Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | ISSN – L 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379 ISSN-L 2784 – 0360

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2022

Effect of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) Leaf Powder, Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaf Powder and Camphor on Weevil (Callosobruchus Maculatus F.) in Stored Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp) Seeds

Feb 23, 2023 |

Adams Latif Mohammed, Mariam Iddriss

ABSTRACT. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), one of the most important leguminous crops, is widely cultivated throughout the tropics, especially in the savanna regions of the world. However, its seed is attacked by several insect pests both in the field and in storage, especially the cowpea weevil. To control weevils, most farmers have adopted the use of chemical insecticides, but these insecticides come with health and environmental problems, and as a result, there is advocacy for the use of bio-pesticides in the form of tree botanicals. This study was conducted to assess the effects of neem leaf powder (NLP), moringa leaf powder (MLP), and camphor against the cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus) in a completely randomized design. Six treatments were used and allocated as T1 (control), T2 (4g of camphor), T3 (25g of NLP only), T4 (25g of MLP only) T5 (50g of NLP only) and T6 (50g of MLP). The treatments were replicated three times. The parameters studied were the numbers of damaged and undamaged seeds, the numbers of dead and live weevils, and the taste of cowpea seeds. The treatments effectively protected the cowpea seeds during the storage period of eight weeks. The preservation of cowpea seeds given by camphor was significantly different from the other treatments. However, there was no significant difference (p >0.05) between the neem and moringa leaf powders treatments. The use of moringa and neem leaf powders might be adopted by cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa as alternative, cheap, and available sources of biopesticides to use as chemical insecticides. If cowpea seeds are to be stored for consumption purposes, moringa leaf powder should be used since most respondents preferred the taste of cowpea seeds treated with moringa. Additionally, the storage duration of eight weeks was too short for the experiment, so further studies can be carried out for an extended period of more than eight weeks.

Keywords: neem; moringa; cowpea seeds; biopesticide; storage.

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Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Garlic Bulbs (Allium Sativum L.) in Correlation with Soil from Private Gardens in the Copșa Mică Area, Romania

Feb 13, 2023 |

Vera Carabulea, Dumitru-Marian Motelică, Nicoleta Olimpia Vrînceanu, Georgiana Plopeanu, Mihaela Costea, Bogdan Ștefan Oprea, Veronica Tănase

ABSTRACT. Heavy metal contamination of soil and plants is a worldwide concern. Copșa Mică in Romania is one of the areas in the country known to have a high level of pollution. Even if metallurgical activities have been reduced or stopped the soil is still polluted. This study aimed to estimate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) in soil from garlic bulbs (Allium sativum L.) from individual gardens in the Copșa Mică polluted area, Romania. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in garlic bulbs was estimated based on a data set collected from 44 individual gardens. The value of the linear correlation coefficient between the total cadmium content in the soil and that in the plant was significantly different from zero, indicating a close correlation between the two variables (r = 0.775***). In addition, for zinc (r = 0.649***) and lead (r = 0.423**), simple power-type regressions were found to be best for estimating the bioaccumulation of these elements in garlic bulbs. Only for copper, the value of the linear correlation coefficient was not significantly different from zero (r = 0.274ns), indicating that the estimation of copper accumulation in garlic cannot be described by simple power-type regressions. The results of this study are important for estimating the accumulation of heavy metals in garlic bulbs (head), which are often consumed by the population.

Keywords: heavy metals; soil; garlic; pollution; bioaccumulation.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Cover story

Feb 9, 2023 |

Sideritis hyssopifolia L., a perennial plant, is also known as hyssop-leaved mountain ironwort. In its area of origin in north-western Europe, it is valued as an aromatic and medicinal plant and is used in the prevention and treatment of digestive ailments. It has been studied at Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buzau – Romania since 2019, being the subject of intensive acclimatisation and improvement works with the purpose of obtaining new creations with distinct genotypic and biochemical characteristics. The genetic material used was from the centres of origin (Spain, Portugal, Madeira and Canary Islands), and the breeding methods were repeatedly selected individually, followed by negative mass selection. Cultivar G5, which is superior in terms of acclimation and genetic stability, also exhibited distinct phenotypic expressivity. At the same time, specific cultural technology was developed with the aim of promoting it among farmers (see page 181).

