| 1. |
- A. Bateki, Christian, et al.
(author)
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Of milk and mobiles: Assessing the potential of cellphone applications to reduce cattle milk yield gaps in Africa using a case study
- 2021
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In: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1699. ; 191
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There are growing expectations that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications could help improve on-farm yields amongst smallholder farmers in developing countries, and consequently, food and nutrition security. However, few studies have quantified the actual contribution of ICT applications on farmers’ yields, and these studies predominantly focused on crop production. We assessed the potential of ICT applications to close milk yield gaps among small- and medium scale dairy cattle farmers in Africa. First, we developed a theoretical framework summarizing biophysical and socio-economic constraints that foster milk yield gaps and discussed which constraints can be addressed using ICT applications. Second, using a case study of a feeding advice application for dairy cattle pre-tested with farmers in rural Kenya, we analyzed how much stand-alone the application could contribute to close dairy cattle milk yield gaps. Our findings suggest that ICT applications could help address some existing biophysical and socio-economic constraints fostering milk yield gaps, including data collection for breeding programs, feeding management advice, and facilitating access to markets and capital. Our stand-alone ICT application closed yield gaps by 2 % to 6 % on representative farms. Several factors may explain the limited actual contribution of selected ICT applications to reduce existing milk yield gaps, including the quality of the input data and models used in ICT applications, and more structural constraints that cannot be addressed by digital tools. Therefore, although ICT applications could help address constraints to achieving higher milk yields on dairy farms, a significant contribution to improve yields may only be achieved when conditions surrounding their use are adequate.
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| 2. |
- Aagaard Hagemann, Frederik, et al.
(author)
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Challenges to Implementing the Urban Ecosystem Service Concept in Green Infrastructure Planning: A View from Practitioners in Swedish Municipalities
- 2020
-
In: Socio-Ecological Practice Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2524-5279 .- 2524-5287. ; 2, s. 283-296
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In building a sustainable society, numerous ecosystem services have shown to play important roles for the benefit of urban residents. The distinct concept of Urban Ecosystem Services (UES) to accentuate and enhance the value of urban ecosystems has been proposed, primarily in research, with implementation in practice still at an early stage. This study examined challenges to future implementation of the UES concept in municipal planning and management of urban green spaces. Based on interviews in six Swedish municipalities, we identified four overall discourses challenging implementation of UES in municipal practice. These included (i) a need to prioritize UES in municipal planning in order to address the contemporary challenges of e.g., urbanization and biodiversity loss. This in turn creates (ii) a need for increased holistic thinking within the municipal organization, based on (iii) further documentation and standards, which should help (iv) initiate organizational transition and cross-sectorial approaches. These discourses provide interrelated challenges that could also act as opportunities for scientists and practitioners collaborations to advance integration of UES into planning and management, thereby increasing the sustainability of urban environments. This work provides a starting point for introduction of the UES concept into municipal planning.
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| 3. |
- Aakala, Tuomas, et al.
(author)
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Drivers of snag fall rates in Fennoscandian boreal forests
- 2024
-
In: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Persistence of standing dead trees (snags) is an important determinant for their role for biodiversity and dead wood associated carbon fluxes. How fast snags fall varies widely among species and regions and is further influenced by a variety of stand- and tree-level factors. However, our understanding of this variation is fragmentary at best, partly due to lack of empirical data. Here, we took advantage of the accruing time series of snag observations in the Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish National Forest Inventories that have been followed in these programs since the mid-1990s. We first harmonized observations from slightly different inventory protocols and then, using this harmonized dataset of ca. 43,000 observations that had a consistent 5-year census interval, we modelled the probability of snags of the main boreal tree species Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and Betula spp. falling, as a function of tree- and stand-level variables, using Bayesian logistic regression modelling. The models were moderately good at predicting snags remaining standing or falling, with a correct classification rate ranging from 68% to 75% among species. In general, snag persistence increased with tree size and climatic wetness, and decreased with temperature sum, advancing stage of decay, site productivity and disturbance intensity (mainly harvesting). Synthesis and applications: The effect of harvesting demonstrates that an efficient avenue to increase the amount of snags in managed forests is protecting them during silvicultural operations. In the warmer future, negative relationship between snag persistence and temperature suggests decreasing the time snags remain standing and hence decreasing habitat availability for associated species. As decomposition rates generally increase after fall, decreasing snag persistence also implies substantially faster release of carbon from dead wood. The effect of harvesting demonstrates that an efficient avenue to increase the amount of snags in managed forests is protecting them during silvicultural operations. In the warmer future, negative relationship between snag persistence and temperature suggests decreasing the time snags remain standing and hence decreasing habitat availability for associated species. As decomposition rates generally increase after fall, decreasing snag persistence also implies substantially faster release of carbon from dead wood.image
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| 4. |
- Aakko-Saksa, Païvi T., et al.
