Dry Ground Research Articles

Proportions of concentrate and rehydrated ground grain corn silage at different storage times for better use of starch by lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and bioeconomic potential of rehydrated ground grain corn silage (RGGCS), at different storage times associated with proportions of concentrates for better starch utilization by lambs. Forty Dorper-Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an average body weight of 24 ± 3.9kg, and an average age of 90days. The lambs were feedlot for 63days in experiment design completely randomized, with eight repetitions and five experimental diets: Diet 1: 850g/kg concentrate including dry ground corn; diet 2: 850g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45days; diet 3: 650g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 90days; diet 4: 650g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45days; diet 5: 850g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45days. As roughage, silage corn whole plant. Starch intake was higher (P < 0.05) with the dry ground corn diet; however, digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) for most nutrients compared to the RGGCS diet. A smaller amount of starch in the feces of animals that received the RGGCS diet was found. A diet with 850g/kg of concentrate, including RGGCS ensiled for 45days, generates higher net income, increases nutrient intake, and could be an alternative during the fluctuation of corn prices.

Inclusion of duckweed (Lemna minor) in the diet improves flesh omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles but not the growth of farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A 12-week experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary duckweed (Lemna minor) on growth performance, body composition and fatty acid profiles of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Five isonitrogenous (30 % crude protein) diets were prepared with the inclusion of dry ground L. minor at 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % of diet dry weight. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate tanks stocked with juvenile tilapia that had an initial mean weight of 2.00 ± 0.01 g. The juvenile tilapia were reared in a flow-through system with each diet fed twice a day at a total ratio of 5 % body weight per day. While weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were generally higher, and food conversion ratio (FCR) generally lower in fish fed the control diet than fish fed L. minor, there were no significant differences in these performance parameters between tilapia fed L. minor at 15 % inclusion and fish fed the control diet. Survival ranged from 80 % to 96 % and was significantly higher in fish fed the control diet. Dietary L. minor significantly reduced whole-body total lipid contents and increased moisture contents. The dietary inclusion of L. minor significantly increased the proportions of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in muscle, with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids increasing by over 10-fold from 0.5 % each of total fatty acids, respectively, in fish fed the control diet to 5 % each in fish fed 20 % L. minor. Since the inclusion of L. minor increased the contents of 18:3n-3, but not EPA and DHA in the diets, this indicates that the increased proportions of EPA and DHA in the muscle of tilapia fed L. minor was due to endogenous biosynthesis of LC-PUFA with the conversion of dietary 18:3n-3 to EPA and DHA. Therefore, the present study indicated that dietary inclusion of 15–20 % L. minor in feeds for Nile tilapia can significantly improve the omega-3 fatty acid profile of muscle for human consumers, with only minor effects on growth and feed utilization. These findings demonstrated the potential for the utilization of L. minor as an ingredient to increase omega-3 LC-PUFA, EPA and DHA, contents of farmed tilapia while reducing the use of fish oil and fish meal in tilapia feeds.

Granular Resistive Force Theory Extension for Saturated Wet Sand Ground

Amphibious environments formed from sand and water present a formidable challenge to the running motion of field robots, as the mixing of granular media (GM) and water makes the force laws of robotic legs more complicated during robot running. To this end, we extended the granular resistive force theory (RFT) to saturated wet granular media, named saturated granular RFT (SGRFT), which can be suitable for saturated wet sand submerged in water. This method can extend RFT for dry GM to saturated wet granular media (SWGM) by using the method’s velocity and depth coefficient. The force laws of the robotic legs in dry GM and SWGM were tested, compared, and analyzed. The difference in force laws between the two kinds of media, from the sensitivity to speed (10 mm/s~50 mm/s) and depth (0~60 mm), was calculated. More than 70% of the prediction results of the horizontal resistive force using SGRFT have an error of less than 6%. The effectiveness of the SGRFT in legged robots is proved by simulation and testing of three kinds of legs. The difference in force laws when running is proved by the experiments of the robot equipped with the propeller-leg in dry GM and SWGM, which is vital for amphibious robots working in shoal environments (including dry GM and SWGM ground).

