Issue 3 (195)/2023

ABSTRACT

The intensity of selection, inadvertent pathways of domestication, and the influence of climate change collectively amplify the frequency of detrimental alleles. This phenomenon, in turn, triggers genetic drift, leading to an in-advertent decline in the diversity of plant genetic resources. Genetic variability is of utmost importance for a species’ adaptability and overall fitness. Our investigation centres on Triticum germplasm within the agroclimatic conditions of the Suceava Gene Bank, encompassing 2021–2022 field trials. Comprehensive morphophysiological characterisation was conducted across 200 cultivated varieties, spanning three Triticum species (T. aestivum, T. turgidum and T. monococcum). Initially, the data underwent meticulous processing involving the computation of amplitude of variation, variance (s2), standard deviation (√s), and coefficients of variation (s%) for three pivotal agronomical traits: plant height, spikelets per spike, and total seeds per spike. Furthermore, an extensive cluster analysis was performed, encompassing multiple vital plant descriptors. The findings unveiled a remarkable dispersion of data, with standard deviation, amplitude of variation, and coefficient of variation collectively indicating substantial variability among the cultivated varieties. Within the same population, an intriguing observation emerged; of the 200 genotypes analysed, 83 exhibited immunity to Septoria tritici. Delving deeper into the statistical analysis, we identified two primary clusters within the population. Overall, a significant proportion of this germplasm showcased elevated phenotype scores, rendering them well-suited for further exploration as foundational material in pre-breeding initiatives.

Keywords:

cluster analysis; morphophysiological traits; Septoria tritici; Triticum germplasm.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Sârbu T.E.; Gabur, I.; Simioniuc, D.P.; Plăcintă, D.D.; Murariu, D.; Simioniuc, V. Phenotypic variability evaluation of wheat varieties from the Suceava Gene Bank collection. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 289-302.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563101

AMA Style
Sârbu TE, Gabur I, Simioniuc DP, Plăcintă DD, Murariu D, Simioniuc V. Phenotypic variability evaluation of wheat varieties from the Suceava Gene Bank collection. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 289-302.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563101

Chicago/Turabian Style
Sârbu, Tiberiu Emilian, Iulian Gabur, Dănuț Petru Simioniuc, Daniela Domnica Plăcintă, Danela Murariu, and Violeta Simioniuc. 2023. “Phenotypic variability evaluation of wheat varieties from the Suceava Gene Bank collection” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 289-302.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563101

ABSTRACT

This review highlights to what extent the embryo transfer (ET) activity in Europe was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ET represents a procedure of modern reproductive biotechnologies that is increasingly applied in farms animals. Commercial ET is applied to cattle and, albeit to a lesser extent, to other species. For this study, official data reported by each country to the European (AETE, 2023) and international (IETS, 2023) forums, regarding ET activities, were accessed. Each country has an official rapporteur, but the procedures are not mandatory. The reported data included the total number of ET sessions, the type of embryos obtained in vivo derived (IVD) or in vitro produced (IVP), the collection rate of oocytes and embryos and transferable embryos produced both in cattle and other species. For comparison, the data of two similar pre-pandemic (2017 and 2018) and pandemic (2019 and 2020) periods were analysed. The pandemic period (2019) started with a record decrease in all categories of ET, most likely because of less reports by veterinaries since reporting took place in May 2020, already pandemic time Europe, indicating a false negative decrease in Europe, the total ET activities reported decreased by 31.59%. In 2019, the in vivo ET procedures in cattle decreased by 26,421 sessions compared to 2018 (approximately 20%). Surprisingly, during the pandemic, in vivo ET in equines increased by almost 40%.

Keywords:

covid; embryo transfer; IVD; IVP; pandemic.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Ciornei, Ș.G.; Drugociu, D.; Nechifor, F.; Roșca, P. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on embryo transfer activities in Europe. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 303-320.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563102

AMA Style
Ciornei ȘG, Drugociu D, Nechifor F, Roșca P. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on embryo transfer activities in Europe. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 303-320.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563102

Chicago/Turabian Style
Ciornei, Ștefan Gregore, Dan Drugociu, Florin Nechifor, and Petru Roșca. 2023. “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on embryo transfer activities in Europe” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 303-320.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563102

