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Topic Review
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled to Hyperspectral Imaging
Near-infrared (800–2500 nm; NIR) spectroscopy coupled to hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) has greatly enhanced its capability and thus widened its application and use across various industries. This non-destructive technique that is sensitive to both physical and chemical attributes of virtually any material can be used for both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
  • 1.8K
  • 18 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Australian Sea Lion
The Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) is a charismatic pinniped species native to the coastal waters of southern Australia, particularly found along the southern and western coastlines. Renowned for its sleek and agile swimming abilities, this marine mammal is distinguishable by its pale yellow to cream-colored fur and a distinctively long, narrow muzzle. As a key predator in its marine ecosystem, the Australian Sea Lion plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of coastal ecosystems, primarily feeding on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.
  • 1.8K
  • 28 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that can be obtained through microbial fermentation of agro-industrial byproducts, e.g., milk and cheese whey by using both microbial consortia and pure bacterial cultures.
  • 1.8K
  • 02 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Nanofibers in Agriculture and Water Treatment
Natural fibers are an important source for producing polymers, which are highly applicable in their nanoform and could be used in very broad fields such as filtration for water/wastewater treatment, biomedicine, food packaging, harvesting, and storage of energy due to their high specific surface area. These natural nanofibers could be mainly produced through plants, animals, and minerals, as well as produced from agricultural wastes. For strengthening these natural fibers, they may reinforce with some substances such as nanomaterials. Natural or biofiber-reinforced bio-composites and nano–bio-composites are considered better than conventional composites. The sustainable application of nanofibers in agricultural sectors is a promising approach and may involve plant protection and its growth through encapsulating many bio-active molecules or agrochemicals (i.e., pesticides, phytohormones, and fertilizers) for smart delivery at the targeted sites. The food industry and processing also are very important applicable fields of nanofibers, particularly food packaging, which may include using nanofibers for active–intelligent food packaging, and food freshness indicators. The removal of pollutants from soil, water, and air is an urgent field for nanofibers due to their high efficiency. Many new approaches or applicable agro-fields for nanofibers are expected in the future, such as using nanofibers as the indicators for CO and NH3. The role of nanofibers in the global fighting against COVID-19 may represent a crucial solution, particularly in producing face masks.
  • 1.8K
  • 30 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Effect of Anthocyanins on Colorimetric Indicator Film Properties
Anthocyanins have attracted widespread attention as a material for manufacturing smart food packaging, as they are sensitive to changes in pH, and small changes in pH can cause changes in the color of anthocyanins. The incorporation of anthocyanins often causes different changes in the properties of the films.
  • 1.8K
  • 10 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Livestock CH4 Emissions with the Laser Methane Detector
The handheld, portable laser methane detector (LMD) was developed to detect gas leaks in industry from a safe distance. Since 2009, it has also been used to measure the methane (CH4) concentration in the breath of cattle, sheep, and goats to quantify their CH4 emissions.
  • 1.8K
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Heavy Metals in Soil Ecosystem
Soil is a compound mixture and a non-renewable natural resource, as it can only be restored on a geological timescale. It can be easily defined as the loose inorganic or organic matter of the surface that assists as a natural habitat for terrestrial plants. Heavy metals are very hazardous to the environment and living things.
  • 1.8K
  • 28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Genetic characterization in Korean horse
In modern times, horse breeds, mostly in horse racing, are the Thoroughbred varieties obtained by breeding three Godolphin Arabians with British mares in England. Especially in Jeju Island, Korea, Jeju horses have been introduced from Mongolia since the 13th century. They have contributed a lot to the agricultural community, but their population has been rapidly decreasing due to rapid agricultural industrialization. Therefore, we sympathize with Jeju horse-specific genetic variation and compare and analyze evolutionary correlations by utilizing Whole Genome Sequencing analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity of Jeju horses and preserve genetic information. We explored Jeju horse-specific genetic differences through a comparative analysis of large-capacity genomic data between the public database and a Thoroughbred variety. In order to adapt to the barren external environment, it is predicted that Jeju horses have experienced strong positive selection in the direction of accumulating many genetic variations, enough to cause functional differences in the eqCD1a6 gene to have an efficient immune function. In addition, we further validate the Jeju horse-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in the eqCD1a6 gene by employing the digital PCR method, a diagnostic technique for genetic variations.
