Main Food Source Research Articles

تحليل واقع زراعة محصول القمح في محافظة واسط للمدّة 2019-2022

The wheat crop is one of the strategic crops due to its economic and nutritional importance, as wheat constitutes an important main source of food for more than two-thirds of the world's population, and it has the largest agricultural areas in the world compared to other agricultural crops. The wheat crop in Iraq faces fluctuations in production despite its importance, which affects It is self-sufficient. The research aims to find out the effectiveness and adequacy of the local product in meeting the country's local needs and reducing imports from abroad. Iraq suffers from fluctuations in the production of the wheat crop during the study period, as a result of fluctuations in the productivity of a dunam of wheat, since most of the cultivated lands are concentrated in northern Iraq, and the increase in the consumption of the wheat crop as a result of the increase in the number of the population, and that the local production is not sufficient to meet the local needs of the country, there is a gap between the quantities produced and consumed and processed by import The researcher recommends that the government pay attention to the agricultural sector in general and the cultivation of strategic crops, including the cultivation of the wheat crop in particular, which is in the interest of the Iraqi economy, in order to get rid of the rentier problem related to the fluctuation of world oil prices on the one hand, and to diversify the sources of income for the economy on the other hand, and to reconsider the marketing procedures for the crop Raise the cycles of complexity and routine, as well as the payment of late dues to farmers and encourage them to ensure the continuation of the production process, and work to strengthen it..

PEMBUATAN KEBUN RUMPUT ODOT (Pennisetum Purpureum cv. Mott) SEBAGAI PAKAN HIJAU TERNAK RUMINANSIA DI DESA URAUR KECAMATAN KAIRATU KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

Animal feed forage is the main source of food that is needed the most by ruminant livestock to survive, breed, and increase their productivity. One of the high-quality grass that is most often given to the livestock is bermudagrass (pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott.), because it has a high nutritional content and is palatable. The purpose of community service activity in Uraur village, Kairatu, West Seram Region in the form of education and production of cultivation garden for high quality grass such as bermudagrass (pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott.), is to increase the knowledge of breeders and to provide fresh greed feed with high nutritional value, in order to fulfill the need of ruminant livestock. This community service activity uses the participatory observation method, involving villagers that own livestock in Uraur Village as respondents and partners. This activity increases the knowledge of the breeders because by planting high quality grass (bermudagrass) and using it as fodder they could increase their livestock’s productivity, which in return contribute to the wellbeing of cattle (ruminant livestock) breeders. It most likely happens because bermudagrass has 10 -15 % protein content depending on harvest age, and has low content of crude fiber. The production of bermudagrass could reach up to 60 Ton/Ha/Year. This community service could increase the knowledge about cultivation of high quality grass (bermudagrass), and the availability of sample grass field for breeders in Uraur Village.

Study of the Influence of the Inclusion of Additives in the Food of Kаrakol Sheep on the Composition of Blood Plasma Proteins and Amino Acids

The productivity of natural pastures, which are the main source of food for Karakol sheep, and the botanical and chemical composition of food undergo serious changes under the influence of climatic and seasonal factors. The productivity of pastures undergoes significant changes in years with favorable, moderately favorable and unfavorable climatic conditions, respectively. In accordance with the seasons, the consumption of food by cold animals, the supply of nutrients to their body varies significantly. Due to the insufficient supply of nutrients to the animal's body in the autumn-winter and early spring months, wool productivity and live weight decrease, as well as the deterioration of reproduction characteristics are observed. When the Karakol deer are fed with natural plants without additional nutrients throughout the year, the digestive processes in the large stomach undergo serious changes depending on the seasons or the physical conditions of the food consumed. The amount of food consumed by the karakol in the natural pasture feed, the digestibility coefficient of the nutrients in their content changed according to the level of nutrition and the amount of nutrients in the ration according to the seasons of the year. The coefficient of digestibility of nutrients, depending on the physical state of nutrients, was observed to be high in spring and summer and lowest in autumn and winter. The addition of additional nutrients to replace the missing nutrients in the feed ration of sheep allows increasing the digestibility of the nutritional components of the ration.