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Pumping Pressure and Flow Rate Relationship to Reduce Energy Consumption in Irrigation Systems

Feb 9, 2023 |

Esmeralda Chiorescu

ABSTRACT. In the context of the current energy crisis, electricity consumption, especially by large consumers, must be reduced, rationally, without affecting the quality of services provided. Pressure pumping stations (PPS) in irrigation systems are usually equipped with 4 to 8 electric pumping sets with an installed power that can even exceed 1 MW. Since the PPS serving the irrigation plots must work mainly on demand, the required flow rate in the network can vary widely even during each day of the irrigation period. Also, due to the dependence of the pressure loss on the flow carried in the pipe network, this dependence is usually represented by an increasing quadratic function, and the variation of the required flow also leads to a variation, generally significant, of the pressure required from the PPS. To ensure the necessary flow, the PPS are automated with Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, which optimally control the configuration of the electric pumps in operation and their speed. This article presents a mathematical model and algorithm that facilitate the determination of the correlation between the pressure and flow required from the PPS ((p-Q)C), rendered by an increasing function. The implementation of (p-Q)C in the SCADA system software at PPS 2 in the Trifești-Sculeni irrigation system, in the eastern part of Romania, determined a reduction of energy consumption by up to 16%.

Keywords: Irrigation systems; pressure pumping stations; pressure and flow in pipeline; energy savings.

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Effective Diagnostic Techniques in Borrelia Burgdorferi Infestation in Dogs

Feb 9, 2023 |

Maria Larisa Ivănescu, Gabriela Martinescu, Liviu Dan Miron

ABSTRACT. Borreliosis or Lyme disease is a disease transmitted by ixodidae ticks during feeding on blood (Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis in the USA, Ixodes persulcatus in Asia, Ixodes ricinus in Europe) and is widespread in the entire northern hemisphere. In Romania, the geographic distribution and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was 1.4% in 41 counties, with a prevalence between 0.75–18.8%. B. burgdorferi sensu lato. had a prevalence of 3.8%, being found inside ticks in 55 of 183 localities. Successful treatment and full recovery can only be achieved through early diagnosis. The clinical and serologic diagnosis of Lyme disease is particularly difficult because of the phenotypic heterogeneity within and among spirochete species. A case study is presented in this paper: an eight-year-old male Yorkshire terrier dog, which was diagnosed positive for Lyme disease, based on a test which uses a peptide called C6 and which comes from the VlsE protein of B. burgdorferi, used to detect antibodies in dogs. The results demonstrate the reliability of the commercial SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for B. burgdorferi, which uses C6 to differentiate antibodies produced by natural infection from antibodies formed after vaccination. In addition, using real-time PCR, the diagnosis was negative, confirming the results from the literature, according to which the PCR technique is only recommended for research, the positivity percentage being low, especially when the sample is blood (0.1%). We conclude that the tests for the detection of antibodies specific to Lyme disease are recommended and useful.

Keywords: Lyme disease; antibodies; real-time PCR.

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Prevalence, Economic Impact and Therapeutic Efficacy in Acute Infectious Pododermatitis in Sheep

Feb 9, 2023 |

Mariana Grecu, Oana Tănase, Mădălina Elena Henea, Valentin Nastasă, Cristina Mihaela Rîmbu

ABSTRACT. This study assessed seasonal incidence, economic losses, the efficacy of therapeutic protocols, the recovery time of affected animals and specific prophylactic measures applied to sheep with acute infectious pododermatitis. The studies were conducted over a period of 12 months in 3 different sheep farms from private units in the same area. The results of the study showed an increased incidence of the disease in all 3 farms, with an average of 26.94% of the sheep flock. The incidence of the disease was increased in the months of April-May-June-July and September-October (30%), when there were heavy rains. The high morbidity led to economic losses through the decrease in milk production by approximately 30% and the decrease in the weight of the sheep by 10.58% (4.2 kg) of their normal weight. The therapeutic protocol applied locally as well as parenterally, combined with a foot bath with 10% zinc sulphate solution, were effective in treating acute infectious pododermatitis of sheep. The average recovery time (days) was approximately the same in the three groups of sheep (5.25 ± 0.68 days for cases with moderate diseases and 10.2 ± 0.22 for cases with severe diseases).