ABSTRACT

The retention of nitrite ions in solutions of different concentrations by three cornhusks-based powders was analyzed. Natural cornhusk powder (NCHP), as waste obtained from local market, the alkalized cornhusk powder (ACHP) and the biochar from the original material (CHBC) have been characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental composition EDAX – TEAM analysis (Energy dispersive analysis X-ray – Texture and ele-mental analytical microscopy) and tested for the removal of nitrite ions. The influence of initial nitrite concentration and contact time was studied under slow stirring rate conditions (150 rpm). For all three adsorbents both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm equations described the process with R2 > 0.95, denoting physical adsorption and chemisorption on the surface. The estimated retained quantities (mg·g-1) determined from isotherms were 4.4783 (NCHP), 8.3542 (ACHP) and 8.7413 (CHBC). The Ho&McKay model was better adjusted to the adsorption data with R2 > 0.985, while the Lagergren model produced regression factors between 0.61 and 0.88. Considering the biggest concentration of nitrite solution of 50 mg·L-1 and the longest contact time of 150 minutes, the equilibrium capacity qe (mg·g-1) predicted by the Ho&McKay model for the considered adsorbents were: 4.5065 (NCHP), 8.5179 (ACHP) and 8.9445 (CHBC) compared to the obtained qt (mg·g-1) of 4.4384 (NCHP), 8.0685 (ACHP) and 8.5753 (CHBC). The nitrite uptake in the experiments reached a maximum of 2.2192 mg·g-1 on NCHP, 4.0342 mg·g-1 on ACHP and 4.2877 mg·g-1 on CHBC. Considering the cost-effective treatment steps, there is the possibility of valorising an important amount of waste as adsorbent materials.

Keywords:

cornhusks powder; nitrite removal; waste valorisation.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Trofin, A.E.; Ungureanu, E.; Motrescu, I.; Trincă, L.C.; Țopa, D.C.; Eperjessy, D.B. Cornhusk powders as adsorbents for nitrites in solution: a thermodynamic and kinetic approach. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 321-344.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563103

AMA Style
Trofin AE, Ungureanu E, Motrescu I, Trincă LC, Țopa DC, Eperjessy DB. Cornhusk powders as adsorbents for nitrites in solution: a thermodynamic and kinetic approach. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 321-344.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563103

Chicago/Turabian Style
Trofin, Alina Elena, Elena Ungureanu, Iuliana Motrescu, Lucia Carmen Trincă, Denis Constantin Țopa, and Diana Beatrice Eperjessy. 2023. “Cornhusk powders as adsorbents for nitrites in solution: a thermodynamic and kinetic approach” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 321-344.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563103

ABSTRACT

Deforestation in Ghana is primarily caused by agriculture, and as such, there is a need to explore agricultural systems that promote forest and environmental conservation. Studies on decision support frameworks that can help farmers and landowners make informed optimal land use choices are limited in the country. This study attempts to fill the gap. We used survey questionnaire and focus group discussion to gather data from farmers and other stakeholders. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) technique was employed to analyse the data. The results showed that agroforestry, with the highest ranking (probability of 0.98), is the optimal land use option. Coconut and oil palm land use options were perceived to be contributing to the degradation of the periphery of the Ankasa Conservation Area (ACA). Intensifying education and training will increase the uptake of agroforestry as an integrated multifunctional land use strategy in the ACA.

Keywords:

agriculture; agroforestry; decision support system; Ghana; protected area.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Damnyag, L.; Tease, F.; Bampoh, A.A.; Andoh, J. Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to support land use decision-making in Ankasa Conservation Area, Ghana. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 345-364.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563104

AMA Style
Damnyag L, Tease F, Bampoh AA, Andoh J. Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to support land use decision-making in Ankasa Conservation Area, Ghana. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 345-364.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563104

Chicago/Turabian Style
Damnyag, Lawrence, Francis Tease, Alex Aboagye Bampoh, and Jewel Andoh. 2023. “Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to support land use decision-making in Ankasa Conservation Area, Ghana” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 345-364.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563104

ABSTRACT

Concerns about the health and environmental risks linked with the use of preservatives, such as chromate copper arsenate (CCA), zinc chloride, mercuric chloride, and the oil-born preservative creosote, prompted the quest for the use of readily available bitumen as a wood preservative. Using samples that had been processed into dimensions of 20 × 20 × 60 mm, the durability and physical characteristics of Gmelina arborea wood treated with bitumen were evaluated. The samples were dried for 24 hours in an oven set to 103°C and treated with hot bitumen at a melting point of 270°C to ensure the flow and maximum penetration of the bitumen. The density showed mean values of 504.93 and 498.71 kg/m3 for the untreated and treated samples, respectively, with the treated samples recording lower values due to the thermal difference in the density distribution between the untreated and treated wood samples. The average weight loss due to leaching of the untreated and treated wood samples after soaking in cold water and hot water was 3.07% and 0.07%, 1.49% and 1.38% respectively for the treatment. The study confirmed the suitability of using bitumen as a preservative for treating G. arborea wood in an environment with extreme weather conditions without causing serious leaching, thereby exposing the wood to degrading agents.