Ground-borne vibration screening in layered dry and saturated grounds using optimal inclined wave barriers

This paper aims to design optimal inclined wave barriers for screening vibrations in homogeneous and layered grounds with different groundwater table levels. The wave propagation phenomenon in the dry and saturated layered half-space is modeled using finite element numerical simulations considering elastodynamic and Biot's poroelastodynamic theories in dry and saturated layers, respectively. The inclined barriers' geometry and position are optimized using Covariance Matrix Adaption Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES), in which the finite element simulations are incorporated to find the fitness function. The studied grounds are subjected to dynamic loadings with different frequencies, and they are considered to have single or multiple layers with different groundwater levels. It is observed that the barriers perform better at larger frequencies and tend to locate close to the loading area to screen the waves actively. Also, the optimal barriers alleviate the environmental nuisance caused by the ground-borne vibrations significantly.

Food preference of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, Linnaeus, 1758) under human care.

This study aims to evaluate the food preference of nine banded armadillos kept in captivity, exposed to four different diets: Diet 1 (D1) - dry dog food and ground beef; Diet 2 (D2) - dry dog food, ground beef, and chicken eggs; Diet 3 (D3) - dog food, ground beef, bananas, and papaya; Diet 4 (D4) - dog food, ground beef, chicken eggs, banana, and papaya. To this end, an experiment was carried out for five weeks, the first four of which were for preliminary management and the fifth week for data collection. Frequency of consumption, total intake for each diet, and intake ratio were evaluated. The dietary preference was higher for the diets with a higher protein percentage (D1 and D2), mainly D2, which presented increased demand and intake starting on the fourth day of observation. In second day of observation, D1 presented the higher intake ratio, but D2 gradually replaced it. The diet containing the lowest protein rate (D3) was the least favored on all observation days and evaluations. In conclusion, the food preference of ex-situ armadillos seems to be related to the inclusion of greater amounts of protein, particularly that of animal origin, with eggs being the most appreciated ingredient in this study.

High impedance fault arc analysis on 11 kV distribution networks

This paper presents a study of high impedance fault (HIF) arc analysis on 6 km 11 kV distribution network from New Haven to New NNPC, Enugu State. These HIF currents have low fault current ratings and are not readily detected by the distribution sub-station relays and protective equipment. This was realized with the aid of MATLAB. Firstly, the HIF was modelled based on the electric arc theory method for single line-to-ground and double line-to-ground faults, when the 11 kV New-haven to New NNPC Enugu distribution line interfaces with a dry asphalt ground surface. The HIF was incident on the midpoint of the distribution line between the switching times of the circuit breaker from 0.02 to 0.05 seconds. The results showed that for single line-to-ground and double line-to-ground faults, a peak current magnitude of 12.4 A and 2280 A were seen respectively and initial spikes due to arcing in the system voltages at the initial switching times of 0.02 seconds. The corresponding residual currents Ib and Ic are very small with a peak spike of 0.3 A and 1.9 A for double line-to-ground fault (BC-G). These spikes are because of the impact of the initial transients caused by the arc flames as its quenches and re-ignites.

3D Assessment of Vine Training Systems Derived from Ground-Based RGB-D Imagery

In the field of computer vision, 3D reconstruction of crops plays a crucially important role in agriculture. On-ground assessment of geometrical features of vineyards is of vital importance to generate valuable information that enables producers to take the optimum actions in terms of agricultural management. A training system of vines (Vitis vinifera L.), which involves pruning and a trellis system, results in a particular vine architecture, which is vital throughout the phenological stages. Pruning is required to maintain the vine’s health and to keep its productivity under control. The creation of 3D models of vineshoots is of crucial importance for management planning. Volume and structural information can improve pruning systems, which can increase crop yield and improve crop management. In this experiment, an RGB-D camera system, namely Kinect v2, was used to reconstruct 3D vine models, which were used to determine shoot volume on eight differentiated vineyard training systems: Lyre, GDC (Geneva Double Curtain), Y-Trellis, Pergola, Single Curtain, Smart Dyson, VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioned), and the head-trained Gobelet. The results were compared with dry biomass ground truth-values. Dense point clouds had a substantial impact on the connection between the actual biomass measurements in four of the training systems (Pergola, Curtain, Smart Dyson and VSP). For the comparison of actual dry biomass and RGB-D volume and its associated 3D points, strong linear fits were obtained. Significant coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.72 to R2 = 0.88) were observed according to the number of points connected to each training system separately, and the results revealed good correlations with actual biomass and volume values. When comparing RGB-D volume to weight, Pearson’s correlation coefficient increased to 0.92. The results reveal that the RGB-D approach is also suitable for shoot reconstruction. The research proved how an inexpensive optical sensor can be employed for rapid and reproducible 3D reconstruction of vine vegetation that can improve cultural practices such as pruning, canopy management and harvest.