Dietary exposure and risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls to artisanal fishermen and fish vendors: A case study of Dar es Salaam

AbstractBackgroundFish is one of the main sources of food and income in Tanzania, with 25% of the population depending on fishing activities as a source of food, income, and employment. But fish consumers are vulnerable to exposure to toxic pollutants including PCBs due to the lipophilic nature of the pollutants which accumulate in fish.ResultsThe estimated mean NDL PCBs concentration level was 0.84 ng/g w/w and the mean fish consumption rate among fishermen was 0.4 kg/day. Mean exposure of the fishermen and fish vendors to total PCBs ranged between 9.62 and 36.12 ng/kg bw/day depending on the estimation scenario (lower bound/upper bound) for both normal and higher fish consumers. The general population exposure to total PCBs was 0.4 and 0.8 ng/kg bw/day in lower‐bound and upper‐bound estimation scenarios respectively. The estimated lifetime carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic hazard indices from intake of estimated total PCBs by fishermen and fish vendors exceeded the recommended tolerable daily intake, TDI, raising serious concerns for adverse health effects to fishermen and fish vendors. However, for the general population, there was no concern for any potential health effects as the estimated hazard indices were far below the recommended levels for intake of total PCBs.ConclusionThe exposure levels of fishermen and fish vendors to PCBs via consumption of Rastrelliger kanagutra (Indian mackerel) in Dar es Salaam are high enough to course serious health concerns, especially for high fish consumers and efforts should be taken to encourage diversification of fish species intake.

Hyporheic exchange in an urban beaver pond mediates high nutrient groundwater inflow and pond productivity

The rebound of beaver populations across North America has resulted in new understanding of how their alteration of stream channels affects hydrology and biogeochemical cycling, but their increased impact on urban areas has not been well investigated. Urban beaver ponds have the potential to slow and retain runoff, reconnect surrounding floodplains, and reduce nutrients. Where management allows, beaver ponds may partially ameliorate water quality problems in urban streams and enhance the ecological function of the broader riparian zone. In this study we measured water chemistry in surface (over ten months) and hyporheic (over three months) waters, including nitrate, ammonium, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), to assess the impact of urban beaver dams on water quality. Pond water is sourced from groundwater, with anoxic conditions in the surface water at the top of the pond that become increasingly oxic moving longitudinally through the pond. Large diel dissolved oxygen swings in the pond indicate high sestonic productivity. There are distinct hyporheic geochemical signatures above and below the dam as well as across the dam indicating the dam is driving downwelling above the dam and upwelling below. Hyporheic ammonium concentrations and surface nitrate concentrations are high above the dam and decrease below the dam, showing that shifting oxic conditions drive nitrogen speciation. The δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate point to diffuse sewage leaks as the main source of nutrients to the pond instead of overland runoff. In addition, surface waters have lower δ15N and δ18O of nitrate and DOC concentrations than groundwaters, indicating denitrification may drive the decrease in nitrate concentration. With increasing presence of beaver in urban streams, surface water-groundwater interactions through urban beaver dams have the potential to remediate urban sources of nutrients from ponds.

Potential influence of nutrients intake by adults on the population dynamics of Athetis lepigone (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Athetis lepigone is an important pest on corn, but little is known about the nutritional requirements of adult A. lepigone and how nutrients affect their reproduction and longevity. Here, we explored the effects of different nutrients on the reproduction, longevity, and population growth of A. lepigone. Carbohydrates were beneficial for adult reproduction and longevity, with feeding 5% sucrose having the best effect by resulting in an average of 424.83 eggs per female. When females consumed carbohydrates, the net reproductive rate (R0) and the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were higher. However, the fecundity of adults fed only amino acids and high concentration fat emulsion decreased significantly, with an average of 60 to 160 eggs per female. The main food source of Lepidoptera insects is the nectar from flowering plants in the field. Due to compound planting patterns, flowering plants are widely distributed around farmland. The nectar secreted by them usually contains rich carbohydrates, which can be provided for adults. Therefore, we must also consider the potential impact of flowering plants on A. lepigone, in order to improve pest control efficiency.

