Calibration of Grassmaster II to estimate green and dry matter yield in Mediterranean pastures: effects of pasture moisture content

Accurate assessment of standing pasture biomass in livestock production systems is a major factor for improving feed planning. Several tools are available to achieve this, including the GrassMaster II capacitance meter. This tool relies on an electrical signal, which is modified by the surrounding pasture. There is limited knowledge on how this capacitance meter performs in Mediterranean pastures. Therefore, we evaluated the GrassMaster II under Mediterranean conditions to determine (i) the effect of pasture moisture content (PMC) on the meter’s ability to estimate pasture green matter (GM) and dry matter (DM) yields, and (ii) the spatial variability and temporal stability of corrected meter readings (CMR) and DM in a bio-diverse pasture. Field tests were carried out with typical pastures of the southern region of Portugal (grasses, legumes, mixture and volunteer annual species) and at different phenological stages (and different PMC). There were significant positive linear relations between CMR and GM (r2 = 0.60, P < 0.01) and CMR and DM (r2 = 0.35, P < 0.05) for all locations (n = 347). Weak relationships were found for PMC (%) v. slope and coefficient of determination for both GM and DM. A significant linear relation existed for CMR v. GM and DM for PMC >80% (r2= 0.57, P < 0.01, RMSE = 2856.7 kg ha–1, CVRMSE=17.1% to GM; and r2= 0.51, P < 0.01,RMSE = 353.7 kg ha–1, CVRMSE = 14.3% to DM). Therefore, under the conditions of this current study there exists an optimum PMC (%) for estimating both GM and DM with the GrassMaster II. Repeated-measurements taken at the same location on different dates and conditions in a bio-diverse pasture showed similar and stable patterns between CMR and DM (r2= 0.67, P < 0.01, RMSE = 136.1 kg ha–1, CVRMSE = 6.5%). The results indicate that the GrassMaster II in-situ technique could play a crucial role in assessing pasture mass to improve feed planning under Mediterranean conditions.

Effects of dry-land strength and conditioning programs in age group swimmers

Context: Even though dry-land S&C training is a common practice in swimming, there are countless uncertainties over it effects in performance of age group swimmers. Objective: To investigate the effects of dry-land S&C programs in swimming performance of age group swimmers. Participants: A total of 21 male competitive swimmers (12.7±0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the Control Group (n=7) and experimental GR1 and GR2 (n=7 for each group). Intervention: Control group performed a 10-week training period of swim training alone, GR1 followed a 6-week dry-land S&C program based on sets/repetitions plus a 4-week swim training program alone and GR2 followed a 6-week dry-land S&C program focused on explosiveness, plus a 4-week program of swim training alone. Results: For the dry-land tests a time effect was observed between week 0 and week 6 for vertical jump (p<0.01) in both experimental groups, and for the GR2 ball throwing (p<0.01), with moderate-strong effect sizes. The time*group analyses showed that for performance in 50 m, differences were significant, with the GR2 presenting higher improvements than their counterparts (F=4.156; ƿ=0.007; η2=0.316) at week 10. Conclusions: The results suggest that 6 weeks of a complementary dry-land S&C training may lead to improvements in dry-land strength. Furthermore, a 4-week adaptation period was mandatory to achieve beneficial transfer for aquatic performance. Additional benefits may occur if coaches plan the dry-land S&C training focusing on explosiveness.

Exploring nest destruction and bird mortality in mown Mediterranean dry grasslands: an increasing threat to grassland bird conservation

In recent years, haying has extended to Iberian Mediterranean dry grasslands potentially impacting on grassland bird ecology. We evaluated the impact of haying on a grassland bird community of South Portugal. Our main goals were: (1) to investigate the exposure of different species to haying, (2) to investigate potential removal of nests and dead birds from hayed fields by haying machinery using the ratio (REC) between the expected number of records and the number of records collected and (3) to link clutch destruction and bird mortality with haying management practices. Hayed fields were surveyed for signs of breeding and birds censused prior to mowing. Linear models were computed, linking the REC with haying machinery and sward properties. GLMs and model averaging were used to obtain models linking clutch destruction, bird mortality and haying management variables. Only 4 % of records evidenced successful nesting attempts (N = 177). REC evaluation suggested high nest or dead bird removal by the machinery, particularly in fields with lower vegetation biomass prior to cutting. Sickle bar mowers and one-rotor rotary rakes returned higher REC but lower probability of found nests removed from the original nesting sites comparatively to discs mowers and wheel rakes. Higher probabilities of mortality events were found in fields mown earlier (but not in all years). On the other hand, lower mortality was found in fields raked with two-rotor rotary rakes. Delayed haying, silage production in temporary crops and the use haying machinery enabling simultaneously mowing and gathering hay in lines are discussed as management alternatives.

