil organic carbon (SOC) and C-to-N ratio (C:N) among the five alpine grasslands. The highest value of biomass and soil characteristics was always in the alpine steppe (AS), or AM, while the lowest of that was in the alpine desert steppe (ADS), or alpine desert (AD). Moreover, there were significant differences in the soil particle size fractions between the five alpine grasslands. In the AM and AS, the dominant soil particle was clay, while in the alpine meadow-steppe (AMS), ADS, and AD it was fine and medium sand. Substantial correlations were found between the biomass and species diversity indices H, D or H' and soil TN, TP, or SOC. Moreover, silt had a significantly positive correlation with soil C:N, BGB, TB, and R/S, while medium sand and coarse sand was significant negatively correlated. With regard to these grassland types, it is proposed that the AM or AS may be an actively changing grassland types in the Northern Tibetan Plateau. SN 1932-6203 PD FEB 6 PY 2020 VL 15 IS 2 AR e0228277 DI 10.1371/journal.pone.0228277 UT WOS:000534623800019 PM 32027662 ER PT J AU Waldmann, P Pfeiffer, C Meszaros, G AF Waldmann, Patrik Pfeiffer, Christina Meszaros, Gabor TI Sparse Convolutional Neural Networks for Genome-Wide Prediction SO FRONTIERS IN GENETICS AB Genome-wide prediction (GWP) has become the state-of-the art method in artificial selection. Data sets often comprise number of genomic markers and individuals in ranges from a few thousands to millions. Hence, computational efficiency is important and various machine learning methods have successfully been used in GWP. Neural networks (NN) and deep learning (DL) are very flexible methods that usually show outstanding prediction properties on complex structured data, but their use in GWP is nevertheless rare and debated. This study describes a powerful NN method for genomic marker data that can easily be extended. It is shown that a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) can be used to incorporate the ordinal information between markers and, together with pooling and l (1)-norm regularization, provides a sparse and computationally efficient approach for GWP. The method, denoted CNNGWP, is implemented in the deep learning software Keras, and hyper-parameters of the NN are tuned with Bayesian optimization. Model averaged ensemble predictions further reduce prediction error. Evaluations show that CNNGWP improves prediction error by more than 25% on simulated data and around 3% on real pig data compared with results obtained with GBLUP and the LASSO. In conclusion, the CNNGWP provides a promising approach for GWP, but the magnitude of improvement depends on the genetic architecture and the heritability. EI 1664-8021 PD FEB 6 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 25 DI 10.3389/fgene.2020.00025 UT WOS:000517400800001 PM 32117441 ER PT J AU Dagalp, SB Babaoglu, AR Dogan, F Farzani, TA Alkan, F AF Dagalp, Seval B. Babaoglu, Ali R. Dogan, Firat Farzani, Touraj A. Alkan, Feray TI An assessment of bovine herpes virus 4 as a causative agent n abortions and neonatal death SO ONDERSTEPOORT JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Numerous viruses, including bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpes virus 4 (BoHV-4), and other pathogens are the most common causes of reproductive disorders and are responsible for huge economic losses in livestock production. This study investigates the aetiological role of BoHV-4 in fertility problems such as abortions, stillbirth and birth with unviable calves. Retrospective samples from 38 animals, including 17 aborting cows, 17 aborted foetuses, three stillborn calves and one unviable newborn calf were analysed. The BoHV-4 genome was detected in 25 (65.7%) animals by polymerase chain reaction. In 14 of these infected animals, we detected co-infection with BVDV, while the co-presence of BoHV-1 was also detected in one animal. In addition to the high prevalence of BoHV-4 genome in materials related to fertility problems, isolation of Bo H V-4 from the brain of one stillborn calf indicated a causal link between BoHV-4 and fertility problems, such as abortion, stillbirths or birth with unviable calves. SN 0030-2465 EI 2219-0635 PD FEB 6 PY 2020 VL 87 IS 1 AR a1761 DI 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1761 UT WOS:000515271400001 PM 32129636 ER PT J AU Soliveres, S Eldridge, DJ AF Soliveres, Santiago Eldridge, David J. TI Dual community assembly processes in dryland biocrust communities SO FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY AB Biocrusts are critical components of drylands where they regulate a wide range of ecosystem functions, however, their response to the world-wide phenomenon of shrub encroachment and to livestock grazing, the most extensive land use in drylands, is not well studied. Grazing by livestock and increases in shrub cover could influence biocrust communities directly via trampling or shading, or indirectly, by altering biotic interactions amongst biocrust taxa. The extent of these changes in biocrust cover, diversity and composition are poorly known. We used linear models and structural equation modelling to examine the direct effects of grazing and shrubs on biocrust community composition and the indirect effects mediated by changes in species interactions. Biocrust richness and cover increased with increasing shrub cover at the site level. This pattern occurred despite the negative response we found (lower cover and richness) under shrub patches versus open areas, which was consistent irrespective of the grazing level. Functional diversity and evenness were similar between shrubs and open at low grazing intensity, but at high grazing functional diversity was greater in the open. Competition between biocrust species was an important driver of their community assembly irrespective of shrub cover, grazing intensity or patch type. Structural equation models showed that the effects of grazing and shrub cover on functional evenness, functional diversity and richness were controlled by biotic interactions within the shrub microsites. In the open, however, these effects were either direct or mediated by changes in cover. Biocrust cover, species richness and functional diversity increase with shrub cover at the site scale, despite the negative effects at the microsite level. We demonstrate here that drivers of community assembly differ markedly at small spatial scales. Though biocrust communities were directly driven by environmental filtering in the open, biotic interactions played a fundamental role in their assembly when growing beneath shrubs. A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. OI Eldridge, David/0000-0002-2191-486X SN 0269-8463 EI 1365-2435 PD APR PY 2020 VL 34 IS 4 BP 877 EP 887 DI 10.1111/1365-2435.13521 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000511401500001 ER PT J AU Saitone, TL Bruno, EM AF Saitone, Tina L. Bruno, Ellen M. TI Cost Effectiveness of Livestock Guardian Dogs for Predator Control SO WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN AB Predation threatens the economic viability of sheep operations in the United States. Many producers recognize the need to complement lethal control methods with nonlethal strategies such as the use of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), but little information exists on benefits and costs. We report on a comprehensive benefit-cost analysis of the decision to incorporate LGDs onto a sheep operation in Mendocino County, California, USA, based on data collected during 2013-2017, where livestock predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) has been a persistent problem. We estimated that for a representative sheep operation with a breeding flock of 500 adult females (ewes), the use of 5 LGDs reduced lambs and ewes lost to coyote predation by 43% and 25%, respectively, for a total savings of US$16,200 over 7 years. However, we found that costs, which included acquisition and maintenance expenses, exceed benefits of this investment over the 7-year useful life of LGDs by US$13,413. Our results inform the adoption of LGDs, demonstrating that LGDs are only cost-effective for certain types of operations, namely those where LGDs are able to achieve high rates of predator protection efficacy. (c) 2020 The Wildlife Society. OI Bruno, Ellen/0000-0003-1055-0770 SN 1938-5463 PD MAR PY 2020 VL 44 IS 1 BP 101 EP 109 DI 10.1002/wsb.1063 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000511353600001 ER PT J AU O'Connor, JR Jahufer, MZZ Lyons, T AF O'Connor, J. R. Jahufer, M. Z. Z. Lyons, T. TI Examining perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) persistence through comparative genetic analyses of two cultivars after nine years in the field SO EUPHYTICA AB Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) provides a cost-effective forage species for New Zealand farms. Vegetative persistence (maintained herbage growth and survival without reseeding) is an important trait for decreasing costs of pasture establishment. Breeding for vegetative persistence is difficult because of a deficiency of long-term trials to observe the complex interactions between plant genotype and environment. Over time in a long-term trial, a shift in the genetic mean of a cultivar could occur as plants with genetically enhanced persistence traits survive. This study aimed to identify a shift in the genetic mean of two cultivars sown in a long-term trial in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Plots of 1 m rows were assessed in a trial for 13 months to compare changes in additive genetic variation (sigma a2), narrow-sense heritability (hn2), and trait associations of half-sib (HS) populations generated from "Persistent" plants and commercially bought seed of "Original" cultivars Grasslands Samson and Commando. Significant (P < 0.05) sigma a2 and high levels of hn2 for some populations were identified for scores of herbage growth, leaf width, plant habit and aftermath heading. This study found genetic shifts over time were cultivar specific. Traits that were different between Persistent and Original populations were previously associated with decreased pasture intake. Trait associations and cluster analysis identified HS families that could be used for developing enhanced persistence. OI O'Connor, Jessica/0000-0002-9351-7791 SN 0014-2336 EI 1573-5060 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 216 IS 3 AR 36 DI 10.1007/s10681-020-2568-1 UT WOS:000518999600001 ER PT J AU Le Roux, D Djokic, V Morisse, S Chauvin, C Dore, V Lagree, AC Voisin, D Villain, Y Grasset-Chevillot, A Boursin, F Su, CL Perrot, S Vallee, I Seche, E Blaga, R AF Le Roux, Delphine Djokic, Vitomir Morisse, Solen Chauvin, Clement Dore, Vanessa Lagree, Anne-Claire Voisin, Deborah Villain, Yohan Grasset-Chevillot, Aurelie Boursin, Fanny Su, Chunlei Perrot, Sebastien Vallee, Isabelle Seche, Edouard Blaga, Radu TI Evaluation of immunogenicity and protection of the Mic1-3 knockout Toxoplasma gondii live attenuated strain in the feline host SO VACCINE AB Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Up to a third of the global human population is estimated to carry a T. gondii infection, which can result in severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Humans and animals can become infected by ingesting either tissue cysts containing T. gondii bradyzoites, from raw or undercooked meat, or sporulated oocysts from environmental sources. T. gondii oocysts are released in the faeces of cats and other felids, which are the parasite's definitive hosts, leading to environmental contamination. Therefore, vaccination of the feline host against T. gondii is an interesting strategy to interrupt the parasitic life cycle and subsequently limit contamination of intermediate hosts. With this goal in mind, we tested in cats, an attenuated live strain of T. gondii deleted for the Mid and Mic3 genes (Mic1-3KO) that was previously shown to be an efficient vaccine candidate in mouse and sheep models. Subcutaneous or oral vaccination routes induced a high specific antibody titer in the cat sera, indicating that the Mic1-3KO strain is immunogenic for cats. To assess protection induced by the vaccine candidate strain, we followed oocysts shedding by vaccinated cats, after oral challenge with a T. gondii wild-type strain. Surprisingly, a high antibody titer did not prevent cats from shedding oocysts from the challenge strain, regardless of the vaccination route. Our results show that the Mic1-3KO vaccine candidate is immunogenic in the feline host, is well tolerated and safe, but does not confer protection against oocysts shedding after natural infection with wild type T. gondii. This result highlights the particular relationship between T. gondii and its unique definitive host, which indicates the need for further investigations to improve vaccination strategies to limit environmental and livestock contaminations. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI le roux, delphine/0000-0003-3252-9155; Perrot, Sebastien/0000-0003-3217-8375 SN 0264-410X EI 1873-2518 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 38 IS 6 BP 1457 EP 1466 DI 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.076 UT WOS:000515445900023 PM 31864855 ER PT J AU Godde, CM de Boer, IJM zu Ermgassen, E Herrero, M van Middelaar, CE Muller, A Roos, E Schader, C Smith, P van Zanten, HHE Garnett, T AF Godde, Cecile M. de Boer, Imke J. M. zu Ermgassen, Erasmus Herrero, Mario van Middelaar, Corina E. Muller, Adrian Roos, Elin Schader, Christian Smith, Pete van Zanten, Hannah H. E. Garnett, Tara TI Soil carbon sequestration in grazing systems: managing expectations SO CLIMATIC CHANGE AB Grazing systems emit greenhouse gases, which can, under specific agro-ecological conditions, be partly or entirely offset by soil carbon sequestration. However, any sequestration is time-limited, reversible, and at a global level outweighed by emissions from grazing systems. Thus, grazing systems are globally a net contributor to climate change and the time scale of key processes needs to be factored into any mitigation efforts. Failing to do so leads to unrealistic expectations of soil carbon management in grazing systems as a mitigation strategy. Protecting the large carbon stocks in grazing lands is also essential in order to avoid further climate change from additional CO2 release. Despite the time-limited and reversible nature of soil carbon sequestration in grazing lands, sequestration should be promoted in cases where it delivers environmental and agronomic benefits as well as for its potential, particularly on degraded land, to increase the feasibility of limiting global warming to less than 2 or preferably 1.5 degrees C. Some peer-reviewed sequestration estimates are of a similar order of magnitude to other food systems mitigation options over a 10-20 years period, such as reducing food loss and waste by 15% or aligning diets with current health related dietary-recommendations. However, caution should be applied to such comparisons since mitigation estimates are associated with large uncertainties and will ultimately depend on the economic cost-benefit relation, feasibility of implementation and time frame considered. RI Herrero, Mario/A-6678-2015; Smith, Pete/G-1041-2010; Godde, Cecile/C-2999-2015 OI Herrero, Mario/0000-0002-7741-5090; Smith, Pete/0000-0002-3784-1124; Godde, Cecile/0000-0002-7165-3012; Schader, Christian/0000-0002-4910-4375; van Zanten, Hannah/0000-0002-5262-5518; zu Ermgassen, Erasmus Klaus Helge Justus/0000-0002-9168-6057 SN 0165-0009 EI 1573-1480 DI 10.1007/s10584-020-02673-x EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515849500001 ER PT J AU Quintana, ME Barone, LJ Trotta, MV Turco, C Mansilla, FC Capozzo, AV Cardoso, NP AF Eugenia Quintana, Maria Jose Barone, Lucas Vanesa Trotta, Myrian Turco, Cecilia Celeste Mansilla, Florencia Victoria Capozzo, Alejandra Patricia Cardoso, Nancy TI In-vivo Activity of IFN-lambda and IFN-alpha Against Bovine-Viral-Diarrhea Virus in a Mouse Model SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Bovine-viral-diarrhea virus (BVDV) can cause significant economic losses in livestock. The disease is controlled with vaccination and bovines are susceptible until vaccine immunity develops and may remain vulnerable if a persistently infected animal is left on the farm; therefore, an antiviral agent that reduces virus infectivity can be a useful tool in control programs. Although many compounds with promising in-vitro efficacy have been identified, the lack of laboratory-animal models limited their potential for further clinical development. Recently, we described the activity of type I and III interferons, IFN-alpha and IFN-lambda respectively, against several BVDV strains in-vitro. In this study, we analyzed the in-vivo efficacy of both IFNs using a BALB/c-mouse model. Mice infected with two type-2 BVDV field strains developed a viremia with different kinetics, depending on the infecting strain's virulence, that persisted for 56 days post-infection (dpi). Mice infected with the low-virulence strain elicited high systemic TNF-alpha levels at 2 dpi. IFNs were first applied subcutaneously 1 day before or after infection. The two IFNs reduced viremia with different kinetics, depending on whether either one was applied before or after infection. In a second experiment, we increased the number of applications of both IFNs. All the treatments reduced viremia compared to untreated mice. The application of IFN-lambda pre- and post-infection reduced viremia over time. This study is the first proof of the concept of the antiviral potency of IFN-lambda against BVDV in-vivo, thus encouraging further trails for a potential use of this cytokine in cattle. EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 45 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00045 UT WOS:000515893800001 PM 32118067 ER PT J AU Mohr, S Beard, R Nisbet, AJ Burgess, STG Reeve, R Denwood, M Porphyre, T Zadoks, RN Matthews, L AF Mohr, Sibylle Beard, Rodney Nisbet, Alasdair J. Burgess, Stewart T. G. Reeve, Richard Denwood, Matthew Porphyre, Thibaud Zadoks, Ruth N. Matthews, Louise TI Uptake of Diagnostic Tests by Livestock Farmers: A Stochastic Game Theory Approach SO FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AB Game theory examines strategic decision-making in situations of conflict, cooperation, and coordination. It has become an established tool in economics, psychology and political science, and more recently has been applied to disease control. Used to examine vaccination uptake in human medicine, game theory shows that when vaccination is voluntary some individuals will choose to "free-ride" on the protection provided by others, resulting in insufficient coverage for control of a vaccine-preventable disease. Here, we use game theory to examine farmer uptake of a new diagnostic ELISA test for sheep scab-a highly infectious disease with an estimated cost exceeding 8M pound per year to the UK industry. The stochastic game models decisions made by neighboring farmers when deciding whether to adopt the newly available test, which can detect subclinical infestation. A key element of the stochastic game framework is that it allows multiple states. Depending on infestation status and test adoption decisions in the previous year, a farm may be at high, medium or low risk of infestation this year-a status which influences the decision the farmer makes and the farmer payoffs. Ultimately, each farmer's decision depends on the costs of using the diagnostic test vs. the benefits of enhanced disease control, which may only accrue in the longer term. The extent to which a farmer values short-term over long-term benefits reflects external factors such as inflation or individual characteristics such as patience. Our results show that when using realistic parameters and with a test cost around 50% more than the current clinical diagnosis, the test will be adopted in the high-risk state, but not in the low-risk state. For the medium risk state, test adoption will depend on whether the farmer takes a long-term or short-term view. We show that these outcomes are relatively robust to change in test costs and, moreover, that whilst the farmers adopting the test would not expect to see large gains in profitability, substantial reduction in sheep scab (and associated welfare implications) could be achieved in a cost-neutral way to the industry. RI Porphyre, Thibaud/N-7581-2018; Beard, Rodney/A-1302-2016 OI Porphyre, Thibaud/0000-0002-8552-9899; Beard, Rodney/0000-0001-5506-5424 EI 2297-1769 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 7 AR 36 DI 10.3389/fvets.2020.00036 UT WOS:000515890200001 PM 32118060 ER PT J AU Hall, C Hansen, J von Ehrenstein, OS He, D Olsen, J Ritz, B Heck, JE AF Hall, Clinton Hansen, Johnni von Ehrenstein, Ondine S. He, Di Olsen, Jorn Ritz, Beate Heck, Julia E. TI Occupational livestock or animal dust exposure and offspring cancer risk in Denmark, 1968-2016 SO INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AB Objective To examine associations with occupational livestock or other animal dust exposure and offspring cancer risk. Methods In this population-based case-control study of Danish children aged < 17 years old, 5078 childhood cancer cases diagnosed 1968-2016 were matched to cancer-free controls by birth year and sex (n = 123,228). Occupational livestock or animal dust exposure was identified using a job-exposure matrix. We employed multivariable conditional logistic regression models to estimate associations with offspring cancer for births 1968-2016 and 1989-2016, with the latter timeframe reflecting a period of presumed higher exposure due to changes in Danish farming practices. Sensitivity analyses considered place of birth (urban areas vs. rural areas and small towns). Results For births 1968-2016, paternal exposure from offspring birth to cancer diagnosis was associated with central nervous system tumors (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.63) and germ cell tumors (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.05-3.27), while maternal pregnancy exposure was associated with astrocytoma (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.00-3.57). For births 1989-2016, paternal exposure from offspring birth to cancer diagnosis was negatively associated with acute lymphoid leukemia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.33-1.00). For births in rural areas only, maternal exposure from offspring birth to cancer diagnosis was positively associated with acute myeloid leukemia (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.09-4.29). Conclusions This study suggests that paternal occupational animal exposure is associated with offspring germ cell tumors, and maternal pregnancy exposure with astrocytomas. Our results are mixed with respect to leukemia subtypes. RI Heck, Julia/B-5230-2009 OI Heck, Julia/0000-0001-8713-8413 SN 0340-0131 EI 1432-1246 PD JUL PY 2020 VL 93 IS 5 BP 659 EP 668 DI 10.1007/s00420-020-01524-7 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515836800001 PM 32025796 ER PT J AU Kassa, Z Asfaw, Z Demissew, S AF Kassa, Zewdie Asfaw, Zemede Demissew, Sebsebe TI An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Sheka Zone of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia SO JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE AB Background People's classification, management, and use of plants represent attempt to attracting people from different academic disciplines. Many countries use traditional medicine for their primary healthcare system. Medicinal plants have been important components of healthcare systems since the time immemorial. The objective of this research was to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants used by the Sheka people and associated ethnobotanical knowledge. Methods Data was collected by administering pre-prepared semi-structured interview items to 414 informants. Market surveys, group discussion, and guided field walk were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; determination of informant consensus factor, fidelity level, as well as ranking and scoring. Results A total of 266 plant species belonging to 192 genera and 74 families were identified. About 204 (77%) of the medicinal plants were used to treat human health problems. Only ten (4%) were used to treat livestock health problems and 52 (19%) of them were used to treat both human and livestock health problems. Croton macrostachyus, Prunus africana, Peperomia retusa, Lobelia giberroa, and Celosia schweinfurthiana were found to be high ranking medicinal plants against gastrointestinal problems based on simple preference ranking. Conclusion Very high number of medicinal plant species recorded from the study area indicates that vegetation of Sheka is reservoir of medicinal plants. Hence, the area needs attention for medicinal plant conservation priorities. Plant parts used as medicines also play vital role in the entire medicinal plant life cycle. Therefore, it is useful to consider harvesting impacts. Except well-experienced traditional healers, people of the study area use the medicinal plants haphazardly. There may be high risk of being victims of dosage and improper usage. High ranking medicinal plants are candidates for further phytochemical profiling, drug research, and development. EI 1746-4269 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 7 DI 10.1186/s13002-020-0358-4 UT WOS:000513662000001 PM 32024539 ER PT J AU Redon, E Lemonsu, A Masson, V AF Redon, Emilie Lemonsu, Aude Masson, Valery TI An urban trees parameterization for modeling microclimatic variables and thermal comfort conditions at street level with the Town Energy Balance model (TEB-SURFEX v8.0) SO GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT AB The Town Energy Balance (TEB) urban climate model has recently been improved to more realistically address the radiative effects of trees within the urban canopy. These processes necessarily have an impact on the energy balance that needs to be taken into account. This is why a new method for calculating the turbulent fluxes for sensible and latent heat has been implemented. This method remains consistent with the "bigleaf" approach of the Interaction Soil-Biosphere-Atmosphere (ISBA) model, which deals with energy exchanges between vegetation and atmosphere within TEB. Nonetheless, the turbulent fluxes can now be dissociated between ground-based natural covers and the tree stratum above (knowing the vertical leaf density profile), which can modify the vertical profile in air temperature and humidity in the urban canopy. In addition, the aeraulic effect of trees is added, parameterized as a drag term and an energy dissipation term in the evolution equations of momentum and turbulent kinetic energy, respectively. This set of modifications relating to the explicit representation of the tree stratum in TEB is evaluated on an experimental case study. The model results are compared to micrometeorological and surface temperature measurements collected in a semi-open courtyard with trees and bordered by buildings. The new parameterizations improve the modeling of surface temperatures of walls and pavements, thanks to taking into account radiation absorption by trees, and of air temperature. The effect of wind speed being strongly slowed down by trees is also much more realistic. The universal thermal climate index diagnosed in TEB from inside-canyon environmental variables is highly dependent and sensitive to these variations in wind speed and radiation. This demonstrates the importance of properly modeling interactions between buildings and trees in urban environments, especially for climate-sensitive design issues. SN 1991-959X EI 1991-9603 PD FEB 5 PY 2020 VL 13 IS 2 BP 385 EP 399 DI 10.5194/gmd-13-385-2020 UT WOS:000512999900001 ER PT J AU Borowiak, M Baumann, B Fischer, J Thomas, K Deneke, C Hammerl, JA Szabo, I Malorny, B AF Borowiak, Maria Baumann, Beatrice Fischer, Jennie Thomas, Katharina Deneke, Carlus Hammerl, Jens Andre Szabo, Istvan Malorny, Burkhard TI Development of a Novel mcr-6 to mcr-9 Multiplex PCR and Assessment of mcr-1 to mcr-9 Occurrence in Colistin-Resistant Salmonella enterica Isolates From Environment, Feed, Animals and Food (2011-2018) in Germany SO FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY AB The polymyxin antibiotic colistin has been used in decades for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in livestock. Nowadays, it is even considered as last-line treatment option for severe human infections caused by multidrug- and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the discovery of plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes raised major public health concern. The aim of our study was to analyze colistin-resistant Salmonella enterica strains from animals, food, feed and the environment collected at the National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella in Germany on the presence of mcr-1 to mcr-9 genes. Altogether 407 colistin-resistant (MIC >2 mg/L) Salmonella isolates received between 2011 and 2018 were selected and screened by PCR using a published mcr-1 to mcr-5 as well as a newly developed mcr-6 to mcr-9 multiplex PCR protocol. 254 of 407 (62.4%) isolates harbored either mcr-1 (n = 175), mcr-4 (n = 53), mcr-5 (n = 18) or mcr-1 and mcr-9 (n = 8). The number of mcr-positive isolates ranged from 19 (2017) to 64 (2012) per year. WGS revealed that none of our isolates harbored the mcr-9.1 gene. Instead, two novel mcr-9 variants were observed, which both were affected by frameshift mutations and are probably non-functional. The mcr-harboring isolates were mainly derived from animals (77.2%) or food (20.1%) and could be assigned to ten different Salmonella serovars. Many of the isolates were multidrug-resistant. Co-occurrence of mcr-1 and AmpC or ESBL genes was observed in eight isolates. Our findings suggest that mcr genes are widely spread among colistin-resistant Salmonella isolates from livestock and food in Germany. Potential transfer of mcr-harboring isolates along the food chain has to be considered critically. SN 1664-302X PD FEB 4 PY 2020 VL 11 AR 80 DI 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00080 UT WOS:000515789100001 PM 32117115 ER PT J AU Wang, JJ Beusen, AHW Liu, XC Bouwman, AF AF Wang, Junjie Beusen, Arthur H. W. Liu, Xiaochen Bouwman, Alexander F. TI Aquaculture Production is a Large, Spatially Concentrated Source of Nutrients in Chinese Freshwater and Coastal Seas SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AB As Chinese aquaculture production accounts for over half of the global aquaculture production and has increased by 50% since 2006, there is growing concern about presents a model-based estimate of nutrient flows in China's aquaculture system during 2006-2017 using provincial scale data, to spatially distribute nutrient loads with a 0.5 degrees resolution. The results indicate that with the increase in fish and shellfish production from 30 to 47 million tonnes (Mt) during 2006-2017, the nitrogen (N) release increased from 1.0 to 1.6 Mt/year and that of phosphorus (P) from 0.1 to 0.2 Mt/year. Nutrient release from freshwater aquaculture was concentrated in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Hubei, and that from mariculture in Shandong, Fujian, and Guangdong. Aquaculture is an important strongly concentrated nutrient source in both freshwater and marine environments. Its nutrient release is >20% of total nutrient inputs to freshwater environments in some provinces, and nutrients from mariculture are comparable to river nutrient export to Chinese coastal seas. Aquaculture production and nutrient excretions are now comparable to those of livestock production systems in China and need to be accounted for when analyzing causes of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms and possible mitigation strategies. RI ; Bouwman, Lex/F-1444-2015 OI Liu, Xiaochen/0000-0003-2973-8132; Bouwman, Lex/0000-0002-2045-1859; Wang, Junjie/0000-0001-8235-0255 SN 0013-936X EI 1520-5851 PD FEB 4 PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 1464 EP 1474 DI 10.1021/acs.est.9b03340 UT WOS:000511508500020 PM 31642664 ER PT J AU Zhu, L Zhou, ZC Liu, Y Lin, ZJ Shuai, XY Xu, L Chen, H AF Zhu, Lin Zhou, Zhenchao Liu, Yang Lin, Zejun Shuai, Xinyi Xu, Lan Chen, Hong TI Comprehensive Understanding of the Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 in Aquatic Environments SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AB The emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has attracted global attention and raised serious concerns about its possible cross-environment dissemination. However, the systematic exploration of mcr-1 both by monitoring and genetic dissection in aquatic environments has not been conducted. This study addresses the gap related to the occurrence and distribution of mcr-1 in watersheds, eastern China. The results showed an abundance of mcr-1 gene in four watersheds, and the highest level of mcr-1 reached 1.8 X 10(9) gene copies per liter of water. Furthermore, the transfer frequencies of the plasmids in isolated Escherichia coil were 2.76 X 10(-6)-6.11 X 10(-4) within genera and minimal inhibitory concentrations of polymyxin resistance were 8-16 mg/L for transconjugants. Mass spectrometry data allowed visualization of the function of mcr-1 expression, rendering bacterial resistance to colistin. The genetic details of six mcr-1-harboring plasmids in E. coli isolates of aquatic origin were obtained by single-molecule real-time sequencing. These plasmids were closely associated with E. coli strains of pig and human origin, supporting the concept of mcr-1 dissemination across natural environments, livestock farms, and humans. In conclusion, this study provides the first glimpse of the profile of mcr-1-harboring plasmids and their genetic environment in aquatic ecosystems. SN 0013-936X EI 1520-5851 PD FEB 4 PY 2020 VL 54 IS 3 BP 1603 EP 1613 DI 10.1021/acs.est.9b05919 UT WOS:000511508500034 PM 31886662 ER PT J AU Verma, N Kumar, V Bansal, MC AF Verma, Nitin Kumar, Vivek Bansal, M. C. TI Comparative view on microbial consumption of agro-based lignocellulosic waste biomass in sustainable production of cellulases SO BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY AB In the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, the hydrolysis of lignocellulose is playing a vital role because it decides the amount of glucose that is used for fermentation. Lignin present in lignocellulosic biomass is a major barrier to the effective utilization of their carbohydrate content. Pretreatment of biomass is an essential processing step for making efficient lignocellulose utilization. Polymeric sugars like cellulose and hemicellulose are converted to their corresponding monomers by chemical, physicochemical, and biological methods. Alkaline pretreatment is believed to cleave hydrolyzable linkages in lignin and glycosidic bonds of polysaccharides, which causes a reduction in the degree of polymerization, swelling of the fibers, as well as disruption of the lignin structure. The present paper describes the comparative view on the potential ability of untreated and alkali-treated wheat straw, bagasse, and groundnut shell waste in cellulase production. Application of XRD and FTIR analysis has also been used to compare the potentiality of lignocellulosic biomass. Higher FPase (1.29 +/- 0.05 IU/mL) and CMCase (8.64 +/- 0.15 IIU/mL) were observed with alkali-treated groundnut shell waste by Aspergillus strain. Alkali-treated raw materials were found quite effective for cellulase production as compared to untreated. SN 2190-6815 EI 2190-6823 DI 10.1007/s13399-020-00617-0 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000515826700002 ER PT J AU Moennighoff, C Thomas, N Nienhaus, F Hartmann, M Menrath, A Merkel, J Detlefsen, H Kreienbrock, L Hennig-Pauka, I AF Moennighoff, C. Thomas, N. Nienhaus, F. Hartmann, M. Menrath, A. Merkel, J. Detlefsen, H. Kreienbrock, L. Hennig-Pauka, I. TI Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli strains isolated from swine husbandries in North Western Germany - temporal patterns in samples from laboratory practice from 2006 to 2017 SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background Since 2011, antibiotic usage has decreased continuously in livestock in Germany. Whether this is accompanied by a reduction in bacterial antimicrobial resistance has not been proven so far. In this study 3054 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from pigs which had suffered from disease on 2161 farms in North Western Germany were evaluated retrospectively from 2006 to 2017 for trends in their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Data were substantially related to the "pre-reduction period" and were therefore suggested as a basis for this task. Minimal inhibitory concentrations for selected antimicrobial substances were evaluated for E. coli strains isolated from different organs of diseased swine sampled for routine diagnostic. In total, 81% of E. coli were isolated from faeces or the gastrointestinal tract, 11% from the genito-urinary tract and 8% from other organs. Susceptibility testing and classification of isolates in accordance with clinical cut-offs followed the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). If no clinical cut-offs were available for the respective combination of species, substance and organ, other published clinical cut-offs were used. Results Differences in susceptibility patterns between isolates from the gastrointestinal and genito-urinary tract were found for most substances. Isolates from the genito-urinary tract were less frequently resistant to ampicillin, apramycin, colistin, neomycin, spectinomycin and tetracycline and more frequently resistant to enrofloxacin and florfenicol. A multifactorial logistic regression model revealed time-dependent decreases in frequency of resistant isolates for neomycin, spectinomycin and tetracycline. For colistin, the highest percentage of resistant isolates with 16.0% was found in 2015 followed by a decrease to the level of 2009-2010 in 2017. A decrease in frequencies of ampicillin-resistant isolates was dependent on the age-group and time period. Irrespective of the year, less than 15% E. coli isolates were resistant to apramycin, cephalosporins, colistin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, gentamicin and neomycin. Conclusion An overall time-dependent decrease in the percentage of resistant E. coli isolates was found for some substances. These data from diseased animals indicate an impact of a general reduction in antibiotic usage on development of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the field and can support the decision-making of swine practitioners for treatment options in swine. OI Hennig-Pauka, Isabel/0000-0003-3994-5979 EI 1746-6148 PD FEB 3 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 37 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-2268-z UT WOS:000513842100004 PM 32013971 ER PT J AU Naqvi, MAUH Aimulajiang, K Memon, MA Hasan, MW Naqvi, SZ Lakho, SA Chu, W Xu, LX Song, XK Li, XR Yan, RF AF Naqvi, Muhammad Ali-ul-Husnain Aimulajiang, Kalibixiati Memon, Muhammad Ali Hasan, Muhammad Waqqas Naqvi, Sana Zahra Lakho, Shakeel Ahmed Chu, Wen Xu, Lixin Song, Xiaokai Li, Xiangrui Yan, Ruofeng TI Recombinant cold shock domain containing protein is a potential antigen to detect specific antibody during early and late infections of Haemonchus contortus in goat SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is one of the most important parasites that cause huge economic losses to small ruminant industry worldwide. Effective prognosis and treatment depend upon the early diagnosis of H. contortus infection. To date, no widely-approved methods for the identification of prepatent H. contortus infection are available to identify prepatent H. contortus infection properly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant cold shock H. contortus protein (rHc-CS) during early and late infections of H. contortus in goat. Results Purified rHc-CS exhibited a clear band, with a molecular weight about 38 kDa. H. contortus eggs were not detected by fecal egg count technique from feces collected at 0 to 14 days post infection (D.P.I). However, eggs were detected at 21, 28 and 35 D.P.I. Hence, results of immunoblotting assay showed specific anti rHc-CS antibody detection in all goat sera collected at early stage (14 D.P.I) and late stage (21-103 D.P.I) of H. contortus infection. Furthermore, no cross reactivity was observed against Trichinella spiralis, Fasciola hepatica and Toxoplasma gondii or uninfected goats. Among several evaluated rHc-CS indirect-ELISA format variables, favorable antigen coating concentration was found 0.28 mu g/well at 37 degrees C 1 h and overnight at 4 degrees C. Moreover, optimum dilution ratio of serum and rabbit anti-goat IgG was recorded as 1:100 and 1:4000, respectively. The best blocking buffer was 5% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) while the best time for blocking, serum incubation and TMB reaction were recorded as 60, 120 and 10 min, respectively. The cut-off value for positive and negative interpretation was determined as 0.352 (OD450). The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the rHc-CS, both were recorded as 100%. Conclusion These results validated that rHc-CS is a potential immunodiagnostic antigen to detect the specific antibodies during early and late H. contortus infections in goat. EI 1746-6148 PD FEB 3 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 36 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-2261-6 UT WOS:000513842100008 PM 32013987 ER PT J AU Seid, K Shiferaw, AM Yesuf, NN Derso, T Sisay, M AF Seid, Kibeb Shiferaw, Atsede Mazengia Yesuf, Nurhusien Nuru Derso, Terefe Sisay, Mekonnen TI Livestock owners' anthrax prevention practices and its associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, Northeast Ethiopia SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background In Ethiopia, the second most prioritized of the zoonotic diseases next to rabies is anthrax. About 50.6% of anthrax cases and 33.3% of deaths of livestock have been reported from Wag-Himra Zone, where appropriate anthrax prevention practices are not implemented by the owners of the animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of appropriate anthrax prevention practices of livestock owners and associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia. Results Twenty-five percent (95% CI: 25.2, 26.1%) of the livestock owners implemented appropriate anthrax prevention. Three quarters (74%) of the owners consumed infected meat; more than three quarters (78%) used the skins and hides of animals found dead with anthrax. The odds of appropriate anthrax prevention practices were higher among livestock owners with positive attitude (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.72, 6.37), who received health education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.28) and owners who lived in urban areas (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.43, 4.77) compared to their counterparts. Ability to read and write (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37), and primary (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37) or secondary school and above education (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.61, 11.13) were significantly associated with appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Conclusion In Sekota Zuria district, only one quarter of the livestock owners were aware of appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Thus, implementing effective health education and creating positive attitude are vital to improve anthrax prevention practices in the area. RI Sisay, Mekonnen/AAD-3257-2020 OI Sisay, Mekonnen/0000-0001-6611-1174 EI 1746-6148 PD FEB 3 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 39 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-2267-0 UT WOS:000513842100002 PM 32013973 ER PT J AU Pogacar, MS Langerholc, T Micetic-Turk, D Mozina, SS Klancnik, A AF Sikic Pogacar, Maja Langerholc, Tomaz Micetic-Turk, Dusanka Mozina, Sonja Smole Klancnik, Anja TI Effect of Lactobacillus spp. on adhesion, invasion, and translocation of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken and pig small-intestinal epithelial cell lines SO BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH AB Background Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of bacterial food-borne diarrhoeal disease. This mainly arises through contamination of meat products during processing. For infection, Campylobacter spp. must adhere to epithelial cells of the mucus layer, survive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and colonise the intestine of the host. Addition of probiotic bacteria might promote competitive adhesion to epithelial cells, consequently reducing Campylobacter jejuni colonisation. Effect of Lactobacillus spp. (PCS20, PCS22, PCS25, LGG, PCK9) on C. jejuni adhesion, invasion and translocation in pig (PSI cl.1) and chicken (B1OXI) small-intestine cell lines, as well as pig enterocytes (CLAB) was investigated. Results Overall, in competitive adhesion assays with PSI cl.1 and CLAB cell monolayers, the addition of Lactobacillus spp. reduced C. jejuni adherence to the cell surface, and negatively affected the C. jejuni invasion. Interestingly, Lactobacillus spp. significantly impaired C. jejuni adhesion in three-dimensional functional PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell models. Also, C. jejuni did not translocate across PSI cl.1 and B1OXI cell monolayers when co-incubated with probiotics. Among selected probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG was the strain that reduced adhesion efficacy of C. jejuni most significantly under co-culture conditions. Conclusion The addition of Lactobacillus spp. to feed additives in livestock nutrition might be an effective novel strategy that targets Campylobacter adhesion to epithelial cells, and thus prevents colonisation, reduces the transmission, and finally lowers the incidence of human campylobacteriosis. OI Sikic Pogacar, Maja/0000-0003-4557-1205 EI 1746-6148 PD FEB 3 PY 2020 VL 16 IS 1 AR 34 DI 10.1186/s12917-020-2238-5 UT WOS:000513842100006 PM 32013961 ER PT J AU Manirakiza, J Hatungumukama, G Besbes, B Detilleux, J AF Manirakiza, Josiane Hatungumukama, Gilbert Besbes, Badi Detilleux, Johann TI Characteristics of smallholders' goat production systems and effect of Boer crossbreeding on body measurements of goats in Burundi SO PASTORALISM-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE AB As part of a national action plan to manage animal genetic resources in Burundi, we characterized smallholders' goat production systems and assessed the effect of Boer crossbreeding on animal body measures. To that end, 319 farmers were surveyed in the five agro-ecological zones of Burundi and the zootechnical measures of 939 adult goats were taken. Cluster analysis of the goat production systems resulted into two opposed groups and one intermediate. On the one hand, there are the dry lowlands systems characterized by large herds composed mainly of indigenous animals grazing freely, and having high market characteristics. On the other hand, there are the humid highlands systems characterized by small herds composed of indigenous and crossbred animals in stall feeding or herding/tethering systems, and by low market characteristics. Fixed effect linear models were used to evaluate the effect of Boer crossbreeding on body weights and linear body measures, after adjustment for age, sex, grazing systems and agro-ecological zones. Results showed that least square means for body weights of adult Boer crossbreds were 4.74 kg higher than those of indigenous goats, which was lower than expected. Least square means for linear body measures of Boer crossbreds were significantly higher than those of indigenous breeds: differences in chest girth, body length and height at withers were 4.88 cm, 5.59 cm and 4.82 cm, respectively. Goats were heavier and greater in linear measures in lowlands than in highlands. The advantages and issues of a selection programme within indigenous breeds are discussed as an alternative to the crossbreeding programme. SN 2041-7136 PD FEB 3 PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 AR 2 DI 10.1186/s13570-019-0157-5 UT WOS:000511986700001 ER PT J AU Quisehuatl-Medina, A Averett, JP Endress, BA Lopez-Toledo, L AF Quisehuatl-Medina, Abdieel Averett, Joshua P. Endress, Bryan A. Lopez-Toledo, Leonel TI Removal of cattle accelerates tropical dry forest succession in Northwestern Mexico SO BIOTROPICA AB Domestic livestock influence patterns of secondary succession across forest ecosystems. However, the effects of cattle on the regeneration of tropical dry forests (TDF) in Mexico are poorly understood, largely because it is difficult to locate forests that are not grazed by cattle or other livestock. We describe changes in forest composition and structure along a successional chronosequence of TDF stands with and without cattle (chronic grazing or exclusion from grazing for similar to 8 year). Forest stands were grouped into five successional stages, ranging from recently abandoned to mature forest, for a total of 2.7 ha of the sampled area. The absence of cattle increased woody plant (tree and shrub) density and species richness, particularly in mid-successional and mature forest stands. Species diversity and evenness were generally greater in sites where cattle were removed and cattle grazing in early successional stands reduced establishment and/or recruitment of new individuals and species. Removal of cattle from forest stands undergoing succession appears to facilitate a progressive and non-linear change of forest structure and compositional attributes associated with rapid recovery, while cattle browsing acts as a chronic disturbance factor that compromises the resilience and structural and functional integrity of the TDF in northwestern Mexico. These results are important for the conservation, management, and restoration of Neotropical dry forests. OI Lopez-Toledo, Leonel/0000-0003-3424-5746 SN 0006-3606 EI 1744-7429 PD MAY PY 2020 VL 52 IS 3 BP 457 EP 469 DI 10.1111/btp.12748 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000510475300001 ER PT J AU Baum, R Bienkowski, J AF Baum, Rafal Bienkowski, Jerzy TI Eco-Efficiency in Measuring the Sustainable Production of Agricultural Crops SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Agriculture is one of the main factors with a direct impact on the natural environment (soil, water and air). An increased interest in the environmental impact of agricultural production results is due to-among other factors-significant human interference in the natural circulation of nutrients, posing a potential threat to the balance of ecosystems. Under current conditions, it is necessary to develop comprehensive diagnostic methods to control production processes in a way that would reduce costs and environmental burden throughout the product's life cycle. Only a holistic approach that integrates environmental and economic analysis meets the criteria of analysis complexity, which is one of the main goals of methodical analysis of sustainable development. The article presents the results of the integrated environmental and economic assessment of selected crops. Maize and rapeseed production were assessed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies. The analysis was carried out on farms representing plant- and animal-based farming types. The conclusion presented in the study was based on the data from a study group consisting of 69 private commercial farms located in two regions of Poland. The calculated carbon footprint of both of winter rape and grain maize production was found to be higher in animal farming types. Pig farming type presented the highest overall costs of these crops, based on the approach of the LCC. Inclusion of carbon sequestration to the assessment of greenhouse warming potential allowed for the reduction of the net global warming potential (GWP) impact associated with the production of the analyzed crops. In both crops, mineral fertilization was the main factor influencing both the total carbon footprint and the LCC. EI 2071-1050 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1418 DI 10.3390/su12041418 UT WOS:000522460200136 ER PT J AU Egeru, A Opio, J Siya, A Barasa, B Magaya, JP Namaalwa, JJ AF Egeru, Anthony Opio, Joseph Siya, Aggrey Barasa, Bernard Magaya, John Paul Namaalwa, Justine J. TI Tsetse Invasion as an Emerging Threat to Socioecological Resilience of Pastoral Communities in Karamoja, Uganda SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Over 70% of Uganda is infested by the tsetse fly, which has negative effects on human and livestock health. From colonial to post-independent Uganda, the Government of Uganda has worked to eradicate the tsetse menace. Despite these efforts, recent veterinary reports from the Karamoja sub-region have indicated widespread tsetse invasion. This study investigated the potential impact of tsetse invasion on the socioecological resilience of pastoral communities in the Karamoja sub-region. Results indicated that tsetse invasion is spreading from north to south of Karamoja. The tsetse transmission route emerging from southern Karamoja is perceived to be a continuation of the tsetse belt from West Pokot, Kenya. Cases of livestock deaths, livestock abortions, decreased milk yields, restricted access to prime grazing lands, heightened human-wildlife conflicts and disruption on crop cultivation have been reported. A computed socioecological resilience index in the study area was positive but low. Owing to the transboundary characteristics of tsetse invasions and sources and the associated documented effects, an urgent, strategic and system-wide intervention should be undertaken to control the tsetse invasion in this sub-region. OI Aggrey, Siya/0000-0001-9627-656X; Bernard, Barasa/0000-0003-4339-2422 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1599 DI 10.3390/su12041599 UT WOS:000522460200317 ER PT J AU Mahmood, N Arshad, M Kaechele, H Shahzad, MF Ullah, A Mueller, K AF Mahmood, Nasir Arshad, Muhammad Kaechele, Harald Shahzad, Muhammad Faisal Ullah, Ayat Mueller, Klaus TI Fatalism, Climate Resiliency Training and Farmers' Adaptation Responses: Implications for Sustainable Rainfed-Wheat Production in Pakistan SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Climate change is a severe threat to the agricultural sector in general and to rainfed farming in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that can potentially affect the adaptation process against climate change. This study focused on wheat farmers and farming systems in the rainfed agroecological zone of Pakistan. Farmers' data related to climate change fatalism, the availability of climate-specific extension services, socioeconomic and institutional variables, and farm characteristics were collected. A logit model to assess farmers' decisions to adopt an adaptation measure and a multinomial logit model to assess their choice of various adaptation measures were used. The results showed that fatalistic farmers were unlikely to implement climate change adaptation measures. The variables related to the climate-specific extension services, including farmers' participation in training on climate-resilient crop farming and the availability of mobile communication-based advisory services, had highly significant and positive impacts on farmers' decisions and their choice of adaptation measures. Input market access and tractor ownership also had positive and significant impacts on farmers' decisions to adapt and their choice of adaptation measures. This study highlights the need to improve rainfed-wheat farmers' education levels to change their fatalistic attitudes towards climate change. Furthermore, government action is needed to provide climate-specific extension services to ensure sustainable production levels that will ultimately lead to food and livelihood security under a changing climate. OI Shahzad, Muhammad Faisal/0000-0003-3855-6859 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1650 DI 10.3390/su12041650 UT WOS:000522460200368 ER PT J AU Soyer, G Yilmaz, E AF Soyer, Gurel Yilmaz, Ersel TI Waste Management in Dairy Cattle Farms in Aydin Region. Potential of Energy Application SO SUSTAINABILITY AB In this paper, the dairy cattle waste management systems on farms in Aydin region in Turkey were investigated. Number of farms and livestock herd size, type of barn, type of machinery and farm labour force were studied. The collection, management and storage systems of manure produced in dairy cattle farms were taken into consideration. Additionally, biogas amount, which is produced from animal waste, was calculated for all districts of Aydin by using the number of livestock animals and various criteria such as the rate of dry matter. Results show that the typical and representative farm in the Aydin region is facility with a total head over 100 heads. 