Keywords: acute infectious pododermatitis; sheep; Fusobacterium necrophorum; Dichelobacter nodosus.

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Effect of Moisture Contents and Compression Axes on Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dioclea Reflexa Seed

Jan 30, 2023 |

Olakunle Olukayode, Eyitope Israel Alade, Seun Oyelami

ABSTRACT. Interest in unconventional seeds such as Dioclea reflexa is growing in the tropical regions, with the potential for utilisation as food or industrial materials. Researchers confirmed that Dioclea reflexa seed has the potential for clinical use, use as a food source, and as industrial raw material. This research studies the effect of moisture content on the physical properties of Dioclea reflexa seed and the effect of moisture content and compression axes its mechanical properties. Standards methods were used to determine the physical properties, while the mechanical properties were derived from force-deformation curves for the moisture content range 4.8 to 12.1% (wet basis). The mean values of the seed’s length increased by 3.55% (from 31.01 mm), the width increased by 4.13% (from 26.64 mm), and the thickness decreased by 2.48% (from 21.75 mm). The geometric mean diameter increased by 1.68%, surface area increased by 3.68%, sphericity decreased by 1.54% and individual seed mass increased by 10.46%. The physical properties exhibit linear relationships with moisture content. Rupture force increased by 75% (from 0.80 kN) for loading along the major axis; by 84% (from 0.72 kN) for the intermediate axis; and by 41% (from 0.78 kN) for the minor axis. Rupture energy increased from 0.18 J to 1.25 J for compression along the major axis, from 0.087 J to 0.43 J for the intermediate axis, and from 0.080 J to 0.18 J for the minor axis. The mechanical properties were found to be moisture content and loading orientation-dependent. Reducing moisture content reduced both the force and the energy required to rupture the seeds. The data generated will be useful in the design of processing machinery and storage facilities for the seeds.

Keywords: Moisture content; linear dimension; loading orientation; rupture force; rupture energy.

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The Aromatic Profile of White Wines Obtained from Biodynamic and Conventional Grown Grapes in Romania

Jan 27, 2023 |

Ana Maria Toader, Cintia Lucia Colibaba, Camelia Elena Luchian, Andreea Popîrdă, Bogdan Nechita, Valeriu V. Cotea

ABSTRACT. This study analyses the differences between wines obtained from grapes cultivated conventionally and those cultivated biodynamically. The wine samples studied were obtained from Rhein Riesling, Italian Riesling, Muscat Ottonel and Chardonnay grape varieties. Among these, four variants (one from each grape variety) were obtained from grapes following conventional cultural technologies, while the rest were from the same grape varieties cultivated biodynamically. All grapes and wines were produced in the Murfatlar vineyard, in south-east Romania. Basic chemical and sensorial analyses were applied to evaluate the differences appearing between the conventional and organic wine samples. All sets of data, PCA analysed, underlined that there are no systematic differences between the two grape cultivation methods and the obtained products.

Keywords: biodynamic grapes; organic vs. conventional wine; chemical composition; sensory profile.