Quality improvement of traditional dry fermented sausages based on innovative technological strategies

Dry fermented sausages are highly appreciated food specialties, mainly in Portugal and other southern European countries. Therefore, all research efforts aiming at improving the food quality and safety of traditional dry sausages are of interest, since they are likely to result in products with higher added value and quality standards most suited to the requirements and concerns of the modern consumers. Among those efforts, it may be highlighted the studies involving innovative processing parameters and technologies to overcome practical problems gathered in the meat industry, which are mostly associated with food quality and safety. Additionally, characterization of traditional dry sausages and rationalization of their processing are essential for further achievement of any official certification. Thus, this article attempts to point out some research lines of highest interest in meat science (and particularly to the broad variety of regional dry fermented sausages), towards to the valorisation of technological, nutritional and commercial features. In addition, it is here emphasized the importance for the continuous improvement of the quality and safety of meat products as a way to respond to the current concerns regarding its consumption and the general advices in reducing its daily intake.

The morphological characterization of the dry seeds and reserve mobilization during germination in Morinda citrifolia L.

2016

Diversity of new root nodule bacteria from Erythrina velutina Willd., a native legume from the Caatinga dry forest (Northeastern Brazil).

This study aims to evaluate the phenotypical characteristics of bacterial isolates from mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) nodules and determinate their Box-PCR fingerprinting. All bacteria were evaluated by the following phenotypic characteristics: growth rate, pH change, colony color and mucus production. The bacterial isolates able to re-nodulate the original host were also evaluated regarding its tolerance to increased salinity and different incubation temperatures, ability to growth using different carbon sources, intrinsic antibiotic resistance and ?in vitro? auxin biosynthesis. The molecular fingerprints were set up using the Box-PCR technique and the isolates were clustered by their profiles. Among the 22 bacterial isolates obtained, eight were able to re-nodulate the original host. Among the nodule inducing isolates, some were tolerant to 1% of NaCl and 39° C and all of them metabolized the maltose, fructose, glucose, sucrose and arabinose, were resistant to rifampicin and produced auxin. The bacteria showed low genetic similarity among them and reference strains, which indicates the great genetic variability of the isolates. The results of this work are the first reports about the bacterial isolates able to nodulate this species. A more deep study of these bacteria may reveal the existence of isolates tolerant to environmental stresses and suitable as a future mulungu inoculant.

Development of super early genotypes for the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as affected by nitrogen management.

The super early genotypes (SEG) of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have a shorter life cycle (65-75 days) when compared with the season length of traditional cultivars (90-100 days). Timing of nitrogen top-dressing fertilization could be different because of this reduction in length of the SEG life cycle. This study aimed at characterizing, by using growth analysis and vegetation index, super early genotypes of dry bean development as affected by timing of nitrogen application. Field experiments were conducted in the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in central Brazil with a randomized block experimental design with split plots scheme and four replicates. The plots comprised the dry bean genotypes (Colibri ? check cultivar, CNFC 15873, CNFC 15874, and CNFC 15875), and subplots comprised applications of N at different timings: 90 kg of N at sowing, 90 kg N at top-dressing; 45 kg of N at sowing plus 45 kg at top-dressing, with urea as the source of N. We also used a control treatment without N application. The CNFC 15874 super early genotype of dry bean had the higher grain yield (2776 kg ha-1) and differed from the CNFC 15873 genotype (2492 kg ha-1). Nitrogen fertilization allowed higher grain yield (2619 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing, 2605 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing and at top-dressing, and 2680 kg ha-1, when applied N at top-dressing) than the control, 2360 kg ha-1 (no N fertilization). The time of N fertilization in super early genotype of dry bean did not affect grain yield.

Forage dry mass accumulation and structural characteristics of Piatã grass in silvopastoral systems in the Brazilian savannah

2016

Chemical control of morning glory species in sugarcane harvested in the dry and semi-wet seabons.