89.6% of the farms have heads in the range of 100 to 200. The amount of biogas that can be produced from all manure collected in Aydin region in the biogas plants is approximately 160,438 m(3)/day (based on 0.5 m(3)/day biogas per cattle), which would produce around 100 GWh/year that can be used for own needs of farms owners. EI 2071-1050 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1614 DI 10.3390/su12041614 UT WOS:000522460200332 ER PT J AU Zhao, TQ Zhang, F Suo, RZ Gu, C Chen, DL Yang, T Zhao, ML AF Zhao, Tianqi Zhang, Feng Suo, Rongzhen Gu, Chen Chen, Daling Yang, Tony Zhao, Mengli TI Biennial Mowing Maintains the Biomass and Functional Diversity of Semi-Arid Grassland SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Understanding the functional diversity relationship between biomass and plants is a key issue in biodiversity-ecosystem functionality and the utility of grassland. We conducted a five-year mowing experiment to examine the effects of the mowing frequency on biomass, plant species, and functional diversity of a natural plant community in a semiarid region of Inner Mongolia. A secondary objective was to test whether unmowed refuge areas within plots would mitigate the disturbance effect of mowing. The result showed that mowing disturbance reduced biomass by the greatest amount with mowing once every year (M1) and the least with M2. The biomass composition of M2 consisted of a greater mass of perennial species than in the other mowing treatments but was equivalent to the control (CK). However, mowing disturbances increased the plant species richness and M2 had the largest number of species. The community-weighted means (CWM) indices indicated that M2 produced the least detrimental effects on the grassland. Retaining unmowed refuge areas appeared to be ineffective in promoting beneficial community traits under M1 mowing regimes. Based on our results, we recommend that the semi-arid grassland be mowed every other year in order to optimize sustainable production. OI Yang, Tony/0000-0003-4238-8085 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 1507 DI 10.3390/su12041507 UT WOS:000522460200225 ER PT J AU Lim, YH Foo, HL Loh, TC Mohamad, R Rahim, RA AF Lim, Ye Heng Foo, Hooi Ling Loh, Teck Chwen Mohamad, Rosfarizan Rahim, Raha Abdul TI Rapid Evaluation and Optimization of Medium Components Governing Tryptophan Production by Pediococcus acidilactici TP-6 Isolated from Malaysian Food via Statistical Approaches SO MOLECULES AB Tryptophan is one of the most extensively used amino acids in livestock industry owing to its effectiveness in enhancing the growth performance of animals. Conventionally, the production of tryptophan relies heavily on genetically modified Escherichia coli but its pathogenicity is a great concern. Our recent study demonstrated that a lactic acid bacterium (LAB), Pediococcus acidilactici TP-6 that isolated from Malaysian food was a promising tryptophan producer. However, the tryptophan production must enhance further for viable industrial application. Hence, the current study evaluated the effects of medium components and optimized the medium composition for tryptophan production by P. acidilactici TP-6 statistically using Plackett-Burman Design, and Central Composite Design. The optimized medium containing molasses (14.06 g/L), meat extract (23.68 g/L), urea (5.56 g/L) and FeSO4 (0.024 g/L) significantly enhanced the tryptophan production by 150% as compared to the control de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe medium. The findings obtained in this study revealed that rapid evaluation and effective optimization of medium composition governing tryptophan production by P. acidilactici TP-6 were feasible via statistical approaches. Additionally, the current findings reveal the potential of utilizing LAB as a safer alternative tryptophan producer and provides insight for future exploitation of various amino acid productions by LAB. OI Mohamad, Rosfarizan/0000-0001-5672-1905; Foo, Hooi Ling/0000-0002-5309-0965 EI 1420-3049 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 25 IS 4 AR 779 DI 10.3390/molecules25040779 UT WOS:000522454500015 PM 32054138 ER PT J AU Sandner, G Mueller, AS Zhou, XD Stadlbauer, V Schwarzinger, B Schwarzinger, C Wenzel, U Maenner, K van der Klis, JD Hirtenlehner, S Aumiller, T Weghuber, J AF Sandner, Georg Mueller, Andreas S. Zhou, Xiaodan Stadlbauer, Verena Schwarzinger, Bettina Schwarzinger, Clemens Wenzel, Uwe Maenner, Klaus van der Klis, Jan Dirk Hirtenlehner, Stefan Aumiller, Tobias Weghuber, Julian TI Ginseng Extract Ameliorates the Negative Physiological Effects of Heat Stress by Supporting Heat Shock Response and Improving Intestinal Barrier Integrity: Evidence from Studies with Heat-Stressed Caco-2 Cells, C. elegans and Growing Broilers SO MOLECULES AB Climatic changes and heat stress have become a great challenge in the livestock industry, negatively affecting, in particular, poultry feed intake and intestinal barrier malfunction. Recently, phytogenic feed additives were applied to reduce heat stress effects on animal farming. Here, we investigated the effects of ginseng extract using various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Quantitative real-time PCR, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and survival assays under heat stress conditions were carried out in various model systems, including Caco-2 cells, Caenorhabditis elegans and jejunum samples of broilers. Under heat stress conditions, ginseng treatment lowered the expression of HSPA1A (Caco-2) and the heat shock protein genes hsp-1 and hsp-16.2 (both in C. elegans), while all three of the tested genes encoding tight junction proteins, CLDN3, OCLN and CLDN1 (Caco-2), were upregulated. In addition, we observed prolonged survival under heat stress in Caenorhabditis elegans, and a better performance of growing ginseng-fed broilers by the increased gene expression of selected heat shock and tight junction proteins. The presence of ginseng extract resulted in a reduced decrease in transepithelial resistance under heat shock conditions. Finally, LC-MS analysis was performed to quantitate the most prominent ginsenosides in the extract used for this study, being Re, Rg1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. In conclusion, ginseng extract was found to be a suitable feed additive in animal nutrition to reduce the negative physiological effects caused by heat stress. OI Sandner, Georg/0000-0001-8740-6123; Schwarzinger, Clemens/0000-0002-8421-9063 EI 1420-3049 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 25 IS 4 AR 835 DI 10.3390/molecules25040835 UT WOS:000522454500071 PM 32075045 ER PT J AU Sato, TP Moura-Martiniano, NO Vizzoni, VF Silva, AB Oliveira, SV Amorim, M Gazeta, GS AF Sato, Tayra P. Moura-Martiniano, Nicole O. Vizzoni, Vinicius F. Silva, Arannadia B. Oliveira, Stefan, V Amorim, Marinete Gazeta, Gilberto S. TI Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: Rickettsiae infection in Brazil SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACAROLOGY AB The tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus has been considered a major pest of cattle in tropical regions of the world, inducing significant economic impact on livestock activity. In Brazil, the scenarios of Spotted Fever (SF) epidemic cycles involve Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum, transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, as well as Amblyomma ovale, transmitting R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest. However, other potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia, as well as new species of ticks with vector potential, have been reported for Brazil. Thus, during SF focus investigation and environmental surveillance performed by Brazilian National Network of Environment Surveillance for Tick-borne Diseases between 2011 to 2017, ectoparasites were collected from vertebrate hosts and the environment in rural and urban areas of different Brazilian biomes. Here we analysed Rickettsiae infection in Rh. microplus and possible roles of this tick species in the maintenance and circulation of Rickettsia sp. in SF endemic areas. Cattle tick samples were naturally infected with R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. felis, R. tamurae, R. rhipicephali and R. bellii. The data in this study demonstrate that Rh. microplus acquires Rickettsia infection, including pathogenic species, and indicates this tick as suggested marker of Rickettsiae potential presence or circulation. SN 0164-7954 EI 1945-3892 PD FEB 17 PY 2020 VL 46 IS 2 BP 88 EP 93 DI 10.1080/01647954.2020.1720289 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000512284300001 ER PT J AU Al Kindi, M Pickford, M Gommery, D Qatan, A AF Al Kindi, M. Pickford, M. Gommery, D. Qatan, A. TI Stratigraphy, palaeoclimatic context and fossils of the Southern Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter): geological-surveying results of a geo-archaeological survey around the area of Maitan in the Sultanate of Oman SO HISTORICAL BIOLOGY AB Here we summarise the geological work conducted in the desert village of Maitan, in South of Oman, during a geological and archaeological survey. The region is dominated by extensive, tall linear dunes overlying an incised Eocene marine limestone plateau. Above the limestone plateau, the interdunal areas expose various recent deposits including palaeo-regolith and epikarst deposits, fluvial conglomerates, gypsum << playa-like >> deposits, aeolianites, semi-consolidated dunes, sand and silt with gypsum-roses, calcareous tufa and loose sand. The sediments indicate the prevalence of largely arid and hyper-arid conditions, with brief intervals of relatively humid conditions, during which humans and their livestock probably inhabited the region. The presence of abundant millstones, grindstones and pestles and mortars, along with fossilised animal bones, beads and other ornaments, scrapers, blades and other instruments, speaks for prolonged occupation of the area. The survey revealed the presence of Late Palaeolithic, Middle and Late Neolithic sites. The discovery of this new archaeological area provides extraordinary information about the middle Holocene peopling of this region, about which little was previously known. Comparisons with known sites in the Rub Al Khali desert show an incredibly high presence of living and moving human populations in an area which now seems so inhospitable. SN 0891-2963 EI 1029-2381 DI 10.1080/08912963.2020.1717485 EA FEB 2020 UT WOS:000511803500001 ER PT J AU Deng, HF Swart, A Marinovic, AAB van der Giessen, JWB Opsteegh, M AF Deng, Huifang Swart, Arno Marinovic, Axel A. Bonacic van der Giessen, Joke W. B. Opsteegh, Marieke TI The effect of salting on Toxoplasma gondii viability evaluated and implemented in a quantitative risk assessment of meat-borne human infection SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY AB The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect all warm-blooded animals and it causes the disease toxoplasmosis. Meat containing viable T. gondii tissue cysts is considered one of the main sources of human infection. The relative importance of the different types of meat depends, not only on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in the different livestock species, but also on consumed volumes and preparation habits. To take these factors into account and to estimate the relative contribution of different meat products to human infection, a quantitative risk assessment model for meat-borne T. gondii infection was previously developed. However, at the time, the effect of salting on parasite viability was estimated based on a single experiment. In recent years, data using salting methods that are more in line with processing of meat products have come available. Literature data on the effect of salting on T. gondii viability were collected and used to fit a predictive model. In addition to the new salting model, a lower concentration of bradyzoites in cattle, more specific heating profiles, and more recent consumption data were implemented in the QMRA model for meat-borne T. gondii infection in the Netherlands. Results show that beef remains the most important source, as it contributed 84% of the total number of predicted infections in the Dutch population, followed by pork (12%), mutton (3.7%), lamb (0.2%) pork/beef mixed products (0.1%), and veal (0.01%). The predicted number of T. gondii infections is reasonably in line with epidemiological data. At the product level, filet americain (a raw beef spread) alone contributed 80% of the total predicted infections in the base model, but scenario analyses demonstrate that its contribution is highly dependent on the salting parameters. A clear identification of the most risky meat products is important, as interventions focussing on these products could have a great impact on reducing T. gondii disease burden in the Netherlands. For that reason, it is important that the effects of salting and other processing methods are evaluated in line with industrial processing and incorporated in quantitative risk assessment models for meat-borne toxoplasmosis. SN 0168-1605 EI 1879-3460 PD FEB 2 PY 2020 VL 314 AR 108380 DI 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108380 UT WOS:000509616200006 PM 31707174 ER PT J AU McCabe, ED King, ME Fike, KE Rogers, GM Odde, KG AF McCabe, E. D. King, M. E. Fike, K. E. Rogers, G. M. Odde, K. G. TI Breed trends in beef calf lots marketed through video auctions from 1995 through 2018 SO APPLIED ANIMAL SCIENCE AB Objective: Our overall objective was to characterize potential changes in breed composition of lots of beef calves marketed through video auctions. Specific objectives of the study were to (1) assess trends in percentage of lots marketed with Brahman influence nationally and regionally within the United States and (2) characterize trends in percentage of beef calf lots sired by a single breed. Materials and Methods: Data were available on 93,081 lots marketed through 189 summer video auctions from 1995 to 2018. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to determine presence of an increasing or decreasing trend, with P <= 0.05 considered significant. Results and Discussion: Nationally, the percentage of Brahman-influenced lots decreased (P < 0.0001). The percentage of lots with Brahman influence decreased (P < 0.0001) in the West Coast, Rocky Mountain/North Central, South Central, and Texas regions. No change occurred in percentage of lots with Brahman influence in Coastal or Subcoastal regions. There was a decrease over time (P < 0.0001) in percentage of lots sired by Angus bulls; an increase (P < 0.01) in Brangus-, Charolais-, Red Angus-, and SimAngus-sired lots; and no change in Hereford-sired lots. Implications and Applications: Nationally, percentage of Brahman-influenced lots decreased, but it remained static in regions with a relatively hot and humid climate. Market signals from packers may influence decisions, and commercial beef producers should appropriately consider environment, buyer demands, and available resources when making breed composition and trait selection decisions. SN 2590-2873 EI 2590-2865 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 36 IS 1 BP 78 EP 90 DI 10.15232/aas.2019-01902 UT WOS:000538175400010 ER PT J AU Jawitz, JW Desormeaux, AM Annable, MD Borchardt, D Dobberfuhl, D AF Jawitz, J. W. Desormeaux, A. M. Annable, M. D. Borchardt, D. Dobberfuhl, D. TI Disaggregating Landscape-Scale Nitrogen Attenuation Along Hydrological Flow Paths SO JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES AB Evaluating how nitrogen (N) sources are attenuated throughout the landscape is critical to further our understanding of catchment-scale N budgets. We developed a catchment-scale N budget for a mixed land use karst springshed using in situ measurements (nitrate leaching fluxes and attenuation) and long-term records (surface N inputs and spring exports) to estimate 20-year average landscape-scale N loading, attenuation, and export. We introduce a conceptual model framework to compute N export that can be applied consistently for point or nonpoint sources. The model is based on the product of only four components for each N source: population density or proportion of land cover, P; specific load, ; anthropogenic attenuation, ; and natural attenuation,. The product of these components is computed for each N source and then integrated at the basin scale. The concise PLAN model framework predicted attenuation of 90% 3% of N inputs, in close agreement with the estimate based on measured spring mass discharge (87% 3%). Further, when this attenuation is disaggregated along the hydrological flow path, we estimate that 64% of inputs are lost in the surface soil, 20% in the vadose zone, and 6% in the aquifer. Livestock and human wastes were estimated to be the dominant contributors to spring N export, which was independently supported by isotopic data. The PLAN model is a simple, transferable framework that supports systematically computing N export based on proportioning of load and attenuation. Identifying the main sources of N ultimately contributing to discharged N loads is a critical step toward source-related water-quality management. Key Points Our concise model framework predicted attenuation of 90% of N inputs We found that 64% of surface N inputs were attenuated in the surface soil Manure and septic-treated wastewater were the largest contributors to spring N export RI Borchardt, Dietrich/D-1729-2009 OI Borchardt, Dietrich/0000-0002-6074-2829 SN 2169-8953 EI 2169-8961 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 125 IS 2 DI 10.1029/2019JG005229 UT WOS:000534472900022 ER PT J AU Issa, MA Abidin, ZZ Sobri, S Abdul-Rashid, S Mahdi, MA Ibrahim, NA Pudza, MY AF Issa, Mohammed Abdullah Abidin, Zurina Zainal Sobri, Shafreeza Abdul-Rashid, Suraya Mahdi, Mohd Adzir Ibrahim, Nor Azowa Pudza, Musa Y. TI Fabrication, characterization and response surface method optimization for quantum efficiency of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots obtained from carboxymethylcellulose of oil palms empty fruit bunch SO CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AB Bio based nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were obtained from empty fruit bunch carboxymethylcellulose and ethylenediamine (EDA) through one-pot hydrothermal carbonization route. The optimum as-formed N-CDs were thoroughly characterized via Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-vis spectra (UV-Vis) and Fluorescence spectra (PL). Response surface methodology was statistically used to assess three independent variables that have major influence on the fluorescence quantum yield (QY), including temperature (230-270 degrees C), time (2-6 h) and EDA mass (10%-23.3%). Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, synthesis temperature was found to be the most influential factor on the QY, followed by time and EDA mass. Higher temperature, long synthesis time and high amount of EDA were satisfactorily enough for efficient carbonization conversion rate and obtaining highest QY of N-CDs. The obtained quadratic model (R-2 = 0.9991) shows a good correlation between the experimental data and predicted values. The optimum synthetic parameters are of 270 degrees C temperature, 6 h reaction time and 23.3% of EDA mass. The optimized as-made N-CDs exhibited blue photoluminescence with both excitation dependent/independent phenomena and high nitrogen content. The maximum emission intensity was 426 nm at a maximum excitation wavelength of 320 nm, with a QY of up to 22.9%. XPS and FTIR data confirmed the existence of polar containing groups, such as carbonyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups over the surface of N-CDs whereas nitrogen species in the form of (pyridinic and graphitic - N) were introduced in the aromatic carbon domains, which imparts the hydrophilic and photostability of N-CDs. Taking into account the low-cost and sustainable production of N-CDs, this method considered a feasible route for converting low quality waste into value-added nanomaterials and utilizing for different functionalization processes and analytical applications. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Abdullah, Mohammed/0000-0001-7401-3347 SN 1004-9541 EI 2210-321X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 28 IS 2 BP 584 EP 592 DI 10.1016/j.cjche.2019.04.003 UT WOS:000535287300028 ER PT J AU Sena, VGL De Moura, EG Macedo, VRA Aguiar, ACF Price, AH Mooney, SJ Calonego, JC AF Sena, Virley G. L. De Moura, Emanoel G. Macedo, Vinicius R. A. Aguiar, Alana C. F. Price, Adam H. Mooney, Sacha J. Calonego, Juliano C. TI Ecosystem services for intensification of agriculture, with emphasis on increased nitrogen ecological use efficiency SO ECOSPHERE AB In weathered tropical soil, low nutrient use efficiency can lead to agricultural systems becoming unsustainable. Therefore, tropical agriculture is highly dependent on ecosystem services, such as nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration, to enhance soil fertility, increase nutrient uptake, and facilitate sustainable production of agricultural goods. This research aimed to find the balance between sustainability and profitability of tropical agriculture by evaluating the changes in soil caused by the ecosystem services provided by the biomass of leguminous trees (Gliricidia) and assessing how these changes (associated with potassium) can affect nitrogen-use efficiency and maize yield. An experiment was conducted testing the impact of Glircidia biomass addition vs. bare soil, with or without addition of both nitrogen and/or potassium. Changes in soil organic matter, (SOM) base cations sum, soil resistance, N uptake, N-use efficiency, and maize yield were evaluated. Gliricidia biomass, when used with N and K, contributed to increasing SOM by 5.0 g/kg and the sum of base cations by 1458. 65 kg/ha in the 0-30 cm layer. Moreover, grain yield was increased by approximately 70% in the treatments with Gliricidia when compared to treatments without biomass where yield was very low. In bare soil, the additional yield of 1.5 tons/ha would not be enough to convince farmers to change slash and burn to conventional bare soil systems. Our results showed that leguminous trees, such as Gliricidia, might contribute to ensuring sustainable agricultural intensification in humid tropical soils with low natural fertility by providing ecosystem services such as biomass production, carbon sequestration, base cation recycling, and increased N acquisition. These findings might be an important strategy to replace the common slash-and-burn-system and preserve the rainforest against the traditional shifting cultivation system. In contrast, the conventional system with bare soil showed that the addition of nitrogen was unfeasible, mainly in conditions of high rainfall precipitation. In these circumstances, the use of potassium may increase nitrogen-use efficiency only when biomass is not used. SN 2150-8925 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 11 IS 2 DI 10.1002/ecs2.3028 UT WOS:000533920800015 ER PT J AU Reyes, T Gouvinhas, RP Laratte, B Chevalier, B AF Reyes, Tatiana Gouvinhas, Reidson Pereira Laratte, Bertrand Chevalier, Bruno TI A method for choosing adapted life cycle assessment indicators as a driver of environmental learning: a French textile case study SO AI EDAM-ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING AB Despite alefforts for a sustainable production system, many companies are still struggling to implement environmental aspects in their daily product development processes. Among the evaluation and improvement methods, life cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the most popular tools to achieve this goal. Up to date, LCA has been applied to many products, services, and industrial systems to evaluate their environmental impact aspects. However, there is a wide range of indicators available to be applied for LCA, and choosing an inappropriate indicator may lead the product designer to achieve wrong and weak results. Therefore, this paper proposes to overcome this difficulty by developing a method that can be used as a knowledge transfer to product designers and LCA practitioners in order to help them to make the most appropriate choice of LCA indicators. This method should have some characteristics, such as (a) to be adaptable to a given context and (b) to be dynamic, scalable, and easy to learn. The purpose of this paper is to present the Evaluation Method for Choosing Indicator (EMCI) developed to facilitate the learning process of LCA methods and to quickly select their most appropriate indicators. To validate the EMCI method, a case study on a French textile industry has been implemented. The focus was to evaluate how LCA indicators and methods were chosen to be integrated into the suitable eco-design LCA tool. OI REYES, Tatiana/0000-0002-8968-4773; laratte, bertrand/0000-0002-9169-4305 SN 0890-0604 EI 1469-1760 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 34 IS 1 SI SI BP 68 EP 79 AR PII S0890060419000234 DI 10.1017/S0890060419000234 UT WOS:000532713900007 ER PT J AU Lekagul, A Tangcharoensathien, V Mills, A Rushton, J Yeung, S AF Lekagul, Angkana Tangcharoensathien, Viroj Mills, Anne Rushton, Jonathan Yeung, Shunmay TI How antibiotics are used in pig farming: a mixed-methods study of pig farmers, feed mills and veterinarians in Thailand SO BMJ GLOBAL HEALTH AB Background Rising global concern about antimicrobial resistance has drawn attention to the use of antibiotics in livestock. Understanding the current usage of antibiotics in these animals is essential for effective interventions on the optimisation of antibiotic use. However, to date few studies have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the use of antibiotics and estimate the total amount of antibiotics used in pig production in Thailand. Methods This was a mixed-methods study including a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 84 pig farmers, secondary analysis of data from a survey of 31 feed mills to estimate the amount of antibiotics mixed in pig feed and interviews with five veterinarians involved in the feed mill industry to gain an understanding of medicated feed production. Findings Half of the farmers reported using antibiotics for disease prevention. Use was significantly associated with farmers' experience in raising pigs, farm income, having received advice on animal health and belonging to a farm cooperative. The estimated total amount of active ingredients mixed into medicated feed for pigs for the whole country was 843 tonnes in 2017. Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic reported by both pig farms and feed mills. The use of Critically Important Antimicrobials including colistin was common, with one-third of farmers reporting their use as oral or as injectable medication, and accounting for nearly two-thirds of antibiotics contained in medicated feed. Conclusion A majority of antibiotics used in Thai pig farms belonged to the category of Critically Important Antimicrobials. Progressive restriction in the use of antibiotics in pigs is recommended through using prescriptions to control the distribution of certain antibiotics. The government should strengthen veterinary services to improve access of farmers to animal health advice and explore alternative interventions. SN 2059-7908 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 5 IS 2 AR e001918 DI 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001918 UT WOS:000527707600004 PM 32180998 ER PT J CA Ivermectin Roadmappers TI A Roadmap for the Development of Ivermectin as a Complementary Malaria Vector Control Tool SO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE AB In the context of stalling progress against malaria, resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides, and residual transmission, mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin, an endectocide used for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), has emerged as a promising complementary vector control method. Ivermectin reduces the life span of Anopheles mosquitoes that feed on treated humans and/or livestock, potentially decreasing malaria parasite transmission when administered at the community level. Following the publication by WHO of the preferred product characteristics for endectocides as vector control tools, this roadmap provides a comprehensive view of processes needed to make ivermectin available as a vector control tool by 2024 with a completely novel mechanism of action. The roadmap covers various aspects, which include 1) the definition of optimal dosage/regimens for ivermectin MDA in both humans and livestock, 2) the risk of resistance to the drug and environmental impact, 3) ethical issues, 4) political and community engagement, 5) translation of evidence into policy, and 6) operational aspects of large-scale deployment of the drug, all in the context of a drug given as a prevention tool acting at the community level. The roadmap reflects the insights of a multidisciplinary group of global health experts who worked together to elucidate the path to inclusion of ivermectin in the toolbox against malaria, to address residual transmission, counteract insecticide resistance, and contribute to the end of this deadly disease. SN 0002-9637 EI 1476-1645 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 102 IS 2 SU S BP 3 EP 24 DI 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0620 UT WOS:000531079000002 PM 31971144 ER PT J AU Sellman, S Tildesley, MJ Burdett, CL Miller, RS Hallman, C Webb, CT Wennergren, U Portacci, K Lindstrom, T AF Sellman, Stefan Tildesley, Michael J. Burdett, Christopher L. Miller, Ryan S. Hallman, Clayton Webb, Colleen T. Wennergren, Uno Portacci, Katie Lindstrom, Tom TI Realistic assumptions about spatial locations and clustering of premises matter for models of foot-and-mouth disease spread in the United States SO PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AB Spatially explicit livestock disease models require demographic data for individual farms or premises. In the U.S., demographic data are only available aggregated at county or coarser scales, so disease models must rely on assumptions about how individual premises are distributed within counties. Here, we addressed the importance of realistic assumptions for this purpose. We compared modeling of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks using simple randomization of locations to premises configurations predicted by the Farm Location and Agricultural Production Simulator (FLAPS), which infers location based on features such as topography, land-cover, climate, and roads. We focused on three premises-level Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed models available from the literature, all using the same kernel approach but with different parameterizations and functional forms. By computing the basic reproductive number of the infection (R-0) for both FLAPS and randomized configurations, we investigated how spatial locations and clustering of premises affects outbreak predictions. Further, we performed stochastic simulations to evaluate if identified differences were consistent for later stages of an outbreak. Using Ripley's K to quantify clustering, we found that FLAPS configurations were substantially more clustered at the scales relevant for the implemented models, leading to a higher frequency of nearby premises compared to randomized configurations. As a result, R-0 was typically higher in FLAPS configurations, and the simulation study corroborated the pattern for later stages of outbreaks. Further, both R-0 and simulations exhibited substantial spatial heterogeneity in terms of differences between configurations. Thus, using realistic assumptions when de-aggregating locations based on available data can have a pronounced effect on epidemiological predictions, affecting if, where, and to what extent FMD may invade the population. We conclude that methods such as FLAPS should be preferred over randomization approaches. SN 1553-734X EI 1553-7358 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 16 IS 2 AR e1007641 DI 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007641 UT WOS:000526725200004 PM 32078622 ER PT J AU Zhu, LH Zou, QP Huguenard, K Fredriksson, DW AF Zhu, Longhuan Zou, Qing-Ping Huguenard, Kimberly Fredriksson, David W. TI Mechanisms for the Asymmetric Motion of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Waves: A Consistent-Mass Cable Model SO JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS AB Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) provides primary products for the food web, as well as shelter and nursery for many juvenile species. SAV can also attenuate waves, stabilize the seabed, and improve water quality. These environmental services are influenced by the dynamic motion of SAV. In this paper, a consistent-mass cable model was developed to investigate flow interaction with a flexible vegetation blade. Compared with previous vegetation models, the cable model showed improvements in simulating blade motions in waves with and without currents, especially for "second-normal-mode-like" blade motion. Wave asymmetry would cause blade motion to be asymmetric. However, asymmetric blade motion may also occur in symmetric waves. Results indicate that the asymmetric blade motion in symmetric waves is induced by two major mechanisms: (i) the spatial asymmetry of the encountered wave orbital velocities (wave motion relative to blade) due to blade displacements and (ii) the asymmetric action on the blade by vertical wave orbital velocities. Consequently, the blade motion is asymmetric even underneath symmetric waves unless (i) blade length (l) is much smaller than the wavelength (l/L << 1), (ii) blade length is much smaller than the water depth (l/h << 1) in finite water depth waves, or (iii) water depth is much smaller than the wavelength (h/L << 1). Peak asymmetric blade motion occurs as l/L increases to a critical value. The peak asymmetry increases with wave height and blade length but decreases with increasing blade flexural rigidity. Blade motion characteristics play an important role in wave-vegetation interaction, wave-driven currents, wave-attenuation capacity, breakage of vegetation and ecosystem services. OI Zou, Qingping/0000-0002-5332-0855; Zhu, Longhuan/0000-0003-2924-815X SN 2169-9275 EI 2169-9291 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 125 IS 2 AR e2019JC015517 DI 10.1029/2019JC015517 UT WOS:000530025600013 ER PT J AU Trentacoste, A Lightfoot, E Le Roux, P Buckley, M Kansa, SW Esposito, C Gleba, M AF Trentacoste, A. Lightfoot, E. Le Roux, P. Buckley, M. Kansa, S. W. Esposito, C. Gleba, M. TI Heading for the hills? A multi-isotope study of sheep management in first-millennium BC Italy SO JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS AB Livestock husbandry played a fundamental role in the economy of ancient Mediterranean communities. In central Italy, archaeological evidence for a significant re-organisation of animal production appears during the first millennium BC alongside the rise of urban settlements and an aristocratic class. Urban sites are interpreted as having a central role in the organisation of agricultural production, through control over their territories and the re-distribution/exchange of agricultural products. However, these hypotheses have never been bio-archaeologically demonstrated. Here, we present a detailed multi-isotope pilot study of sheep management and mobility - the first isotopic study dedicated to fauna from late prehistoric or Roman Italy - which investigates animal management and agricultural provisioning in two Etruscan sites (675-430 BC). We used ZooMS to confirm species identifications, and isotopic analyses (Sr-87/Sr-86, delta O-18, delta C-13, and delta N-15) to gain insight into differences in animal management at the ancient city of Velzna (5th century BC), modern Orvieto, and the aristocratic residence of Poggio Civitate (7th century BC). Results demonstrate that Orvieto received sheep raised in at least three distinct locations, while data from Poggio Civitate were compatible with herding in a single area. These results reinforce interpretation of Orvieto as a central place that collected resources from its hinterland, while Poggio Civitate employed a more isolated production strategy. Analyses did not produce evidence for long-distance vertical transhumance at either site, with results suggesting more local variation in herding patterns, consistent with seasonal herding in the general hinterland of each location. This pilot study offers a first step towards higher-resolution understanding of animal management in the region, and demonstrates the potential of further isotopic studies to provide new insights on agricultural provisioning and territorial control in proto-historic Italy. OI le Roux, Petrus/0000-0002-5930-4995 SN 2352-409X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 29 AR 102036 DI 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102036 UT WOS:000522788600030 ER PT J AU Johnston, D Pagell, M Veltri, A Klassen, R AF Johnston, David Pagell, Mark Veltri, Anthony Klassen, Robert TI Values-in-action that support safe production SO JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH AB Introduction: Safe production is a sustainable approach to managing an organization's operations that considers the interests of both management and workers as salient stakeholders in a productive and safe workplace. A supportive culture enacts values versus only espousing them. These values-in-action are beliefs shared by both management and workers that align what should happen in performing organizational routines to be safe and be productive with what actually is done. However, the operations and safety management literature provides little guidance on which values-in-action are most important to safe production and how they work together to create a supportive culture. Method: The researchers conducted exploratory case studies in 10 manufacturing plants of 9 firms. The researchers compared plant managers' top-down perspectives on safety in the performance of work and workers' bottom-up experiences of the safety climate and their rates of injury on the job. Each case study used data collected from interviewing multiple managers, the administration of a climate survey to workers and the examination of the plant's injury rates over time as reported to its third party health and safety insurer. Results: The researchers found that plants with four values-in-action -a commitment to safety, discipline, prevention and participation-were capable of safe production, while plants without those values were neither safe nor productive. Where culture and climate aligned lower rates of injury were experienced. Discussion and conclusion: The four value-in-actions must all be present and work together in a self-reinforcing manner to engage workers and managers in achieving safe production. Practical application: Managers of both operations and safety functions do impact safety outcomes such as reducing injuries by creating a participatory environment that encourage learning that improves both safety and production routines. (C) 2019 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. OI Klassen, Robert/0000-0002-8650-137X SN 0022-4375 EI 1879-1247 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 72 BP 75 EP 91 DI 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.11.004 UT WOS:000528045600009 PM 32199580 ER PT J AU de Evan, T Carro, MD Yepes, JEF Haro, A Arbesu, L Romero-Huelva, M Molina-Alcaide, E AF de Evan, Trinidad Carro, Maria Dolores Yepes, Julia Eugenia Fernandez Haro, Ana Arbesu, Lesly Romero-Huelva, Manuel Molina-Alcaide, Eduarda TI Effects of Feeding Multinutrient Blocks Including Avocado Pulp and Peels to Dairy Goats on Feed Intake and Milk Yield and Composition SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The high and volatile prices of conventional ingredients for animal feeding has directed the attention of ruminant nutritionists toward local alternative resources such as agroindustrial by-products and fruits wastes. The inclusion of these resources in the diet might contribute to reducing feeding costs and environmental issues associated with both livestock production and by-products and wastes accumulation might be prevented. The global production and consumption of avocado have risen sharply in recent years, partly due to the recognition of its health-promoting potential in humans. The increased consumption of avocado and its derivatives is producing great amounts of wastes and by-products that might be reutilized in ruminant feeding. Our hypothesis was that avocado wastes (a mixture of pulp and peels) could be included in multinutrient blocks for dairy goats and improve the quality of the milk fatty acid profile without negatively affecting milk yield. However, the intake of multinutrient blocks containing 14.8% avocado wastes was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. No changes were observed in milk production, but feeding blocks with avocado wastes increased milk fat content with only subtle changes in the fatty acid profile of fat milk. Twelve Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were divided into two homogeneous groups, which were fed either a control diet composed of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% concentrate or a diet based on 40% alfalfa hay, 40% concentrate and 20% multinutrient blocks, including 14.8% avocado pulp and peels (APP). Total dry matter (DM) intake was similar (p = 0.709) for both diets, but APP-fed goats had lower (p = 0.024) concentrate intake and tended (p = 0.063) to have lower fat intake compared with those fed the control diet. The average intake of blocks was low (66.4 g DM/d), which was attributed to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. Neither milk yield (p = 0,921) nor the efficiency of energy and nitrogen use were affected (p = 0.909 and 0. 840, respectively) by the diet, but milk fat tended to be greater (p = 0.057) in the APP-fed goats compared with the animals fed the control diet. Other milk components were similar (p >= 0.110) for both diets, and only subtle changes in the milk fatty acid profile were observed. In summary, the intake of blocks containing avocado wastes by dairy goats was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation causing off-flavors and reduced palatability. RI ; CARRO, MARIA DOLORES/L-1617-2014 OI ROMERO HUELVA, MANUEL/0000-0003-0022-8673; CARRO, MARIA DOLORES/0000-0002-4221-9057 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 194 DI 10.3390/ani10020194 UT WOS:000521356600149 PM 31979206 ER PT J AU Early, J Aalders, J Arnott, E Wade, C McGreevy, P AF Early, Jonathan Aalders, Jessica Arnott, Elizabeth Wade, Claire McGreevy, Paul TI Sequential Analysis of Livestock Herding Dog and Sheep Interactions SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Although livestock herding dogs have contributed significantly to Australian agriculture, there are virtually no studies examining the interactions between dog and livestock during herding. One statistical approach that may assist our understanding of such interactions during herding is lag sequential analysis that reveals links between one event and the next. Using high-definition video recordings of herding in a yard-based competition trial and software to code the main dog and sheep behaviours, we identified several significant behavioural interactions. These included the dog ceasing all movement followed by the sheep also ceasing movement; the dog chasing the sheep and a group of sheep escaping the main flock; a single sheep escaping the flock and the dog chasing; sheep initiating movement followed by the dog following; foot-stamping followed by the dog ceasing all movement; and, foot-stamping by the sheep and the dog lip-licking in response. Further statistical analysis found no significant sex differences in the herding styles of the dogs included in the study. Of benefit to livestock herding dog handlers and breeders was the identification of trial score as a predictor of efficient performance. Livestock herding dogs are crucial contributors to Australian agriculture. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies of the behavioural interactions between dog and livestock during herding. A statistical approach that may reveal cause and effect in such interactions is lag sequential analysis. Using 48 video recordings of livestock herding dogs and sheep in a yard trial competition, event-based (time between behaviours is irrelevant) and time-based (time between behaviours is defined) lag sequential analyses identified several significant behavioural interactions (adjusted residuals greater than 2.58; the maximum likelihood-ratio chi-squared statistic for all eight contingency tables identified all sequences as highly significant (p < 0.001)). These sequences were: The dog ceasing all movement followed by the sheep also ceasing movement; the dog chasing the sheep and a group of sheep escaping the main flock; a single sheep escaping the flock and the dog chasing; sheep initiating movement followed by the dog following; foot-stamping followed by the dog ceasing all movement; and, foot-stamping by the sheep and the dog lip-licking in response. Log linear regression identified significant relationships among undesirable behaviours in sheep and both observed trial duration (p = 0.001) and trial score (p = 0.009). No differences in the herding styles of dogs were identified between sex of dog and frequency of sheep escape behaviours (p = 0.355) nor the sex of dog and competition level (p = 0.116). The identification of trial score as a predictor of efficient performance confirms the benefits of incorporating extant objective measures to assess livestock herding dogs. OI Wade, Claire/0000-0003-3413-4771; McGreevy, Paul/0000-0001-7220-8378 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 352 DI 10.3390/ani10020352 UT WOS:000521356600037 PM 32098372 ER PT J AU Espinoza, C Lomax, S Windsor, P AF Espinoza, Crystal Lomax, Sabrina Windsor, Peter TI The Effect of Topical Anaesthesia on the Cortisol Responses of Calves Undergoing Dehorning SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Dehorning in cattle involves the manual removal of horns which causes acute pain. Although the long-term solution to removing horns is to breed polled cattle, limitations include the complex inheritance for polled Brahman cattle, and negative interactions with productivity in dairy cattle. Best practice pain relief in the form of a local nerve block, a sedative and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prior to the procedure usually requires a veterinarian and may be impractical for some cattle production systems. Improved livestock welfare requires a practical and cost-effective pain relief strategy for dehorning that can be readily adopted commercially. We evaluated a modified topical local anaesthetic wound formulation that can be applied by farmers immediately following dehorning. While previous studies have demonstrated a reduction in wound sensitivity, there was no effect on cortisol concentrations. It is likely that the cortisol response reflects a combination of factors including the stress of handling, the initial pain of the dehorning procedure and haemorrhage. Dehorning causes pain and distress to cattle, and there is a need to provide effective and practical analgesia to improve animal welfare. We conducted an experiment to determine the effect of a modified post-operative topical wound management formulation containing two local anaesthetics (TA) on the plasma cortisol concentration (PCC) of scoop-dehorned calves. Two months old Holstein-Friesian heifer calves (n = 30) were randomly allocated to sham dehorning control (CON), scoop dehorning (D), or scoop dehorning with immediate post-operative application of the TA (DTA). Blood samples were obtained via jugular venepuncture prior to sham or actual dehorning, and 40 min, 1.5, 4 and 24 h later. PCC changed significantly over time (p < 0.01). There was a trend for lower PCC in DTA calves compared to D calves (p = 0.09), with the PCC area under the curve lowest in CON calves as compared to D and DTA calves (p = 0.02). Cortisol concentrations were similar between D and DTA at all time points. The TA did not reduce cortisol concentrations up to 24 h following treatment and the cortisol response likely reflects the pain induced by the procedure, the effect of handling and restraint, and haemorrhaging which limited adherence of the TA actives. A multimodal analgesic approach, as assessed through multiple pain indicators, should be the focus of future work. OI Windsor, Peter/0000-0001-5629-3517 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 312 DI 10.3390/ani10020312 UT WOS:000521356600045 PM 32079225 ER PT J AU Lopez-Colom, P Estelle, J Bonet, J Coma, J Martin-Orue, SM AF Lopez-Colom, Paola Estelle, Jordi Bonet, Jordi Coma, Jaume Martin-Orue, Susana Ma. TI Applicability of an Unmedicated Feeding Program Aimed to Reduce the Use of Antimicrobials in Nursery Piglets: Impact on Performance and Fecal Microbiota SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The need for a reduction in the use of antibiotics in livestock to safeguard their efficacy requires the development of alternatives. In this line, the use of alternative by-products or ingredients, with functional properties brings the opportunity to improve pig health and thus, reduce medicalization. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of an alternative feeding program based on unmedicalized diets formulated with fibrous by-products and functional feed ingredients on performance and fecal microbiota of young pigs compared to a common weaner diet supplemented with antibiotics. The alternative feeding program could anticipate the gut development of young piglets, which at the end of the nursery period presented a fecal microbiota more similar to that found in fattening animals. Moreover, piglets in the unmedicalized diets showed a trend to reduce the course of diarrhea immediately after weaning. The alternative feeding program showed, however, a reduced growth efficiency during the nursery period that needs to be discussed in the frame of the costs-benefits analysis of reducing antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the impact of two different feeding programs, including or not antimicrobials, on gut microbiota development at early ages in commercial pigs. For this, 21-day-old weaned piglets were distributed into 12 pens (6 replicates with 26 pigs each) and fed ad libitum until fattening with: standard commercial formula with antibiotics and zinc oxide (2400 ppm) (AB), and alternative unmedicated feed formula (UN). Subsequently, the animals were moved to the fattening unit (F) receiving a common diet. Pigs were weighed, and feed consumption and diarrhea scores registered. Feces were collected on days 9 (pre-starter), 40 (starter) and 72 (fattening) post-weaning and microbial DNA extracted for 16S rDNA sequencing. Piglets fed UN diets had a worse feed efficiency (p < 0.05) than AB during nursery; however, UN pigs spent less time scouring after weaning (p = 0.098). The structure of fecal community evolved with the age of the animals (p = 0.001), and diet also showed to have a role, particularly in the starter period when UN microbiomes clustered apart from AB, resembling the ecosystems found in the fattening animals. Fibrolytic genera (Fibrobacter, Butyrivibrio, Christellansellaceae) were enriched in UN piglets whereas Lactobacillus characterized AB piglets (adjusted p < 0.05). Overall, this alternative feeding program could anticipate the gut development of piglets despite a lower feed efficiency compared to standard medicalized programs. RI Martin-Orue, Susana Maria/C-5065-2014; Estelle, Jordi/A-7976-2008 OI Martin-Orue, Susana Maria/0000-0001-5266-0906; Estelle, Jordi/0000-0002-6241-1732; Lopez Colom, Paola/0000-0001-7340-5381 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 242 DI 10.3390/ani10020242 UT WOS:000521356600115 PM 32028658 ER PT J AU Lowe, G McCane, B Sutherland, M Waas, J Schaefer, A Cox, N Stewart, M AF Lowe, Gemma McCane, Brendan Sutherland, Mhairi Waas, Joe Schaefer, Allan Cox, Neil Stewart, Mairi TI Automated Collection and Analysis of Infrared Thermograms for Measuring Eye and Cheek Temperatures in Calves SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary In response to an increasing shift towards automation in the livestock industry, it is important that, as automated systems are developed, they include the capability for automated monitoring of animal health and welfare. As an alternative to current manual methods, this study reports on the development and validation of an algorithm for automated detection and analysis of the eye and cheek regions from thermal infrared images collected automatically from calves. Such algorithms are essential for the integration of infrared thermography (IRT) technology into automated systems to noninvasively monitor calf health and welfare. As the reliance upon automated systems in the livestock industry increases, technologies need to be developed which can be incorporated into these systems to monitor animal health and welfare. Infrared thermography (IRT) is one such technology that has been used for monitoring animal health and welfare and, through automation, has the potential to be integrated into automated systems on-farm. This study reports on an automated system for collecting thermal infrared images of calves and on the development and validation of an algorithm capable of automatically detecting and analysing the eye and cheek regions from those images. Thermal infrared images were collected using an infrared camera integrated into an automated calf feeder. Images were analysed automatically using an algorithm developed to determine the maximum eye and cheek (3 x 3-pixel and 9 x 9-pixel areas) temperatures in a given image. Additionally, the algorithm determined the maximum temperature of the entire image (image maximum temperature). In order to validate the algorithm, a subset of 350 images analysed using the algorithm were also analysed manually. Images analysed using the algorithm were highly correlated with manually analysed images for maximum image (R-2 = 1.00), eye (R-2 = 0.99), cheek 3 x 3-pixel (R-2 = 0.85) and cheek 9 x 9-pixel (R-2 = 0.90) temperatures. These findings demonstrate the algorithm to be a suitable method of analysing the eye and cheek regions from thermal infrared images. Validated as a suitable method for automatically detecting and analysing the eye and cheek regions from thermal infrared images, the integration of IRT into automated on-farm systems has the potential to be implemented as an automated method of monitoring calf health and welfare. OI McCane, Brendan/0000-0001-8055-3331; Lowe, Gemma/0000-0003-0106-8747; Sutherland, Mhairi/0000-0001-6972-2405 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 292 DI 10.3390/ani10020292 UT WOS:000521356600171 PM 32059554 ER PT J AU Mattioli, S Rosignoli, P D'Amato, R Fontanella, MC Regni, L Castellini, C Proietti, P Elia, AC Fabiani, R Beone, GM Businelli, D Dal Bosco, A AF Mattioli, Simona Rosignoli, Patrizia D'Amato, Roberto Fontanella, Maria Chiara Regni, Luca Castellini, Cesare Proietti, Primo Elia, Antonia Concetta Fabiani, Roberto Beone, Gian Maria Businelli, Daniela Dal Bosco, Alessandro TI Effect of Feed Supplemented with Selenium-Enriched Olive Leaves on Plasma Oxidative Status, Mineral Profile, and Leukocyte DNA Damage in Growing Rabbits SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Olive trees (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) are among the most extensively cultivated crops in the Mediterranean countries (98% of the world's olive production) and are used for oil extraction or table olives, whereas the residues from pruning (olive leaves and wood) and extraction process (olive pomace) are considered waste or by-products. Furthermore, many agronomic practices, such as foliar spray administration of selenium used to reduce the water stress damage of olive trees, could further improve the nutritional value of these "wastes". The use of by-products as part of the rabbit diet can be a very effective example of recovery of healthy molecules while at the same time a way of developing a more sustainable production system. Accordingly, the idea of the present research is to administer the by-product "olive leaves" to growing rabbits to improve their health status and partially solve the problem of waste disposal of olive trees. This study investigated the effect of a dietary combination of selenium and olive leaves on rabbit health status in order to evaluate the potential use of these combinations as functional ingredients in feed and food. Sixty weaning rabbits were fed with three diets: control feed (C), control feed + 10% normal olive leaves (OL), or olive leaves enriched in Se (2.17 mg Se/kg d.m.; SeOL). The plasma mineral profile, antioxidant status, and leukocyte DNA damage were determined. Inorganic Se was the most abundant form in the OL diet, while the organic one was higher in SeOL than C and OL. A similar trend was found in the plasma. Protein oxidation showed higher values in both supplemented groups; in addition, dietary Se led to a significant improvement (+40%) in ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). A marked reduction in DNA damage (9-fold) was observed in the SeOL group compared to C. The combination of selenium and olive leaves in the diet of growing rabbits increased plasma SeMet and FRAP and reduced leukocyte DNA damage. RI Elia, Antonia Concetta/F-4646-2014; Proietti, Primo/F-8516-2010 OI Elia, Antonia Concetta/0000-0002-7750-6339; Fabiani, Roberto/0000-0003-4865-9413; Mattioli, Simona/0000-0001-5063-6785; Proietti, Primo/0000-0002-6575-7675; Beone, Gian Maria/0000-0002-5124-860X; CASTELLINI, Cesare/0000-0002-6134-0901; Rosignoli, Patrizia/0000-0002-8703-3248 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 274 DI 10.3390/ani10020274 UT WOS:000521356600098 PM 32054019 ER PT J AU Meo, P Berndt, A Marcondes, CR Pedroso, AF Sakamoto, LS Boas, DFV Rodrigues, PHM Rivero, MJ Bueno, ICS AF Meo-Filho, Paulo Berndt, Alexandre Marcondes, Cintia R. Pedroso, Andre F. Sakamoto, Leandro S. Boas, Daniella F. V. Rodrigues, Paulo H. M. Rivero, M. Jordana Bueno, Ives C. S. TI Methane Emissions, Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Different Lines of Beef Steers Reared on Pasture and Finished in Feedlot SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The livestock sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle representing 62% of CO2 emissions. Genetic selection is a tool that has the potential to reduce emissions from rumen fermentation and can be adopted in grazing and feedlot systems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate steers from a new line of the Canchim breed (5/8 Charolais, 3/8 Zebu) derived by genetic selection improvement, and formed and maintained as a closed herd since 1998, in regards to performance, carcass dressing, and enteric methane emissions, when compared with the old line formed and maintained as a closed herd since 1960. Animals from the new line of the Canchim breed should be used for rearing on pasture to obtain greater liveweight gain. However, genetic improvement in Canchim breed does not guarantee animals with lower methane emissions under grazing conditions. For the finishing feedlot phase, increased liveweight gain, improved feed conversion, and a better carcass dressing percentage are obtained using animals from the new line of Canchim breed. The new line also leads to higher daily feed intake and higher daily liveweight gain, but with the same methane emissions per kg of animal liveweight than the other lines. The present study aimed to investigate whether different lines of a composite breed (5/8 Charolais x 3/8 Zebu), formed at different times, and genetically improved, would result in differences in animal performance, enteric methane emissions, and carcass traits. Forty-six Canchim steers (15 months, 280 +/- 33 kg liveweight) from three different lines were used: old, new, and their cross. These three breed lines were considered the treatments (arranged in four randomized blocks based on initial liveweight) and were evaluated under grazing and feedlot conditions in relation to the performance and emission of enteric methane. During the grazing period, the new line was found to be superior to the old only in relation to the average daily liveweight gain (0.692 vs. 0.547 kg/day), and with no differences in relation to the cross line (0.692 vs. 0.620). In the feedlot finishing phase, only the average daily liveweight gain was significantly higher in the new line compared to the cross and old line (1.44 vs. 1.32 and 1.23 kg/day). The new and cross lines demonstrated higher dry matter intake when compared to the old line (10.25 and 10.42 vs. 9.11 kg/day), with the crossline animals demonstrating the best feed conversion. The new line showed higher enteric methane emissions compared to the old line (178 vs. 156 g/day). The line had an effect on the carcass dressing of the animals, with greater fat thickness in carcasses from the new and cross lines than the old line (4.4 and 3.8 vs. 3.2 mm). Canchim cattle selected for improved productive performance characteristics does not guarantee animals with lower methane emissions under grazing conditions; while in feedlots, can lead to increased daily feed consumption, and hence, to higher emissions of methane. RI Rivero, M. Jordana/AAM-8408-2020; Rivero, M. Jordana/M-6086-2014; Berndt, Alexandre/E-8606-2014 OI Rivero, M. Jordana/0000-0002-9045-289X; Rivero, M. Jordana/0000-0002-9045-289X; de Meo Filho, Paulo/0000-0002-4292-6210; Berndt, Alexandre/0000-0002-8976-2399 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 303 DI 10.3390/ani10020303 UT WOS:000521356600184 PM 32070066 ER PT J AU Monllor, P Romero, G Sendra, E Atzori, AS Diaz, JR AF Monllor, Paula Romero, Gema Sendra, Esther Atzori, Alberto Stanislao Diaz, Jose Ramon TI Short-Term Effect of the Inclusion of Silage Artichoke By-Products in Diets of Dairy Goats on Milk Quality SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The use of artichoke by-products, both from the canning industry or from the stubble that remains in the field, provides a cheaper source of nutrients, suitable for ruminant feeding due to their ability to digest fibre-rich foods. The use of these by-products for animal feed is also a way to reduce waste caused by the canning industry and disposal costs, as well as the area and resources allocated to the production of food for livestock, contributing to the circular economy. Evaluating the effect of the inclusion of silage artichoke by-products (bracts and rest of crop plant) in dairy goat rations on the milk yield and composition, animal health status, mineral and lipid profile is an effective way to explore the suitability of these alternative feedstuffs for goat cattle. The use of artichoke bracts and whole plant silage in dairy goat diets does not lead to marked differences in the milk yield and quality or the animals' health status. From a nutritional point of view for human health, slightly better mineral and lipid profiles are observed in milk from goats fed artichoke plant silage, due to its higher polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid contents. Artichoke by-products represent a high amount of waste whose removal entails several costs. Moreover, feed is the main cost in a farm. So, including these by-products in ruminant diets would lower feed costs. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of two levels of inclusion, 12.5% and 25.0%, of two silages of artichoke by-products (artichoke bracts, AB and artichoke plant, AP) in the diet of goats on the milk yield, composition and quality and on the metabolic profile of the animals. AB presented the lowest blood urea content and there were no differences in milk yield in the two experiments. However, with 25.0% of silage by-product in the diet, a higher fat content was observed in AB and of protein in AP, as well as this treatment showing a slightly higher Se content. Regarding the milk lipid profile, milk from 12.5% of AP treatment presented a higher PUFA content. In conclusion, the use of silage artichoke by-products in dairy goat diets does not jeopardise milk yield and quality and health status of animals and, from a nutritional point of view for human health, a slightly better mineral and lipid profile is observed in milk from AP treatments. RI Sendra, Esther/A-7459-2011; Romero, Gema/L-4609-2014 OI Sendra, Esther/0000-0002-6830-1956; Atzori, Alberto Stanislao/0000-0001-5083-241X; Romero, Gema/0000-0001-9219-1542; Monllor Guerra, Paula/0000-0002-8343-6058 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 339 DI 10.3390/ani10020339 UT WOS:000521356600014 PM 32098051 ER PT J AU Ortega, OAC Beltran, PEP Pineda, GSH Benaouda, M Ronquillo, MG Molina, LT Vera, JCK Perez, HDM Carrillo, MFV AF Ortega, Octavio Alonso Castelan Beltran, Paulina Elizabeth Pedraza Pineda, Gloria Stefanny Hernandez Benaouda, Mohammed Ronquillo, Manuel Gonzalez Molina, Luisa T. Vera, Juan Carlos Ku Perez, Hugo Daniel Montelongo Carrillo, Maria Fernanda Vazquez TI Construction and Operation of a Respiration Chamber of the Head-Box Type for Methane Measurement from Cattle SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary The aim of the present work is to describe the construction and operation of a respiration chamber of the head-box type for measuring methane emissions from bovines. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than CO2 in its capacity of producing the greenhouse effect and global warming. This gas is produced in considerable amounts by cattle as part of its normal digestion process; approximately 37% of the global anthropogenic methane emissions originate from the livestock industry. Measuring emissions of methane by cattle is necessary for inventory calculation and the evaluation of mitigation policies of this gas. The gold standard technique for measuring methane emissions from cattle is the respiration chamber; however, respiration chambers are expensive pieces of equipment that are not easily available for developing countries. Since a large proportion of the world's cattle population is in the developing countries, a cheaper option is necessary. A respiration chamber of the head-box type is an option because of its low cost and high accuracy in estimating emissions. This chamber can be used to determine in vivo methane emission factors for those countries that do not have full respiration chambers. It can also be used to conduct experiments to evaluate the anti-methanogenic effects of different compounds. This paper aims to describe the construction and operation of a respiration chamber of the head-box type for methane (CH4) measurements in bovines. The system consists of (1) a head box with a stainless steel frame and acrylic walls, floor, and ceiling; (2) a stainless steel feeder; (3) an automatic drinking water bowl; (4) a hood made from reinforced canvas; (5) an infrared (IR) CH4 gas analyzer, a mass flow generator, a data-acquisition system; and (6) a steel metabolic box. Six assays were conducted to determine the pure CH4 recovery rate of the whole system in order to validate it and comply with standards of chamber operation. The gravimetrical method was used for the recovery test and the recovery rate obtained was 1.04 +/- 0.05. Once the system was calibrated, measurements of CH4 were conducted using eight animals consisting of four Holstein cows with a live weight of 593.8 +/- 51 kg and an average milk yield of 23.3 +/- 1.8 kg d(-1) and four heifers with a live weight of 339 +/- 28 kg. The CH4 production values were 687 +/- 123 and 248 +/- 40 L CH4 d(-1) for cows and heifers, respectively. The CH4 yield was 19.7 +/- 3.4 g and 17.1 +/- 3.4 g CH4 kg(-1) of dry matter consumed for cows and heifers, respectively. These results are consistent with those reported in the literature. SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 227 DI 10.3390/ani10020227 UT WOS:000521356600033 PM 32023859 ER PT J AU Rapetti, L Galassi, G Graziosi, AR Crovetto, GM Colombini, S AF Rapetti, Luca Galassi, Gianluca Graziosi, ndrea Rota Crovetto, Gianni Matteo Colombini, Stefania TI The Effects of Substituting Dietary Soybean Meal with Maize Grain on Milk Production in Dairy Goats SO ANIMALS CT 23rd National Congresses of the Italian-Society-of-Sheep-and-Goat-Pathology-and-Production (SIPAOC) CY SEP, 2018 CL Naples, ITALY SP Italian Soc Sheep & Goat Pathol & Prod AB Simple Summary Today the environmental sustainability of livestock has become increasingly important. Nitrogen excretion from livestock can lead to air and groundwater pollution, causing acid rain, fine air particulates, and greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change, groundwater nitrate poisoning, and surface water eutrophication. Often, livestock are fed diets with a protein content that is much higher than what they require. In this experiment, a herd of dairy goats of the Alpine breed, reared on a farm in the hills near Genoa, Italy, was used to study the impacts of being fed a low- or a high-protein diet. The high-protein diet did not improve milk yield and quality; on the contrary, it lowered the efficiency of dietary-nitrogen utilization, increased feeding cost, and, above all, increased nitrogen excretion and the associated environmental risks. In conclusion, a high-protein diet is not advisable, both economically and environmentally, and a precision feeding approach (i.e., supplying the nutrients required for a given body mass and level of production, and no more) is highly recommended. In view of better environmental sustainability, livestock diets must not exceed protein requirements, as often happens with lactating goats reared in semi-intensive systems. The aim of this experiment was to verify in real-breeding conditions the influence of two diets with different protein contents (% crude protein (CP) on dry matter (DM)): 16.0 (high-protein diet; HP) vs 12.2 (low-protein diet; LP) on milk production in dairy goats. The diets differed only in the replacement-in the LP diet-of 250 g soybean meal with 250 g maize grain meal. Twenty-three Alpine goats were divided into two groups and used in a cross-over feeding trial for 2 months. Animals were weighed at the beginning of each month of the trial, and feed intake and milk yield and composition were recorded weekly. HP and LP did not differ statistically for milk yield and composition (3.32 vs 3.42 kg milk/d, 3.21% vs 3.27% fat, 3.31% vs 3.27% protein for HP and LP, respectively), but the HP diet determined a higher milk urea content (51.2 vs 36.6 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and a worse efficiency of nitrogen utilization (28.0% vs 37.2%). In conclusion, the LP diet resulted in a reduction of urinary nitrogen excretion by 28% and of the feed cost by about 10%. RI ; COLOMBINI, STEFANIA/Q-8589-2017 OI Galassi, Gianluca/0000-0003-4495-989X; RAPETTI, LUCA/0000-0002-0084-1796; COLOMBINI, STEFANIA/0000-0002-4391-3905; Crovetto, Gianni Matteo/0000-0003-1156-2087 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 299 DI 10.3390/ani10020299 UT WOS:000521356600178 PM 32069952 ER PT J AU Shin, HS Kim, M Kim, KS Min, YK Lee, CH AF Shin, Hee-su Kim, Miok Kim, Kwang Soo Min, Yong Ki Lee, Chang Hoon TI KA-1002, a Novel Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling Antagonist, Alleviates Bovine Tracheal Cell Disruption and Inflammation SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Bovine respiratory diseases are a key factor reducing the productivity of cows in an industrial livestock environment. We have identified a novel lysophosphatidic acid signaling antagonist, KA-1002, which alleviates lysophosphatidic acid-mediated bovine tracheal cell disruptive tissue injury and inflammation. KA-1002 could be considered a novel therapeutic reagent candidate for maintaining respiratory health in reared cattle. The industrial livestock environment can cause stress and weakened immunity in cattle, leading to microbial infections which reduce productivity. As such, there is a need for an effective therapeutic agent that can alleviate uncontrolled destructive respiratory inflammation. We found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent endogenous stress-induced inflammatory agent, causes respiratory tissue damage and triggers inflammation in bovine bronchial cells. LPA also inflames pulmonary bovine blood vessel cells to produce inflammatory cytokines. These findings strongly suggest that LPA is a highly important endogenous material exacerbating bovine respiratory diseases. We further identified a novel LPA-signaling antagonist, KA-1002, and showed that it alleviated LPA-mediated bovine tracheal cell disruption and inflammation. Therefore, KA-1002 could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic agent to maintain physiologically healthy and balanced conditions in bovine respiratory tracts. SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 295 DI 10.3390/ani10020295 UT WOS:000521356600172 PM 32069887 ER PT J AU Verdon, M Lee, CR Marini, D Rawnsley, R AF Verdon, Megan Lee, Caroline Marini, Danila Rawnsley, Richard TI Pre-Exposure to an Electrical Stimulus Primes Associative Pairing of Audio and Electrical Stimuli for Dairy Heifers in a Virtual Fencing Feed Attractant Trial SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Virtual fencing may soon provide an alternative to electric fencing in livestock production systems. In virtual fencing systems, a collar is worn by each animal and emits an audio cue when the animal approaches a virtual boundary that has been set via a Global Positioning System (GPS). An electrical stimulus is delivered by the collar if the animal continues to walk forward, but not if they stop or turn. Over time, the animal increasingly responds to the audio cue alone. A better understanding of factors that influence learning of the association between audio and electrical stimuli may ensure all animals adapt in systems that utilise virtual fencing. Dairy heifers were reared with or without exposure to electric fencing. Heifers with experience of electric fencing showed more rapid learning of the association between audio and electrical stimuli. There were differences between heifers in the speed of associative learning, perhaps due to individual differences in the significance of the audio cue, the aversive nature of the electrical stimulus, or the animal's motivation to feed. Ethically acceptable virtual fencing requires that all animals learn quickly how to interact with the technology. The technology and training protocols may require continual refinement to account for individual differences in learning. This experiment examined whether pre-exposure to an electrical stimulus from electric fencing attenuates associative pairing of audio and electrical stimuli in dairy heifers. Two treatments were applied to 30 weaned heifers naive to electric fencing. Heifers in the 'electric-fence' treatment were exposed to an electrified perimeter fence and two periods of strip-grazing using electrified poly-wire. Control heifers remained naive to electric fencing. The pairing of audio and electrical stimuli was assessed in a feed attractant trial using manually controlled training collars. Heifers received an audio stimulus (2 s; 84 dB) when they breached a virtual fence after which a short electrical stimulus (0.5 s; 120 mW) was administered if they continued to move forward. If the animal stopped moving forward no further stimuli were applied. By the third training session, electric-fence heifers received a lower proportion of electrical stimuli than control heifers (p = 0.03). The more exploratory interactions a heifer had with the electric fence, the lower the proportion of electrical stimuli she received during training (r(s) = -0.77, p = 0.002). We conclude that experience with electrical fencing enhanced the salience of the electrical stimulus delivered by manual collars used for virtual fence training. OI Marini, Danila/0000-0002-1082-6848 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 217 DI 10.3390/ani10020217 UT WOS:000521356600010 PM 32013020 ER PT J AU Wang, C Chen, YJ Bi, YJ Zhao, P Sun, HQ Li, JH Liu, HG Zhang, RX Li, X Bao, J AF Wang, Chao Chen, Yongjie Bi, Yanju Zhao, Peng Sun, Hanqing Li, Jianhong Liu, Honggui Zhang, Runxiang Li, Xiang Bao, Jun TI Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary As an important part of modern livestock production, human-animal relationships influence the welfare of farm animals. Previous studies have shown that short-term gentle handling can reduce pigs' anxiety, and improve production performance and possibly meat quality. However, the effectiveness of long-term gentle handling is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of gentle handling of growing pigs over a relatively long period of time on their behavior, production performance, and meat quality after slaughter. Our results show that gentle handling increased intimacy between the handler and handled pigs, whereas long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig production performance, or on carcass and meat quality. On the other hand, long-term gentle handling had positive effects on production performance, and reduced pigs' anxiety and increased their willingness to approach the handler. Hence, this study provides insights into the positive effects of long-term human-animal interactions on pig production. In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens x 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens x 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs' responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching-avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs' anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality. RI Li, Xiang/J-6491-2013 OI Li, Xiang/0000-0001-8944-086X SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 330 DI 10.3390/ani10020330 UT WOS:000521356600074 PM 32092930 ER PT J AU Wang, G Zhou, HT Gong, H He, JN Luo, YZ Hickford, JGH Hu, J Wang, JQ Liu, X Li, SB AF Wang, Guan Zhou, Huitong Gong, Hua He, Jianning Luo, Yuzhu Hickford, Jon G. H. Hu, Jiang Wang, Jiqing Liu, Xiu Li, Shaobin TI Variation in the Lipin 1 Gene Is Associated with Birth Weight and Selected Carcass Traits in New Zealand Romney Sheep SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Lipin 1 plays an important role in lipid metabolism. It not only acts as a phosphatidate phosphatase and directly participates in the synthesis of glycerol and osteolipid, but also acts as a transcriptional co-activator to indirectly regulate the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. In livestock species, variation in the lipin 1 gene (LPIN1) has been reported in pigs, chickens, and dairy cows, but has not been investigated in sheep, and little is known about whether it might affect production traits in this globally important meat-producing species. In this study, we used polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analyses to search for variation in ovine LPIN1, and its effects on production and carcass traits were investigated in New Zealand Romney sheep. The results suggest that ovine LPIN1 is variable and it may have value as a genetic marker for improving meat production and carcass traits. Lipin 1 plays an important role in lipid metabolism. In this study; we searched for variation in the ovine lipin 1 gene (LPIN1) in three gene regions (a 5 ' non-coding region; a region containing an alternatively spliced exon in intron 4; and a region containing coding exon 6) using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis. The greatest amount of alleles was found in coding exon 6; with five sequences being detected. The effect of variation in this exon was investigated in 242 New Zealand Romney lambs derived from 12 sire-lines. The presence of variant E-3 was associated with a decrease in birth weight (p = 0.005) and the proportion of leg yield (p = 0.045), but with an increase in hot carcass weight (p = 0.032) and the proportion of loin yield (p = 0.014). The presence of variant B-3 was associated with an increased pre-weaning growth rate (p = 0.041), whereas the presence of variant C-3 was associated with an increase in shoulder yield (p < 0.001). These results suggest that ovine LPIN1 variation may have value as a genetic marker for improving meat production and carcass traits. RI Zhou, Huitong/B-7212-2008 OI Zhou, Huitong/0000-0001-7620-3160; Luo, Yuzhu/0000-0003-2587-5826; Li, Shaobin/0000-0002-6688-1117; wang, jiqing/0000-0002-9811-0085 SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 237 DI 10.3390/ani10020237 UT WOS:000521356600106 PM 32028610 ER PT J AU Yang, P Zhang, ZJ Xu, JW Qu, KX Lyv, SJ Wang, XW Cai, CC Li, ZM Wang, EY Xie, JL Ru, BR Xu, ZJ Lei, CZ Chen, H Huang, BZ Huang, YZ AF Yang, Peng Zhang, Zijing Xu, Jiawei Qu, Kaixing Lyv, Shijie Wang, Xianwei Cai, Cuicui Li, Zhiming Wang, Eryao Xie, Jianliang Ru, Baorui Xu, Zejun Lei, Chuzhao Chen, Hong Huang, Bizhi Huang, Yongzhen TI The Association of the Copy Number Variation of the MLLT10 Gene with Growth Traits of Chinese Cattle SO ANIMALS AB Simple Summary Copy number variation is a common genetic polymorphism, mainly represented by submicroscopic levels of deletion and duplication, caused by rearrangement of the genome. It is well-known that the copy number variation of a gene is associated with growth traits of livestock. In this study, we detected the correlation between the copy number variation of the the MLLT10 gene and the growth traits of Chinese yellow cattle. We found that the copy number variation of the MLLT10 gene has a significant influence on hip width, rump length, hucklebone width, and cannon bone circumference of some Chinese yellow cattle breeds. The results provide preliminary suggestions for Chinese yellow cattle breeding and new insights about the future of copy number variation (CNV) as a new promising molecular marker in animal breeding. Copy number variation is a part of genomic structural variation and has caused widespread concern. According to the results of high-throughput screening of the MLLT10 gene, we found that the copy number variation region of the MLLT10 gene was correlated with bovine growth traits. We aimed to detect the MLLT10 gene copy number variation and provide materials for the Chinese yellow cattle breed. In this study, the SPSS software was used to analyze the correlation among the copy number type of six different cattle breeds (i.e., Qinchuan, Xianan, Jiaxian, Yanbian, Sinan, Yunling) and the corresponding growth traits. The results showed the following: In Qinchuan cattle, the copy number duplication type was greater than the deletion and normal types; in Xianan cattle, the copy number duplication and normal types were less as compared with the deletion type; and in Yunling cattle, the frequency of the duplication type was dominant among the three types of copy number variants. The correlation analysis result showed that there is a significant correlation between the copy number variation (CNV) of the MLLT10 gene and the growth traits of three cattle breeds. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that MLLT10 CNV had positive effects on growth traits such as hip width, rump length, hucklebone width, and cannon bone circumference (p < 0.05). This study provides a basis for the molecular-assisted marker breeding of cattle and contributes to the breeding of cattle. SN 2076-2615 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 250 DI 10.3390/ani10020250 UT WOS:000521356600131 PM 32033330 ER PT J AU Jamro, S Channa, FN Dars, GH Ansari, K Krakauer, NY AF Jamro, Shoaib Channa, Falak Naz Dars, Ghulam Hussain Ansari, Kamran Krakauer, Nir Y. TI Exploring the Evolution of Drought Characteristics in Balochistan, Pakistan SO APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL AB In the wake of a rapidly changing climate, droughts have intensified, in both duration and severity, across the globe. The Germanwatch long-term Climate Risk Index ranks Pakistan among the top 10 countries most affected by the adverse effects of climate change. Within Pakistan, the province of Balochistan is among the most vulnerable regions due to recurring prolonged droughts, erratic precipitation patterns, and dependence on agriculture and livestock for survival. This study aims to explore how the characteristics of droughts have evolved in the region from 1902-2015 using 3-month and 12-month timescales of a popular drought index, the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The region was divided into six zones using Spatial "K"luster Analysis using Tree Edge Removal (SKATER) method, and run theory was applied to characterize droughts in terms of duration, severity, intensity, and peak. The results of the non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend test applied to SPEI indicate prevailing significant negative trends (dryer conditions) in all the zones. Balochistan experienced its most severe droughts in the 1960s and around 2000. The effects of climate change are also evident in the fact that all the long duration droughts occurred after 1960. Moreover, the number of droughts identified by 3-month SPEI showed a significant increase after 1960 for all six zones. The same trend was found in the 12-month SPEI but for only three zones. OI Jamro, Shoaib/0000-0002-4968-8681 EI 2076-3417 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 3 AR 913 DI 10.3390/app10030913 UT WOS:000525305900184 ER PT J AU Gao, ZF Li, CG Bai, JF Fu, JY AF Gao, Zhifeng Li, Chenguang Bai, Junfei Fu, Jiangyuan TI Chinese consumer quality perception and preference of sustainable milk SO CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW AB A sustainable food consumption and production system is at the center of the global sustainability initiative. With the world's largest population and rapidly growing environmental concerns, it is urgent for China to develop effective ways to motivate sustainable food consumption and production. Understanding consumer perception and preference of sustainable food provides critical information for Chinese policy makers to identify barriers and develop rules and policies to reach this goal. Our paper shows that most Chinese consumers do not clearly understand the meaning of sustainability, and lack knowledge about sustainable food production. The premium that consumers are willing to pay for sustainable milk is about 40%. Consumers who do not perceive the linkage between sustainable production and food quality have a significant lower willingness to pay for sustainable milk. Interestingly, people with children are more willing to pay for sustainable milk, suggesting a potential over-generation concern about sustainable development. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. SN 1043-951X EI 1873-7781 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 59 AR 100939 DI 10.1016/j.chieco.2016.05.004 UT WOS:000527912800002 ER PT J AU Luo, RS Zheng, Z Yang, CR Zhang, XR Cheng, L Su, GH Bai, CL Li, GP AF Luo, Rongsong Zheng, Zhong Yang, Chunrong Zhang, Xiaoran Cheng, Lei Su, Guanghua Bai, Chunling Li, Guangpeng TI Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Synthesis Regulation of Fat-1 Transgenic Sheep SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES AB Transgenic technology has huge application potential in agriculture and medical fields, such as producing new livestock varieties with new valuable features and xenotransplantation. However, how an exogenous gene affects the host animal's gene regulation networks and their health status is still poorly understood. In the current study, Fat-1 transgenic sheep were generated, and the tissues from 100-day abnormal (DAF_1) and normal (DAF_2) fetuses, postnatal lambs (DAF_4), transgenic-silencing (DAFG5), and -expressing (DAFG6) skin cells were collected and subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and their gene expression profiles were compared in multiple dimensions. The results were as follows. For DAF_1, its abnormal development was caused by pathogen invasion but not the introduction of the Fat-1 gene. Fat-1 expression down-regulated the genes related to the cell cycle; the NF-kappa B signaling pathway and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were down-regulated, and the PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) biosynthesis pathway was shifted toward the biosynthesis of high-level n-3 LC-PUFAs (long-chain PUFAs). Four key node genes, FADS2, PPARA, PRKACA, and ACACA, were found to be responsible for the gene expression profile shift from the Fat-1 transgenic 100-day fetus to postnatal lamb, and FADS2 may play a key role in the accumulation of n-3 LC-PUFAs in Fat-1 transgenic sheep muscle. Our study provides new insights into the FUFAs synthesis regulation in Fat-1 transgenic animals. OI Luo, Rongsong/0000-0002-1822-8260; Zheng, Zhong/0000-0001-5961-2122 EI 1422-0067 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 21 IS 3 AR 1121 DI 10.3390/ijms21031121 UT WOS:000522551607048 PM 32046209 ER PT J AU Calvani, NED Ichikawa-Seki, M Bush, RD Khounsy, S Slapeta, J AF Calvani, Nichola Eliza Davies Ichikawa-Seki, Madoka Bush, Russell David Khounsy, Syseng Slapeta, Jan TI Which species is in the faeces at a time of global livestock movements: single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays for the differentiation of Fasciola spp. SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY AB Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a globally distributed zoonotic disease of livestock. While F. hepatica and F. gigantica have temperate and tropical distributions, respectively, parasite sympatry occurs in parts of Asia and Africa. A growing protein demand has the potential to facilitate the translocation of parasites from endemic to non-endemic areas, via associated international livestock movements. Such is the case in Southeast Asia, where livestock trade from F. hepatica-endemic countries into China and Vietnam may account for detection of F. hepatica hybrid/introgressed forms. Of particular importance is Lao People's Democratic Republic, which acts as a major livestock thoroughfare for the region. Our ability to understand the impacts of livestock-associated Fasciola spp. movements on local animal and human health is hindered by a lack of ante-mortem diagnostic tools allowing species differentiation. Molecular tools have been developed for Fasciola spp. differentiation, however those rely on access to pure DNA from adult specimens, limiting their application to post-mortem use. Our aim was to detect and differentiate F. hepatica from the endemic F. gigantica in local smallholder cattle in a region of Southeast Asia with frequent livestock trafficking. To do this we designed and validated ante-mortem molecular assays for Fasciola spp. differentiation targeting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within ITS1 and lsrRNA. We then deployed these SNP genotyping assays to diagnose Fasciola spp. infection in 153 local cattle from 27 villages in Northern Laos. We demonstrate the presence of F. hepatica DNA, confirmed by qualitative Sanger and quantitative Illumina amplicon sequencing of ITS1 and lsrRNA, and highlight the shortfalls of Sanger sequencing for Fasciola spp. identification due to the preferential amplification of F. gigantica nucleotides in mixed DNA samples. The outlined protocol enables rapid surveillance of faecal samples for the presence of Fasciola species eggs, their co-infection and/or infection with F. hepatica/F. gigantica hybrids. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian Society for Parasitology. SN 0020-7519 EI 1879-0135 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 50 IS 2 BP 91 EP 101 DI 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.002 UT WOS:000527349300001 PM 32006549 ER PT J AU Vineer, HR Verschave, SH Claerebout, E Vercruysse, J Shaw, DJ Charlier, J Morgan, ER AF Vineer, H. Rose Verschave, S. H. Claerebout, E. Vercruysse, J. Shaw, D. J. Charlier, J. Morgan, E. R. TI GLOWORM-PARA: a flexible framework to simulate the population dynamics of the parasitic phase of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting grazing livestock SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY AB Gastrointestinal nematodes are a significant threat to the economic and environmental sustainability of keeping livestock, as adequate control becomes increasingly difficult due to the development of anthelmintic resistance in some systems and climate-driven changes to infection dynamics. To mitigate any negative impacts of climate on gastrointestinal nematode epidemiology and slow anthelmintic resistance development, there is a need to develop effective, targeted control strategies that minimise the unnecessary use of anthelmintic drugs and incorporate alternative strategies such as vaccination and evasive grazing. However, the impacts climate and gastrointestinal nematode epidemiology may have on the optimal control strategy are generally not considered, due to lack of available evidence to drive recommendations. Parasite transmission models can support control strategy evaluation to target field trials, thus reducing the resources and lead-time required to develop evidence-based control recommendations incorporating climate stochasticity. Gastrointestinal nematode population dynamics arising from natural infections have been difficult to replicate and model applications have often focussed on the free-living stages. A flexible framework is presented for the parasitic phase of gastrointestinal nematodes, GLOWORM-PARA, which complements an existing model of the free-living stages, GLOWORM-FL. Longitudinal parasitological data for two species that are of major economic importance in cattle, Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora, were obtained from seven cattle farms in Belgium for model validation. The framework replicated the observed seasonal dynamics of infection in cattle on these farms and overall, there was no evidence of systematic under- or over-prediction of faecal egg counts. However, the model under-predicted the faecal egg counts observed on one farm with very young calves, highlighting potential areas of uncertainty that may need further investigation if the model is to be applied to young livestock. The model could be used to drive further research into alternative parasite control strategies such as vaccine development and novel treatment approaches, and to understand gastrointestinal nematode epidemiology under changing climate and host management. (C) 2020 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 0020-7519 EI 1879-0135 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 50 IS 2 BP 133 EP 144 DI 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.11.005 UT WOS:000527349300005 PM 31981671 ER PT J AU Reyna-Ramirez, CA Fuentes-Ponce, MH Rossing, WAH Lopez-Ridaura, S AF Reyna-Ramirez, Cristian A. Fuentes-Ponce, Mariela H. Rossing, Walter A. H. Lopez-Ridaura, Santiago TI CHARACTERIZATION OF MESOAMERICAN SMALLHOLDER FARMING SYSTEMS SO AGROCIENCIA AB Farming policies tend to be homogeneous for an entire sector and encourage the implementation of technological innovations without considering the particular characteristics of smallholder farm systems (SFS). The objective of this study was to characterize the SFSs in the Oaxacan Mixteca, Mexico, and the highlands of Guatemala based on typologies, to know their diversity and to have elements to provide guidelines to generate development alternatives. The typology was constructed with information obtained from workshops, surveys and multivariate methods (PCA, cluster analysis and K-means). The variables that determined the diversity of the SFSs were investment capacity, remittances, type of work and livestock activities. The types of SFS identified in the Oaxacan Mixteca were: 1) farming, 2) dependent on external agricultural labours and low monetary income, 3) dependent on government programs, 4) with high non-agricultural income, and 5) medium external income. In the highlands of Guatemala: 1) semi-commercial farming, 2) commercial agriculture, 3) small subsistence, 4) small diversified income, and 5) semi-commercial agriculture. In the Oaxacan Mixteca region, the SFSs are self-consumption systems, dependent on external income (remittances and government programs), in which the potential for development lies in policies, according to the diversity of types and more efficient production systems. In Guatemala, the characteristics of the SFSs comply with global market chains, which regulate production and commercialization conditions, in which the potential for change lies in generating fairer market conditions and more efficient production systems linked to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The information obtained based on the typologies is useful for generating specific policies and programs of differentiated support, according to the types of systems and their context. SN 1405-3195 PD FEB-MAR PY 2020 VL 54 IS 2 BP 259 EP 277 UT WOS:000526421800008 ER PT J AU Hempel, S Adolphs, J Landwehr, N Janke, D Amon, T AF Hempel, Sabrina Adolphs, Julian Landwehr, Niels Janke, David Amon, Thomas TI How the Selection of Training Data and Modeling Approach Affects the Estimation of Ammonia Emissions from a Naturally Ventilated Dairy Barn-Classical Statistics versus Machine Learning SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Environmental protection efforts can only be effective in the long term with a reliable quantification of pollutant gas emissions as a first step to mitigation. Measurement and analysis strategies must permit the accurate extrapolation of emission values. We systematically analyzed the added value of applying modern machine learning methods in the process of monitoring emissions from naturally ventilated livestock buildings to the atmosphere. We considered almost 40 weeks of hourly emission values from a naturally ventilated dairy cattle barn in Northern Germany. We compared model predictions using 27 different scenarios of temporal sampling, multiple measures of model accuracy, and eight different regression approaches. The error of the predicted emission values with the tested measurement protocols was, on average, well below 20%. The sensitivity of the prediction to the selected training dataset was worse for the ordinary multilinear regression. Gradient boosting and random forests provided the most accurate and robust emission value predictions, accompanied by the second-smallest model errors. Most of the highly ranked scenarios involved six measurement periods, while the scenario with the best overall performance was: One measurement period in summer and three in the transition periods, each lasting for 14 days. RI Hempel, Sabrina/AAO-7482-2020 OI Hempel, Sabrina/0000-0002-8398-4820 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 1030 DI 10.3390/su12031030 UT WOS:000524899600014 ER PT J AU Morales-Jerrett, E Mancilla-Leyton, JM Delgado-Pertinez, M Mena, Y AF Morales-Jerrett, Eduardo Manuel Mancilla-Leyton, Juan Delgado-Pertinez, Manuel Mena, Yolanda TI The Contribution of Traditional Meat Goat Farming Systems to Human Wellbeing and Its Importance for the Sustainability of This Livestock Subsector SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Traditional meat goat farming systems are characterized by rearing autochthonous breeds and using natural resources through grazing, often within protected natural areas. In a context of reduction of the number of farms, due to the low income derived from the sale of kids, the role of those systems as suppliers of presently non-remunerated ecosystem services becomes more relevant. The objective of this article is to analyze the current situation of those systems, focusing on their connection with human wellbeing, and to formulate proposals that can contribute to guaranteeing their profitability and continuity. A technical-economic and environmental study of a sample of farms and an analysis of the limiting factors affecting the subsector were carried out. As a result, a set of actorial problems was identified, with'the lack of acknowledgement and remuneration of some services mainly environmental and cultural provided by those systems and the low selling price of kids standing as the main threats. The consideration of meat goat farms as "producers of meat of high functional quality and providers of ecosystem services", which should be properly quantified and remunerated, would contribute to their preservation and guarantee the provision of benefits associated with the activity RI DELGADO-PERTINEZ, MANUEL/N-5954-2018 OI DELGADO-PERTINEZ, MANUEL/0000-0003-3589-5011 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 1181 DI 10.3390/su12031181 UT WOS:000524899603015 ER PT J AU Li, Z Liu, JL Ma, QY Xu, JL Wang, JM Liu, AH Li, YQ Guan, GQ Luo, JX Yin, H AF Li, Zhi Liu, Junlong Ma, Quanying Xu, Jianlin Wang, Jinming Liu, Aihong Li, Youquan Guan, Guiquan Luo, Jianxun Yin, Hong TI Development and evaluation of a chemiluminescence immunoassay for detecting tropical theileriosis SO ACTA TROPICA AB Tropical theileriosis is a tick-borne lymphoproliferative disease of cattle caused by the apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata, and leads to substantial economic losses to the livestock industry worldwide. Although various enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been established to detect antibodies against T. annulata infection, a specific, rapid and reliable diagnostic assay is urgently needed for prevention and control of the disease. In the present study, a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) was developed based on the sub-telomeric variable secreted protein (SVSP) of T. annulata as a sero-diagnostic antigen. Following optimization of the CLIA working parameters, the working time of the method was less than 4.5 h. The sensitivity and specificity of the established CLIA was 98.8% and 97.5%, respectively, when the cut-off value of the percent positive (PP) was 26.1% for detecting serum samples (n = 242 T. annulata positive sera, n = 158 T. annulata negative sera). After comparing 180 serum samples from Gansu province, China, the concordance rate between the CLIA and a published rSpm2 ELISA method was 72.8%. In addition, 565 serum samples of cattle collected between 2017 and 2018 from four provinces in China were detected by the CLIA, and the seroprevalence for T. annulata ranged from 53.3% to 67.3% in these regions. Our findings demonstrated that the CLIA has high specificity, sensitivity and reliability, and could be used as a rapid detection assay for epidemiological investigations of T. annulata infection. SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 202 AR UNSP 105245 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105245 UT WOS:000525791600038 PM 31676457 ER PT J AU Tang, CL Xie, YP Yu, WH Jin, L Xie, ZL Li, XR AF Tang Chun-lian Xie Ya-ping Yu Wen-hui Jin Lei Xie Zhao-lan Li Xiu-rong TI Effects of regulatory T cells on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase vaccine efficacy against Schistosoma japonicum SO ACTA TROPICA AB Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a candidate subunit vaccine that induces protective immunity and elicits partial resistance to Schistosoma japonicum upon mouse and livestock vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which were defined as CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells, on the efficacy of a GAPDH vaccine against S. japonicum. BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: normal, infected control, anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD25 mAb), GAPDH group, and co-treated with anti-CD25 mAb and GAPDH group. The worm reduction and liver egg reduction rates in the GAPDH group were 32.46% and 35.43%, respectively, which increased to 60.09% and 58.78%, respectively, after anti-CD25 mAb administration. Compared with those in the infected control group, the percentage of Tregs in the spleen decreased significantly when GAPDH and anti-CD25 mAb were used either alone or in combination. Furthermore, secretions associated with the Th1 response increased in splenocytes of the anti-CD25 mAb group, whereas the Th1 and Th2 responses increased in splenocytes of the GAPDH and co-treated groups. Compared to that in the infected control group, granuloma diameter in the GAPDH and co-treated groups increased slightly, but there were no significant differences among the groups. Our results indicate that the protective effect of the GAPDH vaccines can be improved by decreasing Tregs and enhancing the Th1- and Th2-type immune responses. Therefore, anti-CD25 mAb and GAPDH might exert synergistic effects to clear parasites by decreasing the frequency of Tregs and increasing the Th1- and Th2-type immune responses. SN 0001-706X EI 1873-6254 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 202 AR UNSP 105239 DI 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105239 UT WOS:000525791600006 PM 31669534 ER PT J AU Estrada-Gonzalez, IE Taboada-Gonzalez, PA Guerrero-Garcia-Rojas, H Marquez-Benavides, L AF Estrada-Gonzalez, Ivan E. Adolfo Taboada-Gonzalez, Paul Guerrero-Garcia-Rojas, Hilda Marquez-Benavides, Liliana TI Decreasing the Environmental Impact in an Egg-Producing Farm through the Application of LCA and Lean Tools SO APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL AB Intensive poultry farming transforms vegetable protein into animal protein through shelf egg and chicken meat production. Mexico is the largest egg consumer and fifth-ranked egg producer worldwide. However, the environmental impact of egg production in this country is scarcely reported. This research aimed to design an eco-efficient approach for egg production in a semi-technified farm based on door-to-door life cycle assessment (LCA) and value stream mapping (VSM) methodologies. The LCA points out that the climate change category is a hotspot in egg production, with emissions of 5.58 kg CO2 eq/kg per egg produced. The implementation of an eco-efficient scheme focused on energy usage could result in a 49.5% reduction of total energy consumption and 56.3% saving in environmental impacts. Likewise, by using an environmental economic evaluation system, it is identified that the eco-efficient scheme allows more sustainable production through the internalization of externalities. From an environmental-economic point of view, externalities-that is, those environmental damages that are not initially considered part of the production cost-were included, meaning they were internalized. The integral framework for LCA and VSM provides a possible path for sustainable productivity. RI Taboada-Gonzalez, Paul/K-2316-2017 OI Taboada-Gonzalez, Paul/0000-0002-5438-0729 EI 2076-3417 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 4 AR 1352 DI 10.3390/app10041352 UT WOS:000525287900159 ER PT J AU Wang, FF Gao, XF Ma, LL Yuan, C AF Wang, Fenfen Gao, Xianfeng Ma, Lulu Yuan, Chris TI Environmental Sustainability of Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching of Silicon Nanowires for Lithium-Ion Battery Anode SO JOURNAL OF ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION AND STORAGE AB Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with three different average diameters of 90, 120, and 140 nm were synthesized by a metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method. Environmental sustainability of the MACE process was studied by investigating material consumptions, gas emissions, and silver nanoparticle concentrations in nitric acid solutions for 1 g of SiNWs and 1 kW h of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes. It was found that the process for 90 nm SiNWs has the best sustainability performance compared with the other two processes. Specifically, in this study for 1 g of 90 nm SiNWs, 8.845 g of Si wafer is consumed, 1.09 g of H-2 and 1.04 g of NO are produced, and 54.807 mg of Ag nanoparticles are found in the HNO3 solution. Additionally, for 1 kW h of LIB electrodes, the process for 90 nm SiNWs results in 1.943 kg of Si wafer consumption, 239.455 g of H-2 and 239.455 g of NO emissions, and 12.040 g of Ag nanoparticles concentrations. By quantitatively investigating the material consumptions and emissions, this study assesses the sustainability performance of the MACE process for synthesizing SiNWs for use in LIBs, and thus it provides process data for the analysis and the development of sustainable production methods for SiNWs and similar anode materials for next-generation LIBs. SN 2381-6872 EI 2381-6910 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 17 IS 1 AR 011012 DI 10.1115/1.4044957 UT WOS:000525397600012 ER PT J AU Alberti, TS Bruhn, FRP Zamboni, R Venancio, FR Scheid, HV Raffi, MB Schild, AL Sallis, ESV AF Alberti, Taina S. Bruhn, Fabio Raphael P. Zamboni, Rosimeri Venancio, Fabiano R. Scheid, Haide Valeska Raffi, Margarida B. Schild, Ana Lucia Sallis, Eliza Simone, V TI Epidemiological analysis of bovine tuberculosis in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul from 2000 to 2015 SO PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA AB Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an infectious and zoonotic disease with socioeconomic importance, responsible for economic losses in livestock due to the decrease in animal productivity, mortality, bovine carcass condemnation and restriction on exportations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of this disease through a descriptive analysis and time series of cases of bovine tuberculosis diagnosed at the Laboratorio Regional de Diagnostic degrees (LRD) of the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinoria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPeI) from 2000 to 2015. A survey was carried out in the LRD database of cases diagnosed as tuberculosis in cattle during this period. The incidence rate of BTB ([cases/population] x 100000) was calculated. Qualitative variables (sex, age, race, origin, type of material and presumptive diagnosis) were analyzed in a descriptive way, aiming to establish the profile of affected animals, characterize the municipalities in which the disease is originated and also fix the main referral organs for diagnosis. The time series analysis was performed using the Gretl statistical software 1.9.12 (GNU Regression, Econometric and Time-series