This contribute deals with the use of surface parameters extracted from satellite remote sensing images for the setup of the input dataset required by pollutants atmospheric dispersion models (PATM). These models need 2D distributions (grids) of many surface parameters to model turbulence parameters, as roughness length, albedo, leaf area index and Bowen ratio. Very often these parameters are s...

Parasitic nematodes, especially Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi), are among the most common and economically important causes of disease in sheep and goats owned by pastoralists and small holder farmers in Africa. The control of these infections relies mainly on the use of anthelmintic drugs. However, herbal preparations are widely used by pastoralists and small holder farmers for the treatment ...

Ready-to-eat (RTE) snacks are routinely distributed to pregnant women in India. These provide protein and calories but are low in micronutrients. We investigated whether RTE snacks fortified with leaf concentrate (LC) could improve pregnancy outcomes, including maternal haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and infants' birthweight. This randomized controlled two-arm trial was conducted over 18 month...

AIM To determine whether the presence of columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) is associated with the presence of esophageal varices (EVs) in male Japanese alcoholics. METHODS The subjects were 1614 Japanese alcohol-dependent men (≥ 40 years of age) who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopic screening. Digitalized records of high-quality endoscopic images that included the squamocolumnar ju...

Leaf-cutting ants cultivate the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, which serves as a major food source. This symbiosis is threatened by microbial pathogens that can severely infect L. gongylophorus. Microbial symbionts of leaf-cutting ants, mainly Pseudonocardia and Streptomyces, support the ants in defending their fungus gardens against infections by supplying antimicrobial and antifungal com...

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was used as a tool for functional analysis of cell wall-associated genes that have been suggested to be involved in leaf abscission. Tobacco rattle virus is an effective vector for VIGS in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Silencing was more efficient when the plants were grown at 22 degrees C than when they were grown at 20 degrees C or 25 degrees C. The pho...

Defoliation is a commonly used viticultural technique to balance the ratio between grapevine vegetation and fruit. Defoliation is conducted around the fruit zone to reduce the leaf photosynthetic area, and to increase sunlight exposure of grape bunches. Apical leaf removal is not commonly practiced, and therefore its influence on canopy structure and resultant wine aroma is not well-studied. Th...

This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D levels and some quality features of eggs. A total 150 eggs (75 conventional 75 free-range) were selected for study. The 25-OH determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in egg yolks. Furthermore, we evaluated weights egg, yolk, albumen, yolk color as well shape index, shell thickness, percentages shell. significantl...