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Protein content stability of triticale genotypes under multiple environments using AMMI analysis
Get PDFTriticale is an important source of protein in animal nutrition, both as grain and silage. Protein is a quality criterion that is strongly affected by the environment and genetic factors. The objectives of this study were to assess genotype–environment (G-E) interactions and determine and compare stable genotypes to recommend for further evaluation. The protein content of 12 genotypes obtained from 7 environments were evaluated using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis in the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 growing seasons in 4 locations in Turkey. The variance of AMMI analysis based on protein content showed a significant effect of environment, genotype and G–E interaction, with a 93.0, 2.3 and 4.5% total variation, respectively. Partitioning of the total sum of squares showed that the effect of environment was a predominant source of variation, followed by the G–E interaction and genotype effect. AMMI analysis showed that the first principal component was highly significant at P < 0.01. The mean grain protein content varied from 14.9 to 16.2% among the genotypes and from 10.9 to 18.8% among the environments. AMMI analysis indicated that G3, G12 and G1 were quite promising genotypes. G8, which was used as a variety candidate in this research, was quite stable but had a low protein value. In addition, G3, G11 and G12 had a higher protein content than the standard varieties evaluated in this research. G3 had both a high protein content and stable genotype; therefore, it can be recommended to release as a candidate. As AMMI analysis indicated, E1 and E7 environments were especially suitable for protein studies in triticale, while E4, E5 and E6 showed poor results and were not suitable environments
Non-Thermal and Thermal Physical Procedures—Optimistic Solutions in the Winemaking Industry
Get PDFConsumer demand for food and drink products with special nutritional properties is constantly increasing. To respond to new consumption trends, research in winemaking focuses on optimizing the technological process to increase quality while preserving the traditional character and typicality of the product. Lately, winemakers are implementing a range of physical non-thermal (ultrasound technology and cold plasma technology) and thermal (microwave treatment) processes to streamline and optimize winemaking technologies, reduce costs, speed up production, and improve sustainability. This study examines the existing literature regarding the effects of various physical approaches on the quality of wines. Scientific articles are concentrating on enhancing the extraction of phenolic compounds and other active compounds—especially those that contribute positively to wine quality. The reviewed literature only offers a limited amount of information on this subject; further investigation is required to determine the significance, applicability, and efficacy of thermal and non-thermal procedures in the wine industr
Characterisation of macro-plastic waste along the Philippines' longest coastal boulevard: basis for solid waste management and policy formulation
Get PDFThis study focused on the
characterisation of macro-plastic waste in
terms of types and quantities along the
Philippines' longest coastal boulevard,
considering density and cleanliness as a basis
for solid waste management and policy
formulation. Macro-plastic identification and
counting were conducted in four (4)
municipalities and eight (8) barangays using
the standing stock survey method. There were
six (6) types of macro-plastic waste, with the
highest quantity consisting of beverage
(37.2%) and food packaging (30.5%),
followed by fishing gear (17.0%), plastic
utensils (9.2%), toiletries (4.8%) and
household wastes (1.4%). The computed
overall density from a total of 3,978 macroplastic
waste items over 12,000 m2 of beach
area sampled was 0.3 (CM), meaning there
were 0.3 litter items of plastic per m2
throughout the whole boulevard. The
computed overall beach cleanliness was 6.6,
which means that the cleanliness status is
moderate. Overall, most macro-plastic waste
is generated by locals or visitors. In
conclusion, a policy regulating the use,
littering, and carrying of plastic along
boulevards is recommended to prevent plastic
pollution considering the province's growing
ecotourism and the future expansion of the
coastal boulevard
Effect of pre-exposure on the insecticidal and repellency properties of Citrus paradisi peel essential oil against Tribolium castaneum
Get PDFAlthough the use of essential
oils (EOs) for pest control has gained
popularity due to their biodegradability and
ecological safety, a major concern regarding
their use is stability. Therefore, this aspect
deserves empirical studies to enable potential
end users to adopt research findings on the
pesticidal potential of EOs. This research
investigated the insecticidal and repellence
impacts of Soxhlet-extracted grapefruit peel
(Citrus paradisi Macfad. (Rutaceae) Lane)
EO pre-exposed to air for 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 h
(before introducing insects) on Tribolium
castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera:
Tenebrionidae). The ethanol diluents were
initially allowed to evaporate for 15 min in all
treatments. Contact toxicity was tested on
larval and adult stages at 5 and 15%
concentrations of the EO, while repellency
was tested at a 5% concentration. The impacts
of EO on adult behavioural activity were also
observed 24 h after exposure. Grapefruit EO
was effective in controlling T. castaneum
adults and larvae at higher doses. Exposure
periods had an immediate significant effect
on larvae and adult mortalities 1 and 6 h after
the insects were introduced. At a 15%
concentration, EO with a 0 h pre-exposure
period had significantly higher adult and larva
mortalities after 6 h than those of 0.5, 1 and 2
h pre-exposure. Regardless of oil preexposure,
insects were repelled, especially in
test periods between 12 and 30 min.