Allantoic fluid metabolome reveals specific metabolic signatures in chicken lines different for their muscle glycogen content

Nutrient availability in eggs can affect early metabolic orientation in birds. In chickens divergently selected on the Pectoralis major ultimate pH, a proxy for muscle glycogen stores, characterization of the yolk and amniotic fluid revealed a different nutritional environment. The present study aimed to assess indicators of embryo metabolism in pHu lines (pHu+ and pHu−) using allantoic fluids (compartment storing nitrogenous waste products and metabolites), collected at days 10, 14 and 17 of embryogenesis and characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of metabolic profiles revealed a significant stage effect, with an enrichment in metabolites at the end of incubation, and an increase in interindividual variability during development. OPLS-DA analysis discriminated the two lines. The allantoic fluid of pHu− was richer in carbohydrates, intermediates of purine metabolism and derivatives of tryptophan-histidine metabolism, while formate, branched-chain amino acids, Krebs cycle intermediates and metabolites from different catabolic pathways were more abundant in pHu+. In conclusion, the characterization of the main nutrient sources for embryos and now allantoic fluids provided an overview of the in ovo nutritional environment of pHu lines. Moreover, this study revealed the establishment, as early as day 10 of embryo development, of specific metabolic signatures in the allantoic fluid of pHu+ and pHu− lines.

Polyphenol intake and mortality: A nationwide cohort study in the adult population of Spain

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites present in small quantities in plant-based food and beverages, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Main groups of polyphenols include flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, but their association with mortality has barely been examined. We aimed to assess the association between the intake of 23 polyphenol subgroups and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population. Population-based cohort study conducted with 12,161 individuals aged 18+ recruited in 2008-2010 and followed-up during a mean of 12.5 years. At baseline, food consumption was obtained with a validated dietary history, and the Phenol-Explorer database was used to estimate polyphenol intake. Associations were examined using Cox regression adjusted for main confounders. During follow-up, 967 all-cause deaths occurred, 219 were cardiovascular, and 277 cancer. Comparing extreme categories of consumption, hazard ratios (95% CI) of total mortality for subgroups were: dihydroflavonols 0.85 (0.72-1.00; p-trend:0.046); flavonols 0.79 (0.63-0.97; p-trend:0.04); methoxyphenols 0.75 (0.59-0.94; p-trend:0.021); tyrosols 0.80 (0.65-0.98; p-trend:0.044); alkylmethoxyphenols 0.74 (0.59-0.93; p-trend:0.007); hydroxycinnamic acids 0.79 (0.64-0.98; p-trend:0.014); and hydroxyphenilacetic acids 0.82 (0.67-0.99; p-trend:0.064). For cardiovascular mortality, hazard ratios were: methoxyphenols 0.58 (0.38-0.89; p-trend:0.010); alkylmethoxyphenols 0.59 (0.39-0.90; p-trend:0.011); hydroxycinnamic acids 0.63 (0.42-0.94; p-trend:0.020); and hydroxyphenilacetic acids 0.69 (0.48-0.99; p-trend:0.044), when comparing extreme tertiles of consumption. No statistically significant associations were observed for cancer. The main food sources for these polyphenol subgroups were red wine, leafy green vegetables, olive oil, green olives, and coffee (the latter being the major contributor of methoxyphenols, alkylmethoxyphenols, and hydroxycinnamic acids). In the Spanish adult population, intake of specific polyphenol subgroups was prospectively associated with a 20% lower all-cause mortality risk. This decrease was mainly due to a 40% lower cardiovascular mortality risk over time.

Liquid food feeding machine prototype for seniors with Parkinsons disease

Over 1.6 percent of senior citizens who are 65 years or older in the United States have Parkinson's disease, which leads to economic, psychological, and physical problems for the patient and their families. Parkinson's disease patients usually have tremors in their hands, which takes away their ability to eat independently. According to research, the main food source for seniors is liquid food, since it is easier to digest. To solve this, this research created a prototype of an inexpensive liquid feeding machine for Parkinson's patients that is easy to use and install. This study used 3D-printed parts, laser-cut parts, and off-the-shelf parts. The feeding machine can replace the job of a caretaker so that seniors will be able to eat independently.

