Traditional Foods From Maize (Zea mays L.) in Europe

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major crops of the world for feed, food, and industrial uses. It was originated in Central America and introduced into Europe and other continents after Columbus trips at the end of the 15th century. Due to the large adaptability of maize, farmers have originated a wide variability of genetic resources with wide diversity of adaptation, characteristics, and uses. Nowadays, in Europe, maize is mainly used for feed, but several food specialties were originated during these five centuries of maize history and became traditional food specialties. This review summarizes the state of the art of traditional foodstuffs made with maize in Southern, South-Western and South-Eastern Europe, from an historic evolution to the last research activities that focus on improving sustainability, quality and safety of food production.

Erosion Behaviour of Bio-Stabilised Earthen Materials

Development of earthen building materials is one of the answers that the construction sector can provide to tackle the accelerated climate change issue. However, these materials present a wide variability, even at the local scale, and their water durability can be difficult to ensure. In order to improve their durability regarding water and avoid its prejudicial effect on earthen material’s properties, the stabilisation with bio-polymers is an increasingly studied solution. In this paper a ten-minute erosion drip test is developed and performed for various combinations of Breton earths and bio-based additions or surface treatments (linseed oil, xanthan gum, casein, alginate, vegetal varnish and tannins). The final pitting depths and eroded volumes are compared and the evolution of erosion during the test is monitored. These results are also linked to previously obtained water capillary absorption coefficients. The obtained results enable to highlight the impact of bio-based additions on erodibility of earthen materials: linseed oil and xanthan gum help to protect the earth-based samples from erosion. Other original parameters characterizing the erosion of the samples during the drip test are suggested. Limitations of this type of erosion tests are also brought out.

Morphological Variability of Mangosteen in Bengkulu Province (Variabilitas Morfologi Manggis di Provinsi Bengkulu)

<p>Mangosteen is a genetic resource scattered and cultivated by farmers in Bengkulu Province. The study aimed at determining the morphological variability of mangosteen. The study was conducted from March to October 2015 in Bengkulu province using on-site supervision and observation methods. The number of plants observed was 34 genotypes and qualitatively and quantitatively characterized based on the Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agriculture Licensing (CPVPAL) guide. The data of morphology were analyzed by comparing the average value, variance, and standard deviation. Relationship or data grouping phenotypic characters appearance were identified using NTSYS software version 2.1. The results show wide variability in the density of leaf, flower size, and fruit weight, while narrow variability is occurred in plant height and the thickness of the rind. Data analysis of mangosteen genotypes generated similarity coefficients range from 0.71 to 0.91 (71-91%). Genotype 24 and 27 have the closest relationship, with the similarity coefficient of 91%.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Mangosteen; Morphology; Variability; Character; Phenotypic</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>Manggis merupakan sumber daya genetik yang tersebar dan dibudidayakan oleh petani di Provinsi Bengkulu. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui variabilitas fenotipik buah manggis. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret sampai Oktober 2015 di Provinsi Bengkulu dengan menggunakan metode observasi langsung morfologi tanaman manggis yang telah berbuah. Jumlah tanaman yang diamati sebanyak 34 genotipe dan masing-masing genotipe diamati karakterisasi kualitatif dan kuantitatif berdasarkan panduan Pusat Perlindungan Varietas Tanaman dan Perizinan Pertanian (PPVTPP). Analisis data melalui perbandingan varian fenotipik dengan standar deviasi varian fenotipe diukur dengan nilai rata-rata, varians, dan standar deviasi. Kekerabatan atau pengelompokan data penampilan karakter fenotipik dilakukan dengan menggunakan software NTSys versi 2.1. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabilitas luas terdapat pada kerapatan daun, ukuran bunga, dan bobot buah, sedangkan variabilitas sempit pada karakter tinggi tanaman dan ketebalan kulit buah. Analisis genotipe manggis menghasilkan koefisien kemiripan sebesar 0,71-0,91 (71-91%). Dari dendogram diperoleh genotipe yang memiliki tingkat kekerabatan yang tinggi terdapat pada genotipe 24 dan 27 dengan nilai kemiripan sebesar 91%.<strong></strong></p>