  • 1.8K
  • 08 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Barriers to Sustainable Farming Practices
Research has a critical role in supporting the implementation of farming practices that are appropriate for meeting food and climate security for a growing global population. Notwithstanding progress towards more sustainable agricultural production, the rate of change varies across and within regions and is, overall, too slow. Understanding what is and is not working at the implementation level and, critically, providing justified explanations on outcomes, is an important contribution of the literature. It is suggested that a greater application of theory in adoption research could increase the contribution of the literature. 
  • 1.8K
  • 10 May 2021
Topic Review
Amazon weasel
The Amazon weasel (Mustela africana), also known as the tropical weasel, is a small carnivorous mammal native to the Amazon rainforest. With its slender body, short legs, and distinctive coat, this elusive species plays a crucial role in the ecological dynamics of its dense and biodiverse habitat.
  • 1.8K
  • 04 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Regeneration in Reptiles
The ability to repair injuries among reptiles, i.e., ectothermic amniotes, is similar to that of mammals with some noteworthy exceptions. While large wounds in turtles and crocodilians are repaired through scarring, the reparative capacity involving the tail derives from a combined process of wound healing and somatic growth, the latter being continuous in reptiles. When the tail is injured in juvenile crocodilians, turtles and tortoises as well as the tuatara (Rhynchocephalia: Sphenodon punctatus, Gray 1842), the wound is repaired in these reptiles and some muscle and connective tissue and large amounts of cartilage are regenerated during normal growth. This process, here indicated as “regengrow”, can take years to produce tails with similar lengths of the originals and results in only apparently regenerated replacements. 
  • 1.8K
  • 18 Sep 2021
Topic Review
White-tailed Mongoose
The White-tailed Mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) is a captivating carnivorous mammal native to the African continent, distinguished by its striking white-tipped tail and sleek, slender physique. Inhabiting a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands, this elusive mongoose species plays a vital role in the ecosystems it calls home.
  • 1.8K
  • 04 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Avian Orthoavulavirus Type-1
Avian orthoavulaviruses type-1 (AOaV-1) have transitioned from animal vaccine vector to a bona fide vaccine delivery vehicle in human. Owing to induction of robust innate and adaptive immune responses in mucus membranes in both birds and mammals, AOaVs offer an attractive vaccine against respiratory pathogens. The unique features of AOaVs include over 50 years of safety profile, stable expression of foreign genes, high infectivity rates in avian and mammalian hosts, broad host spectrum, limited possibility of recombination and lack of pre-existing immunity in humans. Additionally, AOaVs vectors allow the production of economical and high quantities of vaccine antigen in chicken embryonated eggs and several GMP-grade mammalian cell lines.
  • 1.8K
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Hoary Fox
The Hoary Fox (Lycalopex vetulus), a small canid species native to South America, captivates with its distinctive appearance and elusive nature. Characterized by a striking grizzled or hoary coat, this fox species navigates the savannas and grasslands of Brazil with an air of resilience and adaptability. Despite its enchanting presence, the Hoary Fox faces conservation challenges linked to habitat alteration and human-wildlife conflicts.
  • 1.8K
  • 02 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Precision Agriculture
According to a recent definition of Precision Agriculture (PA), developed by the International Society of Precision Agriculture, the term refers to a management strategy, which uses acquisition, processing, analysis, and combination with other information of temporal, spatial, and other data in order to facilitate decision-making based on the estimated variability. 