Keywords:

accelerated ageing; bitumen; Gmelina arborea; treated wood; wood preservative.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Owoyemi, J.M.; Ogunniyi, O.J. Accelerated ageing assessment of bitumen as a preservative for the treatment of Gmelina arborea wood. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 365-374.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563105

AMA Style
Owoyemi JM, Ogunniyi OJ. Accelerated ageing assessment of bitumen as a preservative for the treatment of Gmelina arborea wood. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 365-374.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563105

Chicago/Turabian Style
Owoyemi, Jacob Mayowa and Ogunniyi Olasunkanmi Joshua. 2023. “Accelerated ageing assessment of bitumen as a preservative for the treatment of Gmelina arborea wood Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 365-374.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563105

ABSTRACT

The study investigates the potential of coconut husks in purifying biogas, a common issue in the use of biogas due to the high costs and environmental impact of expensive purification technologies. The study used an experimental setup generating biogas from kitchen waste and analysed its composition using an industry-standard biogas analyser. Coconut husks could remove hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), with a high percentage removal efficiency of 54% at a column length of 0.5 m from the inlet. Based on the results, 2 kg of coconut husk could purify 837 L of biogas, with a removal efficiency of approximately 62%, before exhaustion. This suggests that coconut husks can be used in biogas purification to remove H₂S, which is the most challenging component as it can corrode metal parts when used at high concentrations above 750 ppm. Further research is needed on large-scale purification using coconut husks at high pressure to allow more gas adsorption by the purification media.

Keywords:

adsorption capacity; biogas composition; biogas purification; coir pith; coir fibre.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Selele, M.I.; Mgana, S.M. Use of coconut husks to facilitate the removal of H₂S from biogas. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 375-386.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563106

AMA Style
Selele MI, Mgana SM. Use of coconut husks to facilitate the removal of H₂S from biogas. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 375-386.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563106

Chicago/Turabian Style
Selele, Minza I. and Shaaban M. Mgana. 2023. “Use of coconut husks to facilitate the removal of H₂S from biogas” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 375-386.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563106

ABSTRACT

West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen that represents a threat to both human and animal health. It is difficult to estimate the impact of WNV in the future, although many of the climatic factors influencing its spread have been identified. In this study, we used bioclimatic indices to estimate those periods that favour the growth of vector mosquito populations and the incubation periods for the virus. To this end, we studied the climatic changes in the Romanian regions where cases of WN infection have been reported. Simulations were carried out for 2100 based on long-term scenarios. Identifying the bioclimatic conditions which can cause WNV outbreaks in Romania is necessary to anticipate and thereby prevent future epidemics. However, no extraordinary weather events were registered in the years with WNV outbreaks which could explain such a high number of cases. Thus, in the High Scenario (which will occur if actions to control (GHG) gas emissions are not taken or implemented effectively), the hatching period is extended until November, with the risk that adult mosquitoes are active throughout the year, ensuring a high survival rate of the virus within mosquitoes. In addition, in the High Scenario, the transmission period of the virus is extended from April to October, which underlines the need to establish monitoring and control programmes for both mosquito populations and the spread of the virus among the animal and human populations.

Keywords:

climatic change effects; mosquitoes; temperature long-term projection; West Nile outbreak predictions.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Miron, L.D.; Ivănescu, L.M.; Mîndru, R.; Mătiuț, S.; Martinescu, G.-V.; Bodale, I. Establishing the evolution of West Nile virus outbreaks in Romania by using climatic scenarios. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 387-412.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563107

AMA Style
Miron LD, Ivănescu LM, Mîndru R, Mătiuț S, Martinescu G-V, Bodale I. Establishing the evolution of West Nile virus outbreaks in Romania by using climatic scenarios. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 387-412.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563107

Chicago/Turabian Style
Miron, Liviu Dan, Ivănescu Larisa Maria, Mîndru Raluca, Mătiuț Simona, Martinescu Gabriela-Victoria, and Bodale Ilie. 2023. “Establishing the evolution of West Nile virus outbreaks in Romania by using climatic scenarios” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 387-412.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563107

ABSTRACT

The current study was carried out at Rezu Khal to determine the ideal area for seaweed farming. Additionally, this investigation uncovered species of commercially productive and lucrative seaweed. Temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, and Formazin Nephelometric Units (FNU) of surface water ranged from 20.9 to 26.2°C, 24 to 26.2‰, 6.45 to 8.5, 92 to 105%, 33,256 to 64,267 µS/cm, and 11.1 to 42.8, respectively. Phosphate-phosphorus concentrations in surface water were 2.6–7.6 mg/L, 0.04–0.12 mg/L for nitrate-nitrogen, 0.002–0.04 mg/L for nitrite-nitrogen, 0.15–0.83 mg/L for silica, and 0.13–0.28 mg/L for ammonia. Three seaweed species (Gracilaria lemaneiformis, Hypnea musciformes, and Sargassum oligocystum) were cultivated in the selected areas. Two methods (net and long-line) were used for the culture. In this study, 15–20 kg of G. lemaneiformis were harvested every 15 days using the net method. H. musciformes gained 4 to 12 kg every 15 days. Although S. oligocystum thrived nicely, it was challenging to maintain its viability. The findings of this study indicate that seaweed farming is feasible and coastal residents may participate in seasonal income-generating endeavours in coastal waters.