(author)
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Renewable Methanol with Ignition Improver Additive for Diesel Engines
- 2020
-
In: Energy and Fuels. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0887-0624 .- 1520-5029.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reduced emissions and environmental burden from shipping are an important aim of tightening emission regulations and ambitious climate change strategy. Renewable methanol produced from biomass or from other renewable sources represents one option to face these challenges. We studied the potential of renewable methanol to offer such benefits in diesel operation in a Scania ethanol engine, which is designed for additized ethanol fuel (ED95) containing ignition improver and lubricity additives. Methanol (MD95) with several types of ignition improver and lubricity additives was studied for use in diesel engines. MD95 fuels were clean-burning, emitting even less gaseous emissions than ED95, particularly when glycerol ethoxylate was used as an ignition improver. Particle mass and number emissions originating from additives in the experimental fuels could be reduced with an oxidation catalyst. Reduced additive dosing in the MD95 fuels was studied with the aid of fuel injection into the intake manifold. Overall, the results showed that the monofuel MD95 concept is a promising solution for smaller vessels equipped with 800-1200 kW engines. ©
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| 5. |
- Aalaei, Kataneh, et al.
(author)
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Application of a dye-binding method for the determination of available lysine in skim milk powders.
- 2016
-
In: Food Chemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7072 .- 0308-8146. ; 196, s. 815-820
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A dye-binding method using Acid Orange 12 was investigated regarding its suitability for the quantification of available lysine, as a means of monitoring the Maillard reaction in skim milk powders. The method was evaluated by analyzing a wide range of milk powders produced by three different drying methods and stored under various conditions. A pilot-scale freeze-dryer, spray-dryer and drum-dryer were used to produce skim milk powders and the samples were stored at two temperatures (20°C and 30°C) and two relative humidities (33% and 52%) under strictly controlled conditions. Moreover to validate the method, two protein isolates; bovine serum albumin and casein were investigated for their available lysine content. The results demonstrate the suitability of this method for measuring the available lysine in skim milk powders with good precision and high reproducibility. The relative standard deviations obtained from the 125 freeze-dried powders were 1.8%, and those from the 100 drum-dried samples were all 1.9%. The highest variation was found for the spray-dried powders, which showed relative standard deviations between 0.9% and 6.7%.
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| 6. |
- Aalaei, Kataneh, et al.
(author)
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Chemical methods and techniques to monitor early Maillard reaction in milk products; A review
- 2019
-
In: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1040-8398 .- 1549-7852. ; 59:12, s. 1829-1839
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Maillard reaction is an extensively studied, yet unresolved chemical reaction that occurs as a result of application of the heat and during the storage of foods. The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been the focus of several investigations recently. These molecules which are formed at the advanced stage of the Maillard reaction, are suspected to be involved in autoimmune diseases in humans. Therefore, understanding to which extent this reaction occurs in foods, is of vital significance. Because of their composition, milk products are ideal media for this reaction, especially when application of heat and prolonged storage are considered. Thus, in this work several chemical approaches to monitor this reaction in an early stage are reviewed. This is mostly done regarding available lysine blockage which takes place in the very beginning of the reaction. The most popular methods and their applications to various products are reviewed. The methods including their modifications are described in detail and their findings are discussed. The present paper provides an insight into the history of the most frequently-used methods and provides an overview on the indicators of the Maillard reaction in the early stage with its focus on milk products and especially milk powders.
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| 7. |
- Aalaei, Kataneh, et al.