A linear hybrid active disturbance rejection controller design to extenuate powerline bushfires in resonant grounded distribution power systems

This paper proposes a robust linear hybrid controller by combining the active disturbance rejection and proportional–integral controllers (ADRC+PI) for inverter-based arc suppression coils (ASCs) in resonant grounded distribution power systems (RGDPSs). Resonant grounding techniques are used in real power distribution networks for reducing the fault current in order to reduce the severity of powerline bushfires in the presence of single line-to-ground (SLG) faults. The severity of bushfire hazards due to these SLG faults depends on environmental conditions (e.g., wet or dry grounds) that define the behavior of the system. With respect to these conditions, the fault resistance will be lower for wet grounds for which the system model comprises one dominant pole while dry grounds force the system to have one dominant zero with two dominant poles. By considering the circumstances of such groundings, the behavior of power distribution systems changes when there are SLG faults. This paper investigates a detailed analysis in frequency- and time-domains to design a robust arc mitigator based on the hybrid ADRC+PI controller. Furthermore, the robustness of the proposed hybrid controller against the input disturbances is explored in terms of transient and steady-state stability analysis and the results are compared with the ADRC and PI controllers. In addition, the performance of the proposed hybrid ADRC+PI controller is justified by utilizing virtual- and real-time implementations in a digital signal processor (DSP) through MATLAB/SIMULINK platform on a 22 kV (line-to-line) RGDPS under distinctive grounding conditions.

Replacement of dry ground corn with reconstituted corn grain silage in the starter concentrate of dairy calves

1. Andrade Filho R., Reis R.B., Pereira M.N., Antenor M., 2010. Degradabilidade ruminal in situ de grãos de milho maduros do tipo flint ou dentado, secos ou reconstituídos e ensilados (in Portuguese). In: Reunião Anual Da Sociedade Brasileira De Zootecnia, 47. Salvador. Anais. Salvador: SBZ, 2010a. 1 CD-ROM. Google Scholar

Determination of engineering geophysical parameters of grounds on building sites and for seismic microzonation (methodical and metrological components of technology)

To ensure the reliability and long-term usage of high housing buildings, important industrial, infrastructural and other objects, it is necessary to carry out engineering geological investigations of grounds (near-surface rocks) as the basis of these structures. To prevent the potential danger of destruction of the objects, it is also necessary to perform microseismic investigations of the near-surface geological environment and to agree the obtained results with the engineering geological parameters in the section of the test boreholes. Engineering geological parameters, determined by geophysical methods, are named engineering geophysical parameters.&#x0D; To solve the geophysical engineering problems, including seismic microzonation, at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine a modern investigation technology has been created. The technology is based on apparatus and methodical complex of radioactive logging, which involves gamma-ray logging (GL), density logging (DL) and neutron logging (NL). This paper presents the results of developing adequate methodical and metrological assurance of the radioactive logging complex as a key technology element.&#x0D; Complexation of methods GL, DL and NL (taking into account a priori data) and the use of the proposed approaches allow determining a wide set of engineering geophysical parameters: density, porosity, volume moisture, groundwater level, the content of shale, the content of clay minerals, water saturation, dry ground density, etc. The features of obtaining parameters by the radioactive logging complex in the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation are shown, as well as taking into account the influence of the shaliness on the determined parameters. The effectiveness of the technology has been demonstrated by specific examples and confirmed by independent laboratory measurements.

Effects of medium-chain fatty acid supplementation on performance and rumen fermentation of lactating Holstein dairy cows