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Research on the Acclimatization and Breeding of Sideritis Hyssopifolia L. in Romania

Jan 27, 2023 |

Geanina Negoșanu, Adrian Asănică, Costel Vînătoru, Adrian Peticilă, Bianca Mușat, Camelia Bratu

ABSTRACT. Sideritis hyssopifolia L., perennial plant of the genus Sideritis, is also known as hyssop-leaved mountain ironwort. In its area of origin in northwestern Europe, it is valued as an aromatic and medicinal plant and used in the prevention and treatment of digestive ailments. It has been studied at Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buzău since 2019, being the subject of intensive acclimatization and improvement works with the purpose of obtaining new creations with distinct genotypic and biochemical characteristics. The genetic material used was from the centers of origin: Spain, Portugal, Madeira and Canary Islands, and the breeding methods were repeated individual selection followed by negative mass selection. In order to prevent the biological contamination of genotypes with foreign pollen, insulators with textile material were used. Cultivar G5, superior in terms of acclimation and genetic stability, also exhibited distinct phenotypic expressivity. At the same time, specific culture technology was developed with the aim of promoting it among farmers.

Keywords: genotype; phenotype; culture technology.

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Supplements to the Problem Of Energy Consumption in Reducing Lignocelluloses Biomass Size to Produce Energy

Jan 26, 2023 |

Raluca Sfîru, Petru Cardei, Cornelia Muraru-Ionel, Vergil Muraru

ABSTRACT. This article presents complementary results on experimental data on the process of reducing the size of plant biomass by mechanical cutting. According to the source of the experimental data, the problem of statistical modelling of the main parameters describing the process of biomass reduction was approached. A more comprehensive formulation of the list of main system parameters was also attempted, which should be considered in a minimal mathematical model. The results of this article are starting points for a systemic approach to this biomass processing process. A first systematization is fixing 13 parameters that are included in the model of the biomass size reduction phenomenon. The 13 model parameters are divided into three categories: input parameters (5), adjustment parameters (4) and output parameters (4).
The performances of the interpolation formulas are evaluated using the global error and the maximum error, varying between 1% and 0.1% for the prior and 3.8% and 0.34% for the latter. Some mathematical models suggest the existence of optimal operating points. Their exploitation can only come as a result of new high-resolution experimental research, at least in terms of rotation speed.

Keywords: qualitative; characteristics; biomass; size; reduction.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Main Active Components of Goji Berry and Their Nutritional Importance – A Review

Jan 26, 2023 |

Andrei Daniel Tudor, Ciprian Bolohan, Valerica Tudor, Răzvan Ionuț Teodorescu

ABSTRACT. The consumption of fruits, leaves, and roots of Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense (Mill.) species has a long tradition, especially on the Asian continent, due to their health benefits. In recent decades, social and economic factors, along with scientific progress, have stimulated the expansion of the consumption and cultivation of goji plants on a global scale, but mostly in Western countries. The traditional therapeutic properties attributed to goji plants, scientifically demonstrated through clinical and pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo, are due to a diversified content in antioxidants (polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity). With the development of technological capabilities for the detection and extraction of biocompounds from plant resources (including from secondary metabolisms), the completeness of research on the beneficial and secondary effects of the use of these species in human nutrition has increased. In most of the published studies, the chemical profile of L. barbarum or L. chinense species was analysed in terms of the therapeutic benefits of the variety, the different plant components subjected to extraction, the prior processing of these components, the method of extraction of active biocompounds, and to some extent, the correlation of this profile with geographical origin. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and updated summary on some chemical compounds with therapeutic effects from Lycium spp. plants, addressing the correlation of the phytochemical composition in relation to their cultivation area, in the perspective of identifying and creating new goji varieties with high adaptability to local pedoclimatic conditions.

Keywords: L. barbarum; L. chinense; chemical profile; cultivation areas.

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Statistical Analysis of Preliminary Studies for Hemp Concrete

Jan 17, 2023 |

Laurentiu Adam, Dorina-Nicolina Isopescu, Loredana Judele, Roxana Dana Bucur, Daniel Lepadatu