(author)
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Storage stability of freeze-dried, spray-dried and drum-dried skim milk powders evaluated by available lysine
- 2016
-
In: LWT - Food Science and Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0023-6438. ; 73, s. 675-682
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Formation of Maillard products and the influencing factors, which are of crucial importance for both manufacturers and consumers, are still not fully understood. Thus in this study available lysine was used as a marker to monitor the extent of Maillard reactions in freeze-dried, spray-dried and drum-dried skim milk powders during 200 days of storage at highly controlled atmospheres. Storage variables included two temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C) and two relative humidities (33%, 52%). The available lysine in five replicates was quantified at pre-determined intervals by a dye-binding method using Acid-orange 12, validated in our previous work. Findings of this study show that temperature and relative humidity during storage have a profound influence on the rate of available lysine loss. Choice of the drying technology as the other investigated variable also had a significant impact. The drying process least affected the available lysine content in freeze-dried powders, followed by spray-dried and drum-dried powders. Storage at 52% relative humidity and 30 °C for 200 days led to a 39.2–45.9% decrease in the available lysine content, regardless of the drying of skim milk powder, while the powders stored at 33% relative humidity and 20 °C did not show a significant loss during the same period of time.
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| 8. |
- Aalaei, Kataneh, et al.
(author)
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The Impact of Different Drying Techniques and Controlled Storage on the Development of Advanced Glycation End Products in Skim Milk Powders Using Isotope Dilution ESI-LC-MS/MS
- 2017
-
In: Food and Bioprocess Technology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1935-5130 .- 1935-5149. ; 10:9, s. 1704-1714
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The impact of different drying techniques and storage conditions on the formation of carboxymethyl lysine (CML) as an advanced glycation end product (AGE) was investigated in various pilot-scale produced skim milk powders (SMP). CML, an indicator of advanced stages of the Maillard reaction, was analyzed by isotope dilution ESI-LC-MS/MS after drying and at intervals during storage for 200 days. The aim of this study is to increase the awareness that the development of AGEs can be hindered by controlled storage, which is mostly neglected at the domestic level by the consumers. Pilot-scale freeze-dryer, spray-dryer, and drum-dryer were utilized for manufacturing SMPs. The storage was designed in such a way that it simulated how an average consumer keeps the dried products at home, specifically after opening the packages and how the products may be exposed to unfavorable conditions. To do so, four storage conditions including two temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C) and two relative humidities RH (33%, 52%) were studied and CML formation was monitored using LC-MS/MS. Our results show that the spray-dried samples developed two times higher CML after 200 days, compared to the freeze-dried samples, and this value was 1.6 times for the drum-dried samples. Storage at 52% RH developed 9.8–10 times more CML in the samples, in comparison with 33% RH, at the same storage temperature (P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that AGEs, molecules suspected to be involved in risks factors for auto-immune diseases, may be formed during storage of SMPs after opening the packages by the consumers.
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| 9. |
- Aballay, Erwin
(author)
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Rhizobacteria associated to Vitis vinifera and their effect on the control of Xiphinema index, Meloidogyne ethiopica and Vitis growth
- 2012
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the most important pests affecting the growth of vineyards due to the destruction of new roots. Several species are associated with this problem, the most important being the ectoparasite Xiphinema index and the endoparasite Meloidogyne ethiopica. The search for new pest and disease control methods based on bioantagonist microorganisms is an important aspect of modern agriculture and the development of tools based on the use of rhizobacteria is becoming a widely evaluated alternative. The present study on suppressive soils started with a survey undertaken in productive Chilean vineyards to explore the younger roots of grapevines and identify the presence of rhizobacteria. More than 1800 soils were surveyed and a set of 11 vineyards were selected and considered suitable for bacteria isolation, as they showed low densities of plant-parasitic nematodes. A total of 400 bacterial isolates in 25 genera were obtained using tryptic soy broth agar and identified with fatty acid profiling. Two of the most frequently isolated species were Pseudomonas putida (35.1%) and P. fluorescens (6.1%). The effect of these isolates on the parasitism and reproduction of X. index was assessed through assays using potted vine plants (cv. Thompson Seedless) and a bacterial suspension containing 1×106 CFU/mL. Some isolates from Bacillus megaterium, B. brevis, B. mycoides, B. sphaericus, B. thuringiensis, Pseudomonas corrugata, P. putida, P. alcaligenes, P. savastanoi, P. fluorescens, P. pseudoalcaligenes, P. viridiflava, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Serratia plymuthica, Cytophaga johnsonae, Rahnella aquatilis, Stenotrophomonas sp., Variovorax paradoxus and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens reduced root damage and suppressed populations. Isolates of B. brevis, Comamonas acidovorans, B. megaterium, Pantoea agglomerans and P. savastanoi increased plant growth or root weight, but did not control nematodes. Most of the culture filtrates obtained from isolates from four vineyards were effective in killing X. index and decreasing egg hatching, which was not related to damage or population control. It was estimated that 89, 32 and 16% of the isolates were effective against X. index under supernatant conditions, in potted plants growing in sterile substrate and in potted plants growing in field soil, respectively. Sixteen bacterial isolates previously assessed were also evaluated on M. ethiopica in vine cv. Chardonnay. Seven isolates (Serratia marcescens, C. acidovorans, P. agglomerans, Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, B. mycoides, Alcaligenes piechaudii and S. plymuthica) decreased damage or reproduction, showing that different species of nematodes can respond differently to a particular isolate.