Keywords:

culture; effects; physicochemical parameters; seaweed; Rezu Khal.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Bhuyan, Md.S.; Haider, S.M.B.; Kunda, M.; Husain, Sk.A; Chowdhury, E.; Senapathi, V.; Sivakumar, K.; Elangovan, M. Experimental cultivation of seaweed on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: identifying the effects of environmental parameters on seaweed growth. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 413-436.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563108

AMA Style
Bhuyan MdS, Haider SMB, Kunda M, Husain SkA, Chowdhury E, Senapathi V, Sivakumar K, Elangovan M. Experimental cultivation of seaweed on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: identifying the effects of environmental parameters on seaweed growth. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 413-436.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563108

Chicago/Turabian Style
Bhuyan, Md. Simul, Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Mrityunjoy Kunda, Sk. Abid Husain, Enam Chowdhury, Venkatramanan Senapathi, K. Sivakumar, and Manickam Elangovan. 2023. “Experimental cultivation of seaweed on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: identifying the effects of environmental parameters on seaweed growth” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 413-436.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563108

ABSTRACT

The integration of ES into global policies represents a significant step towards harmonising sustainability and growth and unifying dialogues on biodiversity and sustainable development to benefit humanity. Consistent assessment of the availability of ES is vital to enable ongoing monitoring and support sustainable natural resource management and decision-making. This study was conducted to comparatively analyse the ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) and Marine Ecosystem Services Assessment Tool (MESAT) scales were used in the study. The paper was based on the positivist paradigm and employed inferential statistics with SPSS v23 for data analysis. The results indicate no statistical differences between the Fosu and Muni lagoons in terms of their ecosystem service delivery; the null hypothesis is accepted for the two ecosystem service scales used and confirms that Fosu and the Muni Lagoons are similar in their deliveries of ecosystem services. The relationship between ES and human well-being is complex due to the interplay between social and ecological systems. To address coastal issues and develop management plans, the study proposes using MESAT and MEA for evaluation and solution provisioning. It further recommends expanding stakeholder and decision-maker involvement in lagoon management to promote sustainability and enhance stakeholder participation in decision-making.

Keywords:

cultural services; Muni and Fosu Lagoons; provisioning services; regulatory services; social-ecological system; supporting services.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Adu-Boahen, K. Comparative analysis of ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 437-462.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563109

AMA Style
Adu-Boahen K. Comparative analysis of ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 437-462.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563109

Chicago/Turabian Style
Adu-Boahen, Kofi. 2023. “Comparative analysis of ecosystem service delivery between two coastal lagoons in Ghana” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 437-462.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563109

ABSTRACT

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) pose significant economic challenges to goat farming and have a detrimental impact on animal welfare. The objectives of this study were to deepen our comprehension of SRLV infections and their implications for small ruminant farming. Within the studied herd, the detected seroprevalence of SRLV was notably high at 91.92% (95.0% CI: 86.5%–97.3%). This finding strongly suggests the enduring presence of SRLV infection within the goat farm, spanning multiple years. Antibodies against SRLVs were detected across all selected age categories and breeds, irrespective of the presence or absence of clinical signs. The data gleaned from this study allow significant implications, raising concerns about the potential for future clinical outbreaks resulting from SRLV infections in eastern Romanian goat herds. Given these findings, the imperative for the continuous surveillance of SRLV infections becomes evident. Ongoing vigilance and monitoring are essential to mitigate the risk of disease transmission, minimise economic losses and safeguard the welfare of goats within the region.

Keywords:

caprine arthritis encephalitis; goat; lentivirus; Maëdi-Visna.

CITE

ALSE and ACS Style
Aniță, A.E.; Savuța, G.; Anița, D.C. Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infection in a goat flock in Eastern Romania. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2023, 56 (3), 463-474.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563110

AMA Style
Aniță AE, Savuța G, Anița DC. Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infection in a goat flock in Eastern Romania. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2023; 56 (3): 463-474.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563110

Chicago/Turabian Style
Aniță, Adriana Elena, Gheorghe Savuța, and Dragoș Constantin Aniță. 2023. “Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infection in a goat flock in Eastern Romania” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 56, no. 3: 463-474.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-563110