ABSTRACT. Waste is a major worldwide problem and its recycling has become mandatory in the current context of the decrease in natural resources. The management of recyclable waste improves the efficiency of any economic activities and the impact on the environment decreases proportionally to the quantities reused. With a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions, the construction sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and raw materials. Hemp, and other biomass waste, are by-products in agriculture, making important contributions to the development of ecological materials by incorporating important quantities of such recyclable waste. This paper presents a series of different hemp concrete compositions that aim to obtain the optimum ratio between the binder and hemp shiv, in order to determine the inflection point towards which the delimitation can be made between insulating materials and materials with improved mechanical resistance. The importance of the work is given by the fact that, until now, the optimal proportion between the binder and hemp wood chips has not been demonstrated. This turning point must be justified by a variation of the mechanical resistance or a variation of the heat transfer coefficient, through the conductivity of the obtained samples. After preliminary testing, the statistical analysis will allow identification of the specific quantities needed to improve the physical-mechanical performance of the hemp-concrete recipe. Thus, by adding a justified amount of binder, an ecological material based on vegetable waste from agricultural crops is obtained. The material will have thermo-mechanical properties designed for a specific situation, required by the minimum performance imposed by the destination for which it will be made.

Keywords: Hemp-binder ratio; hemp concrete recipe optimisation; statistical analysis; agricultural buildings.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Quantitative Genetic Analysis of Phenolic Acids in Oilseed Rape Meal

Jan 16, 2023 |

Florin-Daniel Lipșa, Rod Snowdon, Benjamin Wittkop, Wolfgang Friedt

ABSTRACT. Rapeseed meal, a by-product of oilseed extraction related to the agri-food and biofuel industries due to its favourable composition of essential amino acids, is currently utilised for animal feed. In this study, 166 doubled haploid (DH) rapeseed lines from the segregating Brassica napus doubled haploid population YE2-DH were genetically and chemically analysed for phenolic acids. The relationship between seed colour and phenolic acid fractions in B. napus was investigated using these analyses to improve the quality of rapeseed meal. High-performance liquid chromatography assays were used to estimate phenolic acid content, and the outcomes were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL). Nine quantitative feature loci for three distinct phenolic acid compounds were mapped to seven linkage groups. A minor QTL for sinapine was located on linkage group C05 in the same interval as the QTL for seed colour. On chromosome A09, two loci for phenolic acids colocalised with the main QTL for seed colour. Closely linked molecular markers for the target traits (seed colour, phenolic acids) identified during this study could be useful tools for breeding new oilseed rape cultivars with lower levels of antinutritive compounds.

Keywords: Brassica napus; phenolic acids; meal quality; QTL mapping.

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Cover story

Jan 6, 2023 |

Odobeşti Vineyard is one of the most famous and oldest Romanian vineyards, with a focus on white wines. The quality of the obtained wines is mainly due to the climatic conditions in this area and impresses with freshness and an extremely pleasant taste sensation. To improve the existing assortment of varieties over time at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification in Odobesti, four vine varieties were obtained and approved: Sarba (1972), Babeasca gri (1975), Miorita (1980) and Vrancea (2018), with superior quality and productive potential and a high capacity to capitalise on the edaphoclimatic conditions specific to this viticultural area. In the climatic context of the area, these white wine varieties have demonstrated a valuable agrobiological and technological potential, comparable to that of the Sauvignon Blanc variety, which is widely grown in this area (see page 68).

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Sensory Characterisation of Emulsified Sausages Incorporating Celery Powder and Obtained With Different Technological Parameters

Jan 6, 2023 |

Paul Corneliu Boișteanu, Diana Remina Manoliu, Florin Daniel Lipşa, Mihai Cătălin Ciobotaru, Gabriela Frunză, Marius Mihai Ciobanu