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| 10. |
- Abarenkov, Kessy, et al.
(author)
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PlutoF—a web based workbench for ecological and taxonomic research, with an online implementation for fungal ITS sequences
- 2010
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In: Evolutionary Bioinformatics. - 1176-9343. ; 6, s. 189-196
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DNA sequences accumulating in the International Nucleotide Sequence Databases (INSD) form a rich source of information for taxonomic and ecological meta-analyses. However, these databases include many erroneous entries, and the data itself is poorly annotated with metadata, making it difficult to target and extract entries of interest with any degree of precision. Here we describe the web-based workbench PlutoF, which is designed to bridge the gap between the needs of contemporary research in biology and the existing software resources and databases. Built on a relational database, PlutoF allows remote-access rapid submission, retrieval, and analysis of study, specimen, and sequence data in INSD as well as for private datasets though web-based thin clients. In contrast to INSD, PlutoF supports internationally standardized terminology to allow very specific annotation and linking of interacting specimens and species. The sequence analysis module is optimized for identification and analysis of environmental ITS sequences of fungi, but it can be modified to operate on any genetic marker and group of organisms. The workbench is available at http://plutof.ut.ee.
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| 11. |
- Abarenkov, Kessy, et al.
(author)
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Protax-fungi: A web-based tool for probabilistic taxonomic placement of fungal internal transcribed spacer sequences
- 2018
-
In: New Phytologist. - : Wiley. - 0028-646X .- 1469-8137. ; 220:2, s. 517-525
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2018 New Phytologist Trust. Incompleteness of reference sequence databases and unresolved taxonomic relationships complicates taxonomic placement of fungal sequences. We developed Protax-fungi, a general tool for taxonomic placement of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and implemented it into the PlutoF platform of the UNITE database for molecular identification of fungi. With empirical data on root- and wood-associated fungi, Protax-fungi reliably identified (with at least 90% identification probability) the majority of sequences to the order level but only around one-fifth of them to the species level, reflecting the current limited coverage of the databases. Protax-fungi outperformed the Sintax and Rdb classifiers in terms of increased accuracy and decreased calibration error when applied to data on mock communities representing species groups with poor sequence database coverage. We applied Protax-fungi to examine the internal consistencies of the Index Fungorum and UNITE databases. This revealed inconsistencies in the taxonomy database as well as mislabelling and sequence quality problems in the reference database. The according improvements were implemented in both databases. Protax-fungi provides a robust tool for performing statistically reliable identifications of fungi in spite of the incompleteness of extant reference sequence databases and unresolved taxonomic relationships.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Abbas, Nadeem, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Smart Forest Observatories Network : A MAPE-K Architecture Based Approach for Detecting and Monitoring Forest Damage
- 2023
-
In: Proceedings of the Conference Digital solutions for detecting and monitoring forest damage.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Forests are essential for life, providing various ecological, social, and economic benefits worldwide. However, one of the main challenges faced by the world is the forest damage caused by biotic and abiotic factors. In any case, the forest damages threaten the environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem. Climate change and anthropogenic activities, such as illegal logging and industrial waste, are among the principal elements contributing to forest damage. To achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to forests and climate change, detecting and analyzing forest damages, and taking appropriate measures to prevent or reduce the damages are essential. To that end, we envision establishing a Smart Forest Observatories (SFOs) network, as shown below, which can be either a local area or a wide area network involving remote forests. The basic idea is to use Monitor, Analyze, Plan, Execute, and Knowledge (MAPE-K) architecture from autonomic computing and self-adaptive software systems domain to design and develop the SFOs network. The SFOs are planned to collect, analyze, and share the collected data and analysis results using state-of-the-art methods. The principal objective of the SFOs network is to provide accurate and real-time data to policymakers and forest managers, enabling them to develop effective policies and management strategies for global forest conservation that help to achieve SDGs related to forests and climate change.