Library). To verify the existence of the stationary distribution, the test of Dickey-Fuller was used, considering a value of p<0.05. During this period, 331 cases of BTB were diagnosed in the LRD. The present study identified that the predominant profile of the bovines affected by tuberculosis was female bovine aged more than two years old and crossbreed; the main organ sent for histopathological examination was lymph nodes. The microregion of Pelotas presented the highest incidence of the disease. There was also a tendency of a decrease in the incidence rate of this disease over the years, absence of seasonal influence in the occurrence of the disease and no cases of epidemics occurred from 2002 to 2015 in the area covered by the LRD-UFPel. OI Alberti, Taina/0000-0001-7568-8143; Scheid, Haide/0000-0001-7855-6410; Schild, Ana Lucia/0000-0003-2470-4785; Zamboni, Rosimeri/0000-0003-0709-660X SN 0100-736X EI 1678-5150 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 40 IS 2 BP 77 EP 81 DI 10.1590/1678-5150-PVB-6406 UT WOS:000525770100001 ER PT J AU Echenique, JVZ Soares, MP Albano, APN Bandarra, PM Schild, AL AF Echenique, Joanna V. Z. Soares, Mauro P. Albano, Ana Paula N. Bandarra, Paulo M. Schild, Ana Lucia TI Diseases of wild birds in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil SO PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA AB Necropsy protocols of the "Laboratorio Regional de Diagnostico" of "Faculdade de Veterinaria" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" were reviewed, ranging the period from 2000 to 2018. Three hundred eighty one necropsies, 25 refrigerated and/or formaline fixed organs, and seven biopsies were received, representing 413 samples. Most of these materials were sent by the "Nucleo de Reabilitacao da Fauna Silvestre" of "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (NURFS-CETAS-UFPel) and were from municipalities within the range area of LRD-UFPeI influence. Of the 413 cases 55 (13.31%) corresponded to metabolic/nutritional diseases; 50 (12.10%) to trauma; 35 (8.47%) to bacterial diseases/toxi-infections; 30 (7.26%) to parasitic diseases; 28 (6.77%) to fungal diseases; four (0.97%) to viral diseases and 17 (4.11%) to other diseases. Cases where it was not possible to determine the etiology, were in severe autolysis or were inconclusive totaled 194 (46.97%). Metabolic/nutritional diseases and traumatic injuries were the main cause of death in wild birds, being Passeriformes the most affected order. OI Schild, Ana Lucia/0000-0003-2470-4785 SN 0100-736X EI 1678-5150 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 40 IS 2 BP 121 EP 128 DI 10.1590/1678-5150-PVB-6409 UT WOS:000525770100008 ER PT J AU Liu, Y Zhang, Q Liu, QF Yan, YZ Hei, WX Yu, DY Wu, JG AF Liu, Yang Zhang, Qing Liu, Qingfu Yan, Yongzhi Hei, Wanxin Yu, Deyong Wu, Jianguo TI Different Household Livelihood Strategies and Influencing Factors in the Inner Mongolian Grassland SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Household livelihood strategies affect grassland ecosystem services and the herder's well-being. Understanding different household livelihood strategies and influencing factors is crucial for sustainable development in pastoral areas. We surveyed 241 households in the typical grassland region of Inner Mongolia to classify the different types of household livelihood strategies using income-based cluster analysis and to identify the major influencing factors of household livelihood strategies with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our study has several findings. First, according to household income sources, there are five types of household livelihood strategies in this region, including breeding only small livestock (S), breeding mainly small livestock (SL), breeding mainly large livestock (LS), breeding only large livestock (L), and not breeding livestock (N), with the S strategy as the most dominant household livelihood strategy in this region. Second, among the five types of household livelihood strategies, the LS strategy had the highest household income (323,200 Chinese yuans) while the N strategy had the lowest household income (68,540 Chinese yuans). Third, among the five types of livelihood capitals, manufactured capital and natural capital had more substantial influences on household livelihood strategies. Manufactured capital directly influenced household livelihood strategies, while natural capital affected household livelihood strategies either directly or indirectly through manufactured capital. Our results suggest that the LS strategy would be the most economically profitable among the five household livelihood strategies in the typical grassland region of Inner Mongolia. EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 839 DI 10.3390/su12030839 UT WOS:000519135101045 ER PT J AU Melon, L AF Melon, Lela TI More Than a Nudge? Arguments and Tools for Mandating Green Public Procurement in the EU SO SUSTAINABILITY AB The present research paper analyses the EU general and mandatory sectoral legal framework on public procurement, arguing for its inhibiting effect on the EU-wide uptake of green public procurement. It explores de jure and de facto barriers to green public procurement, motivated by the need for a change in the business world towards more sustainable practices through preferably mandatory legal changes of EU corporate law. As the public procurement represents a strong nudge for a qualitative change in private market demand, accounting for a minimum of 12% of the national gross domestic product, it should become environmentally sustainable itself and guide markets through the qualitative and quantitative changes on the demand side. Given the complexity of the current legal framework and the novelty of the approach to public procurement as a strategic tool for the achievement of sustainable production and consumption, a better defined and clear legislative approach is called for, possibly in a mandatory form, clarifying the obligation of public procurers to account for sustainability in their practices, especially as regards incorporating environmental concerns in their purchasing activities. In its current form, the EU legislative public procurement framework entails a seemingly permissive attitude towards green public procurement, hampered in practice by the existing legal institutes in the field, which hamper the strategic use of public procurement and thereby its influence on sustainability on the private markets. OI Melon, Lela/0000-0002-9018-4135 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 988 DI 10.3390/su12030988 UT WOS:000519135104039 ER PT J AU Noll, D Lauk, C Gaube, V Wiedenhofer, D AF Noll, Dominik Lauk, Christian Gaube, Veronika Wiedenhofer, Dominik TI Caught in a Deadlock: Small Ruminant Farming on the Greek Island of Samothrace. The Importance of Regional Contexts for Effective EU Agricultural Policies SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Sedentary extensive small ruminant farming systems are highly important for the preservation of High Nature Value (HNV) farmland. Both the abandonment of grazing and overgrazing have led to environmental degradation in many Mediterranean regions. On the Greek island of Samothrace, decades of overgrazing by sheep and goats has caused severe degradation of local ecosystems. The present study highlights the importance of regional contexts for national and EU agricultural policies in regard to sustainable development of sedentary extensive livestock systems. By utilizing the conceptual framework of socio-ecological systems research, we analyze the interdependencies of environmental, economic and social factors on a local island level. Results show that between 1929 and 2016, the livestock and land-use system of Samothrace transformed from a diverse system towards a simplified system, solely used for small ruminant production. Total livestock units increased from 2200 in 1929 to 7850 in 2002, declining to 5100 thereafter. The metabolic analysis conducted for the years 1993-2016 shows that 80-90% of the feed demand of small ruminants was covered by grazing, exceeding available grazing resources for at least a decade. The regional implementation of CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) continues to support excessively high animal numbers, while farmers are highly dependent on subsidies and find themselves in an economic deadlock. OI Wiedenhofer, Dominik/0000-0001-7418-3477; Noll, Dominik/0000-0001-5118-8005 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 762 DI 10.3390/su12030762 UT WOS:000519135100011 ER PT J AU Pezzagno, M Richiedei, A Tira, M AF Pezzagno, Michele Richiedei, Anna Tira, Maurizio TI Spatial Planning Policy for Sustainability: Analysis Connecting Land Use and GHG Emission in Rural Areas SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the highest they have ever been and the climate change they have triggered is having consequences on both human and natural systems. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that an integrated reading of urban and rural land uses in relation to GHG emissions is feasible and useful at the regional level in order to reach emissions reduction. The Po Valley in Italy is an emblematic case study because its features are unique in Europe for high population density, urban sprawl, intensive agriculture, livestock management and consequently high emission levels. The methodology examines the total GHG emissions in relation to urban and rural areas. Between 2000 and 2010, the trend of CO2-equivalent emissions for the macro-regions of Italy shows a national decrease in contrast to the area of our case study which has seen a steady increase and growth trend over time. The paper analyzes some possible reasons linked to this anomaly, and it presents an estimation of the CO2-equivalent emissions related to the use of agricultural land. The main output of the paper is a new overview for research that aims to propose integrated solutions and policies at the local level with a wider vision focused on GHG emission knowledge, supported by Strategic Environmental Assessment. OI TIRA, Maurizio/0000-0002-3280-7891 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 947 DI 10.3390/su12030947 UT WOS:000519135103050 ER PT J AU Le, QV Jovanovic, G Le, DT Cowal, S AF Quan Vu Le Jovanovic, Grace Don-Thuan Le Cowal, Sanya TI Understanding the Perceptions of Sustainable Coffee Production: A Case Study of the K'Ho Ethnic Minority in a Small Village in LAm Dong Province of Vietnam SO SUSTAINABILITY AB This case study used anthropological and culture concept methodologies to evaluate the perceptions of sustainable coffee production of the K'Ho ethnic minority in Di Linh district, LAm Dt6ng province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Sustainable production is a means of mitigating the increasing impacts of climate change upon the region. The Central Highlands is a major coffee production hub and Di Linh is the largest coffee growing region of Lam D6ng province. The case study included in-depth interviews with farmers based on open-ended questions and a questionnaire about sustainable coffee indicators. The survey invited farmers to quantify the current status of their social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Our study revealed that the unique, government sponsored development of coffee farms led to fast production rates and quick economic prosperity. But, it also resulted in a prolonged monoculture system of coffee production and high chemical use; causing farm productivity to decline and social, economic, and environmental vulnerability to increase. The K'Ho farmers in a small village are noticing the devastating long-term effects of agrochemicals, but have had some initial success exploring the potential benefits of reverting to traditional farming methods. EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 1010 DI 10.3390/su12031010 UT WOS:000519135105009 ER PT J AU Wei, JP Liang, GF Alex, J Zhang, TC Ma, CB AF Wei, Jiapei Liang, Gefu Alex, James Zhang, Tongchao Ma, Chunbo TI Research Progress of Energy Utilization of Agricultural Waste in China: Bibliometric Analysis by Citespace SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Energy utilization of agricultural waste, due to the depletion of petroleum resources and the continuous deterioration of the ecological environment, has become an increasingly important development area at present, with broad prospects. The Citespace software was used to systematically summarize the research hotspots, development, and frontiers of researches on the energy utilization of agricultural waste in China from 1999 to 2018. The results show that (1) the number of publications in this field has increased, which includes a steady development stage, a rapid development stage, and a fluctuation and decline stage. (2) Research hotspots focused on technology for energy utilization of agricultural waste, benefits analysis of energy utilization of agricultural waste, energy conversion and upgrading path of agricultural waste, and energy potential of agricultural waste. (3) Development of research hotspots go through five stages: "technology for energy utilization of straw and the disposal of livestock and poultry waste", "exploration of energy utilization mode of agricultural waste and the disposal of by-product from energy utilization of agricultural waste", "technology upgrading from agricultural waste to fuel ethanol and recycling of livestock and poultry waste", "resource recycling of by-product from biogas" and "energy utilization of livestock and slaughterhouse waste". It has revealed the focus in this field was changing from planting waste to breeding waste, and from unprocessed waste to by-product from energy utilization. (4) Energy utilization of slaughterhouse waste and cow manure has started to be considered as the frontiers of researches. EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 812 DI 10.3390/su12030812 UT WOS:000519135101018 ER PT J AU Wiesner, S Duff, AJ Desai, AR Panke-Buisse, K AF Wiesner, Susanne Duff, Alison J. Desai, Ankur R. Panke-Buisse, Kevin TI Increasing Dairy Sustainability with Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming SO SUSTAINABILITY AB Dairy farms are predominantly carbon sources, due to high livestock emissions from enteric fermentation and manure. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLSs) have the potential to offset these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as recycling products within the farm boundaries is prioritized. Here, we quantify seasonal and annual greenhouse gas budgets of an ICLS dairy farm in Wisconsin USA using satellite remote sensing to estimate vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines to calculate farm emissions. Remotely sensed annual vegetation NPP correlated well with farm harvest NPP (R-2 = 0.9). As a whole, the farm was a large carbon sink, owing to natural vegetation carbon sinks and harvest products staying within the farm boundaries. Dairy cows accounted for 80% of all emissions as their feed intake dominated farm feed supply. Manure emissions (15%) were low because manure spreading was frequent throughout the year. In combination with soil conservation practices, ICLS farming provides a sustainable means of producing nutritionally valuable food while contributing to sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Here, we introduce a simple and cost-efficient way to quantify whole-farm GHG budgets, which can be used by farmers to understand their carbon footprint, and therefore may encourage management strategies to improve agricultural sustainability. OI Wiesner, Susanne/0000-0001-7232-0458; Panke-Buisse, Kevin/0000-0001-8555-1255 EI 2071-1050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 765 DI 10.3390/su12030765 UT WOS:000519135100014 ER PT J AU Hu, LL Guo, L Zhao, LF Shi, XY Ren, WZ Zhang, J Tang, JJ Chen, X AF Hu, Liangliang Guo, Liang Zhao, Lufeng Shi, Xiaoyu Ren, Weizheng Zhang, Jian Tang, Jianjun Chen, Xin TI Productivity and the complementary use of nitrogen in the coupled rice-crab system SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Agricultural intensification has greatly increased yields but has also negatively affected the environment. The coupling of two agricultural systems (i.e., integrated agriculture-aquaculture or integrated crop-livestock) has been proposed as one of the important ways that reduce the negative effects of agriculture on the environment, but large-scale experimental data are lacking. In this study, we examined the coupled rice-crab system, which is a rapidly developing rice-fish system in China. We conducted a field survey across several rice-planting areas and field and mesocosm experiments to determine whether the rice-crab system achieves high yields of both rice and crab without damaging the environment. Our field survey showed that rice yield was not reduced in the rice-crab system across four rice-growing areas although total fertilizer N was reduced compared to rice monoculture. Our field experiment also showed that the rice-crab treatment produced higher rice yield than rice monoculture treatment with the same fertilizer N application, and that the coupled rice-crab treatment had higher crab yield with less crab numbers of precocious maturation than the crab monoculture treatment with the same amount of feed. Both field and mesocosm experiments showed that the rice-crab system did not cause serious feed-N accumulation in the field. Isotope N-15 labeling indicated that rice plants used 7.6% of the feed-N. Dual isotope C-13/N-15 analysis showed that 59.1% of the food consumed by crabs consisted of organisms that thrived by directly using nutrients in the field. This recycling of N within the field explains the low fertilizer-N input and low effluent-N in the coupled rice-crab system. Our results suggest that the coupling of rice with fish production can achieve synergies between food production systems to reduce environmental impacts per unit of production. SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 178 AR UNSP 102742 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102742 UT WOS:000524974800023 ER PT J AU Irisarri, JGN Oesterheld, M AF Irisarri, J. G. N. Oesterheld, M. TI Temporal variation of stocking rate and primary production in the face of drought and land use change SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Rangeland stocking rate is subjected to opposite forces. On the one hand, it is expected to fluctuate with interannual variations of aboveground net primary production (ANPP). On the other hand, it is expected to be stabilized by human interventions aimed at keeping a constant monetary flow. The global drought experienced during the first decade of the current century decreased ANPP in many regions. Argentinean rangelands suffered such drought amid an expansion of crop area. We assessed the relative impact of precipitation trends and human interventions on stocking rate and its components across a wide ANPP gradient in Argentina (from 1000 to 7000 kg.ha(-1).year(-1)). We estimated ANPP through remote sensing, from 2001 to 2009, and gathered data on beef cattle stocking numbers per class and rangeland area (n = 67 political districts of Argentina) from 2002 to 2009. All the significant temporal trends of ANPP were negative (36% of the districts). Fifty-one percent of the districts showed a significant temporal trend of stocking rate. Despite the negative trend of ANPP, stocking rate increased in 76% of these districts. The decrease in the remaining 24% was less than expected from the reduction of ANPP. Positive trends of stocking rate were associated with an increase of total livestock in the same rangeland area, and negative ones with a decrease of total stocking and an increase of total rangeland area. Steers accounted for most of the stocking rate changes. As expected from this decoupling between stocking and ANPP, the interannual CV of stocking rate was about half the CV of ANPP. In the face of drought and strong land use changes, human interventions uncoupled or softened the response of stocking rate to ANPP. These responses were probably driven by economic factors and may have profound negative consequences on ecological sustainability. OI Oesterheld, Martin/0000-0001-8462-0087 SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 178 AR UNSP 102750 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102750 UT WOS:000524974800025 ER PT J AU Lewis, CD Smith, KF Jacobs, JL Ho, CKM Leddin, CM Malcolm, B AF Lewis, Claire D. Smith, Kevin F. Jacobs, Joe L. Ho, Christie K. M. Leddin, Clare M. Malcolm, Bill TI Using a two-price market value method to value extra pasture DM in different seasons SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB The challenges of estimating the value of growing and using extra pasture to the farm business often necessitates using complex systems modelling of individual farms. In this paper, a straightforward market value method is outlined, where technical substitutes for which there is a defined market price are used as proxies to estimate an equivalent value for extra pasture used in a farm system. The method can be useful for all grazed livestock production systems where substitutes for pasture are purchased and sold. The two-price approach presented advances on previous applications of using market values by accounting for differences in the value of extra pasture DM used on farm in different seasons. The value per extra kg DM harvested in seasons when pasture typically limits livestock production, for example during summer/autumn in temperate environments, and used on farm equates to the market price of the replacement cost as purchased supplementary feed. This is the maximum the extra pasture DM could be worth when used in the farm system. Conversely, the value per extra kg DM harvested in spring when extra pasture is likely to be in surplus of livestock requirements, equates to its market price if sold, as standing hay for example, termed the salvage value. This two-price approach was applied to value the previously published seasonal DM yield differences of 19 perennial ryegrass cultivars, compared to an industry standard cultivar, grown in three regions of Victoria, Australia. Results were then compared to the value of extra pasture DM previously estimated using system simulation analyses of three farms and applied to the same perennial ryegrass data set. The difference in the value of extra pasture DM estimated using the two methods ranged from $0.01/kg DM to $0.24/kg DM. Overall, the two-price method estimated an extra $24 to $200/ha.year benefit over the industry standard cultivar for the 19 cultivars across the three regions, similar to the extra $0 to similar to $180/ha.year estimated by the previous system simulation analysis. The two-price market value method can be an efficient way to estimate the value of extra seasonal DM yield of pasture, with results easily generalised across a range of farming systems. SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 178 AR UNSP 102729 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102729 UT WOS:000524974800027 ER PT J AU Wreford, A Topp, CFE AF Wreford, Anita Topp, Cairistiona F. E. TI Impacts of climate change on livestock and possible adaptations: A case study of the United Kingdom SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB Agriculture is a vital economic sector, providing food, fibre, and energy to a growing human population. Livestock are an important part of this sector, however the evidence and understanding of how a changing climate may affect livestock production systems, or how they may adapt to the changes, is a neglected area compared to the research into crop production. In this paper, we focus on livestock in the United Kingdom (UK), as an example of a temperate region likely to experience at least moderate changes in climate that will require changes to the way agricultural systems operate. We summarise the projected climate changes in this region, identify the main impacts likely to affect livestock agriculture, and discuss potential adaptation options at the farm level. We also categorise the adaptation options by the types of costs they incur, emphasising that many of these options involve management changes rather than investment and therefore no financial cost. Finally, we discuss the need for longer term planning to prepare for changes that have not yet been observed. RI Topp, Cairistiona FE/L-8439-2016 OI Topp, Cairistiona FE/0000-0002-7064-638X SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 178 AR UNSP 102737 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102737 UT WOS:000524974800017 ER PT J AU Yang, W Rennie, G Ledgard, S Mercer, G Lucci, G AF Yang, Wei Rennie, Grant Ledgard, Stewart Mercer, Geoff Lucci, Gina TI Impact of delivering 'green' dairy products on farm in New Zealand SO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS AB There has been an increasing demand for livestock products with credence attributes (CAs), such as environmental sustainability and high animal welfare standards. Although most livestock product CAs are strongly related to farm-level production processes, rarely have studies explored the issue from an on-farm perspective. Therefore, this paper aims to explore whether consumers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) a price premium could incentivise dairy farmers to deliver products with CAs in New Zealand. We first employed a meta-regression analysis to estimate WTP for CAs of dairy products, and then incorporated the WTP estimates into farm system models to estimate the economic and environmental (nitrogen and GHG losses) impacts for the farms. Data for the meta-regression models were sourced from a literature survey yielding 32 studies estimating WTP for CAs of dairy products. The results showed that price premium ranged from 5.3% to 47.5% for environmentally-friendly dairy products. Farm system (FARMAX), farm environmental (OVERSEER) and life cycle assessment (LCA) models were used to model the farm system changes required to deliver 'green' dairy by using data for the average Waikato dairy farm. The results showed that the economic and environmental outcomes varied over the predicted range in WTP as well as for different farm system scenarios. Findings of the study could help inform NZ farmers as to how to adjust their farm systems in response to market signals and thereby potentially gain a price premium. SN 0308-521X EI 1873-2267 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 178 AR UNSP 102747 DI 10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102747 UT WOS:000524974800016 ER PT J AU Santurtun, E Navarro, G Phillips, CJC AF Santurtun, Eduardo Navarro, Grisel Phillips, Clive J. C. TI Do antiemetics attenuate the behavioural responses of sheep to simulated ship motion? SO APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE AB During actual and simulated ship transport, vessel roll (sideways) and heave (vertical) movements produce behavioural responses in sheep, typically positional and feeding changes. Antiemetics may moderate these responses, hence sheep were exposed to these two movements of similar amplitude and period to a commercial livestock vessel to test effects on feeding, heart rate and body posture, with and without antiemetics to potentially attenuate the motion effects. Six sheep were restrained in pairs with a mesh between them on a moveable programmable platform, generating roll, with heave created by a forklift. Treatments were applied daily for 60 min in a changeover design over 12 consecutive days. No effects on feed intake were detected but in the Heave treatment sheep ate faster (p = 0.006). These sheep also had a faster biting rate whilst prehending food, but only when the antiemetic was provided (P = 0.002). The antiemetic reduced feed prehending time. Sheep in Heave also took fewer mastication bites than those in the Control, but only when no antiemetic was provided (P = 0.002). Thus the antiemetic facilitated feed intake which was taken with fewer bites, and alleviated the reduced mastication in Heave, which was probably in compensation for increased prehension bites. Sheep in Heave also spent longer with their head against the mesh than those in the Control treatment, perhaps to aid balance. The antiemetic reduced time spent with their head on the mesh. Roll in particular increased stepping frequency, but antiemetics reduced the frequency of stepping behaviour, particularly during Roll movement. It is concluded that simulated ship motion had adverse effects on feeding behaviour and balance, which appeared to be attenuated by antiemetics. SN 0168-1591 EI 1872-9045 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 223 AR 104924 DI 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104924 UT WOS:000524491300011 ER PT J AU Jamil, T Melzer, F Saqib, M Shahzad, A Kasi, KK Hussain, MH Rashid, I Tahir, U Khan, I Tayyab, MH Ullah, S Mohsin, M Mansoor, MK Schwarz, S Neubauer, H AF Jamil, Tariq Melzer, Falk Saqib, Muhammad Shahzad, Asim Kasi, Khushal Khan Hussain, Muhammad Hammad Rashid, Imaad Tahir, Usman Khan, Iahtasham Tayyab, Muhammad Haleem Ullah, Sami Mohsin, Mashkoor Mansoor, Muhammad Khalid Schwarz, Stefan Neubauer, Heinrich TI Serological and Molecular Detection of Bovine Brucellosis at Institutional Livestock Farms in Punjab, Pakistan SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB Bovine brucellosis remains a persistent infection in ruminants in Pakistan. A total of 828 (409 buffaloes and 419 cattle) sera were collected from 11 institutional-owned livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan. The samples were tested by rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The seroprevalence along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined. Univariable and multivariable analysis of the epidemiological background data was conducted and odds ratio (OR) was calculated to understand any association between the risk factors and the seroprevalence. An overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (Positive/Tested = 32/828) and 3.3% (27/828) was detected by RBPT and iELISA, respectively. The seroprevalence of 5.6% (CI 3.6-8.3) and 4.7%, (CI 2.8-7.2) and the odds ratio of 2.63 (CI 1.20-5.77) and 2.50 (CI 1.08-5.78) for testing positive by RBPT and iELISA, respectively were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in buffaloes than in cattle. Breed, sex, history of abortion and retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in the animals were not found statistically significantly associated with the infection. RBPT and iELISA based results agreed almost perfect (k = 0.877). In total, Brucella abortus-DNA (9/27) was amplified from seropositive samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study identified for the first time the etiological agents of brucellosis at a molecular level at institutional-owned livestock farms in Pakistan. OI Khan, Iahtasham/0000-0003-2134-5545; Kasi, Khushal Khan/0000-0002-3037-7103; Schwarz, Stefan/0000-0002-6303-8212; Saqib, Muhammad/0000-0002-2796-1413 EI 1660-4601 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 17 IS 4 AR 1412 DI 10.3390/ijerph17041412 UT WOS:000522388500288 PM 32098207 ER PT J AU Dyar, OJ Zhang, TY Peng, Y Sun, ML Sun, CY Yin, J Ding, LL Sun, CT Wang, Y Sun, Q Greko, C Lundborg, CS AF Dyar, Oliver J. Zhang, Tianyang Peng, Yang Sun, Mingli Sun, Chengyun Yin, Jia Ding, Lilu Sun, Chengtao Wang, Yang Sun, Qiang Greko, Christina Lundborg, Cecilia Stalsby TI Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among backyard pig farmers in rural Shandong province, China SO PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE AB China is among the world's largest consumers of antibiotics for livestock, and the demand for meat protein continues to rise. Pig production takes place at a range of facilities, including backyard pig farms. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of backyard pig farmers concerning antibiotic use and resistance, and to observe household storage of antibiotics for use in pigs. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 271 rural residents with backyard pig farms in 12 villages in one town in Shandong province. The median number of pigs per backyard farm was 14, and 82 % (222/271) of participants reported not having had any training about raising pigs. Eighteen percent of participants (48/271) reported always or often adding antibiotics to feed to keep pigs healthy and prevent diseases, and a third (88/271) of participants believed that pigs should be given antibiotics when they stop eating. Thirty percent (82/271) reported having bought antibiotics in the previous year without having first spoken with a veterinarian. Antibiotics accounted for over half of all medicines stored (55 %, 197/358), and were observed in 31 % of all households (83/271). Less than half of participants (45 %, 37/83) from households in which antibiotics for pig use were found knew that they were storing antibiotics. The most common class of antibiotics stored for use in pigs was (Q)J01C betalactam antibiotics, penicillins (19 %, 37/197), followed by (Q)J01F macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (14 %, 28/197), and (Q)J01M quinolones (12 %, 25/197). These results provide important insights into how backyard pig farmers are using antibiotics in rural China and suggest potential targets for interventions to reduce unnecessary and inappropriate use. OI Ding, Lilu/0000-0003-1748-4104 SN 0167-5877 EI 1873-1716 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 175 AR 104858 DI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104858 UT WOS:000524342300020 PM 31835205 ER PT J AU Herrera-Araujo, D Mikecz, O Pica-Ciamarra, U AF Herrera-Araujo, Daniel Mikecz, Orsolya Pica-Ciamarra, Ugo TI Placing a monetary value on the human health component of zoonotic diseases: A methodological note with an application to cysticercosis in Africa SO PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE AB Ideally, policies aiming to tackle zoonotic diseases in animals and reduce the burden of disease in humans should be based on an assessment of the cost and benefits of alternative interventions. However, while the cost of actions targeting diseases in animals and humans and the benefits in terms of increased livestock production can be monetized, it is a challenge to monetize improvements in the quality of life or to life expectancy extensions in humans in zoonotic policy evaluations. This paper proposes a method to monetize the human health benefits derived from zoonotic disease reduction and applies it to cysticercosis in Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. We propose a three-step approach to estimate the human health component of the monetary impact of zoonoses. First, we proxy society's willingness to pay to avoid a disability adjusted life year (DALY) using the annualized value of statistical life (VSL) estimated by of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Second, we implement a benefit transfer methodology to transfer the US value into the context of the sampled countries, accounting for differences in income levels. Finally, we use the 2016 Global Burden of Disease (GBD, 2018) data on cysticercosis to estimate its monetary impact on human health. All results are estimated in current international dollars using purchasing power parity (USD PPP) exchange rates. In the sampled countries, willingness to pay to avoid a DALY is estimated between USD PPP 2 000 and USD PPP 12 700. In most cases, these estimates fall within the range of 1 and 3 times the GDP per capita. The estimated monetary value of the DALYs due to human infections of cysticercosis per 100 000 people ranges between USD PPP 18 000 and USD PPP 98 000 per year. The proposed methodology might represent a first step towards providing a consistent and unbiased measure of the benefits of interventions targeting prevention, detection and control of zoonotic diseases. SN 0167-5877 EI 1873-1716 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 175 AR 104862 DI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104862 UT WOS:000524342300023 PM 31838400 ER PT J AU Manyweathers, J Maru, Y Hayes, L Loechel, B Kruger, H Mankad, A Xie, G Woodgate, R Hernandez-Jover, M AF Manyweathers, Jennifer Maru, Yiheyis Hayes, Lynne Loechel, Barton Kruger, Heleen Mankad, Aditi Xie, Gang Woodgate, Rob Hernandez-Jover, Marta TI Understanding the vulnerability of beef producers in Australia to an FMD outbreak using a Bayesian Network predictive model SO PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE AB Effective and adaptable biosecurity and surveillance systems are crucial for maintaining and increasing Australia's competitive advantages in international markets, and for the production of high quality, safe animal products. These systems are continuously strengthened by ongoing government and industry investment. However, a better understanding of evolving disease risks and the country's capacity to respond to these risks is needed. This study developed a vulnerability framework based on characteristics and behaviours of livestock producers that impact exposure and response capacity to an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak among beef producers in Australia, with a focus on foot and mouth disease (FMD). This framework articulated producer vulnerability typologies to better inform surveillance resource allocation and future research direction. A cross-sectional study of beef producers in Australia was conducted to gather information on producers' demographics, husbandry characteristics, biosecurity and animal health management practices and beliefs, including those specific to FMD risk and response capacity. A Bayesian Network (BN) model was developed from the vulnerability framework, to investigate the complex interrelationships between variables and identify producer typologies. A total of 375 usable responses were obtained from the cross-sectional study. Regarding EAD exposure, producers implemented appropriate biosecurity practices for incoming stock, such as isolation (72.0 %), inspection for disease (88.7 %) and the use of vendor declarations (78.5 %); however, other biosecurity practices were limited, such as restriction of visitor access, visitor biosecurity requirements or feral animal control. In relation to response capacity, a moderate uptake of practices was observed. Whilst daily or weekly visual inspection of animals was reported by most producers (90.1 %), physical inspection was less frequent. Most producers would call a private veterinarian in response to unusual signs of disease in their cattle; however, over 40 % of producers did not cite calling a government veterinarian as a priority action. Most producers believe an FMD outbreak would have extremely serious consequences; however, their level of concern was moderate and their confidence in identifying FMD symptoms was low. The BN analysis identified six vulnerability typologies, with three levels of exposure (high, moderate, low) and two levels of response capacity (high, low), as described by producer demographics and practices. The model identified property size, number of cattle and exposure variables as the most influential to the overall producer vulnerability. Results from this study can inform how to best use current biosecurity and surveillance resources and identify where opportunities exist for improving Australia's preparedness for future EAD incursions. RI Mankad, Aditi/D-3382-2011 OI Hayes, Lynne/0000-0002-5172-0281; Xie, John/0000-0002-3173-7609; Hernandez-Jover, Marta/0000-0001-8803-9062 SN 0167-5877 EI 1873-1716 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 175 AR 104872 DI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104872 UT WOS:000524342300034 PM 31981953 ER PT J AU Crego, RD Ogutu, JO Wells, HBM Ojwang, GO Martins, DJ Leimgruber, P Stabach, JA AF Crego, Ramiro D. Ogutu, Joseph O. Wells, Harry B. M. Ojwang, Gordon O. Martins, Dino J. Leimgruber, Peter Stabach, Jared A. TI Spatiotemporal dynamics of wild herbivore species richness and occupancy across a savannah rangeland: Implications for conservation SO BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AB Private lands are critical for maintaining biodiversity beyond protected areas. Across Kenyan rangelands, wild herbivores frequently coexist with people and their livestock. Human population and livestock numbers are projected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. Therefore, a better understanding of wildlife-livestock interactions and their consequences for biodiversity conservation on private lands is needed. We used a Bayesian hierarchical, multi-species and multi-year occupancy model on aerial survey data of 15 wild-herbivore species, spanning 15 years (2001-2016) to investigate a) spatiotemporal trends in species occurrence and richness across a mosaic of properties with different land uses in Laikipia County, central Kenya; and b) the effects of distance to water, vegetation and livestock relative abundance on species occurrence and richness. Although mean herbivore species richness varied little over time, we observed high spatial variation in species occurrence across Laikipia, mainly driven by negative effects of high livestock relative abundance. As expected, 'wildlife friendly' properties had higher herbivore species richness than other areas. However, high variability suggests that some pastoral properties support rich herbivore communities. The area occupied by five species with global conservation concerns (reticulated giraffe, Gravy's zebra, Beisa Oryx, Defassa waterbuck and gerenuk) and for which Laikipia County is one of the last refuges was < 50% across years. We conclude that 'wildlife friendly' properties remain crucial for conservation, although some pastoralist areas offer suitable habitats for wild herbivores. Effective management of stocking rates is critical for maintaining ecosystems able to sustain livestock and wildlife on private lands, ensuring protection for endangered species. SN 0006-3207 EI 1873-2917 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 242 AR UNSP 108436 DI 10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108436 UT WOS:000517855100025 ER PT J AU Madden, JR Santilli, F Whiteside, MA AF Madden, J. R. Santilli, F. Whiteside, M. A. TI The welfare of game birds destined for release into the wild: a balance between early life care and preparation for future natural hazards SO ANIMAL WELFARE AB Globally, over 110 million game birds are reared annually and released for recreational hunting. Game birds differ from other reared livestock because they experience two very distinct environments during their lives. Chicks are first reared in captivity for 6-12 weeks under managed, stable conditions and then released into the wild. A limited set of 13 studies have explored how the rearing conditions experienced by chicks influences their pre-release welfare, typically in terms of physical injury (feather-pecking) or behavioural assays of stress responses. However, no studies have considered the specific indicators of welfare of game birds after release. We therefore need to draw from studies that do not specifically investigate welfare but instead ones that examine how rearing environments influence post-release morphology, behaviour and survival. Consequently, we reviewed how reared and wild-born game birds differ and suggest methods by which more naturalistic rearing conditions may be achieved. We noted five areas where artificial rearing deviates substantially from natural conditions: absence of adults; unnatural chick densities; unnatural diet; unnatural physical environment; and exclusion of predation risk. Mimicking or introducing some of these elements in game bird rearing practice could bring two benefits: i) facilitating more natural behaviour by the chicks during rearing; and ii) ensuring that birds after release are better able to cope with natural hazards. Together, these could result in an improved overall welfare for game birds. For example, enrichment of the spatial environment may serve to both improve welfare pre-release and after release into the wild. However, some adaptations may induce poor welfare for a short period in the young birds. For example, exposure to predators may be temporarily stressful, but ultimately such experiences in early life may permit them to better cope with such threats when released into the wild. Therefore, to achieve an optimal welfare for the entirety of a game bird's life, a careful balance between the conditions experienced in early life and adequate preparation for later life in the wild is required. OI Madden, Joah/0000-0002-0691-0967 SN 0962-7286 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 29 IS 1 BP 1 EP 18 DI 10.7120/09627286.29.1.001 UT WOS:000518404800001 ER PT J AU Andreasen, SN Sandoe, P Waiblinger, S Forkman, B AF Andreasen, S. N. Sandoe, P. Waiblinger, S. Forkman, B. TI Negative attitudes of Danish dairy farmers to their livestock correlates negatively with animal welfare SO ANIMAL WELFARE AB Positive stockperson attitudes to his or her animals is associated with a positive behavioural response in the animals and in other indicators assumed to reflect a high level of welfare as well as increased productivity, eg in milk yield. Conversely, negative attitudes have been found to have the opposite effect. However, so far, no attempt has been made to link the attitudes of stockpersons to outcomes of comprehensive protocols assessing animal welfare at farm level. In the study reported here, attitudes of Danish dairy farmers are compared with the on-farm welfare of dairy cows as assessed by the Welfare Quality (R) (WQ) protocol. In 35 dairy herds the welfare was assessed, and the farmers filled in a self-report questionnaire on their attitudes to dairy cows and how they should be handled. The farmers on the farms with the lowest total welfare score could, according to the self-report questionnaire, be characterised as those with a negative attitude to the handling of cows (eg less strongly disliked to kick a cow or use a stick, when necessary). As expected, farmer behavioural attitudes regarding different situations correlated: for example, farmers who liked more to work with and have positive interactions with the cows also agreed more on patient handling and the importance of regular positive contact. Furthermore, farms where farmers gave cows a positive characteristic were found to score highly on the WQ principle 'Appropriate behaviour'. OI Forkman, Bjorn/0000-0002-0153-6240; Waiblinger, Susanne/0000-0003-3565-4306 SN 0962-7286 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 29 IS 1 BP 89 EP 98 DI 10.7120/09627286.29.1.089 UT WOS:000518404800009 ER PT J AU Platto, S Zhu, Q Guo, A He, Q Hu, S Valros, A Irwin, A AF Platto, S. Zhu, Q. Guo, A. He, Q. Hu, S. Valros, A. Irwin, A. TI Chinese farmers' attitude towards the improvement of animal welfare in their facilities SO ANIMAL WELFARE AB This study sought to investigate Chinese farmers' attitude towards animal welfare by using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). According to the TPB, an individual's intention to behave in a certain way is determined by his/her attitude towards the behaviour (specific attitude - importance - and general attitudes), the perceived behavioural control (easiness), and the supposed opinion of the people who are important to him/her (subjective norms). A total of 253 questionnaires were used, which included the three main animal productions in China (swine, poultry and cattle). Chinese farmers have perceived the improvement of animal welfare as two abstracts: general attitudes (reward-seeking, and empathic farmer); and four specific categories of actions (favourable environment, animal health, humane treatment of animals and farmers' well-being). Our analysis revealed that general and specific attitudes were the strongest predictors of farmers' intentions to improve animal welfare in the questionnaire study. In fact, Chinese farmers considered it fairly important to improve the animal welfare measures considered in the survey. In contrast, the same animal welfare measures were considered difficult to improve by the farmers as indicated by the lack of association between the easiness of improving animal welfare and the intentions. In addition, veterinarians, agricultural advisers, and scientific experts were considered to be relatively influential subjective norms as regards the activities of the farmers. This is the first study to provide an insight into the underlying meanings and values of Chinese farmers' views on improvements to animal welfare. SN 0962-7286 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 29 IS 1 BP 99 EP 112 DI 10.7120/09627286.29.1.099 UT WOS:000518404800010 ER PT J AU Licharz, H Rosmann, P Krommweh, MS Mostafa, E Buscher, W AF Licharz, Hannah Roesmann, Peter Krommweh, Manuel S. Mostafa, Ehab Buescher, Wolfgang TI Energy Efficiency of a Heat Pump System: Case Study in Two Pig Houses SO ENERGIES AB This study describes a 70-day investigation of three identical groundwater heat pumps (GWHP) for heating two pig houses located on the same farm in West Germany. Two of the three GWHPs were installed in a piglet-rearing barn, the third in a farrowing barn. All three heat pumps were fed from the same extraction well. The aim of this study was firstly the empirical performance measurement of the GWHP systems and secondly the energetic evaluation of the systems on barn level by calculating the coefficient of performance (COP). Three different assessment limits were considered in order to better identify factors influencing the COP. In total, the heat pumps supplied thermal energy of 47,160 kWh (piglet-rearing barn) and 36,500 kWh (farrowing barn). Depending on the assessment limit considered, the COP in piglet-rearing barn and farrowing barn ranged between 2.6-3.4 and 2.5-3.0, respectively. A significant factor influencing the COP is the amount of electrical current required to operate the groundwater feeding pump. The average groundwater flow rate was 168.4 m(3) d(-1) (piglet-rearing barn) and 99.1 m(3) d(-1) (farrowing barn). In conclusion, by using energy from groundwater, GWHPs have the potential to substitute fossil fuels, thus saving them and avoiding CO2 emissions. OI Buscher, Wolfgang/0000-0002-7212-7639 EI 1996-1073 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 13 IS 3 AR 662 DI 10.3390/en13030662 UT WOS:000522489000155 ER PT J AU O'Connor, S Ehimen, E Pillai, SC Lyons, G Bartlett, J AF O'Connor, Sean Ehimen, Ehiaze Pillai, Suresh C. Lyons, Gary Bartlett, John TI Economic and Environmental Analysis of Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion Plants on Irish Dairy Farms SO ENERGIES AB The European Union's (EU) climate and energy package requires all EU countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% by 2020. Based on current trends, Ireland is on track to miss this target with a projected reduction of only 5% to 6%. The agriculture sector has consistently been the single largest contributor to Irish GHG emissions, representing 33% of all emissions in 2017. Small-scale anaerobic digestion (SSAD) holds promise as an attractive technology for the treatment of livestock manure and the organic fraction of municipal wastes, especially in low population communities or standalone waste treatment facilities. This study assesses the viability of SSAD in Ireland, by modelling the technical, economic, and environmental considerations of operating such plants on commercial Irish dairy farms. The study examines the integration of SSAD on dairy farms with various herd sizes ranging from 50 to 250 dairy cows, with co-digestion afforded by grass grown on available land. Results demonstrate feedstock quantities available on-farm to be sufficient to meet the farm's energy needs with surplus energy exported, representing between 73% and 79% of the total energy generated. All scenarios investigated demonstrate a net CO2 reduction ranging between 2059-173,237 kg CO2-eq. yr(-1). The study found SSAD systems to be profitable within the plant's lifespan on farms with dairy herds sizes of >100 cows (with payback periods of 8-13 years). The simulated introduction of capital subvention grants similar to other EU countries was seen to significantly lower the plant payback periods. The insights generated from this study show SSAD to be an economically sustainable method for the mitigation of GHG emissions in the Irish agriculture sector. RI Pillai, Suresh C./K-4724-2015 OI Pillai, Suresh C./0000-0002-8901-9116 EI 1996-1073 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 13 IS 3 AR 637 DI 10.3390/en13030637 UT WOS:000522489000130 ER PT J AU Antanaitis, R Juozaitiene, V Malasauskiene, D Televicius, M AF Antanaitis, Ramunas Juozaitiene, Vida Malasauskiene, Dovile Televicius, Mindaugas TI Inline Reticulorumen pH as an Indicator of Cows Reproduction and Health Status SO SENSORS AB Our study hypothesis is that the interline registered pH of the cow reticulum can be used as an indicator of health and reproductive status. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship of pH, using the indicators of the automatic milking system (AMS), with some parameters of cow blood components. The following four main groups were used to classify cow health status: 15-30 d postpartum, 1-34 d after insemination, 35 d after insemination (not pregnant), and 35 d (pregnant). Using the reticulum pH assay, the animals were categorized as pH < 6.22 (5.3% of cows), pH 6.22-6.42 (42.1% of cows), pH 2.6-6.62 (21.1% of cows), and pH > 6.62 (10.5% of cows). Using milking robots, milk yield, fat protein, lactose level, somatic cell count, and electron conductivity were registered. Other parameters assessed included the temperature and pH of the contents of reticulorumens. Assessment of the aforementioned parameters was done using specific smaX-tec boluses. Blood gas parameters were assessed using a blood gas analyzer (EPOC (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). The study findings indicated that pregnant cows have a higher pH during insemination than that of non-pregnant ones. It was also noted that cows with a low fat/protein ratio, lactose level, and high SCC had low reticulorumen pH. They also had the lowest blood pH. It was also noted that, with the increase of reticulorumen pH, there was an increased level of blood potassium, a high hematocrit, and low sodium and carbon dioxide saturation. EI 1424-8220 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 20 IS 4 AR 1022 DI 10.3390/s20041022 UT WOS:000522448600073 PM 32074978 ER PT J AU Ieko, T Inoue, S Inomata, Y Inoue, H Fujiki, J Iwano, H AF Ieko, Takahiro Inoue, Sumire Inomata, Yume Inoue, Hiroki Fujiki, Jumpei Iwano, Hidetomo TI Glucuronidation as a metabolic barrier against zearalenone in rat everted intestine SO JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE AB Zearalenone (ZON), produced by Fusarium fungi, exhibits estrogenic activity. Livestock can be exposed to ZON orally through contaminating feeds such as cereals, leading to reproductive disorders such as infertility and miscarriage via endocrine system disruption. However, the details of ZON metabolism remain unclear, and the mechanism of its toxicity has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of ZON absorption and metabolism in rat segmented everted intestines. ZON absorption was confirmed in each intestine segment 60 min after application to the mucosal buffer at 10 mu M. Approximately half of the absorbed ZON was metabolized to a-zearalenol, which tended to be mainly glucuronidated in intestinal cells. In the proximal intestine, most of the glucuronide metabolized by intestinal cells was excreted to the mucosal side, suggesting that the intestine plays an important role as a first drug metabolism barrier for ZON. However, in the distal intestine, ZON metabolites tended to be transported to the serosal side. Glucuronide transported to the serosal side could be carried via the systemic circulation to the local tissues, where it could be reactivated by deconjugation. These results are important with regard to the mechanism of endocrine disruption caused by ZON. SN 0916-7250 EI 1347-7439 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 82 IS 2 BP 153 EP 161 DI 10.1292/jvms.19-0570 UT WOS:000522825700008 PM 31839622 ER PT J AU Senanayake, KS Soderberg, J Polajev, A Malmberg, M Karunanayake, EH Tennekoon, KH Samarakoon, SR Bongcam-Rudloff, E Niazi, A AF Senanayake, Kanchana S. Soderberg, Jonas Polajev, Aleksei Malmberg, Maja Karunanayake, Eric H. Tennekoon, Kamani H. Samarakoon, Sameera R. Bongcam-Rudloff, Erik Niazi, Adnan TI The Genome of Setaria digitata: A Cattle Nematode Closely Related to Human Filarial Parasites SO GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION AB Here we present the draft genome sequence of Setaria digitata, a parasitic nematode affecting cattle. Due to its similarity to Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasitic nematode that causes lymphatic filariasis in humans, S. digitata has been used as a model organism at the genomic level to find drug targets which can be used for the development of novel drugs and/or vaccines for human filariasis. Setaria digitata causes cerebrospinal nematodiasis in goats, sheep, and horses posing a serious threat to livestock in developing countries. The genome sequence of S. digitata will assist in finding candidate genes to use as drug targets in both S. digitata and W. bancrofti. The assembled draft genome is similar to 90 Mb long and contains 8,974 genomicscaffolds with a G+C content of 31.73%. OI Niazi, Adnan/0000-0003-0311-5279 SN 1759-6653 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 BP 3971 EP 3976 DI 10.1093/gbe/evaa017 UT WOS:000522862200019 PM 32022853 ER PT J AU Lopez-Pedrouso, M Rodriguez-Vazquez, R Purrinos, L Olivan, M Garcia-Torres, S Sentandreu, MA Lorenzo, JM Zapata, C Franco, D AF Lopez-Pedrouso, Maria Rodriguez-Vazquez, Raquel Purrinos, Laura Olivan, Mamen Garcia-Torres, Susana Sentandreu, Miguel Angel Lorenzo, Jose Manuel Zapata, Carlos Franco, Daniel TI Sensory and Physicochemical Analysis of Meat from Bovine Breeds in Different Livestock Production Systems, Pre-Slaughter Handling Conditions, and Ageing Time SO FOODS AB Different bovine breeds and production systems are used worldwide, giving rise to differences in intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of beef. In order to meet the consumer requirements, new approaches are currently being developed to guarantee tenderness, taste, and juiciness of beef. However, the final consumer perception is complex, and it is also affected by several interrelated variables. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and sensory profile of three Spanish cattle breeds under different livestock production systems (extensive and intensive) and pre-slaughter handling conditions (mixing and not mixing with unfamiliar individuals at pre-mortem time). Meat samples from each group were also studied at different ageing times (7 and 14 days). Regarding sensory attributes, twelve panelists assessed meat samples and an exhaustive statistical analysis was carried out. The most evident and strongest effect was the breed type, allowing a great differentiation among them using principal components and discriminant analysis. The livestock production system was the second most important parameter, significantly affecting odor, flavor, and textural profile (fibrousness). It can be concluded that there were marked differences in the traits of these beef that could be modified by other factors in order to fulfill consumer tastes. OI Lorenzo Rodriguez, Jose Manuel/0000-0002-7725-9294; Rodriguez Vazquez, Raquel/0000-0001-6399-9569; Franco, Daniel/0000-0002-0093-7042 EI 2304-8158 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 9 IS 2 AR 176 DI 10.3390/foods9020176 UT WOS:000521989200110 PM 32054070 ER PT J AU Labrada, GMV Kumar, S Azar, R Predicala, B Nemati, M AF Labrada, Guadalupe Montserrat Valdes Kumar, Suraj Azar, Ruth Predicala, Bernardo Nemati, Mehdi TI Simultaneous capture of NH3 and H2S using TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles - laboratory evaluation and application in a livestock facility SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AB Simultaneous removal of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from pre-mixed gases and stored swine manure gases were investigated in laboratory and semi-pilot scale systems and in a swine production facility, using TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. Increase of NH3 concentration in the mixture from 50 to 500 ppmv led to higher breakthrough and equilibrium adsorption capacities, while increase of temperature had an opposite effect. Equilibrium adsorption capacities at 22 degrees C were in the range 6.92-11.95 mg NH3 g(-1) and 1.35-3.57 mg NH3 g(-1) at 280 degrees C. Increase of H2S concentration up to a certain level led to higher equilibrium adsorption capacities but no dependency between breakthrough adsorption capacity and H2S concentration was observed. Both breakthrough and equilibrium adsorption capacities increased with the increase of temperature. The highest equilibrium adsorption capacity of 52.31 mg H2S g(-1) was obtained with 550 ppmv H2S in the mixture at 140 degrees C, while the lowest value was 14.55 mg H2S g(-1) with 50 ppmv H2S at 22 degrees C. At low temperature (22 degrees C) NH3 adsorption occurred through both physical adsorption and chemisorption, while at 280 degrees C chemisorption was the dominant mechanism. A sulfidation reaction involving ZnO and H2S that was favored by higher temperatures was evident. Treating gases emitted from stored swine manure in a semi-pilot scale adsorption system led to complete elimination of NH3 and H2S. Application of a nano-based air filtration-circulation system with ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in a swine production room during manure handling led to removal efficiencies of 67-100% for H2S and 50-100% for NH3. SN 2213-2929 EI 2213-3437 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 AR UNSP 103615 DI 10.1016/j.jece.2019.103615 UT WOS:000515128500061 ER PT J AU Pina, B Bayona, JM Christou, A Fatta-Kassinos, D Guillon, E Lambropoulou, D Michael, C Polesel, F Sayen, S AF Pina, Benjamin Bayona, Josep M. Christou, Anastasis Fatta-Kassinos, Despo Guillon, Emmanuel Lambropoulou, Dimitra Michael, Costas Polesel, Fabio Sayen, Stephanie TI On the contribution of reclaimed wastewater irrigation to the potential exposure of humans to antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes - NEREUS COST Action ES1403 position paper SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AB Antibiotic resistance (AR) is becoming a worldwide threat due to the increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains. There is a general consensus about the potential implications of the use of antibiotics in livestock on the onset of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), mainly through meat consumption. However, the ever-increasing use of reclaimed wastewater (RWW) in agriculture may also contribute significantly to the non-accounted exposure to antibiotics, ARB, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This position paper aims at evaluating the current knowledge concerning the occurrence of antibiotics, ARBs, and ARGs in edible parts of different common crops irrigated with RWW. We will discuss which regulations on the use of RWW may contribute to the minimization of the prevalence of these contaminants in crops, and provide recommendations on how to minimize the impact of these practices. RI Fatta-Kassinos, Despo/G-2331-2016; Pina, Benjamin/A-1671-2011; , Josep/A-6185-2008 OI Fatta-Kassinos, Despo/0000-0003-1173-0941; Pina, Benjamin/0000-0001-9216-2768; Lambropoulou, Dimitra/0000-0001-5743-7236; , Josep/0000-0001-5042-837X; Polesel, Fabio/0000-0003-2906-3462 SN 2213-2929 EI 2213-3437 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 AR UNSP 102131 DI 10.1016/j.jece.2018.01.011 UT WOS:000515128500003 ER PT J AU Sabri, NA Schmitt, H Van der Zaan, B Gerritsen, HW Zuidema, T Rijnaarts, HHM Langenhoff, AAM AF Sabri, N. A. Schmitt, H. Van der Zaan, B. Gerritsen, H. W. Zuidema, T. Rijnaarts, H. H. M. Langenhoff, A. A. M. TI Prevalence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in a wastewater effluent-receiving river in the Netherlands SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AB Antibiotics are being used intensively for humans and livestock worldwide and have led to the presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as a point source for ARB&Gs, and water catchments consequently are potential receptors of ARB&Gs. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibiotics (macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracyclines), ARGs (ermB, sul1, sul2, tetW), and class 1 integron (targeting the integrase gene), in a Dutch river that receives wastewater treatment plant effluent. Sediment and water samples were collected during one year along the river. The WWTP significantly increased the amounts of antibiotics and ARGs in the river as compared to the upstream samples, of which the antibiotics decreased once they entered the river. ARGs were persistent in the water and sediment from the WWTP effluent discharge point until 20 km downstream. This study provides insight in the prevalence of antibiotics and ARGs in a wastewater effluent-receiving river system in the Netherlands. Even though human antibiotic usage is low in the Netherlands, antibiotics, residues of antibiotics, and ARGs are detected in the river surface water-sediment system, which shows that a river has the potential to act as a reservoir of ARGs. OI Schmitt, Heike/0000-0002-0139-1934 SN 2213-2929 EI 2213-3437 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 AR UNSP 102245 DI 10.1016/j.jece.2018.03.004 UT WOS:000515128500010 ER PT J AU Sivagami, K Vignesh, VJ Srinivasan, R Divyapriya, G Nambi, IM AF Sivagami, Krishnasamy Vignesh, Vijayan Jaya Srinivasan, Ramya Divyapriya, Govindaraj Nambi, Indumathi M. TI Antibiotic usage, residues and resistance genes from food animals to human and environment: An Indian scenario SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AB Antibiotics are majorly used in food animals for growth promotion and prophylactic purposes in public health and environment. The aim of this review is mainly to discuss about the antibiotics usage in poultry, livestock and aquaculture sectors, particularly in India, and the identification of antibiotic resistance in animals, their corresponding antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (if investigated) and their dissemination among environmental compartments in various parts of the country. It also discusses about the classification and mechanism of action of different antibiotics. It reports the risks, benefits, ARGs development mechanisms from food animals to humans and to the environment. Most of the current studies are done in the medical field on regulating/restricting antibiotic usage and tracking the propagation of ARGs in bacterial samples of sick patients and also report the identification of antibiotics and ARGs in wastewater treatment plant effluents across various countries. This study mainly reviews the evolution and transportation of ARGs in detail for Indian scenario. SN 2213-2929 EI 2213-3437 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 1 AR UNSP 102221 DI 10.1016/j.jece.2018.02.029 UT WOS:000515128500008 ER PT J AU Ulfa, M Azuma, M Sato, M Shimohata, T Fukushima, S Kido, J Nakamoto, M Uebanso, T Mawatari, K Emoto, T Akutagawa, M Kinouchi, Y Takahashi, A AF Ulfa, Maria Azuma, Momoyo Sato, Masami Shimohata, Takaaki Fukushima, Shiho Kido, Junko Nakamoto, Mariko Uebanso, Takashi Mawatari, Kazuaki Emoto, Takahiro Akutagawa, Masatake Kinouchi, Yohsuke Takahashi, Akira TI Inactivation of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli by UVA-LED irradiation system SO JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION AB The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is increasing rapidly and spreading worldwide, particularly in Asia, compared to other regions. In the last ten years, in our hospital, in particular, there has been a < 30% increase. To prevent the spread of ESBL in hospitals and the community, the ultraviolet (UV) A-light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation device was used to inactivate ESBL-E. coli in human livestock and the environment. ESBL-E. coli and E. coli bacterial samples were collected from patients at Tokushima University Hospital (Tokushima City, Japan). The UVA-LED irradiation system had 365 nm single wavelength, and the current of the circuit was set to 0.23 or 0.50 A consistently. Results demonstrated that UVA-LED was useful for the inactivation of ESBL-E. coli and E. coli. The minimum energy dosage required to inactivate ESBL-E. coli and E. coli was 40.76 J/cm(2) (45 min) in the first type of UVA-LED and 38.85 J/cm(2) (5 min) in the second type. There were no significant differences between ESBL-E. coli and E. coli. The inactivation of ESBL-E. coli was dependent on energy. These findings suggest that UVA-LED with 365 nm single wavelength could be useful for surface decontamination in healthcare facilities. SN 1343-1420 EI 1349-6867 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 67 IS 1-2 BP 163 EP 169 UT WOS:000522433700025 PM 32378601 ER PT J AU Liebman, M Nichols, VA AF Liebman, Matt Nichols, Virginia A. TI Cropping System Redesign for Improved Weed Management: A Modeling Approach Illustrated with Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB Weeds present important challenges to both conventional farmers who rely on herbicides and organic farmers who rely on cultivation. Data from field experiments indicate that diversifying crop sequences with additional species can improve weed suppression when either herbicides or cultivation serve as primary control tactics. Here, we report the results of modeling analyses that investigated how cropping system diversification would affect the population dynamics of giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.), an annual dicotyledonous species that is problematic in the central U.S. for both conventional and organic farmers. We found that to prevent an increase in giant ragweed density, the minimum control efficacy needed from herbicides or cultivation used in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) would be 99.0% in a 2-year corn-soybean system, but 91.4% in a 5-year corn-soybean-rye (Secale cereale L.)-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) system. Thus, the diversified rotation would be better buffered against less-than-perfect weed control during corn and soybean phases. Further modeling analyses indicated that the weed suppression effect associated with greater rotation length was attributable not only to increased crop species richness but also to greater temporal variation in planting dates. A planting interval variation index (PIVI), calculated as the coefficient of variation in months between planting activities, was strongly associated with the weed suppressive ability of the rotations we modeled and may be a useful metric for designing other cropping systems. Overall, our results indicate that diversified rotation systems that include both annual and perennial crops are likely to be valuable for managing problematic weed species. OI Nichols, Virginia/0000-0003-1850-8243 EI 2073-4395 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 262 DI 10.3390/agronomy10020262 UT WOS:000521366400147 ER PT J AU Ngo, VA Wang, SL Nguyen, VB Doan, CT Tran, TN Tran, DM Tran, TD Nguyen, AD AF Van Anh Ngo Wang, San-Lang Van Bon Nguyen Chien Thang Doan Thi Ngoc Tran Dinh Minh Tran Trung Dzung Tran Anh Dzung Nguyen TI Phytophthora Antagonism of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Roots of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) SO AGRONOMY-BASEL AB In this study, 90 root samples were collected from 30 black pepper farms in three provinces in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A total of 352 endophytic bacteria were isolated and their morphology described. An in vitro assay on the antifungal activity of these isolates was then conducted and 47 isolates were found to have antagonistic activity on Phytophthora fungi. The antifungal activity of the 47 isolates was evaluated in vivo by shoot assay. Among these 47 isolates, 6 were selected for further investigation. The six isolates were classified and identified by sequencing the 16S RNA gene and phylogeny. The results showed that all six endophytic bacteria belong to the following species of Bacillus genus: B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. velezenis, and B. methylotrophiycus. Enzymatic activity related to the antifungal activity of the six potent isolates was determined; it showed that they possessed high chitinase and protease activities. These isolates were applied for black pepper seedlings in greenhouse. The results showed three promising isolates: B. siamensis EB center dot CP6, B. velezensis EB center dot KN12, and B. methylotrophycus EB center dot KN13. Black pepper seedlings treated with the promising bacteria had the lowest rate of root disease (8.45-11.21%) and lower fatal rate (11.11-15.55%) compared to the control group (24.81% and 24.44%). In addition, the three promising isolates strongly affected the growth of the black pepper seedlings in greenhouse. The plant height, length of roots, and fresh biomass of the seedlings in the treated plots were higher than those in the control plots. Thus, the endophytic bacterial isolates have the potential to act as biocontrol agent for the sustainable production of black pepper. RI Thang, Doan Chien/AAD-6740-2019 OI Thang, Doan Chien/0000-0002-9379-0923; Wang, San-Lang/0000-0002-1384-3731; Van Bon, Nguyen/0000-0002-2666-9584 EI 2073-4395 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 286 DI 10.3390/agronomy10020286 UT WOS:000521366400094 ER PT J AU Kang, XL Liu, SL Fang, LZ Lin, SD Liu, M Baldwin, RL Liu, GE Li, CJ AF Kang, Xiaolong Liu, Shuli Fang, Lingzhao Lin, Shudai Liu, Mei Baldwin, Ransom L. Liu, George E. Li, Cong-jun TI Data of epigenomic profiling of histone marks and CTCF binding sites in bovine rumen epithelial primary cells before and after butyrate treatment SO DATA IN BRIEF AB Discovering the regulatory elements of genomes in livestock is essential for our understanding of livestock's basic biology and genomic improvement programs. Previous studies showed butyrate mediates epigenetic modifications of bovine cells. To explore the bovine functional genomic elements and the vital roles of butyrate on the epigenetic modifications of bovine genomic activities, we generated and deposited the genome-wide datasets of transcript factor binding sites of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor, insulator binding protein), histone methylation (H3H27me3, H3K4me1, H3K4me3) and histone acetylation (H3K27ac) from bovine rumen epithelial primary cells (REPC) before and after butyrate treatment (doi: 10.1186/s12915-019-0687-8 [1]). In this dataset, we provide detailed information on experiment design, data generation, data quality assessment and guideline for data reuse. Our data will be a valuable resource for systematic annotation of regulatory elements in cattle and the functionally biological role of butyrate in the epigenetic modifications in bovine, as well as for the nutritional regulation and metabolism study of farm animal and human. Published by Elsevier Inc. SN 2352-3409 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 28 AR 104983 DI 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104983 UT WOS:000520402100174 PM 31890818 ER PT J AU Rizvi, RH Singh, M Kumar, A Srivastava, S AF Rizvi, R. H. Singh, Mahendra Kumar, Anil Srivastava, Shefali TI Valuation of carbon sequestration by poplar based agroforestry systems in Yamunanagar, Haryana SO INDIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AB Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry systems in Yamunanagar district of Haryana have great potential for carbon sequestration, which is considered as an ecosystems service. This study bridges the knowledge gap regarding payment for ecosystem services through carbon sequestration by poplar farmers. This study was conducted in year 2018 with the objective of estimating the quantity and value of carbon sequestered by poplar based agroforestry systems. Remote sensing analysis for year 2017 revealed that poplar is dominant tree species grown by farmers on their field and occupied about 13.97% of district's geographical area. Timber production of poplar trees was estimated at 45.9 and 113.3 t/ha for seven years of rotation in boundary and agrisilviculture systems, respectively. The CO2 sequestered by poplar trees in boundary and agrisilviculture systems come out to be 99.2 and 242.0 tCO(2) e for seven year-old plantation, and total value of this carbon sequestered was estimated at US$ 1778 and 4673 @US$ 5.1/t CO(2)e for seven years of rotation, respectively. At district level, estimated value for carbon sequestered by poplar based agroforestry systems was amounted to US$ 25.43 million @US$ 5.1/t CO2 e for entire rotation period of seven years in an area of 172506.96 ha. At country level, this ecosystem service of carbon sequestration would yield hefty amount of about US$ 285 million ((sic) 185 billion). Hence, poplar based agroforestry systems in India are sustainable solution for not only climate change mitigation but can also enhance farmers' income through payment of ecosystems service. SN 0019-5022 EI 2394-3319 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 90 IS 2 BP 312 EP 315 UT WOS:000520159800013 ER PT J AU Aklilu, E Chia, HY AF Aklilu, Erkihun Chia, Hui Ying TI First mecC and mecA Positive Livestock-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (mecC MRSA/LA-MRSA) from Dairy Cattle in Malaysia SO MICROORGANISMS AB Livestock associated Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (LA-MRSA) was reported to be zoonotic and may transmit to farmers and veterinarians. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of LA-MRSA from dairy cattle and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates. A total of 63 milk and 32 nasal swab samples were randomly collected from dairy cattle. The samples were processed to isolate S. aureus, MRSA and LA-MRSA using both phenotypic and molecular methods using PCR. The confirmed S. aureus isolates were cultured on oxacillin resistant screening agar base (ORSAB) to detect MRSA and the isolates were further confirmed by PCR targeting the mecA gene. Detection of the novel mecA gene, mecC gene was conducted by PCR amplification. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted using disc diffusion method. Results revealed 17/95 (17.89%) and 15/95 (15.79%) were positive for mecA and mecC genes respectively. Out of the 15 mecC positive isolates, 12 were positive for both mecA and mecC. The MRSA isolates showed multidrug resistance. The findings showed high prevalence of mecC-positive LA-MRSA in Malaysia and highlight the public health risks to people that may come in contact with the carrier animals or those who may consume unpasteurized milk products from these animals. EI 2076-2607 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 2 AR 147 DI 10.3390/microorganisms8020147 UT WOS:000519618200004 PM 31973159 ER PT J AU Kawasaki, K Ohya, K Omatsu, T Katayama, Y Takashima, Y Kinoshita, T Odoi, JO Sawai, K Fukushi, H Ogawa, H Inoue-Murayama, M Mizutani, T Adenyo, C Matsumoto, Y Kayang, B AF Kawasaki, Kiyonori Ohya, Kenji Omatsu, Tsutomu Katayama, Yukie Takashima, Yasuhiro Kinoshita, Tsuyoshi Odoi, Justice Opare Sawai, Kotaro Fukushi, Hideto Ogawa, Hirohito Inoue-Murayama, Miho Mizutani, Tetsuya Adenyo, Christopher Matsumoto, Yoshiki Kayang, Boniface TI Comparative Analysis of Fecal Microbiota in Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Other Herbivorous Livestock in Ghana SO MICROORGANISMS AB The grasscutter (also known as the greater cane rat; Thryonomys swinderianus) is a large rodent native to West Africa that is currently under domestication process for meat production. However, little is known about the physiology of this species. In the present study, aiming to provide information about gut microbiota of the grasscutter and better understand its physiology, we investigated the intestinal microbiota of grasscutters and compared it with that of other livestock (cattle, goat, rabbit, and sheep) using 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis. Similar to the other herbivorous animals, bacteria classified as Bacteroidales, Clostridiales, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were abundant in the microbiome of grasscutters. However, Prevotella and Treponema bacteria, which have fiber fermentation ability, were especially abundant in grasscutters, where the relative abundance of these genera was higher than that in the other animals. The presence of these genera might confer grasscutters the ability to easily breakdown dietary fibers. Diets for grasscutters should be made from ingredients not consumed by humans to avoid competition for resources and the ability to digest fibers may allow the use of fiber-rich feed materials not used by humans. Our findings serve as reference and support future studies on changes in the gut microbiota of the grasscutter as domestication progresses in order to establish appropriate feeding methods and captivity conditions. OI Matsumoto, Yoshiki/0000-0002-8620-2863; Sawai, Kotaro/0000-0003-1085-5144; Kawasaki, Kiyonori/0000-0003-1572-6341 EI 2076-2607 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 2 AR 265 DI 10.3390/microorganisms8020265 UT WOS:000519618200121 PM 32075341 ER PT J AU Tai, X Li, R Zhang, B Yu, H Kong, X Bai, ZH Deng, Y Jia, L Jin, DC AF Tai, Xin Li, Rui Zhang, Bao Yu, Hao Kong, Xiao Bai, Zhihui Deng, Ye Jia, Lan Jin, Decai TI Pollution Gradients Altered the Bacterial Community Composition and Stochastic Process of Rural Polluted Ponds SO MICROORGANISMS AB Understanding the effects of pollution on ecological communities and the underlying mechanisms that drive them will helpful for selecting a method to mediate polluted ecosystems. Quantifying the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes is a very important issue in ecology. However, little is known about their effects on the succession of microbial communities in different pollution levels rural ponds. Also, the processes that govern bacterial communities in polluted ponds are poorly understood. In this study, the microbial communities in water and sediment from the ponds were investigated by using the 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology. Meanwhile, we used null model analyses based on a taxonomic and phylogenetic metrics approach to test the microbial community assembly processes. Pollution levels were found to significantly alter the community composition and diversity of bacteria. In the sediment samples, the bacterial diversity indices decreased with increasing pollutant levels. Between-community analysis revealed that community assembly processes among water and sediment samples stochastic ratio both gradually decreased with the increased pollution levels, indicating a potential deterministic environmental filtering that is elicited by pollution. Our results identified assemblage drivers of bacterial community is important for improving the efficacies of ecological evaluation and remediation for contaminated freshwater systems. RI Bai, Zhihui/M-9290-2014 OI Bai, Zhihui/0000-0002-3818-527X; ?, ?/0000-0002-7584-0632 EI 2076-2607 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 8 IS 2 AR 311 DI 10.3390/microorganisms8020311 UT WOS:000519618200167 PM 32102406 ER PT J AU You, SY Zhang, LJ Xu, XG Liu, HC AF You, Shan-Yong Zhang, Li-Jun Xu, Xue-Guo Liu, Hu-Chen TI A New Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Multi-Objective Programming Model for Sustainable Supplier Selection and Order Allocation SO SYMMETRY-BASEL AB With the increasing pressure from global competition, manufacturers have realized that sustainable production is significant in supply chain management. Sustainable supplier selection and order allocation (SSS&OA) play a distinct and critical role for organizations to achieve sustainable development and build competitive advantage. In this paper, we aim to develop a novel SSS&OA model for selecting the most suitable sustainable suppliers and determining the optimal order sizes among them. First, double hierarchy hesitant linguistic term sets (DHHLTSs) are adopted to deal with uncertainty in evaluating the sustainable performance of alternative suppliers. Then, an extended decision field theory is proposed to choose efficient sustainable suppliers dynamically. Considering quantity discount, a multi-objective linear programming (MOLP) model is established to allocate reasonable order quantities among the selected suppliers. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the developed model are illustrated through its application in the electronic industry and through a comparative analysis with other methods. EI 2073-8994 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 AR 302 DI 10.3390/sym12020302 UT WOS:000521147600105 ER PT J AU Li, DL Chen, HY Jia, SF Lv, AF AF Li, Dalong Chen, Haiyan Jia, Shaofeng Lv, Aifeng TI Possible Hydrochemical Processes Influencing Dissolved Solids in Surface Water and Groundwater of the Kaidu River Basin, Northwest China SO WATER AB Hydrochemical processes under intense human activities were explored on the basis of the hydrochemical characteristics of 109 surface water samples and 129 groundwater samples collected during August 2015 to September 2016, in the Kaidu River Basin. Results obtained in this study indicated that the water in the basin was neutral to slightly alkaline with low total dissolved solids. Rock weathering and evaporation controlled the natural hydrochemical mechanisms. Mountain groundwater and stream water were dominated by Ca2+-HCO3- type water, whereas the plains groundwater was dominated by mixed type water. The results of principal component analysis demonstrated that water-rock interaction and human activity explained 71.6% and 12.9% of surface water hydrochemical variations, respectively, and 75.1% and 14.2% of groundwater hydrochemical variations, respectively. Sulfate, chloride, and carbonate weathering were the major water-rock interaction processes. Livestock farming and agricultural activities were the primary human activities influencing the water hydrochemistry. In addition, cation exchange is another important process influencing the hydrochemical characteristics in the study area. This study would be helpful in forecasting of water quality in arid areas. RI Jia, Shaofeng/A-2500-2011 OI Jia, Shaofeng/0000-0001-7472-2434 EI 2073-4441 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 AR 467 DI 10.3390/w12030467 UT WOS:000519846500158 ER PT J AU Griffa, N Moyano, RD Canal, AM Traveria, GE Santangelo, MP Alonso, N Romano, MI AF Griffa, N. Moyano, R. D. Canal, A. M. Traveria, G. E. Santangelo, M. P. Alonso, N. Romano, M., I TI Development and diagnostic validation of an ELISA based on an antigenic mixture for the detection of bovine tuberculosis SO VETERINARY JOURNAL AB Programs for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) focus on the tuberculin skin test (TST) and slaughter of reactor cattle. However, the disease remains an animal health concern in several countries and improving the efficiency of the TST has become a critical issue. The detection of Mycobacterium bovis antibodies in serum, within weeks after the TST, may be a rapid and inexpensive way to improve bTB control. This study reports the validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect bovine tuberculosis as an ancillary test to TST in dairy farms in Argentina. The estimated validation parameters were within the established requirements of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The test demonstrated high repeatability, with coefficients of variation <25%. High test reproducibility through interlaboratory testing was also found, with an estimated Pearson coefficient of 0.9648 (95% confidence intervals 0.9315-0.9820). The ELISA detected tuberculous cattle unidentified by the TST. Of 43 animals sent to slaughterhouses that were ELISA positive 15-17 days after a negative TST, 36 were confirmed as infected with M. bovis by histopathology and IS6110 PCR. According to ROC curve analysis of results of 145 cattle from M. bovis-free herds and the 36 M. bovis-infected cattle, at a corrected optical density cut-off point of 0.3853, specificity was 95.95% and the positive predictive value at this cut-off was 83.72%. The ELISA detection test validated in this study could be readily applied in dairy farms, to complement a prior TST and improve livestock health. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. SN 1090-0233 EI 1532-2971 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 256 AR 105426 DI 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105426 UT WOS:000521515000001 PM 32113584 ER PT J AU Pansri, P Katholm, J Krogh, KM Aagaard, AK Schmidt, LMB Kudirkiene, E Larsen, LE Olsen, JE AF Pansri, P. Katholm, J. Krogh, K. M. Aagaard, A. K. Schmidt, L. M. B. Kudirkiene, E. Larsen, L. E. Olsen, J. E. TI Evaluation of novel multiplex qPCR assays for diagnosis of pathogens associated with the bovine respiratory disease complex SO VETERINARY JOURNAL AB Bovine respiratory disease complex is the most common disease requiring the use of antimicrobials in industrial calf production worldwide. Pathogenic bacteria (Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh), Pasteurella multocida (Pm), Histophilus somni (Hs), and Mycoplasma bovis) and a range of viruses (bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine coronavirus, bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine herpesvirus type 1) are associated with this complex. As most of these pathogens can be present in healthy and diseased calves, simple detection of their presence in diseased calves carries low predictive value. In other multi-agent diseases of livestock, quantification of pathogens has added substantially to the predictive value of microbiological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of two recently developed quantitative PCR (qPCR) kits (Pneumo4B and Pneumo4V) to detect and quantify these bacterial and viral pathogens, respectively. Test efficiencies of the qPCR assays, based on nucleic acid dilution series of target bacteria and viruses, were 93-106% and 91-104%, respectively, with assay detection limits of 10-50 copies of nucleic acids. All 44 strains of target bacteria were correctly identified, with no false positive reactions in 135 strains of non-target bacterial species. Based on standard curves of log10 CFU versus cycle threshold (Ct) values, quantification was possible over a 5-log range of bacteria. In 92 tracheal aspirate samples, the kappa values for agreement between Pneumo4B and bacterial culture were 0.64-0.84 for Mh, Pm and Hs. In an additional 84 tracheal aspirates, agreement between Pneumo4B or Pneumo 4V and certified diagnostic qPCR assays was moderate (0.57) for M. bovis and high (0.71-0.90) for viral pathogens. Thus Pneumo4 kits specifically detected and quantified the relevant pathogens. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI Karabulut, Erman/G-6679-2011; Larsen, Lars Erik/G-3827-2015 OI Karabulut, Erman/0000-0002-0787-905X; Larsen, Lars Erik/0000-0003-0730-5555; Olsen, John Elmerdahl/0000-0001-6225-6587 SN 1090-0233 EI 1532-2971 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 256 AR 105425 DI 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105425 UT WOS:000521515000002 PM 32113583 ER PT J AU Enebish, B Dashkhuu, D Renchin, M Russell, M Singh, P AF Enebish, Bayarjargal Dashkhuu, Dulamsuren Renchin, Mijiddorj Russell, Michael Singh, Piyush TI Impact of Climate on the NDVI of Northern Mongolia SO JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN SOCIETY OF REMOTE SENSING AB The climate of Mongolia is harsh continental with sharply defined seasons, high annual and diurnal temperature fluctuations, low rainfall and a very short growing season. Mongolia has experienced significant impacts from climate change, and it has been suggested that these impacts have led to significant degradation to the extensive grasslands of the iconic Mongolian steppes. This paper presents research results of the effects of climate parameters on the biomass of the steppes of central northern Mongolia as determined by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). NDVI shows a negative correlation with temperature and, as maximum temperature has been increasing over the last three decades, NDVI is now lower than the high values of the 1980s. NDVI also shows a positive correlation with annual precipitation, and a dramatic drop in NDVI that occurred in 1995 is related to changes in large-scale climate patterns combining to reduce rainfall. A northward movement of the tracks of rain-bearing cyclones away from Mongolia and a change in ENSO from El Nino to La Nina suppressed convective rainfall events. Moderation of climate extremes led to some recovery of the NDVI, but dramatic increases in the number of livestock are again producing a loss of biomass leaving the region open to catastrophe whether climate again returns to extreme conditions. SN 0255-660X EI 0974-3006 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 48 IS 2 BP 333 EP 340 DI 10.1007/s12524-019-01080-9 UT WOS:000517976300013 ER PT J AU Barwick, J Lamb, DW Dobos, R Welch, M Schneider, D Trotter, M AF Barwick, Jamie Lamb, David William Dobos, Robin Welch, Mitchell Schneider, Derek Trotter, Mark TI Identifying Sheep Activity from Tri-Axial Acceleration Signals Using a Moving Window Classification Model SO REMOTE SENSING AB Behaviour is a useful indicator of an individual animal's overall wellbeing. There is widespread agreement that measuring and monitoring individual behaviour autonomously can provide valuable opportunities to trigger and refine on-farm management decisions. Conventionally, this has required visual observation of animals across a set time period. Technological advancements, such as animal-borne accelerometers, are offering 24/7 monitoring capability. Accelerometers have been used in research to quantify animal behaviours for a number of years. Now, technology and software developers, and more recently decision support platform providers, are integrating to offer commercial solutions for the extensive livestock industries. For these systems to function commercially, data must be captured, processed and analysed in sync with data acquisition. Practically, this requires a continuous stream of data or a duty cycled data segment and, from an analytics perspective, the application of moving window algorithms to derive the required classification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of a 'clean state' moving window behaviour state classification algorithm applied to 3, 5 and 10 second duration segments of data (including behaviour transitions), to categorise data emanating from collar, leg and ear mounted accelerometers on five Merino ewes. The model was successful at categorising grazing, standing, walking and lying behaviour classes with varying sensitivity, and no significant difference in model accuracy was observed between the three moving window lengths. The accuracy in identifying behaviour classes was highest for the ear-mounted sensor (86%-95%), followed by the collar-mounted sensor (67%-88%) and leg-mounted sensor (48%-94%). Between-sheep variations in classification accuracy confirm the sensor orientation is an important source of variation in all deployment modes. This research suggests a moving window classifier is capable of segregating continuous accelerometer signals into exclusive behaviour classes and may provide an appropriate data processing framework for commercial deployments. OI Welch, Mitchell/0000-0003-4220-8734; Schneider, Derek/0000-0002-1897-4175 EI 2072-4292 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 646 DI 10.3390/rs12040646 UT WOS:000519564600057 ER PT J AU Gomez-Giraldez, PJ Perez-Palazon, MJ Polo, MJ Gonzalez-Dugo, MP AF Gomez-Giraldez, Pedro J. Perez-Palazon, Maria J. Polo, Maria J. Gonzalez-Dugo, Maria P. TI Monitoring Grass Phenology and Hydrological Dynamics of an Oak-Grass Savanna Ecosystem Using Sentinel-2 and Terrestrial Photography SO REMOTE SENSING AB Annual grasslands are an essential component of oak savanna ecosystems as the primary source of fodder for livestock and wildlife. Drought resistance adaptation has led them to complete their life cycle before serious soil and plant water deficits develop, resulting in a close link between grass phenology and soil water dynamics. In this work, these links were explored using a combination of terrestrial photography, satellite imagery and hydrological ground measurements. We obtained key phenological parameters of the grass cycle from terrestrial camera data using the Green Chromatic Coordinate (GCCc) index. These parameters were compared with those provided by time-series of vegetation indices (VI) obtained from Sentinel-2 (S2) satellites and time-series of abiotic variables, which defined the hydrology of the system. The results showed that the phenological parameters estimated by the S2 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and soil moisture (SM) (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) presented the best agreement with ground-derived observations compared to those provided by other vegetation indices and abiotic variables. The study of NDVI and SM dynamics, that was extended over four growing seasons (July 2015-May 2019), showed that the seasonality of both variables was highly synchronized, with the best agreements at the beginning and at the end of the dry seasons. However, stage changes were estimated first by SM, followed by NDVI, with a delay of between 3 and 10 days. These results support the use of a multi-approach method to monitor the phenology and the influence of the soil moisture dynamic under the study conditions. RI Polo, Maria J./L-8018-2014 OI Polo, Maria J./0000-0002-6296-2198 EI 2072-4292 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 600 DI 10.3390/rs12040600 UT WOS:000519564600011 ER PT J AU Meng, XY Gao, X Li, SY Lei, JQ AF Meng, Xiaoyu Gao, Xin Li, Shengyu Lei, Jiaqiang TI Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Vegetation NDVI Changes and the Driving Forces in Mongolia during 1982-2015 SO REMOTE SENSING AB As a result of the unique geographical characteristics, pastoral lifestyle, and economic conditions in Mongolia, its fragile natural ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate change and human activities. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was employed in this study as an indicator of the growth status of vegetation. The Sen's slope, Mann-Kendall test, and geographical detector modelling methods were used to assess the spatial and temporal changes of the NDVI in response to variations in natural conditions and human activities in Mongolia from 1982 to 2015. The corresponding individual and interactive driving forces, and the optimal range for the maximum NDVI value of vegetation distribution were also quantified. The area in which vegetation was degraded was roughly equal to the area of increase, but different vegetation types behaved differently. The desert steppe and the Gobi Desert both in arid regions have degraded significantly, whereas the meadow steppe and alpine steppe showed a significant upward trend. Precipitation can satisfactorily account for vegetation distribution. Changes of livestock quantity was the dominant factor influencing the changes of most vegetation types. The interactions of topographic factors and climate factors have significant effects on vegetation growth. In the region of annual precipitation between 331 mm and 596 mm, forest vegetation type and pine sandy soil type were found to be most suitable for the growth of vegetation in Mongolia. The findings of this study can help us to understand the appropriate range or type of environmental factors affecting vegetation growth in Mongolia, based on which we can apply appropriate interventions to effectively mitigate the impact of environmental changes on vegetation. EI 2072-4292 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 603 DI 10.3390/rs12040603 UT WOS:000519564600014 ER PT J AU Steiner, JL Wetter, J Robertson, S Teet, S Wang, J Wu, XC Zhou, YT Brown, D Xiao, XM AF Steiner, Jean L. Wetter, Jeffrey Robertson, Shelby Teet, Stephen Wang, Jie Wu, Xiaocui Zhou, Yuting Brown, David Xiao, Xiangming TI Grassland Wildfires in the Southern Great Plains: Monitoring Ecological Impacts and Recovery SO REMOTE SENSING AB Devastating wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas in 2016 and 2017 resulted in significant social, economic, and environmental losses, with the agricultural sector among those severely affected. Several satellite-based indices were evaluated as potential monitoring tools for post-wildfire ecological recovery and management of grasslands. All indices evaluated provided useful information and indicated rapid vegetation recovery from wildfire. The Leaf Water Stress Index (LSWI) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) showed a distinct response to the wildfire events, and differentiated between burned and unburned areas throughout the post-wildfire growing seasons better than the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetative Index (EVI). In particular, the LSWI may provide a useful tool for mapping the footprint of wildfire, with potential utility for organizations that provide post-fire recovery resources. The GPP, which estimates the biomass productivity of vegetation, can provide information to livestock operators to guide the re-stocking of cattle in the aftermath of wildfire. In sum, satellite-based proxies can provide timely information both to characterize a wildfire's footprint and to guide post-fire grazing management in a manner that balances short term needs for forage with long-term productivity and ecological function. OI Steiner, Jean/0000-0003-3779-8717; Xiao, Xiangming/0000-0003-0956-7428; Wang, Jie/0000-0003-1866-3999 EI 2072-4292 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 4 AR 619 DI 10.3390/rs12040619 UT WOS:000519564600030 ER PT J AU Guvvala, PR Ravindra, JP Selvaraju, S AF Guvvala, Pushpa Rani Ravindra, Janivara Parameswaraiah Selvaraju, Sellappan TI Impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health of male domestic ruminants: a review SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Environmental contaminants are gaining more attention in the livestock sector lately due to their harmful effects on productivity and fertility of livestock. Recent research indicates that many domestic ruminants are becoming subfertile/infertile due to confounding reasons associated with management. Contaminants like metals, metalloids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, chemicals, or natural contaminants are present everywhere in day to day life and are becoming a threat to the livestock. Studies on a broad-spectrum of animals suggest that high doses of acute or low doses of chronic exposure to the contaminants lead to disruption of multi-organs/systems including reproductive function. The lowered reproductive efficiency in animals is attributed to the endocrine disruptor activities of the environmental contaminants on the gonads, affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. In vitro studies on testicular cells and the semen suggest that spermatozoa are more susceptible to damage by environmental contaminants. The quality of the semen happens to be a critical factor in the livestock industry. Contaminants affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis may lead to devastating consequences to the livestock reproduction, and thus the production. However, there is a lack of collective data on the effect of such environmental contaminants on the fertility of male domestic ruminants. This review discusses the studies related to the impact of environmental contaminants on male fertility in large (bull and buffalo) and small (sheep and goat) ruminants by focusing on the underlying molecular interactions between the contaminants and gonads. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 27 IS 4 BP 3819 EP 3836 DI 10.1007/s11356-019-06980-4 UT WOS:000519703100025 PM 31845245 ER PT J AU Guo, F Zhu, ZH Zheng, ZQ Jin, Y Di, XX Xu, ZH Guan, HW AF Guo, Feng Zhu, Zihan Zheng, Zhangqin Jin, Ying Di, Xiaoxuan Xu, Zhonghao Guan, Hongwei TI Facile synthesis of highly efficient fluorescent carbon dots for tetracycline detection SO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH AB Rampant use of tetracycline in animal feed is a threat to food security, the environment, and human health because of the risk of drug residues. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a sensitive, efficient, and reliable method for qualitative and quantitative detection of tetracycline. In this paper, we synthesized fluorescent carbon dots (FCDs) by thermal cracking of crab shell waste, and obtained a fluorescence quantum yield of 30%. Characterization of the FCDs by transmission electron microscopy, Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that they were fluorescent and evenly distributed with an average size of approximately 10 nm. We designed a sensitive probe for detecting tetracycline using the fluorescence intensity change of the FCDs. This method is sensitive, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. The concentration of tetracycline was examined by comparing the fluorescence intensities of the FCDs before and after tetracycline addition. The limit of detection for tetracycline was 0.005 mg/L (signal-to-noise ratio = 3), which is promising for method development. SN 0944-1344 EI 1614-7499 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 27 IS 4 BP 4520 EP 4527 DI 10.1007/s11356-019-06779-3 UT WOS:000519703100086 PM 31768961 ER PT J AU Fracchiolla, M Renna, M D'Imperio, M Lasorella, C Santamaria, P Cazzato, E AF Fracchiolla, Mariano Renna, Massimiliano D'Imperio, Massimiliano Lasorella, Cesare Santamaria, Pietro Cazzato, Eugenio TI Living Mulch and Organic Fertilization to Improve Weed Management, Yield and Quality of Broccoli Raab in Organic Farming SO PLANTS-BASEL AB Living mulch gives many benefits to agro-ecosystems such as erosion control, nitrogen fixation and nutrient recycling, increasing of organic matter, weed and pest control, and increasing of soil organism. The experiment, carried out in Puglia, Southern Italy on transplanted broccoli raab (cv. Grossa fasanese), evaluated four soil management systems (SMSs): Trifolium subterraneum and T. repens used as living mulch, undisturbed weedy, and conventional tillage. For each SMS, four rates of nitrogen and phosphorous (NP0, NP1, NP2, and NP3) were supplied, using an organic fertilizer. The following data were collected: weed infestation, leaf chlorophyll in the plants (as SPAD units), weight, diameter, and colour of the inflorescences, anion and Mg, Fe, Na, K, Ca content. Fertilization showed prominent effects on most of parameters evaluated. The Sufficient Index of broccoli raab plants was higher in fertilized plots. With the increasing of fertilization rates, weight of primary inflorescences and the marketable yield linearly increased, confirming the great influence of nitrogen fertilization on the yield of Brassicaceae vegetables and highlighting the importance of combining living mulch and fertilization. By increasing fertilization rates, some elements, such as Mg and Fe, increased, whereas a decrease of Na, K, and Ca was observed. The nitrate content in the inflorescences was different only between the fertilized and unfertilized plots, although it was very low. In NP2 and NP3 a greener colour was found. Living mulch did not clearly affect quality and yield of broccoli raab but was effective in weed control. Results show the positive effects of living mulch and organic fertilization in the sustainable production of broccoli raab. RI ; Renna, Massimiliano/X-8440-2018; Santamaria, Pietro/G-7421-2012 OI D'IMPERIO, Massimiliano/0000-0001-7011-9347; Renna, Massimiliano/0000-0001-7458-6161; Cazzato, Eugenio/0000-0001-6613-0623; Santamaria, Pietro/0000-0001-5918-7322 EI 2223-7747 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 9 IS 2 AR 177 DI 10.3390/plants9020177 UT WOS:000519248200149 PM 32024137 ER PT J AU Li, Z Torres, JEP Goossens, J Stijlemans, B Sterckx, YGJ Magez, S AF Li, Zeng Pinto Torres, Joar Esteban Goossens, Julie Stijlemans, Benoit Sterckx, Yann G. -J. Magez, Stefan TI Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification lateral flow assay for the detection of active Trypanosoma evansi infections SO PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AB Author summary Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting humans and/or domestic animals severely impair the socio-economic development of endemic areas. One of these diseases, animal trypanosomosis, affects livestock and is caused by the parasites of the Trypanosoma genus. The most widespread causative agent of animal trypanosomosis is T. evansi, which is found in large parts of the world (Africa, Asia, South America, Middle East, and the Mediterranean). Proper control and treatment of the disease requires the availability of reliable and sensitive diagnostic tools. DNA-based detection techniques are powerful and versatile in the sense that they can be tailored to achieve a high specificity and usually allow the reliable detection of low amounts of parasite genetic material. However, many DNA-based methodologies (such as PCR) require trained staff and well-equipped laboratories, which is why the research community has actively investigated in developing amplification strategies that are simple, fast, cost-effective and are suitable for use in minimally equipped laboratories and field settings. In this paper, we describe the development of a diagnostic test under a dipstick format for the specific detection of T. evansi, based on a DNA amplification principle (Recombinase Polymerase Amplification aka RPA) that meets the above-mentioned criteria. Background Animal trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi is known as "surra" and is a widespread neglected tropical disease affecting wild and domestic animals mainly in South America, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. An essential necessity for T. evansi infection control is the availability of reliable and sensitive diagnostic tools. While DNA-based PCR detection techniques meet these criteria, most of them require well-trained and experienced users as well as a laboratory environment allowing correct protocol execution. As an alternative, we developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) test for Type A T. evansi. The technology uses an isothermal nucleic acid amplification approach that is simple, fast, cost-effective and is suitable for use in minimally equipped laboratories and even field settings. Methodology/Principle findings An RPA assay targeting the T. evansi RoTat1.2 VSG gene was designed for the DNA-based detection of T. evansi. Comparing post-amplification visualization by agarose gel electrophoresis and a lateral flow (LF) format reveals that the latter displays a higher sensitivity. The RPA-LF assay is specific for RoTat1.2-expressing strains of T. evansi as it does not detect the genomic DNA of other trypanosomatids. Finally, experimental mouse infection trials demonstrate that the T. evansi specific RPA-LF can be employed as a test-of-cure tool. RI Sterckx, Yann/F-2269-2017; magez, stefan/D-9497-2014 OI Sterckx, Yann/0000-0002-7420-0983; magez, stefan/0000-0003-3760-7968 SN 1935-2735 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 AR e0008044 DI 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008044; 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008044.r001; 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008044.r002; 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008044.r003; 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008044.r004 UT WOS:000519231700047 PM 32069278 ER PT J AU Nakanwagi, M Ario, AR Kwagonza, L Aceng, FL Mwesigye, J Bulage, L Buule, J Sendagala, JN Downing, R Zhu, BP AF Nakanwagi, Miriam Ario, Alex Riolexus Kwagonza, Leocadia Aceng, Freda Loy Mwesigye, James Bulage, Lilian Buule, Joshua Sendagala, Juliet Nsimire Downing, Robert Zhu, Bao-Ping TI Outbreak of gastrointestinal anthrax following eating beef of suspicious origin: Isingiro District, Uganda, 2017 SO PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AB Introduction Gastrointestinal anthrax is a rare but serious disease. In August 2017, Isingiro District, Uganda reported a cluster of >40 persons with acute-onset gastroenteritis. Symptoms included bloody diarrhoea. We investigated to identify the etiology and exposures, and to inform control measures. Methods We defined a suspected case as acute-onset of diarrhoea or vomiting during 15-31 August 2017 in a resident (aged >= 2 years) of Kabingo sub-county, Isingiro District; a confirmed case was a suspected case with a clinical sample positive for Bacillus anthracis by culture or PCR. We conducted descriptive epidemiology to generate hypotheses. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between case-patients and neighbourhood-matched controls. We used conditional logistic regression to compute matched odds ratios (MOR) for associations of illness with exposures. Results We identified 61 cases (58 suspected and 3 confirmed; no deaths). In the case-control study, 82% of 50 case-patients and 12% of 100 controls ate beef purchased exclusively from butchery X during the week before illness onset (MOR = 46, 95%CI = 4.7-446); 8.0% of case-patients and 3.0% of controls ate beef purchased from butchery X and elsewhere (MOR = 19, 95%CI = 1.0-328), compared with 6.0% of case-patients and 30% of controls who did not eat beef. B. anthracis was identified in two vomitus and one stool sample. Butchery X slaughtered a sick cow and sold the beef during case-patients' incubation period. Conclusion This gastrointestinal anthrax outbreak occurred due to eating beef from butchery X. We recommended health education, safe disposal of the carcasses of livestock or game animals, and anthrax vaccination for livestock. Author summary Gastrointestinal anthrax is one of the forms of anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis. It is a serious but rarely diagnosed form owing to its presentation being similar to gastroenteritis illness due to other organisms. In this investigation, we ascertained that this was a gastrointestinal anthrax outbreak that was caused by consumption of beef of suspicious origin. Trace back identified the source of this beef as being from one specific butcher. All the case-patients were treated and recovered. The outbreak was controlled at the source through treatment and we provided public education of the masses about the dangers of eating meat of animals that have died of unknown causes. We additionally recommended inspection of meat before sale at butcheries to ensure that it is suitable for human consumption as well as vaccination of the animals in the region. In the long term, anthrax control requires a One-Health approach that is multisectoral, involving ministries of agriculture, animal industries and ministries of health. OI Downing, Robert/0000-0001-5692-8981; Aceng, Freda/0000-0003-3029-8947; Nakanwagi, Miriam/0000-0001-8677-7854 SN 1935-2735 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 AR e0008026 DI 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008026 UT WOS:000519231700014 PM 32106229 ER PT J AU Tigoi, C Sang, RS Chepkorir, E Orindi, B Arum, SO Mulwa, F Mosomtai, G Limbaso, S Hassan, OA Irura, Z Ahlm, C Evander, M AF Tigoi, Caroline Sang, Rosemary Chepkorir, Edith Orindi, Benedict Arum, Samuel Okello Mulwa, Francis Mosomtai, Gladys Limbaso, Samson Hassan, Osama A. Irura, Zephania Ahlm, Clas Evander, Magnus TI High risk for human exposure to Rift Valley fever virus in communities living along livestock movement routes: A cross-sectional survey in Kenya SO PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AB Introduction Multiple outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) with devastating effects have occurred in East Africa. These outbreaks cause disease in both livestock and humans and affect poor households most severely. Communities living in areas practicing nomadic livestock movement may be at higher risk of infection. This study sought to i) determine the human exposure to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in populations living within nomadic animal movement routes in Kenya; and ii) identify risk factors for RVFV infection in these communities. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Samples were collected from the year 2014 to 2015 in a community-based sampling exercise involving healthy individuals aged >= 18 years from Isiolo, Tana River, and Garissa counties. In total, 1210 samples were screened by ELISA for the presence of immunoglobulin IgM and IgG antibodies against RVFV. Positive results were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test. Results Overall, IgM and IgG prevalence for all sites combined was 1.4% (95% CI 0.8-2.3%) and 36.4% (95% CI 33.8-39.2%), respectively. Isiolo County recorded a non-significant higher IgG prevalence of 38.8% than Garissa 35.9% and Tana River 32.2% (Chi square = 2.5, df = 2, p = 0.287). Males were significantly at higher risk of infection by RVFV than females (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.17-2.39, p<0.005). Age was significantly associated with RVFV infection (Wald Chi = 94.2, df = 5, p<0.0001). Individuals who had regular contact with cattle (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.01-1.89) and donkeys (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.14-1.67), or contact with animals through birthing (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.14-2.51) were significantly at a greater risk of RVFV infection than those who did not. Conclusion This study demonstrated that although the Isiolo County has been classified as being at medium risk for RVF, virus infection appeared to be as prevalent in humans as in Tana River and Garissa, which have been classified as being at high risk. Populations in these counties live within nomadic livestock movement routes and therefore at risk of being exposed to the RVFV. Interventions to control RVFV infections therefore, should target communities living along livestock movement pathways. Author summary Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a neglected mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that causes major outbreaks and economic harm to human and ruminants health leading to increased poverty within affected communities. RVF is caused by RVF virus (RVFV) affecting humans and a wide range of ruminants. The virus is transmitted through bites from mosquitoes and exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected ruminants. It was first isolated in Kenya in 1930 and several outbreaks have been recorded in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We studied pastoralist communities living along livestock migratory routes. Migratory livestock do move long distances in search of water and pasture and may be at higher risk of exposure to RVFV. We also determined risk factors for RVFV infection by studying age, gender, contact with animals through birthing, and occupation. Prevention and control of RVFV infection can target significant risk factors to prevent spread and re-occurrence of outbreaks. OI Tigoi, Caroline/0000-0003-2750-7533; Ahmed Hassan, Osama/0000-0001-7633-3782; Orindi, Benedict/0000-0002-4601-7890 SN 1935-2735 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 AR e0007979 DI 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007979 UT WOS:000519231700024 PM 32084127 ER PT J AU Raafat, D Mrochen, DM Al'Sholui, F Heuser, E Ryll, R Pritchett-Corning, KR Jacob, J Walther, B Matuschka, FR Richter, D Westerhus, U Pikula, J van den Brandt, J Nicklas, W Monecke, S Strommenger, B van Alen, S Becker, K Ulrich, RG Holtfreter, S AF Raafat, Dina Mrochen, Daniel M. Al'Sholui, Fawaz Heuser, Elisa Ryll, Rene Pritchett-Corning, Kathleen R. Jacob, Jens Walther, Bernd Matuschka, Franz-Rainer Richter, Dania Westerhues, Uta Pikula, Jiri van den Brandt, Jens Nicklas, Werner Monecke, Stefan Strommenger, Birgit Van Alen, Sarah Becker, Karsten Ulrich, Rainer G. Holtfreter, Silva TI Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Wild, Captive and Laboratory Rats: Effect of Habitat on the Nasal S. aureus Population SO TOXINS AB Rats are a reservoir of human- and livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, the composition of the natural S. aureus population in wild and laboratory rats is largely unknown. Here, 144 nasal S. aureus isolates from free-living wild rats, captive wild rats and laboratory rats were genotyped and profiled for antibiotic resistances and human-specific virulence genes. The nasal S. aureus carriage rate was higher among wild rats (23.4%) than laboratory rats (12.3%). Free-living wild rats were primarily colonized with isolates of clonal complex (CC) 49 and CC130 and maintained these strains even in husbandry. Moreover, upon livestock contact, CC398 isolates were acquired. In contrast, laboratory rats were colonized with many different S. aureus lineages-many of which are commonly found in humans. Five captive wild rats were colonized with CC398-MRSA. Moreover, a single CC30-MRSA and two CC130-MRSA were detected in free-living or captive wild rats. Rat-derived S. aureus isolates rarely harbored the phage-carried immune evasion gene cluster or superantigen genes, suggesting long-term adaptation to their host. Taken together, our study revealed a natural S. aureus population in wild rats, as well as a colonization pressure on wild and laboratory rats by exposure to livestock- and human-associated S. aureus, respectively. RI ; Pikula, Jiri/V-8620-2018 OI Walther, Bernd/0000-0001-7590-5240; Pikula, Jiri/0000-0001-8747-9365 EI 2072-6651 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 AR 80 DI 10.3390/toxins12020080 UT WOS:000519117300059 PM 31991690 ER PT J AU Li, RD Zheng, H Zhang, CP Keeler, B Samberg, LH Li, C Polasky, S Ni, YM Ouyang, ZY AF Li, Ruida Zheng, Hua Zhang, Cuiping Keeler, Bonnie Samberg, Leah H. Li, Cong Polasky, Stephen Ni, Yongming Ouyang, Zhiyun TI Rural Household Livelihood and Tree Plantation Dependence in the Central Mountainous Region of Hainan Island, China: Implications for Poverty Alleviation SO FORESTS AB Plantations support local economies and rural livelihoods in many mountainous regions, where poverty and a fragile environment are often interlinked. Managing plantations sustainably and alleviating poverty is a major challenge. This study reports on the findings of a household livelihood survey in the central mountainous region of Hainan Island, a global biodiversity hotspot. The survey aimed to identify rural household livelihoods, strategies to lift rural households out of poverty and potential environmental consequences of different livelihood strategies. Households were divided into five groups based on their main source of income: plantations, crops, livestock, local off-farm income and remittances. Plantations were the main source of income for 74% of households and provided 46% of the total income. Plantation land area, planting diverse tree species and intercropping were significantly associated with higher income. Reallocating land by family size could increase the proportion of households above the poverty line in the plantation group from 51.3% to 85.3%, while making only 3.3% of households worse off. Lower income households tended to apply more chemicals to plantations, which suggests that they create more strain on the environment. Improving household income through dynamically allocating plantation land and diversifying planted species could therefore be beneficial both socially and environmentally. Our results emphasize the importance of dynamic plantation land allocation and diverse plantation planting in poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. OI Ouyang, Zhiyun/0000-0003-0927-0499 EI 1999-4907 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 11 IS 2 AR 248 DI 10.3390/f11020248 UT WOS:000519236600062 ER PT J AU Ersoy, E Ugurlu, A AF Ersoy, Erdinc Ugurlu, Aysenur TI The potential of Turkey's province-based livestock sector to mitigate GHG emissions through biogas production SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Methane and nitrous oxide are the two leading greenhouse gases (GHG) that are released to the atmosphere due to livestock enteric fermentation and manure management. This study examines Turkey's province-based GHG emissions released by its livestock sector due to these processes. Besides, this study focusses on biogas production through anaerobic digestion, which is one of the most effective GHG mitigation options from manure management. This study aims to show the importance of the livestock sector in regards to GHG emissions in Turkey based on estimations made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2006 Guidelines. As a result of these estimations, for the year 2015, 33.85 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) were produced from enteric fermentation and manure management system. The study also aims to evaluate Turkey's province-based biogas production potential from animal manure through the anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. Two different biogas potential scenarios with varying manure recovery rates were developed. Scenario 1 was developed based on the assumption of that total amount of produced animal manure would be used in AD for biogas production, and scenario 2 was developed based on the realistic manure recovery rates that vary with the type of livestock. Biogas potentials for scenario 1 and scenario 2 were determined as 8.41 billion m(3) and 4.18 billion m(3) in 2015, respectively. These values can meet Turkey's total electricity demand at a rate of 5.25% for scenario 1, and the rate of 2.3% for scenario 2. In addition, according to Turkey's GHG Inventory, submitted annually to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GHG emissions from manure management can be reduced by 1.13% through biogas production. SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 109858 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109858 UT WOS:000518708700047 PM 32063318 ER PT J AU Luo, P Liu, F Zhang, SN Li, HF Chen, X Huang, XX Xiao, RL Wu, JS AF Luo, Pei Liu, Feng Zhang, Shunan Li, Hongfang Chen, Xiang Huang, Xinxing Xiao, Runlin Wu, Jinshui TI Nitrogen removal performance and needed area estimation of surface-flow constructed wetlands using a probabilistic approach SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Pollutant concentrations in influents into constructed wetlands (CWs) are highly fluctuating and may vary over several orders of magnitude, leading to large uncertainties in removal performance assessment when using pollutant concentrations in the influent and effluent directly. Incorporating a probabilistic approach into removal performance assessment and needed area estimation of CWs could advantage decision making regarding wastewater treatment and engineering applications. A series of three-stage surface-flow CWs (SFCWs) were constructed for treating ammonium-rich swine wastewater. The surface removal rate and removal efficiency of ammonium nitrogen in the SFCWs using the probabilistic approach were 0.27-3.23 g m(-2) d(-1) and 43.0-99.9% (95% confidence interval (CI)), which were consistent with the deterministic approach (95% CI: 0.24-3.18 g m(-2) d(-1) and 70.4-99.9%). The needed SFCW area was estimated as 6.6 (95% CI: 1.4-17.8) to 29.7 (95% CI: 6.4-80.1) m(2) for required removal efficiency from 40% to 90% for 0.18 m(3) d(-1) swine wastewater with different strengthens. For specific removal efficiency of 90%, the needed CW areas was 13.9 (95%CI: 4.9-42.7), 25.1 (95% CI: 5.9-66.0), 33.5 (95%CI: 13.5-87.1), and 40.8 (95%CI: 16.2-89.4) m(2) for influent ammonium loading rate of 0.18-2.7, 2.7-14.4, 14.4-36, and 36-60 g d(-1), respectively. The first-order removal constant of ammonium nitrogen decreased logarithmically with increasing influent and effluent concentration/loading rate in the SFCW units (p < 0.001), which was responsible for the needed SFCW areas covering a wide range. The reliability analysis confirmed the results from the probabilistic approach were appropriate. The present study shed new lights on the performance evaluation and design of CWs for treating wastewater with highly-fluctuating concentrations using a probabilistic approach. SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 109881 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109881 UT WOS:000518708700033 PM 31778870 ER PT J AU Zhang, Y Ruckelshaus, M Arkema, KK Han, BL Lu, F Zheng, H Ouyang, ZY AF Zhang, Yan Ruckelshaus, Mary Arkema, Katie K. Han, Baolong Lu, Fei Zheng, Hua Ouyang, Zhiyun TI Synthetic vulnerability assessment to inform climate-change adaptation along an urbanized coast of Shenzhen, China SO JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Coastal zones are increasingly threatened by stressors from both climate change and human activities. Vulnerability assessment is central to the implementation of interventions for adapting climate change. However, synthetic vulnerability based on an integrative analysis of ecosystem service and socioeconomic characteristics in urban coastal zones with tightly coupled human-nature interactions is not fully understood. Based on the Coastal Vulnerability model of the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs) tool, a holistic framework for assessing coastal vulnerability to multiple hazards (sea level rise, waves and storm surge) was developed by integrating ecological, physical and socioeconomic factors into a single spatial representation and applied to the coast of Shenzhen, China. Based on the levels of biophysical exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of coastal communities, a three-dimensional decision matrix was proposed for planning location-specific interventions. Results show that approximately 15% of the coastline were categorized as having high vulnerability. Spatial vulnerability heterogeneity was found within and across the coastal districts, with Yantian grouped into the most vulnerable district. The biophysical exposure has greater influences on the overall vulnerability than either sensitivity or adaptive capacity. This study highlights the significance of complex interactions between natural ecosystems and socioeconomic conditions in driving vulnerability and suggests that combined natural-based defenses and socioeconomic factors contribute to lower vulnerability. The results can help decision-makers prioritize coastal zones for interventions and identifying adaptive strategies that target drivers of vulnerability. OI Han, Baolong/0000-0003-3574-3974 SN 0301-4797 EI 1095-8630 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 255 AR 109915 DI 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109915 UT WOS:000518708700053 PM 31783212 ER PT J AU Eltai, NO Al Thani, AA Al-Hadidi, SH Abdfarag, EA Al-Romaihi, H Mahmoud, MH Alawad, OK Yassine, HM AF Eltai, Nahla O. Al Thani, Asmaa A. Al-Hadidi, Sara H. Abdfarag, Elmoubasher A. Al-Romaihi, Hamad Mahmoud, Mahmoud H. Alawad, Osama K. Yassine, Hadi M. TI Antibiotic resistance profile of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy sheep in Qatar SO JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AB Introduction: The uncontrolled antibiotics use in livestock is a leading factor for the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria from food animals to humans through the food chain. This study aims at evaluating the magnitude of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food animals, acknowledging the lack of information on the prevalence of resistance in the veterinary field in Qatar. Methodology: Rectal samples were collected from 171 sheep across three localities in Qatar between December 2016 and July 2017. These rectal samples were suspended in Phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Then streaked onto a selective CHROMagar E. coli medium plates and incubated at 37 degrees C for 18 to 24 h. Isolated E. coli were tested for antibiotic susceptibility against 16 clinically- relevant antibiotics using the E-test method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistics 24. Results: E. coli was isolated from 144 samples (84.2%), of which 90% were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 44% were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was against ciprofloxacin 69.4% (100), followed by nitrofurantoin 47.2% (68), trimethoprim/sulfiunethoxazole 45.8% (66), ccphalothin 43% (62) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 18% (26). Low resistance was reported to fosfomycin, amikacin and tigecycline 1.4% (2), 0.7% (1), and 0.7% (1), respectively. Conclusions: We reported high MDR E. coli in rectal swabs of sheep in Qatar. Such resistant bacteria can potentially be transmitted to humans, resulting in public health concerns. This requires a quick response to develop and implement a stewardship program for the monitoring of antibiotic use in the veterinary in Qatar. SN 1972-2680 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 BP 138 EP 145 DI 10.3855/jidc.11827 UT WOS:000519550500004 PM 32146447 ER PT J AU Arapovic, J Spicic, S Duvnjak, S Ostojic, M Arapovic, M Nikolic, J Cvetnic, Z AF Arapovic, Jurica Spicic, Silvio Duvnjak, Sanja Ostojic, Maja Arapovic, Maja Nikolic, Jadranka Cvetnic, Zeljko TI The first report of Brucella melitensis Rev.1 human brucellosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina SO JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AB Brucellosis is an emergent and endemic zoonotic disease in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this report we have diagnosed the first case of human brucellosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, using molecular and microbiological tests, caused by live attenuated Brucella melitensis Rev.1 strain. The infection was caused through unintentional exposure to vaccination of small ruminants in Bosnia and Herzegovina and without any prior accidental self-injection of vaccine suspension. RI Arapovic, Jurica/J-9374-2014 OI Arapovic, Jurica/0000-0002-7674-6795 SN 1972-2680 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 14 IS 2 BP 232 EP 235 DI 10.3855/jidc.11949 UT WOS:000519550500017 PM 32146460 ER PT J AU Pomothy, JM Barna, RF Czimmermann, AE Szoladi, A Pasztine, GE AF Pomothy Judit Mercedesz Barna Reka Fanni Czimmermann Agnes Eszter Szoladi Aron Pasztine Gere Erzsebet TI The toxic effects of the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol on livestock animals SO MAGYAR ALLATORVOSOK LAPJA AB The authors present in this review the toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) in main farm animals. Fusarium fungi produce different secondary metabolites including mycotoxins, which have harmful effects on animals. The fusariotoxins are fumonisins, zearalenone and trichothecenes. Most Fusarium species are soil fungi and have worldwide distribution. The wheat, oath and corn seeds are mainly contaminated with fusariotoxins. Those farm animals, whose feed is based on these cereals have higher risk to consume higher concentrations of mycotoxins. When animals take this toxin from the feed, DON can cause emetic symptoms. DON is also immunosuppressive and the gastrointestinal infections can lead to bacterial superinfections because of the decrease in the intestinal barrier function and weakened immune responses. At cellular level, DON causes inhibition of the protein synthesis, generates oxidative stress in the mitochondria, which could result in apoptosis. The European Union published recommendations about maximum limits or Fusarium toxins such as DON to control the toxin quantity in the feeds of every farm animals. Among the farm animals, swine is the most sensitive to the mycotoxin-contaminated feeds, which is supported by the fact that their forage is based on corn. The cattle and the poultry tolerate well even higher toxin contents. The differences can be explained with the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and the genetic variances between the species. The mycotoxins, including DON, cannot be extracted from the grain crops with physical methods and with extreme heat, therefore it is inevitable to check the mycotoxin contamination of the feed and if necessary feed additives have to be added to adsorb the toxins. The regulatory requirements help the agricultural sector to avoid livestock animal and economical losses. SN 0025-004X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 142 IS 2 BP 117 EP 127 UT WOS:000519666800007 ER PT J AU Yoshizawa, N Usui, M Fukuda, A Asai, T Higuchi, H Okamoto, E Seki, K Takada, H Tamura, Y AF Yoshizawa, Nobuki Usui, Masaru Fukuda, Akira Asai, Tetsuo Higuchi, Hidetoshi Okamoto, Eiryu Seki, Kanako Takada, Hideshige Tamura, Yutaka TI Manure Compost Is a Potential Source of Tetracycline-Resistant Escherichia coli and Tetracycline Resistance Genes in Japanese Farms SO ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL AB Manure compost has been thought of as a potential important route of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) from livestock to humans. To clarify the abundance of ARB and ARGs, ARB and ARGs were quantitatively determined in tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli (harboring the tetA gene)-spiked feces in simulated composts. In the simulated composts, the concentration of spiked E. coli decreased below the detection limit at day 7. The tetA gene remained in manure compost for 20 days, although the levels of the gene decreased. Next, to clarify the field conditions of manure compost in Japan, the quantities of tetracycline-resistant bacteria, tetracycline resistance genes, and residual tetracyclines were determined using field-manure-matured composts in livestock farms. Tetracycline-resistant bacteria were detected in 54.5% of tested matured compost (6/11 farms). The copy number of the tetA gene and the concentrations of residual tetracyclines in field manure compost were significantly correlated. These results suggest that the use of antimicrobials in livestock constitutes a selective pressure, not only in livestock feces but also in manure compost. The appropriate use of antimicrobials in livestock and treatment of manure compost are important for avoiding the spread of ARB and ARGs. OI Asai, Tetsuo/0000-0002-6556-9674 EI 2079-6382 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 9 IS 2 AR 76 DI 10.3390/antibiotics9020076 UT WOS:000519242200018 PM 32054107 ER PT J AU Tella, JL Hiraldo, F Pacifico, E Diaz-Luque, JA Denes, FV Fontoura, FM Guedes, N Blanco, G AF Tella, Jose L. Hiraldo, Fernando Pacifico, Erica Diaz-Luque, Jose A. Denes, Francisco V. Fontoura, Fernanda M. Guedes, Neiva Blanco, Guillermo TI Conserving the Diversity of Ecological Interactions: The Role of Two Threatened Macaw Species as Legitimate Dispersers of "Megafaunal" Fruits SO DIVERSITY-BASEL AB The extinction of ecological functions is increasingly considered a major component of biodiversity loss, given its pervasive effects on ecosystems, and it may precede the disappearance of the species engaged. Dispersal of many large-fruited (>4 cm diameter) plants is thought to have been handicapped after the extinction of megafauna in the Late Pleistocene and the recent defaunation of large mammals. We recorded the seed dispersal behavior of two macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Anodorhynchus leari) in three Neotropical biomes, totaling >1700 dispersal events from 18 plant species, 98% corresponding to six large-fruited palm species. Dispersal rates varied among palm species (5%-100%). Fruits were moved to perches at varying distances (means: 17-450 m, maximum 1620 m). Macaws also moved nuts after regurgitation by livestock, in an unusual case of tertiary dispersal, to distant perches. A high proportion (11%-75%) of dispersed nuts was found undamaged under perches, and palm recruitment was confirmed under 6%-73% of the perches. Our results showed that these macaws were legitimate, long-distance dispersers, and challenge the prevailing view that dispersal of large-fruited plants was compromised after megafauna extinction. The large range contraction of these threatened macaws, however, meant that these mutualistic interactions are functionally extinct over large areas at a continental scale. RI Denes, Francisco/J-5400-2014 OI Denes, Francisco/0000-0002-9870-7682 EI 1424-2818 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 2 AR 45 DI 10.3390/d12020045 UT WOS:000519115400014 ER PT J AU Zhao, L Lv, JZ Li, F Li, KR He, B Zhang, LY Han, XQ Wang, HY Johnson, N Lin, XM Wu, SQ Liu, YH AF Zhao, Li Lv, Jizhou Li, Fei Li, Kairui He, Bo Zhang, Luyao Han, Xueqing Wang, Huiyu Johnson, Nicholas Lin, Xiangmei Wu, Shaoqiang Liu, Yonghong TI Identification and Molecular Analysis of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: lxodidae) Infesting Domestic Animals and Tick-Borne Pathogens at the Tarim Basin of Southern Xinjiang, China SO KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY AB Livestock husbandry is vital to economy of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China. However, there have been few surveys of the distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: lxodidae) and tick-borne pathogens affecting domestic animals at these locations. In this study, 3,916 adult ixodid ticks infesting domestic animals were collected from 23 sampling sites during 2012-2016. Ticks were identified to species based on morphology, and the identification was confirmed based on mitochondrial 16S and 12S rRNA sequences. Ten tick species belonging to 4 genera were identified, including Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rh. bursa, H. asiaticum asiaticum, and Rh. sanguineus. DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group) and Anaplasma spp. were detected in these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses revealed possible existence of undescribed Babesia spp. and Bonelia spp. This study illustrates potential threat to domestic animals and humans from tick-borne pathogens. SN 0023-4001 EI 1738-0006 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 58 IS 1 BP 37 EP 46 DI 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.1.37 UT WOS:000519524000005 PM 32145725 ER PT J AU Triguero-Ocana, R Martinez-Lopez, B Vicente, J Barasona, JA Martinez-Guijosa, J Acevedo, P AF Triguero-Ocana, Roxana Martinez-Lopez, Beatriz Vicente, Joaquin Barasona, Jose A. Martinez-Guijosa, Jordi Acevedo, Pelayo TI Dynamic Network of Interactions in the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Mediterranean Spain: An Epidemiological Point of View SO PATHOGENS AB The correct management of diseases that are transmitted between wildlife and livestock requires a reliable estimate of the pathogen transmission rate. The calculation of this parameter is a challenge for epidemiologists, since transmission can occur through multiple pathways. The social network analysis is a widely used tool in epidemiology due to its capacity to identify individuals and communities with relevant roles for pathogen transmission. In the present work, we studied the dynamic network of interactions in a complex epidemiological scenario using information from different methodologies. In 2015, nine red deer, seven fallow deer, six wild boar and nine cattle were simultaneously monitored using GPS-GSM-Proximity collars in Donana National Park. In addition, 16 proximity loggers were set in aggregation points. Using the social network analysis, we studied the dynamic network of interactions, including direct and indirect interactions, between individuals of different species and the potential transmission of pathogens within this network. The results show a high connection between species through indirect interactions, with a marked seasonality in the conformation of new interactions. Within the network, we differentiated four communities that included individuals of all the species. Regarding the transmission of pathogens, we observed the important role that fallow deer could be playing in the maintenance and transmission of pathogens to livestock. The present work shows the need to consider different types of methodologies in order to understand the complete functioning of the network of interactions at the wildlife/livestock interface. It also provides a methodological approach applicable to the management of shared diseases. RI ; Acevedo, Pelayo/L-6737-2013; Martinez-Guijosa, Jordi/Q-6815-2016 OI Triguero Ocana, Roxana/0000-0003-4875-4306; Acevedo, Pelayo/0000-0002-3509-7696; Martinez-Guijosa, Jordi/0000-0002-9553-7673; Barasona, Jose Angel/0000-0003-4066-8454 EI 2076-0817 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 9 IS 2 AR 120 DI 10.3390/pathogens9020120 UT WOS:000519242900017 PM 32069995 ER PT J AU Liu, LL Fang, B Yu, X Li, X Lei, YK Chen, D AF Liu, Lin-lin Fang, Bin Yu, Xiao Li, Xiang Lei, Ya-ke Chen, Dan TI Strengthened Monitoring of H5 Avian Influenza Viruses in External Environment in Hubei, 2018 SO CURRENT MEDICAL SCIENCE AB The contamination status of H5 avian influenza viruses and distribution of subtypes of H5N1 and H5N6 in poultry-related environment of Hubei areas were investigated. Urban and rural live poultry markets, poultry farms, intensive livestock farms and other monitoring types of 103 counties in 17 cities were selected in Hubei. Wiping samples from cage surface, wiping samples from chopping board, fecal specimens and other environmental samples were collected and tested by real-time RT-PCR using primers and probes of influenza A, avian influenza of H5, N1 and N6 from December 2017 to March 2018. The avian influenza virus positive rate was compared among different monitoring sites, samples, time and regions. Totally, 7132 environmental samples were collected in 1634 monitoring points with a positive rate of 2.24%. The positive rate of H5 avian influenza virus was the highest in urban and rural live poultry markets (3.44%, chi(2)=61.329, P<0.05) in 6 monitoring sites and wiping samples from chopping board (5.46%, chi(2)=67.072, P<0.05) in 6 sample types. H5N6 avian influenza viruses were detected more in eastern than western Hubei, and H5N6 avian influenza viruses were detected only in Xiangyang city of western Hubei. There were important high-risk places of human infection with H5 avian influenza virus in urban and rural live poultry markets and the poultry slaughtering plants. H5N6 has been the predominant subtype of H5 avian influenza viruses in the eastern and western Hubei and H5N6 avian influenza viruses were still present in a few areas of Hubei. Outbreaks of human H5N1 and H5N6 avian influenza remain at risk in Hubei province. SN 2096-5230 EI 2523-899X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 40 IS 1 BP 63 EP 68 DI 10.1007/s11596-020-2147-7 UT WOS:000519349800008 PM 32166666 ER PT J AU Hadibarata, T Kristanti, RA Mahmoud, AH AF Hadibarata, Tony Kristanti, Risky Ayu Mahmoud, Ahmed Hossam TI Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in river water and sediment of the Mahakam River SO JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH AB The study was performed to examine the occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including four steroid estrogens, one plasticizer, and three preservatives in the Mahakam River, Indonesia. The physicochemical analysis of river water and sediment quality parameters were determined as well as the concentration of EDCs. The range of values for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and oil/grease in river water and sediment were higher than recommended limits prescribed by the World Health Organization's Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ). Bisphenol A (BPA) was the most widely found EDC with the highest concentration level at 652 ng/L (mean 134 ng/L) in the river water and ranged from ND (not detected) to 952 ng/L (mean 275 ng/L) in the sediment. Correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between the EDCs' concentrations in water and sediment also revealed a significant correlation (R-2 = 0.93) between the EDCs' concentrations. High concentrations of EDCs are found in urban and residential areas because these compounds are commonly found in both human and animal bodies, resulting in the disposal of EDCs into canals and rivers in urban and suburban areas, as well as livestock manure and waste that is generated from intensive livestock farming around the suburban area. SN 1477-8920 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 18 IS 1 BP 38 EP 47 DI 10.2166/wh.2019.100 UT WOS:000519221200005 PM 32129185 ER PT J AU Kumm, KI Hessle, A AF Kumm, Karl-Ivar Hessle, Anna TI Economic Comparison between Pasture-Based Beef Production and Afforestation of Abandoned Land in Swedish Forest Districts SO LAND AB Large areas of agricultural land have been abandoned or are at risk of being abandoned such as small scattered fields and pastures in forest-dominated landscapes are unsuitable for modern mechanized agriculture and cost-efficient grazing. These areas have therefore become unprofitable to cultivate and graze. Spruce planting has been seen as the obvious alternative on these lands but is today questioned from landscape points of view. Now most abandoned land is left for natural afforestation. This study aims to compare the profitability in use of abandoned or marginal agricultural land in Swedish forest districts for spruce planting, natural birch afforestation, or organic beef cattle grazing large pasture-forest mosaics. The pastures consist of remaining semi-natural pastures, abandoned and marginal agricultural land, and adjacent forest land. Calculations of contribution to land, management, and risk suggest that, given present supports and environmental payments, organic beef production with herds of more than 20 suckler cows in large pasture-forest mosaics could be more profitable than forestry, except for in the most fertile areas of southern Sweden, where spruce planting has the highest contribution. Future tree breeding progress and possible decrease of livestock-related support and environmental payments would however increase the competitiveness of resumed afforestation relative to beef production. OI Hessle, Anna/0000-0002-5195-1186 EI 2073-445X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 9 IS 2 AR 42 DI 10.3390/land9020042 UT WOS:000519113300004 ER PT J AU Nwafor, CU Ogundeji, AA van der Westhuizen, C AF Nwafor, Christopher Ugochukwu Ogundeji, Abiodun A. van der Westhuizen, Carlu TI Adoption of ICT-Based Information Sources and Market Participation among Smallholder Livestock Farmers in South Africa SO AGRICULTURE-BASEL AB The study explored the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT)-based information sources to market participation among smallholder livestock farmers. Use of ICTs is considered paramount for providing smallholder farmers with required market information, and also to reduce market asymmetries. A double hurdle regression was utilized to analyze data collected from 150 smallholder livestock farmers in the study area. The results show that while use of ICT-based market information sources significantly influenced market participation, the effect of using ICT-based information sources on the intensity of market participation was not significant. Other variables shown to influence both market participation and the intensity of market participation were age, additional income and membership of farmer cooperatives. This suggests the need to consider other associated factors in the application and design of interventions that utilize ICT-based information sources to achieve market engagement among smallholders. OI Ogundeji, Abiodun Akintunde/0000-0001-7356-5668; Nwafor, Christopher/0000-0002-0298-0650 EI 2077-0472 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 AR 44 DI 10.3390/agriculture10020044 UT WOS:000519104300009 ER PT J AU Khan, MA Jaffery, SHI Khan, M Younas, M Butt, SI Ahmad, R Warsi, SS AF Khan, Muhammad Ali Jaffery, Syed Husain Imran Khan, Mushtaq Younas, Muhammad Butt, Shahid Ikramullah Ahmad, Riaz Warsi, Salman Sagheer TI Multi-objective optimization of turning titanium-based alloy Ti-6Al-4V under dry, wet, and cryogenic conditions using gray relational analysis (GRA) SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AB In modern manufacturing industries, the importance of multi-objective optimization cannot be overemphasized particularly when the desired responses are differing in nature towards each other. With the emergence of new technologies, the need to achieve overall efficiency in terms of energy, output, and tooling is on the rise. Resultantly, endeavor is to make the machining process sustainable, productive, and efficient simultaneously. In this research, the effects of machining parameters (feed, cutting speed, depth of cut, and cutting condition including dry, wet, and cryogenic) were analyzed. Since sustainable production demands a balance between production quality and energy consumption, therefore, response parameters including specific cutting energy, tool wear, surface roughness, and material removal rate were considered. Taguchi-gray integrated approach was adopted in this study. Multi-objective function was developed using gray relational methodology, and its regression analysis was conducted. Response surface optimization was carried out to optimize the formulated multi-objective function and derive the optimum machining parameters. Concurrent responses were optimized with best-suited values of input parameters to make the most out of the machining process. Analysis of variance results showed that feed is the most effective parameter followed by cutting condition in terms of overall contribution in multi-objective function. The proposed optimum parameters resulted in improvement of tool wear and surface roughness by 30% and 22%, respectively, whereas specific cutting energy was reduced by 4%. OI Warsi, Salman/0000-0001-7907-6857 SN 0268-3768 EI 1433-3015 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 106 IS 9-10 BP 3897 EP 3911 DI 10.1007/s00170-019-04913-6 UT WOS:000517968900022 ER PT J AU Abdallah, II Xue, D Pramastya, H van Merkerk, R Setroikromo, R Quax, WJ AF Abdallah, Ingy I. Xue, Dan Pramastya, Hegar van Merkerk, Ronald Setroikromo, Rita Quax, Wim J. TI A regulated synthetic operon facilitates stable overexpression of multigene terpenoid pathway in Bacillus subtilis SO JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY AB The creation of microbial cell factories for sustainable production of natural products is important for medical and industrial applications. This requires stable expression of biosynthetic pathways in a host organism with favorable fermentation properties such as Bacillus subtilis. The aim of this study is to construct B. subtilis strains that produce valuable terpenoid compounds by overexpressing the innate methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. A synthetic operon allowing the concerted and regulated expression of multiple genes was developed. Up to 8 genes have been combined in this operon and a stably inherited plasmid-based vector was constructed resulting in a high production of C-30 carotenoids. For this, two vectors were examined, one with rolling circle replication and another with theta replication. Theta-replication constructs were clearly superior in structural and segregational stability compared to rolling circle constructs. A strain overexpressing all eight genes of the MEP pathway on a theta-replicating plasmid clearly produced the highest level of carotenoids. The level of transcription for each gene in the operon was similar as RT-qPCR analysis indicated. Hence, that corresponding strain can be used as a stable cell factory for production of terpenoids. This is the first report of merging and stably expressing this large-size operon (eight genes) from a plasmid-based system in B. subtilis enabling high C-30 carotenoid production. RI Quax, Wim/K-2802-2012; Abdallah, Ingy I./O-8964-2018 OI Quax, Wim/0000-0002-5162-9947; Pramastya, Hegar/0000-0002-4585-219X; Abdallah, Ingy I./0000-0003-0934-4822 SN 1367-5435 EI 1476-5535 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 47 IS 2 BP 243 EP 249 DI 10.1007/s10295-019-02257-4 UT WOS:000519382900007 PM 31894423 ER PT J AU Zhou, L Huang, P Yu, LL Zeng, JG AF Zhou, Li Huang, Peng Yu, Linlan Zeng, Jianguo TI First report of root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum on Macleaya cordata in China SO JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY AB Macleaya cordata is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Papaveraceae and, as a commercial crop, is widely used in the livestock industry. Root rot disease is one of the most serious diseases of M. cordata. In June 2017, a brown root rot was observed on M. cordata, cv. HNXN-001 in 10 commercial fields in Hunan Province, China. The fields varied from 1000 m(2) to 3500 m(2), with approximately 8% of plants affected. Symptoms included withering, leaf chlorosis, brown rot of the root tips or lateral roots, and internal decay of the taproots leading to plant death. Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. was isolated and identified on the basis of morphology and ITS rDNA and EF-1 alpha gene sequencing. This is the first report of root rot of M. cordata caused by F. oxysporum in China. Detection of F. oxysporum on diseased M. cordata roots is important for M. cordata root rot control. SN 1125-4653 EI 2239-7264 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 102 IS 1 BP 191 EP 192 DI 10.1007/s42161-019-00382-8 UT WOS:000519099300021 ER PT J AU Tourangeau, W Sherren, K AF Tourangeau, Wesley Sherren, Kate TI Leverage points for sustainable wool production in the Falkland Islands SO JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES AB The Falkland Islands ('Falklands') are home to half a million sheep that graze a marginal and drying landscape. This presents new challenges for the grazing management decisions that sustain farmers' livelihoods, lifestyles, and the surrounding natural environment. Our examination deploys Donella Meadows' (1999; 2008) concept of leverage points to explore the ways farmers intervene to make transformations toward social and ecological sustainability within these systems. The most effective and lasting transformations-called 'deep' leverage points-require changes in system design, structure, and way of thinking (e.g. paradigm shifts); these contrast with more common and less impactful 'shallow' leverage points, which focus on basic system parameters (e.g. rates and numbers). Thematic analysis of interview and field data reveals that while all methods of sheep grazing involve 'shallow' leverage points such as managing livestock numbers and wool quality, Holistic Management (HM) a rotational grazing method based in systems thinking facilitates 'deep' leverage points for sustainable transformations. Careful planning, goal setting, and learning to think systemically enable HM farmers to make lasting transformations toward more sustainable wool production in the Falklands. Using leverage points as a framework, we explore the transformation potential of HM in this island community, and what this might mean for sustainable transformations in rangelands elsewhere. SN 0743-0167 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 74 BP 22 EP 33 DI 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.11.008 UT WOS:000518492700003 ER PT J AU Soubry, B Sherren, K Thornton, TF AF Soubry, Bernard Sherren, Kate Thornton, Thomas F. TI Are we taking farmers seriously? A review of the literature on farmer perceptions and climate change, 2007-2018 SO JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES AB While there is broad agreement in theory that farmers' expertise should be integrated into discussions of land management and climate change adaptation in the food system, it is unknown how much research practice has integrated these recommendations. To gauge the state of the field, we reviewed and coded a sample set of papers (n = 105) concerning farmers' perceptions of climate change. Crosstabulation analysis reveals that: 1) researching farmer "perception" of climate change seems to be more frequent in the Global South, as opposed to the North, where other terms are used; 2) farmers are rarely described within their social-ecological contexts, and often simply have their observations segmented and assessed for verification against historical data or quantitative measurements; and 3) the broader dynamics of research practice may perpetuate extractive and colonial patterns of exchange between the Global North and South. We find that farmers from the Global South are rarely described, but often evaluated in their perceptions. We conclude that, with some exceptions, the field does not substantively embrace farmers' perceptions as a contribution to adaptation discourse. We posit that the lack of in-depth qualitative methods in our sample may be correlated with the perception of farmers as passive and vulnerable, rather than viably adapting. OI Sherren, Kate/0000-0003-1576-9878 SN 0743-0167 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 74 BP 210 EP 222 DI 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.09.005 UT WOS:000518492700020 ER PT J AU Hostiou, N Vollet, D Benoit, M Delfosse, C AF Hostiou, N. Vollet, D. Benoit, M. Delfosse, C. TI Employment and farmers' work in European ruminant livestock farms: A review SO JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES AB Agricultural employment, in sharp decline in Europe, is the subject of little recent scientific work, and few studies focus specifically on livestock farming. Labour and employment factors must be considered to respond appropriately to the livestock farming "crisis" in Europe and to assess the room to manoeuvre of public policies to adapt this sector to the diverse challenges facing it. We have conducted a review to assess the combined effects on ruminant livestock employment and famers' work at the European level. In the first section, employment in ruminant livestock farms is quantified and the main differences between livestock sectors and regions are identified. We have showed that in France, livestock activities mobilize 41% of the French agricultural workforce at the national level, but due to territorial diversity, there are significant variations across the country. In Europe, while all countries are affected by a reduction in the livestock workforce, employment trends also vary depending on the animal sector. In the second section, we analyse trends in farmers' work that could explain the evolution of agricultural employment in terms of slowing or accelerating the reduction in the livestock workforce. Our results highlighted supply-driven factors and demand-driven factors tend to increase the number of livestock workers. Some structural and institutional changes play a greater role as both an accelerator and moderator of the decline in livestock workers. The third section focuses on the effects of livestock employment on other industries. We show that the indirect and induced effects of livestock farming vary according to activity sector. Dairy farms have higher induced effects, especially at the national level. The development of processing activities can be limited locally by the low appeal of most of the jobs. In the conclusion, we highlight four major issues concerning employment and work in the livestock sector at the European level. SN 0743-0167 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 74 BP 223 EP 234 DI 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2020.01.008 UT WOS:000518492700021 ER PT J AU Duan, CH Tang, XM Hu, DD Zhang, SX Liu, J Bi, FF Hao, ZK Suo, JX Yu, Y Wang, M Sun, P Du, LY Suo, X Liu, XY AF Duan, Chunhui Tang, Xinming Hu, Dandan Zhang, Sixin Liu, Jie Bi, Feifei Hao, Zhenkai Suo, Jingxia Yu, Ying Wang, Min Sun, Pei Du, Liying Suo, Xun Liu, Xianyong TI Nucleofection and In Vivo Propagation of Chicken Eimeria Parasites SO JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS AB Transfection is a technical process through which genetic material, such as DNA and double-stranded RNA, are delivered into cells to modify the gene of interest. Currently, transgenic technology is becoming an indispensable tool for the study of Eimeria, the causative agents of coccidiosis in poultry and livestock. This protocol provides a detailed description of stable transfection in eimerian parasites: purification and nucleofection of sporozoites or second-generation merozoites, and in vivo propagation of transfected parasites. Using this protocol, we achieved transfection in several species of Eimeria. Taken together, nucleofection is a useful tool to facilitate genetic manipulation in eimerian parasites. SN 1940-087X PD FEB PY 2020 IS 156 AR e60552 DI 10.3791/60552 UT WOS:000518403300038 PM 32116306 ER PT J AU Ahmed, H Alvasen, K Berg, C Hansson, H Hultgren, J Rocklinsberg, H Emanuelson, U AF Ahmed, Haseeb Alvasen, Karin Berg, Charlotte Hansson, Helena Hultgren, Jan Rocklinsberg, Helena Emanuelson, Ulf TI Assessing economic consequences of improved animal welfare in Swedish cattle fattening operations using a stochastic partial budgeting approach SO LIVESTOCK SCIENCE AB There is an increased concern among many stakeholders in society that livestock production systems provide a low-quality life to the animals and therefore advocate improved farm animal welfare (FAW). On the other hand, producers are concerned that stricter welfare regulations would decrease their profits and hence their competitiveness. Given the relevance of the debate surrounding FAW especially in Sweden, and the lack of studies related to the beef sector, this study examined the impact of changes in FAW practices on economic performance of Swedish beef fattening operations. We modelled a herd of 50 cattle of either beef or dairy breed reared for meat production to examine the impact of increased space allowance, including a corresponding decrease in herd size, and increased forage-to-concentrate (FC) ratio. We found that a 1-m(2)/animal increase in space allowance was associated with a decrease of 18.9 and 10.8% in short-run, per animal profits in beef and dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggested that an increase in weight gain and short-run loss in herd size due to increased space allowance were the most important factors. We estimated that an increase in the FC ratio from 40:60 to 65:35 was associated with a reduction in per animal profits of about 21 to 34% in beef breeds and 17 to 53% in dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that reduced growth due to increased FC ratio was the most important factor. Our results suggest that an increase in space allowance or FC ratio in Swedish beef fattening operations may reduce farm profitability. They also imply that consequences of any policy instrument should be carefully examined to reach the goal of improved FAW along with improved profitability and sustainability for the farmer. RI ; Berg, Charlotte/G-5760-2012 OI Rocklinsberg, Helena/0000-0002-2821-6837; Berg, Charlotte/0000-0001-5671-5273; Emanuelson, Ulf/0000-0001-7889-417X SN 1871-1413 EI 1878-0490 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 232 AR UNSP 103920 DI 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.103920 UT WOS:000518489400012 ER PT J AU Cominotte, A Fernandes, AFA Dorea, JRR Rosa, GJM Ladeira, MM van Cleef, EHCB Pereira, GL Baldassini, WA Neto, ORM AF Cominotte, A. Fernandes, A. F. A. Dorea, J. R. R. Rosa, G. J. M. Ladeira, M. M. van Cleef, E. H. C. B. Pereira, G. L. Baldassini, W. A. Machado Neto, O. R. TI Automated computer vision system to predict body weight and average daily gain in beef cattle during growing and finishing phases SO LIVESTOCK SCIENCE AB Frequent measurements of body weight (BW) in livestock systems are very important because they allow assessing growth. However, real-time monitoring of animal growth through traditional weighing scales is stressful for animals, costly and labor-intensive. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: 1) assess the predictive quality of an automated computer vision system used to predict BW and average daily gain (ADG) in beef cattle; and 2) compare different predictive approaches, including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Partial Least Squares (PLS), and Artificial Neutral Networks (ANN). A total of 234 images of Nellore beef cattle were collected during the weaning, stocker and feedlot phases. First, biometric body measurements of each animal, such as body volume, area, length, and others, were performed using three-dimensional images captured with the Kinecto (R) sensor, and their respective BW were acquired using an electronic scale. Next, the biometric measurements were used as explanatory variables in the four predictive approaches (MLR, LASSO, PLS, and ANN). To evaluate prediction quality, a leave-one-out cross-validation was adopted. The ANN was the best prediction approach in terms of Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) and squared predictive correlation (r(2)). The results for Weaning were RMSEP = 8.6 kg and r(2) = 0.91; for Stocker phase, RMSEP = 11.4 kg and r(2) = 0.79; and for Beginning of feedlot, RMSEP = 7.7 kg and r(2) = 0.92. The ANN was also the best method for prediction of ADG, with RMSEP = 0.02 kg/d and r(2) = 0.67 for the period between Weaning and Stocker, RMSEP = 0.02 kg/d and r(2) = 0.85 for the Weaning and Beginning of Feedlot phase, RMSEP = 0.03 kg/d and r(2) = 0.80 for Weaning and Final of Feedlot phase, RMSEP = 0.10 kg/d and r(2) = 0.51 for Stocker and Beginning of feedlot phase, and RMSEP = 0.09 kg/d and r(2) = 0.82 for the Beginning and Final of feedlot phase. Overall, the results indicate that the proposed automated computer vision system can be successfully used to predict BW and ADG in real-time in beef cattle. RI Baldassini, Welder/J-2861-2014; Ladeira, Marcio/G-9816-2012; Machado Neto, Otavio/K-2516-2013 OI Baldassini, Welder/0000-0003-0840-2082; Ladeira, Marcio/0000-0002-1585-8486; Machado Neto, Otavio/0000-0002-4449-7771 SN 1871-1413 EI 1878-0490 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 232 AR UNSP 103904 DI 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103904 UT WOS:000518489400005 ER PT J AU Ouedraogo, D Soudre, A Ouedraogo-Kone, S Zoma, BL Yougbare, B Khayatzadeh, N Burger, PA Meszaros, G Traore, A Mwai, OA Wurzinger, M Solkner, J AF Ouedraogo, Dominique Soudre, Albert Ouedraogo-Kone, Salifou Zoma, Bienvenue Lassina Yougbare, Bernadette Khayatzadeh, Negar Burger, Pamela Anna Meszaros, Gabor Traore, Amadou Mwai, Okeyo Ally Wurzinger, Maria Soelkner, Johann TI Breeding objectives and practices in three local cattle breed production systems in Burkina Faso with implication for the design of breeding programs SO LIVESTOCK SCIENCE AB Understanding characteristics of production systems and identification of specific preferred traits related to breeding objectives is a first important step to the successful implementation of any breeding program. This study was conducted in the South West of Burkina Faso, the traditional habitat of trypanotolerant Baoule cattle, to identify farmers' trait preferences and breeding practices. Following a synthesis of information from stakeholders, a structural questionnaire was designed and administered to 194 heads of households. Cattle herd structure was investigated via herd survey on 101 farms to record breed, age, status, weight and linear body measurements of animals. Own herd ranking method was used in addition to identify the most important criteria for selecting breeding cows. The importance of each criterion was estimated by computing the index of ranking. Regarding breeds and herd mobility, sedentary pure Baoule, sedentary mixed breed, and transhumant Zebu and crossbred systems were defined. Average cattle herd size was 51.23 +/- 55.72 heads and was significantly (P<0.05) highest in the transhumant Zebu and crossbred system. Herd structure showed that cows were the most frequent age-sex-class in all the production systems. A high proportion of all farmers reported purposefully selecting their breeding animals but only 36.67% of them in pure Baoule system select their breeding females. Breeding bulls were selected from young males in the own herd and they were selected significantly (P<0.05) later in pure Baoule system. The majority of transhumant farmers reported castration of not selected males while only 33% of farmers in pure Baoule system reported that. The most important common criteria for selection among the production systems were adult size for both males and females, including calf growth for females. Production systems were heterogeneous on the other preferred traits. Based on these findings, implementation of breeding programs involving farmers and their specific characteristics and practices can contribute to improve and conserve local cattle breeds in this area. Community-based breeding programs for pure Baoule and cross-breds aiming to improve body size and trypanotolerance are being implemented. SN 1871-1413 EI 1878-0490 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 232 AR UNSP 103910 DI 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103910 UT WOS:000518489400006 ER PT J AU Stijlemans, B Korf, H De Baetselier, P Brys, L Van Ginderachter, JA Magez, S De Trez, C AF Stijlemans, Benoit Korf, Hannelie De Baetselier, Patrick Brys, Lea van Ginderachter, Jo A. Magez, Stefan De Trez, Carl TI Hepatocyte-derived IL-10 plays a crucial role in attenuating pathogenicity during the chronic phase of T. congolense infection SO PLOS PATHOGENS AB Bovine African Trypanosomosis is an infectious parasitic disease affecting livestock productivity and thereby impairing the economic development of Sub-Saharan Africa. The most important trypanosome species implicated is T. congolense, causing anemia as most important pathological feature. Using murine models, it was shown that due to the parasite's efficient immune evasion mechanisms, including (i) antigenic variation of the variable surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat, (ii) induction of polyclonal B cell activation, (iii) loss of B cell memory and (iv) T cell mediated immunosuppression, disease prevention through vaccination has so far been impossible. In trypanotolerant models a strong, early pro-inflammatory immune response involving IFN-gamma, TNF and NO, combined with a strong humoral anti-VSG response, ensures early parasitemia control. This potent protective inflammatory response is counterbalanced by the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which in turn prevents early death of the host from uncontrolled hyper-inflammation-mediated immunopathologies. Though at this stage different hematopoietic cells, such as NK cells, T cells and B cells as well as myeloid cells (i.e. alternatively activated myeloid cells (M2) or Ly6c(-) monocytes), were found to produce IL-10, the contribution of non-hematopoietic cells as potential IL-10 source during experimental T. congolense infection has not been addressed. Here, we report for the first time that during the chronic stage of T. congolense infection non-hematopoietic cells constitute an important source of IL-10. Our data shows that hepatocyte-derived IL-10 is mandatory for host survival and is crucial for the control of trypanosomosis-induced inflammation and associated immunopathologies such as anemia, hepatosplenomegaly and excessive tissue injury. Author summary Bovine African Trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease of veterinary importance that adversely affects the public health and economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. The most important trypanosome species implicated is T. congolense, causing anemia as most important pathological feature and major cause of death. Using murine models, it was shown that the disease is characterized by a well-timed and balanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokine promoting factors followed by an anti-inflammatory response, involving IL-10. The latter is required to attenuate infection-associated pathogenicity and to prevent early host death from uncontrolled hyper-inflammation mediated immunopathologies. However, the cellular source of IL-10 in vivo and the window within which these cells exert their function during the course of African trypanosomiasis remain poorly understood, which hampers the design of effective therapeutic strategies. Using a T. congolense infection mouse model, relevant for bovine trypanosomosis, we demonstrate that during the chronic stage of infection hepatocyte-derived IL-10, but not myeloid cell-derived IL-10, regulates the main infection-associated immunopathologies and ultimately mediates host survival. Hence, strategies that tilt the balance of hepatocyte cytokine production in favor of IL-10 could majorly impact the wellbeing and survival of T. congolense-infected animals. Given the unmet medical need for this parasite infection, our findings offer promise for improved treatment protocols in the field. RI magez, stefan/D-9497-2014; Van Ginderachter, Jo/H-5473-2013 OI magez, stefan/0000-0003-3760-7968; Korf, Hannelie/0000-0003-3540-0138; De Trez, Carl/0000-0002-3899-1968; Van Ginderachter, Jo/0000-0002-4442-7474; Stijlemans, Benoit/0000-0003-0082-9751 SN 1553-7366 EI 1553-7374 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 16 IS 2 AR e1008170 DI 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008170; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008170.r001; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008170.r002; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008170.r003; 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008170.r004 UT WOS:000518637800005 PM 32012211 ER PT J AU Japa, O Siriwechviriya, P Prakhammin, K AF Japa, Ornampai Siriwechviriya, Pannawich Prakhammin, Khanuengnij TI Occurrence of fluke infection in beef cattle around Phayao Lake, Phayao, Thailand SO VETERINARY WORLD AB Background and Aim: Ruminant flukes, including Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., are recognized as the significant parasites in livestock worldwide. Cattle infected by these fluke results in slower growth rate and productivity losses contributing to economic losses. In case of Fasciola spp., the parasite is considered as an important zoonotic parasite. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fluke invasion in beef cattle around Phayao Lake, Phayao, Thailand, between January 2019 and June 2019. Materials and Methods: A total of 311 fecal samples from beef cows reared nearby Phayao Lake were examined for the presence of fluke eggs by formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and subsequently identified by morphology together with methylene blue staining. Results: The overall prevalence of fluke invasion in beef cattle around Phayao Lake was 33.8% (105/311). The prevalence of rumen fluke and liver fluke was 25.4% (79/311) and 8.4% (26/311), respectively. Mixed infection of both species was found at 1.9% (6/311). Conclusion: Age of cattle was observed to be associated with invasion rate of all flukes, particularly in the ages over 4 years, which was the highest group of invasion. However, other risk factors, including gender, breed, and location of animals, were not found to be related. This study provides the current status of natural fluke invasion among the beef cattle in Phayao. Thailand, which could be critical for designing the control program of these parasites. SN 0972-8988 EI 2231-0916 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 13 IS 2 BP 334 EP 337 DI 10.14202/vetworld.2020.334-337 UT WOS:000518849100015 PM 32255976 ER PT J AU Atolani, O Adamu, N Oguntoye, OS Zubair, MF Fabiyi, OA Oyegoke, RA Adeyemi, OS Areh, ET Tarigha, DE Kambizi, L Olatunji, GA AF Atolani, O. Adamu, N. Oguntoye, O. S. Zubair, M. F. Fabiyi, O. A. Oyegoke, R. A. Adeyemi, O. S. Areh, E. T. Tarigha, D. E. Kambizi, L. Olatunji, G. A. TI Chemical characterization, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial potentials of the Citrus sinensis seed oil for sustainable cosmeceutical production SO HELIYON AB There are growing concerns about the chronic and acute effects of synthetic additives such as antibacterial, fragrances, colourants and stabilizing agents used in the production of various household products. Many household products and materials including cosmetic products are reportedly suspected to be carcinogenic with some acting as endocrine disruptors among other effects. Thus, environmental-friendly alternatives such as products that are rich in bioactive phytochemicals are becoming consumers' preferred choice especially in the beauty and cosmetic sector. 'Green' preparation of medicinal soaps devoid of any synthetic additives was made from underutilized tropical seed of Citrus sinensis seed oil and some natural additives comprising of natural honey, Ocimum gratissimum leaves extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil and coconut oil. Precisely, the seed oil of the underexplored C. sinensis was obtained via soxhlet extraction and saponified with natural lye solution at different ratios to produce soaps of varying characteristics. The incorporation of honey and Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract provided additional antimicrobial, antioxidant and fragrance properties. Physico-chemical parameters of the oil and soaps were determined following standard procedures while the fatty acid profile of the trans-esterified oil was determined using GC-MS. The antimicrobial potential of the oil and soaps were assessed using agar diffusion method at concentrations 200 mg/mL and below. Linoleic acid (36%) and oleic acid (27%) were the most prominent in C. sinensis seed oil. The soap had antimicrobial potential comparable to commercial product. The soap samples recorded highest anti-bacteria activities (22.0 +/- 1.0-23.0 +/- 1.0) against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and notable anti-fungi activities (18.0 +/- 1.0) against Penicillium notatum and Candida albicans. Additionally, the oil showed moderate anti-parasite (anit-toxoplasma gondii) activity (EC50 <= 500 mu g/mL) but with improved selectivity that precludes oxidative stress while the prepared medicinal soaps exhibited remarkable antioxidant property. The utilization of these locally sourced resources will prevent the daily introduction of synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant chemicals into the environment. The initiative avail a sustainable production of environmentally-benign cosmetic products besides conversion of waste to wealth agrees which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). RI Olubunmi, Atolani/L-7367-2014 OI Olubunmi, Atolani/0000-0002-3580-5904 SN 2405-8440 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 6 IS 2 AR e03399 DI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03399 UT WOS:000518367800102 PM 32099925 ER PT J AU Calzetta, L Pistocchini, E Leo, A Roncada, P Ritondo, BL Palma, E di Cave, D Britti, D AF Calzetta, Luigino Pistocchini, Elena Leo, Antonio Roncada, Paola Ritondo, Beatrice Ludovica Palma, Ernesto di Cave, David Britti, Domenico TI Anthelminthic medicinal plants in veterinary ethnopharmacology: A network meta-analysis following the PRISMA-P and PROSPERO recommendations SO HELIYON AB Medicinal plants may be effective against helminthic infestation in animals, but to date few studies have investigated the real impact of anthelminthic medicinal plants in veterinary ethnopharmacology. The aim of this study was to assess the geographical use of anthelminthic medicinal plants in livestock in European Union (EU), and to quantify the anthelminthic efficacy of medicinal plants in comparison with anthelminthic drugs. Surveys on the use of anthelminthic traditional medicinal plants in livestock in the EU were included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies that investigated the efficacy of anthelminthic traditional medicinal plants in animals, compared with negative control and/or anthelminthic drugs, were included in the quantitative synthesis (network meta-analysis). Twelve surveys (9 in Italy, 2 in Spain, 1 in Austria) reported the use of anthelminthic medicinal plants in livestock living in EU Countries. Data obtained from 256 animals and extracted from 6 studies were included in the network meta-analysis. Medicinal plants and drugs were more effective than negative control (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.60 95%CrI-0.88 to -0.31, -0.73 95%CrI-1.08 to -0.38, respectively, P < 0.001). Overall, no difference was detected between anthelminthic medicinal plants and anthelminthic drugs, namely albendazole, ivermectin, fenbendazole, and doramectin (SMD: 0.26 95%CrI -0.02 to 0.55, P > 0.05). The most effective anthelminthic medicinal plants were Artemisia absintihium, Allium sativum, and Duranta erecta. There is the strong medical need of performing adequately powered randomized controlled trials in different livestock species aimed to improve the quality of the current evidence concerning the anthelminthic efficacy of medicinal plants compared to that of the currently available antiparasitic drugs. RI Leo, Antonio/K-4654-2016; Roncada, Paola/C-5263-2013 OI Leo, Antonio/0000-0002-0061-1608; Roncada, Paola/0000-0002-0114-5872 SN 2405-8440 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 6 IS 2 AR e03256 DI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03256 UT WOS:000518367800011 PM 32055724 ER PT J AU Huang, M He, PF Munir, S Wu, YX Li, XY He, PB He, YQ AF Huang, Min He, Pengfei Munir, Shahzad Wu, Yixin Li, Xingyu He, Pengbo He, Yueqiu TI Ecology and etiology of bacterial top rot in maize caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae KpC4 SO MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS AB Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals. Recently, K. pneumoniae KpC4 was identified as a causative agent of bacterial top rot in maize, which has been observed in many areas of Yunnan province, China. KpC4 is potentially dangerous to humans and livestock due to its cross-kingdom infection ability. Our study revealed the disease cycle of maize bacterial top rot caused by KpC4 and the ecological adaptability and host range of KpC4. We found same pathogenicity in maize between KpC4, the environmental strains E1, E4 (K1 serotype), E5, and the clinical strain K. pneumoniae 138 (Kp138). Alternative hosts of K. pneumoniae include not only humans and animals but also a variety of plants (such as maize, banana and sorghum). One of the survival strategies of K. pneumoniae is ecological adaptability, which is an essential factor for KpC4 to be able to cause bacterial top rot in maize. K. pneumoniae, for example, could survive in large numbers (2.34 +/- 0.22 x 10(3) cfu/g) not only in the maize leaves (2.34 +/- 0.22 x 10(3) cfu/g) under natural light, but persist in dried maize plant debris (1.51 x 104 cfu/g) for at least 6 months. K. pneumoniae strains from different sources can generally induce infection in susceptible hosts. Thus, this study revealed the ecological basis of KpC4 cross-kingdom infections, laying the foundation for the study of the mechanisms underlying cross-kingdom infections involving this type of human/animal opportunistic pathogen. SN 0882-4010 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 139 AR 103906 DI 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103906 UT WOS:000514245100031 PM 31786257 ER PT J AU Zhang, YY Mei, XF Liang, YY Zhu, B Sheng, ZA Shi, W Wang, DY Huang, WY AF Zhang, Yaoyao Mei, Xuefang Liang, Yiying Zhu, Bin Sheng, Zhaoan Shi, Wei Wang, Dongying Huang, Weiyi TI Newly excysted juveniles (NEJs) of Fasciola gigantica induce mice liver fibrosis and M2 macrophage-like phenotype in vivo SO MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS AB Liver flukes of animals are parasitic flatworms of major socioeconomic importance in many countries. Particularly, Fasciola gigantica is a leading cause of production losses to the livestock (mainly sheep and cattle) and meat industries due to clinical disease, reduced weight gain and milk production, and deaths. Immune responses induced by helminth have been extensively studied, but there is limited information on this aspect by F. gigantica, especially on macrophages induced with this parasite. Studies have shown that host immune responses induced by parasitic infection is greatly correlated with the macrophage polarization axis. In the present study, we used the murine model of F. gigantica to explore the interaction of host and F. gigantica. We found F. gigantica NEJs promoted pathology and fibrosis of mice liver, and the enlargement of mice spleen. We also showed that macrophages were recruited to mice peritoneal cavity at 5 days post infection. By evaluating the expression of genetic markers of M2 macrophages such as Arg-1, Ym1 and RELM alpha, and genetic marker of M1 macrophages iNOS, we showed that M2 macrophages were induced by F. gigantica. M2 macrophages are central to the immune response during helminth infection, and our findings in this study provided insight into the immune interaction between F. gigantica and host. RI ZHANG, YAOYAO/AAK-3506-2020 OI Shi, Wei/0000-0003-0368-1887 SN 0882-4010 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 139 AR 103909 DI 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103909 UT WOS:000514245100047 PM 31805319 ER PT J AU Fu, Q Shen, WZ Wei, XL Zhang, YG Xin, HS Su, ZB Zhao, CJ AF Fu, Qiang Shen, Weizheng Wei, Xiaoli Zhang, Yonggen Xin, Hangshu Su, Zhongbin Zhao, Chunjiang TI Prediction of the diet energy digestion using kernel extreme learning machine: A case study with Holstein dry cows SO COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE AB In order to effectively evaluate the diet nutritional and feeding value, it is essential to accurately predict the indicators of diet energy digestion of dairy cows, thus further optimizing feed formulation and improving feeding management. Traditional mathematical models used to predict the main indicators of diet energy digestion of dairy cows are usually based on linear regression (LR) method. However, as a typical parametric model, the LR-based method is limited by regression function assumption, and the inaccurate assumed function sometimes leads to the learned regression model biased from the ground-truth one. In this study, we propose a kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) technique to predict the indicators of Holstein dry cows' diet digestible energy (DE) and energy digestibility (ED). KELM is a typical non-parametric machine learning model, which does not require any specific assumptions about the regression function in advance. The learned modal by KELM can well fit the actual one only by learning the training sample data in most cases. To evaluate prediction accuracy effectively, we compared the KELM technique with traditional parametric prediction LR model and other commonly used non-parametric models such as radial basis function artificial neural network, support vector machine and standard extreme learning machine methods. The required sample data is obtained from actual feeding and digestion experiments. The prediction results indicate that the proposed KELM-based prediction technique is superior to other methods in most performance metrics for prediction of the DE and ED indicators of diet energy digestion of Holstein dry cows. In particular, it has higher prediction accuracy than traditional LR-based prediction method, and can predict DE and ED better under small samples conditions. The developed KELM-based prediction model may be utilized to provide key decision support information to animal nutrition experts, livestock farmers and feed suppliers. The presented model is also exploited as a potential tool for accurate evaluation of dairy cows diet feeding effect. SN 0168-1699 EI 1872-7107 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 169 AR 105231 DI 10.1016/j.compag.2020.105231 UT WOS:000517665600057 ER PT J AU Kuster, S Kardel, M Ammer, S Brunger, J Koch, R Traulsen, I AF Kuester, Steffen Kardel, Matthias Ammer, Stefanie Bruenger, Johannes Koch, Reinhard Traulsen, Imke TI Usage of computer vision analysis for automatic detection of activity changes in sows during final gestation SO COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE AB Surveillance of farm animals and automatic detection of deviant behaviors has lately become more important in livestock science and farming. With increasing farm size and diversity in tasks, farmers can benefit from automatic animal behavioral surveillance. This application note describes the usage of two straightforward computer vision algorithms with the purpose to analyze and record the movement activity of single-housed sows. The entire process from data acquisition over pre- and post-processing is provided. Additionally, the obtained data is used for automatic prediction of imminent farrowing in sows with sow individual CUSUM-Charts. SN 0168-1699 EI 1872-7107 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 169 AR 105177 DI 10.1016/j.compag.2019.105177 UT WOS:000517665600065 ER PT J AU Warner, D Vasseur, E Lefebvre, DM Lacroix, R AF Warner, Daniel Vasseur, Elsa Lefebvre, Daniel M. Lacroix, Rene TI A machine learning based decision aid for lameness in dairy herds using farm-based records SO COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE AB Lameness is a common welfare issue in dairy farms and can negatively influence productivity and farm profitability. On-farm measurements are time consuming and continuous monitoring of lameness can be thus challenging. A predictive model that is suitable for routine field applications can be thus an efficient strategy to improve lameness status in dairy herds. We explored the use of a machine learning approach based on decision tree induction to detect and monitor the risk level of dairy herds for lameness based on 20 routinely pre-collected farm-based records related to herd management and housing, milk production performance, reproduction performance, longevity, and genetic merit. The risk of lameness was determined for 229 dairy herds based on herd prevalence. The results based on 10-fold repeated cross-validation suggest that there was little difference between a simple decision tree and more advanced machine learning algorithms such as random forests or boosting algorithms with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.73-0.75, but machine learning performed better than classical multivariate logistic regression (AUC of 0.28). Model sensitivity based on machine learning was highest at 0.58, whereas model specificity was highest at 0.89 among all models tested. Stacking the individual machine learning algorithms to a higher-order model slightly lifted model performance (AUC of 0.76) at a model sensitivity of 0.54 and a model specificity of 0.94 but at a loss in model interpretability. Additional information more closely related to lameness are required to further improve model performance. Nevertheless, decision tree induction was found to be useful in analysing small data sets that frequently occur in various livestock farming disciplines. Overall, the machine learning approach described in our study may be an appropriate and powerful decision support and monitoring tool, and can be implemented in a computerized information system to detect herds with potential deficiencies in lameness. SN 0168-1699 EI 1872-7107 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 169 AR 105193 DI 10.1016/j.compag.2019.105193 UT WOS:000517665600041 ER PT J AU Malone, T Melstrom, RT AF Malone, Trey Melstrom, Richard T. TI Where's the beef? Cattle producers' response to endangered species listings SO FOOD POLICY AB Agricultural production in the United States relies on extensive land use that sometimes conflicts with federal policies to protect wildlife habitat. A prime example of this conflict is the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which can impose significant penalties on landowners and producers who destroy the habitat of listed species. While prior research has measured the effects of ESA regulations on land values and natural resources, no research has identified the consequences of listing a species on livestock production. In this study, we measure the effect of ESA listings on beef cattle production in the central United States. Results suggest that listing likely has a small positive effect on cattle stocks. OI Malone, Trey/0000-0001-8456-0862 SN 0306-9192 EI 1873-5657 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 91 AR 101814 DI 10.1016/j.foodpol.2019.101814 UT WOS:000517652900013 ER PT J AU Grattan, LM Lindsay, A Liang, YY Kilmon, KA Cohen, S Irani, T Morris, JG AF Grattan, Lynn M. Lindsay, Angela Liang, Yuanyuan Kilmon, Kelsey A. Cohen, Scott Irani, Tracy Morris, John Glenn TI The Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Hurricane Irma on Florida Agricultural Leaders as Early Emergency Responders: The Importance ofWorkplace Stability SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB The impacts of hurricane-related disasters in agricultural communities include extensive losses of fields, orchards, and livestock, the recovery of which could span many years. Agricultural Extension Agents (EAs) try to manage and mitigate these losses, while simultaneously overseeing emergency shelter operations. These non-professional emergency responders face numerous potential stressors, the outcomes of which are minimally known. This study examined the short- and long-term medical and behavioral outcome of 36 University of Florida Agricultural Extension Agents within two months and one year after Hurricane Irma, Florida, USA, taking into consideration personal /home and work-related hurricane impacts. Regression analyses indicated that combined home and work hurricane impacts were associated with greater anxiety, depression, and medical symptoms controlling for age and number of prior hurricane experiences within two months of landfall. One year later, depression symptoms increased as well as the use of negative disengagement coping strategies for which stability of the work environment was protective. The findings suggest that advanced training in emergency response, organization and time management skills, time off and temporary replacement for personally impacted EAs, and workplace stability, including enhanced continuity of operations plans, represent critical elements of health prevention and early intervention for this occupational group. OI Cohen, Scott/0000-0002-8758-180X; Morris, J. Glenn/0000-0001-9347-1984 SN 1661-7827 EI 1660-4601 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 17 IS 3 AR 1050 DI 10.3390/ijerph17031050 UT WOS:000517783300375 PM 32046012 ER PT J AU Vinten, A Bowden-Smith, P AF Vinten, Andy Bowden-Smith, Patrick TI An Appraisal of Potential for Sowing of Nasturtium officinale into Streams to Mitigate Nutrient Pollution in Eastern Scotland SO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH AB This study examines a farmer-led initiative to sow watercress (Nasturtium officinale) in field ditches. The objective was to assess the potential of this practice to mitigate summer nutrient loads in rivers. Two ditches-one seeded, the other unseeded-on a mixed-livestock farm in Eastern Scotland were monitored during the spring-summer of 2014-2016. The un-replicated trial design limited statistical analysis. However, changes in N and P concentrations along the two ditches were measured. In the watercress-seeded ditch, N retention of 0.092 g/m(2)/d (p < 0.001, SE = 0.020) and P retention of 0.0092 g/m(2)/d (p = 0.001, SE = 0.0028) occurred, while total organic C in the water increased along the ditch. Retention was close to zero for the unseeded ditch. The seeded ditch was also found to have more dry matter production and lower stream temperature. The impact of plastic covering (to increase spring temperature) on vegetation and nutrient removal was also assessed on replicate 5-m sections of the ditches. No significant impact on N and P removal was found; however, the release of C increased significantly in the plastic-covered sections. The rise in air temperature (up to > 30 degrees C) promoted a greater growth of opportunist species (nettle (Urtica), rush (Juncus), and grasses. These observations were used to make a simple assessment of the potential catchment scale impact of seeding watercress into first and second order streams in the nearby Lunan Water catchment. It was concluded that this could make a significant contribution to the reduction of nutrient loads. SN 1661-7827 EI 1660-4601 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 17 IS 3 AR 895 DI 10.3390/ijerph17030895 UT WOS:000517783300220 PM 32023999 ER PT J AU Alday-Sanz, V Brock, J Flegel, TW McIntosh, R Bondad-Reantaso, MG Salazar, M Subasinghe, R AF Alday-Sanz, Victoria Brock, James Flegel, Timothy W. McIntosh, Robins Bondad-Reantaso, Melba G. Salazar, Marcela Subasinghe, Rohana TI Facts, truths and myths about SPF shrimp in Aquaculture SO REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE AB Shrimp domestication and genetic improvement programmes began in late 1980s, in the United States of America, under the United States Marine Shrimp Farming Program (USMSFP), using the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei. The USMSFP was based on proven concepts from the livestock and poultry industries and began with establishing a specific pathogen-free (SPF) shrimp stock. The original shrimp stock was obtained using rigorous screening of captured wild shrimp for selection of individuals naturally free of major shrimp pathogens. Although the concept of SPF animals was well defined for terrestrial animals, it was relatively new for aquaculture, and it took some time to be adopted by the aquaculture community. In the early 1990s, parallel to USMSFP, several other programmes on genetic improvement of shrimp were also initiated in Latin America. Subsequently, several new terminologies and products, such as specific pathogen resistant (SPR) shrimp, specific pathogen tolerant (SPT) shrimp and even 'all pathogen exposed' (APE) shrimp, entered the shrimp industry vocabulary and became commercial. This led to confusion in the shrimp industry about the meaning, relationship and significance of these new terms with respect to SPF. This position paper attempts to clarify these concepts, provide science-based definitions, reconfirms the importance of developing, maintaining and using domesticated, specific pathogen-free (SPF) shrimp stocks (which may also achieve SPR and/or SPT status) to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and increase production and profit. The same principles would apply to development of domesticated SPF stocks for other species used in aquaculture. The paper also discusses the difficulties of confirming and certifying SPF status due to the presence of endogenous viral elements (EVEs) and calls for internationally agreed science and evidence-based technical guidelines for producing healthy shrimp. SN 1753-5123 EI 1753-5131 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 1 BP 76 EP 84 DI 10.1111/raq.12305 UT WOS:000515208400005 ER PT J AU Warinda, E Nyariki, DM Wambua, S Muasya, RM Hanjra, MA AF Warinda, Enock Nyariki, Dickson M. Wambua, Stephen Muasya, Reuben M. Hanjra, Munir A. TI Sustainable development in East Africa: impact evaluation of regional agricultural development projects in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda SO NATURAL RESOURCES FORUM AB Investments in agricultural technologies, capacity building and policy harmonization are needed to support sustainable development across Africa. Regional development projects can facilitate the adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations across nation-state borders and generate benefits for shared prosperity. This paper uses panel data from 1,160 smallholder households including beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries from five countries in East Africa - Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. From a pool of over 90 projects implemented over a span of 15 years, 23 regional projects are included in this study. The major economic benefits to smallholder participants are higher crop productivity and income, access to adaptable technologies, access to markets, higher livestock and milk production, gender equality, enhanced food security, resilience and capacity building for uptake and scaling up of future innovation platforms. For example, the adoption of low-cost tissue culture banana by the beneficiaries increased their incomes by 15% in Rwanda while the adoption of appropriate land and water management technologies increased the potato yields from 2.8 tons (USD 2,840/ha) to over 7.5 tons (USD 7,410/ha) in Kenya. The beneficiaries ensured value added to commodities like bananas (for export) and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (a nutrition-sensitive intervention for enhancing domestic intake of vitamin A) in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Additionally, milk production increased from 6 to 11 L per cow per day in Uganda and from 6 to 8 L per cow per day in Tanzania, with increases in sales generating USD 115 per cow per month above the non-beneficiaries. These results are supported by previous studies on technology adoption, investments in agriculture and well-being outcomes. Our findings with the higher farm income Difference-in-Differences (DiD) estimator for the female beneficiaries compared to male beneficiaries might have important implications for investing in regional development projects that will close the gender gap in agricultural productivity in Africa. Regional projects can also support post-conflict development efforts for food security and peace in fragile contexts such as in Burundi. Our findings might serve as an input to the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, localization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and agriculture in Africa and an input to monitoring, evaluation and learning. SN 0165-0203 EI 1477-8947 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 44 IS 1 BP 3 EP 39 DI 10.1111/1477-8947.12191 UT WOS:000516519600001 ER PT J AU Sarvi, S Behrestaghi, LE Alizadeh, A Hosseini, SA Gohardieh, S Bastani, R Charati, JY Daryani, A Amouei, A Spotin, A Gholami, S AF Sarvi, Shahabeddin Behrestaghi, Laya Ebrahimi Alizadeh, Abbas Hosseini, Seyed Abdollah Gohardieh, Shaban Bastani, Reza Charati, Jamshid Yazdani Daryani, Ahmad Amouei, Afsaneh Spotin, Adel Gholami, Shirzad TI Morphometric, genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of Taenia hydatigena (Pallas, 1766) larval stage in Iranian livestock SO PARASITOLOGY AB Cysticercus tenuicollis as metacestode of Taenia hydatigena is the most prevalent taeniid species in livestock. Eighty-eight C. tenuicollis samples were collected from sheep (n = 44) and goats (n = 44) of the northern Iran from 2015 to 2016. The isolated parasites were characterized by morphometric keys. The DNA of the larval stage was extracted, amplified and sequenced targeting mitochondrial 12S rRNA and Cox 1 markers. A significant difference in larval rostellar hook length was observed in 12S rRNA haplotypes. Analysis of molecular variance of 12S rRNA indicated a moderate genetic diversity in the C. tenuicollis isolates. The pairwise sequence distance of C. tenuicollis showed an intra-species diversity of 0.3-0.5% and identity of 99.5-100%. Using the 12S rRNA sequence data we found a moderate genetic difference (F-st; 0.05421) in C. tenucollis isolates collected from livestock of the northern and southeastern regions of Iran. We concluded that the genetic variants of C. tenuicollis are being undoubtedly distributing mostly in different parts of Iran. Further studies with a larger number of T. hydatigena isolates collected from various intermediate and definitive hosts are needed to study this evolutionary assumption and also to determine the apparent genetic differences observed in the studied regions. OI Spotin, Adel/0000-0002-3009-9537; Yazdani-Charati, Jamshid/0000-0002-4721-225X SN 0031-1820 EI 1469-8161 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 147 IS 2 BP 231 EP 239 AR PII S0031182019001434 DI 10.1017/S0031182019001434 UT WOS:000517334000010 PM 31603069 ER PT J AU Hill, MJ Guerschman, JP AF Hill, Michael J. Guerschman, Juan P. TI The MODIS Global Vegetation Fractional Cover Product 2001-2018: Characteristics of Vegetation Fractional Cover in Grasslands and Savanna Woodlands SO REMOTE SENSING AB Vegetation Fractional Cover (VFC) is an important global indicator of land cover change, land use practice and landscape, and ecosystem function. In this study, we present the Global Vegetation Fractional Cover Product (GVFCP) and explore the levels and trends in VFC across World Grassland Type (WGT) Ecoregions considering variation associated with Global Livestock Production Systems (GLPS). Long-term average levels and trends in fractional cover of photosynthetic vegetation (F-PV), non-photosynthetic vegetation (F-NPV), and bare soil (F-BS) are mapped, and variation among GLPS types within WGT Divisions and Ecoregions is explored. Analysis also focused on the savanna-woodland WGT Formations. Many WGT Divisions showed wide variation in long-term average VFC and trends in VFC across GLPS types. Results showed large areas of many ecoregions experiencing significant positive and negative trends in VFC. East Africa, Patagonia, and the Mitchell Grasslands of Australia exhibited large areas of negative trends in F-NPV and positive trends F-BS. These trends may reflect interactions between extended drought, heavy livestock utilization, expanded agriculture, and other land use changes. Compared to previous studies, explicit measurement of F-NPV revealed interesting additional information about vegetation cover and trends in many ecoregions. The Australian and Global products are available via the GEOGLAM RAPP (Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring Rangeland and Pasture Productivity) website, and the scientific community is encouraged to utilize the data and contribute to improved validation. RI Guerschman, Juan Pablo/C-1479-2009 OI Guerschman, Juan Pablo/0000-0001-7464-6304 EI 2072-4292 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 12 IS 3 AR 406 DI 10.3390/rs12030406 UT WOS:000515393800065 ER PT J AU Elson, R Davies, TM Jenkins, C Vivancos, R O'Brien, SJ Lake, IR AF Elson, Richard Davies, Tilman M. Jenkins, Claire Vivancos, Roberto O'Brien, Sarah J. Lake, Iain R. TI Application of kernel smoothing to estimate the spatio-temporal variation in risk of STEC O157 in England SO SPATIAL AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AB Identifying geographical areas with significantly higher or lower rates of infectious diseases can provide important aetiological clues to inform the development of public health policy and interventions designed to reduce morbidity. We applied kernel smoothing to estimate the spatial and spatio-temporal variation in risk of STEC O157 infection in England between 2009 and 2015, and to explore differences between the residential locations of cases reporting travel and those not reporting travel. We provide evidence that the distribution of STEC O157 infection in England is non-uniform with respect to the distribution of the atrisk population; that the spatial distribution of the three main genetic lineages infecting humans (I, II and I/II) differs significantly and that the spatio-temporal risk is highly dynamic. Our results also indicate that cases of STEC O157 reporting travel within or outside the UK are more likely to live in the south/southeast of the country, meaning that their residential location may not reflect the location of exposure that led to their infection. We suggest that the observed variation in risk reflects exposure to sources of STEC O157 that are geographically prescribed. These differences may be related to a combination of changes in the strains circulating in the ruminant reservoir, animal movements (livestock, birds or wildlife) or the behavior of individuals prior to infection. Further work to identify the importance of behaviours and exposures reported by cases relative to residential location is needed. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. SN 1877-5845 EI 1877-5853 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 32 AR 100305 DI 10.1016/j.sste.2019.100305 UT WOS:000516521300001 PM 32007279 ER PT J AU Jia, H Howard, K Qian, H AF Jia, Hui Howard, Ken Qian, Hui TI Use of multiple isotopic and chemical tracers to identify sources of nitrate in shallow groundwaters along the northern slope of the Qinling Mountains, China SO APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY AB Isotopes and major ion hydrochemistry are used to investigate potential sources of nitrate contamination in shallow aquifers along the northern slope of the Qinling Mountains, west-central China. Locally, nitrate concentrations exceed a remarkable 850 mg/L, over 40 times background levels observed in fresh mountain springs, and a knowledge and understanding of the nitrate pollution sources is essential for the development of aquifer management and protection strategies that will allow the problem to be effectively controlled. Presently, none of the suspected pollutant sources generates concentrations of nitrate that even approach levels observed in the groundwater, and this is clearly a challenge in terms of assigning responsibility for the contamination and developing appropriate management plans. However, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (delta D and (delta O-18) in study area waters demonstrate that the centrally located Jijiahe Reservoir and Shidi River have been a major source of aquifer recharge in recent times and are an obvious source of the contamination. Moreover, delta N-15-NO3- and delta O-18-NO3- determinations suggest that, while nitrate concentrations in the river and reservoir are currently relatively low, a local, long-established fertilizer factory that has likely released high-nitrogen waste to these nearby receptors in the past, is the primary pollutant source. On a positive note, it would appear that the majority of the nitrate contamination, albeit serious in terms of drinking water quality, represents a legacy of past practice and should show gradual improvement due to modern-day environmental protection initiatives, improved equipment, better monitoring and significantly enhanced methods of wastewater treatment. However, the isotope data do indicate that the aquifer continues to be impacted by other anthropogenic activities, including agriculture and livestock raising, downstream of the industrial area and in the eastern part of the study area, meaning that monitoring and active remediation strategies need to be continued with vigilance. RI qian, hui/B-9558-2019 OI qian, hui/0000-0002-9354-4060; Jia, Hui/0000-0003-3955-6439 SN 0883-2927 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 113 AR 104512 DI 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2019.104512 UT WOS:000514814800024 ER PT J AU Sun, J Strosnider, WHJ Nairn, RW Labar, JA AF Sun, Jing Strosnider, William H. J. Nairn, Robert W. Labar, Julie A. TI Water quality impacts of in-stream mine tailings on a headwater tributary of the Rio Pilcomayo, Potosi, Bolivia SO APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY AB Rio Tarapaya, a major tributary of the upper Rio Pilcomayo and a crucial water resource in the arid Southeastern Bolivian highlands, has been impacted by in-stream mine tailings and acid rock drainage over the past five centuries, from historic and ongoing mining at Cerro Rico de Potosi. Identification of the effects of in-stream mine tailings on the waters of Rio Tarapaya is essential to better understand the dynamics of these complex systems and propose successful management strategies. A study was performed on river waters and sediments at six sites in a reach of Rio Tarapaya, beginning at the city limits of Potosi and ending just after the confluence with Rio Cayara, a relatively unimpaired river 7.3 km downstream. Concentrations of dissolved metals (such as Fe, Al, Mn, and As) in the Ca-Mg-HCO3-SO4 dominated stream were generally orders of magnitude greater than Bolivian receiving water body criteria and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization irrigation and livestock drinking water guidelines. Variability of Ca and Mg in water and sediment was controlled by dissolution of gypsum, dolomite and calcite, which was supported by Spearman correlation coefficients. The primary ionic products of in-stream sulfide mineral weathering (SO42-, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn and As), are the dominant ions of stream water and sediment leachate. Results are consistent with PHREEQC modeling of minerals such as gibbsite, melanterite, goethite, calcite and dolomite. In general, the reactivity of bed material increased and stream water quality decreased with increasing distance from Potosi. Metals and metalloids are spiraling downstream via seasonally driven particle transport, sulfide weathering, and salt dissolution coupled with biotic interactions. The reactivity of the millions of tonnes of in-stream tailings in Rio Tarapaya and persistence of contemporary illicit tailings discharges indicates that the upper Rio Pilcomayo will remain severely degraded for the foreseeable future unless substantial remediation is undertaken. RI Nairn, Robert W/A-5729-2018 OI Nairn, Robert W/0000-0003-1400-6289; Strosnider, William/0000-0002-0839-4468 SN 0883-2927 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 113 AR 104464 DI 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2019.104464 UT WOS:000514814800004 ER PT J AU Li, N Shang, LW Yu, ZX Jiang, YQ AF Li, Nan Shang, Liwei Yu, Zhixin Jiang, Yuqing TI Estimation of agricultural greenhouse gases emission in interprovincial regions of China during 1996-2014 SO NATURAL HAZARDS AB Agriculture is an important component of national economy in China, and agricultural production is also an important source of greenhouse gas emission. Based on the methods of IPCC, this paper has improved the method with the researches of a large number of scholars. Then, according to the agricultural production data of interprovincial regions of China from 1996 to 2014, the CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions from agriculture were carefully estimated. Then, based on the theory of club convergence in the field of economics, the estimation results are normalized and further analyzed. The results showed that the total CO2 emission has increased from 143.10 Tg in 1996 to 210.67 Tg in 2014, with an average annual growth rate of 2.17%. The largest emission source is the coal for thermal power, accounting for 30% of total emission. The total CH4 emission fell from 23.44 Tg in 1996 to 20.99 Tg in 1997 and then showed a slight fluctuation tendency; the rice field is found to hold major position, accounting for 59% of total emission. The total N2O emission has increased from 337.5 Gg in 1996 to 405.3 Gg in 2014, with an average annual growth rate of 1.02%. The main emission source is fertilizer, accounting for 59% of total emission. The total agricultural greenhouse gas emission in China shows an upward trend, increases from 915.09 Tg CO2 Eq. in 1996 to 965.90 Tg CO2 Eq. in 2014, with an average annual growth rate of 0.3%. The fastest growing area is Heilongjiang, followed by Xinjiang. SN 0921-030X EI 1573-0840 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 100 IS 3 BP 1037 EP 1058 DI 10.1007/s11069-019-03838-3 UT WOS:000513366100006 ER PT J AU Ara?jo, MFA De Marco, P Juen, L T?rres, NM AF Araujo, M. F. A. De Marco, P. Juen, L. Torres, N. M. TI Vulnerability of Phyllocycla Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) to Current and Planned Anthropic Activities by the Brazilian Government SO NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY AB Although most species distribution modeling (SDMs) are constructed at the species level, an appreciation of evolutionary processes has led to modeling above this level. In view of the difficulty in estimating the impacts of human actions on rare or deficient data species, we proposed a new approach to vulnerability assessment based on concepts already well established in the literature (ecological niche, niche conservatism, and extinction thresholds). We used distribution modeling to predict where species of the genus Phyllocycla (Calvert 1948) are most vulnerable to local extinctions and how the implementation of planned anthropic activities by the Brazilian government may modify the potential distribution of the genus in Brazil. We chose that genus because its conservation status is little known, especially due to the data gap about its geographical distribution. We proposed modeling the whole genus and used the niche conservatism theory to justify our methods. The anthropic activities considered in our analysis were agriculture and livestock, rural settlements, energy production installations, transportation, oil extraction, mining, and urbanization. We found that only 55.3% of the original potential distribution of Phyllocycla in Brazil remains available. The area compromised by anthropic activities comprises mainly the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, with less impact on the Amazon. However, with the implementation of activities planned by the Brazilian government, it is possible that an additional 13.6% of this area will be unavailable to species of Phyllocycla, especially in the Amazon, where interest in mining and the implementation of new hydroelectric production have increased. SN 1519-566X EI 1678-8052 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 49 IS 1 BP 24 EP 32 DI 10.1007/s13744-019-00714-4 UT WOS:000514998400003 PM 31522364 ER PT J AU Smola, M Horova, V Boura, E Klima, M AF Smola, Miroslav Horova, Vladimira Boura, Evzen Klima, Martin TI Structural basis for hijacking of the host ACBD3 protein by bovine and porcine enteroviruses and kobuviruses SO ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY AB Picornaviruses infect a wide range of mammals including livestock such as cattle and swine. As with other picornavirus genera such as Aphthovirus, there is emerging evidence of a significant economic impact of livestock infections caused by members of the genera Enterovirus and Kobuvirus. While the human-infecting enteroviruses and kobuviruses have been intensively studied during the past decades in great detail, research on livestock-infecting viruses has been mostly limited to the genomic characterization of the viral strains identified worldwide. Here, we extend our previous studies of the structure and function