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate and sensorily describe membrane-emulsified poultry and pork meat products (frankfurter sausages) manufactured in the USV Iași Meat Processing Workshop, products to which celery powder was added. Six technology sheets were developed to obtain six batches of products (three chicken and three pork): C1 (66% chicken breast, 17% pork backfat, 1.8% celery powder) and P1 (66% pork, 17% pork backfat, 1.8% celery powder), C2 (56% chicken breast, 24% pork backfat, 3.5% celery powder) and P2 (56% pork, 24% pork backfat, 3.5% celery powder) and C3 (48% chicken breast, 31% pork backfat, 4.5% celery powder) and P3 (48% pork, 31% pork backfat, 4.5% celery powder). The samples were evaluated in terms of instrumental colour and sensory evaluation (acceptability test and CATA – check-all-that-apply). The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the samples regarding the instrumental colour, chicken meat frankfurter sausages having significantly higher lightness values (L*) compared to pork frankfurter sausages, and in terms of the proportion of raw materials: the lightness increased significantly in direct proportion to the percentage of fat added. According to the CATA analysis, the evaluators associated a pink colour and meaty flavour with batch 1 products and attributes such as uniformity of colour, characteristic flavour, the right amount of seasoning and smooth texture were identified in all six batches of products. However, the batches with the highest scores on the hedonic scale, considered acceptable by the evaluators, were C1, P1 and C2. Keywords: sensory evaluation; frankfurter sausages; colour; celery powder.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Research on the Heavy Metal Content in Onion Bulbs Correlated with Soil From Private Households Located in the Copşa Mică Area, Central Romania

Dec 22, 2022 |

Bogdan Ştefan Oprea, Dumitru-Marian Motelică, Nicoleta Olimpia Vrînceanu, Mihaela Costea, Georgiana Iuliana Plopeanu, Vera Carabulea

ABSTRACT. Food safety and the high demand for food have represented worrisome problems worldwide in recent decades. It is well known that plants can accumulate metals from contaminated soil and through deposits from pollutant emissions released by contaminated sources. Cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead are poisonous elements. The accumulation of heavy metals in plants grown in polluted areas represents a major risk to human and animal health. Soil pollution with heavy metals is a global problem that has an unfavourable impact on the environment. For this study, data collected from 65 individual households located in the Copşa Mică area were used to estimate the bioaccumulation of four different heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] in onion bulbs in different scenarios, in correlation with the total metal content from the soil. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for the regression curves established for the estimation of Cd (r = 0.648***), Zn (r = 0.592***), and Pb (r = 0.525***) in onion bulbs. In the case of copper (Cu), the linear correlation coefficient was insignificant (r = 0.088ns). The mean cadmium and lead values determined in the onion samples from the study area did not exceed the maximum stable levels for these contaminants in vegetables.

Keywords: heavy metals; vegetables; onion; pollution; bioaccumulation.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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The Morpho-Functional Peculiarities of the Synsarcosis Muscles in Red Squirrels

Dec 14, 2022 |

Constantin Spataru, Mihaela-Claudia Spataru, Ozan Gündemir

ABSTRACT. In terrestrial species, body propulsion is mostly performed via the pelvic limbs. In semiaquatic species, both pairs of limbs are used in swimming and diving, whereas in arboreal species, the pelvic limbs are used to maintain body stability. Thus, in squirrels, the synsarcosis muscles participate in body propulsion during climbing, as they have well-developed muscular bellies. Among these, the pectoral transverse muscle, which originates along the entire sternum and is inserted on the humeral crest, stands out for its width. The cervical parts of the trapezius and rhomboideus muscles are reduced and their thoracic parts more developed. As a result, muscles such as the occipitoscapularis or atlantoscapularis coordinate forelimb protraction and neck displacement. The serratus ventralis muscle is very well developed and clearly divided into cranial (cervical) and caudal (thoracic) parts; it produces a strong adduction of the thoracic limbs when the parts contract, and when they relax, a large abduction of the forelimbs is produced, enlarging the body size during jumping.

Keywords: rodent; squirrel; muscle; scapula; flexion.

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Physico-Mechanical Properties Investigation of Hempcrete

Nov 24, 2022 |

Laurențiu Adam, Dorina-Nicolina Isopescu

ABSTRACT. Food, energy and construction are the three main domains in which different uses of industrial hemp confirm the role and importance that agriculture has in human life. In the current context with an increased need for energy efficiency and environmental protection, the attention of scientists is directed towards the identification of ecological construction materials, and a sustainable way of life, where the circular economy must become part of people’s living habits. The objective of the research was to analyze the thermo-mechanical properties of hempcrete. The goal is to determine a point of reference for future studies that will aim to adapt the agreed compositions to the particularities of the raw material obtained locally. Measurements were determined through laboratory tests, performed on specimens obtained using, for the base material, the woody part of industrial hemp, and for the binder, a mixture consisting of hydrated lime and Portland cement. The results place the construction materials made from hemp vegetable waste in the group of heat-insulating products characterized by low specific weight and thermal transfer coefficients, according with conventional insulating materials, with values between those of polyurethane foam and autoclaved cellular concrete.

