November

En noviembre 2016 no se presentó el inicio de la estación seca, como
climatológicamente sucede en el Pacífico Norte y Valle Central durante la segunda quincena del mes. La Zona de Convergencia Intertropical se mantuvo al norte de su posición normal provocando fuertes lluvias en el país. Cuatro empujes fríos lograron penetrar hasta Costa Rica, aunque con débil efecto en la intensidad de los vientos. Resalta en este mes la formación e impacto directo en el país del Huracán Otto, el cual atravesó el sur de Nicaragua y norte de Costa Rica el 24 de noviembre, dejando
personas fallecidas y extensos daños en Upala y Bagaces.

Background and Aim: Indonesia has two National Artificial Insemination centers and 17 Regional Artificial Insemination Centers. The frozen semen production techniques differed between the centers, including the type of diluent and semen dilution technique. The aim of the research was to compare the quality of frozen Limousin bull semen diluted using different techniques. Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from three sexually mature Limousin bulls using an artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Semen that had >70% motile sperm and <20% sperm abnormality was divided into three tubes and diluted with skim milk-egg yolk (SMEY) using three different dilution techniques: One-step dilution (100% SMEY with 8% glycerol) at room temperature ([RT] 20°C until 25°C) two-step dilution (50% SMEY without glycerol at RT, stored at 5°C; and 50% SMEY with 16% glycerol after 1 h stored at 5°C); and three-step dilution ...

The management of spatial arrangement in soybean culture (Glycine max L., Merrill) from seeding density and row spacing is an important tool that contributes to yield growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of spatial arrangement in the development and the production components of soybean in the Piauí Cerrado savanna. The experimental design was completely randomized, with subdivided plots and four replicates. The main plots consisted of different row spacing (17.5 cm, 25 cm, 50 cm and 76 cm) and subplots consisted of plant populations as follows: recommended (280,000 plant/ha); 50% below recommended; 50% and 100% higher than recommended. The subdivided plots had six lines of five metres in length. The highest growth component values (plant height, stem diameter and number of nodes) were observed in the larger spacing (50 cm and 76 cm) and lower populations (recommended and 50% below recommended). The highest component yield values (number of grains per pod...

Six bread wheat genotypes were evaluated in three separate irrigation regime experiments to compare the response of agronomic performance and to identify genotypes with high yield potential under drought stress. The first irrigation treatment (I3) was given normal water irrigation (about 7000 m3 ha-1, according to recommendation for Qassim Region). The second (I2) and third (I1) treatments were given 2/3 and 1/3 of water amount of the first treatment, respectively. Factorial experiments in randomized complete block design with three replications were conducted during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons in the arid environment of central region of Saudi Arabia. Measurements were taken on days to heading, plant height, number of spikes m-2, number of kernels spike-1, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield. The drought susceptibility index (DSI) and water utilization efficiency (WUE) were calculated. The results revealed that effect of irrigation regime was highly significant for all traits, e...

Background and Aim: A local microorganism-based probiotic has been developed as an alternative to using antibiotic growth promoter and its effect on broiler meat quality has been studied, when supplemented with poultry feed at different concentrations. This study aimed to understand the effect of local microorganism-based probiotic sourced from cattle rumen and chicken intestine and added as feed supplement at different concentrations on broiler meat quality. Materials and Methods: The local microorganism-based probiotic made from cattle rumen and chicken intestine contained Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. The experiments followed a completely randomized design. Treatments in the study were: P0, i.e., control (without probiotic), P1 (probiotic administered at 5 ml/kg feed), P2 (probiotic administered at 10 ml/kg feed), and P3 (probiotic administered at 15 ml/kg feed). Each treatment was repeated 5 times. Parameters examined in this stu...

Background and Aim: As means for enhancing gastrointestinal (GI) motility, prokinetics have previously been evaluated in different breeds of horses with varying success. No previous studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of prokinetics on the intestinal tract of Arabian horses breed. Using B-mode ultrasound in the quantification of intestinal contractility, this study aimed to compare the impact of neostigmine and metoclopramide on the intestinal motility of healthy Arabian horses. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one clinically healthy Arabian horses were equally distributed into three groups. The control group was administered with 5 mL normal saline intramuscularly (IM). The second group was administered with neostigmine (0.044 mg/kg body weight [BW], IM), and the third group was administered with metoclopramide (0.25 mg/kg BW, IM). Duodenal, cecal, and colonic contractions were counted through ultrasonography for 3 min (pre-administration and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min pos...