2016

Innovative therapeutic approaches for the atrophic Age-related Macular Degeneration (“dry” AMD)

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major concern regarding blindness in the world. In western countries, where visual alterations due to minor pathologies as cataract and uncorrected refractive errors are easily resolved, AMD represent the main cause of blindness. Of the two existing forms of the disease, while the neovascular is more aggressive and progress quickly, geographic atrophy is the one still lacking an appropriate therapy. My PhD program was focused on investigating AMD features, trying to understand if some approaches I tested could be able to provide some suggestion about potential future therapies on “dry” AMD. In my research I developed three main projects. The most important part of the work regards the study of integrins and their fundamental role in cell adhesion in a context of interaction between retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and immune cells. I investigated how co-culture of these different cell lines can lead to simulate an inflammatory state inducing cell signaling, cytokine production and cell death. The use of integrin antagonists developed in our laboratory, showed how these effects can be reverted. A secondary approach regards the use of antioxidants and their role in epigenetic modifications in ARPE-19 cells to investigate how these compounds might exert their well-known protective role on AMD. Commonly used antioxidants as Lutein and Quercetin do not induce clear epigenetic modifications through histone H3 acetylation indicating only a limited involvement.

Dry grinding technology for automotive gears manufacturing: process modeling and optimization

The following thesis focused on the dry grinding process modelling and optimization for automotive gears production. A FEM model was implemented with the aim at predicting process temperatures and preventing grinding thermal defects on the material surface. In particular, the model was conceived to facilitate the choice of the grinding parameters during the design and the execution of the dry-hard finishing process developed and patented by the company Samputensili Machine Tools (EMAG Group) on automotive gears. The proposed model allows to analyse the influence of the technological parameters, comprising the grinding wheel specifications. Automotive gears finished by dry-hard finishing process are supposed to reach the same quality target of the gears finished through the conventional wet grinding process with the advantage of reducing production costs and environmental pollution. But, the grinding process allows very high values of specific pressure and heat absorbed by the material, therefore, removing the lubricant increases the risk of thermal defects occurrence. An incorrect design of the process parameters set could cause grinding burns, which affect the mechanical performance of the ground component inevitably. Therefore, a modelling phase of the process could allow to enhance the mechanical characteristics of the components and avoid waste during production. A hierarchical FEM model was implemented to predict dry grinding temperatures and was represented by the interconnection of a microscopic and a macroscopic approach. A microscopic single grain grinding model was linked to a macroscopic thermal model to predict the dry grinding process temperatures and so to forecast the thermal cycle effect caused by the process parameters and the grinding wheel specification choice. Good agreement between the model and the experiments was achieved making the dry-hard finishing an efficient and reliable technology to implement in the gears automotive industry.

PM and material decay: analysis of dry depositions on horizontal and vertical surrogate surfaces through a Deposition Box system

Airborne Particulate Matter (PM), can get removed from the atmosphere through wet and dry mechanisms, and physically/chemically interact with materials and induce premature decay. The effect of dry depositions is a complex issue, especially for outdoor materials, because of the difficulties to collect atmospheric deposits repeatable in terms of mass and homogeneously distributed on the entire investigated substrate. In this work, to overcome these problems by eliminating the variability induced by outdoor removal mechanisms (e.g. winds and rainfalls), a new sampling system called ‘Deposition Box’, was used for PM sampling. Four surrogate materials (Cellulose Acetate, Regenerated Cellulose, Cellulose Nitrate and Aluminum) with different surfaces features were exposed in the urban-marine site of Rimini (Italy), in vertical and horizontal orientations. Homogeneous and reproducible PM deposits were obtained and different analytical techniques (IC, AAS, TOC, VP-SEM-EDX, Vis-Spectrophotometry) were employed to characterize their mass, dimension and composition. Results allowed to discriminate the mechanisms responsible of the dry deposition of atmospheric particles on surfaces with different nature and orientation and to determine which chemical species, and in which amount, tend to preferentially deposit on them. This work demonstrated that “Deposition Box” can represent an affordable tool to study dry deposition fluxes on materials and results obtained will be fundamental in order to extend this kind of exposure to actual building and heritage materials, to investigate the PM contribution in their decay.