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| 14. |
- Abbas, Nasir, et al.
(author)
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Untargeted-metabolomics differentiation between poultry samples slaughtered with and without detaching spinal cord
- 2020
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In: Arabian Journal of Chemistry. - : ELSEVIER. - 1878-5352 .- 1878-5379. ; 13:12, s. 9081-9089
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chicken meat is among the common and relatively inexpensive source of protein consumed worldwide from the poultry industry. Many communities show concern regarding the procedure of slaughtering animals for meat consumption due to ethical, religious, or cultural reasons. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) based untargeted metabolomics of 40 chicken meat samples were evaluated to differentiate meat samples based on slaughtering methods. Samples were grouped into, Zabiha (cutting neck without detaching spinal cord) and Non-Zabiha (completely detaching neck). A volcano plot reveals at least 150 features found significantly different between the two groups having >= 2-fold changes in intensities with p-values <= 0.05. Among them 05 identified and 25 unidentified metabolites have clear differences in peak intensities. The identified features can be employed to differentiate meat obtained from different slaughtering methods. A characteristic pattern based on principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was observed among the groups. The results will benefit Halal certification, food safety, and security agencies to curb food fraud. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.
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| 15. |
- Abbasi, Umar Aftab, et al.
(author)
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Biological, structural and functional responses of tropical forests to environmental factors
- 2022
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In: Biological Conservation. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-3207 .- 1873-2917. ; 276, s. 109792-109792
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here, we hypothesize that the biological, structural and functional attributes of tropical forests respond to water-related climatic and soil nutrient-related factors.Thus, we quantified 27 forest attributes and 20 environmental factors across 189 plots of Sri Lankan tropical forests. Our results suggest that environmental conditions were characterized by both water-related and temperature-related factors, and as such, both coarse-textured and compacted-structured soils determined soil conditions.Forest conditions were characterized by high species-functional diversity, structural complexity and aboveground biomass-related functions. We found strong positive effects of water-related climatic factors followed by temperature-related climatic factors but negligible positive to negative effects of textured-related and nutrient-related soil factors on most of the biological, structural and functional attributes.Overall the biodiversity and carbon stocks of Sri Lankan tropical forests are likely to increase with water-energy balance and improved soil conditions, and thus, studied forests could offset a substantial quantity of anthropogenic carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality which can have both regional and global significance if protected from anthropogenic disturbances.
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| 16. |
- Abbasi, Umar Aftab, et al.
(author)
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Species α-diversity promotes but β-diversity restricts aboveground biomass in tropical forests, depending on stand structure and environmental factors
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Forestry Research. - Göteborg : IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet AB. - 1007-662X .- 1993-0607.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity. However, local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homogenized across communities. Although effects of local biotic processes (e.g., species α-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity) and environmental factors on aboveground biomass (AGB) have been widely tested, there is a huge knowledge gap for the effect of regional biotic processes (i.e., taxonomic and functional β-diversity) in forests. Here, we hypothesized that regional and local environmental factors along with biotic processes jointly regulate AGB through species shifts in tropical forests.Using piecewise structural equation modeling (pSEM), we linked climatic water availability, soil fertility, stand structural heterogeneity (either tree DBH inequality, height inequality, or stand density), species α-diversity, taxonomic or functional β-diversity (and its two components; β-turnover and β-richness), and AGB across 189 inventory plots in tropical forests of Sri Lanka. Soil fertility and climatic water availability shaped local and regional biotic processes. Stand structural heterogeneity promoted species α-diversity but declined β-diversity (but increased β-taxonomic turnover). Species α-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity promoted AGB whereas taxonomic and functional β-diversity declined (but β-taxonomic turnover increased) AGB.The relationships of AGB with species α-diversity and β-diversity varied from significant to nonsignificant positive depending on the specific combinations of stand structural heterogeneity metrics used. This study shows that local biotic processes could increase AGB due to the local and regional niche complementarity effect whereas the regional biotic processes could restrict AGB due to the regional selection or functional redundancy effect under favorable environmental conditions. We argue that biotic homogenization, as well as drought conditions, may have strong divergent impacts on forest functions and that the impacts of tree diversity loss may greatly reduce carbon sequestration.
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| 17. |
- Abbott, Benjamin W., et al.