​SSR Based Genetic Diversity Analysis in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an important seed spice crop widely grown all over the world. In India, the state of Rajasthan is known for fenugreek production and productivity in the world. A concerted assessment of genetic variability among the germplasm accession is essential for breeding new superior varieties. Molecular markers such as AFLP, RAPD, ISSR, SSR, SCAR, SCoT, SRAP have become for the characterization of the germplasm rapidly and accurately. The present study aimed to characterize 20 elite fenugreek genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to assess the existing genetic diversity of this medicinal crop. Methods: The present study was carried out at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Total genomic DNA was isolated from old leaves using the CTAB method (Doyle and Doyle, 1990). Further, PCR based genetic diversity was analyzed with using 50 SSR primer pairs. Dendrogram was constructed using NTSYSpc version 2.2 and clustering of the genotypes was done. Result: Twenty genotypes of fenugreek were assessed for genetic diversity analysis using SSR markers. Out of 50 markers 43 primer pairs produced 130 alleles with an average of 84.60% polymorphism. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient lied between and 0.39 to 0.82. Based on UPGMA clustering, a dendrogram consisting of five main clusters was generated with wide variability among the studied genotypes. These diverse genotypes so identified could be gainfully utilized in the fenugreek breeding programme.

Controlling factors of ecosystem and soil respiration in a xeric shrubland in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

In the terrestrial carbon cycle is very relevant to identify the influence of soil in the CO2 released to the atmosphere, which is linked to multiple biotic and abiotic drivers. Arid ecosystems dominate the trend and interannual variability of the land CO2 sink. This pattern is mainly controlled by temperature, precipitation, and shortwave radiation. Thus, these environments are characterized by a wide variability of water availability, which causes the CO2 efflux to be highly variable in time, challenging our model capacities. This study aims to understand the ecosystem CO2 fluxes and their controlling mechanisms from the Chihuahuan Desert in Northeast Mexico. We explore the average contribution of the Rsoil (1.30 mmol m-2 s‑1) to Reco (1.76 mmol m-2 s‑1), while identifying the controlling mechanisms of both on an annual scale. The structural equation model constructed showed a good f it for the data, explaining 50% and 93% of the annual variance of Rsoil and Reco, respectively. According to this model, Rsoil was mainly controlled by the air temperature, and Reco by soil water content. Unexpectedly, vapor pressure def icit was the most weight variable with a direct negative effect on Reco, supporting the idea that the vegetation component has a crucial role in the CO2 efflux of this ecosystem. This study highlights the importance of include multiple factors in the models of the C cycle.

Non-additionality, Overestimation of Supply, and Double Counting in Offset Programs: Insight for the Mexican Carbon Market

Mexico utilizes an emissions trading system as one of its carbon pricing instruments. Mexico’s planning, like that of other countries, includes flexible mechanisms such as offsets. Offsets allow market participants to compensate for their emissions through mitigation projects. Offsetting via participation in the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation was fundamental to the Kyoto Protocol. In contrast, the Paris Agreement is ambiguous about its use. Other national or regional offset programs, such as the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Korea, work within emission trading systems. Subnationally, the California-Quebec program has been in effect since 2014. As Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are global, offsetting allows market participants to compensate for their emissions through mitigation projects, whether domestically or abroad. Given their global scope, such programs present a wide variability in quality. This chapter presents an overview of offset programs worldwide and argues that non-additionality, overestimated supply, and double counting are their three most pressing quality problems. This analysis sheds light upon the nascent Mexican system and its offset program.

Characterizing the Utility of the Root-to-Shoot Ratio in Douglas-Fir Seedling Production

Nursery-grown tree seedlings are a vital component of successful restoration and reforestation programs, useful when calls for increased planting for industrial forest management are made, and a tool for climate change mitigation. One of the most extensively planted and studied trees in Western North America is Douglas-fir. Building on that body of work, this review was conducted to identify if the root-to-shoot ratio (root:shoot, R:S), a commonly referred-to metric in reforestation planning, yields meaningful guidance for producing seedlings that are better able to establish across a variety of field conditions. The results indicated that there is wide variability in R:S of nursery-grown seedlings. The relationship between R:S and subsequent root growth and seedling survival varies depending on Douglas-fir variety, seedling stocktypes, and site conditions. The biological and physiological basis for using R:S remains, and likely could be used to enhance seedling quality; however, there is an ongoing need for planning and collaboration between researchers and practitioners to identify how to best deploy this evaluation tool.