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have antimicrobial properties and cause negative or positive effects on animal performance depending on its dosage. We hypothesized that MCFA supplementation at a lower dose (i.e., 0.05–0.2% of dietary DM) would increase rumen pH and milk production without decreasing nutrient digestibility which is typically observed with the higher inclusion rates (i.e., >1% of dietary DM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of MCFA supplementation at a lower dose on productivity, plasma energy metabolite concentrations, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial profile of lactating dairy cows. Thirty (n = 8 primiparous, n = 22 multiparous) Holstein cows in mid-lactation (637 ± 68.5 kg of initial BW, 98.5 ± 27.4 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were used in a crossover design with two 28-d periods. The MCFA supplement, consisted of 25% MCFA (containing 32% C8:0, 21% C10:0, 47% C12:0 on DM basis) and 75% carrier ingredients, was fed at 0.25% of dietary DM replacing dry ground corn in control (CON). Total inclusion of MCFA was 0.063% of dietary DM. No differences were observed in DM intake, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and BW change between MCFA and CON. Milk and milk component yields did not differ between treatment groups. The MCFA supplementation tended to have higher minimum rumen pH (5.66 vs. 5.54), and decreased daily fluctuation range of rumen pH (1.17 vs. 1.40) compared to CON. However, the duration of acidosis (pH < 5.8, min/d) did not differ between treatment groups and ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration and its profile did not differ between treatment groups. For rumen microbiota, the Chao1 index of bacterial community tended to be lower (10.9 vs. 11.6) whereas the Shannon index did not differ (0.91 vs. 0.93) in MCFA compared to CON, and both indices did not differ for archaeal and protozoan communities between treatment groups. The relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii increased when supplemented with MCFA (5.14 vs. 4.92%). These results suggest that supplementation of MCFA at 0.063% dietary DM may not affect overall animal performance or total tract nutrient digestibility, but decrease the daily range of pH and the bacterial richness in the rumen.

Comparing Two Different Development Methods of External Parameter Orthogonalization for Estimating Organic Carbon from Field-Moist Intact Soils by Reflectance Spectroscopy

Visible and near-infrared (Vis–NIR) spectroscopy can provide a rapid and inexpensive estimation for soil organic carbon (SOC). However, with respect to field in situ spectroscopy, external environmental factors likely degrade the model accuracy. Among these factors, moisture has the greatest effect on soil spectra. The external parameter orthogonalization (EPO) algorithm in combination with the Chinese soil spectroscopic database (Dataset A, 1566 samples) was investigated to eliminate the interference of the external parameters for SOC estimation. Two different methods of EPO development, namely, laboratory-rewetting archive soil samples and field-collecting actual moist samples, were compared to balance model performance and analytical cost. Memory-based learning (MBL), a local modeling technique, was introduced to compare with partial least square (PLS), a global modeling method. A total of 250 soil samples from Central China were collected. Of these samples, 120 dry ground samples (Dataset B) were rewetted to different moisture levels to develop EPO P1 matrix. Seventy samples (Dataset C) containing field-moist intact and laboratory dry ground soils were used to establish EPO P2 matrix. The remaining 60 samples (Dataset D) also containing field-moist intact and laboratory dry ground soils were employed to validate the spectral models developed based on Dataset A. Results showed that EPO could correct the effect of external factors on soil spectra. For PLS, the validation statistics were as follows: no correction, validation R2 = 0.02; P1 correction, validation R2 = 0.56; and P2 correction, validation R2 = 0.57. For MBL, the validation results were as follows: no correction, validation R2 = 0.06; P1 correction, validation R2 = 0.65; and P2 correction, validation R2 = 0.69. The P2 consistently yielded better results than P1 did but simultaneously increased the sampling time and economic cost. The use of the P1 matrix and the MBL algorithm was recommended because it could reduce the cost of establishing in situ models for SOC.

Assessment of Flood Hazard Zonation Using Geographic Information System and Analytical Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of Tlawng River Watershed in Sairang, Mizoram, India

Flood occurs when the water inundates normally dry ground, which could happen in a variety of ways like excessive rainfall, overflowing of embankments, dams, rivers, snowmelt, and other factors. Floods are one form of a natural hazard which are difficult to contain and control. A flood susceptibility mapping using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques were carried out at Sairang village in Aizawl, Mizoram in Northeast India. The study area Sairang is situated on the banks of the Tlawng river, the longest river in Mizoram. Floods have wreaked havoc in Sairang frequently resulting in huge losses and damage to property with numerous loss of life over the years. The total study area is 131.27 sq km and the resulting flood hazard potential zonation map shows that 1/3 of the watershed area falls in Vey High and High Potential Flood Hazard Zonation areas.