  • 1.8K
  • 08 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Reactive Nitrogen Flows in Bangladesh’s Agriculture Sector
Nitrogen (N) fertilizer use is the largest in the crop sector, an important sector, where current annual consumption is 1190 Gg. The present combined annual Nr production from crop, fishery, and livestock sectors is ~600 Gg, while emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, are ~200 Gg. Poor N management results in Nr leaking into the environment, which has increased approximately 16-fold since 1961. One potential consequence is the disruption of ecosystem functioning. The balanced tradeoff between food production and reducing Nr input needs to be achieved. One solution to reducing unutilized reactive N (Nr) may be a holistic approach that optimizes N application rates and incorporates waste of one subsector as an input to another applying the principle of the circular economy. 
  • 1.8K
  • 06 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Aquaponics as Sustainable Path to Food Sovereignty
Aquaponics emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing how humanity can adapt, innovate, and thrive while preserving the delicate balance of our natural resources. Within aquaponic systems, a symbiotic cycle unfolds: fish waste serves as vital nutrients for plants, while these same plants act as natural filters, purifying the water destined to circulate back to the fish tanks. This harmonious relationship between aquatic life and vegetation fosters a closed-loop ecosystem, significantly curbing water wastage and elevating the system’s overall sustainability. This method not only produces high-quality organic vegetables and fruits but also sustainable protein sources, addressing the challenges of both food security and water conservation.
  • 1.8K
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum
Lactic acid fermentation of fresh fruit juices is a low-cost and sustainable process, that aims to preserve and even enhance the organoleptic and nutritional features of the raw matrices and extend their shelf life. Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) were evaluated in the fermentation of various fruit juices, leading in some cases to fruit beverages, with enhanced nutritional and sensorial characteristics. Among LAB, Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum subsp. plantarum strains are quite interesting, regarding their application in the fermentation of a broad range of plant-derived substrates, such as vegetables and fruit juices, since they have genome plasticity and high versatility and flexibility. L. plantarum exhibits a remarkable portfolio of enzymes that make it very important and multi-functional in fruit juice fermentations. Therefore, L. plantarum has the potential for the production of various bioactive compounds, which enhance the nutritional value and the shelf life of the final product. In addition, L. plantarum can positively modify the flavor of fruit juices, leading to higher content of desirable volatile compounds.
  • 1.8K
  • 11 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Grazing and Feedlot Angus Beef Cattle
Grazing-fed cattle are free-ranged on pastures with grass as the main feed, while feedlot-fed cattle are raised in feedlots with grains as their main feed. 
  • 1.8K
  • 22 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Biological Quality of Soils
As is it known, soil is the basis of all activity in which man is involved. At the same time, it is the key factor for the development of the life and biodiversity of the planet's flora and fauna. Hence, as result of global warming and climate change, ecological research has recently increased its importance on the bases that extensive forest areas, act as carbon sinks mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. But no less important for investigation should be to inquire under this plant cover. Because there is a totally unimaginable and diverse world that remains in constant interactions to keep alive and from the green covering habitat to the diverse forms from small mammals to man. Man in its early days learned to manage the soil with the aim of producing food. Afterwards the exponential growth of the population was produced, and a high demand for food, caused the expansion of livestock borders, caused the devastation of large areas of forests, and generated a great impact to the soil and ecosystem. As a result, the change in land use and the application of chemicals impoverished and impairs the soil and the life that inhabits it. This is why this work highlights the importance of the biological component of soil to the context of the Amazon of Ecuador. For this reason, is important to consider different organisms as Essential Indicators of Soil Quality, mainly for the tropical soil field. In order to reach this objective, we compiled information presenting it in tables. They facilitate the interpretation of the importance of species of organisms and parameters from a biological point of view. At the same time, they can be used as a theoretical basis for the development of projects and research aimed to the management of biological soil composites.
  • 1.8K
  • 30 Oct 2020
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