(author)
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Biomass offsets little or none of permafrost carbon release from soils, streams, and wildfire : an expert assessment
- 2016
-
In: Environmental Research Letters. - : IOP Publishing. - 1748-9326. ; 11:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the permafrost region warms, its large organic carbon pool will be increasingly vulnerable to decomposition, combustion, and hydrologic export. Models predict that some portion of this release will be offset by increased production of Arctic and boreal biomass; however, the lack of robust estimates of net carbon balance increases the risk of further overshooting international emissions targets. Precise empirical or model-based assessments of the critical factors driving carbon balance are unlikely in the near future, so to address this gap, we present estimates from 98 permafrost-region experts of the response of biomass, wildfire, and hydrologic carbon flux to climate change. Results suggest that contrary to model projections, total permafrost-region biomass could decrease due to water stress and disturbance, factors that are not adequately incorporated in current models. Assessments indicate that end-of-the-century organic carbon release from Arctic rivers and collapsing coastlines could increase by 75% while carbon loss via burning could increase four-fold. Experts identified water balance, shifts in vegetation community, and permafrost degradation as the key sources of uncertainty in predicting future system response. In combination with previous findings, results suggest the permafrost region will become a carbon source to the atmosphere by 2100 regardless of warming scenario but that 65%-85% of permafrost carbon release can still be avoided if human emissions are actively reduced.
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| 18. |
- Abbott, D. Wade, et al.
(author)
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Seaweed and Seaweed Bioactives for Mitigation of Enteric Methane : Challenges and Opportunities
- 2020
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In: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 10:12
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary The need to become more efficient in agriculture and the food industry exists parallel to the challenge of climate change. Meat and dairy production is the target of much scrutiny due to methane (CH4) emissions and global warming. On the other hand, it should be noted that two-thirds of the world's agricultural land consists of pastures and permanent grasslands and is used for livestock grazing. This land is predominantly unsuitable for arable purposes but facilitates the production of high-quality human-edible protein in the form of ruminant animal-derived meat and milk. This makes a significant contribution to feeding the world's population. There is a need to reduce CH4 emissions, however, and several approaches are being researched currently. Seaweeds are diverse plants containing bioactives that differ from their terrestrial counterparts and they are increasingly under investigation as a feed supplement for the mitigation of enteric CH4. Seaweeds are rich in bioactives including proteins, carbohydrates and to a lesser extent lipids, saponins, alkaloids and peptides. These bioactives could also play a role as feed ingredients to reduce enteric CH4. This review collates information on seaweeds and seaweed bioactives and their potential to impact on enteric CH4 emissions. Seaweeds contain a myriad of nutrients and bioactives including proteins, carbohydrates and to a lesser extent lipids as well as small molecules including peptides, saponins, alkaloids and pigments. The bioactive bromoform found in the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has been identified as an agent that can reduce enteric CH4 production from livestock significantly. However, sustainable supply of this seaweed is a problem and there are some concerns over its sustainable production and potential negative environmental impacts on the ozone layer and the health impacts of bromoform. This review collates information on seaweeds and seaweed bioactives and the documented impact on CH4 emissions in vitro and in vivo as well as associated environmental, economic and health impacts.
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| 19. |
- Abd El-Daim, Islam Ahmed Moustafa, et al.
(author)
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Bacillus velezensis 5113 Induced Metabolic and Molecular Reprogramming during Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Wheat
- 2019
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abiotic stresses are main limiting factors for agricultural production around the world. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been shown to improve abiotic stress tolerance in several plants. However, the molecular and physiological changes connected with PGPR priming of stress management are poorly understood. The present investigation aimed to explore major metabolic and molecular changes connected with the ability of Bacillus velezensis 5113 to mediate abiotic stress tolerance in wheat. Seedlings treated with Bacillus were exposed to heat, cold/freezing or drought stress. Bacillus improved wheat survival in all stress conditions. SPAD readings showed higher chlorophyll content in 5113-treated stressed seedlings. Metabolite profiling using NMR and ESI-MS provided evidences for metabolic reprograming in 5113-treated seedlings and showed that several common stress metabolites were significantly accumulated in stressed wheat. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of wheat leaves resolved more than 300 proteins of which several were differentially expressed between different treatments and that cold stress had a stronger impact on the protein pattern compared to heat and drought. Peptides maps or sequences were used for database searches which identified several homologs. The present study suggests that 5113 treatment provides systemic effects that involve metabolic and regulatory functions supporting both growth and stress management.
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| 20. |
- Abd El-Daim, Islam Ahmed Moustafa, et al.