Effects of microbial inoculation on dry matter losses, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of wet brewers grain stored with increasing concentrations of dry ground corn

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of microbial inoculation and storage length on the fermentation profile, dry matter losses and aerobic stability of wet brewers grains (WBG) ensiled with increasing amounts of dry ground corn (DGC). Pure WBG (210 g/kg of dry matter [DM]) and 3 mixtures of WBG and DGC were prepared targeting for a dry matter content of 350 g/kg (RC35), 500 g/kg (RC50) or 650 g/kg (RC65). Distilled water (CON) or one of two microbial inoculants were applied, a combination with Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Propionibacterium freudenreichii at 2 × 104 cfu/g of fresh forage (PPPF), or a heterofermentative with Lactobacillus buchneri at 7.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage and Pediococcus pentosaceus at 1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh forage (LBPP). Mixtures were ensiled in laboratory silos in quadruplicate and opened at two storage lengths (SL), 30 or 60 days (30 d and 60 d, respectively). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Butyric acid concentration decreased (P < 0.04) with addition DGC regardless of microbial inoculation. Mixtures with greater amounts of DGC (RC50 and RC60) reduced (P < 0.01) DM losses and pH, regardless of inoculation or storage length. Lactic acid concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) with intermediate addition of corn (RC35 and RC50). Acetic acid concentration did not differ among inoculation treatments when corn was added to the mixtures; however, LBPP increased 1,2-propanediol in RC50 and RC60. Moreover, LBPP increased aerobic stability only for the RC65 mixture. In conclusion, the addition of DGC to WBG improves fermentation and decreases DM losses, while inoculation with LBPP can improve aerobic stability in RC65. Our data suggests that adding DGC to WBG is a feasible strategy to store WBG for up to 60 days and inoculation with PPPF and LBPP can improve further the conditions of the WBG and DGC mixtures silage.

Elemental analysis of rice husk using X-ray fluorescence techniques – a case study of Jigawa State, Nigeria

The rice husk or hard protective shell are woody, siliceous, and not edible part of the rice plant. Here in, the elemental composition of rice husk was determined using the energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Technique. The rice husks were obtained from four different Local Governments namely, Hadejia, Dutse, Auyo and Ringim of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The samples were collected during dry season and ground into a fine powder using mortar and pestle The results of the analyses revealed the presence of eleven elements which are; Silicon (Si), Rubidium (Rb), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Bromine (Br) and Strontium (Sr) for Hadejia and Ringim while Dutse and Auyo are having ten with the absence of Br. The elements detected and their concentration (in %) for Hadejia, Dutse, Auyo and Ringim respectively are as follows Si (69.05, 70.52, 73.18, 69.33), Rb (0.321, 0.153, 0.164, 0.219), K (16.52, 16.03, 14.29, 16.66), Ca (8.45, 8.064, 8.101, 8.85), Mn (1.104, 1.026, 0.99, 1.077), Fe (3.739, 3.564, 2.719, 3.162), Ni (0.27, 0.291, 0.291, 0.249, 0.26), Cu (0.021, 0.018, 0.017, 0.015), Zn (0.36, 0.266, 0.226, 0.307), Br (0.065, 0.00, 0.00, 0.046) and Sr (0.087, 0.056, 0.05, 0.063). The results of the analysis in % shows Si with high percentage concentration followed by K and the rest are in the following ascending order Ca &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Rb &gt; Sr &gt; Br &gt; Ni &gt; Cu. Four new elements were discovered namely; Rb, Cu, Sr and Br in rice husk which were not common in other existing studies. The composition can also be affected by factors such as soil chemistry, climatic conditions, and the type of fertilizer used.

Assessing the individual and combined use of Caesalpinia coriaria (Plantae: Fabaceae) and Duddingtonia flagrans (Fungi: Orbiliaceae) as sustainable alternatives of control of sheep parasitic nematodes

ABSTRACT The consumption of Caesalpinia coriaria dry ground fruit (Ccgf) and a Duddingtonia flagrans chlamydospore suspension (DfchS) either individually or in combination for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) was assessed in sheep. Forty-five lambs infected with GIN were distributed into five groups (n = 9): Group 1: DfChS at 5 × 105 chlamydospores /kg BW; Group 2: Ccgf at 10% of the total diet; Group 3: Combination of both treatments; Group 4: Levamisole at 6 mg/kg BW; and Group 5: Control. The DfChS was orally administered every third day for 15 days; while the Ccgf, was daily offered during the same period. Faecal egg counts and coprocultures were established. Mean faecal egg accounts (EPG) and infective larvae from coprocultures were recorded. The highest EPG reductions were obtained on the 17th day with the treated group (72.1%); followed by Ccgf group (69.1%) at day 13 and DfchS group (62.6%) also on the 17th day; though, no significant differences were found among treatments. The highest larval reductions were observed with the combined treatment 97.7% (day 17); followed by DfchS group: 96.2% (day 11) and Ccgf group: 70% (day 11). The EPG and larvae reductions achieved with DfchS and Ccgf could be associated to the anthelmintic compounds present in both fungi and plants. The combined use of DfchS and Ccgf against GIN in sheep under grazing conditions seems to be a promising alternative for GIN control in sheep.