Therefore, grapefruit EO could be formulated
for increased stability when an immediate
impact is needed
Transitional, fused and/or supernumerary vertebrae in the lumbosacrocaudal region of the spine – A reality in many domestic mammals
No full textThe aim of this study was to identify the presence of transitional lumbosacral and sacrocaudal vertebrae in domestic mammals, to realise a comparative analysis of the localisation and conformation of this abnormal condition. The research included the following species: cattle – 29 specimens, sheep – 32 specimens, horse – 31 specimens, pig – 26 specimens, rabbit – 33 specimens, dog – 89 specimens and cat – 57 specimens. The spine of the animals was analysed post-mortem or radiologically. The investigations revealed the presence of transitional vertebrae as follows: in cattle – 3 cases (8.7%), all being about the lumbarisation of the first sacral vertebra (S1); in sheep – 3 cases (9.37%), two lumbarisation cases of S1 and one caudalisation of S4 (the last sacral vertebra); in horses – 4 cases (12.9%), all about the sacralisation of Cd1 (first caudal vertebra); in pigs – 3 cases (11.53%), two lumbarisation cases of S1 and one sacralisation of Cd1; in rabbits – 3 cases (9.09%), a lumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and two cases of caudalisation of S4; in dogs – 4 cases (4.49%), a lumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and 3 cases of sacralisation of the last lumbar vertebra (L7 or L8); in cats – 3 cases (5.26%), two sacralisation cases of the last lumbar vertebra and one case of caudalisation of the last sacral vertebra (S3). A strong lumbarisation process was observed in ruminants (especially in cattle), then in pigs, the sacralisation being prevalent in carnivores. The sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was predominant in horses. No evident influence of the sex and age of the animals was observed
Tillage and Straw Management Practices Influences Soil Nutrient Distribution: A Case Study from North-Eastern Romania
Get PDFTillage practices govern crop quality and quantity through soil nutrient availability and crop root systems. A deeper knowledge of the impact of conservation tillage on soil chemical characteristics (such as pH, soil organic carbon, macro and micronutrient storage and distribution) is required for both the promotion of agricultural sustainability and environmental preservation. This study assesses the changes in soil features and properties in the context of a long-field experiment with different tillage systems and straw management practices. Research findings revealed that compared with conventional tillage (CT) conservative tillage with partial straw retention (MT) and no-tillage with straw mulching (NT) substantially boosted the organic carbon (OC) (by 6–19%), total nitrogen (TN) (by 2–12%), and available potassium content (AK) (by 2–5%), in 0–30 cm soil depth. However, the stratification trend was observed for available macro and micronutrient content (Zn, Fe, Mn) in both conservative management practices. The concentration of Cu indicates a constant pattern through a 0–30 cm soil profile with a higher concentration under MT (1.41 mg kg−1) compared to NT (1.10 mg kg−1). In particular, the results failed to establish if conservation tillage can increase the total phosphorus (TP) and potassium content (TK), where only in surface 0–10 cm an increase was observed. This research also suggested that the X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of total micronutrient content (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) is minimal or unpredictable with no substantial differences between the tillage systems and straw return management practices. These findings suggest that conservation tillage in north-eastern Romania might be optimal to maintain soil quality status and sustain high yields
Pumpkin and Pumpkin By-Products: A Comprehensive Overview of Phytochemicals, Extraction, Health Benefits, and Food Applications
Get PDFA versatile and popular Cucurbitaceous vegetable, pumpkin has recently gained much attention because of its variety of phytochemicals and health advantages. Pumpkins are a type of winter squash, traditionally with large, spherical, orange fruits and a highly nutrient food. Pumpkin by-products comprise various parts, such as seeds, peels, and pulp residues, with their bioactive composition and many potential benefits poorly explored by the food industry. Pumpkin and their by-products contain a wide range of phytochemicals, including carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. These compounds in pumpkin by-products exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties and could reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed overview of the phytochemicals found in pumpkin and its by-products, along with their extraction methods, health benefits, and diverse food and industrial applications. This information can offer valuable insights for food scientists seeking to reevaluate pumpkin’s potential as a functional ingredient. Reusing these by-products would support integrating a circular economy approach by boosting the market presence of valuable and sustainable products that improve health while lowering food waste