Background and Aim: Indonesia has two National Artificial Insemination centers and 17 Regional Artificial Insemination Centers. The frozen semen production techniques differed between the centers, including the type of diluent and semen dilution technique. The aim of the research was to compare the quality of frozen Limousin bull semen diluted using different techniques. Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from three sexually mature Limousin bulls using an artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Semen that had >70% motile sperm and <20% sperm abnormality was divided into three tubes and diluted with skim milk-egg yolk (SMEY) using three different dilution techniques: One-step dilution (100% SMEY with 8% glycerol) at room temperature ([RT] 20°C until 25°C) two-step dilution (50% SMEY without glycerol at RT, stored at 5°C; and 50% SMEY with 16% glycerol after 1 h stored at 5°C); and three-step dilution ...

Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales) is a cosmopolitan entomopathogen, infecting >700 insect species. Although traditionally associated with insects, endophytic colonisation of plants is also known. Endophytism may protect plants against insects/diseases and enhance plant growth. Both insect- and plant-derived (endophytic) ‘sources’ of B. bassiana may be present in an agroecosystem, both of which may be in contact with plants. Here, growth response, viz., root length, shoot height, fresh root biomass, fresh and dry shoot biomass of wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae), is reported following inoculation with B. bassiana (strain PPRI 7598). The strain was passaged and re-isolated from an insect (IN) versus plant (PL) substrate. When five wheat cultivars were inoculated with either B. bassiana PPRI 7598IN or -PL isolates through seed imbibition, a significantly higher level of endophytism (roots, stems and leaves, combined) was recorded with 7598IN (29.74%) compared to 7598PL (26.13%)....

Aim: This study investigated the intentions, opportunities, and barriers to engaging in a meaningful internationalization of higher education in Malawi. Methods: This was cross-sectional research that was done between June and October 2021. Using a purposive (judgmental) sampling, we recruited 212 respondents from various institutions of higher education in Malawi. Multilinear regression analysis was used to analyze the factors with the P-value set at 0.05 level of statistical significance. Results: The results indicated that the majority of the respondents were males (63.7%) who fell into 30 years age bracket. Further, the results from the multilinear regression analysis indicate that Institutional collaboration (ß=0.326, p=0.000, CI=0.27—0.383), clear Policy on Mobility (ß=0.146, p=0.0.004, CI=0.047-0.246), experience (ß=0.083, p=0.117, CI=-0.021-0.186), academic rank (ß=0.114, p=0.000, CI=0.069-0.159) were positively statistically significant variables, whereas on the other hand,...

High and uncontrolled surface active substances (SAS) concentrations in deinking line process waters strongly disturb flotation deinking. Indeed, their adsorption at air/water and ink/water interfaces stabilizes air bubbles and ink particles, reducing ink collection during flotation. In addition, foam stabilization promoted by SAS reduces froth drainage and consequently enhances suspended solids losses. All in all, selectivity of flotation is negatively affected by excessive SAS concentrations. Floating process water with adapted technology, a patented solution, is an efficient way to decrease SAS concentration and thereby recover flotation deinking selectivity. This concept was tested at industrial scale with success. First loop clear filtrates of a deinked pulp line (for newsprint production) were floated. At steady state, this treatment allows a 20% reduction of the SAS concentration in first loop process water. Evaluation of ink removal selectivity at pre-flotation and post-flot...

Background and Aim: Ticks (Ixodidae) not only cause blood loss in cattle but also serve as vectors for various diseases, thus causing direct and indirect losses. Moreover, tick infestation can cause significant economic losses. This study aimed to identify the diverse species of ticks infesting cattle in five different regions in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Tick specimens were obtained from local cattle in five different areas in Indonesia. The morphology of the specimens was macroscopically and microscopically evaluated, and the resulting data were descriptively and qualitatively analyzed. Results: In total, 1575 ticks were successfully collected from 26 animals. In total, two genera and three species, namely, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Rhipicephalus pilans, were identified. The cattle in Yogyakarta and Riau were infested by H. bispinosa, while the cattle in Sukabumi, Bali, and Lombok were infested by R. microplus and R. pilans. The level of infesta...