(author)
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Identifying potential molecular factors involved in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 5113 mediated abiotic stress tolerance in wheat
- 2018
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In: Plant Biology. - : Wiley. - 1435-8603 .- 1438-8677. ; 20, s. 271-279
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abiotic stressors are main limiting factors for agricultural production around the world. Plant growth-promoting bacteria have been successfully used to improve abiotic stress tolerance in several crops including wheat. However, the molecular changes involved in the improvement of stress management are poorly understood. The present investigation addressed some molecular factors involved in bacterially induced plant abiotic stress responses by identifying differentially expressed genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings treated with the beneficial bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum UCMB5113 prior to challenge with abiotic stress conditions such as heat, cold or drought. cDNA-AFLP analysis revealed differential expression of more than 200 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) in wheat leaves. Expression of selected TDFs was confirmed using RT-PCR. DNA sequencing of 31 differentially expressed TDFs revealed significant homology with both known and unknown genes in database searches. Virus-induced gene silencing of two abscisic acid-related TDFs showed different effects upon heat and drought stress. We conclude that treatment with B.amyloliquefaciens 5113 caused molecular modifications in wheat in order to induce tolerance against heat, cold and drought stress. Bacillus treatment provides systemic effects that involve metabolic and regulatory functions supporting both growth and stress management.
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| 21. |
- Abd El-Daim, Islam Ahmed Moustafa, et al.
(author)
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Impact of bacterial priming on some stress tolerance mechanisms and growth of cold stressed wheat seedlings
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Plant Biology. - : MDPI AG. - 2037-0156 .- 2037-0164. ; 4, s. 29-33
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The potential to enhance growth of cold stressed wheat by seed treatment (priming) with the beneficial bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 5113 and Azospirillum brasilense NO40 were tested. Results showed an improved ability of bacteria-treated seedlings to survive at −5°C up to 12 h. Cold stress increased transcript levels of three stress marker genes and increased activity for the ascorbate-glutathione redox enzymes. However, primed and stressed seedlings generally showed smaller effects on the stress markers correlating with better growth and improved stress tolerance. Bacterial priming to improve crop plant performance at low temperature seems a useful strategy to explore further.
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| 22. |
- Abd El-Daim, Islam Ahmed Moustafa, et al.
(author)
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Improved heat stress tolerance of wheat seedlings by bacterial seed treatment
- 2014
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In: Plant and Soil. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0032-079X .- 1573-5036. ; 379, s. 337-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To investigate if rhizosphere bacteria can improve heat tolerance of wheat. MethodsWheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds of the cultivars Olivin and Sids1 were treated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UCMB5113 or Azospirillum brasilense NO40 and young seedlings tested for management of short term heat stress. ResultsBacterial treatment improved heat stress management of wheat. Olivin showed higher heat tolerance than Sids1 both with non-inoculated and inoculated seeds. Heat increased transcript levels of several stress related genes in the leaves, while expression was lower in inoculated plants but elevated compared with the control. Enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione redox cycle were activated in leaves after heat challenge but showed a lower response in inoculated plants. Metabolite profiling distinguished different treatments dependent on analysis technique with respect to primary and secondary metabolites. Analysis of some plant stress regulatory genes showed that bacterial treatment increased transcript levels while effects of heat treatment varied. Conclusions: The improvement of heat tolerance by bacteria seems associated with reduced generation of reactive oxygen species (and consequently less cell damage), small changes in the metabolome while preactivation of certain heat shock transcription factors seems important. Seed inoculation with beneficial bacteria seems a promising strategy to improve heat tolerance of wheat.