Keywords: eco hempcrete; natural composite materials; circular economy; vegetable waste.

* Abstract published in Conference Programme dedicated to LIFE SCIENCES TODAY FOR TOMORROW

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Vine Varieties for White Wines in the Climate Context of the Odobesti Vineyard, Romania

Nov 18, 2022 |

Ionica Bosoi, Liliana Rotaru, Marioara Pușcalău, Cintia Colibaba

ABSTRACT. Odobeşti Vineyard is one of the most famous and oldest Romanian vineyards, with a focus on white wines. To improve the existing assortment of varieties over time at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification, Odobesti (RDSVV, Odobești), four vine varieties were obtained and approved: ʹŞarbaʹ (1972), ʹBăbească griʹ (1975), ʹMioriţaʹ (1980) and ʹVranceaʹ (2018), with superior quality and productive potential and a high capacity to capitalise on the edaphoclimatic conditions specific to this viticultual area. This study presents the behaviour of these varieties of vines in the climatic conditions of the Odobesti Vineyard in the period 2017–2021. The following parameters were studied and determined: the phenological spectrum of the vine, fertility and productivity (% fertile shoots, fertility coefficients, productivity indices), quantity and quality of grape production (grapes/vine, average bunch weight, grape production/vine, sugar content, total acidity and glucoacidimetric index). The data obtained were compared with the ʹSauvignon Blancʹ variety, which is widely grown in this area. The evolution of the vegetation phenophases was conditioned by the climatic factors during the study period. There was a tendency to shorten them due to the increase in air temperature values. The variety ʹVranceaʹ presented a high fertility potential (89.5% fertile shoots), the varieties ʹBăbească griʹ and ʹMiorițaʹ showed a higher productive potential than the control variety ʹSauvignon Blancʹ (6.06–6.12 kg/vine), and the variety ʹȘarbaʹ recorded the highest accumulations in sugars (230.5 g/L). In the climatic context of the Odobești Vineyard, the white wine varieties ʹȘarbaʹ, ʹBăbeasca griʹ, ʹMiorițaʹ and ʹVranceaʹ have demonstrated a valuable agrobiological and technological potential, comparable to that of the ʹSauvignon Blancʹ variety.

Keywords: climatic conditions; fertility; vineyard; productivity; wine grapevine varieties.

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Evaluation of Quality Parameters in Cotton Production (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Under Water Stress Conditions

Nov 14, 2022 |

Özlem Avşar, Emine Karademir

ABSTRACT. Decreasing water availability for cotton production has compelled researchers to engage in studies about rising water use efficiency by improving water management. The impacts of different irrigation levels on the fibre qualities of drip-irrigated cotton were evaluated in Diyarbakır, Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkiye. Three cotton varieties, ‘Stoneville 468’ (ST 468), ‘FiberMax 832’ (FM 832), and ‘Kartanesi’, and three levels of irrigation were tested in 2017 and 2018. Treatments were I 50 (50% water stress), I 75 (25% water stress), and the fully irrigated treatment I 100, which was obtained from Class-A pan evaporation. According to the two-year results of the study, water stress caused a decline in fineness, length, strength, elongation, uniformity ratio, and spinning consistency index (SCI) values of fibre, while fibre yellowness and short fibre ratio values increased. Fibre brightness was not affected by water stress. There were significant differences among varieties concerning quality parameters. FM 832 has come to the fore with regard to fibre fineness, length, strength, uniformity, yellowness, reflectance, and spinning consistency index.

Keywords: Cotton; water stress; fibre quality.

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© by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)