Maximizing Wine Antioxidants: Yeast’s Contribution to Melatonin Formation
Get PDFMelatonin is commonly found in various fruits, juices, and some fermented beverages. Its concentration in wine is influenced by soil properties, climatic factors, and yeast activity. Even if it is found in fermented beverages in relatively low proportions, melatonin still holds significant nutritional value, giving anti-aging properties, anti-inflammatory actions, and antidepressant effects. In this context, this article focuses on evaluating the impact of different Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast species on the formation of melatonin and its contribution to wines’ total antioxidant capacity. Considering that the antioxidant activity of wine is usually related to the content of phenolic compounds, ten such compounds were analyzed. The evaluation of bioactive compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. The total antioxidant capacity of wine samples was evaluated by the ABTS+ method. The administration of bâtonnage products increased the efficiency of non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The mixtures of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts generated higher values for melatonin. The results confirm a significant impact from the grape variety and the specific yeast strains on the melatonin concentration. Also, a strong dependence between antioxidant activity and melatonin levels was observed. Given the limited existing studies on the presence of melatonin in wines, new perspectives are needed for future exploration and understanding
Geometric morphometric evaluation of mandibles of four sheep breeds: Bardoka, İvesi, Polish Mountain sheep and Turcana
No full textThe enduring relationship between humans and domestic sheep has evolved over millennia, showcasing diverse uses such as meat, milk, wool, leather and fur, shaped by geographical, historical, cultural and social factors. The sheep breeds discussed include the Ivesi from Southeastern Anatolia, known for its varied animal products; the resilient Turcana breed of Romania; Kosovo's Bardoka, valued for its triple-purpose characteristics; and Poland's Polish Mountain Sheep, uniquely utilized for milk production in cheese making. Sheep, with their enduring relationship with humans and significant economic importance, have attracted scientific interest in morphometric studies of their mandibles, yielding valuable data applicable across various fields including basic anatomy, veterinary clinical anatomy, zooarchaeology and veterinary forensic medicine. Traditional morphometric studies rely on statistical methods to compare length, depth and angular ratios between anatomical formations, often highlighting differences between specific points but not fully revealing shape variations between distinct groups. Geometric morphometric analysis has emerged as a preferred method in recent years, enabling shape analyses using coordinate data from various imaging techniques, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular morphometrics among sheep breeds across different countries. This study involved four sheep breeds from different countries, namely İvesi from Turkey, Bardoka from Kosovo, Polish Mountain Sheep from Poland and Turcana from Romania, with a total of 70 mandibles sourced from various veterinary faculties. Mandibular photographs were meticulously captured, focusing on the right side of mandible pairs and placing landmarks and semi-landmarks along the entire edge, enabling geometric morphometric analysis using tpsUtil, tpsDig2 and MorphoJ software. The analysis included principal component analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant function analysis for pairwise comparisons, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular shape variations among the different sheep breeds. Using geometric morphometric methods, this study analysed mandibles from four distinct sheep breeds sourced from different countries, revealing notable variations in regions such as the ramus mandibula, angulus mandibula and incisive areas, attributed to genetic, geographical and dietary influences, highlighting the importance of continued research to better comprehend these shape differences