Background and Aim: Laboratory mice are widely used as a research model to provide insights into toxicological studies of various xenobiotic. Acetaminophen (APAP) is an antipyretic and analgesic drug that is commonly known as paracetamol, an ideal hepatotoxicant to exhibit centrilobular necrosis in laboratory mice to resemble humans. However, assessment of histopathological changes between mouse strains is important to decide the optimal mouse model used in APAP toxicity study. Therefore, we aim to assess the histomorphological features of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) in BALB/C and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five ICR mice and 20 BALB/C mice were used where five animals as control and the rest were randomly divided into four time points at 5, 10, 24 and 48 hours post-dosing (hpd). They were induced with 500 mg/kg APAP intraperitoneally. Liver sections were processed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and histopathological changes were score...

Background and Aim:Periodontitis is the most prevalent inflammatory dental disease caused by a lack of oral hygiene measures in domestic animals. The periodontal disease complex arises as a result of bacterial biofilm deposition termed as plaque on the tooth surface. Lack of cleaning measures either mechanical or chemical credit for the condition. The present study was conducted to screen the animals for the presence of plaque deposition, gingivitis, along with various control measures for the same.Materials and Methods:Thirty-two dogs of different age groups were evaluated for the presence of plaque and gingivitis by scoring method to estimate the extent of severity. Scaling of the tooth surface was done by ultrasonic scaling machine to remove the plaques, and the animals were divided into four treatment groups to study the effects of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine for control of plaque.Results:Present study revealed 71.87% and 34.37% of the screened animals were having plaque deposition and varied degrees of gingivitis respectively. A positive coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.89 (p<0.05) between advancing age and plaque deposition and 0.85 (p<0.05) between age and level of gingivitis was obtained. Two groups receiving dental chew and 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine showed lower plaque deposits, and the fourth treatment group receiving both dental chew and chlorhexidine showed 100% animals remained free from fresh plaque deposits.Conclusion:The present study showed a strong positive relationship between age and plaque deposition and gingivitis. The study also showed that oral hygiene measures such as use of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine application can reduce plaque deposition and periodontitis in domesticated canines.

Background and Aim: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an integral part of the outer cell membrane complex of Gram-negative bacteria. It plays an important role in the induction and stimulation of the immune system. Various LPS purification protocols have been developed. However, analysis of their efficacy is limited by contamination during downstream applications or the public health hazard of LPS. The aim of this study was to evaluate a modified method for extracting LPS as well as assess the purity of the extracted LPS by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Further, we evaluated its immunopotentiating function by measuring the relative RNA expression levels of splenic immune-related genes such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), after intramuscular injection of increasing concentrations of the extracted LPS in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chick. Materials and Methods: Isolation, identification, and serotyping of Salmonella Typhimurium were performed u...

Aim: This study investigated the intentions, opportunities, and barriers to engaging in a meaningful internationalization of higher education in Malawi. Methods: This was cross-sectional research that was done between June and October 2021. Using a purposive (judgmental) sampling, we recruited 212 respondents from various institutions of higher education in Malawi. Multilinear regression analysis was used to analyze the factors with the P-value set at 0.05 level of statistical significance. Results: The results indicated that the majority of the respondents were males (63.7%) who fell into 30 years age bracket. Further, the results from the multilinear regression analysis indicate that Institutional collaboration (ß=0.326, p=0.000, CI=0.27—0.383), clear Policy on Mobility (ß=0.146, p=0.0.004, CI=0.047-0.246), experience (ß=0.083, p=0.117, CI=-0.021-0.186), academic rank (ß=0.114, p=0.000, CI=0.069-0.159) were positively statistically significant variables, whereas on the other hand,...

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are two devastating diseases of poultry, which cause great economic losses to the poultry industry and disrupt food security in our country. The use of ND-AI inactive bivalent vaccine is very effective and economical to prevent and control ND and AI disease. Bivalent ND LaSota-AI H9N2 vaccine is not yet available in Indonesia. The inactivated vaccines used in poultry industry often require oil adjuvant to elicit a sufficient immune response. This study aimed to develop the bivalent inactive vaccines containing ND LaSota and AI H9N2 Sidrap isolate which are local isolates as poultry vaccine candidates, and formulated with two different commercial adjuvants, then compared. Materials and Methods: Two vaccines bivalent were prepared by emulsifying inactivated Newcastle disease virus (LaSota strain) and AI H9N2 Sidrap isolate viruses with Marcol white mineral oil and Montanide ISA70 adjuvants. Both of bivalent vaccines w...