Screening for neurocognitive deficits in adult populations reliant on toxic cassava as the main source of food

Contexte & objectif. La dépendance alimentaire chronique au manioc cyanogène mal détoxifié est largement répandue en Afrique subsaharienne. L’objectif de la présente étude était de dépister les troubles neurocognitifs et le fonctionnement de la vie quotidienne chez les adultes avec dépendance alimentaire au manioc cyanogène comme principale source de nourriture. Méthodes. C’était une étude transversale analytique incluant les chefs de ménage vivant dans le district rural de Kahemba, en République démocratique du Congo. Les participants ont été dépistés pour les troubles neurocognitifs à l'aide de Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID). L’exposition au manioc cyanogène a été déterminée par les concentrations urinaires de thiocyanate (SCN). Des modèles de régression ont été utilisés pour identifier les prédicteurs de mauvaises performances au CSID. Résultats. Quatre cent et six chefs de ménage (203 couples, âge moyen 38,4 ± 11, 4 ans) ont été enrôlés. Cent trente-six (33,5 %) [69 femmes et 67 hommes, âge moyen 39 ± 14,4, ans et 13 (3,2 %) [7 femmes et 6 hommes, âge moyen 32 ± 2,6 ans,) remplissaient respectivement les critères de trouble neurocognitif léger (TNL) et de trouble neurocognitif majeur (TNCM). La concentration urinaire Moyenne globale de SCN était de 949,5 ± 518,3 μmol/L. Après ajustement pour l'âge, le sexe, l'état nutritionnel et les antécédents de konzo, les déficits spécifiques aux différents domaines de la neuro-cognition étaient significativement associés de manière indépendante à l'hypertension ou à l'USCN (350 μmols/L, augmentation incrémentale de l'excrétion). Les déficiences fonctionnelles dans les activités de la vie quotidienne ont été directement proportionnelles à la mauvaise performance au CSID (Spearman r = - 0, 2, p < 0,01). Conclusion. Les déficits neurocognitifs sont courants chez les adultes congolais qui dépendent du manioc cyanogène comme principale source de nourriture. Ce qui justifie la réalisation d'études ultérieures pour élucider l’impact cérébral / comportemental global ainsi que les mécanismes de la toxicité du manioc chez les adultes ayant une dépendance alimentaire au manioc cyanogène.
 Context and objective. Chronic dietary reliance on improperly processed cyanogenic toxic cassava is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of the present study was to screen for neurocognition impairments and daily-life functioning in adults with dietary dependency on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. Methods. A cross-sectional design enrolled heads of households (in couples) in the rural district of Kahemba, Democratic Republic of Congo. Participants were screened for neurocognitive impairments using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID). Detailed neuropsychiatric evaluations were performed and disease entities classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria when applicable. Cassava cyanogenic exposure was ascertained by urinary concentrations of thiocyanate (SCN). Regression models were used to identify predictors of CSID performance at the 0.05 significance level. Results. For hundred and six households (203 couples, mean age 38.4 ± 11. 4 years) were involved. One hundred thirty-six subjects (33.5 %) [69 women and 67 men, mean age 39 ± 14.4 years)] and 13 (3.2 %) [7 women and 6 men, mean age: 32 ± 2.6 years] fulfilled the criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Major Neurocognitive disorder (MNCD), respectively. The overall mean urinary concentration of SCN was 949.5 ± 518,3 μmol/L. and history of konzo, neurocognition domain-specific deficits were independently associated with either hypertension or USCN (350 μmol/l incremental increase in excretion). Functional impairments in daily-life activities increased as subjects poorly performed at the CSID screening (Spearman r = - .2, p < 0.01). Conclusion. Neurocognitive deficits in adults are common in Congolese adults relying on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. Our study findings warrant further studies to elucidate the overall lifespan brain/behavioral burden and mechanisms of cassava toxicity among adults with dietary dependency on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food.

Detailed whole-body nutrient analysis identifies differences in feeding ecology between related fish species: The case of Orestias native Andean killifish in Lake Titicaca.