of the complexes composed of the non-structural 3A proteins of human-infecting enteroviruses and kobuviruses and the host ACBD3 protein and present a structural and functional characterization of the complexes of the following livestock-infecting picornaviruses: bovine enteroviruses EV-E and EV-F, porcine enterovirus EV-G, and porcine kobuvirus AiV-C. We present a series of crystal structures of these complexes and demonstrate the role of these complexes in facilitation of viral replication. RI Klima, Martin/G-5265-2014 OI Klima, Martin/0000-0002-9083-509X; Boura, Evzen/0000-0002-9652-4065 SN 0304-8608 EI 1432-8798 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 165 IS 2 BP 355 EP 366 DI 10.1007/s00705-019-04490-9 UT WOS:000514532300004 PM 31845156 ER PT J AU Bastos, RRC Correa, APD da Luz, PTS da Rocha, GN Zamian, JR da Conceicao, LRV AF Cardoso Bastos, Rafael Roberto da Luz Correa, Ana Paula Souza da Luz, Patricia Teresa da Rocha Filho, Geraldo Narciso Zamian, Jose Roberto Vieira da Conceicao, Leyvison Rafael TI Optimization of biodiesel production using sulfonated carbon-based catalyst from an amazon agro-industrial waste SO ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT AB Murumuru kernel shell, an agro-industrial waste, was used as the precursor biomass in the synthesis of an acid biochar that was employed as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel originated from jupati oil. The response-surface methodology was based on a 2(3) central composite design and it was used to obtain the best reaction conditions. The catalyst was synthesized from the carbonization of murumuru kernel shell, followed by sulfonation in concentrated sulfuric acid. It was characterized by an acid-base titration in order to determine total acid density, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The best reaction conditions obtained in the optimization of temperature, catalyst concentration, and methanol/oil molar ratio in jupati biodiesel production were 135 degrees C, 6% and 30:1, respectively. It also reached an ester content of 91.8%. The chlorophyll present in jupati oil negatively influenced catalyst reuse because this bioactive deactivated the catalyst studied. This issue was solved by using an adsorbent from murumuru kernel shell to remove the chlorophyll, achieving a removal rate of 92.5%. Thus, proposing the acid solid from the murumuru kernel shell as a bifunctional material in the removal of chlorophyll from vegetable oils and acid catalysis for biodiesel production. Reusing the catalyst with purified jupati oil maintained the catalytic activity around 80% of ester content until the fourth reaction cycle. The progressive loss was little in the catalytic activity due to the leaching of acid sites. The reusing and ester content results found in this study showed the viability of using the agroindustrial waste of murumuru kernel shell as a precursor for the sustainable production of an efficient sulfonated-carbon catalyst for biodiesel production. RI da Conceicao, Leyvison Rafael Vieira/AAJ-8420-2020 OI da Conceicao, Leyvison Rafael Vieira/0000-0003-0854-9172 SN 0196-8904 EI 1879-2227 PD FEB 1 PY 2020 VL 205 AR 112457 DI 10.1016/j.enconman.2019.112457 UT WOS:000515440100102 ER PT J AU Kaske, M Scheidegger, R Bahler, C Markov, J Sidler, X AF Kaske, M. Scheidegger, R. Baehler, C. Markov, J. Sidler, X. TI Interventions and treatments of farm animals by non-veterinarians: quo vadis? SO SCHWEIZER ARCHIV FUR TIERHEILKUNDE AB The increasing professionalization and the cost pressure on farms combined with a decreasing availability of veterinary expertise procures the demand for treatments and interventions performed by non-veterinarians. A current survey resulting in 56 responses of food animal practitioners showed that a majority delivered pour- on anthelmintics, drugs for oral application and ointments after respective instruction to farmers. Udder injectors, antimicrobials and vaccines were handled more restrictively, but even hormones were committed by more than half of the veterinarians to livestock owners. In respect to interventions, most practitioners supported that farmers perform functional foot trimming, administration of boli, inseminations, dehorning and castrations of calves. By contrast, many veterinarians refused that farmers apply intravenous injections, insert a trocar or treat sole ulcers. In respect to the future development, implications of non-veterinarian interventions on animal welfare, consumer protection and drug safety have to be considered. Indispensable are qualification and skills of the person performing interventions which can be acquired by certificated training courses. Moreover, a basic conception and taking responsibility in particular for application of veterinary drugs is mandatory - in this respect, at present marked deficits exist among many farmers. Based on the current legal situation, several interventions can be delegated to non-veterinarians, but the technical responsibility for the proper implementation is due to the veterinarian. This includes an evaluation of interventions and treatments on a regular basis together with the farmer. On this basis, the assessment of clinical symptoms as well as the initial treatment can be useful and appropriate to ensure a rapid therapy especially in animals suffering from factorial diseases. Having in mind profound differences in respect to the competence of non-veterinarians, general procedures to deliver drugs and to delegate interventions have to be rejected. Advanced diagnostic procedures and the prescription of veterinary drugs remain an exclusive mission of the veterinarian. SN 0036-7281 EI 1664-2848 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 162 IS 2 BP 83 EP 92 DI 10.17236/sat00244 UT WOS:000515300900002 PM 32004138 ER PT J AU Hassig, M Betschart, S AF Haessig, M. Betschart, S. TI Ethics in Farm animals: The role of the veterinarian in animal protection on the example of bovines SO SCHWEIZER ARCHIV FUR TIERHEILKUNDE AB In the present study, farm animal practitioners in Switzerland were questioned about their reported violations of the animal welfare law in cattle and their response to the detection of violations in the year 2017. The answers from 34 participants could be included in the evaluation. In 2017, 7.8% of the farms seen by participating practices were found to be in violation of the animal welfare law. It could be shown that the participating veterinarians reported only a small part (8.7%) of the detected offenses to the veterinary offices. In 91.7% of the cases, they responded to the violations and in only 8.3% of the cases they did not respond or they waited. Most often, they informed the livestock owners about the violation (66.1%) or advised them on the implementation of the animal welfare law (24.0%). The most common reason for the decision of reporting violations or not was the severity of the offense or animal suffering. There are many reasons why violations are not reported. The improvement of the situation after a reference, advice or threat of reporting to the veterinary office and the perception of the violation as minor are the most common ones. In addition, veterinarians see their role more in information and advice than in surveillance and repression. SN 0036-7281 EI 1664-2848 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 162 IS 2 BP 101 EP 105 DI 10.17236/sat00246 UT WOS:000515300900004 PM 32004140 ER PT J AU Wang, SY Wu, LL Li, BL Zhang, DY AF Wang, Sheng Yin Wu, Lingli Li, Baoling Zhang, Dayu TI Reproductive Potential and Nutritional Composition of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Prepupae Reared on Different Organic Wastes SO JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY AB Hermetia illucens L. (the black soldier fly) has received increased attention because of its great potential in converting organic waste into a renewable resource. The prepupae have high proportions of proteins and fats and can serve as feedstuff for livestock and as feedstock for biodiesel production. With the goal to upgrade the conversion of low-value organic wastes into high-value proteins and fat on a large scale, the effects of the feedstuffs food waste, pig manure, chicken manure, and cow dung on the reproductive potential and nutrient composition of H. illucens were evaluated. The intrinsic rate of increase of H. illucens fed food waste (0.1249 d(-1)) was significantly greater than the rate of those fed pig manure (0.1167 d(-1)), chicken manure (0.1154 d(-1)), and cow dung (0.1049 d(-1)). The ash content of H. illucens fed food waste (30.8 gkg(-1) lyophilized prepupa matter (LPM)) was significantly lower than that of those fed chicken manure (37.6 gkg(-1) LPM) and cow dung (49.5 gkg(-1) LPM). The contents of crude fat, 372.4 gkg(-1) LPM, and protein, 436.9 gkg(-1) LPM, in prepupae fed food waste were the highest among the four treatments. The reproductive performance and prepupal nutrient composition indicated that food waste was the most suitable feed for H. illucens. The results from this study further demonstrate that the prepupae of H. illucens have great potential for use as a protein and fat source in animal feeds and as biodiesel material. SN 0022-0493 EI 1938-291X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 113 IS 1 BP 527 EP 537 DI 10.1093/jee/toz296 UT WOS:000515119000059 PM 31773129 ER PT J AU Osypinska, M Zurawski, BT AF Osypinska, Marta Zurawski, Bogdan T. TI Pork for pilgrims: livestock breeding and meat consumption at medieval Banganarti, Nubia SO ANTIQUITY AB During the eleventh to thirteenth centuries AD, the small settlement of Banganarti grew into one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Middle Nile Valley. Ongoing excavations have yielded clear evidence of its unique economic and social diversity. Large-scale pig breeding, attested by the ubiquitous remains of pigs in the archaeozoological record, is particularly significant and unlike that found on other regional medieval sites. The authors investigate the popularity of pig breeding and pork consumption at Banganarti in relation to the specific role played by the site in the religious landscape of the medieval kingdom of Makuria. SN 0003-598X EI 1745-1744 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 94 IS 373 BP 164 EP 178 DI 10.15184/aqy.2019.235 UT WOS:000514003100016 ER PT J AU Fei, HM Crouse, M Papdopoulos, YA Vessey, JK AF Fei, Houman Crouse, Matthew Papdopoulos, Yousef A. Vessey, J. Kevin TI Improving biomass yield of giant Miscanthus by application of beneficial soil microbes and a plant biostimulant SO CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE AB Sustainable production of biomass crops is important in the development of feedstocks for the production of biofuels and other bioproducts. This study investigates the use of nine beneficial soil microbes and a plant biostimulant (i.e., Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract) to increase the growth of two giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) cultivars, Amurf and 'Nagara', under greenhouse conditions and in the field on poorquality, marginal land. Greenhouse trials indicated increases in shoot dry weight (DW) in Amurf in treatments with Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5T LsdB', Gluconacetobacter johannae UAP-Cf-76, and Variovorax paradoxus JM67 by 15%-24% compared with untreated controls. In 'Nagara', shoot DW was increased in the treatments with Penicillium bilaiae by 11% and the seaweed extract by 10%. The nutrient content of shoot tissues increased in the same treatments in which biomass was increased. Despite a lack of treatment effects on shoot DW in Amurf in the field, several treatments increased Fe and Zn content in shoots by up to 1.9x. In Nagara' in the field, treatment with G. johannae UAP-Cf-76 and the seaweed extract resulted in increases in shoot DW by 16% and 23%, respectively, and several treatments resulted in increases in shoot Fe and Zn concentrations. The productivity enhancements in giant Miscanthus by beneficial soil microbes and the seaweed extract may be associated with increasing access to limited soil nutrients. These findings suggest that the use of beneficial soil microbes and plant biostimulants may aid in the sustainable production of giant Miscanthus on marginal lands. SN 0008-4220 EI 1918-1833 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 100 IS 1 BP 29 EP 39 DI 10.1139/cjps-2019-0012 UT WOS:000514074300003 ER PT J AU Caballero-Huertas, M Moraleda-Prados, J Joly, S Ribas, L AF Caballero-Huertas, M. Moraleda-Prados, J. Joly, S. Ribas, L. TI Immune genes, IL1 beta and Casp9, show sexual dimorphic methylation patterns in zebrafish gonads SO FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY AB There is crosstalk between the immune and reproductive systems in which sexual dimorphism is a common pattern in vertebrates. In recent years, epigenetics has emerged as a way to study the molecular mechanisms involved in gonadal development, those responsible for integrating environmental information that contribute to assigning a specific sexual phenotype (either an ovary or a testis). The knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in certain molecular processes allows the development of epigenetic markers. In fish gonads, the existence of reproduction-immune system interactions is known, although the epigenetic mechanisms involved are far from clear. Here, we used the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to study the DNA methylation patterns in gonads of two well-known innate immune genes: IL1 beta and Casp9. DNA methylation levels were studied by a candidate gene approach at single nucleotide resolution and gene expression analyses were also carried out. Results showed that there was clear sexual dimorphism in the DNA methylation levels of the two immune genes studied, being significantly higher in the testes when compared to the ovaries. In summary, and although further research is needed, this paper presents sexual dimorphic methylation patterns of two immune-related genes, thus sex-biased differences in methylation profiles should considered when analyzing immune responses in fish. Data showed here can help to develop epimarkers with forthcoming applications in livestock and fish farming production, for example, in immune fish diseases or sexual control programs as epigenetic molecular tools to predict environmental pressure in the gonads. RI Ribas, Laia/E-1466-2013 OI Ribas, Laia/0000-0001-5538-6236 SN 1050-4648 EI 1095-9947 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 97 BP 648 EP 655 DI 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.12.013 UT WOS:000513983700069 PM 31830572 ER PT J AU Qi, XT Jiang, JB Cui, XM Yuan, DH AF Qi, Xiaotong Jiang, Jinbao Cui, Ximin Yuan, Deshuai TI Moldy Peanut Kernel Identification Using Wavelet Spectral Features Extracted from Hyperspectral Images SO FOOD ANALYTICAL METHODS AB Moldy peanuts may contain aflatoxin, a highly carcinogenic substance that threatens the health of humans and livestock. This study aimed to identify moldy peanuts using hyperspectral measurements and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Peanuts were allowed to develop mold in a simulation of natural process of fungal infection; detailed hyperspectral images of healthy and moldy peanuts were captured. Based on these spectral data, CWT with separability analysis was conducted, generating a Jeffries-Matusita distance scalogram that summarized the separability of the wavelet power at different wavelengths and the decomposition scales between healthy and moldy peanuts. Using thresholding, five wavelet features (WFs) were isolated to identify moldy peanuts. In addition, seven optimal bands obtained from a successive projection algorithm were compared with the WFs. Partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) and support vector machines (SVM) were adopted as classifiers for evaluating the WFs and optimal bands. The results show that according to the WFs, both PLS-DA and SVMs achieved higher overall classification results (at least 96.19% for the test data) than those using optimal bands selected via the successive projection algorithm (SPA). The CWT was found to be a promising method for analyzing the fungal infection of peanuts. OI Yuan, Deshuai/0000-0001-9818-2794 SN 1936-9751 EI 1936-976X PD FEB PY 2020 VL 13 IS 2 BP 445 EP 456 DI 10.1007/s12161-019-01670-w UT WOS:000511744200013 ER PT J AU Marcos, MS Carrera, AL Bertiller, MB Olivera, NL AF Marcos, Magali S. Carrera, Analia L. Bertiller, Monica B. Olivera, Nelda L. TI Grazing enhanced spatial heterogeneity of soil dehydrogenase activity in arid shrublands of Patagonia, Argentina SO JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS AB Purpose The impacts of sheep grazing on soil microorganisms and enzyme activities are not yet fully understood in arid and semi-arid regions, despite the fact that most grazed lands are drylands. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the temporal (seasonal samplings in a 2-year study) and spatial (plant-covered patches vs. inter-patches) variability of soil dehydrogenase (DHA) as an indicator of soil microbiological activity in two sites under different grazing managements in the arid Patagonian Monte. Materials and methods We selected two sites with different grazing managements: site G is currently under grazing disturbance and has been grazed by sheep since the beginning of the twentieth century, while site NG used to be grazed by sheep until 2003 (6 years before the first sampling) when sheep were gradually removed. Soil samples were collected at plant-covered patches (P) and inter-patches (IP) within G and NG at 7 sampling dates (distributed seasonally along a 2-year study), and in each sample we determined soil DHA. We further analyzed environmental properties that could have influenced the observed patterns of DHA by measuring soil moisture, soil penetration and gravel content, and plant litter biomass. Results and discussion In the grazed site, there was a significantly higher soil DHA activity in P than in IP along the whole study timeframe, while no significant differences were observed in soil DHA between P and IP in the non-grazed site. In both sites, soil DHA activity positively correlated with plant litter biomass. In addition, a significant positive correlation between DHA and soil penetration, and a significant negative correlation between DHA and gravel content were detected only in the grazed site. Although significant differences in soil DHA among dates were detected in both G and NG, this variable did not show a seasonal pattern. Conclusions These results suggest that grazing may increase soil DHA spatial heterogeneity, possibly associated with sheep-induced soil compaction through trampling and increased gravel content through erosion. The lack of significant differences in soil DHA activity between patches and inter-patches in the non-grazed site could be associated with vegetation not showing a clear impact on soil DHA in the time-frame elapsed since sheep-removal. OI Olivera, Nelda/0000-0003-3314-7482 SN 1439-0108 EI 1614-7480 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 20 IS 2 BP 883 EP 888 DI 10.1007/s11368-019-02440-1 UT WOS:000513281900027 ER PT J AU Zhu, Y Miao, JR Wen, HX Li, THX Zhao, ZH Guo, X Li, H Zhang, GX AF Zhu, Yuen Miao, Jiarui Wen, Hanxuan Li, Tanghuixian Zhao, Zhihua Guo, Xing Li, Hua Zhang, Guixiang TI The occurrence and spatial distribution of typical antibiotics in soils along the Fenhe River in Shanxi Province SO JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS AB Purpose Antibiotics are emerging contaminants of increasing concern in recent years. A total of 71 representative farmland soils along the Fenhe River in Shanxi Province were collected to investigate the occurrence of tetracyclines (TCs), sulfonamides (SAs), and quinolones (QLs). Additionally, the effects of population, livestock and poultry density, and soil properties on antibiotic distribution were also evaluated. Materials and methods Farmland topsoil samples along the Fenhe River were collected and freeze-dried at - 20 degrees C. The antibiotics in soils were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile, EDTA-SPB, and Mg(NO3)(2)-NH3 center dot H2O at the ratio of 2:1:1 (v/v/v). The extracted antibiotics were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results and discussion The antibiotics were universally detected. The detection frequencies of sulfaclozine, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin reached 100%. Norfloxacin was the most abundant antibiotic in soils (27.21 mu g kg(-1)). The distribution of antibiotics in soils along Fenhe River varied as midstream (8.62 mu g kg(-1)) > downstream (4.58 mu g kg(-1)) > upstream (3.49 mu g kg(-1)). Oxytetracycline along the upstream and midstream was mainly caused by the emission of livestock and poultry and the overuse of human. The main sources of antibiotics along the downstream were livestock and poultry farms. Antibiotics were generally negatively correlated with sand content, pH, and organic matter, while cation exchange capacity had positive correlation with most of antibiotics such as tetracycline, sulfamonomethoxine, enrofloxacin, sulfameter, and sulfachinoxalin. SAs and TCs had little ecological risk, while QLs posed low or medium ecological risks. Conclusions This study provided a scientific basis for antibiotic pollution control and agricultural safety supervision along the Fenhe River. Although no high risk of antibiotics was observed in soil samples based on the calculation, the widespread distribution of antibiotics in farmland soil along Fenhe River should be addressed. SN 1439-0108 EI 1614-7480 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 20 IS 2 BP 889 EP 899 DI 10.1007/s11368-019-02402-7 UT WOS:000513281900028 ER PT J AU Hejna, M Moscatelli, A Stroppa, N Onelli, E Pilu, S Baldi, A Rossi, L AF Hejna, Monika Moscatelli, Alessandra Stroppa, Nadia Onelli, Elisabetta Pilu, Salvatore Baldi, Antonella Rossi, Luciana TI Bioaccumulation of heavy metals from wastewater through a Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris phytoremediation system SO CHEMOSPHERE AB Animal production is a source of heavy metals in livestock wastewater and also a key link in the food chain, with negative impacts on human and animal health. In intensive animal production systems, the most critical elements are zinc and copper. In order to development of innovative non-invasive strategies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock, this study assessed the ability of two plants, Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris, to bioaccumulate the heavy metals used in animal nutrition, from wastewater. Four mesocosms (width 2.0 m, length 2.0 m, 695 L of water, 210 kg of soil) were assembled outdoors at the Botanical Garden. Two of them were planted with T latifolia (TL treated, n = 30; TL control, n = 30) and two with T palustris (TP treated, n = 60; TP control, n = 60). In TO a solution of a mineral additive premix (Zn 44.02 mg/L; Cu 8.63 mg/L) was dissolved in the treated mesocosms. At TO, d 15 (T1) and d 45 (T2) samples of roots, leaves, stems, soil and water were collected, dried, mineralized and analyzed using ICP-MS in order to obtain HMs content. We found that T. latifolia and T palustris accumulate and translocate Zn, Cu from contaminated wastewater into plant tissues in a way that is directly related to the exposure time (12 for Zn: 271.64 +/- 17.70, 409.26 +/- 17.70 for Cu: 47.54 +/- 3.56, 105.58 +/- 3.56 mg/kg of DM, respectively). No visual toxicity signs were observed during the experimental period. This phytoremediation approach could be used as an eco-sustainable approach to counteract the output of heavy metals. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. RI ONELLI, ELISABETTA/B-1164-2017; Moscatelli, alessandra/B-1138-2017 OI ONELLI, ELISABETTA/0000-0003-3724-4116; Rossi, Luciana/0000-0003-1178-4683; Moscatelli, alessandra/0000-0003-0912-5697 SN 0045-6535 EI 1879-1298 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 241 AR 125018 DI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125018 UT WOS:000509791600130 PM 31683415 ER PT J AU Alcaniz, I Gutierrez, RA AF Alcaniz, Isabella Gutierrez, Ricardo A. TI Between the Global Commodity Boom and Subnational State Capacities: Payment for Environmental Services to Fight Deforestation in Argentina SO GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AB Does subnational state capacity stop deforestation? The commodity boom of the 2000s significantly expanded the agriculture frontier in most provinces of Argentina, with devastating effects on native forests. Interestingly, some of the subnational governments that presided over the commodities supercycle also sought to reform the forestry sector to reduce rampant deforestation, despite promoting and benefiting from agricultural expansion. A national program to protect native forests through payment for environmental services (PES) was created to be implemented in local districts. We argue that the success of new forest protections is contingent on the capacity of subnational governments to implement the law. In our study, we find that changes in provincial deforestation rates are explained by the interaction of state capacity, on one hand, and high land prices driven by commodity pressures, on the other. Our research carries implications for students and practitioners of forest PES. Our findings underscore the fundamental role subnational state governments play in climate change mitigation and adaptation. SN 1526-3800 EI 1536-0091 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 20 IS 1 BP 38 EP 59 DI 10.1162/glep_a_00535 UT WOS:000513517700004 ER PT J AU Hurdle, NL Grey, TL McCullough, PE Shilling, D Belcher, J AF Hurdle, Nicholas L. Grey, Timothy L. McCullough, Patrick E. Shilling, Donn Belcher, Jason TI Bermudagrass tolerance of indaziflam PRE applications in forage production SO WEED TECHNOLOGY AB Bermudagrass is a major forage species throughout Georgia and the Southeast. An essential part of achieving high-yielding, top-quality forages is proper weed control. Indaziflam is a residual herbicide that controls many broadleaf and grass species by inhibiting cellulose biosynthesis. Research conducted in Tift and Colquitt counties in Georgia determined optimal PRE rates for indaziflam for bermudagrass forage production. Treatments applied at spring greenup of established 'Alicia' bermudagrass included indaziflam at 47, 77, 155, or 234 g ai ha(-1) PRE, pendimethalin at 4,480 g ha(-1) PRE, a split application of indaziflam at 47 g ha(-1) PRE followed by the same rate applied POST after the first cutting, and a nontreated control (seven treatments in all). Forages were machine harvested three times each year for each location beginning at least 47 d after treatment (DAT), with final cuttings up to 168 DAT. For all treatments, fresh- and dry-weight yields at each harvest and totals for the season did not differ from the nontreated control. Indaziflam at 155 and 234 g ha(-1) did cause minor stunting at 44 DAT, but this was transient and not observed at the second harvest. Indaziflam applied PRE has the potential to provide residual control of troublesome weeds in bermudagrass forage and hay production, with ephemeral stunting at the recommended application rates. SN 0890-037X EI 1550-2740 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 34 IS 1 BP 125 EP 128 DI 10.1017/wet.2019.76 UT WOS:000513734200017 ER PT J AU Yang, AN Mullins, JC Van Ert, M Bowen, RA Hadfield, TL Blackburn, JK AF Yang, Anni Mullins, Jocelyn C. Van Ert, Matthew Bowen, Richard A. Hadfield, Ted L. Blackburn, Jason K. TI Predicting the Geographic Distribution of the Bacillus anthracis A1.a/Western North American Sub-Lineage for the Continental United States: New Outbreaks, New Genotypes, and New Climate Data SO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE AB Bacillus anthracis, the causative pathogen of anthrax, is a spore-forming, environmentally maintained bacterium that continues to be a veterinary health problem with outbreaks occurring primarily in wildlife and livestock. Globally, the genetic populations of B. anthracis include multiple lineages, and each may have different ecological requirements and geographical distributions. It is, therefore, essential to identify environmental associations within lineages to predict geographical distributions and risk areas with improved accuracy. Here, we model the ecological niche and predict the geography of the most widespread sublineage of B. anthracis in the continental United States using updated MERRA-derived (Modern Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications; the NASA atmospheric data reanalysis of satellite information with multiple data products) bioclimate variables (i.e., MERRAclim data) and updated soil variables. We filter the occurrence data associated with the A1.a/Western North American sub-lineage of B. anthracis from historical anthrax outbreaks using the multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat system. In addition, we also incorporate recent cases associated with B. anthracis A1.a sub-lineage from 2008 to 2012 in Montana, Colorado, and Texas. Our results provide the predicted distribution of the A1.a sub-lineage of B. anthracis for the United States with better predictive accuracy and higher spatial resolution than previous estimates. Our prediction serves as an improved disease risk map to better inform anthrax surveillance and control in the United States, particularly the Dakotas and Montana where this sub-lineage is persistent. SN 0002-9637 EI 1476-1645 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 102 IS 2 BP 392 EP 402 DI 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0191 UT WOS:000512881500031 PM 31802730 ER PT J AU Grilli, G Fratini, R Marone, E Sacchelli, S AF Grilli, Gianluca Fratini, Roberto Marone, Enrico Sacchelli, Sandro TI A spatial-based tool for the analysis of payments for forest ecosystem services related to hydrogeological protection SO FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS AB This paper presents a decision support based on spatial analysis for the evaluation of payments for forest ecosystem services (PES). A focus on the payment range for protective services for shallow landslide is described. The maximum willingness to pay by real estate owners and the minimum willingness to accept by forest owners are computed. The model quantifies the economic risk of real estate depending on the loss probability due to landslide and the presence and protection efficiency of forest. The potential compensation to forest managers considers the difference of the forest expected value from current practices (business as usual - BAU - scenario) to the intervention optimized for PES. A geostatistical approach is applied to quantify the uncertainty of the output. The results indicate relevant differences from BAU to PES in term of an increased protection efficiency and reduced uncertainty. The suitability of protective forest for PES activation is approximately 46 % of the total surface in the study area (Municipality Union of Sieve and Arno Valleys, Tuscany - central Italy). The output also highlights the strong influence of the tree species composition on the value of the PES scenario and indicates that Turkey oak and mixed broadleaved forests are more likely to fall under a PES scheme. Spatial analysis is useful for determining the influence of site-specific characteristics. SN 1389-9341 EI 1872-7050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 111 AR 102039 DI 10.1016/j.forpol.2019.102039 UT WOS:000513178500014 ER PT J AU Kazungu, M Zhunusova, E Yang, AL Kabwe, G Gumbo, DJ Gunter, S AF Kazungu, Moses Zhunusova, Eliza Yang, Anastasia Lucy Kabwe, Gillian Gumbo, Davison J. Guenter, Sven TI Forest use strategies and their determinants among rural households in the Miombo woodlands of the Copperbelt Province, Zambia SO FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS AB Forest landscapes in tropical and subtropical areas support the livelihoods of their inhabitants through subsistence use of products, and cash income obtained from the sale of products. Despite its contribution to livelihoods, it remains unclear how forest products play a role in forest use strategies and what affects different forest use strategies, particularly in rural tropical Africa. A better understanding of forest-based livelihood strategies could be an important basis for the design of sustainable development policies. In this study, we use cluster analysis to identify forest use strategies and apply multinomial logistic regression to determine the factors affecting forest use strategy choices using data from 412 households in four sites in the rural Copperbelt province. Results reveal three strategic forest use choices undertaken by households: specialised charcoal sellers (32.3%), forest food and charcoal sellers (18.2%) and pure subsistence-orientated forest users (49.5%). Forest income varied strongly among forest use strategies; specialised charcoal sellers and forest food and charcoal sellers were the most remunerative strategies. We observed higher per capita extraction of firewood and charcoal produced in restricted landscapes compared to non-restricted landscapes. Distances to exclusively owned forestlands, access to permanent roads, restrictions on public forestlands and off-farm incomes were found to determine access to more lucrative forest use strategies. Alternatively, households with relatively older heads and larger sizes are associated with lower income (subsistence) strategies. The results suggest the need for the efficient enforcement of restriction regimes, but also the benefit of understanding forest resource governance. Charcoal production is a more remunerative forest use strategy for rural households and a relatively resource-intensive yet important component of the rural economy. In order to ensure sustainable production, the demand for charcoal should be compatible with Miombo's production capacity. Sustainable production can be achieved by introducing reforestation or coppicing systems that are consistent with the growing demands of Miombo. SN 1389-9341 EI 1872-7050 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 111 AR 102078 DI 10.1016/j.forpol.2019.102078 UT WOS:000513178500033 ER PT J AU Khan, NA Rahman, SU Cone, JW AF Khan, Nazir Ahmad Rahman, Sadeeq Ur Cone, John W. TI CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, RUMINAL DEGRADATION KINETICS AND METHANE PRODUCTION (IN VITRO) POTENTIAL OF LOCAL AND EXOTIC GRASS SPECIES GROWN IN PESHAWAR SO PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY AB Livestock production, and small scale and extensive grazing livestock production systems in Pakistan lack long-term sustainability due to declining quantity and quality of green forages and pastures. Information on the nutritional value of range/pasture and cultivated grass species is required to design proper strategies not only for nutritional management of grazing animals, but also for development of good quality forage resources. Therefore, the current study was planned to: (i) analyze the chemical profile of traditional and novel grasses grown in Peshawar; (ii) quantify the methane emission potential of the grass species; and (iii) quantify the differences among species in their nutritive value and methane emission. Ten grass species, namely, Sudex (Sorghum x sudangrass), Jumbo grass (Sorghum bicolour(x) Sorghum sudanefe), Sorghum almum, Pennisetum purpureum, Vetiveria zizanioides, Panicum colaratum, Cynodon dactylon, Bothriochloa pertusa, Splenda setaria and Desmostachya bipinnata were evaluated under uniform agronomic and environmental conditions. The results showed that the contents of all measured chemical components, mineral profile (except Zn), In vitro digestibility of dry matter (DMD), and In vitro gas (GP) and methane-production had large variation among the grass species. Among the grasses, Jumbo grass had greater CP (11.9% DM) content and In vitro DMD (65.9% DM), and produced greater amount of total gas, that contained lowest proportion of methane. In contrast, D. bipinnata had lowest contents of CP (6.3% DM) and In vitro DMD (43.7% DM), and produced lower amount of total gas, with highest proportion methane in total GP. Next to D. bipinnata, V. zizanioides had lower degradability/GP and highest proportion of methane in total gas. The large variation in chemical composition, DMD and methane-emission potential of the summer grass species presents a prospect to select and further develop grass species that have lower methane-emission potential and high nutritional value. Further research is needed to investigate the changes in chemical profile, DMD and methane-emission of forage species between seasons and with maturity. SN 0556-3321 EI 2070-3368 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 52 IS 1 BP 161 EP 166 DI 10.30848/PJB2020-1(9) UT WOS:000512949300020 ER PT J AU Burimuah, V Sylverken, A Owusu, M El-Duah, P Yeboah, R Lamptey, J Frimpong, YO Agbenyega, O Folitse, R Tasiame, W Emikpe, B Owiredu, EW Oppong, S Adu-Sarkodie, Y Drosten, C AF Burimuah, Vitus Sylverken, Augustina Owusu, Michael El-Duah, Philip Yeboah, Richmond Lamptey, Jones Frimpong, Yaw Oppong Agbenyega, Olivia Folitse, Raphael Tasiame, William Emikpe, Benjamin Owiredu, Eddie-Williams Oppong, Samuel Adu-Sarkodie, Yaw Drosten, Christian TI Sero-prevalence, cross-species infection and serological determinants of prevalence of Bovine Coronavirus in Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Ghana SO VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY AB Cattle, goats and sheep are dominant livestock species in sub-Saharan Africa, with sometimes limited information on the prevalence of major infectious diseases. Restrictions due to notifiable epizootics complicate the exchange of samples in surveillance studies and suggest that laboratory capacities should be established domestically. Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) causes mainly enteric disease in cattle. Spillover to small ruminants is possible. Here we established BCoV serology based on a recombinant immunofluorescence assay for cattle, goats and sheep, and studied the seroprevalence of BCoV in these species in four different locations in the Greater Accra, Volta, Upper East, and Northern provinces of Ghana. The whole sampling and testing was organized and conducted by a veterinary school in Kumasi, Ashanti Region of Ghana. Among sampled sheep (n = 102), goats (n = 66), and cattle (n = 1495), the seroprevalence rates were 25.8 %, 43.1 % and 55.8 %. For cattle, seroprevalence was significantly higher on larger farms (82.2 % vs 17.8 %, comparing farms with > 50 or < 50 animals; p = 0.027). Highest prevalence was seen in the Northern province with dry climate, but no significant trend following the north-south gradient of sampling sites was detected. Our study identifies a considerable seroprevalence for BCoV in Ghana and provides further support for the spillover of BCoV to small ruminants in settings with mixed husbandry and limited separation between species. RI Karabulut, Erman/G-6679-2011; Williams, Eddie/Q-1518-2019 OI Karabulut, Erman/0000-0002-0787-905X; Williams, Eddie/0000-0003-4499-0678; Emikpe, Benjamin/0000-0003-2458-6504; Frimpong, Yaw/0000-0001-8125-9820 SN 0378-1135 EI 1873-2542 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 241 AR 108544 DI 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108544 UT WOS:000513294300002 PM 31928696 ER PT J AU Calle, A AF Calle, Alicia TI Partnering with cattle ranchers for forest landscape restoration SO AMBIO AB Transforming Latin America's extensive grazing systems is critical for forest landscape restoration (FLR) but conservation initiatives rarely make efforts to include cattle ranchers. Engaging ranchers requires understanding their perceptions about how improved management and conservation practices fit into their overall production strategy. To assess ranchers' motivations and limitations for adopting conservation-friendly practices, I surveyed 191 ranchers and extension agents participating in a silvopastoral project in Colombia. I found that ranchers are integrating multiple practices they perceive as complementary for achieving their goals: practices aimed at improving productivity are motivated by utilitarian values, while practices targeting environmental degradation and climate change are driven by stewardship and identity values. Input costs and labor shortages currently limit the expansion of conservation-friendly practices, but in-kind support and small cash payments could potentially alleviate these barriers. Silvopastoral ranchers can be instrumental partners in FLR provided that initiatives are designed with their perspectives in mind. OI Calle, Alicia/0000-0001-5333-1928 SN 0044-7447 EI 1654-7209 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 49 IS 2 BP 593 EP 604 DI 10.1007/s13280-019-01224-8 UT WOS:000512058200017 PM 31292911 ER PT J AU Kumar, N Mahessar, AA Memon, SA Ansari, K Qureshi, AL AF Kumar, Natesh Mahessar, Ali Asghar Memon, Sheeraz Ahmed Ansari, Kamran Qureshi, Abdul Latif TI Impact Assessment of Groundwater Quality using WQI and Geospatial tools: A Case Study of Islamkot, Tharparkar, Pakistan SO ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY & APPLIED SCIENCE RESEARCH AB Groundwater is the only source of fresh water in the Thar Desert which is located in an arid region of Pakistan with dense population and spreads over 19,638km(2). Low rainfall, low groundwater recharge, high evaporation and absence of perennial streams are the general reasons for water scarcity. Being the single water source for drinking, domestic and industrial uses, and livestock activities, this source is highly overexploited. Realizing the gravity of the situation, this paper presents a groundwater quality evaluation of Islamkot, Tharparkar, using Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geospatial tools. 40 samples were collected from dug wells. The TDS of 28 samples was found higher than 3000mg/L and 12 samples ranged from 1500 to 3000mg/L. Many (28) samples were not further analyzed due to their very high TDS which made the water unfit for drinking. Twelve samples with TDS ranging from 1500 to 3000 mg/L were further analyzed. The analyzed results revealed the average values of pH, EC, TDS, salinity, chloride, total alkalinity, fluoride, and arsenic. The results did not meet NEQS and WHO guidelines. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted among parameters. Further, groundwater quality was assessed by WQI and indicated that water quality varied from very poor to unsuitable for drinking. The consumption of polluted groundwater has been the main cause of prevalent waterborne diseases and poses a very high risk for public health. RI Qureshi, Abdul Latif/AAL-6819-2020 SN 2241-4487 EI 1792-8036 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 1 BP 5288 EP 5294 UT WOS:000512366900035 ER PT J AU Schohr, TK Gornish, ES Woodmansee, G Shaw, J Tate, KW Roche, LM AF Schohr, Tracy K. Gornish, Elise S. Woodmansee, Grace Shaw, Julea Tate, Kenneth W. Roche, Leslie M. TI Practitioner Insights into Weed Management on California's Rangelands and Natural Areas SO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AB Working rangelands and natural areas span diverse ecosystems and face both ecological and economic threats from weed invasion. Restoration practitioners and land managers hold a voluminous cache of place-based weed management experience and knowledge that has largely been untapped by the research community. We surveyed 260 California rangeland managers and restoration practitioners to investigate invasive and weedy species of concern, land management goals, perceived effectiveness of existing practices (i.e., prescribed fire, grazing, herbicide use, and seeding), and barriers to practice implementation. Respondents identified 196 problematic plants, with yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.) and medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae L.) most commonly listed. Reported adoption and effectiveness of weed management practices varied regionally, but the most highly rated practice in general was herbicide use; however, respondents identified considerable challenges including nontarget effects, cost, and public perception. Livestock forage production was the most commonly reported management goals (64% of respondents), and 25% of respondents were interested in additional information on using grazing to manage invasive and weedy species; however, 19% of respondents who had used grazing for weed management did not perceive it to be an effective tool. Across management practices, we also found common barriers to implementation, including operational barriers (e.g., permitting, water availability), potential adverse impacts, actual effectiveness, and public perception. Land manager and practitioner identified commonalities of primary weeds, management goals, perceived practice effectiveness, and implementation barriers across diverse bioregions highlight major needs that could be immediately addressed through management-science partnerships across the state's expansive rangelands and natural areas. OI Roche, Leslie/0000-0003-2954-8056 SN 0364-152X EI 1432-1009 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 65 IS 2 BP 212 EP 219 DI 10.1007/s00267-019-01238-8 UT WOS:000511787400005 PM 31838568 ER PT J AU Raghavan, RK Heath, ACG Lawrence, KE Ganta, RR Peterson, AT Pomroy, WE AF Raghavan, R. K. Heath, A. C. G. Lawrence, K. E. Ganta, R. R. Peterson, A. T. Pomroy, W. E. TI Predicting the potential distribution of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) infestation in New Zealand, using maximum entropy-based ecological niche modelling SO EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY AB Although currently exotic to New Zealand, the potential geographic distribution of Amblyomma americanum (L.), the lone star tick, was modelled using maximum entropy (MaxEnt). The MaxEnt model was calibrated across the native range of A. americanum in North America using present-day climatic conditions and occurrence data from museum collections. The resulting model was then projected onto New Zealand using both present-day and future climates modelled under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 (low) and RCP 8.5 (high). Three sets of WorldClim bioclimatic variables were chosen using the jackknife method and tested in MaxEnt using different combinations of model feature class functions and regularization multiplier values. The preferred model was selected based on partial receiver operating characteristic tests, the omission rate and the lowest Akaike information criterion. The final model had four bioclimatic variables, Annual Mean Temperature (BIO1), Annual Precipitation (BIO12), Precipitation Seasonality (BIO15) and Precipitation of Driest Quarter (BIO17), and the projected New Zealand distribution was broadly similar to that of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, New Zealand's only livestock tick, but with a more extensive predicted suitability. The climate change predictions for the year 2050 under both low and high RCP scenarios projected only moderate increases in habitat suitability along the mountain valleys in the South Island. In conclusion, this analysis shows that given the opportunity and license A. americanum could and would successfully establish in New Zealand and could provide another vector for theileriosis organisms. RI Lawrence, Kevin/L-1295-2019 OI Lawrence, Kevin/0000-0002-2453-1485 SN 0168-8162 EI 1572-9702 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 80 IS 2 BP 227 EP 245 DI 10.1007/s10493-019-00460-7 UT WOS:000512084800006 PM 31965414 ER PT J AU Wang, MJ Hu, YH Li, MX Xu, QQ Zhang, XL Wang, XS Xue, XM Xiao, Q Liu, JZ Wang, H AF Wang, Minjing Hu, Yuhong Li, Mengxue Xu, Qianqian Zhang, Xiaoli Wang, Xiaoshuang Xue, Xiaomin Xiao, Qi Liu, Jingze Wang, Hui TI A proteomics analysis of the ovarian development in females of Haemaphysalis longicornis SO EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY AB Haemaphysalis longicornis is an ixodid tick that can spread a wide variety of pathogens, affecting humans, livestock and wildlife health. The high reproductive capability of this species is initiated by the ingestion of a large amount of blood ingested by the engorged female tick. The degree of ovarian development is proportional to the number of eggs laid. Studying the regulatory mechanism of tick ovary development is relevant for the development of novel tick control methods. In this study, we used quantitative proteomics to study the dynamic changes in protein expression and protein phosphorylation during ovarian development of engorged female H. longicornis ticks. Synergistic action of many proteins (n = 3031) is required to achieve ovarian development and oocyte formation rapidly. Through bioinformatics analysis, changes in protein expressions and phosphorylation modifications in regulating the ovarian development of female ticks are described. Many proteins play an essential role during ovarian development. Also, protein phosphorylation appeared an important reproductive strategy to enable ticks to efficiently convert large amounts of blood in the ovaries into egg-producing components and ultimately produce many eggs. SN 0168-8162 EI 1572-9702 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 80 IS 2 BP 289 EP 309 DI 10.1007/s10493-020-00469-3 UT WOS:000512084800010 PM 31919614 ER PT J AU Vaitla, B Ciss?, JD Upton, J Tesfay, G Abadi, N Maxwell, D AF Vaitla, Bapu Cisse, Jennifer Denno Upton, Joanna Tesfay, Girmay Abadi, Nigussie Maxwell, Daniel TI How the choice of food security indicators affects the assessment of resilience-an example from northern Ethiopia SO FOOD SECURITY AB Using longitudinal survey data from northern Ethiopia collected over 18 months, this study shows that conclusions about household food security are highly sensitive to measurement decisions. Especially important are 1) decisions about which food security indicators and cut-offs are chosen, and 2) whether analysis focuses on food security status at a given point in time or food security resilience over time. We define resilience as the probability that a household is truly above a chosen food security cut-off, given its underlying assets, demographic characteristics, and past food security status. Our study finds that different factors determine food security status and food security resilience. We also find that the drivers of resilience vary depending on whether food security is measured by Food Consumption Score (FCS) or the reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI). Literacy and livestock holdings are associated with both FCS status and FCS resilience, and the latter is also predicted by access to safe water and sanitation, the dependency ratio, and debt. In contrast, only previous rCSI scores predict current rCSI status, while marital status, literacy, livestock, and other forces matter for determining rCSI resilience. We also find that conclusions about food security resilience are sensitive to the cut-offs chosen to signify a food secure state. RI Abadi, Nigussie/AAM-9682-2020 SN 1876-4517 EI 1876-4525 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 12 IS 1 BP 137 EP 150 DI 10.1007/s12571-019-00989-w UT WOS:000511572300008 ER PT J AU Arojju, SK Cao, MS Jahufer, MZZ Barrett, BA Faville, MJ AF Arojju, Sai Krishna Cao, Mingshu Zulfi Jahufer, M. Z. Barrett, Brent A. Faville, Marty J. TI Genomic Predictive Ability for Foliar Nutritive Traits in Perennial Ryegrass SO G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS AB Forage nutritive value impacts animal nutrition, which underpins livestock productivity, reproduction and health. Genetic improvement for nutritive traits in perennial ryegrass has been limited, as they are typically expensive and time-consuming to measure through conventional methods. Genomic selection is appropriate for such complex and expensive traits, enabling cost-effective prediction of breeding values using genome-wide markers. The aims of the present study were to assess the potential of genomic selection for a range of nutritive traits in a multi-population training set, and to quantify contributions of family, location and family-by-location variance components to trait variation and heritability for nutritive traits. The training set consisted of a total of 517 half-sibling (half-sib) families, from five advanced breeding populations, evaluated in two distinct New Zealand grazing environments. Autumn-harvested samples were analyzed for 18 nutritive traits and maternal parents of the half-sib families were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing. Significant (P < 0.05) family variance was detected for all nutritive traits and genomic heritability (h(g)(2)) was moderate to high (0.20 to 0.74). Family-by-location interactions were significant and particularly large for water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), crude fat, phosphorus (P) and crude protein. GBLUP, KGD-GBLUP and BayesC pi genomic prediction models displayed similar predictive ability, estimated by 10-fold cross validation, for all nutritive traits with values ranging from r = 0.16 to 0.45 using phenotypes from across two locations. High predictive ability was observed for the mineral traits sulfur (0.44), sodium (0.45) and magnesium (0.45) and the lowest values were observed for P (0.16), digestibility (0.22) and high molecular weight WSC (0.23). Predictive ability estimates for most nutritive traits were retained when marker number was reduced from one million to as few as 50,000. The moderate to high predictive abilities observed suggests implementation of genomic selection is feasible for most of the nutritive traits examined. OI Faville, Marty/0000-0002-3129-6540 SN 2160-1836 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 10 IS 2 BP 695 EP 708 DI 10.1534/g3.119.400880 UT WOS:000511961200026 PM 31792009 ER PT J AU Abebe, S Sewnet, A AF Abebe, Shiferaw Sewnet, Amare TI Rural land use problems and management options in Debre Tsyon Kebele, Ethiopia SO GEOJOURNAL AB Examining the current land use problems is essential for designing management options for sustainable use and to obtain optimal benefit out of land. This study was intended to examine the current land use problems and propose management options and strategies for sustainable land use in Debre Tsyon kebele of Enebsie Sar Midir district, Ethiopia. The Landsat-8 OLI-TIRS of 2017, ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model, interview and field observation was employed to generate data on the current land use, land use problems and management options for the future use. The hybrid pixel-based image classification (supervised and unsupervised) method was used to map the land use classes. The results show that the cropland occupy the vast portion (75%) of the study area. However, the improper land use was very high in agricultural and grazing lands use classes. The growing demand for land resources pushed the community to expand farmlands to fragile steep areas with slope > 30%. Of the total agricultural land, 12.6% found in fragile areas with slope > 30%. Likewise, the grazing land has already deteriorated and could not bring pasture for livestock year-round. The vegetation cover has been declining due to improper use. Hence, this calls for the local government to implement appropriate land use plan and efficient land management options to curb the unsustainability spiral. RI Sewnet, Amare/Q-4291-2019; hernandez, andres/AAF-9086-2020; Abebe, Shiferaw/I-1474-2018 OI Abebe, Shiferaw/0000-0002-5660-6461 SN 0343-2521 EI 1572-9893 PD FEB PY 2020 VL 85 IS 1 BP 145 EP 157 DI 10.1007/s10708-018-9951-7 UT WOS:000511992400010 ER EF