Aim: The study was conducted to observe the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on the gross study and histomorphometry of liver and on the alterations of biochemical parameters of broilers. Materials and Methods: Ninety day-old chicks were collected and assigned to one of three groups: The control, Group A, and Group B. The control, Group A, and Group B were fed for 28 days with a homemade ration, a commercial broiler type ration, and a homemade ration with DEX (7 mg/kg feed), respectively. Liver samples were collected from the individual birds after sacrificing on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Morphometric characteristics (length, weight, color, and texture) of the liver were examined. Histomorphological alterations of the liver were assessed with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. To measure the biochemical parameters, blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Liver function test was performed spectrophotometrically by analyzing serum b...

As a source of starch, potato remains unexploited in Brazilian industries, where they typically utilize corn and cassava. Considering the emerging need for using potato as a source of commercial starch, this study evaluated starches extracted from seven cultivars of potatoes with limited commercial usage in Brazil. Potatoes were grown under the same environmental conditions and cultural practices. After harvesting, the potato tubers were processed for the extraction of starch. The proximate composition, amylose content, resistant starch, minerals, as well as pasting and thermal properties of extracted starch samples were analyzed. Starch characteristics varied with the cultivar. Using correlation analysis, we demonstrated that minerals have a robust effect on starch characteristics. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, resistant starch, viscosity peak, breakdown, and gelatinization enthalpy. Calcium had a positive correlation with t...

The Health Check (HC) document traces the path for a new revision of the CAP. The communication content can be summarised in the following points: decoupling at regional and not at historical level, a more intensive modulation mechanism differentiated according to the total volume of subsidy received by the farm and a new implementation of the art. 69. The aim of this paper is to assess the effect of the HC on the farms producing fruits and vegetables in Italy, with a particular emphasis on the processed tomato production. The model based on the PMP approach simulates the regionalisation mechanism and the new modulation per brackets. The analysis carried out on a FADN sample of farms located in Emilia-Romagna region highlights as the HC new measures affect the farm economic performances but not the input allocation choice. The flat rate doesn’t produce perturbation in the relative convenience of the crops maintaining unchanged the degree of substitution among activities. Only when t...

Background and Aim: Studies to determine abundance, distribution, species composition, and mosquito interactions are very important in understanding the risk of disease transmission to implement appropriate mosquito management in endemic areas. Lymphatic filarial worms are one of the parasites that are contracted and/or transmitted by mosquitoes when sucking the blood of infected humans or animals and then biting others. This research was conducted to study the abundance, species composition, mosquito biting cycles, density and periodicity of mosquitoes caught in Lubuk Pauh Village, Bulang Tengah Suku Ulu, Musi Rawas, South Sumatera, Indonesia, which is an endemic area of zoonotic Brugia malayi. Materials and Methods: The mosquito collection was done in July 2018 using the human landing collection method for 11 h from 18.00 pm to 5.00 am Western Indonesian Time. The catching of mosquitoes was done both indoors and outdoors, and mosquitoes were identified under a dissecting microscop...

Background and Aim: Indonesian cuscuses are now becoming scarce because of the reduction of habitat and poaching. Further, molecular characterization of Indonesian cuscuses is still very lacking. This study aimed to determine genetic markers and phylogenetic relationships of Indonesian cuscuses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Materials and Methods: This study used 21 cuscuses caught from two provinces and 16 islands: 13 from Maluku and eight from Papua. Cuscus samples were taken by biopsy following ethics guidelines for animals. The genome isolation was done using gSYNC DNA Mini Kit (Geneaid Biotech Ltd., Taiwan). The 16S rRNA gene was amplified by primers (16SKUSAF and 16SKUSAR), and the polymerase chain reaction product obtained was 1875 base pair (bp). The analysis of genetic characterization and the phylogenetic relationship was performed using MEGA version X software (https://www. megasoftware.net/). Results: 16S rRNA gene sequencing attained 1598 bp for all samples. Based on...

During the production of forest seedlings, light quantity can indicate the degree of tolerance of tree species to shading conditions and provide information to obtain seedlings with a higher quality standard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of shading on the emergence and the quality standard of Parkia multijuga Benth. seedling, a timber species that can be used in landscaping and restoration of degraded areas. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of three treatments: full sunlight (control; 2050 µmol m2 s2), 50 (1025 µmol m2 s2), and 70% (615 µmol m2 s2) shading obtained with black polyethylene screens. The results showed that the applied treatments did not significantly influence the emergence percentage. However, under unshaded conditions (i.e., full sunlight), the seeds displayed a higher velocity index and a shorter mean time of seedling emergence. On the other hand, the different levels of shading (50 and 70%)...