Body nutrient profiles in ecological studies allow for relating the nutritional status of consumers and their effects on the movement and retention of elements in ecosystems, as well as reflecting feeding conditions and habitat quality. This study compared the detailed whole-body nutrient composition (macronutrients, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids) of two omnivorous natives Orestias killifish from Lake Titicaca (Orestias agassizii and Orestias luteus, Valenciennes), the largest lake in the Andes, as an indirect tool to understand differences in their feeding ecology. Although both species are usually described as omnivorous fish, both have amphipods (Hyalella spp) as their main food source. Our results showed that both killifish had a comparable macronutrient composition, and the mineral concentrations of Mg, P and Ca (reflecting bony structures) differed between them. Many of the saturated fatty acids were significantly lower in O. luteus, and O. agassizii had higher concentrations of cis-vaccenic acid (18:1n11 (cis)), supporting the idea of a higher algal contribution to the diet of this fish. The lower histidine and higher taurine concentrations in O. agassizii compared with O. luteus (independent of body size) may reflect its ubiquitous behaviour and plasticity. This study shows how whole-body nutrient analysis can identify differences in feeding ecology and feeding behaviour between related species.

Food Security, Nutritional Supply, and Nutrient Sources in Rural Burkina Faso.

Rural communities are more likely to encounter constraints in achieving food security and adequate nutritional supply. This study explores food security, nutritional supply, nutrient adequacy, macronutrient balance, recipes, and nutrient sources based on bi-monthly household surveys in rural villages in Northern and Southern Burkina Faso from 2019 to 2020. Food security across time and its quantity dimensions were measured using the food consumption score (FCS). Ordered logit regression showed that FCS was significantly influenced by season, region, and household characteristics such as the head's education and women's possession of personal plots. The regional differences were large: Households categorized as having "poor" diets were approximately 1% and 38% in the south and north, respectively. Nutrient adequacy was assessed by converting 24 h dietary recall into nutrient supply and comparing the results to the requirement. While macronutrient balance appeared adequate in the pooled sample, it became unacceptable when the two regions were considered separately. Most micronutrient supplies were insufficient. Cereals were the main nutrient sources, and leaves of crops and potash (additive containing potassium) were also non-negligible for micronutrient supplies. Overall, we found large regional differences in nutrition and food security, indicating that various local contexts must be considered for effective nutritional improvement.

The Effectiveness of Local Plants Katuk Leaves and Papaya Leaves as Galactagogues in Increasing Breast Milk Production at TPMB Badriah Susilawati in 2022

Background: The main source of food and nutrition for newborns is breast milk (ASI). The nutrients that newborns need to meet their nutritional needs during the first six months of life are found in breast milk. Purpose of Writing: to find out the Effectiveness of Local Plants Katuk Leaves and Papaya Leaves as Galactagogues in Increasing Breast Milk Production at TPMB Badriah Susilawati in 2022. Research Methods: The research methodology used in this research is a quasy experimental research design used is a Nonequivalent Control Group Design with a quantitative approach. Researchers wanted to know the effectiveness of local plants katuk leaves and papaya leaves as a galactagogue to increase breast milk production. Research Results: Independent statistical test results sample t test value Sig. (2-tailed) namely 0.189 which is 0.189 > 0.05, so it can be concluded that there is no difference between giving katuk leaves and papaya leaves to increase milk production so that there is a similarity in the effectiveness of loka katuk leaves and papaya leaves as a galattagogue for increasing milk production in TPMB Badriah Susilawati Year 2022 Conclusions and Suggestions: The results of this study are expected to be a guide for female students who are interested in learning more about how to increase milk production by consuming foods that act as galactagogues, especially papaya and katuk leaves.

Diet composition and diurnal activity patterns of gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada)

AbstractGelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) are the only surviving species of the genus Theropithecus and endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. The present study deals with feeding ecology and diurnal activity patterns of gelada (T. gelada) in Wof‐Washa Forest, central Ethiopia. It was conducted from September 2016 to August 2017. Focal sampling technique for 10 min observation was employed to study the feeding ecology. Type of plant species consumed and parts eaten by gelada were recorded using binoculars during dry and wet seasons. On the other hand, data on diurnal activity patterns were collected using scan sampling technique. The activity patterns of bands under study were quantified by scanning at every 15‐min interval from 06:00 to 18:00 h. A total of 11 plant species that belong to 10 families were foraged by gelada during the wet and dry seasons. Grass was the main food source for geladas that contributed about 81% and 68% of their diet during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, while Thymus schimperi was the least consumed plant species during both wet (0.5%) and dry (1%) seasons. Grass blades were the most preferable food items by almost all age and sex categories. Daily activities of gelada were mainly dominated by feeding during both seasons. Geladas spent 58% of their time on foraging activity during the wet season and 67.2% of their time spent during the dry season. Geladas mainly depend on grasses for their diet in the study area. Therefore, to implement successful management and conservation of the species, the area needs to be properly protected.