Basking Behaviour and Use of Riparian Tunnels by Mugger Crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831) of Savitri River at Mahad, Maharashtra, India

This study has recorded observations on maintenance behaviour pertaining to basking and use of tunnels by Mugger crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831) of river Savitri at Mahad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Mugger shuttles between the land and water guided by a circadian rhythm, primarily to regulate its body temperature. This amphibious reptile was seen to be meeting its thermal preferences by a combination of heat-seeking and heat-avoiding behaviours that largely revolve around immersion in water, basking and retreating in tunnels. The ascendance from water body to bask on dry ground also included intermediate postures taken by the Mugger like pre-basking, surface basking and shallow water basking; and the relative amount of time spent in each of these behaviours varied seasonally. Also, the Mugger crocodiles were seen to excavate separate tunnels on the river banks for purpose of resting and nesting. These observations recorded over a span of nine years are discussed in the context of ethology. The study also documents behaviour of Mugger with conspecifics and other species that share its habitat. It is emphasized that understanding of crocodile behaviour helps in discernment of species-specific natural history, and is also important from the perspective of its conservation management.

Effect of grinding parameters on surface integrity and flexural strength of 3Y-TZP ceramic

Grinding parameter effects on grinding forces, the surface phase transformation of tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m), surface residual stress, surface roughness, and flexural strength of 3 mol% Yttrium stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (3Y-TZP) were investigated. The results have shown that the grinding force, compressive residual stress, and surface roughness increase with the increase in depth of cut and the feed speed. On the other hand, they decreased as the wheel speed increased. Additionally, grinding improved the 3Y-TZP surface t-m phase transformation. The m-phase content increased with the increase in the depth of cut and decreased as the wheel speed increased. Finally, the flexural strength of ground 3Y-TZP diminished with the increase in the cut depth. The fracture and smear were observed on the dry ground surface since it has a higher surface roughness compared to that of wet grinding.

ISOLATION AND STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION OF A NEW DEPSIDE OF LICHEN Everniopsis trulla

In this research, a new depside of the lichen Everniopsis trulla has been isolated. The extraction was carried out to 400 g of dry sample and ground with ethanol for 3 repetitions, then, it was fractionated by applying column chromatography with the CHCl3-MeOH system and purified by recrystallization with MeOH-Acetone (1: 1); Finally, white crystals in the form of needles (solid C) with a melting point of 198 ° C were obtained, whose structure was elucidated based on spectroscopic data (UV-Visible, IR, NMR-H1, NMR-C13, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction). According to the Science Finder databases, it is a new depside, called trullarin, and it is observed that molecular packing is influenced by both intramolecular and intermolecular forces. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds of O - H -O type binds neighboring molecules forming dimers.

Influence of crude protein content and flint maize processing methods on the performance of early-weaning Nellore calves

AbstractThis study aims to determine the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) content of early-weaned calves; and the influence of flint maize processing methods on intake, total tract nutrient digestibilities and performance of Nellore heifer calves. Fifteen early-weaned Nellore female calves (4 ± 0.5 months; 108 ± 13.1 kg) were used. In phase 1, animals were fed one of the following diets for 112 days: 130, 145 or 160 g CP/kg dry matter (DM). In phase 2, animals received one of the two diets for 84 days: 0.60 dry ground maize grain, 0.30 whole-plant maize silage plus 0.10 mineral-protein supplement or 0.90 snaplage plus 0.10 mineral-protein supplement. In phase 1, intake and digestibility of dietary components were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by increasing dietary CP content. Daily total urinary nitrogen (N) and urinary urea N increased (P &lt; 0.05) in response to increasing dietary CP content. Animal performance was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary CP content. In phase 2, maize processing methods did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) intake and digestibility of dietary components as well as animal performance, carcase characteristics and carcase composition. Therefore, based on the current experimental condition, we conclude that dietary CP concentrations of 130 g/kg DM can be indicated for early-weaned Nellore calves. However, more studies are recommended to validate this result and to evaluate concentrations below 130 g CP/kg DM for early-weaned Nellore calves. Moreover, snaplage could be used as an exclusive fibre and energy source for finishing cattle in feedlot.