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| 23. |
- Abd El-Daim, Islam Ahmed Moustafa
(author)
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Use of rhizobacteria for the alleviation of plant stress
- 2015
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are beneficial microbes able to induce plant stress tolerance and antagonise plant pathogens. The present study showed that wheat seedlings pre-treated with Bacillus thuringiensis AZP2 had better tolerance to severe drought stress and showed 78% greater plant biomass and five-fold higher survivorship compared to wheat seedlings not treated with the bacterium. The effect of B. thuringiensis AZP2 also resulted in improved net assimilation and reduced emission of stress volatiles. The study investigated the effect of the inactivation of sfp-type phosphopantetheinyl transferase in plant growth promoting bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa A26. The inactivation of the sfp gene resulted in loss of NRP/PK production such fusaricidins and polymyxins. In contrast to the former Bacillus spp. model the mutant strain compared to wild type showed greatly enhanced biofilm formation ability. Its biofilm promotion is directly mediated by NRP/PK, as exogenous addition of the wild type metabolite extracts restores its biofilm formation level. Further, increased biofilm formation was connected with enhanced ability of the sfp inactivated strain to remarkably protect wheat seedlings by improving its survival and biomass under severe drought stress conditions compared to wild type. Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum are the causing agents of a destructive disease known as Fusarium head blight (FHB). The disease is the leading cause of contamination of grain with Fusarium mycotoxins that are severe threat to humans and animals. Biological control has been suggested as one of the integrated management strategies to control FHB causing agents. The present study showed that P. polymyxa A26 is a potent antagonistic agent against F. graminearum and F. culmorum. In order to optimize strain A26 production, formulation and application strategies traits important for its compatibility need to be revealed. Hence, a toolbox comprising of dual culture plate assays and wheat kernel assays including simultaneous monitoring of the FHB causing pathogens, A26 and mycotoxins produced was developed in the present study. Using this system results showed that, besides the involvement of lipopeptide antibiotic production by P. polymyxa in the antagonism process, biofilm formation ability may play a crucial role in the case of A26 F. culmorum antagonism.
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| 24. |
- Abdal, Noman, et al.
(author)
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Salinity mitigates cadmium-induced phytotoxicity in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) by limiting the Cd uptake and improved responses to oxidative stress : implications for phytoremediation
- 2023
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In: Environmental Geochemistry and Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0269-4042 .- 1573-2983. ; 45:1, s. 171-185
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cadmium (Cd) contamination and soil salinity are the main environmental issues reducing crop productivity. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of salinity (NaCl) and Cd on the physiological and biochemical attributes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). For this purpose, 30-day-old plants of quinoa genotype “Puno” were transplanted in Hoagland's nutrient solution containing diverse concentrations of Cd: 0, 50, 100, 200 µM Cd, and salinity: 0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl. Results demonstrated that plant growth, stomatal conductance, and pigment contents were significantly lower at all Cd concentrations than the control plants. Quinoa plants exhibited improved growth and tolerance against Cd when grown at a lower level of salinity (150 mM NaCl) combined with Cd. In contrast, the elevated concentration of salinity (300 mM NaCl) combined with Cd reduced shoot and root growth of experimental plants more than 50%. Combined application of salinity and Cd increased Na (25-fold), while lessened the Cd (twofold) and K (1.5-fold) uptake. A blend of high concentrations of Na and Cd caused overproduction of H2O2 (eightfold higher than control) contents and triggered lipid peroxidation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes: ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 13, 12, 7 and ninefold higher than control to mitigate the oxidative stress. Due to restricted root to shoot translocation, and greater tolerance potential against Cd, the quinoa genotype, Puno, is suitable for phytostabilization of Cd in saline soils.
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| 25. |
- Abdalla, M., et al.
(author)
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Simulation of CO2 and Attribution Analysis at Six European Peatland Sites Using the ECOSSE Model
- 2014
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In: Water, Air and Soil Pollution. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-2932 .- 0049-6979. ; 225:11, s. 2182-2182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, we simulated heterotrophic CO2 (Rh) fluxes at six European peatland sites using the ECOSSE model and compared them to estimates of Rh made from eddy covariance (EC) measurements. The sites are spread over four countries with different climates, vegetation and management. Annual Rh from the different sites ranged from 110 to 540 g C m(-2). The maximum annual Rh occurred when the water table (WT) level was between -10 and -25 cm and the air temperature was above 6.2 degrees C. The model successfully simulated seasonal trends for the majority of the sites. Regression relationships (r(2)) between the EC-derived and simulated Rh ranged from 0.28 to 0.76, and the root mean square error and relative error were small, revealing an acceptable fit. The overall relative deviation value between annual EC-derived and simulated Rh was small (-1 %) and model efficiency ranges across sites from -0.25 to +0.41. Sensitivity analysis highlighted that increasing temperature, decreasing precipitation and lowering WT depth could significantly increase Rh from soils. Thus, management which lowers the WT could significantly increase anthropogenic CO2, so from a carbon emissions perspective, it should be avoided. The results presented here demonstrate a robust basis for further application of the ECOSSE model to assess the impacts of future land management interventions on peatland carbon emissions and to help guide best practice land management decisions.
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