A Modeling Study of Nutrient Transport and Dynamics Over the Northern Slope of the South China Sea

AbstractUsing observed data and results from a numerical model, we investigate the coupled physical‐biogeochemical processes that result from water exchanges between the South China Sea (SCS) and the western Pacific Ocean (WPO) and between the shelf and deep basin along the biophysically active continental slope. We study the nutrient transport and dynamics over the northern slope of the SCS where the main branch of the SCS basin circulation facilitates water exchange between the SCS and the WPO. Our results show that the nutrient flux consistently flows year‐round into the slope region from the WPO and that the along‐slope and cross‐slope transports regulate the nutrient budget in the region. The nutrient transport concentrates mainly in the upper 1,000 m and exhibits significant seasonality. We found that cross‐isobath motion is key to fueling nutrients for biological production along the slope and throughout the SCS. When the persistent westward slope current interacts with the variable sloping topography, a unique upslope/downslope nutrient transport occurs along convex/concave isobaths. Vertical turbulent mixing becomes the main nutrient source in the upper mixed layer, and vertical advection becomes the major contributor of nutrients to the subsurface layer. Biological production dominates the nutrient sink in both layers. Horizontal advection is also an important sink in winter when the slope current is the strongest due to the enhanced northeasterly monsoon and the Kuroshio intrusion. Our findings provide an insightful understanding on the critical role of nutrient transport over the slope in the overall ecosystem dynamics of the marginal SCS.

Kombinasi Pemupukan Organik dan Anorganik Terhadap Laju Pertumbuhan dan Rasio Bobot Basah Tajuk Akar Tanaman Padi Sawah (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice as one of the main food sources for the Indonesian people, especially North Sumatra, is still not able to meet the needs even though it has large land potential, so it is necessary to increase production through fertilization. This study aims to determine the effect of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth of paddy rice plants. This study used a factorial randomized block design consisting of three factors, namely KCL (K) at 4 dose levels, namely K0 (0 kg/ha), K1 (25 kg/ha), K2 (50 kg/ha) and K3 (75 kg/ha). ), Urea (U) two levels namely U1(250 kg/ha) and U2 (225 kg/ha), Straw Compost (J) 2 levels namely J0 (0 tons/ha) and J1 (5 tons/ha) with a total The treatment combinations were 16 and consisted of 3 replications and 48 samples. Held in the rain-fed rice field area of Clove Turi sub-district, Binjai City. Soil sample analysis was carried out at the Analytical Laboratory of PT. Socfin Indonesia (SOCFINDO), Medan City and the Research and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. The combination of inorganic and organic fertilizer treatments consisting of Potassium, Urea and Straw Compost showed no significant effect on the observed parameters of plant growth rate (cm/week) and root canopy wet weight ratio (grams). The highest plant growth rate was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K3U2J0 of 10.33 cm/week, while the lowest data was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K1U2J0 of 8.87 cm/week. The highest root canopy wet weight ratio was shown by the interaction of the three treatments, namely K1U1J0 of 8.69 grams while the lowest data was shown by the interaction of the two treatments between potassium and straw compost, namely K2J0 of 5.01 grams.Keywords: Fertilizer; Organic; Inorganic; Growth; Paddy

Population Assessment and Threats to Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis Raffles) in Areas Outside Sumile Botanical and Zoological Park, Butuan City, Philippines

Long-tailed macaques overlap extensively with humans across their ranges in Southeast Asia and consequently live together in several locations. Human-macaque interactions were documented in the neighboring Sumile Zoological and Botanical Park in Barangay Sumile, Butuan City. Due to anthropogenic activities resulting to the loss of their natural habitat, the macaques are forced to live within human settlements resulting to a positive and negative interactions which greatly affected their population. The primary objective of this study is to assess the population of long-tailed macaques in Maibu, Butuan City. We also identified the current threats, as well as the food sources of the macaques in the area. The results showed that the current estimated population of long-tailed macaques was about 688 individuals. Based on key informant interviews, the threats to long-tailed macaque populations were attributed to mining activities, deforestation through illegal logging, and the prevalent wildlife hunting. Furthermore, researchers found that fruit trees, such as coconut, banana, papaya, mango, and root crops, such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro, are the main sources of food. Researchers recommend expanding the scope of future studies to include home ranges, range distances, and potential sites, to obtain a larger sample size to effectively plan conservation measures of the species.