The rubber tree is a species native to the Amazon biome of great economic importance. Analyzing the soil physical attributes allows for quantifying the impact of different management practices on the soil properties and the yield of rubber plantations. The present experiment was developed on Red-Latosol soil cultivated with rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) since 2013. The experiment was set up as a factorial (2x3) design with two rubber-tree clones (PB 312 and RRIM 600) and three management strategies (organomineral fertilizer - poultry litter; mowing followed by mineral fertilizer application; green manure - pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan], as a cover crop) applied annually, with five replicates. Treatments were applied annually but the soil samples were collected at two times: firstly in 2015 (T1) and subsequently on 2016 (T2). Results revealed a reduction of microporosity, macroporosity, and total porosity and an increase in soil density with depth. However, no significant difference w...

High and uncontrolled surface active substances (SAS) concentrations in deinking line process waters strongly disturb flotation deinking. Indeed, their adsorption at air/water and ink/water interfaces stabilizes air bubbles and ink particles, reducing ink collection during flotation. In addition, foam stabilization promoted by SAS reduces froth drainage and consequently enhances suspended solids losses. All in all, selectivity of flotation is negatively affected by excessive SAS concentrations. Floating process water with adapted technology, a patented solution, is an efficient way to decrease SAS concentration and thereby recover flotation deinking selectivity. This concept was tested at industrial scale with success. First loop clear filtrates of a deinked pulp line (for newsprint production) were floated. At steady state, this treatment allows a 20% reduction of the SAS concentration in first loop process water. Evaluation of ink removal selectivity at pre-flotation and post-flot...

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the benefits of keeping donkeys and associated production challenges under a smallholder farming system in Kenya. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with smallholder farmers keeping donkeys in 13 administrative locations in Kirinyaga County. Data were collected using a questionnaire guide in 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) using participatory epidemiological methods. The FGDs comprised 8-12 participants who were donkey owners. Data were collected through listing, pair-wise ranking, and probing on the benefits of keeping donkeys, challenges faced by working donkeys and the common diseases that affect donkeys in these farms. Data analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric method to test whether median ranks were significantly different. Other farm level data were also collected using the structured questionnaire and these were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The identified benef...

The environment’s impact on foliar disease growth in annual crops and the various types of differentiation must be investigated to adapt effective disease control strategies. We studied the temporal progression of foliar disease complexes in 14 commercial corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids during the 2015/2016 crop season (Ipameri, Goiás, Brazil). The experiment consisted of 10 blocks and evaluated foliar disease severity using a diagrammatic scale. The evaluations occurred at 47, 53, 59, 74, 81 and 95 days after planting. At each time point, a plant was chosen randomly from each block (10 plants total), and the diseases causing foliar damage were identified. The areas under the disease progression curves (AUDPCs) and yields were calculated. Dependent variables were evaluated using a principal component analysis to study relationships between the hybrids and the disease severity on each leaf (biplot). Heatmaps were used to determine which leaves demonstrated the greatest disease severity an...

Stable cesium can be considered as the best element for desorption of soil radio-cesium. It is considered an element that slightly absorbed by plants, so that the application of high doses to the soil could increase the absorption of 137Cs, which is desired for the remediation of contaminated soils. There is shortage of knowledge on remediation of tropical and subtropical soils contaminated with 137Cs. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of 133Cs for the remediation of Brazilian tropical and subtropical soils contaminated with 137Cs. In addition, we investigated the Cs uptake by bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Cs contaminated soil. The experiment was carried out in pots under greenhouse conditions. Seven soil types were used in the experiment (Oxisol, Udox, Psamment, Ochrept; Aquoll; Udox and Udult), which received the application of four doses of 133Cs (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/pot in a completely randomized design arranged in a factorial scheme (7 soil types x 4 do...

The present document explores how air pollution can be assessed from a multiagent point of view. In order to do so, a traffic system was simulated using agents as a way to measure if air pollution levels go down when the traffic lights employ a multigent cooperative system that negotiates the green light duration of each traffic light, in order to minimize the time a car has to wait to be served in an intersection. The findings after running some experiments where lanes of each direction are congested incrementally showed, that using this technique, there is a significant decrease in air pollution over the simulated area which means that traffic lights controlled by the multiagent system do improve the levels of air pollution.