A nationwide survey on clinical neurophysiology education in Italian schools of specialization in neurology

Introduction Clinical neurophysiology deals with nervous system functions assessed with electrophysiological and ultrasound-based imaging techniques. Even though the need for highly specialized neurophysiologists has increased, residency training rarely takes today’s requirements into account. This study aimed to snapshot the neurophysiological training provided by Italian specialization schools in neurology. Methods A single-page web-based survey comprising 13 multiple-choice categorical and interval scale questions was sent via e-mail to neurology specialization school directors. The survey addressed the programs’ structural neurophysiology organization, time dedicated to each clinical neurophysiology subspecialty, and descriptors assessing the discipline’s importance (e.g., residents who attempted residential courses, gained certifications, or awards gained). Results The most studied neurophysiological techniques were electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). Most specialization schools devoted less than 3 months each to multimodal evoked potentials (EPs), ultrasound sonography (US), and intra-operative monitoring. Of the 35 specialization schools surveyed, 77.1% reported that four students, or fewer, participated in the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology Examination in Neurophysiology. Of the 35 specialization centers surveyed, 11.4% declared that the final evaluation required students to discuss a neurophysiological test. Discussion Our survey underlined the poorly standardized technical requirements in postgraduate neurology specialization schools, wide variability among training programs, and limited training on multi-modal evoked potentials, intraoperative monitoring, and sonography. These findings underline the need to reappraise and improve educational and training standards for clinical neurophysiology during postgraduate specialization schools in neurology with an international perspective.

Sociological variety and the transmission efficiency of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a secondary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from 15 communities in Zambia

ObjectivesSelected Zambian communities formed part of a cluster randomised trial: the Zambia and South Africa TB and AIDS Reduction study (ZAMSTAR). There was wide variability in the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis (TB) disease across these communities. We sought to clarify whether specific communities could have been more/less vulnerable to M. tuberculosis transmission as a result of sociological variety relevant to transmission efficiency.DesignWe conducted a mixed methods secondary analysis using existing data sets. First, we analysed qualitative data to categorise and synthesise patterns of socio-spatial engagement across communities. Second, we compared emergent sociological variables with a measure of transmission efficiency: the ratio of the annual risk of infection to TB prevalence.SettingZAMSTAR communities in urban and peri-urban Zambia, spanning five provinces.ParticipantsFifteen communities, each served by a health facility offering TB treatment to a population of at least 25 000. TB notification rates were at least 400 per 100 000 per annum and HIV seroprevalence was estimated to be high.ResultsCrowding, movement, livelihoods and participation in recreational activity differed across communities. Based on 12 socio-spatial indicators, communities were qualitatively classified as more/less spatially crowded and as more/less socially ‘open’ to contact with others, with implications for the presumptive risk of M. tuberculosis transmission. For example, watching video shows in poorly ventilated structures posed a presumptive risk in more socially open communities, while outdoor farming and/or fishing were particularly widespread in communities with lower transmission measures.ConclusionsA dual dynamic of ‘social permeability’ and crowding appeared relevant to disparities in M. tuberculosis transmission efficiency. To reduce transmission, certain socio-spatial aspects could be adjusted (eg, increasing ventilation on transport), while more structural aspects are less malleable (eg, reliance on public transport). We recommend integrating community level typologies with genome sequencing techniques to further explore the significance of ‘social permeability’.Trial registration numberISRCTN36729271.

Wide Variability in the Sensitivity and Specificity of Rotavirus Immunoassay Diagnostic Kits in Practice

Introduction: Most hospitals rely on rapid antigen-detection kits for the diagnosis of rotavirus infection. Several small studies reviewed the sensitivity and specificity of some of these kits. These studies showed discrepancy in results obtained for sensitivity and specificity that varied according to the type of kit used, area of study, and type of test used as standard for diagnosis of rotavirus infection. The objective of the study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of five commonly used rotavirus immunoassay kits in comparison to RT-PCR as standard. Methodology: Stool samples (N = 1,414) collected from children under 5 years of age hospitalized with gastroenteritis were tested for rotavirus by immunoassay kits and RT-PCR in a prospective hospital-based surveillance study conducted at 7 centers in Lebanon. Concordance and discrepancy between the two methods was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity, using RT-PCR as the “gold standard”. Results: The sensitivity and specificity were respectively 95.08% and 86.62% for the SD Bioline® (Standard Diagnostics, Inc, South Korea) kit calculated on 645 samples, 65.86% and 45.90% for the VIROTECT® (Trinity Biotech, Ireland) kit calculated on 327 samples, 83.9% and 64.2% for the Rota-Strip (C-1001) (Coris Bioconcept, Belgium) calculated on 95 samples, 52.3% and 10.9% for the Acon® (Acon Laboratories, Inc, California, USA) kit calculated on 122 samples, 68.1% and 20% for the VIKIA® Rota-Adéno (Biomerieux, France) kit calculated on 32 samples. Conclusion: A wide discrepancy was detected between the calculated and advertised sensitivity and specificity for most of the kits.