Perception, regulation, and fitness effects of pollen phytosterols in the bumble bee, Bombus terrestris.

Many flowering plants depend on insects for pollination and thus attract pollinators by offering rewards, mostly nectar and pollen. Bee pollinators rely on pollen as their main nutrient source. Pollen provides all essential micro- and macronutrients including substances that cannot be synthesized by bees themselves, such as sterols, which bees need for processes such as hormone production. Variations in sterol concentrations may consequently affect bee health and reproductive fitness. We therefore hypothesized that (1) these variations in pollen sterols affect longevity and reproduction in bumble bees and (2) can thus be perceived via the bees' antennae before consumption. We studied the effect of sterols on longevity and reproduction of Bombus terrestris workers in feeding experiments and investigated sterol perception using chemotactile proboscis extension response (PER) conditioning. Workers could perceive several sterols (cholesterol, cholestenone, desmosterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol) via their antennae but not differentiate between them. However, when sterols were presented in pollen, and not as a single compound, the bees were unable to differentiate between pollen differing in sterol content. Additionally, different sterol concentrations in pollen neither affected pollen consumption nor brood development or worker longevity. Since we used both natural concentrations and concentrations higher than those found in pollen, our results indicate that bumble bees may not need to pay specific attention to pollen sterol content beyond a specific threshold. Naturally encountered concentrations might fully support their sterol requirements and higher concentrations do not seem to have negative effects.

Factors influencing bamboo intake of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Bamboo is the main food source of the giant panda. To increase bamboo intake in captive giant pandas, we studied factors affecting the bamboo intake. Fourteen healthy captive giant pandas in Dujiangyan Base of China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda (“Dujiangyan Base” for short) were selected as research objects. A bamboo feeding experiment was conducted to study the effects of seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations where bamboo grows and felling-feeding time on bamboo intake of the giant panda. We found that the type of bamboo that captive giant pandas feed on was abundant in spring and summer, but relatively homogeneous in winter. With the increase of bamboo age, the intake of bamboo leaves decreased, while bamboo culms increased. The feed intake of 1-year-old bamboo leaves and 5-year-old bamboo culms reached the highest respectively. The slope orientation also affected the panda's bamboo intake, and the bamboo growing on sunny slopes or semi-sunny slopes was more favored by captive giant pandas. Moreover, the bamboo intake reached the highest when felling-feeding time was less than 24 h. In short, we confirmed that seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations and felling-feeding time were factors affecting bamboo intake for captive giant pandas. This study was expected to provide scientific guidance improving the feeding behavior management of captive giant pandas.

Research on the Construction of Grain Food Multi-Chain Blockchain Based on Zero-Knowledge Proof.

As the main food source of the world's population, grain quality safety is of great significance to the healthy development of human beings. The grain food supply chain is characterized by its long life cycle, numerous and complex business data, difficulty defining private information, and difficult managing and sharing. In order to strengthen the ability of information application processing and coordination of the grain food supply chain under many risk factors, an information management model suitable for the grain food supply chain is studied based on the blockchain multi-chain technology. First, the information on key links in the grain food supply chain is analyzed to obtain privacy data classifications. Second, a multi-chain network model of the grain food supply chain is constructed, and based on this model, the hierarchical encryption and storage mode of private data as well as the relay cross-chain communication mode, are designed. In addition, a complete consensus process, including CPBFT, ZKP, and KZKP algorithms, is designed for the global information collaborative consensus under the multi-chain architecture. Finally, the model is verified through performance simulation, theory analysis, and prototype system verification in terms of its correctness, security, scalability, and consensus efficiency. The results show that this research model effectively reduces the storage redundancy and deals with problems of data differential sharing in traditional single-chain research, as well as provides a secure data protection mechanism, a credible data interaction mechanism, and an efficient multi-chain collaborative consensus mechanism. By attempting to apply blockchain multi-chain technology to the grain food supply chain, this study provides new research ideas for the trusted protection of data and information collaborative consensus in this field.