Prevention of binge drinking in young adolescents through the promotion of a balanced level of psychological well-being: be-dry

This doctoral thesis presents a project carried out in secondary schools located in the city of Ferrara with the primary objective of demonstrating the effectiveness of an intervention based on Well-Being Therapy (Fava, 2016) in reducing alcohol use and improving lifestyles. In the first part (chapters 1-3), an introduction on risky behaviors and unhealthy lifestyle in adolescence is presented, followed by an examination of the phenomenon of binge drinking and of the concept of psychological well-being. In the second part (chapters 4-6), the experimental study is presented. A three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial including three test periods was implemented. The study involved eleven classes that were randomly assigned to receive well-being intervention (WBI), lifestyle intervention (LI) or not receive intervention (NI). Results were analyzed by linear mixed model and mixed-effects logistic regression with the aim to test the efficacy of WBI in comparison with LI and NI. AUDIT-C total score increased more in NI in comparison with WBI (p=0.008) and LI (p=0.003) at 6-month. The odds to be classified as at-risk drinker was lower in WBI (OR 0.01; 95%CI 0.01–0.14) and LI (OR 0.01; 95%CI 0.01–0.03) than NI at 6-month. The odds to use e-cigarettes at 6-month (OR 0.01; 95%CI 0.01–0.35) and cannabis at post-test (OR 0.01; 95%CI 0.01–0.18) were less in WBI than NI. Sleep hours at night decreased more in NI than in WBI (p = 0.029) and LI (p = 0.006) at 6-month. Internet addiction scores decreased more in WBI (p = 0.003) and LI (p = 0.004) at post-test in comparison with NI. Conclusions about the obtained results, limitations of the study, and future implications are discussed. In the seventh chapter, the data of the project collected during the pandemic are presented and compared with those from recent literature.

Assessment and Protection of maritime-vernacular architectural Heritage on the Mediterranean Coasts. Documentation and Preservation Strategies for the Dry Docks on the Island of Formentera.

The importance of vernacular architecture as an integral part of our cultural heritage is often undervalued, and the management of rural constructions of heritage value often requires the application of more flexible and adjusted preservation principles compared to monumental assets. For vernacular architecture, the preservation and consolidation concern not only their physical substance but also their intangible values and purpose in society. More than other heritage values, the vernacular raises the question of prospective functions it can fulfill in contemporary societies without undermining its legacy. This work analyzes the topic by studying the case study of the dry docks on the Balearic Island of Formentera, including abundant documentation of traditional construction techniques and materials realized through a field study, followed by the assessment of threats to and opportunities for vernacular architecture on Formentera, closing with suggestions for the maintenance and potential functions of the dry docks. For this, a comparative case study was introduced: the capanni da pesca at the Adriatic coast of Italy. The suggestions focus on the importance of maintenance for rural heritage, expressed through the creation of a guide for owners of protected dry docks highlighting good and bad practice examples and recurrent works of care. Furthermore, the thesis seeks to raise awareness for the significance of landscape and social factors in the discourse about vernacular heritage sites. Ultimately, different outlines of tourism development are proposed. The idea is to explore rural and sustainable tourism as a tool for territory development and enhancement of the cultural heritage value by helping to prevent the destination's decline through careful evaluation of its limits of acceptable change and identifying beneficial, sustainable scenarios for the future of the heritage asset and the respective community.

Analysis Of The Dna Fourier Transform-infrared Microspectroscopic Signature Using An All-reflecting Objective.

The Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) signature of dry samples of DNA and DNA-polypeptide complexes, as studied by IR microspectroscopy using a diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) objective, has revealed important discriminatory characteristics relative to the PO2(-) vibrational stretchings. However, DNA IR marks that provide information on the sample's richness in hydrogen bonds have not been resolved in the spectral profiles obtained with this objective. Here we investigated the performance of an all reflecting objective (ARO) for analysis of the FT-IR signal of hydrogen bonds in DNA samples differing in base richness types (salmon testis vs calf thymus). The results obtained using the ARO indicate prominent band peaks at the spectral region representative of the vibration of nitrogenous base hydrogen bonds and of NH and NH2 groups. The band areas at this spectral region differ in agreement with the DNA base richness type when using the ARO. A peak assigned to adenine was more evident in the AT-rich salmon DNA using either the ARO or the ATR objective. It is concluded that, for the discrimination of DNA IR hydrogen bond vibrations associated with varying base type proportions, the use of an ARO is recommended.